Adventures In Time & Space

Baby Geese

2012-05-25T08:24:00.002-05:00

Look what I caught outside early this morning. So much cuteness :-)

Lake Nokomis Art Walk

2012-05-12T18:38:00.001-05:00

Over the winter, I was doing a bit of walking around town and discovered there are a number of sculptures near Lake Nokomis. Though I passed fairly close by on the bicycle trails, I never saw them until the day I took the walking trail.

"Baying at the Moon" is just one of the sculptures. Appropriate considering how many
dogs are down there on a given spring or summer day. :)

May 11, 2012

2012-05-11T19:54:00.000-05:00

Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach

Video from Minnehaha Falls

2012-05-09T16:03:00.005-05:00

lololol This is why I don't do videos where I speak.

A.) I feel like a dork wandering through a park talking to myself.
B.) Because it's not scripted, I'm all unsure of what to say which makes me hem and haw.

I'm sure I could improve but it doesn't seem to be worth the effort.

It would've been a little longer but I came across people walking through and didn't want to film without their consent.

Cabbage Soup

2012-05-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

I came across a web page talking about the Cabbage Soup Diet. I have no desire to actually do it since it seems to be a fad diet gimmick. But the recipe for the soup itself sounded delicious (and low-calorie).

Cabbage Soup

All it is is water, cabbage, celery, tomatoes, green bell peppers, and Lipton onion soup mix. I didn't follow the recipe exactly because a whole head of cabbage was NOT going to fit into the biggest soup pan I had. And I hate green onions so I didn't use them. But, it still turned out well. Maybe next time I'll add carrots.

Midnight Moon

2012-05-08T00:59:00.002-05:00

I've always loved the night-time so I'd love to do more night-time photography. Even with a tripod, though, night shots aren't really going to work with my point and shoot camera. I'm sure I could improve it a little bit but not enough to make it worth my time.

My Personal Pros and Cons of Quitting Smoking

2012-05-06T22:24:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's been over five months since I quit smoking and I figured I'd list some of the pros and cons of doing so. And, yes, there ARE negatives.

CONS

*Weight Gain: Argh, I did NOT need that extra 20 pounds. Granted, that's partly my fault because I replaced cigarettes with Jolly Ranchers and other hard candies. Think I'm going to have to replace those with carrot sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower. It's acceptable to snack on lettuce, right?

*Improved sense of smell: I seriously hate this. Do you realize how awful car exhaust smells? I preferred it when I was in my little bubble of deadened senses.

*I STILL really, really want a cigarette. It's not as horrific as it was the first three weeks but the urge is still there.

NEUTRAL;

*I imagine I don't smell like cigarette smoke anymore. To some people, this would be a pro but I've never thought of cigarette smoke as a bad smell. So, I really don't care.

*Social: I never cared about what others thought of my cigarette habit. And, even if I had, I'm sure there are plenty of smokers to hang around. So, my 'social profile' has probably gone up but, eh, doesn't matter.

PROS

*Extra money: This is pretty much the only reason I quit and have stayed quit. Before I did, I was dipping into my bank's Direct Deposit Advance loan service every month. Now, I'm back in the black.

*Everything's cleaner: There are no more cigarette ashes to pick up from the floor. And my garbage fills up at a slower rate because I'm not throwing away cigarette packs and butts.

*Health: My chronic cough went away almost overnight. I'm sure there are other health benefits but that's the one I've actually noticed.

*More Time: There are things I don't have to do anymore. I don't have to go to the tobacco shop or Walgreen's to get more cigarettes. I also don't have to run outside at the mall or stop bicycling for a smoke break.

*It's better for the environment: Even though it doesn't affect me personally, I still think this is fabulous. I'm not creating unnecessary work for people who have to manufacture the cigarettes. The tobacco fields can be put to better use. And all those cigarette butts, cigarette boxes, and plastic wrap can be kept out of the landfills.

May Day

2012-05-01T18:34:00.000-05:00

On my way to the eye doctor's where they blinded me with eye drops (which made for an interesting bus ride home), I passed the Hub shopping center and came across this...

Although a few of the local grocery stores have flower displays outside, I didn't expect to see one outside Walgreen's. I didn't buy one because A.) it would be dead within a month and B.) I hate picking up the dead leaves that inevitably fall underneath them. Some people refuse to get pets because it's too much work. I feel the exact same way about houseplants. Kind of appropriate for May Day though!

35W Remembrance Garden

2012-04-30T19:35:00.001-05:00

In August 2007, the I-35W bridge crossing the Mississippi River collapsed while approximately 100 vehicles were crossing. Near the site, this garden was erected as a memorial of those who died.

The wall reads: "Our lives are not only defined by what happens but by how we act in the face of it, not only by what life brings us, but by what we bring to life. Selfless actions and compassion create enduring community out of tragic events."

Photos from the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden & Bird Sanctuary

2012-04-29T19:14:00.002-05:00

I found it! The Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, that is. You wouldn't think that would be that exciting but, on two previous trips where I tried to find the garden, I couldn't. The bike trails between Lake Calhoun and this area aren't well-marked so, both times, I turned off too early and ended up in downtown Minneapolis. But this time I found Theodore Wirth Parkway and all turned out well.

If I would have continued going north, I would've traveled through the Victory Memorial part of the Grand Rounds bicycle trails. I'll save that for another time. :)

It reads:

"Victory Memorial Drive

____

Dedicated to the

memory of the soldiers,

sailors and marines

of Hennepin County

who lost their lives in

the Great World War

1914-1918"

I think this is the visitor center.

I'm amazed by this sanctuary and the surrounding Theodore Wirth Park. This is in the middle of a fairly well-populated metropolitan area and it looks like you're in the wilderness. Granted, it's a part of the wilderness with walking trails and park benches and wooden bridges that stop you from having to wade in the streams. But you wouldn't guess that you're only a couple miles from downtown Minneapolis.

April 26, 2012

2012-04-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't been bicycling regularly this year. Honestly, it's been a bit too cold. But, I got motivated this morning despite the temperatures that were in the early 40's.

Someday, I'll figure out the names of flowers.

I'm sure it's fine as long as your owner picks up after you, Fido.

I've posted a picture of this bunny statue before but I adore it.

April 25, 2012

2012-04-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

For many, many months, I've gone without a speedometer on my bicycle. Every time I was at someplace that sold bike computers, it slipped my mind. But, today, I installed one. (And by "I", I mean my father because installing speedometer sensors is at least #3 on the list of most frustrating human experiences. Right after death of a loved one and just before watching a full episode of "The Anna Nicole Show".) I missed that thing. It's so motivating to know how many miles you've bicycled.

And, unfortunately, I keep forgetting to bring my camera along. So, the photo of the hilarious sign I passed today will have to wait until tomorrow or later tonight. I was also thinking of starting a 365 photo challenge. Even though I'm kinda dreadful at keeping up with challenges.

Day 2

2012-04-13T21:36:00.005-05:00

Day 2
1 pear
1 orange
handful pistachios
1 banana
1 wedge of watermelon

And... At this point, I broke down and ordered the pizza. I never claimed to have strong willpower.

Day 1 - Fruits and Vegetable diet

2012-04-13T00:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I started a 7-day fruitarian diet. Diet isn't really an appropriate word though. I'm not doing it to try to lose weight. That would be nice but I'm sure I'd regain any weight loss fairly quickly. The problem is...I don't get many fruits or vegetables in my regular diet. By forcing myself to eat only fruits (and some nuts and seeds) for a certain time period, I'll actually eat them.

So, what did I eat on day one? I'm unsure on the amounts but this is fairly accurate, I think.

5 bananas

3 apples

2 oranges

1/2 watermelon

2 handfuls pistachios

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

I think I'm going to add vegetables into the allowed foods.

Random Photos

2012-04-11T17:25:00.000-05:00

Ducks in a pond

That looks like a painful ride!

Also, that pink shadow in the corner is not the ghost of Susan G. Komen. It's just my wallet. Aaaand that's why I am not a professional photographer.

April 7, 2012

2012-04-07T21:40:00.002-05:00

The top of my desk looks like it belongs to a 12-year-old girl.

It only excites me, I'm sure...

2012-04-05T18:02:00.002-05:00

Warning: This post will bore the majority of viewers. :-D

The lighter gray parts of the road are designated for bicycles. Normally I wouldn't have noticed this but I don't remember seeing it on that particular road before. So, it's probably been added in the past year or so. ...Either that or I haven't been very observant when passing through the area. :-p

6th & Marquette

2012-03-30T05:04:00.000-05:00

At the corner of 6th and Marquette in downtown Minneapolis is this building:

I'm not certain who currently owns the building but

I've always liked the two reliefs flanking the entrance.

Updated to add:: It used to be a bank. Now, it's a hotel. http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1723

Other People's Blogs

2012-03-25T22:26:00.001-05:00

There are a few bloggers I've come across who are insanely good at the visual aspect of blogging. They have beautiful photos which are often of things they've created. So, that's who I'm concentrating on in this post.

*The Rebel PIN-UP Page: 1940's and 1950's-inspired pinups. It's bordering on being NSFW (not suitable for work) but there's no real nudity in there.

*Jewels from the Roving Stove: Morbid curiosity brought me here. I mean, there's no reason to click the link to a blog from a rock star's ex-wife (in this case, Nick Rhodes' former spouse) other than the same thing that drives you to click those articles from TMZ. But, a drive for ridiculous celebrity gossip wouldn't make me stay. Instead, I stayed because it's a fantastic, well-written blog with interesting stories. And, since she runs a catering business, she often ends her post with a recipe.

*By Hook, By Hand: She makes the most amazing hand-made dolls I've ever seen.

March 24, 2012 - Near Lake Nokomis

2012-03-24T18:29:00.000-05:00

I have next to zero knowledge when it comes to identifying trees, plants, and specific animal breeds. So, this may or may not be a cherry blossom tree. But it looks very similar to a plum tree too, so....

Before & After

2012-03-21T17:38:00.000-05:00

I'd blog about my exciting day but I spent it cleaning the bathroom ceiling. It should have never gotten this bad but, every time I looked at it, I thought about how awful it is to clean a ceiling. It's an awkward position to begin with and I don't have a high enough stepladder. So, I have to stand on tiptoes to wash it down. But, I finally motivated myself.

Ewww!

Still streaky but much, much better

My Strange Addiction

2012-03-20T18:48:00.001-05:00

I've replaced my addiction to cigarettes with an addiction to Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, and other hard candies.

Sparkly Signs

2012-03-18T16:09:00.001-05:00

Pantages Theater, Hennepin Avenue, Downtown Minneapolis

St. Patrick's Day

2012-03-17T22:24:00.002-05:00

I don't know why I keep going to parades. It sounds like a good idea at the time but, when I get there, it turns out to be little more than a bunch of people walking slowly and waving. As far as parades go, though, the St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Minneapolis wasn't bad. I've seen better (e.g. the St. Paul Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade) and I've seen worse. Unfortunately, you don't get pictures. After a bit of trying, I gave up taking them because I had a dreadful vantage point.

Still, it was neat to see downtown Minneapolis as busy as it was. Most of the time, it's a somewhat quiet area but, tonight, there were hundreds of people moving along both Hennepin Avenue and Nicollet Avenue.

* * *

On the way back, the bus stopped at Southdale, a shopping mall in Edina. I wasn't going to stop in but my bladder told me that I must. As I was racing through the mall, I stumbled across this in front of the Apple store.

The best way I can describe it is... It's an interactive rug. It plays animations that are similar to screensavers. But, when you step on it, it reacts. In the video, you can see the basketballs bouncing away from my foot. Neat!

The Sanrio store in the Mall of America

2012-03-16T18:20:00.000-05:00

It's been lovely out this past week with highs in the 60's and 70's. So, did I engage in outdoor fun after a winter of being cooped up? Nah, I sat inside and read books and surfed the internet. But, during my websurfing, I came across a fact that I'd completely forgotten. There's a Hello Kitty store in the Mall of America! I had to go! And that's how my Friday afternoon was spent.

Hello Kitty and Chococat decorate the front window of the Sanrio store.
They're at least 3 feet tall, maybe four.
When I win the lottery, they will decorate my foyer. :-D

Somehow, this found its way home with me.
Sadly, she is only 8 inches tall.