Evidece of Global Warming?

The evidence of global warming continues. Glaciers are retreating revealing ground not seen in recent history.

Should the rate of recent melting continue, it is expected that archeologist, also known as gardeners, will appear to begin their work.

Footlight Parade at The Heights

Big thanks to James for coming up with the idea to go see a Busby Berkeley movie st The Heights in northeast Minneapolis..   James, Rose, Amy and I had a wonderful time.  The movie was a hoot and had three outrageous production numbers.

This isn't a good picture but the Heights has a full blown Wurlitzer organ that gets played before each each full length movie.

 We were also treated to a silent movie made by the organist about the Wurlitzer. We got to see how the instrument works.



Dairy Queen after the movie made the whole thing a wonderful event.

A Christmas Card in March

 Our recent rain, sleet, snow, melting and freezing created this beautiful scene of icicles shining in the sun hanging from an evergreen tree.

Really??!!

 Shouldn't be surprised that we got a pretty big snow storm in March but, really?!

Started as a lot of rain yesterday...with thunder at times.  Then it changed to sleet.  That lasted for a couple of hours.  Then it changed to snow.  Add in high winds and this stuff is everywhere.

I couldn't get out the front porch door as the sleet/ice had piled up and the door wouldn't open.  Fortunately I was able to get out the back.

There is a lot of ice under the snow so getting around by foot or car is tricky.

Forecast is to stay cold for several days so I'm not thinking this is going away too soon.

I take back my Spring comments earlier.

5 minute chocolate cake

I tried it and it really does only take five minutes and I had all the ingredients (except the chocolate chips).

I didn't have chocolate chips so used 3 chocolate stars instead.  It isn't very chocolaty without the chips or stars so I would definitely reccommend that addition and I would use more stars next time. 

The chocolate bits get very very hot and stay hot even after the cake has cooled --- warning to those with children.

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.  Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.  Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.  The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!   Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Another sign of Spring

The weather is sure not co-operating today, or for the rest of March I hear, but I did find the chisel I dropped while clearing the ice dam.

It is rather rusty right now but that can be cleaned.

The patio furniture just has some snow and ice around the feet and the top of the water fountain rock is now visible.

In a couple more months we should be well into a Minnesota Spring!

Squirrel and Bench

I don't remember the last time I saw the squirrel and the entire bench in the backyard but the past two days of 50 degree temps have revealed these artifacts.

The warm temps are so welcomed.

Let's go shopping?

A Lovely Week

Other than it has gotten super cold today, this week has been quite lovely. The photo is of frozen footprints on the sidewalk.

I got a new toy using my tax refund. It's an HP slate 500- a tablet PC. Matter of fact I'm writing this with the built in stylus and handwriting application.   This tablet uses Windows 7 operating system so I can load my usual PC apps and even some of my work apps.

 It still don't have a project to work on yet at work so have been doing administrative stuff that I've been putting off.

 Met the gals at old Chicago Thursday night to work on St. Patrick's Day mini beer tour.   This afternoon meeting Jenny, Julie and Brian-the BWCA gang-for cribbage.

Quick trip to Pittsburgh (work)

From Ft. Myers on Sunday to Pittsburgh, PA on Monday.  Flew out of Ft. Myers Sunday evening through Atlanta....I do not like the Atlanta airport and am so glad it is not a normal stopover for me.  Flight to Pittsburgh was delayed and I arrived late Sunday (actuall Monday 12:45am).

Long drive into the city to the downtown Doubletree Hilton.  Crashed for a few hours then up for oral presentation and potential new client.

I didn't have to talk much...thank goodness.  It was all over at 3pm and I headed to the airport.  Only small planes on Delta from Pittsburgh to Minneapolis.  Booked on 7:20pm flight but hoping to get earlier one.  Earlier one is booked solid....long evening at the Pittsburgh Airport.

Finally home about 9pm Monday night.

A whirl wind four days.

A very unexpected weekend

The WINNER and her guest

Christine won a free trip to the Minnesota Twins spring training camp in Ft. Myers, Florida!  A free trip!  Airfare, transfers, hotel and game tickets...all...FREE!!!

And she invited me!!!

Jeff, Sandi, Jason, Cora, Joe, Christine (Gang of Six)

The best part of the trip was meeting Sandi, Jason, Cora and Joe. We were an inseparable group....literally.

I honestly believe I have never had so much beer in my life.

Hammond Stadium

The Twins play in a beautiful outdoor ballfield, Hammond Stadium. SunCountry Vacations got great seats behind home plate for the group of about 60 to watch the game.

at the game

Joe Schmidt, Sandi, Bill Smith, Chris

Friday night 1500AM ESPN hosted a live radio show at the hotel. Joe Schmidt from KSTP was the celebrity host for the weekend. Bill Smith, the Twins General Manager, was a guest on the show and stayed to talk and have fun.
Joe Mauer's brother, Jake, was also there.

Saturday was a free day.  I rented a mini-van from Enterprise and the Gang of Six headed north of Ft. Myers to visit an eco-tour/farm.

Michelle our guide had a great deadpan delivery, a wandering eye that could see alligators everywhere, and a lot of Florida eco-knowledge.

Spring Break, Ft. Myer Beach

From eco-tour to half-naked college kids at Spring Break in Ft. Myers Beach.

Ron Gardenhire, Twins coach

with our Twins gear on

Joe Mauer, catcher