Some times the simple things are the best

Frankie really likes the shoe box on the table.

Uno was having fun and relaxing on the grocery bag.

Then Uno tried out the shoe box. Frankie was also on the table.

Denver (business travel)

Was in Denver Colorado this past week for work. Stayed in a different hotel. That Hampton Inn on Capitol Hill. It was more of a neighborhood than either The Curtis or Sheraton that I have stayed at before.

The Colorado Capitol building down the street from hotel.

 I went for a short run in the neighborhood. There were lovely homes very similar to Minneapolis and St. Paul type homes. And neat little restaurants amongst the houses.

An event center. I think it used to be a Masonic temple.

Other corner of the same event center building.

The project team went out to dinner a couple of times and had a really fun time. We went to the Adrift Tiki Bar and Grill... a tiki themed restaurant and bar. Lots of fun... fantastic drinks and appetizers.
The bar had these light fixtures made from blow fish. I am not sure if they are real (look like they are) but I am totally wanting these to hang in my backyard.

Tiki Bar light fixtures.

I did have a hotel first (that I can recall). The fire alarms went off at 10:50pm Tuesday night. The hotel was evacuated. I was on the top floor (6th) and walked down. It looked like everyone took it seriously.

The fire engines showed up. Water starting pouring into the lobby. A sprinkler sensor had been activated and set off the sprinkler. Fortunately the sprinkler heads are activated individually, however, there was a lot of water.

We were allowed to go back to our rooms after the all clear even though there was watering pouring into the lobby from the floor above.  The Hampton Inn staff handled the situation very well. The manager was still there in the morning making sure everyone got through the lobby mess okay.

Also this week my alma mater, Vanderbilt, was in the College Worlds Series. It was a best out of three series Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I got to watch most of all three games including the final innings. Vanderbilt was playing against the University of Virginia and Vandy won! This was our first men's NCAA national title EVER!

Helping out Rose and her front yard

Rose's front yard is slowly being washed down to the sidewalk. Grass isn't really growing and mud and rocks are creating a gully.


How it is now.

 We didn't really have a plan but figured terracing was going to be the best alternative. Using what we had which was 2x4's and stakes, we were able to create two out of four terrace sections before it got too hot.

Our take on 'American Gothic'



The son was hot and patience was thin.

But really we had a good time.

 We retreated to my back yard for shade, beer, wine and Popeye's fried chicken.

Came back Sunday to finish the construction phase. A trip to the hardware store for another flower box and Menards for more 2x4's. Rose and I were pretty tired. Going to let the dirt settle for a week or so. I have more dirt for fill in the top terrace.

Day #2. Construction complete.

North Star Grand Prix

Kathy and I walked up to 31st and Hennepin to watch the men's portion of the North Star Grand Prix. This is a professional bicycle race that is so exciting to watch and just a few blocks from my house.

These are the leaders which are referred to as the break away pack.

Here is the pack which is referred to as the peloton. They were 30 seconds behind the break away pack.

This is such a fun event. As the pack (peloton) was passing they push a walk of air in front of them which really blows you. Kathy's hair was flying all over when they passed.

Peony Garden Party

It is peony time again. And once again they are beautiful to look at and smell.  It was an absolutely beautiful evening. Perfect temperature with fantastic friends.

Miss America

Kathy, Amy, Trish, Dave

Sue and Bunny

Marlin and Joey

Sue, Bunny, Frankie and me

 The verdict on the walkway winding was fairly negative. Which I would agree with. I need more flat stones to make the walkway look more like a walkway. This will be my ongoing summer project apparently.

Weed control

I decided to try a little test -- mix a 'homemade' weed killer and test against a store-bought organic spray. Got the home concoction from a Facebook posting. It consists of vinegar, salt and dish soap.

dandelions are almost immediately killed by the vinegar salt spray

another dandelion

organic spray... damaged but did not kill this very invasive plant

the vinegar-salt spray was even less effective

Backyard Garden - big rain - big color

Lots of storms last night with lots of rain but the garden is looking fantastic.

Irma's geranium if the fist to bloom.

Rose's tree peonies are so interesting.

Even the azalea is showing off this year.

Martha's white bleeding heart is big this year.