Some random photos from this weekend (Is Spring really here?)

Actually went for a run on Saturday. It was the first morning this month with temperatures above freezing.

On the run back home stopped at mom's tree at Lake Calhoun (Bde Maka Ska). The view of downtown Minneapolis is always so beautiful. And yes, the lake is still frozen.

Downtown Minneapolis across the still frozen Lake Calhoun

Mom's tree

I substituted for a co-worker on Saturday at the hardware store. The sunshine and warmer weather brought a steady flow of customers. We ave pansies but no other plants yet.

Co-worker put made an arrow of pansy petals to the hardware store

With temperatures forecast to be above freezing, I finally brought the geraniums up from the basement. Looks like everyone survived the winter with the exception of maybe one.

Also planted the calla lily rhizomes in the big pot. I have enough for another small pot.

The geraniums are out of the basement dungeon and on the porch.

The pretty part of spring snowstorm (now an official blizzard)

Was getting a bit of cabin fever so went for a walk down to the chain of lakes during the snowstorm.

Walked over to Isles Bun and Coffee for a coffee cake energy boost. From there walked down to Lake of the Isles. Could make out one of the islands but could not see across the lake.

Lake of the Isles

Snow piling up

Lake of the Isles toward the Lagoon

Headed over to Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun) through the tunnel. The snow was pretty deep with all the wind piling it up. Some robins were taking refuge in a little leafless bush. Visibility was probably only about 50 yards.

The stacks of boats, canoes and kayaks gave a hint to warmer weather.

Optimistic boats at Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun)

The Lagoon

Bde Maka Ska (Lake Calhoun)

Four robins taking refuge

Starbuck optimism

Officially a blizzard now

Mom memorial

Some very dear friends donated to the Minneapolis Parks for a memorial tree for my mom. The tree was planted last week and today I met the memorials coordinator to place the plaque.

It is a Kentucky Coffee tree situated near a bench at Lake Calhoun with a view of downtown Minneapolis.

The tree with medallion, bench and Lake Calhoun

A beautiful day. A beautiful city.

My Saturday morning run around Lake Calhoun. The morning sun on the lake, sail boats and shoreline were stunning. Thank you Minneapolis Parks for making our city so wonderful.

Athletic Adventure Weekend

Regular Saturday morning run to coffee but today was such a beautiful day. I had stop during my run home to take this photo of me, the Minneapolis skyline and Lake Calhoun with sailboats and other runners.

Saturday afternoon I biked the Midtown Greenway with my friend Dave. We participated in the Midtown Greenway Coalition's Craft Beer Pedaler. Way too much drinking but played it safe and stayed on the Greenway for the most part. Craft beers, craft sake, and craft ciders...all available with easy access to a dedicated bike path and another spectacular view of Minneapolis skyline.

Sunday I joined friends to celebrate Jennifer's birthday at Betty Danger's in nord'east Mineapolis. I decided to ride my bike the 8 1/2 miles. It is a beautiful ride but more taxing than I thought it would be.

Diverse Sunday

Very interesting and diverse Sunday in Minneapolis. My friend Stephen and I rode our bikes to Lake Calhoun for the Aquatennial Celebration day's events - milk carton boat races and sand castle competition.

Then from Lake Calhoun to Lakewood Cemetery. They are right next to each other. Lake Cemetery is a large, beautiful resting place. A new and modern mausoleum recently opened.

Then to Uptown for the Bastille Day block party at Barbette's. Big crowd. Fun music.

Stephen and I at Bastille Day block party

Bastille Day crowd

Lake Wood Cemetery new and modern mausoleum

Milk carton boat race

Milk carton boat race

Sand castle competition

Sand castle competition

Metal tie at Bastille Day vendor booth

Kay Winter Polar Plunge

My friend Kay participated in a polar plunge today to support Special Olympics. I was honored to be one of her supporters.  Amy and I walked over from first coffee at Gigi's Cafe to watch the plunge.  Somehow we missed her jump into the freezing Lake Calhoun.

It was a beautiful sunny day and even though it was in the 20's, the sun and no wind made it a comfortable day.

The George Washington's -- costume prize winners.

Amy and I in front of the pee wee plunge tent.

Kay after her plunge...dry and warm.

A beautiful winter day

Coffee with the first Saturday gang, a run around Lake Calhoun, driving around south Minneapolis for shopping errand and this beautiful view of Lake Calhoun on the way home.