Deep Freeze - Day 3

Almost 20 degrees warmer than yesterday and still in the single digits. Temperature rose overnight.

It warmed up to snow just a little tiny bit. Forecast is for falling temperatures during the day.

Deep Freeze - Day 2

Had to wait a few minutes for the bus. My nose is frozen.

Deep freeze - day 1

Forecast is that we won't get above zero today. If that turns out it will be the first negative high in four years.

US Pond Hockey Championships

The US Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nakomis are an incredible sporting event. There are dozens of matches going on all at the same time. There are four players per team and the action is fast and intense. There is a large warming tent where we got hot chocolate right before the arctic cold front came through.

clear ice on Lake Nakomis with big beautiful cracks

Kay and I with the 26 hockey rinks in the background.



The arctic front coming in. The wind was incredible and the temperature instantly stated to plunge.

Birrthday Events

Birthday week was a series of events...

Wednesday was the Old Chicago mini-tour kickoff with Michael, Jennifer, Amy and Rose. I used my World Beer Tour free birthday pizza.

Thursday was happy hour at Old Chicago. Kelly, Justin, Marlin, Bud, Rose, Scott, Mitch, Amy, Loretta, Bunny, Amit, Jeff S., Chakra, Dhruv and Beret. Lots and lots of laughter and some amazing small world connections.

Thursday crowd



Scott gets his World Beer Tour card...20 years later.

Handmade cards from Lincoln, Joci and Talia.

Amy with her Timberwolves bling.

Winter running

I thought it would difficult to keep up my running in the winter time. But I have been able to keep a pretty good routine of about twice per week.

First I was concerned with the early setting sun. Thanks to my 50th birthday gift which included a day glo safety vest and beanie cap I am bright and reflective. And wearing my camping headlamp lets me see oncoming runners.

The hardest part about running after dark are the vehicle head lights. I now know what deer feel like.

The other part of winter runnning I was wary if was the cold. But that, too, has turned out not to be an issue.

I wear three layers on top and my workout pants were already double layered. The legs really generate a lot if heat and I always arrive sweaty at home no matter how cold.

Would anyone notice?

My reading light would not stay on. The flight attendants were harried because of turbulence and a shortened service time.

I had the note stuck to the back if the seat in front of me. But when the lead attendant came by for trash I gave it to her. She was very appreciative.