London England - a wander to the old work neighborhood

I haven't been back around the first real office we set up in London since early 1998.  Seemed like a good destination for a Sunday wander.
The neighborhood is much more vital than it was when we settled in - probably why we could afford it.
Some old things remain the same - our favourite shop "Manny Thanks" is still up and running strong.  And the "Firkin" has become the "Temperance" and had a much needed rehab.
Plenty of other fun sights along the way as well.

Paris France - likable in winter as well

A grey, gloomy and rainy trip in to Paris.  I did get a good walk in and as I got to the top of the stairs of Sacre-Coeur we got a few glimpses of the sun.
I never think of Paris as being hilly but it is a good walk up the hill to get to the steps of the Basilica.  And magnificent views of all of Paris once you arrive on the top.
A quick trip in and out but always a great place to visit.

Saint Paul MN - Crash Ice

This was something - WOW!
Petar and I were out checking out the Christmas lights and picking up Katy around New Years and we came around the curve by the Cathedral in Saint Paul and I couldn't imagine what they were constructing.
Having been involved with the Winter Carnival and sitting through meeting upon meeting of "insurance liability" issues I couldn't imagine what they were building for 2012 and how they ever got it insured.
Well, it turns out Red Bull has deep pockets and they were constructing an ice race track.  It ran next to the Cathedral, over Summit Avenue and then down to 35E - a fairly steep incline without the addition built in the air!
Of course the night of the big event my camera battery went on me so I have borrowed a shot Stevie took from somewhere down below - we didn't run in to each other that evening.

Saint Paul MN - New Years Eve...going home when you are tired - or when the snow arrives

Another New Years Eve and another gathering of those most interested in "going home when they are tired".  We added a new twist this year with the arrival of one of our first "winter weather" evenings of the season.  Hard to think of it being New Years Even when it is 40F plus degrees!  But then in mid-dinner the snow started - maybe the biggest, and therefore beautiful, flakes I have ever seen.  It was beautiful - but it did send everyone home a bit earlier than usual.
We had Mary bring us a new game.  And Petar and I went all out with an evening of his favorite Serbian foods - with Mom's recipes.  There wasn't much left  so I think we were a hit!
Winds should be arriving shortly and we will enter the new year with a good bit of winter - before it warms up once again.  I am not sure it is global warming but it just may be all the "hot air" being blown in Iowa for the upcoming primary event next week floating up in a northerly direction............
Happy New Year to all - and a great 2012 as well!