Well no gathering at Mac Street in 2020 after about a 20 year run, but several of us took a bit of time to gather and keep the event going.
Certainly interesting conversation themes. Always great to have some time with lots of people with lots of history in my life.
We had another nice bit of snow and also a plant that always looked like it was on its last legs in my mothers apartment coming to life. A nice end to 2020.
The last day of the long weekend. Got a long walk in as we got dusted with another round of snow. And strolled once again as night settled in to enjoy all the lights that have shown up as part of our Covid Xmas. And why not finish it off with a relaxing fire that makes the entire house toasty warm.
Lots of sun and a bit warmer day - at least warm enough to get the walk in.
There were lots of sirens around as I started out. Turns out, they were all headed just around the corner from me. It appeared that there were lots more trucks and people than fire.
And a lovely late afternoon as the moon was in place as it was darkening up.
The plans for Christmas Eve were small and fluid until the very last moment this year.
Cheikh and I were going to make our way to Stillwater for a small, quiet evening. The rain, sleet, snow and quick drop in temps made the roads a mess. We went for Plan B - and dropped in at Mary's with dinner in hand.....how could she say NO. And why not Thai Meatball Stew for Xmas Dinner.
We started the day at 41F and then the mist arrived, followed by rain and then it became sleet. And finally, the 50mph winds and 8+ inches of snow. And we woke up to -4F and windchills of -22F. Winter in Minnesota is officially here. And we get a white Christmas in 2020.
The Governor gave us a little opening to hang out around the local fire at the local pub and have a beer - we decided to make a happy hour of it. As did several others.
Good to support a local shop, but also fun to have a few laughs with friends.
Got two walks in today - one planned and the other since I had a phone call and might as well walk and talk.
Number two brought me to a major intersection at would be rush hour in normal times with a truck full of cut tree debris on its side in the middle of the road. And to add to the fun were the usual Friday peace protestors just across the way.
And then as I walked on I ran in to my long life friend Mary Klauda on her way to buy a card for another friend who has moved on to a better place. So wandered with her and on the return trip home she introduced me to "Santa and his outhouse".
The things you find on the streets of Saint Paul.
Wandered down for opening night of a Nativity Light Show on the front of the Saint Paul Cathedral. A great 12 minute light show.
Finished off the evening with a wander through Rice and Mears Parks to catch the lights and finally wandered to Union Depot to catch the downtown tree.
Feeling a bit like Christmas this Covid year.
Getting ready to start our walk along the Mississippi this AM and we spotted this guy hanging out and eating someone's leftovers.
Got a cool down and a dusting of snow to make the roads slippery - sidewalks were just fine.
And wow, quite the snowman filling this front yard.
Added a new supply of puzzles as part of settling in for the winter.
So far the weather has sure cooperated - easy to get out every day and walk.
Despite staying apart we all made the time to Zoom in and share a few stories and engage in a few rounds of Psych....an online game.
We have had many plans over the past few weeks. And each week they would change as the virus got closer and closer.
In the end, we all stayed put and had a quiet day.
Got the walk in first, then heated up the good (thank you Holmans Table) and then delivery. Lots of meat and potatoes to the dorms and desserts to the houseful on Osceola. Alex just crawled out of bed so no pic allowed.......
Cool, drizzle filled night but at least we have turned on the winter lights - get the season going early.
Amazing how quickly weeks pass by with so little going on. Still keeping busy with many things. I covered quite a bit of ground before the Governor slowed things down once again.
Got a full load of stuff to Lizzie to get to the East Coast. And should have the storage bin close to empty by Thanksgiving. Even got Greg out to be my "muscle" to load the vehicle.
And continue to walk, walk walk.
