Minneapolis MN - The circus arrives at the war zone

 

The world has arrived and is sitting in wait around the built out war zone in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.  

Every time I head downtown the barriers spread out further, the boarded up buildings expand further across the area and the number of officers on the streets is amazing - they are everywhere.  

72F here today with winds gusting up near 50 mph - definitely gave my biking legs a workout when it gusted.  And there were moments near the lakes when the bike was swaying and jumping in the wind - and often not moving very much. 

Saint Paul MN - First ride of the season

 

Eddie created the summer challenge almost a month ago while my bike was in the shop for a check up.  Finally, picked it up today and the sun was out and I brought my helmet so the first 10+ miles are logged in for the summer challenge.  

Second Covid shot in the arm as well so I think I am ready for spring/summer to begin.  

Saint Paul MN - Spring Break???

 

A shortened spring break due to COVID so everyone hung around Saint Paul.  We decided to take a day and just see what adventure we could create.  

We got several inches of snow the day before so a bit slippery to start the day but we just kept moving on.  

Added a few more Minnesota surprises to the list for my Mac guys!

Saint Paul MN - Quite the inviting tagline...

 

Saint Paul MN - Way warmer than it should be in March

 

What a warm weekend and looks like it is going well in to the week.  And that means everyone is out and about - great to see.  

 A bit of Como as an extra wander on Sunday to just get out and enjoy the sun and the warmth. 

SaintPaul MN - Dinner night with the Macs before finals

 

Tests next week.  So we gathered and hung out for the evening - even got Mary in the mix.  

 Niketh was waiting for the results form a Covid test and had to sit it out this time.  

The pickled jalepenos were a hit - as was the chicken marbella and spicy noodles. 

Saint Paul MN - Stepping in for vaccine number one

 

A surprise email and in less than 24 hours was walking in the door for my first of two COVID shots.  

An opportunity that arrived on the anniversary of my mothers death and almost on the year mark of the whole craziness starting in Minnesota. 

Saint Paul MN - Wedding, wedding, wedding.....in July

 

Ann flew in for a quick weekend of wedding planning and dress shopping........

Rendezvoused with the dress crew between appointments.   Rumor has it, dress has been found.

Minneapolis MN - Getting ready for round 2

 

We are days away from the start of the trial for the police officer related to the murder that triggered all the trouble that happened last spring.  

For all my travels, have never seen anything that looks like this - wow.  Hopefully, it is overkill or we have a long, long spring and summer ahead.