Minneapolis MN - Rusty is in town too

 

Rusty is in for the same meetings as Gerard.  We found a nice chunk of time on Sunday to catch up.  We last hung out about a year ago in Hobart Tasmania - Rusty and Ash's current home.  Always fun to hang out with my Australia mates.  

Minneapolis MN - Gerard is back in town

Great Saturday night hanging out with Gerard.  We first met up in Cork, Ireland in 2011 and it was the start of a great work and long term friendship.  We made a full night of it - never run out of things to talk about it seems.  

Saint Paul MN - Driving with Abdi

 

A Mac friend of a friend maybe more friends of friends asked me to assist Abdi, a senior at Mac, to get his drivers license. 

My friends and me have a 20 year history of working on that project.  And with great success and lots of almost heart attacks and "I thought I was going to die"moments - LOL. 

Lucky me I have met this great new mate Abdi and we have been driving for a couple weeks.  And when I can I stop and give him a great "tourist" moment around the Twin Cities.  He loves them all so far.  He pulled out his phone one day to take a pic as we were sitting at a red light one day and I let him know he failed the driving test any day if he touches his phone.

Abdi is a senior at Mac and still connected to my last few guys - so here we go - one more success as I keep ending my connection to a world of interesting Mac students.  Abdi would have been a fun one for 4 years - but Covid kept that from happening even if it was a possibility. 

Hollywood FL - Water taxiing

 

I have ridden the water taxi around Fort Lauderdale, but never hopped off and back on a different boat that heads further north or south.  Finally, tried going south to Hollywood.  

Ran in to another guy with exactly the same plan.  Nice ride and one long boardwalk along the ocean once you get there.  

As we all waited for the return boat to arrive we had an iguana settle right in next to us to take in a bit of sun.  Scurried off quickly once the boat arrived and banged in to the dock.  

Fort Lauderdale FL - Another break from the winter

 

Sometimes just a few more days in a more pleasant spot on the map is enough to get ready for spring.  

Back at a spot I like - great walking and things I like nearby.  A few more days and we are getting close to just nicer days ahead in Saint Paul.  

 

 

Saint Paul MN - Rain, wind, snow, wind and even a bit of sun

Just another March weekend in Minnesota.  From 75F to "feels like 11F". 

Despite the ever changing weather, had a great weekend.  A bit of theater and finished it off with 4 hours practice driving at the old "Sears" parking lot with my new driving buddy Abdi.  We were one of about 7 groups driving and parking around the lot.  Hopefully, I am good for one more license success.  

Saint Paul MN - 75 and sunny in March

 

Sure can't complain when we get a 75F and sunny day in the middle of March.  People were out everywhere - much nicer day for another protest at the Capital as well.  

Rainy night and then back to a snowy Saturday - but we are moving in the right direction, 

Saint Paul MN - Sunny and warm Monday

 

Arrived home to a 60F+ day and they are saying we will be closer to 70F than not today.  Should clean up most of what is left of our recent snow and ice.  

New York NY - A quick trip but lots going on

Had a quick trip in a great Friday night and then wandered and wandered with nephew Eddie DeMarkey on Saturday.  Covered more than enough miles to make up for those days I come up short on the miles - LOL.  Finished up the day with dinner with Eileen and Pete.  Backout the door tomorrow - to warmer weather in Minnesota as it happens.