The Holidays

I sure do miss the snow and cold air (okay not too cold) as the holidays approach. It seems to enhance the spirit of the season, for me. Today it is 80 degrees with high humidity. How can you be in the Christmas spirit when you are barefoot in shorts?

It's also the first Christmas without dad. Life is sure empty without his wit and knowledge sharing.

My days at First Avenue were also recalled fondly this week due to the sad and untimely death of Suburbs' Bruce Allen. http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/78769822.html

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson influenced generations. Of course I had the records he made with his brothers. Then i bought the 8-track tape Off the Wall when he released that album in the late seventies. i actually wore out two copies of the 8 track and one of the vinyl. I still love this album.
Then came Thriller and MTV. Michael changed the way we listened to music. Videos became more then music, each being it's own little movie with a story to tell. I don't think I would be the person I am today if it were not for Michael drawing me to MTV and the alternative music scene. I soon began visiting First Avenue and loved to watch the Phone and the Replacements. Also started going to Bryant Lake Bowl and catching many bands there.
I feel a huge emptiness today and I am not sure of the root of these feelings. I am sad for the turns his life had taken. Whether or not the accusations were ever true, many doubted him. He was becoming a crazy, little recluse who self-mutilated with professional assistance. Do we look past his quirks and alleged crimes to appreciate the gifts he gave to the world? There is no denying his great talent. We will never see a performer of his caliber again. He touched the world and I will miss him. Something in me had always hoped he could become the great star he once was....

It's been awhile

The past month has been full of turmoil and mixed emotions. Losing Dad continues to be a daily challenge. I am grateful for the many years he had, but they will never be enough for me.

I have made a couple of trips to Daytona Beach recently and enjoyed my get away as well as new photo opportunities. I also spent a few hours in St. Augustine, as well. I drove US highway A1A, made famous by Jimmy Buffett in several songs and an album title.

It's hard to miss Minneapolis this time of year, especially with the heavy spring storms as well as soaking, heavy snowstorms that always seem to occur during winter sports tournaments. The warmer temps are just a tease this time of year. It is absolutely gorgeous weather in Florida in March and April. Temps are in the low 80's, the sun is bright and warm, no rain for days at a time and leaves are opening and flowers are blooming. This weather is the reason people move here.

My Dad

In less then one week's time, my life has completely turned upside down. My wonderful father died on Sunday. Granted he had a long life - 88 years. But it is never long enough for those who survive. He's such a wonderful man - although he had no claim to fame or any fantastic feats, he proved his worth as a human in his daily life. He was a strong Christian who taught me values based on the golden rule - treat others as you would like to be treated. He taught me not to worry about tomorrow - "it's like making a payment on a loan you don't have". He truly taught me not to sweat the small stuff. He also loved animals and would help with my rescue ambitions whenever he could. No matter how long I live, he will always be my daddy just as I will always be his little girl.

Cold or bone chilling cold

This is the Minneapolis I am missing. The beauty of the city backdrop paired with a beautiful snowfall. I spent a lot of time down on Nicollet Mall. From Brit's Pub to the little corner drug store or anywhere else along the Mall. It didn't matter the weather, although we did enjoy zig-zagging our way through the sky walk system when the temps were in bone chilling range, like they are now. Here in Tampa we have Baywalk, which is also pretty, but still lacking the special Minneapolis ambiance. And earlier this week, it was announced that Baywalk has filed for bankruptcy. Who knows what will become of the area now?

Commute

Minneapolis traffic














Florida traffic

The commute is not far for me, but the scenery is so, so boring. I am so tired of seeing power lines every where I look. I don't know why the power lines seem so much more visible to me in Florida then they were in Minnesota, but they are everywhere. There is also a lot more litter along side the road and streets here. This stretch of road pictured - US highway 19, is the deadliest road in the country for pedestrians. People are always trying to cross the road and sadly, each time I see someone trying to cross, I am reminded of the arcade game of Frogger. Now the local press is stating that this same stretch of road is becoming a favorite area for pedestrian suicides. Unfortunately, it also is a favorite route for many senior drivers, but that is another topic that I am not ready to tackle yet. I promise I will try to lighten up the next topic that I self debate. Have a great night everyone!!!

How it began

My first memories of Minneapolis date back prior to the completion of Interstate 35, when we traveled up to the area via US highway 169 or 218 from our home in Iowa. Each summer, we went to Twins games in Metropolitan Stadium and then to the family cabin up at Lake Betsy by Kimball. The older I grew, the more frequent my visits to Minneapolis became. When I was in my 20's, I moved to Minnesota. My visits to Minneapolis now could happen in just about an hour, with no advance planning. I love Minneapolis. I cannot say that enough. The culture, the sights, the beauty, the activities, the people, the lakes, the hills, the sports, the concerts, the shopping and even the hospitals. I'll elaborate more on the hospitals in the future.
In December 2005, I left Minnesota for the beaches of Florida to be with my family and assist my elderly parents through this phase of their life. Now, at 3 years gone, I am so homesick for Minnesota - Minneapolis - that I am spending my days reading Minneapolis blogs, newspapers, Cities 97, MPR websites for every bit of Minneapolis I can get. Now I had 85 degrees here today and Minneapolis was in the teen's somewhere, but oh I miss it. I spent the afternoon at the beach, with my bare toes firmly entrenched in the white sand, dreaming of snow. The walks in the skywalk system. The orange glow of the street lights, reflecting off the new snow. The IDS building and Foshay tower. Tonight, I am ending my first blog entry recalling these visions.