Adventures With Dennis

Stillwater MN Big Carnelian - The Mac guys go fishing

2012-02-12T21:09:00.000-06:00

The pre-party event before the birthday party was ice fishing on the lake in front of Jimbo and Margie's house. One of their neighbors hosted this Mac guys in his ice fishing house and a good time was had by all - although they didn't come back with anything to help with the menu for the evening....maybe next year.

Stillwater MN - Celebrating the 57th

2012-02-12T20:53:00.000-06:00

Dan Sandor and I started this tradition 22 years ago. We have both taken turns being in and out of the event. I missed to being stationed on another continent. Dan made the choice to miss based on better offers than hanging out with all us "old" people - a choice any of us would have made at the same time in our life. This year Dan had a better offer and we missed him. John was able to join us - in between occasional naps throughout the evening.
We made it a better than ever evening for all. Clemens finally made it to a full on Cashman event and held his own. Davide made it back from Russia. DQ made his famous Chinese wings and Petar showed off one more new hair cut.
Other than that just another quiet night with the Cashman family and friends......

London England - not a bad dinner view

2012-02-05T17:23:00.000-06:00

Lovely evening near the London Bridge - lots and lots of new development in this area over the last 10 years.

London England - a wander to the old work neighborhood

2012-01-29T11:59:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-29T05:46:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-01T17:14:00.000-06:00

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!

Rochester MN - 2011 Christmas with Petar, Danny and Maria - and Gina, Rachel and Hunter

2011-12-26T20:34:00.000-06:00

The DeMarkeys weren't able to join us this year but Petar, Danny and Maria were. And Gina joined the fun with Rachel and Hunter as well - we even got that hat off Hunter a time or two to get a good view of that "hockey hat head".
Without Tommy and Eddie it was a bit quieter at 7am - but we had more of a late night crowd this year that kept things going long after the rest of us called it a night.
The real amazing memory of this Christmas will be that the temperature on Christmas Day was over 40F and there was no snow to be found anywhere. And today while we did the clean up and drove home we hit a record 52F - absolutely amazing. It seems the last few years it has been an adventure of some sort to either get to for from Rochester over the holidays.
Lucille joined us as well so it made for a full house and plenty of conversation and holiday fun.

Saint Paul - Mac Dinner before the break

2011-12-19T21:37:00.000-06:00

Term one done and on to the break for Petar and Clemens. Clemens off to Germany and Petar is going hang out in Minnesota - won't be quite the same as California from last year.
Danny the working guy was able to join us as well.

London - not a bad walking route

2011-12-19T21:31:00.000-06:00

Ah yes, the wonders of London in December - damp, rainy, windy and just all around miserable. Fortunately, there were gaps in the ugly weather.
Was able to wander to from the hotel up to my meetings and back between the storms. Not a bad spot to hang out!

London - Westminster Neighborhood

2011-12-17T21:36:00.000-06:00

Came in to London via the London City Airport - something I have never done. Caught a light rail line until I got in underground range and trying a new spot in the Westminster Area this trip.
Again it is dark early so not much to see.
I seem to be caught in the same storm that has been circling between the UK and Norway and the Netherlands - ongoing rain, sleet and wind depending on the day and where you are.

Rotterdam the Netherlands -

2011-12-17T21:35:00.001-06:00

My new buddy Owen picked me up and off we went to his companies offices in Schiedam - about an hour out of Amsterdam. We had planned on dinner - just hadn't planned on such an adventure.
After the work was done we wandered through Schiedam to the water and then hopped on a water taxi and headed to largest harbor in the world that brought us to Rotterdam. We at a renovated building from the New York Line - a ship that brought immigrants to the US. Renovated and great fun - right on the harbor.
Since we have hit the winter season it is dark when I get going and dark before the last meeting is out - not that good for capturing the sights along the way. Didn't even get my camera out - it was dark. It has also been rainy and windy so pretty unpleasant to be outside.

Amsterdam - cool, windy, rainy and a bit Christmasy

2011-12-17T21:35:00.000-06:00

Lots of wind and water. Most of the breaks in the rain have been when I have been moving from place to place so can't complain too much. But it gets light late and dark early so pretty gloomy trip.

Oslo Norway -

2011-12-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

The sun was in and out a few times today. Created a lovely reflection on the new snow. I got in about noon and then worked my way in to town and got out to take in a bit of the City before the sun set - even earlier here than in Minnesota right now.
The City is nestled in between the mountains and rests next to the water. Very pleasant and walkable. Lots of ice about on the sidewalks and the streets but I remained upright the entire afternoon - but a few near misses.
Lots of people out enjoying the day and filling the shopping area getting their Christmas shopping done. Lots of lights throughout Oslo celebrating the upcoming holiday.

Saint Paul MN - Post Turkey Relief

2011-11-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

Winter started to arrive once again by Saturday evening. Most of the Mac guys came up with a "better offer" but we still gathered a good group for some food, conversation and good laughs.

Stillwater MN - Not your typical Minnesota Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T21:14:00.000-06:00

Hard to imagine you spend Thanksgiving Day outside in Minnesota - but like the East Coast it was absolutely beautiful day.

Stamford CT - Thanksgiving with the DeMarkeys

2011-11-25T20:41:00.000-06:00

Another good holiday. Thanksgiving and Lizzy's birthday go hand in hand - double the desserts on a day already filled with too much food.
Tommy, Eddie and I went off for lunch and some time at the Arcade the day before. That was the cold rainy day and Thanksgiving turned out to be warm and sunny. Our after dinner walk was much more pleasant and we even got it in before it got dark this year.

New York City - Abby and Lizzy do NYC

2011-11-25T12:34:00.000-06:00

Cold and grey day but we ventured off to take on the 9/11 Memorial and whatever else crossed our paths as we wandered the streets of Manhattan.
I think there may be more security protecting to fountains than we have protecting the President...go figure.
Add in some shopping, snooping around, lunch - and dessert, and lots of walking and it made for a great day.

Little Silver and Long Branch New Jersey - Hanging out with Lara and Christopher

2011-11-20T10:52:00.001-06:00

I came in to JFK and Mom came in to Newark. A subway ride through Brooklyn and a hop through the Holland Tunnel with Neil got us all together and we were on our way to getting the holiday trip started.
Beautiful November weekend...you can almost head out without a jacket.
Oops....and what was it about forgetting Grandma on the way to lunch.....

London - A wander through another foggy day...nothing new there

2011-11-20T10:44:00.000-06:00

From Moorgate back to Marble Arch - with a wander through the Occupy Group hanging out in front of St Paul Cathedral.

London - Getting the holidays started early

2011-11-20T10:35:00.000-06:00

When you don't have Thanksgiving you can get an early jump on the Christmas Holiday.

Paris France - A wander through the City

2011-11-20T10:17:00.000-06:00

I had an appointment near the Eiffel Tower. I had a late train out so when I finished up I decided I would take the scenic wander back to the train station.
It was a beautiful November day and everyone was out enjoying the sunshine. It always surprises me how loud and busy it can be on the main thoroughfares but once you wander off to the side streets it is so quiet and serene. So enjoy a few of the sights along the way through central Paris.

London - Back in another familiar neighborhood

2011-11-20T09:56:00.001-06:00

When I lived in London in the late 90s I lived in a few spots. After a long spell in and out of the same hotel, I rented an apartment sight unseen and Greg Nixon arrived with me the night I moved in with my 2 bags that we picked up at the hotel that I had been calling home.
Greg was in for the Thanksgiving break and upon his arrival in London, I met him at the airport and told him I had picked up tickets and we were on our way to Madrid for a few days. Not part of the original plan but made it a much more interesting trip.
Back in London a few days later I headed off to the office and left Greg to take on the City. We agreed to meet for an event in the evening. I arrived at the new apartment in the Marble Arch Area and waiting for Greg. Hours passed and no Greg. He walked and walked around block after block searching out the apartment. Eventually he found the building in front of the park - plenty late but safe and sound!

Minneapolis MN - the Mississippi from the Guthrie

2011-11-20T09:40:00.000-06:00

We hosted a 3 day event at the Guthrie and the Mississippi River view was the highlight to a very engaging space to all our guests from around the world.

Saint Paul MN - Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T06:30:00.000-05:00

Clemens came with the remains of his costume from the holiday weekend. The rest of us seemed to just do well to get ourselves over to Millie and Eric's once again.
A nice evening but our expectations weren't as high this year for large numbers of trick or treaters - we did better than expected.
Mary came with the party wound down on Hartford to finish off the evening.

Hong Kong - the streets

2011-11-02T06:20:00.001-05:00

Wandering the streets of Hong Kong and Kowloon is liking a never ending New York City Canal Street on Speed.

Hong Kong - Pack it in tight and pack it in high

2011-11-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

Long ago a friend told me I needed to go to Hong Kong. He explained how "electric" it was and that I would love it. He was true on both accounts.
Amazing how many people inhabit this little bit of space. Everything goes up. I was in a 7 story school for meetings just off the harbor - not like any school I ever went to!
Also got an opportunity to take a night cruise in a junk in one of the more isolated harbors - a great way to spend a Friday evening.
The street life is active, intense and full of lights and other distractions. You are always surrounded by towers reaching to the sky. And it is all surrounded by very calming mountains and harbors. A spectacular spot on the map.

Beijing China 2 - Forbidden City, Surrounding Park and Beihai Park

2011-11-01T12:07:00.000-05:00

Beijing China - Tian'anmen Square and surrounds

2011-10-29T08:16:00.000-05:00

A fast and furious trip but I was so close I was committed to finding time to at least get a taste of the Square and a bit of the history. Many of the key things are all located together so I had a full experience with the time I had.
I didn't expect the square to be as big as it was. The locals I met with while here told me it isn't as big as it used to be and it is now all fenced in as well. That didn't diminish the openness and grandness of the space - the Mao memorial takes a big chunk of the space. And they need it all to host the amazing amount of people that were there wandering around on a Tuesday morning.
There are certainly many new structures in the area and plenty of old items as well. But then you start to see structures and items that go back to BC up to the present. Pretty amazing it is all there and continues to be maintained.

Beijing China - Vehicles everywhere but also a great spot to walk

2011-10-29T07:52:00.000-05:00

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Beijing. As my previous post indicated I found the airport over the top. It should have been my first indication that the Chinese have always had large scope as part of their vision when they take on large projects. When you get to the Forbidden City you realize that they have had large scope and vision for a very long, long time.
As the oldest know City in the world it is something to see. It is also as new and flashy as any modern City - building upon building as you roll along the ring roads that catch your eye - for better or worse but certainly eye catching.
I was staying in a high rise hotel at a major intersection. 24 hour a day traffic - a car city. A very safe place to be so I took off to see what was out there behind the miles of new towers. The city is mostly a grid, even in the back streets, so it is very easy to navigate. It was great to wander the neighborhood near me and experience a bit of the real Beijing - where the Chinese people live and operate every day.
Just like the rest of us they get up, eat breakfast, get everyone off to school and work and get on with life. Other than local variances we are all very much the same - no matter what government structure that hangs over us.
And I always marvel that the most enterprising people seem to appear and be working in the most non-capitalistic places - lessons for all of us.

Beijing China - WOW is not my usual airport experience

2011-10-29T07:44:00.000-05:00

I have seen more airports than most and don't usually pay much attention to them as I wander through.
I arrived in Beijing in the evening and was immediately struck by the shear size and the vast openness - with the lights glittering above it almost felt like we were under a gold colored sky. I don't think any photos can give you the sense of the size or even the feeling it gives you as you wander through.
And after the train ride to the main terminal I got to the even bigger and grander feeling experience - WOW!

Tokyo Japan - Central Park outside my door

2011-10-29T07:42:00.000-05:00

Across the street from the hotel was Central Park. A beautiful green spot surrounded by high rise towers. Also a homeless village has developed throughout the wooded areas in the park.
It also serves host to a very famous shrine in honor of those fallen in the World War.
A great way to start off a Sunday morning...before the next wave of storms arrive.
And we are getting ready for another wedding in the lobby this morning as well.

Tokyo - Misty and Rainy...but the lobby had plenty going on

2011-10-22T18:02:00.001-05:00

It has been either raining or misting since I arrived. Tried to get out and wander between storms and always arrived back wet.
But each time I wandered back the lobby of the hotel was full of activity. Friday night we had an Opera singer. And today I ran across 3 wedding ceremonies in the center of the lobby. It is a lovely spot but not the typical "church" approach that Americans usually opt for.

Grand View Lodge, Nisswa MN - Lynn Regan always said this was heaven

2011-10-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

I finally made it to Grand View Lodge - Lynn always said it was heaven. And I definitely had a room with a view from the "old" lodge.

It was a wonderful, but hard working week. The weather was generally cooperative for mid-October. And we got through the pontoon ride with just a bit of mist when we started. Definitely a place that shows Minnesota off to a visitor to the "north".

Red Wing and Goodhue MN - The leaves turn and Greg throws a party

2011-10-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

The leave turning brings on the Red Wing Are Festival and very often good fun in Goodhue as well. People came and went but a good day had by all - the weather couldn't have been more cooperative.

I always take a fall sunburn as a great thing - but that is a personal choice.

Stillwater MN - Cold to comfortable

2011-10-21T11:04:00.000-05:00

October has arrived and we get cold, windy, warm again and then maybe windy too. Always good fun and despite what nature gives us we all are glad we got up and made the ride. And it must have been hot - Carly showed again! We may have to get used her again......
Patti I offered to have us stop by her house for treats - worth the stop.

Dellwood MN - A great night for a bonfire

2011-10-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that September was the driest month in history Jim had no fear and a bonfire we lit on a wonderful, yet very windy, night. The company and conversation was in good form and the shrine being built for additional cars created plenty of conversation for all.

St Paul MN - dcbc wow plenty of food to go around

2011-10-02T22:11:00.000-05:00

We had a partial gathering of the dcbc but had food for everyone.
With the Twin Cities Marathon causing a bit of traffic confusion we headed over the high bridge for our breakfast adventure - and we definitely got our money's worth.
Have to remember to share next time we head in this direction

Saint Paul MN - Carly goes for under 40 again!

2011-10-02T22:07:00.000-05:00

It was a clear sunny day on Saturday...but it also started out at 39F degrees.
It was a cool start to the ride but a great day all the way around.
And Carly who claims to not show up unless the temperature is at least her age must testing 40 again...hmmm the new personal trainer is doing wonders!

Amsterdam - water, water, water - bikes, bikes, bikes

2011-09-30T22:11:00.000-05:00

I have enjoyed the canals before but this trip I also hopped on a ferry and traveled the harbor and got my first view of a Botel - a "hotel" on a boat! A completely different perspective of the city.
The general rule seems to be where there is water there are bikes here. The bikes are just everywhere - the number one way to get around in the central city for sure.
I needed to be pointed in the right direction to my hotel - it took the information station in the train station, then the main tourist information station, a place that focused on getting people hotel rooms, the taxi rank manager at the station and finally the homeless guy I ran across on my walk to the hotel got me there - well worth the coins in my pocket. And I find from the homeless guy that it is a historically significant place - so everyone should have known where it was!

London England - a few more days

2011-09-30T21:46:00.000-05:00

This was the longest part of my stay this trip. It even included a customer event at the Ice Bar - reminded me that it won't be long and that will be the regular day to day in our lives in Minnesota.

Enfield UK - Lovely spot on the outskirts of the City

2011-09-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

Not considered the country but a lovely town outside the City rush.
With a little help from the coffee guy at the train station I got pointed in the right direction for my wander through the neighborhoods to the industrial park down the road.

London England - Bigger, bolder and busier

2011-09-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

London always seems to grow and improve with age. Hard to imagine it bigger and busier but it sure seemed that way this trip.
The rain in Cork followed me back to London but finally cleared to make for a wonderful sunny weekend.

Cork Ireland - Not sure I would ever say "I was here"

2011-09-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

Have had the opportunity to get to Ireland but wasn't always sure how I would get back. And funny that my next trip lands me in Cork.
It was as lovely as I have heard from all those family and friends that have come to this part of the world. Didn't get past the City but had a wonderful welcoming experience - and a room with a view!
It was a short trip but got a quick walk down the hill in the rain for some breakfast and a mini-tour by my taxi driver on the way to the meeting of the day.

Hove, Aldrington, Brighton UK - Mostly a station by station visit

2011-09-30T20:48:00.000-05:00

At last I head to the south shores of England - and mostly see train tracks, stations and a few bits of surrounds. Bodes for another trip to enjoy and check out the wonders of this area.
I ran in to Millie's Cookies in the station in Paris and then again in the station in Brighton...and I thought she just made banners...

London UK - Back in the old neighborhood

2011-09-30T20:42:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time since I have been in London. As it happened I ended up staying in a hotel just a couple blocks from one of the neighborhoods I lived in during my time there in the late 90s.

Saint Paul MN - Clemens arrives and joins the team

2011-09-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday afternoon was the appointed time for Clemens and me to meet. Clemens is from Germany and he is my seventh student as I begin my eighth year with the program.
He is a biker and has already found his away around to many of the paths in the city. Now with a map in hand I am guessing he will be giving me ideas for routes and connectors.
We had a perfect evening and took advantage of it by enjoying dinner outside. Some hot coals delayed the cooking process but just allowed us more time to tell stories.

Paris France - a new adventure begins

2011-09-13T17:13:00.002-05:00

On the road again for work. The start of what is setting up as a whole new adventure.
My first trip to Paris was in the very early 90s with a friend. There was a parade in the center city as we were coming in from the airport so the taxi couldn't get us anywhere near our final destination so he dropped us off at a metro station next to a train station and handed me a napkin with 3 words on it. Those words were the three stops we had on the metro on our way. We wandered up to the station and back before someone helped us sort it all out. I never could quite place that spot on later trips. Yesterday as I came around the corner to my hotel I stopped cold and it was as if it was 20 years ago and it all came back.
My hotel as it happens is adjacent to this spot.
Lovely time of year to have a bit of time to wander and enjoy the streets of Paris.

Minneapolis MN - Urban Assault Ride 2011

2011-09-13T16:51:00.002-05:00

The gang at work started talking about the Urban Assault Ride and encouraged me to find a partner and join the fun. Tom and I jumped in. Mary and Alan followed.
The State shut down delayed things but we finally were off to the races on Sunday. It couldn't have been a more perfect day - don't often say I had a July sunburn going in September.
It was a bit of logistics, scavenger hunt and stupid human tricks all wrapped in a 20 mile ride around the city.
Other than losing Alan in the last 4 blocks the event was a success - he has been found!

Duluth MN - Pat's official "I turned 60" party - part 2

2011-09-13T16:15:00.001-05:00

And a sampling of the evenings entertainment...

Duluth MN - Pat's official "I turned 60" party - part 1

2011-09-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

An unexpected warm week that kept even affected the northern third of Minnesota was the perfect set up to drive down the hill in to downtown Duluth to the official celebration of Pat Eller hitting the 60.
A good Irish bar, but as Grandma noted we didn't sing and Irish songs. But there was plenty of music, readings, poems and even a bit of dancing to the beat of Nancy "Cashman" Sinatra and her ensemble.

Saint Paul MN - Anna...the Perpich adventure begins

2011-09-11T00:13:00.001-05:00

Saint Paul Mn - Labor Day 2011 finally it cooled down

2011-09-10T23:31:00.000-05:00

The summer of heat and humidity and it was a lovely Labor Day Weekend but it sure cooled down!
Always good to gather friends and family and great fun to celebrate Pat's 60th and Mom's birthday too! Sorry Anna that we didn't get yours recognized as well....but we have many many more of those to honor.

Minneapolis MN - Loring Pasta Bar with Lynn and Jocelyn

2011-08-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

Always a good night when Jocelyn, Lynn and I get our schedules coordinated and rendezvous.
Lots of laughs and many good stories told again and again. And always a great spot to hang out - the Loring Pasta Bar.

Minneapolis to Plymouth - good weather and the bikers arrive

2011-08-30T22:40:00.000-05:00

Absolutely perfect Saturday morning. We took the Luce Line Trail from Minneapolis to Plymouth - about a 30 mile ride.
It was a full crew as well - an even dozen. Barney came back for more, Linda finally showed and Carly just ran out of excuses! So we gave her a few rolling hills to remember the ride...

Saint Paul MN - Barney joins us for the Saturday ride

2011-08-20T20:52:00.000-05:00

It has been a strange a crazy year for the Saturday bike group. We have seen a few new faces and many of the regulars in previous years have had better offers or schedules have just not worked on the good riding days we have had.
Barney arrived today. Barney joined us a few years back and has never come every week but we haven't had Barney join us until today.
Barney lets me look 20 years ahead and visual doing the right things...and having the right genes and I too may still be on my bike and keep pace with the group!
A lovely Saturday by the way...a luxury this summer in Minnesota.

Serbia - Petar getting ready for year 2 at Mac

2011-08-20T20:41:00.002-05:00

It looks like Petar figures year 2 is going to be a tough one and he is doing all he can to be ready to go at it at every level.
Look forward to having him back on our side of the world soon. Gotta love a wonderful Serbian with a great smile!

Los Angeles, Burbank, Sacramento, Fremont and San Francisco CA - Busy couple days

2011-08-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

Zoomed in and out of California this week. Left Minnesota and landed in LA. We went up to Burbank and then headed back through rush hour to get a flight to Sacramento. Did our stuff in Sacramento and then drove down to Fremont. Finished up on the train in to San Francisco and a memorable taxi ride to the hotel. Cool, brisk evening in San Fran and back to Minnesota in the morning.
Not much time to take a few pics - caught a bit of the neighborhood in San Francisco.

Minneapolis MN - A great night at Walter and Jane's

2011-08-14T02:07:00.000-05:00

Is Carly really that old...OH we didn't gather to celebrate that. But there was a gift book given "Porn for Women...of a certain age". Hmmmm why did we gather?
Another great night at Walter and Jane's on Mississippi River Boulevard. We don't gather as often as we should but certainly enjoy it when we make it happen.
I see Tucson with "young" Carly on a horse one day soon......

New York NY - Adventures at the Newark Airport

2011-08-09T21:09:00.000-05:00

Another NYC trip.
The Newark Airport always seems to be an adventure. Its close proximity to NYC and the "usual" easy train ride from Penn Station makes it a great choice when the price is right.
They have spent lots of money upgrading the security check zone so that is actually a civilized experience. It turned out that did not mean it would be a good or more efficient experience. Wow in my few trips through there recently it seems to take even longer than it did in the old "mess" they called security check.
But this past trip the real adventure was getting from the train stop at the airport to the terminal building. On a slow day it usually takes about 15 minutes to get from train stop to the terminal on the airtrain. 90 minutes on Saturday. It involved lots of waiting, in and out of many airtrains at more than one station, screaming and ranting airtrain staff, a bus and lots of people that didn't speak English that were just trying to figure out what could possibly be going on. And as one of those that should have understood what was going on and the ranting employees I had no clue either. It went from odd to questioning to over the top bizarre very quickly. Terror attack would have probably been dealt with better.
Did make it home and revving up for the next airport adventure - in the current environment every airport experience is an adventure.

Minneapolis MN - remembering those lost when the bridge collapsed

2011-08-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

I remember the night. It was terribly hot and humid and I was debating about a bike ride. Biking around and possibly even under the bridge would have been in the route in the head that evening. The heat and humidity pushed me to run a few errands instead. I hopped in the car after one stop and couldn't understand at all what they were saying on the radio. I had to get home and see the pictures on tv to understand the bridge that collapsed was the bridge I ride around.

The new monument is a couple blocks from the office. A serene spot along the river - just down river from the wild and overactive waterfall that 2011 has brought us.

Glenwood Springs CO - a bit of history and a great old friend

2011-08-03T20:55:00.000-05:00

We made several trips to the Glenwood Springs Area to do things. Finally, I made a trip to rendezvous with an old and dear friend from my days in Hastings Nebraska. Shortly after I moved on to Saint Paul Steve and his family moved on to Glenwood Springs and have called it home ever since.
Took a tour of the Historic Hotel Colorado and mountains in the surrounding area. Mostly we just got caught up since the last time we got together.
The last time was in 1997 when I was living in London and Steve was on his way to Greece with his son and a group. Not sure post 9/11 we could pull that rendezvous off as easily as we did back then.

Edwards CO - hanging out before the first wave heads home

2011-08-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

We had plenty of space for everyone to spread out at the house in Edwards.
Cousin Tim stopped by on his way to Denver from his new home in Glenwood Springs.
And all the women finished off the evening in the hot tub.

Vail CO - action packed in the summer as well

2011-08-03T20:17:00.000-05:00

We were staying a couple exits down the road from Vail. Even in the summer there is plenty of action on the mountain top - biking, hiking, gondola rides and of course shopping.
It was a great ride up to the top on the gondola. A bit cold and grey but that didn't diminish the view just made it cold enough to wish we had more clothes with us.