May Odds and Ends

This post is a bit of a hodgepodge, which is an apt description of the last month. Above, a panorama of our Minneapolis loft, home for the last 8 years, and now empty as we await closing on the 27th. The North Loop has grown so much since we moved in, and while it has become an 'it' destination, it has also lost the edge and variety that drew us to it in the first place. Sapor and Ed's Import Auto Service are just two of the casualties of 'peak Loop,' and now everyone looks like us. Time to move on, frog.

Back in April, on the last full day of our Death Valley trip, Kristen shot these amazing photos from her iPhone. Impressive!

May opened with a lot of promise for MN sports fans--the Twins went on a tear and the Wild advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Oops, scratch that. The Wild were Booted for the 3rd year in a row by the Blackhawks. 

Still, seeing game 3 with friends Ron and Kelley Puppe was a blast, and our first time eating at Public, which has quickly become our go-to eatery now that we are living in St. Paul while we await the move to Alaska (and perhaps an interim FL home purchase).

Speaking of which, I humbly apologize for any condescending, Minneapolocentric comments I have made in the past. We absolutely love living on Mears Park, next to the new Saints stadium, farmers' market and The Buttered Tin. Also, there's still a bit of Cuzzy-Bunker's grit here.

But things are changing, growing. And that's a good thing for these amazing cities--still, we mourn the passing of such icons as Nye's. At least we got a chance to have a drink with JJ, a friend and colleague, before it closes.

What a lovely view of the Minni-apple from Nordeast!

Other miscellany included seeing Rush on their "Retrospective" (and likely final stadium) tour with Adam  and Eva.

As if that weren't enough, we also spent some time at a conference in Chicago.

And for good measure, some final photos of the loft (and of Chief, who will be staying).

You were very good to us, Minnesota, and we are ever thankful for our time in the Mini-apple.