I can’t believe 23 days have passed since John and I drove away from our home in Saco. The time is speeding by.
Last night and today I’ve had a delightful visit with my former editor, Michelle, and her partner, Mark. Good to stretch my brain and have some fascinating conversations about science, religion, writing, and families (not such a stretch). Feasted on lamb and Tzatziki sauce, prepared by Mark, the chef of the family. Tender and delicious.
Michelle and I toured Minneapolis and environs. I saw the cubicle where she works (very neat compared to my office). It’s about a two-minute walk from her apartment, but even so, Mark often gives her a ride to and from work during the winter when the ice-encrusted sidewalk threatens pain and suffering. Today the weather was quite mild. Started out in the 40s with a slight drizzle, but by afternoon it had reached the mid-50s. A far cry from the foot of snow in Maine reported on the news. Not sure I’m headed in the right direction.
Michelle took me to three book stores, each with a different focus. My favorite had animals of many types (chinchilla, fuzzy chickens, parakeets, etc.), an indoor treehouse, and a door constructed just for kids. Of course, I couldn’t walk out without a book or two.
Despite the occasional light drizzle, we walked along the lake (there are many here) as ducks preened themselves and joggers, bikers, and dog walkers enjoyed the same stretch of terrain. Beautiful city park land and walkways mark a path all along the lakes, and historic homes and a few modern structures vie for the best water view from across the road.
The Lake of the Isles Park, one of 182 properties in the Minneapolis park system, is particularly lovely with its overhanging trees. Even on this November day, two boaters glided across the water.
For lunch we stopped at a place specializing in fish, which featured Maine lobster, New England clam chowder, and a lobster bisque. Eschewing my Maine roots, I chose breaded walleye with mashed potato and coleslaw—all very good.
Contrary to John’s advice, I did not seek out lutefisk, a traditional Norwegian dish often maligned by Garrison Keillor. I’m not much for gelatinous fish mixed with lye. Go figure!
And despite the fact that this is Prairie Home Companion and Fargo territory, I have not yet heard the exaggerated Min-A-SOTE-A accent made famous on those two shows. In fact, the young woman who waited on me at the book store hailed from Bath, Maine. No accent thay–ah.
