Twin City Photos

I know I am.

Taking my camera and tripod for a walk sometimes turn into mini adventures or learning experiences. I learned a few things taking this photo:

1. Walking on partially frozen creeks can be trickier than one would think
2. Even if the ice on a creek is weak enough so that you break through, it’s plenty hard on your shin on the way down
3. Hiking shoes full of ice cold water actually feel warm once you start walking, sorta like a wetsuit for feet

On the way back I went shopping for some dry aged steaks and alaskan king crab legs at Byerlys for Silvester dinner, wet shoes and pant legs. Nobody seemed to notice.

We had our first winter storm in the Twin Cities. Just under 4 inches of snow, temps dropping throughout the day from balmy 20s to -5F, and windy. In true Minnesota fashion what did I do? After clearing the snow off our sidewalk and drive way with the snow blower, I snow blowed a path into my backyard to the barbecue, and barbecued some steaks I picked up earlier in the day, dry aged New York strips from Whole Foods Market. My wife had sent me on a mission to pick up a bunch of $25 bag donation thingies, and while there I just couldn’t resist those yummy looking steaks, plus a few other things.

Takes a bit more than a puny winter storm to keep me from barbecuing. After dinner took my camera for a quick drive downtown, and got this photo. As usual I was asked by several people, not security mind you, what I was doing. One guy asked me ‘what’s the camera for?’. What you suppose my answer was? You guessed it … ‘taking pictures’.

BTW, those steaks were the first non Byerly’s steaks I’ve liked. Never been at Whole Foods before (at least don’t remember), though my daughters know it pretty well. I’m just so out of the loop sometimes. Or maybe I’m just loopy. The asparagus was pretty good too, as was the English cucumber, and of course the potatoes. Everything a bit pricey, but hey, its just money. I’m sure I got exactly what I paid for.

As an avid skywatcher, I found this setting unusual in that there was a setting sun behind me, ominous looking clouds in front, but no wind, rain, lightning, or thunder. In fact it was quite serene, almost a bit eerie.

Another drive by photo, taken on the way to work. This time it really is birds :)

Another angry sky.