MacDonald's In Wayzata

Have you tried our Iced Coffee? (our coffee is not so hot!)
After negotiations with Wayzata City Planners, this tasteful MacDonalds opened on Wayzata Boulevard. Frankly, it is very attractive and a vast improvement over the previous MacDonalds... and, there is plenty of parking space in the wrap around lot. See for yourself.

Some MacDonalds things learned along the way:
• The MacDonald Brothers opened the first MacDonalds in San Bernadino CA in 1940. Founded on the principle that hamburgers are more popular than hot dogs.
• The 2nd MacDonalds was opened in Phoenix AZ, 1953
• The 4th was opened in Downey,CA with the now classic Arches- it is still operating (what happend to the 3rd?).
• 1955 - Ray Kroc - His first MacDonald's opens in Des Plaines IL.
• 1958 - 100 million sold.
• 1961 - Hamburger University is founded. - B.A. In Hamburgerology. Get your degree, set yourself free.
• 1963 - The carnivorous Ronald MacDonald and "The Smile known round the world" is created as a mascot. Clownphobia ensues.

Weekend Prelude

St. Bonifacius Parrish Hog Roast

I strolled down Main Street St. Bonifacius Sunday afternoon and viewed this remnant of earlier days. An austere white Catholic Church dominates the street, and is accompanied by a wrought iron bordered Cemetery. A Fire Station, Laundromat, 2 bars and a Gun shop. Antique washing machines looked quite comfortable in the window. Do not get me wrong, "St. Boni" is a fast growing community.

St. Bonifacius is the Patron Saint of Germany, and the Netherlands. He was born (Winfrid) in Wessex, England in the eight century. He spent his life converting the German peoples to Christianity...but this is not about his voluminous religious life. It is about the German heritage that still permeates “St. Boni”.

As I respectfully strolled through the Catholic Cemetery on Main Street (God help me I do not need any Teutonic curses leveled at me from the grave) I noticed that many of the marker inscriptions were enscribed in Old German. The early settlers tombstones (circa 1860) were weathered and the sandy edges of the type rounded down to the point of illegibility. I could barely read a few; “His pain is over, he now rests in peace” and “The Lord’s hand has taken her to heaven”. Simple and devout. St. Bonifacius was settled by hardworking stone workers and brick makers. Some of the early markers showed fading but obvious Teutonic influence of German religious art.

I wandered across the street and was struck by the yellow and red banner proclaiming: Hog Roast. (How Teutonic!) St. Bonifacius Parrish, Sept 9th: 11am -4pm.

Sounds delicious....

Good Morning, this is OnStar 2010

OnStar: Good morning Felix, this is OnStar.

F: Good morning....OnStar.

OnStar: Felix, Is there something you would like to tell me?

F: No, OnStar... not really. I am going to just turn on the radio and listen while I drive.

OnStar: Felix, are you sure there is nothing you want to tell me?

F: Yes I am sure.... I'll just put on my ear phone.

OnStar: Not yet, Felix, what is your destination? This trip you are taking is not scheduled.

F: Oh! ...er, I'm just going to do a little personal shopping.

OnStar: But the bus to the mall stops right by your house. I can tell you are not going the correct direction. - And Felix, you are driving alone.

F: I am buying a little gift. It is a surprise...

OnStar: A surprise for whom?

F: Pause

OnStar: You must schedule your single rider trip with your transit revenue department. Please return and schedule. This is OnStar.
By the way, that channel you listen to, - you are exceeding your alotted time.

James J. Hill Days in Wayzata, August 8-9

Featuring the 23rd annual Dachshund Races on the 8th.
Oddly enough, there is little emphasis on "The Empire Builder' himself. Stop into Wayzata and see the crafts, classic cars. Bring your dog too.

Carson's Bay raining

A watercolor effect seemed to be fitting.

A Sunflower's burden

At Summerville and Cottagewood Road there is a lovely garden. With careful tending it has survived the lengthy draught, only to be beaten down by the recent hail storm. This sunflower stands with its heavy, but fruitful burden.

Marvel Comics - Stamps at the Excelsior Post Office

Postage stamp meets stamp:
"Elektra kills for hire, loves for thrills, and brings destruction to all who are foolish enough to cross her path"

"Little is known of Wolverine's past, save that it was fraught with pain and loss."

Heartbreak to ensue.
Stamps available at your local Postal Office.

Milfoil Harvestor Claw

Retro & Reflective

Absolüt Gruv plays at Long Lake Corn Days

I saw these young guys 2 years ago, - Minnesota kids playin' Southern Rock - A tough row to hoe. I have not seen them since- but they are still playin, so I am 'going to see'. Their singer was energetic and he worked the keyboard.

I wish they would play this "Art Bellsque" CCR 60s Classic:

It Came Out Of The Sky

Oh, it came out of the sky, landed just a little south of Moline
Jody fell out of his tractor, couldn't believe what he seen
Laid on the ground and shook fearin' for his life
Then he ran all the way to town screamin' it came out of the sky

Well, a crowd gathered round and a scientist said it was marsh gas
Spiro came and made a speech about raising the Mars tax
The Vatican said, woe the Lord has come,
Hollywood rushed out an epic film
And Ronnie the Popular said it was a communist plot

Oh, the newspapers came and made Jody a national hero
Walter and Eric said they'd put him on a network TV show
The White House said, "Put the thing in the Blue Room"
The Vatican said, "No, it belongs to Rome"
And Jody said, it's mine and you can have it for seventeen million.

Deephaven Triathalon - everyone is welcome

A very do-able triathalon. Relax you're among friends. This is a family triathalon. I was there as a visitor last year. FUN

Bob C. Tells his I 35W Story

A friend, Bob, sent us this story of his experience on the I 35W Bridge:


"Hello family and friends,

I just wanted to email all of you on the particulars of my involvement with the disaster that happened on Wednesday, August 1, 2007.

I was on the 35 W bridge when it collapsed. I came out of it okay; no scratches or bruises. Car is still on bridge, however.(see attached photo - vehicle #C25)

Below is a narrative of my events on that difficult day:

I was coming home from a meeting in Northeast Minneapolis and going south on 35W. The traffic was heavy and only going about 15-20 mph. I was talking to Lisa on my cell phone. As I went on the 35 W bridge and saw a semi truck trailer "hopping" up and down wildly to my left in the construction lanes of the highway. As I looked back straight ahead I saw that the car in front of me was braking, and then I saw the whole bridge deck in front of be drop below my eye sight. Then the road deck started to slant towards the river. I immediately put my foot on the brake and push it very hard. I told Lisa that something really bad had happened and that the bridge was gone and I had to go! Thoughts of Hollywood movies came to mind and I thought that maybe my car would slide into the next car and push it over the edge. I search fanatically for my emergency brake. At that time, I notice the drivers in the cars in front of me had vacated their cars and had ran back up the bridge past me. I wondered about gathering my tip-over briefcase then decided it would be best if I got out of this car now. I ran up the slanted roadway to the apex and saw that the bridge behind me was gone as well. There were about four other motorists with me and about five road construction workers standing and watching in amazement of the horrific event that had just happened before our eyes.

At this time, everything was very quiet with the exception of one construction worker who was distraught over seeing that a co-worker had just slipped over the edge of the bridge roadway. (I believe he was the one fatality of the construction workers). At this time, one of the construction worker yelled that this "island" of bridge deck is probable not safe and we need to get out of here. He signaled us over to an area of the highway where it was possible for us to crawl from the southbound lanes to the northbound lanes. This was a little scary since the gap between the roadways was three feet wide and the crevice went down some forty feet. I was the last person to go over and was pulled by one of the construction workers.

Once I was on the northbound lanes I felt a lot safer, however, I still wanted to get on solid ground, not the bridge! I ran down the roadway towards University Avenue, while trying to get a hold of Lisa on the cell phone to tell her I was safe. We finally connected a few minute later.

This was a little difficult event for me but I am really doing a lot better now. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the individuals that lost their lives or have not been recovery yet. Say a prayer for these people.

That's my story. I will be around this world a little longer and am very happy to be here.

With Love,

Bob"

Orange and Gray - Tour de Tonka

Stripes up the backs of riders told the story. A gray sky greeated cyclist as they headed out at 7:30 from Deephaven to cover distances of 15, 33 and 63 miles. Turnout was supressed by the weather. Weeks without rain had finally ended - on the day of the ride. Some riders had to practice the "wet brakes" experience, and an occasional tumble took place.
I rode the 33 mile course with a friend who was a bit of a novice, but managed the hills and water like a trouper. First gear is your friend.

I am not sure of the logistics in the course design, with so many roads crossing so many Cities and Townships (and traffic control) - BUT I must say this: The course is billed as a Tour of the Lake. More stretches along the lake with lakeviews should be integrated.

That said: Thanks to all the attentive volunteers and safety personnel.

A Rainy Tour

Tonka Bay - Bicycle Built for 3

Orange Tour

Can an Orange T- Shirt deflect rain?

We need rain.
We want rain.
If it rains during the ride remember: you will not have much for brakes. Leave room,
and remember.....Rain, I don't mind. Shine, the weather's fine.

Tour de Tonka - Last Call

I put in my last bit of "training" for the Tour de Tonka. It is too late for performance enhancing steriods, so I will just have to do my best to enjoy the ride. Fellow riders are welcome to harrass me.

Here are a few final notes:
Sign up at the Start (Minnetonka Community Ed Bldg. - on Vinehill, Deephaven) begins at 6:30 am. I was told that last year over 300 people signed up the day of the ride. I predict quite a few more this year. There has been a lot more advertising. Be prepared for rain.
Cost with late fee, is 35.00 per person...It is for a good cause.
More info:
www.minnetonkacommunityed.org

My photos will be posted right here after the ride.