Twin Cities Marathon 2009 - my unofficial coverage

Just a note to let you know that I will be taking photos at the 12 and 25 mile mark for candid glimpses of the race.



This shot at the 12 mile mark in 2007. A pack runner looking back...
This was the year a Russian runner flew in and late-entered to win the race.
When I cover this race, I have yet to post any shots of the "over 4 hour" runners. They are often the most compelling photos.

Heading West on the Luce Line Trail

A September Oktoberfest at the Cottagewood General Store

Well, the sign tells the story. Bring all your little umlauts.

Stolen info on Oktoberfest:
"The Oktoberfest tradition started in 1810 to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to the Saxon-Hildburghausen Princess Therese. The citizens of Munich were invited to join in the festivities which were held over five days on the fields in front of the city gates. The main event of the original Oktoberfest was a horse race." - Vistawide International website

AND: Today this Munich Uber-Fest lasts 16 days and begins in September, ending the first Sunday in Oktober.

Sumac to morning mist

Wayzata 6:30am Wednesday

Nickle Dickle Day Waconia - A dickle for your thoughts.

I was drawn to Waconia by the aroma of brats, cheese curds and a whiff of polka music. You see, It was Nickle Dickle Day in Waconia and I had unintentionally stumbled onto it. I parked on a main drag by squeezing my much derided Dodge Minivan into a space between an extended cab pickup and a custom Harley. Fortunately I had not shaved in few days.



I strolled the crowded streets between the gaping maws of open hooded muscle cars, classic Mustangs, vintage autos and farm machinery. It was very envigorating.... and I felt a slight surge of testosterone. The auto show was excellent. These people take care of these old treasures. To balance things out I browsed the sidewalk sales, and antique shop looking for that forgotten EdwardHopper painting that some had used as a window shade. It was not to be.

Black River Blue

I bought this inexpensive "blue" in Byerlys in Chanhassen. It is a Wisconsin Cheese from North Hendren Co-op Dairy in Willard, Wisconsin.

A Toonie Dog is always on alert

A constant companion, Toonie is over 3 years old, and a wonderful watch dog. The Shetland Sheepdog was originally called a "Toonie dog", thus her name.

Carson's Bay Sunday Morning

Way-out Dachshund Races in Wayzata

I squeezed in among the spectators perched on their lawn chairs, to watch the next "Weiner dog" race. The loud speaker announced that the next race would feature "Autobahn" , a dashing Dachshund from Dusseldorf. I chimed in, to no one in particular: "Autobahn was a big winner here last year". I stated it knowingly, and others around smiled as Autobahn lined up at the starting line
Then the public address announcer continued the mater of fact announcement: " Autobahn is a nine month old Short-haired Dachshund...."

The Dachshund Races are coming!

Dog lovers, be prepared. One of everyone's favorite events, a real thriller, is coming to the James J. Hill Day this Saturday. The annual Dachshund Races. With or without mustard these races ( and there are many ) are something to relish. I will be there on my stomach taking photos.



Last year #53 "Gonzo" brought a large crew for his performance.



Final note: I have yet to get the spelling of "Dachshund" down. Now I know why the term "Weiner Dog" caught on. It is easier to spell and tells the story well.

Excelsior Amusement Park ticket window.

On Water Street. The remaining Ticket Window from the Excelsior Amusement Park rests quietly along the "unnamed trail" that runs through the town. The Amusement Park operated from 1924 - 1974.

A Waconia Marvel

I bought an old Marvel comic book for $3 in Waconia at an antique store. It was rough and worn, not a collectable. The store owner wondered why I would want it.
I now present to you, the edited and truncated adventures of Lana circa 1962:
"The Clueless Exam"

Upstaged by the sunrise.

A Universal Garage Door Story

Part One: Space, time and sheet metal.

As we backed our car out of the driveway I squeezed the remote and watched my garage door begin its descent. I have often been confused by Steven Hawking's diagrams of the shape of the universe, as it expands and collapses upon itself in a conical shape.

It seem "space" moves at different rates of speed. As I watched my garage door descend, the left side moved at a brisk rate ever downward to an ultimate conclusion. The right side however, moved at a much slower speed, then stopped completely in an obstinate "no black hole for me!" attitude. The ensuing " fan/accordion shape" gave me new insights into quantum physics, and necessitated the purchase of new garage door. A long, corrugated downspout extension had lodged into the garage door channel. I am blaming neutrinos and squirrels.
Eureka! $900.00.

Part Two: Parking in a parallel universe.

The contractor would arrive between 12 noon and 2, a new garage door in tow. I left work and arrived home at noon..... and waited. Impatient, at 2 o'clock I placed a call. A reassuring voice said: "He's running a bit late". I waited. Another 45 minutes of time passes through the continuum and I call again. "He's on his way, should be there shortly". .............
More time passed, and I mulled over a few quadratic equations, then place another call.
The voice at the other end seemed puzzled; " He should be there".
I hung up the phone. I had an insight, I put on my shoes, and hustled out the door.
There, hidden behind a hedge, in my neighbors dirveway, was the contractor's pick up with topper. The industrious young man had already removed my neighbor's complete garage door and was beginning installtion of my brand new door... on the neighbor's garage.
I jumped through a mental time portal back to reality, and getting the attention of the young man, I pointed to my house.

Just then his cell phone rang.



3 1/2 hours later I had a new garage door.

Dancer