The Boys of Summer

Ron Gardenhier examines his catch at Maynards (circa Minnetonkascenes 2008). A fair catch!
The Twins beat Kansas City 19 -1 last night. What a fun fest for Twins fanatics.I am one and remember watching Harmon Killebrew jack one in the Met. Last night was a stat-builder. I think they moved the fence in for Valencia.


Another Currier& Ives historical vision.This print, from a Currier & Ives "Artist unknown", was one of the first to foresee baseball as the national pastime. It was a realtively new game and not the most popular one. The date was circa 1855-60.

"Throughout the early part of the 19th century, small towns formed teams, and baseball clubs were formed in larger cities. In 1845, Alexander Cartwright wanted to formalize a list of rules by which all teams could play. Much of that original code is still in place today. Although popular legend says that the game was invented by Abner Doubleday, baseball's true father was Cartwright."

The James J Hill Days approacheth. Wayzata.

The American Express Train rumbles along (circa 1860), as if to blast out that the steam boat era is over. This was not a Great Norhtern Train, but this Currier & Ives lithograph will suffice to represent the 19th century expansion westward. Relentless.
Living near Wayzata has sparked my interests in trains and Western American History. The town still rumbles with the passing trains - sometimes... to their consternation.

Deephaven Days Cancelled

I was surprised to find that the Deephaven Parks Committee has cancelled this community event featuring the "worlds smallest triathalon" (my name for it). I have never participated in this event, and it seems that most Deephaven residents did not either. The majority of the participants of the triathalon were from out of town. This was contrary to the events goals, so the Parks Department has decided to rethink the event.
(A triathalon, no matter how small, involves a lot of volunteers and cumbersome logistics).

I have a few sugestions for the Parks Committee.
• Deephaven is literally dog heaven, and I have always enjoyed the friendly encounters I have had walking my dogs around Thorpe Park carrying a readily available, reversible and disposable plastic bag. A community dog walk and dog show would be very instructive, with possibly pet-related vendors. Dog nametags issued of the " Hello- my name is Rocky" variety.


• OK - perhaps it could be expanded to include other pets, but this could be asking for trouble...

An early morning visit to Christmas Lake

"Named for Charles W. Christmas, first county surveyor of Hennepin County, elected in 1852, who platted the original town site of Minneapolis for John H. Stevens and Franklin Steele. This lake and Lake Minnetonka now occupy what in pre-glacial times was part of the channel of the Mississippi River near its junction with the pre-glacial Minnesota River."
I pondered this as I sat in my car, drinking a double dose of Folger's Classic roast coffee and staring at the street sign that said. " Merry Lane". Down Christmas Lake road is Holly Lane. Ho ho!

Macho mail

Mail Bonding

"The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a 2-cent increase in the price of a first-class stamp, bringing the cost to 46 cents. The change, if approved, will go into effect on Jan. 2. This about a 5% increase to the "consumer"
The Postal Service is trying to dig itself out of a deep financial hole. It projects a $7 billion deficit next fiscal year.
Last year, the amount of mail sent declined 12.7%. Businesses hit by the recession have cut back on mailings and more people continue to turn to the web to send their messages.'

Macho mail - "just plug the hole" approach: Just up the price to half-a-buck a piece in one fell swoop. Oh, what the heck, make it an even dollar and boom, you're solvent.
Really, I love the Postal Department. But - Changing times- changing approaches.

Lil Boat- Deephaven Beach

We all have borders, if we know it or not. Limitations. Some of us have borders that are more extreme. My border is that I cannot have a boat that demands more of me than I can deliver. Now I have dockage and a few friends. Next year I will buy a lil boat and cruise the Lake. I will carry oars.

Leaky Faucet

I guess this could be a metaphor for many things, being a man in his late 50s. But really, it is not. It is just a testament to my inability to manage outdoor plumbing. But who needs to water the lawn and trees when it rains so much? My "charlie" and crabgrass are flourishing.

Cottagewood - July 4th 2010

Hot dogs for everyone....Of course some of the attendees went into the store and bought pizza by the slice.




This Mother knows- a hot dog is eaten with mustard, onions and relish. Ketchup is only used by the under 10 age bracket.
But if you feel young - go ahead.