Helmet Free by the University

An observation. Most young college students do not wear helmets while riding bicycles. For convenience, no doubt. Or perhaps it is a feeling that they do not need them. This somewhat pedestrian observation struck me while listening to the radio as they talked of National Health Care. The new health care exchanges depend upon the young to join and finance them. Draw your own conclussions.

July Chill

the morning temperatures have been in the low 50s. One develops a dread that summer is already gone. So I post this tranquil scene, and hope for more in 2013.

MinnehahaCreek flowing rapidly

A Chance Auto Show in Chanhassen

I happened into a car show in Chanhassen on Saturday, sponsored by Federal Express. I noticed a hand lettered sign while driving, so I decided to check it out. 10:45am. I was too early. A personal, recurrent problem. Still, I noted that Federal Express had job openings full and part time. I noticed a flashy Nascar-esque car splattered with corporate logos and race graphics. It Looked pretty cool. The vehicles were rolling into the lot as I wandered about. There were food trucks. Someone had samelessly brought in as 70s Renault. I oogled hood ornaments.

A new "Chipotle" on 101

I stopped by to look at the new Chipotle on 101 across from the Target Superstore. Very rectangular. It was 11:00am Sunday, and although my photo does not reflect it, there was already a modest amount of traffic at the MacDonalds-owned build you own burrito emporium. I think it is a good fit for the neighborhood, which suffers from a poverty of Tex-Mex, Mexican or Southwest style restaurants. I know, I know, "Taco Lagos" in Excelsior. I am going to make an effort to venture there and do a review. I did not partake in any Chipotle.

Ghosts on Minnetonka

"For night's swift dragons cut the clouds full fast, And yonder shines Aurora's harbinger; At whose approach, ghosts, wandering here and there," Shakespear - A Midsummer Nights Dream

Watermelon - From the Cottagewood 4th of July Celebration

From the History of Watermelon. (Watermelon was a great way to carry .....water.) "Watermelon is thought to have originated in the Kalahari Desert of Africa. The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics on walls of their ancient buildings. Watermelons were often placed in the burial tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife. From there, watermelons spread throughout countries along the Mediterranean Sea by way of merchant ships. By the 10th century, watermelon found its way to China, which is now the world's number one producer of watermelons."

Blue

Elizabeth Maureland teapot. Epitomizes the high water and wild life around Lake Minnetonka, as my house is surrounded by birds, deer, dragonflies and the no so occasional turtle.

Burton Park

I brushed back loose blades of grass and gravel to find a little tribute to a popular 2nd grade teacher at Deephaven Elementary School.

Cottagewood USA 4th of July Celebration

Sunshine. Eighty degrees. People dressed in flag-like attire, and red- white and blue popsicles.

Cottagewood USA 4th.

I plan on my usual coverage of the festivities. Please take a look at Cottagewood USA on the Fourth!

Lake Minnetonka returns to life.

Sunday, in my estimation, was the first day in a long, long time we saw Summer. The dreary weather accounts for my lackluster posts on this blog. Power outages and bad weather have diminished or canceled events. Wayzata Art Experience gone. But we press on as and a sunny day in the high 70s passes for a heat wave. Still, the boat, paddle boards and wave runners descended upon the lake with a flourish. Water level at the max. Her one can see the dock-high water level.