Snack time.

Sometimes we get a nice treat at work. It's interesting how even a slice of pumpkin pie makes a person feel a little more special.

Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

I have mixed feelings about this trip, but overall this is a great science museum. Looking back I made two critical errors and wound up spending too much money for it... but it was my first trip and I didn't know any better. I'll know better next time and can help you avoid any issues when you go.

 

To start, this place is quite big. Many floors of fun and exploration for kids and adults alike. The money I spent on the $28 ticket went to general admission, a 36-minute IMAX movie, and timed entry into a special exhibit. I hadn't done enough research going in (mistake #1) and basically blindly bought all the passes (mistake #2).

 

The IMAX and special exhibit were on the Maya. Now, I have nothing against the Maya as a culture and people, but do I really need a double-dose of the Maya history in a single 2-3 hour visit? Sorry, I don't. Looking back, I would choose to do the Maya IMAX movie and forego the seemingly sparse special exhibit.

 

I also did not have enough time to check out the normal exhibits in the museum in depth and would gladly go back, pay for general admission, and do that on a rainy (or snowy) day. I should have plenty of opportunities real soon.

Looking down from Level 5 (I think). The layout is inverted as you walk in from very high at street level and then go down in the museum to river level

You can just see the dino bones from here



Pretty intricate work for centuries old stuff

I don't vividly recall seeing dinosaur bones from my youth, but even if I did, they have an impressive display. One of their sets is one of only four complete sets known to exist in the world

And I had no real idea how HUGE Triceratops really was/is. This thing is massive. They do not like it when you try to "ride it like a bull", I found out later...

Quote of the Day

There is limitless strength and power from being positive, clear minded, organized, thoughtful, honest, and truly happy. Almost all experts agree, and clinical research supports it - Todd Schumlick - Perform X Racing

Goto: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Carpet-Sweat-and-Brainwaves.html

 

Music: Foals - My Number

I like the 80's retro-sound... if that's what they were going for...

Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, MN

During a self-guided tour of the outdoor sculpture garden, we found this little guy hiding out in a garden display that we'd never seen in full bloom previously. He/She seemed hard at working, getting it done before the season changes. Oh, the flower also adds a great color to the images too...very pretty down this backstretch of the sculpture garden.

A little TV magic.

No strings attached...pure TV magic.

Minneapolis Farmers' Market Annex, Iron Creations.

If you stroll past the flower wholesaler and peek around the corner, you'll find a good sized yard of steel and iron creations, of many shapes and many subjects. You better ask yourself, "Is my yard/house missing that certain something?" This may be it.

Fly little piggies!

That's 'Merica, dammit!

This place got a little cheeky... look past the rooster to the "gal" on the wall... kind of risque for a farmer's market.

Minneapolis Farmers' Market, The Double Down.

Who doesn't often get the urge to put on an outfit that "matches" top to bottom? Instead of suppressing those feelings like the rest of us, these ladies took it to a new level. And make no mistake about it, these were not the only ones we found...but some people walk faster than I can get out my phone/camera.

Minneapolis Farmers' Market Annex, Scariest Clown Ever.

I really was scared of this man. If I had kids, I would stop attending this farmers' market, just on principle. I don't know how he stays in business...must be amazing balloon animals.

Lions Tap, Eden Prairie, MN

If you want a good burger, friendly service, in-house brews, all wrapped up in a slice of Americana, this is the place. Places like this are becoming more rare everyday in the US...and I'm not talking about the beef.

 

Speaking of beef, the double bacon cheeseburger was a great way to start of this new restaurant relationship, washed down with their Oatmeal Stout.

 

One of the cleanest menus I've ever seen... but you may not be happy if you're a veg.

Yes, that's the good china.

This was a beast but delicious... and don't ask for medium-rare, IMO

The Responsible Economy, Patagonia

Paracord Bracelet

I made this over the weekend...now I need to find out what I'm going to do with it.

  

MN State Fair, Odd Balls

No public event of this size is complete without some wack-a-doos from the general population of the US and, in this case, Minnesota specifically.

And this fair did not disappoint. I escpecially liked/was frightened by the woman smoking and drinking beer, while intoxicated, and while using a walker down the streets! Then again, maybe she's really on to something... Why not use a walker when you know you're going to get stumble-drunk at a public event? Smart.

Plus, plenty of other "fun" things to see at the fair:

 

Though I may never fully understand this, I think I have it figured out. They make sculptures, out of butter, for each of the women in the "court" at the fair. You can see the sculptor's legs behind this "butter bust" as she's in the chilled cooler scultping another woman, who is also sitting right there in the cooler... winter coat on and all. This is NOT a joke.

Gander Moutntain, smart as they are, decided to set-up a "Relaxation Station" in their area. Boy oh boy was it well-used. 

This guy could have slept through a snowstorm.

And were you in the market for a beer bottle night light? You know, so you can find the toilet when you get up to hurl...

You're right, I needed one more butter sculpture pic!

MN State Fair, Horsin' Around

One of the people I was seeing the fair with wanted good shots of horses for her own image collection (she's a painter). So, we spent some time hanging around the barns and stalls and even at the competition area. I don't think I'm the only one that thinks horses are pretty magestic creatures and really enjoyed sittin' for a spell and watching them "work".

This is "Prince", he's about 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weighs 1900lbs - Duke was in the stall next to him, btw

MN State Fair, Entry & Foods

I made it!

The Minnesota StateFair, or as they like to say, "The Great Minnesota Get-Together". I had a great tourguide and her mother too. It made for a helpful and less stressful day overall.

 

A quick look at down some of the concourses.:

In case you haven't heard about it - All You Can Drink Milk during your Fair visit for only $1! "...Milk was a bad choice!"

The throngs of pasty and soft Americans...

Here's my own food list as the day went on:

- Breakfast Sausage Pancake-Wrapped "Corn Dogs" with Maple Syrup, $5 for 3pcs (1 had 2pcs)
- French Meadow Chocolate Croissant, just a big bite from a shared purchase
- Red Velvet Funnel Cake, $8 for a 9" wide, 1" thick monster funnel cake
- Mancini's Meatball "Chicetti", $6
- Mancini's Original Steak Sandwich on buttered foccia, $9
- Peroni Beer, $4.75 for 12oz.

I know O could have done much worse and am proud of myself for not doing so... and also a little disappointed.

Yes, this was one of the best stand-up breakfasts I ever ate... syrup included.

Can you say, "Red Velvet Funnel Cake"? This is worth finding and trying if you ever get the chance.

Not enough Fair for you? No problem. Stayed tuned the next two nights for two new posts. Thank me later.