Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!


Aria and Grandpa


Aria moving bells around the living room

Tap Shoe Tuesday.

After the raving success of Jeans Friday, we've decided to institute Tap Shoe Tuesday. That's right - you know that beautiful, long stretch of hallway out your office door? Most days it's just a drag down to the elevator. But take a good hard look at it. It's just begging to be tapped down. So, lace up your tappers, and Gene Kelly your way around the office today and every Tuesday!

That is all.

Wedding-mania!

Thursday: We had a heck of a time at Courtney's bachelorette party - saying adieu to her days as a single lady. We got a fair amount of pampering at Phresh Salon on Grand, consumed a fair amount of wine, and then headed to Tavern on Grand for a fair amount of walleye.

Ellen, Courtney and Nina


Ellen and Courtney

Friday: The rehearsal went smoothly, and the groom's dinner was lovely. Thank you to the Sponsels! Also, Golden's Deli in Lowertown in St. Paul makes a wicked pulled pork sandwich!

Courtney, Alison and David


The Groom and Bride

Saturday: Wedding Day! The only real rocky spot was the vast amount of time spent at the hair salon in the morning. Even that didn't put us behind schedule, it just used up the extra time that was built into the day. Courtney looked incredible, and the whole day was amazing. It was wonderful to see two people who are so much in love.

Married!


Sisters


Thumbs up for good food!


Alison, Dad and Mom

Congratulations to Courtney and Jacob! Your wedding day was beyond lovely, and I am so very very happy for you!

two driving notes.

If you're living in Minnesota, you've probably heard a fair amount about the new "Click It or Ticket" seat belt campaign. Basically, they've passed a law that allows cops to pull you over and give you a ticket for not wearing your seat belt. Last night, I was driving home from the grocery store and came to a red light. I was about the fifth car waiting for the light, and there was a cop car with its lights going off in the right hand turn lane. A cop is walking back through the line of cars, stopping to talk with each driver. As he approaches my car, I roll down my window. "Have your belt on tonight, ma'am?" And, yes, they were instructing those without to pull in front of the cop car to receive their ticket.

The co-op Pat and I are members of recently built a new building. Some of the closer parking spaces are reserved for "compact and low-emissions vehicles". I parked our compact, low-emissions Scion in the spot, did my shopping and headed back out to the car. As I'm walking, a big bright yellow Hummer whips into the parking lot and pulls straight into one of these compact/low-emissions spots. I slow my walk as I go around the back of the Hummer, and I see the driver look at the sign, roll her head back, put the car into reverse and go off to find another spot. My faith in Hummer-drivers has gone up a little bit.

An admission: The MPR pledge drive started today. I love the pledge drive. It makes me happy and excited.

some happenings

Pat and I were fortunate enough to go to the Gopher v. Badger game at the beginning of the month. Though the eventual outcome of the game wasn't exactly what we wanted (Badgers did end up winning), the Gophers didn't just roll over. Also, TCF Bank Stadium (hereafter referred to as "the Vault") is pretty dang great. It was a cold, drizzly, fairly miserable day, but we had a great time anyway.



The chests of the bare-chested guys in the front row say "our axe". Maybe next year...

We attended a co-ed shower for Courtney and Jacob this afternoon. There were a lot of games, tasty sandwiches, cream puffs and the like, and everyone had a lovely time.

You had to seek out safety pins in a bowl of rice. Harder than it seems. Jacob is giving it a second go while Courtney times his efforts.


Yes, yes, David's tall. Here he is (currently at 6'3") next to Grandma.


Leanne, Jacob's mother, organized the whole afternoon. Thank you!


One of the games involved wedding-izing dolls in teams. My team went with a pirate theme, and it turned out pretty dang great. I'm particularly fond of the parrot on her shoulder - constructed mainly by Pat. There are photos of the other examples available on my Flickr site.


She will be such a beautiful, happy bride! Four weeks and counting!

Here's the recipe book I made for Courtney and Jacob's second shower.

My friend Mary was featured in a Twins superstition spot on 'CCO last night! Check it out: http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=68255@wcco.dayport.com

weekend goings on

This past weekend was super busy, but filled entirely with fun things. On Friday night we got all dolled up, loaded ourselves onto the scooter and zimmed on down to the amazing Landmark Center for Sarah and Rick's wedding. It was an incredibly beautiful event and we were so glad we were able to be there to support them. Sarah and Rick are saying their vows right over there on the left. It was an incredible location, and the choir during the ceremony made it all the more magical. Seriously perfect.

On Saturday afternoon and evening we headed out to the 'burbs for Jessica and Brandon's wedding. The ceremony was in Apple Valley and the reception was in Edina. Their's was also ridiculously beautiful. Jessica and Brandon both looked amazing. It was like a fairy tale. Jessica is a friend of Pat's from high school, so a big group of them were able to do a lot of catching up and generally having fun together. Here's a lot of the group pictured below.


Finally, on Sunday we made our yearly trip out to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival with Anni and Jace. This year Marcy and two of Anni and Jace's friends came along. As usual we had a blast. Beautiful weather, lovely garbses, delicious food, and a barrel full of laughs. I really enjoy going out there every year.


Lady Adele is the victor in the Equestrian Trials


The Washing Well Wenches have an hilarious show full of sex jokes, water flying everywhere... it's just a riot. They play their parts very well


We spent some time watching these traditional English dancers. Their costumes are interesting - bells strapped to their ankles. Kinda fun!


This is what I love about the fest. Guy totally rigged up in princely gear, with a burger and fries.


Also, this camel is amazing. Maybe a little dense (didn't move from this position for a good 5 minutes - without even chewing), but great nonetheless.