Firefly!

Sci Fi is showing Firefly. In order. Fridays at 7/6c. Excellent.

And Serenity the Movie will be coming out. September, I think.

What a nice surprise.

company car

Working in this science museum is just cool sometimes. Yesterday, I was recruited to have my temperature and heart rate monitored while I listened to different pieces of music. It's for an exhibit we are developing on 'bio' music, loosely defined as a natural study of music. I'm constantly hearing bird calls and other animal sounds from the desks of the folks working on the project. Its a cool project.

Yesterday I found out that I can borrow one of the museum's cars. For museum errands only, so no borrowing so I can make my rounds of errands, but still. Here I was, ready to whine about not being able to pick up supplies for a project I'm working on, when the scientist I'm working with says, why don't you borrow one of the cars. Well, why not indeed.

You can't sleep through Dream the Impossible Dream

It's true. I'd managed to fall back asleep this morning with the radio on and was awakened by a lovely version of Dream the Impossible Dream. The song drew me up and out of bed. Nice.

Last night I bought some groceries. Not everything I need. I can never get everything I need. I walk home from the grocery store and while it's only about 6 blocks away, I'm a wimp and I get tired of carrying bags. After some early disasters of thinking I could suck it up. I now plan to only have 2 heavy bags or 3-4 light bags. Yesterday I stood in the aisle and weighed the small bag of cat food vs the cans of beans that were on sale. I could only carry one home (cat food won. I'll be back for the beans).

The Twin Cities are car towns. Public transport is not bad. It gets me where I need to go, but it's not great either. And there's always room on the bus, because so few people take it. It's funny. This area is so eco-conscious. Lots of folks at work bike or carpool in. Some of them take the bus. But they all have a car somewhere that they can use to get around. I love the shocked look I get at the grocery store when I tell the bagger, who has kindly offered to carry my bags out to my car, that I'll be walking home.

Still there are times when I need a car and I've got a growing list of things to do that mean I've come to one of those times. So I'm debating between renting a car or participating in car share (www.hourcar.org). I like the idea of car share, but I'm not positive it's for me - economically or convenience-ly. I've only needed to rent a car twice in the time I've been here. The first time I got an extra good deal. The second time is now and there are no good deals available. Anyway - I've got some thinking to do.

New gyro place

Last night, I got a 2nd wind and stayed late writing copy. When I left around 7:30, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the new gyro place around the corner from work was still open when I got out (per the norm, most sandwich places close after lunch). So, I skipped across the street and got myself a gyro, some hummus and some baklava. I could only finish the gyro (which was HUGE and came with fries), so I brought in the rest for lunch today.

I'm pleased to report that the gyro was quite good. Lots of savory meat, cucumbers and lettuce (I picked out the raw onions). Good balance of flavors. I've been craving gyros since Taste of MN and now I've got a new, nearby, stayin' open late place to fulfill that craving.

Birthday/4th of July

I never got around to describing my Birthday/4th of July weekend. Well, here goes.

Friday - My folk's plane was late so I hung out in the Big Backyard by myself, played putt-putt and read a book. It was a perfect summer night, warm and sweet smelling. I teased the couples who came by (the science museum makes a great date). I also helped myself to a healthy helping of raspberries. Everything in the Backyard is edible and the raspberries are at a peak right now. So waiting around was not a hardship.

We went to dinner at 128 Cafe. Anyone who visits me will be going here. This was my first time and I was very impressed. The chef has a gift for bringing together disparate textures and flavors so that they support and enhance each other. We split an app of 'pizza,' thin crisp crust, pineapple, jalapenos, goat cheese, arugula...might have been a few more things. It was sweet, savory, spicy, crunchy and soft, all at once.

For entrees, I had my dad get the ribs, for which this place is famous. They were delicious. The meat was perfectly tender and lip smacking. Mom had a roast chicken that was lovely. And I had pork tenderloin. The pork was served with a pear-rosemary demi glace, arugula, veggies and grits. I know grits and these were some of the best grits I have ever eaten. They managed to be silky smooth and still retain their individual character. Wow.

I dragged my folks home that evening to play Mexican Train Dominoes (my new favorite game). For this weekend, I borrowed my friend Sara's set since I don't have my own set yet. I'll buy one soon. All must play!

Bye bye BBTR

Okay - I've felt hotter, but it is still hot here. I spent most of the weekend inside my apartment hiding from the humidity.

I did slip out for a last trip to Bound to be Read (BBTR), which was a great independent book store about a block and a half from my home. The store is closing and I'm crushed. It was a really nice store, good selection and they had lots of community events. I had even signed up to participate in a science book club. The first meeting was to be held two weeks after they announced they were closing.

The initial announcement came at the end of May. I've watched the % off signs changing in the windows. They are up to 80% off and everything must go. Really, everything. They've tagged the bookshelves, the wall hanging systems, the stuff in the coffee shop. As I was checking out, the guy behind the counter asked if I wanted to buy the convenience basket in which I was carrying my books. Um, no. But thanks for asking.

more later

Had a great weekend with my folks. Very busy and much fun. Sooo tired now. I'm going to slog my way through work, sleep hard tonight and tomorrow I'll update here about my weekend.

So...what's your State Muffin?

Since moving to MN, I've been seriously amused by the volume and wackiness of the MN state symbols. Below is the list, as published by the state legislature (http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/symbols.asp)

In addition to such standards as...
State Bird: the loon
State Flower: pink and white lady slipper (Cypripedium reginae)
State Tree: red or Norway pine (Pinus resinosa)
State Motto: Star of the North
State Song: "Hail Minnesota"

Minnesota has also designated a...
State Butterfly: the monarch
State Drink: milk
State Fish: walleye
State Gemstone: Lake Superior agate
State Grain: wild rice
State Muffin: blueberry
State Mushroom: morel (morchella esculenta)
State Photo: "Grace" by Eric Enstrom

You betcha.

Tasting Minnesota

Behold the preparations for Taste of Minnesota (www.tasteofmn.com). This is a multi day festival. It starts tonight and ends on the 4th of July. Free music, fireworks every night, all the mosquitoes you can catch, and everything you never thought was possible to deep fry and eat off a stick.

I admit, I was initially disappointed by the advertised food selection. I mistakenly though that something called "Taste" of MN would showcase local foods and specialties. Maybe it does. Maybe the local specialties are corndogs and deep fried oreos.

My parents arrive tonight and I've got the whole weekend planned out. Tonight - let there be putt putt, fresh berries and then a scrumptious dinner at Cafe 128. There may or may not be ice cream from Izzy's afterwards. If I die after this weekend, I'll die happy.