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by G. Sax

I work in real estate, and I play in St. Paul. Sometimes I work in St. Paul, too. Like last Friday. I went on my final longish training run before my first ever marathon this upcoming Saturday up the way in Duluth, Minnesota (wish me luck!).

I see a lot of cool things while running around St. Paul. Cool houses. Cool coffee shops. Cool parks. Cool dogs. Cool people. And sometimes I see cool, photoworthy stuff. I'm not so cucumber cool as to carry a camera with me while I'm cruising the capital city like Ed does over in Minneapolis. Ed's done the marathon thing a few more times than I have; plus he thought of the camera thing first, and I try not to be too much of a copycat.

But after my run, I did retrace my route via car and took a couple of shots that caught my eye.

In the Northwest Como neighborhood: Quotable Cooper. I like an elementary school that draws inspiration from the shock rock lexicon.

Off of Pierce Butler Route: The final day of Minnehaha Lanes.

It was a little sad to see the teardown of the old bowling alley. My grandma bowled in leagues there. My mom bowled in leagues there. I had a red, flame-painted bike with a banana seat get stolen from there. My five-year high school reunion was held there several years ago (and I got really, really drunk there). I took my kids there a little over a year ago, and we had so much fun we bought an extra game. Even then, the employees knew the Lanes' days were numbered.

So long, old friend. Here's to hoping your land is redeveloped right. I'll think of you fondly while finishing off spares over at Midway Pro Bowl.