March can be a brutal month weather wise in Minnesota. Sometimes we have spring like weather followed by second, third and even fourth winter. We could still have a blizzard and a cold snap but as of now there isn’t any snow in the forecast and the coldest temperature predicted is 24 degrees.
In case anyone has forgotten what winter looks like in Minnesota in March, here is a photos I tool on March 10. 2019.
I just got my bike back from Lowertown Bike Shop. It needed a tune-up but more importantly it needed a new chain. We have already had a few days that have been warm enough for biking and are likely to get a few more. I am not into winter biking; I bike when temperatures hit 45 degrees or better.
Bikes are a high theft item. They disappear quickly and we never see them again.
The best practice for securing your bike is to lock it in a garage or shed or enclosed area and also lock the the bike. Mine is locked in a shed and I use a U lock to lock it to a beam. I have had the same bike for six years and would like to hang onto it for a few more years. St. Paul is a wonderful place to bike with plenty of trails.
Sure, I have the serial number and could file a police report if the bike is stolen but that isn’t the same as getting the bike back.
Please keep your bike locked up when not in use. Keep it locked up and behind locked doors and if possible, away from any windows and out of sight.
The central library is beautiful inside and out and a fantastic resource. It also makes a nice backdrop for the holiday decorations in Rice Park. Most of the books I read these days are electronic books that I borrow from the library. They have a large selection of Kindle books and audiobooks that are easy to check out without even going to the library, but I love to go to the library.
In the summer one of the things I love to do is actually go to the library and check and pick up some old-school hardcover books. Since childhood, I have associated summertime with reading. I keep a stash of books for reading on the front porch.
The library is also cool and quiet and they offer many services and types of media. It is a go-to place for research and learning. Did you know that there is a “maker” space? It is a hands-on workspace with a 3D printer, a laser engraver, a sewing machine, a recording studio, and more.
There is a large children’s room filled with books, the puppet stage, and places to read. There is a room with books for teenagers and young adults. There are magazines, newspapers, and movies. The librarians are always helpful and best of all it is all free. Well, it isn’t really free we all pay for it with our tax dollars.
I recommend living within walking distance of a library or two.
I wrote this for Thanksgiving 2020. I am posting it today because one of the many things I am thankful for is that it isn’t 2020.
Happy Thanksgiving! This Thanksgiving will be very different for many of us who are used to hosting family and friends.
Since it is just two of us this year there may be enough pie for three meals. There is plenty of wine too and I may need to drink a little extra so that I am not tempted to whine. I buy wine throughout the year and store it in my wine cellar (basement) for the holidays.
There is always something to be thankful for. Please stay safe and remember that your actions today will have an impact on those around you and on the community.
Alexander Ramsey House – St. Paul Minnesota
Last week the Saint Paul City Council voted to allow multi-family housing units to be built on lots previously limited to single-family homes. Those multi-family homes can be duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes, and maybe even a six or an eight depending upon the size of the lot.
Increasing density will increase the number of housing units. We need more housing in St. Paul. More housing means that housing will be more affordable.
For more information go to Stpaul.gov
It got up to 90 here in the Twin Cities yesterday. Temperatures in the 60s would be closer to normal. For the first time, the Twin Cities Marathon which was supposed to take place yesterday was canceled due to extreme heat.
The weather in Minnesota in the Fall is unpredictable. It will be hot today too. We may even see 90 again. Later this week the weather will be more October-like.
I took this picture during the 2009 Twin Cities Marathon. It was cool that day and rainy too. People in the picture are wearing hoodies and jackets. It was a typical early October morning.
In the last few years, several events have been canceled due to weather or because of the pandemic. We can look forward to more canceled, postponed, or changed events due to the weather.