Day 24 - A Return to Minnehaha Park

I was looking back through old photos again today and found these un-posted photos Minnehaha Falls Park in Minneapolis.  You might remember some others of the falls that I posted a couple years ago.  These photos were obviously taken when the water levels were MUCH lower.  These photos were taken in April of 2004, if I remember correctly the falls were lower that Spring then anyone remembers them being.

The water did not look too dangerous that day

Another example of my "self portraits"

Day 23 - MVP MVP MVP

I was already working on a post with some photos from Twins games this season when it was announced today that Joe Mauer was named American League Most Valuable Player for 2009!!  Congratulations to Joe Mauer for a history making season.  Now can the Twins please get around to signing Joe to a life long contract?  Give him a percentage of the team if that is what it takes.

Day 22 - From The Stone Arch Bridge

As I was trying to figure out what to post today I started looking back through some of the older photos that I have taken and found these 2004 photos of The Stone Arch Bridge that I have not posted before.  These photos were all taken while still on the bridge as I started a day of walking around downtown Minneapolis looking for photos.

Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

Mill City Museum

Day 21 - The Great Minnesota Eat-Together

In yesterday's recap of my visit to the Minnesota State Fair I skipped over the most important part, the food.  I think we all know that the only reason a lot of people go to the Fair is to eat the food you only get a chance to eat for those 12 days a year.  I had two food items that I knew I wanted to try to find, alligator and chocolate covered bacon.  I of course was also going to indulge in some of the classics too.  I'm starting to get a stomach ache just thinking about the crap I ate so let's get started.

Starting off with a classic Corn Dog right inside the gate

Finishing off a Chocolate Shake from the Dairy Barn

I found the alligator!

I went with the deep fried alligator and fries.  I was not sure what to expect but I really enjoyed it and will get it again the next time I have a chance.

Mini Donuts shared amongst several of us

Fresh French Fries shared amongst many

Cheese Curds for dinner?  What would my Mom say?  Well she better not say anything since that is what she had as well.

And the finale, Sweet Martha's Chocolate Chip Cookies

I never did find the chocolate covered bacon anywhere, I passed on the Big Bacon on a stick in hopes of finding it.  Maybe next time.

Looking back at it I really did not have that much to eat when you remember that it was spread out over about 10 hours.  But it still makes my stomach a little queasy thinking about all that grease.  That being said, of course I would it all again.  It is not a State Fair experience without the food!

Day 20 - The Great Minnesota Get-Together

For the first time in probably at least 10 years I ventured to the Minnesota State Fair this August.  It's not that I don't like the fair, but if I don't go I don't feel like I missed anything.  This year my Mom and sister Amy were back in Minnesota for a family reunion during the fair and wanted to go.  Amy's "friend" (it's a long story) Mike joined us for the day at the fair.

The crowds were already there in full force when we arrived

The only spot that I knew I wanted to stop by at the fair was the live broadcast of Garage Logic on AM-1500.  I have listened to their State Fair episodes for years and wanted to get to see one in person.  It did not disappoint, in fact it might be something that would make me consider going to the Fair more often.

Joe Soucheray talks to Princess Kay and The Lake Detective

After Mom and I watched Garage Logic for awhile we found Amy and Mike again, they had been joined by Mike's Mom Charlie and Dave.  We headed off to The Midway so Dave and Mike could try their hand at winning some of the giant stuffed animals.

Mike of course was drawn to the game involving beer bottles

The beer bottle game didn't work, maybe ring toss will lead to success

While Dave and Mike continued to play different games I took a walk down The Midway to see if I could find some photographic inspiration.  While I was not super excited by the photos I thought a couple turned out ok.

Success!  Mike finally wins the giant animal (we think it was supposed to be a lion)

As quickly as he won it he handed it off to Amy who is not quite sure what to think

Dave had quite a bit of success too, winning 2 giant Scooby's and a couple unicorns

A newly born calf as we made a quick stop by the Miracle of Birth Center on the way out

A sheep waiting to give birth at the Miracle of Birth Center

Mike, Winston The Lion, and Amy on the way home

No, I did not forget about the food.  Believe me we/I had plenty to eat, but that will have to be another post.  (Give me a break I still have 10 more posts to do this month.)

Day 19 - Contest #28

12 days left in November.  Still not sure how I will come up with 12 more posts.
Contests always help so . . . Where am I today?

Day 18 - A Gift For Dave

I was reminded tonight by Dave how he is already half way through his time on nights at work. That reminded me of the "craft" project that I made for him on our first night together in September. I thought I would share what is left of it today.

The paper chain started off with 71 links, today we are down to only 35! If you would prefer to keep track of Dave's days left he has also posted a countdown at the top of his blog.

(The real reason for this post is because Dave has been less than happy with the quality of my posts. I'm sure he won't like this one either. )