July 10, 2015. Trip to Mississippi

LOCATION: Rochester, Minnesota

WEATHER:  Another beautiful summer day. Highs I about 80

After another efficient appointment at Mayo, we hit the road for a day trip to the Mississippi.  We stopped at Read's Landing Brewing Company for lunch.

 

It is right on the river, and people were out enjoying it with their boats and jet-skis.  We used to come here during the winter to watch the migrating birds.

We crossed over the river to Wisconsin in Wabasha and drove up to Buena Vista Park where there really is a "buena vista" of the river and dam below. 

Graham and Alexis had a good time!

The bartender at Read's Landing had recommended a visit to a biker bar in Pragg, Wisconsin, outside of Alma.  It was a challenge to find it, in the middle of nowhere.  We followed some antique car drivers,  and sure enough, arrived at this hot spot.  George ordered a Rocky Mountain oyster.  He cordially invited us to share, but there were no takers.

Graham and Alexis found a friend....

DINNER:  Back in Rochester, we went to one of my favorite places in town...ZZEST.  Graham had a bone marrow pizza....how interesting!  Alexis had some veg fettuccini, and George and I split a huge, juicy burger.  

 

July 9, 2015. Mayo Clinic efficiency

LOCATION:  Rochester, Minnesota

WEATHER:  very nice.  Highs in 70s

I stayed overnight with my brother and his wife near Lake Calhoun.  They have a lovely garden.  

They enjoy sitting outside during  these beautiful summer days.

I drove 75 miles back to Rochester for afternoon appointments....

I LOVE Mayo Clinic.  I was proud to work there for 13 years, the best job and work environment of all my work experience.

Now I am experiencing it as a patient.  I can't believe its efficiency and caring care...

Yesterday. I had my normal annual dermatology check-up.  The physician assistant found a mole-type growth that she wanted to remove.  Did i have to return another day?  No!  The nurse was called to do the deed, taking a picture on his phone that immediately went into my electronic medical record.  I was in and out in less than an hour.

Then today, I had an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon as a  follow-up from bunion surgery a few years ago.  I was scheduled for X-rays at 1:15,  then a consultation with him at 2:30.  I arrived a bit early for the X-Ray,  but they whisked me in, even though the lobby looked like they were very busy.  Then, I walked just a few convenient steps to the orthopedic clinic.  Expecting to wait until 2:30, I pulled out my book to read.   But, surprisingly at 2:00, I was called in.  First, a really handsome, young (they seem to get younger every year!) medical student examined me.  He conferred with my regular surgeon who then examined me.  He wants to do another test and see me again .  I told him my schedule, that I will only be in town a few more days, and they squeezed me in next Monday.  I left the clinic at about 2:30.  Amazing!  

Taking the escalator to the main floor, I heard beautiful classical music being played on the atrium's piano.  Expecting an older adult pianist, I was surprised to see a young gal playing.  Mayo has beautiful decor and art to help soothe its patients.  

George met me downtown for "Thursdays on First", a weekly summer street fair.  Lots of vendors, food, drink, and music.

Then, we went to our old neighborhood and had dinner with several of our former neighbors.  It was so good seeing them.  Of course, we had to peek at our old house.  Thankfully, it looks like it has been well cared for.

July 8, 2015. With brother in Minneapolis

LOCATION:  Rochester, Minnesota

WEATHER:  Beautiful day. Highs in 70s

After a Mayo appointment, I drove up to St. Paul to meet up with a high school chum.  We had a nice chat at an outdoor restaurant.  The weather is perfect for sitting outside.  Then, after a short detour due to going in the wrong direction, I drove through rush-hour traffic to Minneapolis to the home of my brother and his wife.  

They love gardening and have a beautiful back yard.  

We went to a new "Mexican nouveau" restaurant that they had wanted to try.  We were lucky to snag an outdoor table.  It was a lovely evening.  We all had  a type of seafood, the restaurant's specialty.

July 7, 2015. Relaxing day in Rochester

LOCATION:  Rochester, Minnesota 

WEATHER:  Very pleasant. Highs in 70s

We are making a little progress with our charge, Nina the cat.  She is beginning to warm up to us, especially me, as I am the food provider.

I walked about 30 minutes to downtown Rochester to meet my former staff and my replacement for lunch.  It was a very nice walk, as the older houses have such pretty front yards and flower pots. It was great to see my old friends.  

After lunch, George and I puttered in the homeowners' garden where we are  house-sitting.  Since it recently rained, there is no need for watering.  We pulled a few weeds and enjoyed being outside.  Their raised vegetable gardens are fabulous!  We let Nina out to ponder the baby rabbits and squirrels.  

After this bit of gardening, George quickly hit the hammock for a rest!

We went to Alexis's boyfriend Graham's parents' home for dinner.  Graham's father makes the best pizza in town!  He likes to create new combinations.  For vegan Alexis, he made one with green onions and kale, and another one with beets.  Meat eaters enjoyed a great pepperoni one.  Very nice evening. 

July 6, 2015. Get-togethers with friends and family

LOCATION:  Rochester, Minnesota

WEATHER:  Hazy, rain on and off.  Highs in 70s

George had regular doctor appointments and tests all day at Mayo Clinic.  I shopped with Alexis at some of my favorite shops.

We went to Happy Hour at the Tap House.  There were twogroups...George's former co-workers and mine.  Great fun to chat  and catch up!

Afterwards, George and I took Alexis and her boyfriend out to dinner to Prescotts, one of our favorite places in town.

Everything was delicious!  

July 5, 2015. House-sitting in Rochester

LOCATION:  Rochester, Minnesota

WEATHER:  Very nice. Highs about 80

Our daughter periodically house/cat-sits for a lovely couple here in Rochester.  They had engaged her for this week, so she asked if George and I could do it instead, in order to provide us a nice place to stay.  So, we are in this  beautiful home caring for Nina ...

Alexis and her friend Graham come and go.  We did grocery shopping and planned for the week.  

DINNER:  Chicken and vegetables on the grill with rice on the side.  The grilled asparagus was particularly good.

July 4, 2015. Happy 4th of July with Prairie Home Companion

We drove from Rochester to St. Paul, a 75-mile trip to spend the afternoon/evening watching the Prairie Home Companion radio show.   We try to listen to it regularly while traveling.  Makes us nostalgic for Minnesota.  

It was the 41st anniversary show, broadcast from Macalaster College, where the first show originated.  Garrison Keillor is retiring soon, so when I heard the show advertised on NPR, I thought it would be fun to attend.  

It was outdoors on the "great lawn" of the campus. We arrived about 2:30 in order to find a good spot.  The only issue is that it was quite hot.  We bought a pastie  lunch at a food truck and had some Minnesota-based Schell and Surly beers.

It was very nice.  

Garrison must have been hot in his suit, with his traditional red tie.

After the show, we went to one of our favorite spots in St. Paul, The Happy Gnome, for dinner.  They have a great beer selection.

We had seared ahi tuna with cool soba noodles, then some sliders.  Delicious!  

At the pub, this poster advertised an upcoming beer event.  I was intrigued by the job title "director of beer education".  From my former compensation work, I wondered how they figured out a salary range for such a job.