This weekend we're heading to the Circus at the Target Center, marking the first time in my adult life I've ever been. I'm really looking forward to seeing the show, and hopefully catching a Cirque show in Las Vegas this November. It's been quite the circus-themed year for us, if I do say so myself.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sayonara September
It's already September 27th, can you believe it? That means only three more days until the Halloween decorations go up, and only three more days until my favorite time of the year. This will be my first Halloween in St. Paul and I'm excited to spend the night with Angie and hand out candy together. I just started playing Mass Effect 2, which should work quite nicely to feel my downtime before the big Rock Band 3 release on October 26th. See what I mean? October just keeps getting better and better. But I best not get ahead of myself, it's still September after all.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Camping Out
Spent yesterday and part of today camping at Afton State Park, it was quite the experience. Neither Angie nor I had camped at the hike-in hike-out area within the park before, so it was a learning experience. We learned that the strenuous hike to the campground is almost straight uphill, and for that reason, it's best to pack light. As you can see from this photo, perhaps we brought a wee bit too many things. Ultimately, we could have done without our chairs and brought a smaller cooler, but we made it either way.
The campsite was partially wooded, and featured a picnic table and firepit. We had a short walk to the outhouse and firewood, which wasn't much trouble at all. Honestly, once we actually made it to the campsite, everything else was relatively easy. Our tent assembled in under ten minutes, and shortly after we cut some firewood and carried it back to camp, we had a nice fire going. For dinner we cooked hot dogs over the fire and ate salad I had made earlier in the day. Once the sun went down, we roasted marshmallows and ate s'mores before turning in.
The temps were in the low 40s, but we dressed accordingly and stayed warm and toasty all night long. I'm really happy with the tent and sleeping mats we bought this year, they really make a big difference for the overall comfort factor. After packing everything up and eating a light breakfast, we hauled everything out of the park and back to the car. We spent the next hour or so hiking around the trails and finding a couple geocaches. By the time we left the park around noon, the sun was starting to come out. We were both a little tired, but it was the good kind of tired.
The campsite was partially wooded, and featured a picnic table and firepit. We had a short walk to the outhouse and firewood, which wasn't much trouble at all. Honestly, once we actually made it to the campsite, everything else was relatively easy. Our tent assembled in under ten minutes, and shortly after we cut some firewood and carried it back to camp, we had a nice fire going. For dinner we cooked hot dogs over the fire and ate salad I had made earlier in the day. Once the sun went down, we roasted marshmallows and ate s'mores before turning in.
The temps were in the low 40s, but we dressed accordingly and stayed warm and toasty all night long. I'm really happy with the tent and sleeping mats we bought this year, they really make a big difference for the overall comfort factor. After packing everything up and eating a light breakfast, we hauled everything out of the park and back to the car. We spent the next hour or so hiking around the trails and finding a couple geocaches. By the time we left the park around noon, the sun was starting to come out. We were both a little tired, but it was the good kind of tired.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Blue Ribbon Day
Today was spent outside playing disc golf at my favorite course, Blue Ribbon Pines. It's located in East Bethel, just north of the movie theater. If you've driven by the area, you've probably even seen the brown sign a time or two. Besides being a little far away, it's far and away the best course I've ever played. I try to make it out at least once a year, and today was a great day for my annual trip.
The course is quite long, 27 holes to be exact, but there is a great amount of variety. From basket elevation, water hazards, trees, wind etc. it keeps things fresh and uniquely challenging throughout. Not only is it scenic, but it's also very well-maintained and constantly being updated and improved (photo).
The clubhouse also has a decent selection of discs and accessories for sale, as well as a lost and found for those smart enough to write their name on their discs. I was happy to find a bag today for under $30 bucks, equipped with a drink holder and plenty of pockets (photo). So while I'm definitely not a pro, I always have the most fun being mediocre at Blue Ribbon.
The course is quite long, 27 holes to be exact, but there is a great amount of variety. From basket elevation, water hazards, trees, wind etc. it keeps things fresh and uniquely challenging throughout. Not only is it scenic, but it's also very well-maintained and constantly being updated and improved (photo).
The clubhouse also has a decent selection of discs and accessories for sale, as well as a lost and found for those smart enough to write their name on their discs. I was happy to find a bag today for under $30 bucks, equipped with a drink holder and plenty of pockets (photo). So while I'm definitely not a pro, I always have the most fun being mediocre at Blue Ribbon.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
Pinball On a Stick
Had a great time at the State Fair yesterday, even saw a few things I didn't even know about, like the pinball arcade! They had an entire room of classic pinball including Medieval Madness, Monster Mash, Elvira, Adams Family and more. I couldn't resist playing a quick game (photo) and picking up this cool mouse pad (photo).
We ate lefse (A), sweet potato tots with cinnamon and sugar (B+), cheese curds (A), catfish on a stick (C), corn on the cob (A) and a peaches and cream parfait (A+). The weather was really nice, around 65 or so with patches of sun. Besides food and the mousepad, we didn't buy much else. All in all, it was a wonderful summer day and a great day at the fair.
We ate lefse (A), sweet potato tots with cinnamon and sugar (B+), cheese curds (A), catfish on a stick (C), corn on the cob (A) and a peaches and cream parfait (A+). The weather was really nice, around 65 or so with patches of sun. Besides food and the mousepad, we didn't buy much else. All in all, it was a wonderful summer day and a great day at the fair.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Labor Day Weekend
It's been a fun first two weeks at the new job, but I'm already looking forward to the long holiday weekend. Friday we will be attending our first Twin's game at Target Field, the new (outdoor) stadium. Admittedly, I'm not much of a baseball fan, but it will be fun either way. Saturday we're off to "the great Minnesota get together," otherwise known as the state fair. I've never quite understood what all the fuss is about, but I'm not going to turn down beautiful weather and more food than you can shake a stick at.
Speaking of fairs, we had a great time at the Renaissance Festival last Sunday. Sure, it was a little too hot and dusty, but what can you do. It was the 40th Anniversary year, and my 5th year in-a-row personally. This year was especially fun, going with some newbies and some old friends; we took a leisurely pace and made it all 9 hours from open to close.
Speaking of fairs, we had a great time at the Renaissance Festival last Sunday. Sure, it was a little too hot and dusty, but what can you do. It was the 40th Anniversary year, and my 5th year in-a-row personally. This year was especially fun, going with some newbies and some old friends; we took a leisurely pace and made it all 9 hours from open to close.
