alexandriacardinals

Another momentary respite from France to catch up on . . . summer!  (Afterall, this is Vacationland USA, where the excitement never ends!  🙂  )

Theatre L’Homme Dieu

[The longest running summer stock theater in Minnesota.  Go on Tuesday nights, enjoy the après party with the cast; go on Friday nights, go to the Northside DQ après.]

[July 1]

Sunrise on Beautiful Lake Darling

[July 2]

Kevin Klimek @ SAWA

[With a stop to check on the Broadway makeover . . .]

[July 3]

The 4th

[Per recent tradition, we viewed the Arrowwood fireworks display from the Fieldhammers.  Thanks again to Pris and “Rock.”]

[The last a contribution from Angie Annen on the night.]

The Kids from Indiana Arrive

[The kids came up from Indiana with a truckload of stuff for the property north of Itasca State Park.  We met them in Fargo where they dropped off the truck.  This bison was in Fargo.]

[This latter guy is in Moorhead July 5.]

Grandma Thompson’s Duncan Phyfe Couch

[Prepped for donation to Theatre L’Homme Dieu, July 5]

Danny Moves In

[While they prepare the northern property as the ultimate habitation site, Danny will work for Force America in Alex.  Here he’s off for his first day on the job.]

[July 7]

The 2nd Cataract Surgery

[Ole (well, young) Doc Ristvedt got me again on July 8 . . . “X” marks the spot.]

[This time it was more than just a simple (?) lens replacement. Dr. Deb Ristvedt decided a cornea relaxer was also needed.  And I heard her ask if the knife was ready, the diamond-edged knife, when she came into the OR.  I said, “I can hear you, you know?” She of course was talking about the diamond-tipped concrete scorer she was going to use on my cornea to “relax” it!  Well, I didn’t cry much . . . and did get my DQ chocolate malt afterwards for being a good boy.”]

Maximilian Bodmer Art Exhibition @ The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum

[The super with my classmates Mary Anne Hibbard Estenson and Lorlee Bartos.]

[Bruce Pohlig]

[Kevin Kopischke]

[Fred Bursch]

[The ribbon cutting.]

[July 8, I’ll have to come back some time to “see” what I missed!]

Alexandria Golf Club

[A shout out to the club’s gardener, Steph Olson.  The model is unknown.]

[And to Donnacha and the entire grounds crew.  With a perfect growing season, the course looks better than ever.  No. 9 on our way out on July 9.]

The Supervisor’s Gardens

[ . . . that same evening.]

[Neighbor Arnie’s classic.  With neighbor Dan’s classic Jag on the other side, the whole neighborhood is going topless this summer.  😉  ]

[It’s like a jungle down there!]

The Duncan Phyfe is off to the Theatre

[I was recovering from eye surgery, so Danny and the supervisor had to do all the heavy lifting, July 10.  🙂  ]

Alexandria Area High School

[This was two weeks before our walk through, so you can see how much has been done since then – the trees and lights are now in.  Our sister-in-law, Karen, who is a partner with Cuningham & Associates, the designers of the high school, and her sister Sandy came up to Alex from the Cities so Sandy could buy a car . . . so we took it on a test drive to the high school.]

[July 13]

The Salty Dogs @ Carlos Creek Winery

[ . . . later that same day, we enjoy a pizza made and delivered by our favorite hockey star winery employee, Alia Kopischke.]

[The new award winning wine made primarily from Minnesota grapes, Marquette and  Frontenac.]

[The group sang happy 75th birthday greetings to Dwaine Berger.]

“Rancho Mirage” @ Theatre L’Homme Dieu

[We went out to visit Grandma’s couch, July 15.  Oh, the play was really good too!]

Pork Chop Feed

[Alexandria braced itself today (July 16) for what annually has become the largest eating fest ever this side of Stearns County. Shalom Lutheran Church sponsors a pork chop and chicken bar-b-q, with all the fixin’s, that usually takes place in 95-degree temps with 75-degree dewpoints. We have a weather reprieve this year. Possibly because of that, turnout seemed larger than ever this year. Several 747’s full of Japanese tourists landed at Chandler Field this afternoon, creating parking mayhem from Villard to Urbank. The super and I had pre-paid tickets, but nevertheless we had to stand in a line that stretched all the way to Elden’s. Once inside the church we were given a number and told to wait in the sanctuary. Once inside the sanctuary, we were told it would be a two-month wait in the SRO crowd before our number would be called. Fearing a panic attack, or even worse a hunger pang, the supervisor bolted forward asking if we had to wait if we wanted take-out? We did not – we were saved! Here Crazy Dave supervises the hordes of volunteer grill operators – to which all I can say is, better him than me!]

Why did the Turkeys Cross the Road?

[To hear the Salty Dogs @ SAWA, July 17]

Katie Ray @ Carlos Creek Winery

[July 20]

July is so huge, it takes two parts to tell it all . . .

Again a short break from France to catch up on local events . . .

[The Voice of Alexandria video tour.]

[Thanks again to Dave Hartmann and Tom Mulder for setting up this special tour for Paul Donley, one of the Cardinal all-timers.  Paul and Merry were contributors to the school’s capital building fund but were unable to attend the opening tour for all the contributors.  Of course, the super and I didn’t mind “tagging along” since we’ll miss the public open house on August 5, 5:00 – 8:00, as I recall.  This is the main entry to the school, which opens this fall, on the South side of the building facing the football field.]

[So, here we begin.  The signage gives you a clue . . . ]

[Joint class sessions can take place here.]

[An emphasis on open space and natural light.]

[The AD explains the classroom concept to the former high school principal.]

[Love these little sitting areas.]

[Love these huge sitting areas!  The gymnasiums are through the double doors on the left, the far wall is the cafeteria (a variety of noshes), and the rest is open space eating and meeting areas.]

[And the full extension.  The school student capacity is 1,400, and I believe 440 can be seated in this area at any one time.]

[The library, as they are today.  Four small book shelves, everything else is electronic.]

[The supervisor queries Paul, “Was this the library in your day?”]

[From a library window looking east.  Landscaping will be a work in progress.]

[I believe this is part of the library, but my head was kinda spinning.]

[Media central.  This will be like a TV or film production studio.  Everything the school does can be videoed, edited, critiqued . . . And they will be able to stream school events.]

[Seemed like a pertinent time for a photo.]

[“Greens screens” – they’ll be able to re-create Avatar!  😉  ]

[Hi, Tom!  We’re up here.]

[The supervisor drives Paul to the contributors’ wall . . . ]

[Thanks to all on this wall!]

[The view from the contributors’ balcony out the “front door” – you can see the westside football stands and the scoreboard in the distance.]

[Thank you Paul and Merry.]

[And “Weakie” finally made the A-list.  Thanks Bob and Vivian.]

[A classroom.]

[Classroom and meeting areas.]

[Now we’re in the other wing.]

[Admin office area at the front entrance.  Hi, Deb!]

[From the main “concourse” looking up at the contributors’ wall.]

[Mr. Mulder is astounded.]

[Looking across from the cafeteria side.]

[And we’re in the food prep and pick-up area.]

[And your food options are . . .]

[We all decided we wanted to come here for dinner!  🙂  ]

[And now we head into the crown jewel . . . ]

[The one thing (OK, maybe more than one) Alex has needed forever – a performing arts center.  Now we have one – with 1,013 seats!]

[The supervisor and Paul checking out the seating and sight lines for the world-class stage.]

[Let the performances begin!  For my opening act . . . We just missed some of the school orchestra members practicing.]

[Friends, Romans, countrymen . . . ]

[I come not to bury Caesar, but merely to check his ticket stub.]

[Was the lighting right on that take?]

[The audience, whose 50th class reunion is this year, signals approval of the performer, whose 50th class reunion is next year.]

[As the old saying goes, you could drive a bus onto this stage.]

[The view from “pretty close” to the top of the first level.  I’m pretty sure the super and I will be spending a lot of time here!]

[The band room . . .]

[The orchestra room.  I think I got that right.  How ’bout them rosewood floors?  🙂 ]

[The choir room.]

[And the acoustics and video feed-backs in these rooms . . . ]

[Sweet!]

[Movin’ in.]

[Again, the view from the lobby as we head to the sports area . . . ]

[Get your Cardinal hoodies!]

[For the gyms . . . no more, “Eeeew, are these their bathrooms?”]

[The training and fitness room . . . ]

[With a view of Grand Arbor.]

[I guess calling it only a “room” underplays it a bit.]

[As the football players pump iron, they can be inspired by the sight of their field.]

[Where we were, ‘cuz we’ll undoubtedly get lost for a while.]

[Their are 5 basketball courts . . . that’s 5 as in FIVE!]

[Thank you Bruce and Kathleen.]

[The bleacher wall.  I believe from both sides a roundball game can seat 2,000.]

[Three of the courts, with the far bleacher wall.  The windows face north, so glare should never be an issue.]

[There’s all kinds of stuff up there.  I forgot the total number of baskets.]

[Flat screen displays are everywhere.]

[Remember the stuff in the ceiling.  The volleyball nets come down from up there!]

[New team seating.]

[Because of the VIP caliber of the attendees, the bleachers were “brought out” for us . . . ]

[And you can still see the “A” when done so.]

[The other two basketball courts with the giant single-piece wrestling mat.]

[In addition to wrestling, I’m assuming that such as gymnastics and dance will be here.]

[The wrestling workout room, though other sports will use it as well for warm-ups and in foul weather (what, in Minnesota?).]

[Each sport has its own equipment and uniform storage cage – and they’re mobile.]

[The lockerrooms, if you couldn’t tell.]

[The lockers are different sizes for different sports . . . as in a football uniform takes up a tad more room than one for cross-country.]

[As an older person, we’re always interested in the bathroom facilities.]

[We even have nice rooms for the visiting teams.]

[Ugh, I try not to look at this stuff.]

[The concession stand . . . a slight upgrade from the old school.]

[And another touchscreen monitor. You will be able to use one of these to, among other things, call up your high school yearbook . . . say for the class of ’65, “page” through it, and probably have a good laugh.]

Outside, well, I’ll forget something but . . . the artificial turf football/soccer field, six grass practice fields for both, a 9-lane track, two baseball fields, 12 tennis courts, and four softball fields.  If those aren’t correct, it’s in the vicinity.  The first home soccer games are less than a month away.  See you all there!  🙂

[We came, we saw, we got sore feet!]

OK, this is the supervisor’s time – her photos of the trip.  You’ve seen these places before though my eye, and now through hers for our digital scrapbooking.  And I like it because I am often the subject rather than the photographer!  🙂

Avignon

[Our first breakfast in city central.]

[Reetz pestered by an American tourist.]

[Shoulda gone for a ride!]

[At the hotel.]

[Back downtown on morning two.]

[Where we first saw the ads for the art show at the Popes’ Palace.]

[Avignon at night from our boat.]

[The guys, just trying to hold our own against The Seven.  😉  ]

[It’s a par-TAY!]

[Boogie?]

[Let’s get this tub rollin’ on the river!]

Arles

[At the arena, and no I do not believe that is Al Grundei shooting next to me in the top two photos.]

[    ]

[Ole!!]

[     ]

[    ]

[Ahhh, St. Etienne des Sorts, where we were stranded for two days.  Nice souvenir from the crew.  😉  ]

Lavender

[At the lavender museum, the super got a lovely shot of the field here.]

[Amid the distillery.]

[Waiting to be picked up by the boat in Viviers.]

Beaune

[On the road to Beaune, the capital of Burgundy.]

[The difference between men and women as to what they like to take pictures of – she likes cars.  Now I don’t know if it’s for her sake, or son Rob’s, but I’ll put them all in for her, beginning with Reetz and her Jag XKE.]

[These were all arriving while we were standing there.  I’ve never heard of them, but apparently Panhards are (were?) famous European race cars.]

[We’re going for a wine tasting!  🙂  ]

[And our tour guide led the tasting.  I see we were 3C again?]

[And completing (beginning?) the tasting.]

[The Hospice]

Cloud nine gets all the publicity, but cloud eight actually is cheaper, less crowded, and has a better view.  ~  George Carlin

[Leaving the Louvre and entering the Tuileries Gardens where a photographer was shooting crows?]

Paris

[The crow took refuge behind people enjoying the sun on the grass.  Oh, and I believe the statue to be a Maillol named “Mediterrane.”]

[Then it was full speed ahead into the Tuileries . . . ]

[A really large area that appears to be really well-groomed public gardens.]

[“Diane”]

[Worthy of being drawn . . . ]

[But not of being found on the internet?]

[Goats?]

[Apparently used for grounds maintenance under the supervision of the crows.]

[Looking back toward the Louvre while Elizabeth and Reetz admire the flora.]

[We’ve reached the center “pool” but in a desperate search for lunch did not meander over for a look?]

[OK, maybe we did give it a brief look.  😉  ]

[Oh, oh, an outdoor café in the gardens has been spotted by our alert forward scouts.]

[I think we all opted for the quiche.  Is it true the French don’t have a word for “quiche”?]

[Ever eager for a photo op, I leapt from the lunch table . . . ]

[To capture the crow, who obviously also monitors the statuary.]

[Then he/she flew away . . . ]

[Only to return to keep an eye on our dining progress.]

[Kay captures the action.  No birds or animals were harmed during the photographic shoot.]

[Be honest, did you think this was a de Kooning?]

[The Biddies are just delighted.  We recently heard Reetz is already planning her next 20 visits to Europe!  🙂   ]

[“Colossus of the Nile”]

[We’ve finished lunch and . . .]

[All roads lead to the Tower?]

[The Obelisk of Luxor in Place de la Concorde, the opposite end of the Tuileries from the Louvre.  The cops obviously heard we were in town!]

[You’ve probably heard of this before?  It’s at . . .]

[The Musee de l’Orangerie, still in the “flight path” from the Louvre to the Tower.   ]

[The Orangerie features the impressionists, much to the delight of The Biddies.  There was no inside photography allowed however, so I took a shot out the window.  🙂  ]

[A couple of closer-upper looks at the Obelisk of Luxor as we continued our adventure toward . . .]

[The Arch de Triomphe . . .]

[Down the Champs Elysees.  It’s farther away than it looks, so The Biddies decided not to make this trek with us.]

[French author Alphonse Daudet, as we continued toward the Arc.  One of his more memorable quotes was, “You can call me Al,” which later went on to become a famous lyric in a Paul Simon song.]

[Believed to be the Petit Palais . . . ]

[Though none of the internet photo posters deigned to take a shot from this angle on the other side of the Champs Elysees.  😉  ]

[Ms. Monroe now appears to be the poster child for every film festival.]

[Yeah, he slept here . . . ]

[Not too far from here, where he probably went for evening entertainment.]

[Little did we know that King Tut was in town . . . not to mention King Luis and ’57 Chevy!]

[No, I did not shop here.]

[The Arc is in a traffic circle, about 400 lanes wide.  It would be impossible to cross above ground . . . so they built a tunnel.]

[And here we are . . . ]

[Bill decided that he, and I, would take the narrow spiral stair case to the top – some 280 steps!]

[We made it!  And the view down the Champs Elysees was worth it!  😉  ]

[Montmartre, the hill in the distance will come into play at the bottom of this posting.]

[Views all around.]

[I was surprised that none of us wanted to go the top of the Tower – the lines I suppose.  But Bill also thought the view from the top of the Arc would be even better.  Well, for one thing, you get a bird’s-eye view of the Tower.  😉 ]

[Bill secures a photo op spot . . .]

[Then shoots me in my Mary Tyler Moore moment!]

[Have you been counting the number of Tower shots?  I think it’s over three now?]

[A couple last shots on a walk around . . .]

[Commercial Paris?]

[A closer upper view of the Basilica of Sacre Coeur on Montmartre.]

[This is the city . . .]

[Back down on street level, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.]

[An Arc support.]

[And the whole thing as we head for home.]

[Bert and Kathy may have gone back to Huntington, WV, but we found Bert’s bar!]

[Paris, the Tower and the Seine.]

[Crossing the Seine.]

[Unbeknownst to us during the day’s activities, Elizabeth had a plan for the evening.  A café on Montmartre appealed to her sense of dining adventure.  And what fun, the classic subway exit/entrance at Montmartre.  🙂    ]

[Let’s just walk around the area . . . ]

[Just your basic avant-garde dining area.  😉   ]

[But we’re not there yet . . . we have to take the Funiculaire to the top of the hill.  Our subway tickets worked for this.]

[Up we go . . . ]

[Soon to have . . . ]

[A view of . . . ]

[Paris!  (You were expecting . . . Milwaukee?)]

[It was getting late but the sun stays up late here.]

[Finally, a spot where we couldn’t see the Tower.  It was about 20 degrees further right of this photo.]

[The Sacre Coeur was behind us.  I guess people were sitting on the steps waiting for the City of Lights to . . . light up?]

[Can you find Anne, Elizabeth and Bill at the top of the stairs.]

[Quite the viewing area.]

[Just going to see if anything was around the corner?]

[I walked down a set of stairs to shoot back up at The Biddies.]

[Well, who needs the City of Lights?  We were hungry and it was probably 10:00.  So we  walked down about half of what the Funiculaire took us up in search of Elizabeth’s café.]

[And here it is – Chez Marie!  🙂  ]

[Tiny little place – could probably seat about 20?  The super liked the wall of kitties.]

[The party attempts menu comprehension, while enjoying the ambience.]

[Merci beaucoup again to Elizabeth for finding this place.  It was a perfect ending for a perfect day.]

[The stairs from whence we came.]

[Mmmmm, this is good!]

[OK, I can’t remember what we all had, but it was very tasty.  Looks like I had a soup or stew?]

[And now it’s dark . . . and way past our bedtime.  We had to hit the subway, with a transfer, to get back home.]

[Waitin’ for the train.  Don’t get me started about why the Twin Cities absolutely needs a commuter/tourist light rail system!]

[Back at the hotel, we hied the three blocks for this view.  It must have been 11:00, because the Tower puts on a light show the first ten minutes after the top of the hour.]

[The end of a most memorable day.  Bonsoir!]

One of the many advantages of having a boyfriend who is half French is that his culinary repertoire extends beyond mac and cheese. Plus, there’s the kissing.  ~  Meg Cabot

Up next:  It’s a surprise!