Sunday, November 27, 2011

Blue Cheese, Marmalade, Carr's Water Crackers: Yummmm!


Thanks to the generosity and hospitality of our pal Lisa and the sharp focus of the macro lens setting on my Canon point-and-shoot, I'm having some fun with this shot.  Take a bite. Yumm.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Smokin' Hot Men's Retalier


I did a little Christmas shopping for my wife yesterday at Askov Finlayson, new, hip, smokin' hot retailer on the corner of 1st and 1st. Can't disclose what I bought (have to protect Santa's identity) but I will say that it's of very high quality, new to the market, and a little ahead of everything else.  Of course, that's the way the guys want their store to be, and I think there on their way!

PS -- on the way down the street, and past the building, I noticed smoke pouring out an exhaust pipe. Smoke is hot. Smokin' hot. Kinda like Askov Finlayson.  Get it?

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Martin Patrick 3 Minneapolis Men's Store.


Pina and I did some Christmas shopping this week at MartinPatrick3 Men's Store in Minneapolis.  You've really got to check this place out if you're into unique retail adventures.

Highlight:  "home office alcove" setup -- perfect way to show off desk accessories, not to mention the designers' creativity. The old manual standard draws your eye, but the hundreds of books on the back wall really keep your attention -- and earn your respect for the care and attention that go into this display.

As the salesman explained:  each one of these books was cut in half on a band-saw 
and then laid flat, stacked, glued to the next one, top and bottom.  The result is an uneven, but very appealing, arrangement of book spines.  Once you realize what's going on here, a smile comes to your face, and you tell anyone within ear-shot just how damned clever these guys are!

PS - MartinPatrick3 has new and vintage clothing items, accessories, watches, men's grooming products, books, magazines, and a well-stocked bar for the shopper who needs a little pick-me-up.

Don't miss this place. Third Ave., across from Monte Carlo restaurant, and on the same side of the street as Moose + Sadie's coffee shop.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Chunk's Auto Service, Long Lake, MN.


My friend Mike owns Chunk's in Long Lake -- the most attentive, reliable and fair care repair service I know.  I'd brought Pina's Town + Country to Chunk's to get the tires rotated and lug nuts tightened. Mike was coming into the scheduling counter area as I was taking a digi foto of his shop.  Good guy, good service, good place to take your cars.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Is Fall the end of Velo Season in St. Paul?


Otherwise nice looking mixte-frame 10-speed languishes at a bike rack along St. Paul's Grand Avenue today.  Honey-gold oak leaves disguise a flat rear tire -- sure sign that no one's ridden this baby in a while.  And reading the weather forecast for much colder temps, maybe rain mixed with snow, it's a safe bet this velo has seen its best days 'til next spring.  Pity.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Pina and Me and Grandma B.


Nancy (Sam, Poppina, Pina) and I went to lunch Saturday with Gayle "Grandma B" Butts.  This lovely lady is Nancy's Mother-in-Law, Jason's Grandmother, and my good friend.  Venue was Houlihan's in Richfield. At the end of the yummy, abundant meal, Grandma B whipped out her gold card and bought lunch for us!  A special event made even more special by Gayle's generosity.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

"Camel's Soup" - Get It?!


Art Attack in Northeast Minneapolis last weekend yielded this outrageously, tongue-in-cheek painting by an unknown local artist.  Camel's Soup is a hilarious play on words, don't you think? Brings a smile to my face every time I look at the canvas.  Hope you enjoy it as well!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sue Grafton Novels Rule at Barnes + Noble.


Any readers of Sue Grafton mysteries in the audience?  Like me, you've read one or two of Sue's alpha-novels -- maybe listened in audio book format.  When you see them displayed like this, A-Z (well, not quite at Z yet), in their dedicated bookcase at check-out at B + N, you realize this writing phenom knows how to market as well!  Thought you'd enjoy the display as much as I did.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Photographer Terry McDaniel Keeps Bees, Too.


Sam and I were at "Art Attack" this afternoon in NE Minneapolis when we met photographer Terry McDaniel. Terry's unique and powerful work -- "Ice Luminaries" -- hangs on the wall, while Terry's other passion -- beekeeping, and making award-winning local Minnesota honey -- is represented in her left hand in this pic.

We had more fun with Terry!  In addition to being a skilled still photographer, Terry has produced dozens of videos, most of which are available on YouTube: search "T McDee's Bees." Plus, she's got a great sense of humor, rides horses, gardens, knows many of the same people that we do.

Learn more about this talented woman at  toplinephoto@q.com