Jason Fetes Brother Will .....

... and wishes him much happiness on occassion of Will's marriage to Jen Kelly in Harbour Island, Bahamas, 6/24/12.

Hilary Armstrong's New Movie.

California State of Mind - Synopsis

In the turbulent 1960’s, an ordinary man named Pat Brown rose to face extraordinary challenges.  His granddaughter and award-winning Director, Sascha Rice, gives an inside look into political power and the Brown family dynasty called by some “the West Coast Kennedys.”   The documentary gracefully pivots from a tumultuous decade in American history to the contemporary challenges that California faces.  Brown's story overlaps with such luminaries as JFK, Nixon, Reagan, and Martin Luther King.  Archival material is interwoven with revealing commentaries from speakers like former Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pete Wilson, Gray Davis and current Governor Jerry Brown as well as Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Karen Bass, Senator Dianne Feinstein.  California State of Mind is much more than an examination of the past; this entertaining biography is a provocative portrait of a man whose bi-partisan can-do optimism can re-energize today’s political dialogue.

http://patbrowndocumentary.com

Here Come the Bride + Groom

Poppina's big boy Will Wick tied the knot with the enchanting Jen Kelly last Saturday on the pink sand beach of Harbour Island, Bahamas.

The guest list was small, mostly family -- dads, moms, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and kids -- and a few dear old pals from growing up in San Francisco and Cincinnati.

The senior Hoyts were thrilled to meet Jen's family, hang with Will and his kin, and fete the happy, handsome couple.

Lots of love and happiness from our home to yours!!

Miami Family Reunion.

Part of the Hoyt clan was together for a brief catch-up last weekend in the Miami International Airport.


Poppina and I were laying over between flights (ELH-MIA) and MIA-MSP. I'd called Brother Joe and Nephew Adam Hoyt from Coral Gables -- they came to hang with us in a swanky cocktail lounge.

Euro-Cup soccer was blaring from the flatscreen while the four of us talked. We managed to have a pretty wonderful visit in spite of the distraction.

PS -- I'm a fortunate brother to have a brother like Joe. And I love being an "Oncle" (my nephew's term) to "Adamo" (my word.)

Tonka Cycle + Ski in Hopkins.

A couple of stellar staffers at Tonka Cycle + Ski this week in Hopkins.

Beth took my order for a new pair of gel-pad mesh cycle gloves and a bell-compass; I did not, however, go for the Tifosi sunglasses modeled by mystery man!

I love this shop: these guys, Tonka's mechanics, their management, and product mix.  Can't spend all my cycling accesory $$ there, but I'll do my best :)

Bahamian Future Olympians?

It wouldn't surprise me if these eager young sailors out of Harbour Island, Bahamas, weren't headed for the Olympics one day.  Their country would be proud to have them at the helm.

Sailing in calm waters off Eleuthera the day I saw them, these young skippers have been at it in Optimists for three years, compete on a regular basis, take turns winning races, and love, love, love their sport.

Keep a weather eye on these helmsmen:  they are good and going to get better! Even world-class.

Hungry in Long Lake?

If you're thinking of lunch today in Long Lake, suggest you pedal over to Harvest Moon Co-op and see what's on the menu.

When I was picking up my breakfast burrito an hour or so ago, I asked the ladies in the deli section what they'd cooked up for mid-day meal.

I think they said Tabouli Salad and I'd recommend you saddle up now before the scrumptious fare sells out while you grow ever more famished :)

Barber Buddy Dave Just Styled Me!

Oakwood Barbers on the Plymouth-Wayzata line sure do give good haircuts!

And my buddy Dave styles with the best of 'em.

Owner Craig snapped this foto outside the shop yesterday. It shows off what a stylish trim Dave gave  me (got the special Senior Discount, of course) and what a great flat-top the barber himself rocks in this day and age.

Lisa + Jennifer Ride on Over for Burgers.

Our neighbor Lisa and her horse-riding pal Jennifer arrived at our back door this evening for Poppina's burgers and potato salad.

Not only was it a treat to have these cowgals show up for dinner, but the size of their steeds was daunting.  The horses are "Shires," easily 50% larger than regular English-saddle style horses.

Yet when "Mickie" and "Pete" were tied up to a maple tree while we humans enjoyed our chow, the big draft horses were perfect guests -- docile, well-behaved and patient.

I've got some road apples to clear off the back yard, but that's a small price to pay for having these magnificent beasts (and their inspirational riders) pay us a visit this evening!

Supporting Independent Bike Shops.

I keep reading (and believing!) that we cyclists need to support our local independent shops.

Meaning (money-where-mouth-is department) that whenever we can, and wherever, we march over to the apparel rack, or the accessories wall, and buy something.

Or, buy a couple of somethings!

OK. What have I done recently for small business?  Check out the pic from my ride in Hennepin's Three Rivers Park yesterday:

Sports Hut sticker applied after "Wrench" Tim changed out handle bars in the Plymouth shop. Bot some Darn Tough cycling socks as well.

Groovy yellow Planet Bike fenders came from Behind Bars in Northeast Minneapolis.

Heavy-duty two-leg kick-stand from Tonka Cycle + Ski in Hopkins. Brooks B-17 saddle from Tonka as well.

There's a Bontrager rear rack in the Janda bag:  the bag's from Calhoun Cycle in Uptown, and the rack came from Gear West in Long Lake.

You might surmise that I am neither brand- nor retailer-loyal.  On the contrary:  consider me passionately eclectic and a tireless consumer.  I love bike accessorizing, and when I've got the jingle in my jeans, I spread the wealth around.

How 'bout you all?

French Meadow, Classic French Car.

My young intellectual friend Nathan Montgomery and I had a healthy breakfast this morning at French Meadow on Lyndale @ 26th.  On the way to my car for the return trip to Long Lake, I spied this impeccably restored Citroen 2-CV parked in front of French Meadow.

Had to grab my camera and take the shot.  Classic French passenger car vamping the Twin Cities classic French bistro.

Food was excellent. Company and conversation, scintillating. And the 2-CV? A dream-boat.  Sure do wish I'd bought one when I was in France 50-odd years ago  :)

Meet Tim + Pete of Sports Hut.

"Wrench" Tim, and owner Pete, of Plymouth's only bike shop -- Sports Hut -- were all smiles this week as they helped keep Poppy's old Trek 720 going strong.

I'd pedaled over to get help changing out the handlebars .... wanted a more upright ride, less strain on the lower back, and more comfortable reach.  Tim knew just what to do, and finished the make-over in about an hour and a half.

Pete and I hung out, talking "Darn Good Socks," which Sports Hut picked over Smart Wool brand.  I'm a big fan already:  Nancy and I own several pairs, and swear by their value, fit and quality.

After I settled my reasonable bill with Pete, the boys decided to affix a Sports Hut sticker to my rear fender.  Thinking I'd capture the action for posterity, I snapped this foto -- great shot of Tim and Pete, but you can't see the sticker under Tim's hand.

If you're looking for a sticker ... or a new set of handlebars ... or some cycling socks .. and want knowledgeable bike guys, great service, at a fair price:  Sports Hut in Plymouth, MN. Check it out.

Something Fishy in Roadside Trashcan.

Saw this jarring garbage can alongside Long Lake this evening.   It was overflowing with pizza boxes, soda bottles, beer cans and, what's that? ... huge fish of indeterminate species.

 Pity the municipal collector (maybe this task has been privatized?) who has the pleasure of collecting the results of weekend over indulgence.

Bike Helps "Fleurish" Flourish.

Smart, successful Wayzata, MN retailer Fleurish employs an old "English" bike to build shopper traffic (and enhance Fleurish brand) out-front of their cool new shop at 701 East Lake Street.

The bike's orange paint job is designed to catch the eye, and "catch" it does.  I wasn't the only passer-by this morning to stop, check out the bike, then continue inside this "Purveyor of Fines Gifts and Stationery."

The owner told me that Fleurish has been in this location for about a year, but in business in Wayzata for 15+.  That's a good, long time for an independent retailer, so they must be doing something right.

Could the orange bike at the front door be the secret to their success?!

Waiting for Obama.

President Barack Obama was in the Twin Cities today .. to give a speech in support of hiring  Vets ... and then a motorcade in the Warehouse District where local politics were on display.

I joined a few hundred other citizens, all of us equipped with digi cameras and smart phones.  We saw the President's limo cross Washington and 2nd.

While waiting I spotted a patriot giving voice to his views on the virtues of marijuana cultivation.