The Return of Summer (and Me)

Hey everyone...

I know, it's been aeons.  Or at least it feels like it.  Been a lot going on.  Like, a lot a lot.  Most recently, the Twin Cities got walloped by a bunch of storms, in which nearly 500,000 people lost power, including me (more on that in a minute).  So I've been neglectful of this page, and whenever I'm on the computer and open my bookmarks, I see my little "Mir" giving me the stink-eye.  Sometimes it's a mournful gaze.  I'm pretty sure it's also given me the middle finger a few times.  I don't blame my blog.

Miraculously, summer has finally returned to Minneapolis.  And I figured if green grass and temperatures above 50 degrees can make a showing, so can I.  Here's a brief and random summary of some recent activity...


I pulled this amazing trio out of storage.  Much like my Aerosoles, these shoes are well-worn, probably 4 years old now, and well-adored:

As for new acquisitions, it's been a little quieter.  But the purchases have been deliberate, if relatively new territory from my typical habits.


First up, activewear.  My decade-old wardrobe of dude shorts and freebie oversized t-shirts needed a serious update.  Athleta (and others) to the rescue:

This trend was spurred by my first-ever outing to the local indoor rock-climbing place.  Not only did I survive, but I liked it and told my friend I'd be back for another round.  

I also caved and got something more substantial:

Yep, isn't she pretty?  My last bike was a Trek that I bought back home in 1995.  It logged a few miles along Lake Michigan in Chicago, got me around town during my summer in Boston/Cambridge, and then proceeded to collect dust in the garage.  I know.  It deserved better.  Sigh.  Alas, its frame is bent and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it.  I refuse to  trash it.  But the bike shop says they can't really do anything with it either.

Also, I was in Toronto for a few days and honed in on the goodies I can't get back here in the States.  Impressively, only one clothing item.  Not surprisingly, I'm still a sucker for cute animal packaging:

And speaking of cute animals, I also scored this back here in Mpls:

So, that's a smidgen of what I've been up to lately.  Honestly, I'm just happy that summer has made an appearance, even if it heralded its arrival with some insane storms.  Here are a few shots of the havoc it wreaked in the 'hood (and beyond):

It was sad to see these old trees fall, and of course I also feel bad for everyone impacted by the storms.  Makes you really appreciate the everyday conveniences - amazing how we can take for granted the simple act of flipping a switch or glancing at the alarm clock.  Or constantly checking your iPhone for texts.  I spent a couple hours yesterday at the local grocery store, hanging out with a number of other neighbors who were using any available outlets to juice their phones/laptops/Gameboys.  It's a relief to have the current flowing again, and I'll once again give a shout out to the hardworking folks at Excel Energy (who are still toiling away to restore power to everyone).

It's nice to be back, and of course, I'm curious to know if you've indulged in any summer buys in my extended absence.  Strappy sandals?  A lovely dress?  Or, maybe you also invested in a new bike?  Patio furniture?  BBQ lessons?

Happy June!
M