Tag : daytrip

2 posts

202407/22

T Tuesday: Pillsbury Castle edition

Last Friday Mr. G surprised me with tickets to tour the Pillsbury Castle. I had mentioned it in passing earlier that week but hadn’t expected to be doing the tour just a few days later.

I’m not sure about all over the USA but here in the mid-west Pillsbury is synonymous with baking. And this house was that man’s castle. The flour milling industry was one of the largest factors in Minneapolis becoming so successful during the industrial revolution.

This remodel/restoration was not a historical recreation. A couple purchased the home and is planning to move into it later this summer. The tour was more of a designer showcase once we got there. It was cool anyway.

This was my favorite painting in the home. I love impressionist style, but this had a modern flair that spoke to me.

The same room had a large niche/alcove/inset…not exactly sure how to classify it… but I was amazed by these crystals.

This old mirror gave a fun reflection at the end of our tour. I’d like to think it was an original mirror from the home but I really have no clue.

Back in the day this was a very wealthy neighborhood. These days it’s a very weird mix of old mansions turned into apartments or businesses and homes being restored or neglected. Just a couple blocks from there was a homeless encampment. It’s so odd to me that there is such disparity within a few block radius. Maybe I’m just too used to my safe suburban bubble.

Speaking of the suburban bubble… back at home I captured a photo of my handsome Marvin enjoying his supervised outside time.

While outside I took a few blooms from my neighbors daylilies. Don’t worry…I’m not a thief. She texts me to come get them before the deer eat them. Since there were very few I upcycled a tequila bottle into a vase.

Errands and housework are on my agenda…yay fun stuff…

What are you doing today?

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daytrip, not art at all, T Tuesday

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halleday

201609/27

T Tuesday: Ryder Cup edition

Welcome to T stands for Tuesday! This week is an odd for for me… My kids have barely started school and now they are off for a week due to the Ryder Cup which is being held smack in the middle of our school district. When I first heard about this about 2 years ago I was like….

Now that I know more about it I realize that having this event really is going to disrupt things and having school in the midst of an estimated 250,000 additional people isn’t really going to work. Leaving town, like so many families we know, just wasn’t going to work for our family this week due to both work and sports. Instead we are going to treat this time like a stay-cation. as much as possible between obligations.

Mini-me snapped this photo after a volleyball game. We didn’t go to the shops but heard from those who went that it was pretty amazing what has been built on the golf course grounds. It’s like a small city they said. The celebrity cup starts today I believe and the real competition begins on Thursday.

Yesterday Mini-me and BFF went to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. It’s over 100 years old. Of course there have been many changes and more humane treatment for the animals. I was telling the girls about what it was like 40 years ago when I was a child…just the changes that have about since then are amazing.

The flamingos were nearly orange instead of pink which was odd to me but beautiful anyway.

Speaking of orange…isn’t he gorgeous! I can’t even begin to count how many crumby shots I took before getting this one.

The giraffes always make me smile. Can you see the one in the background stretching his tongue out to grab a leaf?

The primate building is always so much fun. These two sat hugging each other the entire time we were in there. They’d adjust a bit but just sat there snuggled. Made me say AWWW more than once.

This guy made me think of a teenager on a day off…living a life of leisure.

But this one was my favorite with his awesome mustache.

Since the zoo is clear on the other side of the Twin Cities from our house, I’m not familiar with any restaurants or even fast food in that area. The girls and I decided to eat at the zoo cafe…super expensive for what we got and totally not worth it. It was super busy…captive audience I’m sure.

We were going to go into the conservatory next to see the gorgeous flowers…

but then we realized that both girls had food and drink with them which is a big no-no. We walked around the exterior while they tried to finish.

This building has changed very little if at all since I was a kid. I remember going there after church some times and marveling at the warmth inside the building and beautiful flowers in the middle of winter.

I love being able to share places I explored as a child with my kids. This little day trip made me want to do more of them.

On our way home Mini-me snapped a couple of photos of the new Vikings stadium in the heart of Minneapolis.

It was fun to see from the freeway but now I definitely want to see it up close and personal.

Today I’m not sure that we’ll get out for any “day trip”. Lots on the plate for today…an appt, volleyball match and work will keep everyone busy until past dinner time today.