Memorial Day: +1

I went to the local cemetery for services yesterday.   While there, I took a number of photos.  But, this one hit home.

I don't know who this person is.   And, it would have been wrong to disturb him.   Sometimes, a photo is worth a thousand words.

Next year, I will be bringing my oldest grandson to services.  He needs to know.

Memorial Day: 2016

May we never forget.

And, for some insight into how far we have gotten from understanding the importance of this day, read today's PowerLine Blog. 

Memorial Weekend: 2016

Today marks the beginning of Memorial Weekend.   I have been on the road all week and landed late Friday night.   I swung by Fort Snelling National Cemetery to pay my respects.  I was tired.   But, it was important to not forget. 

I try to visit my friend Bob a couple of times a year.  I try hard to visit on Memorial Day Weekend.   And, I try to stop in before winter kicks in.

My thanks to you Bob, and to all of those who sacrificed so much, for the rest of us.

May we never forget. 

Home and Garden Show: Contractors!

Meet Kyle and Brandon from All Around Contractors!

They do job estimating and run some jobs.   They were both pretty pumped up about All Around Contractors.  In fact, I didn't realize it, but, they sponsor a radio show!   I thought that was pretty cool, actually.

But, the best part was that you could use a hammer and drive nails into a huge block of wood.   Since my arm was in a cast, I wasn't able to do it....this time.

Thanks guys!  It was fun meeting you!

Home and Garden Show: Solar

Meet Steve and Rebecca from Powerfully Green.   PG is one of the largest solar panel distributors and installers in Minnesota.

We had a great conversation about the viability and cost effectiveness of solar panels in the Midwest.  The technology is getting better.    And, competition is driving the costs down.   I don't think I am quite ready to do it yet.  But, it will be coming for many people!

Thanks Steve and Rebecca!

Home and Garden Show: Spectators!

The Property Bros made an appearance at the show this year.   The auditorium was packed.  But, you could stand next to a backdrop with them and get your photo taken!

The young lady below was trying to snap a selfie with the PB.  I just volunteered to help!

My sincere thanks!

Home and Garden Show: Farm Fresh!

Meet Joyce and Colleen from Farm Girl Fresh!

They were very interested in healthy eating.  So, they tag-teamed and wrote a book entitled Farm Girl Fresh!  Or, Eating Pure in a Processed Foods World.

If you are curious about this topic and would like to order their book, click here.

Victoria Day 2016

One of the things I thoroughly enjoy about my job is that I have the ability to interact with and learn about other cultures.  You may think that there is not a lot of difference between Canada and the US.  And, in many respects, we are quite similar.   But, we have our differences in a variety of ways.

I have learned that the best thing I can do is to keep my mouth shut and my ears open.  I can learn from everyone. 

Today is Victoria Day.   The only similarity to the US Memorial Day is that is occurs at the end of May.   For the US, Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have served our country and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.   Victoria Day is to celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday.   As such, it is more similar to our President's Day.

Regardless, most of Canada is taking a wonderful day off today. This past weekend marks the beginning of the Cottage Season.   People are getting out of town and heading for the lakes to enjoy the warmth, the sun, fishing, etc.

I have very much enjoyed working with the Canadian friends and co-workers.   I wish them a wonderful, safe, warm day. 

I am heading up there this week.   And, I am looking forward to it!

Be safe my friends.

Home and Garden Show: Creative Home Furnishings

Meet Regan and Jeff.   Regan is the creator and owner of Regan's Brain.   She creates interesting home furnishings from various materials, including recycled plastic and fabric.

They were delightful people and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and the passion they had for her business!

Thanks Regan and Jeff!

Erik's Bike Shop: Folding Bikes!

OK, this is just pretty cool.   Folding bikese!

The photos don't do it justice.   But, they were pretty interesting.  

Or, you can get a bike with battery power!

Home and Garden Show Time: Xfinity!

Meet Derrick:  He is one of our very knowledgeable Xfinity representatives!  They had a huge booth and were signing people up.

Since I am already an Xfinity subscriber, I was pleased he took the time to chat about how I liked the service. 

My sincere thanks for the conversation and the time you spent with me!

Home and Garden Show Time: Vendors!

The Home and Garden Show is a sign that once again we have survived winter and that spring is just around the corner.  I think it is a time for us to look forward with hopes and dreams and perhaps pray that we won't see another snowfall for a long time.

It is, of course, premature to think such things.  But, it helps to have hope.

Meet Randy, from Tuff Shed!

I really liked their products.   They make some beautiful, and custom, sheds for storage.   It wouldn't be difficult to convert one of these into a small cabin on some rural property.  Not that I was thinking about that, or anything.

Thanks Randy!  Very cool products!

If you want to learn more about Tuff Shed, check it out here.

Amorphophallus Titanum: Or, the Corpse Flower

The local news was all excited about the blooming of the Corpse Flower at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul.  So, I had to swing by on a Saturday to check it out.

Unfortunately, I was not there when it bloomed.  It opens for roughly 24-48 hrs every  7-10 years.   So, it was a pretty big event.  It's a big flower, too!  My guess is that it was 10' tall.

It opened 2 days after I was there.   And, it was open for about 24 hours.

Apparently the stench is something like rotting flesh.  I am actually sorry I missed it.  I may need to bring the grandkids there the next time!

A World Traveler on a Motorcycle

Meet Rene, from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Rene doesn't just love bikes, he travels all over the world with them. 

His book, the University of Gravel Roads, outlines his thoughts and travels over 4 years, around the world. 

Now, he travels and speaks to others about his adventures.

And, if you want to get a taste of it, you can do motorcycle trips through Africa!

It's a bit pricey.   But, what an incredible experience!

Thanks Rene!

Custom Bikes

Meet John!

He is a custom bike builder. 

I have seen some incredible bikes at motorcycle shows.  And, I must admit, they are works of art.  Some are simply stunning.  Some are incredibly powerful.   I have a lot of respect for custom bike creators.   They are artists in their own right.

Nice to meet you, John!

Promotional Models from Legal Firms

Meet Michelle who was representing Russ Brown, an attorney specializing in motorcycle accident litigation.

It was lovely meeting you, Michelle.  Thanks for the conversation!

Long Term Bikers and Friends

Meet Dave!

And meet Bob!

They are long term friends and met through the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. 

Thanks guys!  I may need to find another Wing.  It's been a long time and it was sweet to ride!

Motorcycle Show: AllState Insurance

Meet Porsha!

Porsha was there representing AllState!  Porsha was local to the Twin Cities.  So, we could commiserate about the weather in January!  

Thanks for the time and conversation, Porsha!

Motorcycle Show: A Promotional Model

Meet Medori! 

I had a lovely conversation with her.  She does promotional modeling for Zero Gravity Scooters!

Thanks for the conversation, Medori!

Motorcycle Show: Bell Helmets

Meet Ken from Bell Helmets.

He was a wonderful source of information about helmets.  

Thanks Ken!

Motorcycle Show: More Detail

Take a look at this paint job!

Clearly my understanding that a motorcycle was to get from Point A to Point B is not entirely correct. 

Morotycycle Show: Friends Part 2

And, meet the wives of Dan and Nick!

Here are Sarah and Carol!

Thanks ladies!

Motorcycle Show: Friends

Meet Dan!

And, meet Nick.

These gentlemen met one another through the local Harley club.  They and their wives have been friends every since. 

Thanks Dan and Nick!

Motorcycle Show: Attention to Detail

I must admit that when I was riding motorcycles, I didn't pay much attention to some of the embellishments on bikes.   I've retired from riding now.  But, it is very enjoyable to see the passion some people have to dress up their bikes.   Take a look at the painting on this gas tank. 

Motorcycle Show: Sport Rider Inc

If you like serious, big bikes that can run on the ice, and who doesn't, check out SportRiderInc.com 
My photos capture a portion of what they make.   LOVE the tires. 

But, you need to see the images on their website to get a sense of the scale.  

Meet Scott.   You can tell he is passionate about what he is creating and selling!

Thanks Scott!