Spencer Morgan Rice

Home in Iceland….

Normally, today is the day we head back to school and begin the third quarter, but not today. Last Friday, Governor Dayton closed all public schools today because the temperature and wind chill are dangerously low this morning. I believe we have reached -21° for an air temperature, and the wind is blowing. Our school hesitated, but then closed officially on Saturday night, which was a relief. The high today will be in the teens below zero. Good day to stay indoors…

Palm Trees...

Palm Tree in Florida…by Liam Ratliff

One of my colleagues sent me this photograph taken by his son.  Beautiful clouds and a palm tree.  I am guessing this was taken somewhere south of the North Star State.  I hope they are having a good time.  I certainly enjoyed the mental break the picture afforded me.  Well done, Liam.

Philistine Central….

I found Myrtle on-line, but before I could sweet talk Karyl into the project, Myrtle was scooped up by another family.  Too bad.  She looks like a winner -- Not a Moonie, but perhaps a solid pick.

The joys of winter break….

Goodbye to a Champ

Moonie

Well, tonight we sent a Champ to the life eternal, and we shall never be the same.

Moonie, our beloved Shelty/Jack Russell mix, had a rapidly growing tumor on her left leg.  We had a biopsy done last week, but the smell from the wound was driving Moonie nuts and she wouldn't leave it alone -- even with a cone of shame.

Moonie will best be remembered for her unrelenting love of walks…playing with the leash endlessly out of joy to be out and about.  Moonie was also a big fan of chasing squirrels.

Moonie would stand ten feet away while you were eating and looking off at 90°, just in case you dropped any food on the floor.  She wouldn't make eye contact, because she knew that she wasn't supposed to beg.

I am forever in Moonie's debt for helping raise us all over the last twelve years.  I only wish that I could have provided better for her once the cancer set in.

Go with God Moonie, and thank you so much.  We love you, and we always well.  You are the best.

4-2 in Big Ten Play…Go Figure...

Row 33, Section 217 at The Bank

So, if you ever wanted to know what the view is like from the top row (handicapped seating at the top of the stadium) - well, there it is.

Robin F and I rode our bikes there (from opposite parts of the city).  We made it through part of the third quarter before the overall chill of a 15-23 mph wind made us sufficiently cold that we thought it best to head home.

I borrowed Karyl's bike, which has toe clips, and I was one tired puppy when I got home.

The big story (I have buried the lead) is that the Gophers won their fourth game in a row, defeating Penn State, 24-10.  This is the first time since 1973 that the Gophers have won four games in a row.  We have a bye next week, and then the Wisconsin badgers roll in to play for the Ax.  One can only dream….

Class Act…Boston Strong

Jonny Gomes places the World Series Trophy on the finish line of the Boston Marathon.