Shovel it

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We have not gotten a lot of snow this season but I noticed that when it does snow there are several businesses and condo complexes in my neighborhood that do not clear the walks. Continue Reading

Mom’s refrigerator

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My parents lived just three blocks away from me until a couple of months ago when we needed to move them. Their decline was gradual and because they lived close by I was able to keep an eye on them and help them stay in their home. Continue Reading

Make your fruitcake this weekend

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It is Friday and Fridays are for fun. There are a lot of people who do not like fruitcake. In fact we could even say most people don’t like fruitcake. I am not most people. There is a lot of bad fruitcake out there that is dry and mostly inedible. My mother made fruitcake and we all liked it. She would soak it in sherry and then in rum for weeks before Christmas. I believe she got the recipe from my grandmother. Continue Reading

Minnesota termites – they’re not unheard of!

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Many states require termite inspections before real estate can change hands. None are required in Minnesota because there are no termites here. That is why I was astounded a few years ago when I sold a home that was infested with termites. The buyer had an inspection and we all saw the mud tubes, but since none of us had ever seen a termite or a mud tube it just did not register. Continue Reading

It was cold… but the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Parade was still enjoyable

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Yesterday’s grand day Saint Paul Winter Carnival Parade was cold, but people came and watched, and I knew they would. Some of the people in the parade were thanking spectators for coming out. I did not see anyone I recognized, but that could be because everyone pretty much looks the same once they cover their faces with scarves. At parade time it was 4 or 5 degrees above zero with a 20mph wind which made it feel like it was -15 or -20 depending upon where you get your weather reports. Continue Reading