Defrocking the tree

Grandpa was eager to remove the Christmas ornaments. Then, happily supervise folding up the tree and storing it all until next year.

5 in the books - I'm Still Standing!

The 2009 Northshore Inline Marathon was warm, clear and windless - perfect conditions for skating in my fifth 26.2-mile event from Two Harbors to Duluth, Mn.

Thankfully, my summer of cross-training enabled me to complete this adventure unscathed. It's true, I am now beginning to consider skating at speeds approaching 20 miles an hour (on the downhill) a perilous pursuit.

Still, I was exhausted, relieved and thrilled to finish upright and within seconds of my personal best time. Best of all was savoring the accomplishment on the deck at Fitger's…yes, those are my post-race feet dwarfing the Lift Bridge in the distance.

To coin a phrase

Wow, that's a doozy!

Actually, the owner explained, it's an Auburn. "Oh, 'scuse my ignorance," I said. "What's an Auburn?"

Check out this LINK and you'll be enlightened too!

I had seen this car around my neighborhood during the 10 years I've lived here. When I happened by the local grocery store it was parked outside. I couldn't resist snapping a few pixs.

The proud owner emerged and told me a bit about this fabulous 1935 Auburn - sort of a cousin to the Duesenberg...hence the term "Doosey!"