Winding down with the Arts...

Life has settled back down after the disruption of getting in an accident that ended up with my car being a total loss. My last weekend was spent emergency car shopping. As with most cities, the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis have an area where almost every automobile dealer can be found. After visiting nearly every one of them, I decided to go with a two year lease on a 2014 Ford Escape Titanium. I wanted full time all wheel drive for the Minnesota winters and it had all the modern bells and whistles. It even parallel parks itself.

This weekend was my final weekend before my self imposed 3 month exile ends. I went low key and spent Friday night with Netflix. Saturday morning I went to the nearby AMC Eden Prairie 18 and saw an early matinee showing of Chef (Rotten Tomatoes Review). I would recommend you go see this film. No trip to the mall for a movie would be complete without a trip to the food court and for $4 you can't beat a slice of Sbarro cheese pizza and a soda.

On Saturday afternoon I met a long-time friend for happy hour at Loring Park Kitchen (Loring Park Kitchen & Bar). I have known Robyne since the 6th grade and would like to thank her for coming out and introducing me to more of Minneapolis. Her twenty plus years of public life in Minneapolis are a great resource for a Twin Cities newbie.

Selfie on Nicollet Mall

Following some drinks and appetizers, we headed over to Instinct Art Gallery for the opening of "Self & Others", featuring the work of Frank Gaard, Pamela Gaard, Stu Mead and Nancy Robinson. I have never been to an art gallery before, let alone the opening reception of an art gallery show. It was more interesting that I would have anticipated. 

I had the opportunity to meet the artists and the work displayed was very interesting. The price of the artwork was a bit of an eye opener for this newcomer!

Nancy Robinson & her work

I liked this, but, too rich for my blood!

Afterwards, TNT was my friend with a showing of Inglorious Basterds (Inglorious Basterds movie trailer). Sunday morning arrived and with it another early matinee. This time my date was Scarlett Johansson. Forget the reviews, Lucy is a good summer action film and worth seeing (Lucy movie trailer). In honor of my children, I had another slice of Sbarro pizza for lunch!

Next weekend, my family will be here for my daughter to attend her St. Thomas Freshman orientation session. Following that, a quick 36 hours in Milwaukee to take care of a few last minute items. August 8th the moving truck delivers our belongings and the the real work begins, unpacking the house. I will let you know how it goes...