FINALLY he let me out of the bedroom.....

HA HA HA HA just kidding. We have actually been out a couple of times....and it's absolutely GORGEOUS here--not too cold yet, with a lot of color still on the trees! Blazing golds! Stunning crimsons! Flaming oranges! (wait, isn't that a fancy dessert? lol)
Yesterday we took a long walk along the banks of the Mississippi River....wow, Magz, it's incredible! There is actual WATER in the riverbed! I resisted the temptation to stick my toes in (i was wearing shoes and socks, for one thing--it's not exactly Teva weather here), but it was wonderful to see.
Today we visited one of the bridges that Chris works on and i finally met his friend Elvis--the guy who used to hassle Chris about "getting chicks" and guess what, he's a real sweetie. I asked him what was the most important thing to know about Chris and he said, "Well, the guy's got a heart of gold, but you already know that." Now that's a friend!
We have yet to meet Chris' other best friend, Magz (Minnesota Magz that is). She works the midnight-8:00 shift, so we'll take a nap one afternoon and go visit her with some good eats and have a midnight snack picnic. (It's completely against all railroad rules for me to be up there, so don't tell anybody!!!)
Chris lives in a mid-town neighborhood within walking distance of a video store, coffeehouse, several restaurants, a natural foods co-op, wonderful flower shop, and so forth. So it's nice to be outside, walking briskly in the cool air. These temperatures motivate me to be more active--there are lots of cyclists and joggers everywhere, and plenty of parks and riverbanks to encourage outdoor activity.
I'm liking everything just fine. Whoo-eee, i'm in Minnesota, and i'm in love!!!!