Today I took my first outdoor run since the marathon (which was two and half months ago). The weather here has been so mild the past few weeks and I really should have been out all this time. It was about 45 degrees and sunny and the four miles felt pretty good. The first big hill was a pain though and I felt arch blisters forming by the second mile. I stopped to tighten my laces and that seemed to help.

I’m working on a new schedule for working out that I plan to start this week. It’s not a New Year’s resolution or anything, but I do feel a lot better when I’m in shape…DK

Yesterday was our 15th wedding anniversary and the 20th anniversary of our first date (saw the movie “Three Amigos” at the recently closed Har Mar Theater). This is the only wedding day picture we have, taken just after we eloped at the courthouse in downtown St. Paul.

To celebrate number fifteen, we had dinner at the Lexington in St. Paul, which was great. It’s really amazing how different a great steak is from a cheap one–they are like totally different food categories.

Thanks to my wonderful wife for putting up with me for all these years and to my kids for the great card–it was perfect! Here’s to many more years of love, happiness, friendship and personal growth…DK

This guy visited the “squirrel-proof” feeder this morning. I’ve been told it’s a northern flicker woodpecker, as I’m not so good at identifying birds. I do know the cardinals and blue jays, which have been frequent visitors this week.

I created a new wildlife album in the photos section and will add shots as they come in…DK

Now that was a game! My daughter was well enough to go and we had a total blast. I was disappointed none of our broken players came back tonight, but the rest of the squad played a great game that could have easily been a blowout with just a few better bounces of the puck. I’m really happy they got the full two points, thanks mainly to Manny staying solid at the end. Rolston didn’t exactly play a bad game either and I was impressed by the efforts put forth by Stephane Veilleux and Matt Foy. And what can you say about PMB’s game-winner? Almost as pretty as the free holiday ornaments they handed us on the way out the door…DK

Tonight’s Wild player signing featured my daughter’s favorite player, Derek Boogaard, at Buffalo Wing Wings in Savage. Unfortunately, she stayed home from school today with an upset stomach and a low-grade fever. I decided the best medicine for her was a signed “get well soon” card from the Boogie Man, so I fought the large crowd and frigid weather and got the goods. No “To DK” photo tonight (I wanted to keep to the one item per person courtesy), but this was even better.

Tickets in the usual spot for Chicago tomorrow night…DK

It’s been really cold and windy this week and this guy figured out how to break our “squirrel-proof” bird feeder we set up on the deck. My kids nick-named him Sammy Squirrel and I’m happy for him to eat whatever he wants–he earned it.

Eagan received a dusting of snow last night, but we missed both of the big storms that have moved through so far. Wind chills have been in the low negative digits the past few days, but we are forecast to be above freezing again by the end of the week. Minnesotans and weather–it just isn’t logical or sane…DK

Jay’s Cafe (791 Raymond, 651-641-1446) has received accolades as one of the best new restaurants in town, but I didn’t like it much when I went there right after it opened. We went for breakfast and with Keys located just a few doors down, it’s hard to compete with that. Lunch is a different story, though.

This week I took a friend there at lunchtime and ordered Romeo’s Turkey Sandwich. The menu describes it as “Sliced Smoked Turkey with cheese and Chipolte mayo served warm on Ciabatta.” It also came with kettle chips and tomatoes on the side. The bread was spectacular and really made the sandwich. My friend ordered the BLT special and said it might be the best BLT he’s ever had. We both ordered Sioux City Sodas–one Cream Soda and one Black Cherry.

With friendly service, reasonable prices and a location convenient to my new office, I’ll have to get back there again soon…DK