Damn, it’s beautiful out today and The Wilderness is closed for aerification. Guess I should have golfed yesterday instead of running
Such a beautiful night on the balcony; almost makes up for winter
Ran the 6+ mile Echo Point loop, followed by a 20 minute make-your-own spin class in the resort exercise room
End of an era: Sahara closes today in Vegas
Back in the office and I don’t even know where to begin today
iPhone to iPhone transfer taking forever, so today’s commute is delayed. Also need to stop at AT&T store in Virginia for more SIM cards
Shot 97 from the whites at Worth. The greens were decent, but the rest of the course was a mess – can’t believe they let carts out today
Middle of May, Sunday morning round of golf with Mr. Miller at Theo Wirth, 45F
Minneapolis hipster moment: meeting blues vocalist Finis Tasby across the street from First Avenue as he took a smoke break
Tonight’s guests on Prairie Home Companion are Elvin Bishop and Jearlyn Steele – live from the State Theater in Minneapolis
Looks like the marina has a few vehicles parked there today
I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of 28-year-old Derek Boogaard yesterday in Minneapolis. The 6-foot-7 enforcer played five seasons for the Minnesota Wild (2005-2009) before signing with the New York Rangers last year.
The Boogeyman was a fan favorite and my family loved him. We had the opportunity to meet him in person several times and his off-ice personality was a complete opposite from his tough-guy fighter image during games. Kind, soft-spoken and great with kids, his personal appearances were always well attended and appreciated by all.
A few personal memories:
- The player appearance at the old Hockey Lodge at the Mall of America (above), when both of my kids got personalized autographs and had a chance to chat with him after the lines died down. The kids loved his pink glasses and I’ll always remember the image of him tucking a Wild Monopoly box under his arm and walking away alone through the Mall of America rotunda.
- The night I went to Buffalo Wild Wings in Savage to get a signed “Get Well Soon” card for my daughter, which he happily signed, along with a “tell her I said I hope she feels better.”
- Watching the video of his goal against the Caps, breaking his three year scoring drought (234 NHL games). Made me smile all day.
- Hanging the life-size poster of Boogey and Butch in my office, which became a daily reminder of just how big he really was.
- Watching him pull up in his black pickup truck outside the restaurant in downtown St. Paul where the team would usually eat lunch on game days, leave it running in the cold Minnesota winter, wolf down huge amounts of pasta, then hop back in the truck and take off.
- According to the New York Times, Boogaard had 70 career NHL fights. I don’t know if I have a favorite, but here’s one against the prettiest man in the NHL.
The wonderful Star Tribune beat reporter Michael Russo has written an emotional blog post that has more insight into his life and the impact he had on those around him. My heart goes out to his family members, who I feel like I know after reading all of the Russo stories the past few years.
Rest in peace, number 24.
Always feel so relieved arriving home from the Mall of America
Couldn’t decide between running and biking, so I did both: 10 mile run and Lebanon Hills long trail. Grandma’s Marathon in 35 days…
Lebanon Hills campground now open for business
Kid two fine, laundry, lawn care (finally – but still wearing my ski jacket), then either a run or bike ride
Up early to take kid two in for an emergency dental visit
Sorta slow, but still a PR – 6:20 at the TC 1 Mile, followed by drinks at The Local
Safely back in Eagan, changed and waiting for my ride to the big race. Hope the rain stays away
I-35 not fun today: rain, traffic and construction
I’ll probably regret this after the race, but Gordy drew me in today
Lots of crappy issues this morning, but only one staff meeting left before I hit the road for the TC 1 Mile tonight in Minneapolis
Spent most of the day setting up a kick-butt web development environment on the MacBook Air and transferring over files
It’s been a long time since I’ve stayed up this late reading an actual book
This maxed out 11-inch MacBook Air is pretty damn sweet