Silly tourists

The Bean still rocks, though
Originally published by DK on December 6, 2019 at 1:58 pmThe Bean still rocks, though
Originally published by DK on December 6, 2019 at 1:58 pmThanks, AF
Originally published by DK on November 13, 2019 at 10:04 amWe had a great time on Maui last week, despite the record high temps (and crazy dew points). We had lots of great food recommendations from people, but Mama’s Fish House took home the prize for most memorable experience. Located on the central north shore of Maui just outside Paia, Mama’s was a 2018 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant. Open Table says Mama’s is the second most popular restaurant in the United States, Trip Advisor has them listed as a Top 10 U.S. Fine Dining Restaurant, while ZAGAT has them number one for food on Maui. Everyone we talked to said Mama’s was expensive, but also a can’t miss.
Needless to say, expectations were high…
Floyd and Doris Christenson have an awesome backstory. The location, atmosphere and general setting of Mama’s is probably the most Hawaiian thing I’ve ever seen in my life. You turn off the Hana Highway at the fishing boat and enter a lot that offers complimentary valet. Once checked in, you get to roam around their own private beach, which we were told often has sea turtles playing in the water. The day we visited had a high surf warning, so the turtles were (hopefully) playing elsewhere. After checking in at a second host stand, we were escorted into the open-air dining room and seated near the bar.
Our server Lacey was wonderful. We started with fancy tropical drinks: Colleen had a Mama’s Margarita, while I had a Pink Hibiscus (hibiscus, elderflower liqueur, lime, cranberry and Maui PAU vodka). We shared an appetizer of seared island venison with honey lime sauce, which was extremely tender for venison. We both had autumn salads, with Waipoli greens, Kula persimmons, spiced pecans, goat cheese and Tahitian vanilla vinaigrette dressing. For the fish main course, I choose “kanpachi from ocean waters off Hawaii Island,” while Colleen had “onaga caught bottom fishing off Keanae by Joe Hobson.” We both loved that they customized the menu daily with who caught the fish (and where). I was super-excited to order the Polynesian Black Pearl for dessert: lilikoi (passion fruit) chocolate mousse in a pastry seashell (with a beautiful plate presentation – pics after the jump).
When we looked at the menu before we went, I didn’t think the prices were crazy-high. Afterwards, we found out it just all adds up, turning in to the most we’ve probably ever spent on lunch. That’s also part of the trick – there is no discount for having lunch over dinner. We heard one of the servers say they average about 1,000 covers a day, so I think they can price however they want. I’m glad we went, though, and would highly recommend it at least once in your life. Mahalo, Mama.
Fun stop on the way to the airport
Originally published by DK on November 1, 2019 at 10:12 pmNot Ohana-friendly (per the lifeguards)
Originally published by DK on November 1, 2019 at 9:54 pmHe gets to live here all the time
Originally published by DK on November 1, 2019 at 9:50 pmThank you, Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Originally published by DK on October 31, 2019 at 10:54 pmStill pretty fun, though
Originally published by DK on October 31, 2019 at 2:31 amLifeguard @ D.T. Fleming Beach Park
Originally published by DK on October 30, 2019 at 9:59 pmKapalua Plantation – closed for remodeling
Originally published by DK on October 30, 2019 at 9:55 pmRC Burger Shack
Originally published by DK on October 30, 2019 at 6:28 pmHaleakala National Park
Originally published by DK on October 29, 2019 at 2:42 amCK @ Mama’s Fish House Beach
Originally published by DK on October 29, 2019 at 2:39 amCows too on the road to the summit
Originally published by DK on October 29, 2019 at 2:28 amThe silversword of Haleakala
Originally published by DK on October 29, 2019 at 2:25 amSounds like a lost Wilbury song
Originally published by DK on October 27, 2019 at 10:06 pmAs seen on Diners, Drive In’s and Dives
Originally published by DK on October 27, 2019 at 10:01 pmMy new golf glove
Originally published by DK on October 27, 2019 at 7:18 pmKaanapali Beach Hotel – older, but pretty decent overall
Originally published by DK on October 27, 2019 at 7:15 pmOnly one on the island
Originally published by DK on October 26, 2019 at 10:19 pmChicken and pancakes @ Roy’s
Originally published by DK on October 26, 2019 at 4:52 pmDay one on the beach
Originally published by DK on October 26, 2019 at 2:07 pmThe Milaca MegaMall
Originally published by DK on October 19, 2019 at 12:12 pmOktoberfest in Milwaukee
Originally published by DK on October 16, 2019 at 10:24 pmSweargen, you cock-sucka
Originally published by DK on October 16, 2019 at 12:56 amStill love the British phrasing, though
Originally published by DK on October 9, 2019 at 7:09 amIt was a year ago today when a blood vessel in my head decided it had enough, resulting in a ruptured aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhaging on the train platform outside U.S. Bank Stadium. It was a humbling experience to see the outpouring of love and support from my family and friends throughout my recovery and I will be forever thankful to the good Samaritan in the pickup truck, the first responders that treated me on the platform and the entire staff at Hennepin Healthcare for extending my time on this little planet we call home.
Health-wise, things are almost back to normal. I’m still wearing glasses with a 3M Prism lens on the left side to correct the remaining double vision. The strength of the lens has dropped from +30 to +8 during the past 11 months and the hope is still that I eventually won’t need them at all. I can read most screens without glasses, but the “bilateral 6th nerve palsy” and resulting diplopia at further distances is really the only major remaining issue from October 8, 2018. I’ve been off all of the additional medications from my time in the ICU for a while now and have returned to most physical activities with no issues. In fact, my bike mileage in 2019 sits at 1,058 miles and I’ve played 21 rounds of golf (both of which are a little more challenging with glasses).
I won’t lie, walking past that spot nearly every day is unsettling. It can feel frustrating to not be 100% yet with my vision. And all that weight I lost in the hospital came back with a vengeance. But I am so thankful for having access to high-quality healthcare that didn’t bankrupt our family. This full year of bonus time had some amazing memories: an extra special Thanksgiving with family, the NCAA Final Four, MK’s graduation, Las Vegas with SK, lake visits to Vermilion and Superior, Rib Fest, Summer X Games, another epic State Fair, a quick day trip to Los Angeles, the Saints championship season, more Vikings football and lots of concerts and restaurants. Life at fifty has been good.
So where to from here? I’ll be seeing my eye doctor again soon and I need to get back to my “regular” doctor to start all of the normal old guy things that need to be tested and monitored. Colleen and I head to Maui later this month to check off the second milestone birthday trip that was postponed due to the incident. Hopefully we’ll get the third and final trip scheduled for January. This week I’ll find out about the 2020 London Marathon ballot, which would immediately kick-start a return to running. Quick trip next week to Milwaukee to visit the Buck’s new arena. After the Vikings-Eagles game this weekend, the football season will already be half over. And you know what Steve Miller said about flying eagles…
Originally published by DK on October 8, 2019 at 8:20 amIs it, punk?
Originally published by DK on August 16, 2019 at 10:57 amMississippi National with the boys
Originally published by DK on August 14, 2019 at 10:50 pmReally didn’t know that is so close to Staples Center
Originally published by DK on July 27, 2019 at 1:26 amGo to The Left Handed Cook, L.A. people
Originally published by DK on July 27, 2019 at 1:22 amEveryone seems to hate LAX, but I kinda like it (mostly)
Originally published by DK on July 26, 2019 at 9:43 pmThis market is so not like the others
Originally published by DK on July 26, 2019 at 9:12 pmhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2019/07/11/the-cosmopolitan-las-vegas-hotel-is-now-better-than-ever/
Originally published by DK on July 13, 2019 at 2:40 pmThe American Integrity hauling ore past the Bayfront Park stage
Originally published by DK on July 6, 2019 at 5:55 pmJust *once* I’d like something other than the smallest one, Stompy…
Originally published by DK on July 5, 2019 at 1:55 pmNothing else quite like it
Originally published by DK on July 4, 2019 at 1:01 amMK + Gordy = true love ❤️
Originally published by DK on July 3, 2019 at 10:58 amWhen it’s in the 90s in the Twin Cities, Grand Marais sounds awfully good
Originally published by DK on June 29, 2019 at 12:54 pmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_Changi_Airport
Originally published by DK on June 28, 2019 at 10:04 amThe woman at Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais was very persuasive
Originally published by DK on June 18, 2019 at 11:10 pmThanks for the pie, Betty
Originally published by DK on June 16, 2019 at 1:09 pmScary-ass IGT slot monkeys @ Grand Portage
Originally published by DK on June 15, 2019 at 5:32 pmNew(ish?) mural downtown
Originally published by DK on June 15, 2019 at 12:37 pmToo bad the patio is only open about 10% of the year
Originally published by DK on June 15, 2019 at 12:35 pmDon’t know how I’ve missed it all this years
Originally published by DK on June 15, 2019 at 9:50 amOnly the best on the North Shore
Originally published by DK on June 15, 2019 at 9:49 amSpokane visit or Stranger Things audition?
Originally published by DK on June 2, 2019 at 10:09 amAnother great visit to Sin City
Originally published by DK on May 24, 2019 at 5:17 pmBeatles Cirque – probably last saw this a dozen years ago
Originally published by DK on May 24, 2019 at 1:31 amIn the “new” location @ Bellagio
Originally published by DK on May 23, 2019 at 9:25 pmSlot holds are rough on the Strip
Originally published by DK on May 23, 2019 at 5:52 pmNice to catch up with Raiders Nation
Originally published by DK on May 23, 2019 at 12:39 pmCool, but no thank you
Originally published by DK on May 23, 2019 at 12:02 pmCaesar’s Palace and the Palms
Originally published by DK on May 22, 2019 at 11:09 pmNot much return on a 2.50 bet
Originally published by DK on May 22, 2019 at 1:00 amThat would be an easy conversion
Originally published by DK on May 22, 2019 at 12:55 amAs my good friend would say: “Vegas, we are in you”
Originally published by DK on May 21, 2019 at 5:24 pmStarting to have a love/hate relationship with the Mirage
Originally published by DK on May 21, 2019 at 3:51 pmIt’s so cold here
Originally published by DK on May 21, 2019 at 12:23 pmTrying WN again with SK
Originally published by DK on May 21, 2019 at 8:47 amTwins season ticket holder trip was successful
Originally published by DK on May 19, 2019 at 6:48 pmField study to the BWCA for MK
Originally published by DK on May 19, 2019 at 1:50 pmNot our favorite place in Europe, but still tragic news from a historic city
Originally published by DK on April 15, 2019 at 7:16 pmSK on her way to NYC
Originally published by DK on February 16, 2019 at 2:00 pmI’ve never been big on year-end lists or goal summaries here, but I’ve always done a fair amount of goal-setting privately. This past year has put a different spin on my perspective, so I thought it might be useful to share a few things as 2019 gets started. In hindsight, a lot of my previous health goals seem rather vain compared to plain old recovery. And how fortunate was I in the past to just want to run faster, bike farther or finish another marathon? Now, regaining my normal vision (without prism lenses) is goal #1, followed closely by getting cleared to resume driving and riding a bike. I’m very thankful that the outlook for all of these things is good – much of this might happen by the middle of March.
Since Dr. Tummala gave me the OK to resume treadmill running, I’ve felt good the past week, with three slowish runs totaling 7.1 miles. I also did one nine mile ride on a stationary bike and resumed doing light dumbbell repeats. Not really sure what workout goals to set for 2019 – the only race I’m registered for is the Get in Gear 10K in April and I’d really like to participate in the Bike to Work challenge again in May. Beyond that, I just want to stay consistent all year and not have any big gaps in my charts (which happened twice in 2018). It would be nice to return to regular weekly runs with WeRunMpls once the ice melts and I’d love to reschedule a ski trip for next season (Banff, Colorado or Schweitzer). Lots of golf outings to schedule with people too.
The doctors cleared a return to air travel already, but money and time will be limited. The original plan was to give each person in our family a trip for their respective milestone birthday in 2019, but all of those plans are on hold for the time being. Most likely options? A quick Las Vegas trip after the Final Four and maybe a work trip to the annual Cisco conference, which is in San Diego this year (June 9-13). And of course Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in both Florida and California this year, but that will likely fall in the Tokyo/Lanai/Switzerland dream trip category for the time being.
With the Vikings season over, my job shifts focus to the Final Four on April 6th and 8th. We have four large events before then (two trade shows and two dirt shows), but there is a lot to do before “the road ends” in Minneapolis. Then we get to break down that setup for Garth Brooks and his sold-out stadium tour before prepping for Summer X Games (version 3.0). Since X Games moves to early August, there won’t be a lot of time between that and football pre-season. With all that work to do, maybe I should start daydreaming again about building a tiny cabin on the North Shore to escape to with the family…
Wow, how lucky am I to be writing this post? Happy New Year to all of you – may 2019 be full of love, health and prosperity!
Originally published by DK on January 1, 2019 at 6:04 pmElton & Sandra Davis – your fries made my childhood better
Originally published by DK on December 18, 2018 at 10:04 pmOriginally published by DK on December 13, 2018 at 9:38 am
Marketing geniuses, I tells ya
Originally published by DK on December 8, 2018 at 1:53 pmFinally found the “then” pic
Originally published by DK on September 28, 2018 at 10:45 pm