We went out cross-country skiing yesterday and had a perfect outing -- tolerable, almost warmish weather, bright blue skies, good snow conditions -- and we all ended up soaking wet with sweat. Overdressing was a common occurrence, but then it has been frigidly cold here lately. All did very well, even those of us who had little experience. Thanks to Becca for planning. In attendance: Annie, Meghan, Annie, Dan, Carson and Jeremy.

Wouldn't you know it? A showing of Quadrophenia on the big screen and all of us vintage scooterists make a big to-do of it.

Yes, when your rubber fails you, there's nothing like a monkey grip to save the day.

"The harder they pull away, the tighter the monkey grip."

Sorry we can't provide more "XXX" for you, back here in the employee smock area, as you didn't sign and date your request. Sincerely, Human Resources.

"Beware the lollipop of mediocrity. Lick once and you suck forever."
-- Anonymous

Antique toys in a store in Spirit Lake, Iowa. I recall playing with Crazy Ikes and Pick Up Sticks and Cooties at my great aunt Blanche's house when I was a small child. I loved those toys. They were old then, I knew, so I was always very careful and I always had fun.

Random contents of an antique store in Spirit Lake, Iowa.

The Autumn Leaves play a school book/reading benefit concert at The Entry.

The large picture shows a gigantic 300-pound freshwater turtle -- as if I needed any thing else to be paranoid about while swimming! Of course they'll probably tell you that these turtles only eat little things like bugs and worms, but that'll do nothing to allay my fears. Giant turtles are pretty cool, but sometimes they just looked annoyed at my photo-taking. You'd think perhaps I've never seen a turtle before with all the pictures I took. Notice the turtles in the last pop-up photo -- they're totally having turtle-sex! Nasty! The turtle dude is sitting upright with the turtle lady in front of him getting their freak on. Yeah, I watched.
See more aquarium pictures.

Distractions are necessary for mental well-being so I decided to visit the aquarium at the Mall of America. The futuristic moving sidewalk gradually glides you through a giant plexiglass tunnel, surrounded on all sides (well, not the bottom, of course) by creatures from the watery realm. Take your time here and just watch quietly. Breathe deep.
See more aquarium pictures.

I like the top half of the Sexworld building, but those horizontal pink and purple neon lights at ground level kind of destroy the coolness of the look.