The ~4 foot-high retaining wall that holds up (well, used to) our driveway just dumped over with an impressive thud. Can anyone recommend a (reliable but not bank-breaking) contractor for this kind of work? It has been leaning for a couple of years, so there will probably be some excavation of dirt that has to be done before a new wall is put up. Only the top of one section fell down, but the rest is really leaning.
The ski hill at Chester Bowl is scheduled to stay open through this weekend, but it looks like Mother Nature may not be patient and cooperative. Already this weekend, the creek started flooding the bottom of the hill. So if you’re interested in taking or watching a waterskiing run at the Bowl, today might be your day. The lift is open from 4:30 – 8:30 tonight (Monday 3/8). The next scheduled day the lift is open will be Thursday, but that’s a long way away. Lift tickets are $5 at the concession stand. While you’re there, pick up a nifty Chester Bowl Hoodie or long-sleeve T-shirt at the concession stand.
Sarah Heimer wanted me to pass along a reminder that the 4th Diorama-Rama is this Saturday at 7pm. Sacred Heart Music Center. All-ages. Info: caradiabolica [at] hotmail [dot] com.
Classroom Seminar: The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Body Shape. Presented by Colleen Belk, Department of Biology. Chemistry 150, 3-3:50pm. Join us for this classroom lecture and discussion as part of the Biology of Women course. (more…)
So with spring right around the corner (let’s pretend, shall we?) it’s time to start planning all of those lovely projects that are part of the joys of being a home owner. This year, our house is definitely going to need to be repainted, but because of the way we’re nestled into the hillside, this is not a project we want to attempt on our own. We’re dreading spending the money, but it must be done!
Please help ease our anxiety by sharing your recommendations for reputable house painters. Anyone know how much one might generally expect to pay for a typical two-story home on the hill to be scraped/washed and painted?
While we’re at it, we plan on pricing out maintenance-free siding. Recommendations for type of siding and contractors are also appreciated!
And just because we’re not feeling poor enough yet, also on our wish list are some new windows. What brands are the best? Who should we hire to install them? Just to cover all of our bases, if you know a good plumber, now is the time to sing their praises!
Is that a long enough list? Share your horror stories and happy endings here!
February 20, 2010
2-4 p.m.
Incline Station, Duluth MN
$8 per child
$10 per adult
Tickets include: 2 hours of bowling, shoes and automatic scoring. Food and beverages available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Autism Association of Northern MN.
Don’t forget to watch one of the Northland’s most amazing tributes to our cultural heritage (in my opinion, at least): The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon!
The “Meet the Mushers” event starts at noon, the race starts at 1:00. It is really a majestic sight. If you’ve never seen a sled dog race, I’d put it at the top of your to-do list for tomorrow!
Lake Park Soccer Complex
Race Start: 1 p.m.
Jean Duluth Road & Riley Road
Duluth, MN
There will be a Ladies Night of Indulgence at Lake Superior Chiropractic this Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free to all ladies 21 and older. This is a time for pampering and checking out some local women vendors. Please RSVP by calling 715-398-6679. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Something truly wonderful and astounding has happened to the city of Duluth, people. Last night I and three companions went to Hanabi, the new Japanese restaurant at 1st and 1st W. And the verdict is: Oishii! Kanji! (Delicious! Gorgeous!) And truly great service!
Seriously, our party are sushi and service snobs, and we were all blown away by what we ate and the level of friendly service. One particular menu item had us all gasping for breath, sinking in our seats in waves of flowing pleasure: The North Shore roll. Whoever invented this Thing From Heaven and designed it’s presentation deserves a Nobel Prize for Supreme Deliciousness.
Also, the price range is very reasonable, the environs are modern and inviting, the staff is easy on the eyes, there is a great and cheap Happy Hour menu, the chairs are comfortable, and the plateware is fantastic.
To whomever is responsible for bringing Hanabi to Duluth (and 2 blocks from my house!): Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Susan Askelin, passed away Jan. 1, 2010 of esophageal cancer.
Susan was born Nov. 13, 1949 in Duluth, to Harold and Jessie Askelin.
She grew up in Bagley and Savage and graduated from Burnsville high school in 1967. She was married to Richard Schmoller, and later to Michael Paymar. She moved to Duluth where she attended the College of St. Scholastica and graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Masters in business management. While in Duluth she played a critical role in the creation of several co-operatives including Whole Foods Warehouse, and Co-op and Builders & Laborers Commonwealth. She was the director of the weatherization program at Community Action Program, and later became the Director of the Program to Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault. She later moved to St. Paul and worked at Project Fast Forward in Dakota County. Later, she moved to Texas to bask in the sun and worked in several non-profit housing development organizations.
Susan will be remembered for her giving spirit, compassion, and integrity. She was smart, beautiful and strong willed. Her contributions to the world were profound. She loved traveling to Mexico and the Boundary Waters and especially loved the family cabin at Prairie Lake. In her last days her strength and compassion for others were inspirational, she passed away in Montana with sister Sharel beside her.
Susan was preceded in death by her sister, Lindy; brother, Shaun; paternal grandparents, Florence and Einar Askelin, and maternal grandparents, Winifred and Charles Jones.
She is survived by her son, Jason (Laura); grandson, Morgan and daughter, Nicole Harris (Dan); her parents, Jessie and Harold (Helen); aunts, Nancy Jones, Joyce Utter (Arnie); uncle, Ed Askelin(Joan); sisters, Michelle LeBeau (Kent) and Sharel Uphus (Mike); brother, Kurt Askelin (Ruenee); sister, Jodi Christianson (Don); sister-in-law, Beth Askelin; and many nieces and nephews.
SERVICE: is planned for late spring according to Susan’s wishes. A memorial fund is set up in Susan’s name at Wells Fargo Bank.
On Monday, Jan. 18 there is a free breakfast at 7 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W. Third St., followed by a march, which starts at the Washington Center at Lake Avenue and Fourth Street at 11 a.m. The march goes through downtown and the skywalk to arrive at the rally at the DECC at 11:45 a.m. The featured speaker will be Rep. Jeff Hayden. (more…)
I put several more pictures and some initial impressions here.
It will be open from 7 am to 9 pm daily. This is going to remain a family-owned business, as it has been since I can remember. But like every small business, they have almost overwhelming competition from [insert-name-of-big-box-chain-retailer here] so, they need all the support they can to make it, or better yet, to prosper.
This is a good opportunity for people who are boosters of small, family-owned businesses to engage their mouths along with their wallets. So, if you count yourself in that group, please stop in make a purchase as soon as you can, and thank them for making a commitment to our city’s economy. Then … keep coming back, whenever you can.
Not sure why I feel like the resident apologist for Lake Superior Brewery especially since I’ve never tasted the stuff but … somehow I am a big booster of this gem of a Duluth business and I was very glad to see them get some recognition. Who knows? Maybe this is a stepping stone to better and better things for them and our fair Lincoln Park. Congratulations Dale and boys.
This is our third winter in Duluth (so we still consider ourselves newbies) and we’re wondering if anyone could recommend a good neighborhood/area for Christmas light displays or recommend a good route. (Please be specific; I get lost easy, especially downtown.)
I just bought my first car in May. I am quite diligent about washing and waxing, and I like to do it by hand. I like to take care of the few things I have, especially expensive things, so they last a long time. Anyway, I’m in a bit of a conundrum now that winter has set in. I know people usually all rush to the car wash once it gets above freezing, but I also know that it may never get above 35 until mid-April now.
What do you experienced car owners do during the winter to keep your car clean and salt-sand-free? Are there any touchless car washes in town that blow-dry well enough to go to them when it’s 0 degrees out? I have a heated garage, but it’s not terribly warm, and has no drain. I’ve heard of the Optimum No Rinse product, do people recommend that?
As much advice, and local recommendations, as possible would be appreciated!
Please stop by for Tea!
Grace Press Design Annual Card …and Gayle Friday’s Treasures….Sale
Friday Dec 11 and Sat Dec 12
9:00-6:00
4726 Pitt Street (Lakeside) Duluth
Children welcome! Bring A Friend!
Sara Curwin
I just learned that this section of the Lakewalk is open. Does anyone know when it opened, or the story about volunteers working on it to meet a deadline? The Private Property signs are on 23rd Ave East. The other signs are at the beginning of this section of the Lakewalk,at the end of 23rd. How about a sign that says ” Public Welcome”?
If you’d like a free Perfect Duluth Day sticker, there is a stack on the counter at the Electric Fetus store downtown. Grab one before they’re gone. Merry Christmas.
UPDATE: They’re gone. Read comments for details on alternate methods of getting a sticker.
The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is open every day, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until Jan. 2. There are buses and trains to take you there and cookies and hot chocolate waiting for you. It’s free.
Do you have a family member, partner, or friend who might enjoy taking a class through the co-op? We have some great classes coming up, and they make a fantastic gift idea at $20 for co-op members, and $25 for non-members. Coming up:
Uber-knowledgeable Celia Linneman returns to teach, “Herbal Crafts for Kids” on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 12:30 – 2 p.m. The class is for kids ages 7-12 and will have them creating some holiday gifts on their own, from salt and sugar scrubs to lip balms.
On Tuesday, Dec. 8, is “Cooking in a Winter Wonderland” featuring WFC’s own Shannon Szymkowiak with super dishes and deep thoughts about eating locally for the wintertime.
Then on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6-8 p.m raw food guru Emily White returns to teach a “Raw Christmas Goodies” class about indulging in holiday goodies without all the guilt.
Here’s to your health and well-being this holiday season! For more information, go to www.wholefoods.coop. Thank you.
The time to spend money we don’t really have is upon us. So why not give that money from the future to our friends and neighbors?
With that sentiment in mind, the folks at Perfect Duluth Day have compiled a selection of locally produced goods and services to add to your shopping list. Click on the pics below for details about each item.
This fabulous showcase is by no means comprehensive, of course. We at PDD would like you to contribute to it through the comments. If you know of a local something special for that special someone, let it be known.
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m.
9th Annual Tellabration Family Storytelling event at Grant School, located at 1027 N 8th Ave. E., Duluth, MN. Tellers will include: Rachel Nelson, Harold Kallio, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Elizabeth Nordell and Carol Lee and Sparky. Refreshments! Free! Non-perishable food item appreciated. ?s: 733-7016
Thursday, Nov. 19, 8:15 p.m.
“Wit, Wisdom and Whatever..” a Tellabration Adult Storytelling event at Dubh Linn’s Pub, The Murphy Room, 109 W Superior St., Duluth, MN. Tellers will include: Rachel Nelson, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Elizabeth Nordell and Carol Lee, Tom Martinson and Harold Kallio.$5. ?s: 724-3484
