#29 with M at the Edina Art Fair

There's something special about getting to know someone through their art tastes.  Making fun of really bad lawn ornament art with M was the perfect first date.  M is a Director of IT at a conference center that my company uses frequently.  He's attractive, funny and seems to want more adventure in his life.

After the art fair and a couple of glasses of wine, he suggested we hang out with my neighbors in our weekly DT meeting.  DT = Driveway Therapy, a moniker coined by my homeowners association after our Sunday evening wine meetings in the driveway.  Although he's quiet, I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed listening to my neighbors weekend antics.

Plans for date #2 with M are already in place.

#28 with N at Minnehaha Falls

Wine, seafood and great company were had on Saturday evening.  The bike to Minnehaha falls from my place is one of the best rides in town.  Mostly bike trail the entire way and witnessing a bald eagle along the West River Trail was a highlight.

N is someone I really should like.  He's smart, funny, sarcastic and loves most of the same pop culture stuff that I do.  He's going to be a great friend but nothing more.  Must be the chemicals!

For those that love seafood but have never eaten at Sea Salt, go now!!!  It's open from April - October and is run by the folks that own Coastal Sea Food.  The food is fresh, delicious and is a summer time must for this blogger.  Alcohol is not allowed beyond the concrete patios surrounding the restaurant but if you sneakily conceal your wine in sports bottles, you can get away with it.

Break in the Dates....but not for long!!!

So....a little blip on the dating scene.  D decided to end the short relationship citing, "he wasn't getting his needs met."  A week of feeling a bit blue but nothing like getting back on the saddle to cure the break up blues.

So, stay tuned while I attempt to date again.  I plan on being a bit more descriptive about my plans, dates, men, etc....starting this Saturday with my picnic date with N.

Batgirl

#27 with D at Lake Harriet

Once in awhile, we northerners get to experience the sunshine.  Easter Sunday was one of the most perfect days in months.  Lucking out with patio seating for a delicious Cuban breakfast at Victor's 1959 Cafe, a walk around Lake Harriet (in search of the elusive Fairy Door) and ice cream on the patio at Crema made for a magical day.

And thank gosh we took advantage of it.  It's now Thursday and day 4 of grey, rainy weather.  I'm starting to believe my mother was right about me getting SAD.  I thought that sickness was hooey....if I don't get a dose of sunlight soon, I may just hurt something.

Two more work days....

#26 with D and the Tale of Two Passover Seders

Sunday, April 17: Nothing official about this Passover besides the food.  The date was early, we didn't read the Haggadah and even had a couple of Gentiles enjoying the charade.  But, sharing food, time and trying to shed light on some deep rooted traditions within an ancient religion with friends is something so special, it's hard to describe.  New friends, good food and lots of laughter were in store for the evening.  D even helped make matzoh balls.  He is very helpful in the kitchen and is completely aware of his shortcomings when it comes to cooking.  He makes up for that by being totally available by following my orders.  Without his help, I would've been a spastic mess come dinner time.  If I failed to thank you for helping...Thank YOU.  For everything.

Monday, April 18: First dinner at D's mom's house on Lake Minnetonka.  25 guests, one very cute dog and lots of food.  This time, much more official with the reading of the Haggadah, the 4 questions in Hebrew and even more traditional foods.  There is something gross yet really delicious about gefilte fish with crazy hot horseradish.  Maybe only eating it once a year keeps it special.  Seeing D interact with natural family, step family and me helped me see how adaptable he is.  Non-judgemental, patient, sweet.

Getting sick of the 'sweet-ness' yet?  Hatgirl has started a new relationship!  Hopefully, she's got some juicy stuff to share with you.

#25 at Southdale Movie Theater

Free date at a theater?  Surprisingly YES.  D found 5 year old AMC movie passes which were accepted for Saturday nights showing of "Paul".  And luckily, the movie was FREE!  I can recommend Paul as a rental for it's endearing moments and as always, Kristin Wiig is amamzing.  I suppose I expected more from a Simon Pegg/Nick Frost film that began and ended at Comicon.  Unfortunately, they really seemed to dumb down the plot and dialog.  Nothing beats Hot Fuzz out of that pair!

The evening started off with dinner at Fat Lorenzo's with free gelato tastings while waiting for a table.

#24 at Java Jacks (with the ex)

A private show in the basement at Java Jacks with Jezebel Jones and Her Wicked Ways was on the ticket for Friday night.  And if you're wondering what I meant by "ex", that means D's ex.  Jezebel Jones is a singer/songwriter of Americana music, with crazy red hair and lots of tattoos.  Although we didn't get the chance to have a long conversation, she seemed friendly and it was good for me to get a glimpse of D's past.

After that free show, we drove over to the Hexagon Bar to check out more free music.  D ran into some old friends and co-workers.  Again, it's nice to learn about his past through his friends.  Lots of name dropping between these old friends (tour-managers, band mates and roadies) which was entertaining.  The Hex is an older bar with a good mix of hipsters and old regulars enjoying ice cold Strongbow.