#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.

#23 with Art

No, "Art" is not a new date.  It was the activity.  The free date on Friday was with "D".  After a few long texts, some deeper understanding about how we can make each other happier (and more secure) and one very nervous meeting after a week apart, the date went better than I anticipated.  If there is one thing I've learned about dating, it's COMMUNICATION!!  Even if you think what you're feeling is stupid, naive, whatever!  If you're feeling it, it matters.  Not only to you, but if you're partner is worth it, it should matter to them too and they deserve to know what will make you happier.

So, now that a week of uncertainty is out of the way, a couple of art exhibits were on the docket.  D's friend was showing her photographs at an art thesis show on campus.  Her work was very good and focused on zoo animals and exhibits from around the world.  Then, onto Gallery 13 to see the end of a two month art exhibit destroyed.  I thought it would be harder to see the unsold pieces destroyed by an axe but surprisingly, it wasn't.  Although, I was happy to see two pieces rescued before the end of the evening!

I visited lots of new places this weekend worth mentioning even though they weren't free:

Zakia Restaurant- a small middle eastern cafeteria type restaurant with fresh food and friendly service.  Even the patrons pushed their favorites on us.  It was hard to decide on main dishes and two sides but between both us us, we tasted 6 different bites.  All of them were fantastic!

Peace Coffee - Although service isn't the fastest here, the tea selections are excellent and the decor is friendly.

Trylon Theater - a small 20 seat, small-ish screen that plays classic films.  The film prices are $8 but medium popcorn, large candy and drinks are all $2 a piece!  I watched "The Man Who Knew too Much" last night.

A Mexican Restaurant called (?) - next to the old Town Talk Diner, this restaurant is amazing!  Friendly staff and very fresh food.  The table served salsa is appropriately spicy and fresh.  Don't miss the Mexicana salad which is chopped cucumbers, jicama, papaya and pineapple with fresh lime juice and a spicy condiment called Tajin.

Off to The History Theater in St. Paul this afternoon for a Tale of Twin Cities with Kevin Kling (amazing story teller) and Simone Perrin (amazing accordianist) with D and a couple of neighbors.