The Weather

Supposedly, Minnesotans are incredibly keen on talking about the weather. And you know, I have to admit, this is something I've never really caught on to. I always thought it was really prosaic to point out something so obvious - "boy, sure is chilly out today." Well, of course it's chilly out - we're in Minnesota, for God's sake. People here legitimately think a good time is to fish through holes in a frozen lake. A couple years ago, there was an ice castle in St. Paul. For all the rest of the country knows, we ride penguins and reindeers instead of driving cars.

So right, I really don't get the fascination with talking about the weather. It's fairly obvious. Although then again, it's probably a bit less inflammatory social topic then me speaking extemporaneously on why I think Tom Emmer is a nutjob who will run the state into the ground.

But anyways, point being, all of a sudden, it got real frickin' cold up here. And truly, it was a real sudden change of pace. For the longest time, we had this weird Indian summer thing going on. Frankly, I'm glad it got a bit cooler, but I would have preferred a more gradual transition. As I've discussed with numerous folks, I'm fairly certain I look best in fall clothes. Not quite so awkward.

One thing I really enjoy about fall, and cool weather, is the attendant changes in what we'll call "life philosophies." And by that, I mean those subjective pleasantries that seem to crop up at this time of year. Here, in no particular order, are some of the greatest beneficiaries of fall.

1 - Pumpkin - why the hell can't this be in everything, all the time? Oh right, cause it's a fall food. Speaking of pumpkin though, I've found a new appreciation for pumpkin ale.

2 - Coffee in mid-afternoon - wait a second, this is normal anyways.

3 - Oktoberfest beers - I'm enjoying a Lake Superior Oktoberfest as I type. I do have a fondness for Summit, but Sam Adams (!) makes a mean one too, if we're talking about the Colonies.

4 - The Blues - I'm listening to a just purchased Jimmy Smith album right now. . . life-changing

5 - Sigur Rós - I think this goes back to Notts, but fall always reminds me of Sigur Rós. I think I'll blame that on Brando.

6 - Gourds - what a hilarious word

7 - The Walk From My Car to the Law School - I usually park about two and a half blocks away from Hamline, and have to walk to school from my car. The best days are those cool, crisp fall days when the leaves are changing. It's insouciant.

8 - The World Series - something just doesn't feel quite so satisfying though. Oh, that's right...

9 - Nostalgia - I don't know, fall just seems like a nostalgic time of year. Oddly enough, I think it's a good time for new beginnings, and other good things. Bouquets of newly sharpened pencils, and the like.

Go outside.

Books, books, books for pleasure?

Hello folks. You are now reading the blog of a man who has completed two years of law school. Truth be told, I haven't thought about it so much. It's just an incredible relief to not have to read about the limitation of liability act anymore. But since we're on the subject, and I am a maritime expert; no, I don't think the Deepwater Horizon will succeed.

In my semi-annual celebration of intellectual freedom, I bought a new book to read - for pleasure! That's right, as riveting as it is, Ian Macneil's relational theory of contracts just doesn't quite do it out in the sun. Instead, I'm reading Stephen Clarke's "A Year in the Merde." As some of you francophiles may know, "merde" is the beautiful tongue's word for "shit."



Needless to say, I've found it quite funny so far; in it's pseudo-true tale of an Englishman living in Paris amongst... sacre bleu! ... the French! But then again, I'm a fan of travel writing, especially hilarious travel writing about Europe. I think it's because I can relate to some of it. I've had a few of my own French foibles in particular. Still can't quite forget the amazing "American West" exhibit at the Metz Zoo.

What's the point of all this? There is no point. I've been spending my days as a gentlemen of leisure as of late, and I must admit, I fancy it quite a bit. In true British fashion, I tried my hand at making Pimm's the other day. Truth be told, it turned out pretty solid, though I think I need different lemonade, and cut up the orange slices a bit more daintily. Also need more morning jackets, women in big, silly hats, and drunken chavs brawling in the streets. Dammit, you just can't seem to find what you're looking for.

Tomorrow, I think I'm going to get up, and go on a biking sojourn. I have a couple things to think about, and nothing will help clear things up than a ride in the country. There's country around here, right? Farmington - I should hope so.