Anubis Arrives in St. Paul

Anubis arrived at the Landmark Plaza Park across from the St Paul Hotel last week as an advertisement for the upcoming King Tut attraction that will begin in February at the nearby Science Museum. The Pioneer Press said it was 26 feet high and when I first saw it in the evening light it seemed huge. I recognized the jackal headed god from a college course on ancient Egypt but didn't remember his history or purpose. It seems that he was the god of the underworld and embalming, a guide for the newly dead to the afterlife, the first mortician if you like. How does one decide to study mortuary science? Is the pay good? Are you always on call for nights and weekends? What would Anubis think about the green embalming movement? I heard that the state of Texas is allowing people to be buried naturally without the use of chemicals and concrete in state parks....dust to dust. In return Texas will use the money to add land to the state parks system. Do we have that here in Minnesota? I might like to end up in Banning State Park. I remember a walk down to the river there one summer was beautiful even though the mosquitoes were fierce. One of Anubis's main jobs was to preside over the weighing of the heart. If your heart was light as a feather you could have eternal life, if not then well I believe there was a crocodile god that got into the act and things went downhill from there.

Winter Bridges

Looking east from the Wabasha Bridge, the Union Pacific Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge sits in front of the rainbow arch of the Robert Street Bridge connecting downtown to the Westside. On a warmer day of the year, M and I had walked to the bridge and were perhaps looking at the debris of trees that the summer flood had left, when a bride and groom darted out to the middle of the bridge. Encouraged by their photographer and the momentary lack of traffic, the wedding photo was snapped. You never know what will be witnessed or what will be found on a good walk. Earlier in the week, on an evening walk through the snowy downtown streets I looked down at the right moment and found a diamond ring on the sidewalk. An engagement ring I thought. Had it slipped off her finger when she removed her glove to put change in the parking meter or had she tossed it out of her car window after a heated argument? It fit me perfectly. I pondered the karma of wearing it. I sought opinions from others....keep it, wear it, you'll never find the owner, turn it over to the police, post it on Craig's list. I liked that last idea and went to the lost and found section. No lost ring there that fit the description of my ring. Someone on Craig's list is looking for their mood ring. I don't think I need a ring to tell me what kind of mood I'm in. I was agitated that the ring monkey was on my back and I needed to get it off. I took the ring to a jeweler at the mall...base metal and fake stones....costume jewelry. Maybe that's why it ended up in the snow.

Twins

It's here! The first snowfall in the Twin Cities arrived this morning. This may be alarming to some, but living in downtown means not having to shovel. The obvious topic of moving to Florida is discussed briefly. We change the discussion to supplies. Have we have laid in supplies (food and beer) to get us through the weekend? We review the stock pile of chicken and chops in the freezer. Yes, I believe we will make it but a tomato would be nice. Perhaps I will join the others I see out my window blowing their way down the street and make my way to Eisenberg's Market for that tomato. Eisenberg's has been at the corner of Jackson and 10th Street since the 1930's and sells overstocks, near date and slightly damaged products. The vine ripe tomatoes are a product I know they always have in stock at a great price. The rest of the day, well, it is a perfect day to turn the music up (how many snow-themed songs will The Current 89.3 play today?), clean out the toaster crumbs, recycle the mail, make banana bread, and yes think about a winter vacation to somewhere warm.

Landmark Center

Saved from the wrecking ball in the 70's, The Landmark Center, one time serving as post office and courthouse, is now home to a variety of arts and cultural organizations. Sundays at Landmark activities began in September and will continue into the spring. This Sunday's event is hosted by the German American Institute and celebrates St. Martin's Day. Last year we arrived late but still had time to make our paper lanterns and take them across to Rice Park at dusk. We watched the arrival of St Martin by horseback and listened to the story of the cloak and the needy beggar. (Last year's paper lantern....not so great looking....how can I do better I wondered.....must compete with 10 year olds....lantern making ideas abound on the internet....I could make a star lantern or a lantern made out of a beer can, or perhaps recycled milk containers!)