Jean Marie's Domain

 Well, technically back on Sunday. How was Red Wing? Mostly delightful! Drive down was uneventful. I stopped to visit the Anderson Center, which is an art space/art residency/studio space/alternative high school at the edge of town. I had had a writing residency there back in 1999 or so and did not have the best memories (combination of medical emergency and wildly incompatible other residents engaged in ongoing social conflict) and was delighted to find that the energy is very different now. The high school was hopping, the sculpture park is very nice and the gallery shows were really good. Staff is also more pleasant so big thumbs up, all around.

From there, I went to the tea shop, after killing some time in the big geek garage sale place next door and picking up a couple of DVDs. The Wisteria Tea Room is, alas, closing this week as they have lost their space and the owner wants to retire. Tea was very tasty and the ambiance was entertaining so I’m sorry not to visit again. I picked up A Life of Laetitia Pilkington by Norma Clarke on Charlie Jane’s recommendation and it’s brilliant. Read it through multiple meals, including this one. 18th century poet, wit, fallen woman, former Swift-protege and more - this bio is glorious. Highly recommended, though sadly out of print.

From there, I went to the St. James Hotel, a glorious Victorian pile in the middle of downtown, settled into my very pleasant room and vegged for a bit, then went for a walk and had dinner at the hotel restaurant. Then went back to my room, puttered on things and took a bath in the whirlpool tub, which was heavenly. Saturday was puttering around downtown after breakfast, hitting the one remaining bookstore, visiting the Red Wing Shoe store, wandering until lunch, then eating lunch before going on a self tour of the Sheldon, the gorgeous restored Victorian jewel box theater. I then ambling into the Uffda Scandinavian Gift store, where I acquired a large and ornate statue of the goddess Hel (“Is it a gift?” The salesperson asked. “Who would I give her to? I mean, the mountain of skulls alone…” I responded.), then winged it back to my room for my WisCon panel. It went reasonably well and I went for a walk afterwards and got dinner at the only place that was open for dinner nearby, apart from the hotel. The wings at Otto’s Public House are excellent, by the way, and they are better about the whole showing up with a book thing that some of those places are. Then it was back to my room for more puttering, reading and Second Bath. 

I had forgotten that the St. James is right next to the Amtrak station and the freight train lines and Saturday night was a train horn party. I got myself together on Sunday morning, ate breakfast and decided to skip the pottery museum in favor of driving home. Got there just in time to unload, feed cats and go to a very long vendor meeting for Twin Cities Pride. Then errands, and collapse with kitties on Sunday night. Monday was puttering, barbecue and “Killjoys” with friends and then sundry catchup things Monday night.

How was the trip overall? Well, the whole newly widowed, get used to be on your own a lot thing was both relaxing and sad. Downtown Red Wing needs a lot of love - so much has closed since I was there last! Definitely a bit depressing, but people were friendly and pleasant. I got in some great reading and the baths were a wonder. My cat sitter camping out overnight seemed to go well. I feel positively taller and more relaxed. 

All of which was much needed. I still need to do a bunch of catchup on things and the work contract end date looming not super helpful. I do not enjoy this job at all…but it’s pure WFH, Shu is not doing super well and I would have a much tougher time of things with a commute. I can’t afford to retire any time soon - house needs work, I’m still in debt and trying to replenishing savings from years of paying for my wife’s care, etc., etc. Better than a lot of people, worse than others, but need to suck it up if I get extended and try to get things more on track. Sigh. Anyway, hope everyone had a nice weekend!