Sunday, November 09, 2008
Revised House Ideas
Traded space between LR and DR, kept existing fireplace stack. This is a variation from the September posting.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
House Remodel Ideas
Based on discussion meeting with B. Michels, prepared by K. Johnson as concept draft.
Friday, September 19, 2008
House Design
Here are some rough diagrams of the current layout. Meeting with Bill M. today for some concepts.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hauling Mulch & Girl
More biking adventures, hauling mulch with my Surly Big Dummy and Bikes at Work trailer. Photos by Alex Johnson.
P.S. 6/24: I will post some of the "how-to" for the trailer and the development process with Bikes-at-Work Trailers in Iowa, which I really enjoyed working with. Gotcha, Dylster.
From Lisa Johnson, "A Poem for Kirk"
There once was a man named Kirk
Who was a cute bicycle jerk
Throughout the city he'd slog
And slap bike stuff on his blog
While promoting biking to work.
P.S. Hi, Teragram.
P.S. 6/24: I will post some of the "how-to" for the trailer and the development process with Bikes-at-Work Trailers in Iowa, which I really enjoyed working with. Gotcha, Dylster.
From Lisa Johnson, "A Poem for Kirk"
There once was a man named Kirk
Who was a cute bicycle jerk
Throughout the city he'd slog
And slap bike stuff on his blog
While promoting biking to work.
P.S. Hi, Teragram.
Monday, June 09, 2008
MS-150
Thank you, supporters! We raised $2.7 million for the event overall, with the Capella Cruisers teaming up with 50+ riders, several volunteers and pledges for the team exceeding $28,000. Some pics from below. Met new friends Andre S., Jorje G. (same bike!), and new co-workers. I also saw Ryan last year, a fellow rider that has MS. He was able to ride on the first day. Good job Ryan, I admire you.
Moppy was my mascot, donated from Patrick and Jessica. Demonstrating that scholarly research is part of the cure, she still evoked the lighter side of the ride. "Your girlfriend is hot," "Your helper is not pedaling," and "Oh my gosh I thought she was real!" were common comments...lots of smiles. It was worth the extra weight. And she never complained once.
The Capella Cruisers had fun tent in Hinkley and it was well-organized with a fun group of Capella workers and their friends/family. I hope next year will build off of our expanding success. Excellent work, riders & captains!
And more pics from A.A.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Hail, June!
June 1st picture taken in our backyard. This is the day after a hail storm. Several inches deep (well, about 4 or 5), this resulted from the wind and gravity pushing it across the back of our yard and down the steps to our side yard.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Just for Fun
I'm so proud of my sister! "Just for Fun" is an original oil on canvas measuring 12" by 24." A premium frame extends that to 22" by 34". Artist Karen Kersten's brief bio is located in a different post.
Susan's Fire & Ice Party
What a bang! Thanks, Susan for a fun time and scheduling the party during a hailstorm. Fire, food, hail, laughter...it was a party!
Edina Energy & Environment Commission
The first annual event took place this weekend at the Edina High School. Nicely organized by the Edina Energy & Environment Commission, it was a pleasure to participate. Thanks to Alice & Alex for helping me to present. We had a lively discussion on current strengths and opportunities for biking in Edina (and to and from).
Engaged in several conversations about various city groups working more closely in the near future to promote use of bicycles as transportation and other uses. I look forward to it.
Engaged in several conversations about various city groups working more closely in the near future to promote use of bicycles as transportation and other uses. I look forward to it.
Moppy Gets Hauled
Moppy got her derriere hauled from St. Paul through Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park, and Edina this week. "Nice load," "Interesting pile of limbs," and compliments that only certain whistle tones can offer are all examples of attention she elicited.
Pictured near my ever-faithful Surly long-tail Big Dummy are Patrick and Jessica who were kind enough to have offered Moppy room and boarding during the past few years after her escape out of Rosedale Mall with Jessican & her mom.
Moppy's next adventure is riding on the snap deck during my MS-150 fundraising event coming up this weekend. I hope she's got good conversational skills; otherwise, it's going to be a long ride.
Pictured near my ever-faithful Surly long-tail Big Dummy are Patrick and Jessica who were kind enough to have offered Moppy room and boarding during the past few years after her escape out of Rosedale Mall with Jessican & her mom.
Moppy's next adventure is riding on the snap deck during my MS-150 fundraising event coming up this weekend. I hope she's got good conversational skills; otherwise, it's going to be a long ride.
Karen Kersten: Magazine Article
My sister Karen Kersten is featured in Her Voice magazine, summer 2008. A few of the article images are thumbnailed below. Her lifelong love of drawing and painting led her to study at the Minnesota River School of Fine Art in Burnsville and the Hurinenko Paquet Studio in St. Paul.
After her formal art education Karen taught drawing, portraiture and still life for six years at the Minnesota River School of Fine Art. In 1999 she relocated to the beautiful lake country of northern Minnesota, where she feels blessed to be living her dream of being a horse owner and painting in her Pine River studio. She participates in many juried local and national shows, art organizations and galleries.
The full article is linked here.
After her formal art education Karen taught drawing, portraiture and still life for six years at the Minnesota River School of Fine Art. In 1999 she relocated to the beautiful lake country of northern Minnesota, where she feels blessed to be living her dream of being a horse owner and painting in her Pine River studio. She participates in many juried local and national shows, art organizations and galleries.
The full article is linked here.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
National Bike to Work 2008
Here are some photos and stats from the event. We had a total of 2 riders this year. Better than last year because this is the first year that there was an Edina convoy. Pics below and reflections & stats below!
Some reflections:
1. What went well, and feedback for what we can do next year
The map planning and centralizing on the Bike Walk Week site went well. Our route was perfect and I liked the start time. Thanks to Shaun and team for the resources.
What I'd like to do next year is more advertising locally and via web sites for the convoy from Edina. Specifically, getting some flyers posted at bike shops, coffee shops, and other venues.
2. Any interesting stories
The funny thing is that the other person showing up had a Surly bike like me (hers was a Crosscheck and mine a Big Dummy), rear saddle bags, Shimano pedals, and we both had the exact same sandle-type biking shoes that we purchased at REI recently. We both work downtown Minneapolis and commute throughout the winter. We had a pleasant conversation and kept a good pace all the way to downtown. Then at the government plaza, I noticed another Crosscheck and I was about to say "Sue, look...your bike's twin" and then looked up to see my oldest and best friend riding that bike, Scott from the UoM. Saw lots of friends and acquaintences at the plaza, thanks for the food and displays from places like One on One (thanks for the socks, Geno!).
Also...from Shaun M., NTP Project Coordinator:
"We had 40 bike convoys and 3 walk convoys
190 workplace teams were formed
980 people attended the 12 downtown celebrations and free breakfast locations
2,400 people registered online – and of those 11% had never biked or walked to work before"
"Also, Fox 9 did a story on Bike Walk to Work Day. Tim Blotz even walked people through the process of looking for commuter convoys on a computer!
Some reflections:
1. What went well, and feedback for what we can do next year
The map planning and centralizing on the Bike Walk Week site went well. Our route was perfect and I liked the start time. Thanks to Shaun and team for the resources.
What I'd like to do next year is more advertising locally and via web sites for the convoy from Edina. Specifically, getting some flyers posted at bike shops, coffee shops, and other venues.
2. Any interesting stories
The funny thing is that the other person showing up had a Surly bike like me (hers was a Crosscheck and mine a Big Dummy), rear saddle bags, Shimano pedals, and we both had the exact same sandle-type biking shoes that we purchased at REI recently. We both work downtown Minneapolis and commute throughout the winter. We had a pleasant conversation and kept a good pace all the way to downtown. Then at the government plaza, I noticed another Crosscheck and I was about to say "Sue, look...your bike's twin" and then looked up to see my oldest and best friend riding that bike, Scott from the UoM. Saw lots of friends and acquaintences at the plaza, thanks for the food and displays from places like One on One (thanks for the socks, Geno!).
Also...from Shaun M., NTP Project Coordinator:
"We had 40 bike convoys and 3 walk convoys
190 workplace teams were formed
980 people attended the 12 downtown celebrations and free breakfast locations
2,400 people registered online – and of those 11% had never biked or walked to work before"
"Also, Fox 9 did a story on Bike Walk to Work Day. Tim Blotz even walked people through the process of looking for commuter convoys on a computer!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
South View Middle School Bike Project
Here are a few photos from last Saturday's event. Alex D. and John M. did a wonderful job organizing this, and thanks to their classmates, parents, relatives, Mayor Hovland, and other community leaders for making this possible.
You Can Always Go...Downtown
Thanks, Petula. Here is our recent downtown bus excursion. (Alex got a near-concussion at school a few days earlier, BTW.)
Capella Spring Bicycling Seminar
Here is a scene from our 2nd bicycle commuting seminar. Pictured is Mike, facilitator of this session's meeting. Like the last time, about 25 people attended. This was another great team effort. Momentum!
Capella Green Team
Prior to our annual meeting today, we had some employee groups set up tables. Here is a scene from the Capella Green Team table.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Edina Convoy
Here is the route I'm leading for the Edina location for the national May Bike/Walk to work week. Site is http://www.bikewalkweek.org/. The date is May 14th. Meet at 6:50 a.m. at Jerry's Foods on Vernon Ave in Edina. We'll be leaving at 7 a.m. and will probably be downtown by 7:45 a.m. at the Gov't Center for the festivities.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Goodbye and Hello
Saying goodbye to the kids as Lisa snapped a pic. They're off to visit family on vacation while I prepare for the big move on Thursday.
This was the last day they would be in the current house. We will miss our neighbors! But 2 miles away isn't far. I'm reminded of the changes we experienced on the house. Also more importantly the changes we experienced these past 14 years as a family...
We swung on the Highland swings
Dreaming of kids that would walk to school
Aliya's name arrived in Lisa's dream,
Artem's face in her magazine,
Vision of boys swimming near a fence;
Alex too, it made perfect sense.
Winter school carnivals,
New Year's skating at Highlands Lake,
Fall picnics at the Tree Park,
Walking to school is fun to do.
"Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello"
Autmn Blaze Maple grows higher; new family will see,
Dexter's ashes nourish the tree
While we begin a new adventure much more free
Meet new neighbors, bring a pie.
Polar Express fits on the shelf.
"Oh, no
You say goodbye and I say hello."
Frosty malts after the pool,
Another season to walk to school.
Friday, March 28, 2008
New Painting
This just in from Karen, my sister. She writes, "Here's a recent commission. (oil 16x20) I love painting horses and people! :~) "
We both like to ride. Being a city guy, however, my steeds are steel instead of flesh and bones.
Friday, March 21, 2008
The Big Dummy Has Landed!
Flew in from Chicago and took the train to downtown, walked to One on One Bicycle Studio, paid for the piece of work (almost all used parts!), and rode home. It was fantastic!
My first ride carried two spare tires, all my luggage, and a bag of papers, cereal, and a banana. Here is the first photo as dusk set the same night.
12 people already rode it those first few hours. Ellen (pictured below) borrowed the bike to deliver Girl Scout cookies with two of her daughters on the deck. This bike is sick! It's everything I had hoped it would be...and more.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Encouraging Sprawl
What do you think about this statement: "This [cheap gas in the U.S.] allows us to move further away from the city and buy houses 30% bigger and buy larger, more powerful automobiles."
From CNBC this morning: "Discussing the economy, with Wilbur Ross, Jr., WL Ross & Co. chairman/CEO; Mike Jackson, AutoNation CEO; John Hofmeister, Shell Oil U.S. Operations CEO and Robert McTeer, former Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president"
I'm at a school colloquium in Chicago and turned on CNBC. Panelists this morning are spouting off on the advantages of cheap oil in the U.S. which keeps our gas prices historically low as a portion of our income.
Sometimes I think we are in denial. Yesterday while walking to class I saw other headlines "World Environment in Peril" with shots of melting glaciers and other havoc.
Environment aside, what are the advantages of spreading humanity out to cover up the diminishing prairies, grasslands, farms, and forests? What is the cost of the extended sewer systems? The cost of additional pollution as people use more and more fossil fuels to use those "larger and more powerful" cars as they move away? What is the social cost of kids not growing up near neighbors and adults not having friends within walking distance? What about the loss of the "neighborhood school" where people actually walk to school? The walking/busing/biking ease of getting to work? Sure, short-term economic gains can be enjoyed from the incessant need to increase shareholder value year upon year. But where are the measurements for "gross national social stability"? Air quality? Carbon footprint reduction? Oil-inspired wars?
OK, now the New York auto show is being featured. My parting thoughts are that 14 bicycles fit in a standard car parking lot space. At a fraction of the energy required to melt, build, transport, and sell one regular car.
Bicycling (and other human-powered transport), busing, and other good choices are good for health, society, and the world in both political and environmental aspects. It is apparent that stakeholders such as Shell Oil, energy investors, lobbyists, and many government leaders might need further proof to see the situation in a longer-term perspective. What do you think? What will you do?
From CNBC this morning: "Discussing the economy, with Wilbur Ross, Jr., WL Ross & Co. chairman/CEO; Mike Jackson, AutoNation CEO; John Hofmeister, Shell Oil U.S. Operations CEO and Robert McTeer, former Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president"
I'm at a school colloquium in Chicago and turned on CNBC. Panelists this morning are spouting off on the advantages of cheap oil in the U.S. which keeps our gas prices historically low as a portion of our income.
Sometimes I think we are in denial. Yesterday while walking to class I saw other headlines "World Environment in Peril" with shots of melting glaciers and other havoc.
Environment aside, what are the advantages of spreading humanity out to cover up the diminishing prairies, grasslands, farms, and forests? What is the cost of the extended sewer systems? The cost of additional pollution as people use more and more fossil fuels to use those "larger and more powerful" cars as they move away? What is the social cost of kids not growing up near neighbors and adults not having friends within walking distance? What about the loss of the "neighborhood school" where people actually walk to school? The walking/busing/biking ease of getting to work? Sure, short-term economic gains can be enjoyed from the incessant need to increase shareholder value year upon year. But where are the measurements for "gross national social stability"? Air quality? Carbon footprint reduction? Oil-inspired wars?
OK, now the New York auto show is being featured. My parting thoughts are that 14 bicycles fit in a standard car parking lot space. At a fraction of the energy required to melt, build, transport, and sell one regular car.
Bicycling (and other human-powered transport), busing, and other good choices are good for health, society, and the world in both political and environmental aspects. It is apparent that stakeholders such as Shell Oil, energy investors, lobbyists, and many government leaders might need further proof to see the situation in a longer-term perspective. What do you think? What will you do?
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