Objects in Mirror: April 7, 2008 Archive

Spring fever yields garden fever

Posted at 8:48 AM on April 7, 2008 by Julia Schrenkler

Unfortunately obsessively checking the weather this spring doesn't change the forecast. Which is a shame, because nothing would make me happier than pulling out the firewood rack and putting down some tomato plants, except maybe being able to work on the lawn and see the birches start to bring leaves.

While this might be akin to putting a band-aid on spring fever, horticulturist Deb Brown appears on Midmorning today to help us prepare our lawns, trees, and flower beds for the growing season.

What is the status of your garden? Even if you're only in the plan stages, what do you have tucked in your rolled-up shirt sleeve? Join our open online discussion: What is the status of your garden? Don't be shy about sharing pictures.

The obstacles between getting from here to there

Posted at 12:59 PM on April 7, 2008 by Julia Schrenkler

A trio of recent road-travel links on mpr.org:

* Storm dumps more than 2 feet of snow in northern Minn. Suddenly, I have a new and appreciative perspective on Sunday's rain in the Twin Cities.

* Drivers and businesses feeling more pain at the pump but reportedly they're trying not to pass the cost on in order to retain customers. Some might even "get a boost from higher fuel prices."

* St. Cloud bridge closure is a hassle for some drivers. Detour ahead... but no word on how long before a fix or build.

Pipedreams 2008 Tour: Historic Organs of Quebec

Posted at 3:58 PM on April 7, 2008 by Julia Schrenkler

Maybe this would be better than springtime in Paris. I noticed this year's annual Pipedreams Tour will travel from Montreal to Quebec City and back between May 17 - 30. The focus? Historic Organs of Québec. Turns out Pipedreams (and tour) host Michael Barone is pretty excited about the trip and he notes some highlights:

"[...]Canada's organists are not so numerous as here in the USA, they are remarkably organized! What a catalogue of riches. The oldest surviving Canadian organ dates from 1854, and the most recent will be under construction when we visit two busy organ workshops in St. Hyacinthe."

* More travel information is available on the Tour Webpage
* Past tours
* More from Pipedreams: Organ photo gallery