We're not in Kansas anymore

We had a great time a couple of weeks ago when we went to the local school play (Hopkins High School). It was the Wizard of Oz, so I thought T would like it, as she knows the story and wouldn't be stage-whispering all the way through "But what's happening NOOOOOOWWW?". We were prepared for a "Aww, sweet" sort of play, but blimey it was professional (although in the first few minutes I did think to myself, "Gosh, she does an awfully good American accent").

For a start it was in the school's very own theatre (even with balconies, and box seats). There were pyrotechnics for the appearance of the Wizard, disappearance of the witch, and the moment when she attempts to touch Dorothy's shoes, and then there was the flight crew, which managed to get Miss Whateverhernameis all the way across the top of the stage on her bicycle. It was all rather brilliant, and made my paltry school nativity plays seem a bit half-baked.

Last weekend we went to Duluth (Mark Twain (allegedly) said that the coldest winter he ever experienced was summer in Duluth). Very weird sleeping and hearing the waves lap when you're not by the sea. Lake Superior (clue's in the question) is really rather big...next time I think we'll go further north and maybe stay a bit longer. Bridgjo wants to walk out onto the lake and look into the lake caves around there, which you can't normally get to.

On Sunday we managed to gird our loins and go into town (possibly the first time this year). We went late evening, so managed to go to Macy's display (disappointingly it was the same as last year), see the Big Guy himself, and then go outside to see the Holidazzle parade (a bit like Blackpool Illuminations, but without the rock). I had actually got tickets to see the parade from a heated tent, but it was insufferably hot inside, so instead we took our courtesy hot chocolates out onto the pavement to see the lit floats going past.

It was really a warm night (ie T had one of her coats unbuttoned). The weather's been quite clement, and only this morning did we have a delicate icing of snow. It was 18 degrees Fahrenheit. No idea what that is in shillings, but jolly nippy. I am now so Minnesotan - I have a hat and gloves in my car especially for when I go and fill up with petrol.

Still say petrol though.