As of the posting date of this blog, I have a large inventory of spare parts for authentic neon beer signs. Please contact me through the "Contact Tim" tab above and be sure to browse through the photo gallery below.

I was invited to race with some Twin Cities media folks on Sunday evening.  It was for a great cause and I had an awesome time. 

We spent the past week up north in Duluth and the north shore, Arrow-head region of Minnesota for an annual family trip.  We had a great time and saw many beautiful parts of the state.  Kayla and Rylie did enjoy all of the stops, but seemed to want to go back to the hotel to swim or go to the arcade.  Oh, the simple pleasures. 

(Click to view individual photo galleries)

Happy 40th Anniversary and Birthday Mom and Dad. I've been blessed to have my parents married and happy together my whole life. Here are 2 videos to be watched in a row.  The first is titled "20 things I've leared from being married for 40 years" from Dad.  And the 2nd is a tribute to your wedding.  We all love you guys very much.  Happy b-day Dad!

Watch the Videos!

The Minnesota Twins Radio Network (MNN) held an affiliate appreciate event at Target Field on Tuesday.  I continue to be impressed with the amenities, design and atmosphere of this shrine to Minnesota.   

 

After so many years waiting for our new field, I actually got to walk through the gate on April 2nd.  I was like a kid at Christmas time.  I had goose bumps as I walked through the gate 29 (every gate numbered after a famous retired Twins number).  Of course, you know who 29 is. 

Here are 82 photos covering as much as I could capture.

Ok, so It was really a 231, but they add in my 67 league handicap.  I bowl every Monday for the KYMN Radio team.  It's the Businessmen League at the Jesse James Lanes here in Northfield.  I recently purchased a new ball which helps with my hook.  This is my first year doing this, so I'm gradually getting better each week.  My first game was a 194 and my last game was a 126 in Monday's three game set.  Guess I need to work on my endurance. 

Scoring was 9, /, /, /, X, X, X, X, X, X, /.

 

After three days and 8,341 still shots from our camera on the historic Scriver Building in downtown Northfield, Tech Talks' Adam Gurno and myself put together this time-lapse version of this weeks 8-10" of snow during blizzard conditions and a full-out snow day! Watch closely as there is a quiz at the end of this 3 minute video presentation.

AL FREELAND

We have been in town since 1981, but it was only in the last couple of years that I noticed the tree.  By “the tree” I mean the giant cottonwood tree by the old metal bridge on Canada Ave., Northeast of Northfield.  When the tree finally caught my eye I was totally amaze by the size of this “old man of the woods”.  The base of the tree was hollowed out, but it still looked strong and not in danger of toppling. 

After attending the last regular season game at the Metrodome the Twins beat the Detroit Tigers in a one game playoff, 163rd game of the season.  This following 12 inning game was considered by many to be one of the most entertaining games in Twins history, considering the Twins were 7 games back just weeks prior and was the second time in 4 seasons that the Twins beat the failing Tigers on the last day of the season. 

In a stark turn of momentum the Twins were swept in 3 games during the following ALDS by the “Evil Empire” (Yankee’s).  I feel lucky to have had my team with the Central Division title as they left the Metrodome. 

Here are photo galleries from the last games that I attended.  Third to last.  Last game.

Following the last out during the final game at the Metrodome ever, they removed the home plate and moved it to the new Target Field. 

BY AL FREELAND

I really enjoy the Defeat of Jesse James Day’s auto show every year.   I like it for the same reasons that many “old people” like me revel in the event!!!    It is a walk down memory lane, a time to feel a bit younger as you identify with the machines that grew to be an extension of your body and seem still young, and for me and a few others walking around it was because of “simplicity”. 

The best way to describe what I mean by “simplicity” is as follows: 

1. I was talking with a gentleman that had rebuilt a Model-T Ford.  He gave a fascinating rendition of how Henry Ford had made a very usable car for the masses.  He said that Ford fine tuned the car engine and transmission to a point that is basically the same functional engine and transmission that exists in today’s cars. Once Ford developed the new oiling system, planetary gear transmission, and the basics that are still in our cars today, he stuck with it.  To make the massive sales he had, he just kept reducing the prices, making the Model T almost impossible to not buy; keeping all other competitors at bay.   He built millions of them until he was forced to update the technologies in 1927 when the Model A was released (I think I got the facts right).  The exhibition gentlemen had all the facts about the evolution of the Model-T which made for a fantastic visit.  It was the “keep it simple stupid” or KISS method of manufacturing, marketing and success.
2. Next, as I was walking over to a 1930 Pontiac that caught my eye, I overheard a couple of guys looking at some other older cars who were saying the same thing I had said all day long, “would you look at this Sam – can you believe how simple these engines were – no junk hanging all over it like today!”  Their point was proven all the more when I strolled over to the 1930 Pontiac.  One of the side hoods were raised showing the rebuilt and uncluttered engine (see the picture above).  I think you would agree with me if you were standing by my side, that this engine was designed for easy access and maintenance of all of the major engine wear-parts, including:  the spark plugs easily positioned on top of the engine, starter, generator, gas filter, water pump, manifolds, distributor, and carburetor.  I could touch, remove and replace these all with a couple of wrenches and a couple minutes effort.

I posted the following blog on my old website 3 years ago when I spent a lot of time hunting for the hidden horse shoe.  This year I am one of those hiding it.  Little did I know I was wasting my time, if I had paid any attention to the rule about it having to be on public property.  Regardless, the clues that I did tie into Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield were just to ironic to not be part of something bigger.  Today, I am assured that it was just pure coincidence.  Read over the old post and take close note of the names on the stones.