Reflections

Spring?

Spring is taking too long here! Last year we had minimal snow, beautiful temperatures, and no flooding.

This year we're barely getting over freezing, snow and mud are mixed together, and we're ready to warm up!

James J. Hill House

 I got to visit the historic James J. Hill House in Minneapolis with my parents. It was absolutely gorgeous. The tour guide gave us a wonderful presentation, and we also got a performance from the pipe organ!

Description copied from the MN Historic Society:

"Completed in 1891, the mansion was the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota. It contained 36,000 square feet on five floors including 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 crystal chandeliers, a two-story skylit art gallery, a 100-foot reception hall, and a profusion of elaborately carved oak and mahogany woodwork. Sophisticated technical systems throughout the mansion provided central heating, gas and electric lighting, plumbing, ventilation, security, and communication. The final cost totaled $931,275.01 including construction, furnishings, and landscaping for the three-acre estate."