small sail boats on Lake Calhoun
©Jean Janssen

We got up early this morning.  Emma has been working hard to be in great shape for her wedding next weekend, so we wanted to get in a walk before the graduation weekend activities started for the day.  My brother, 3Jack2, a former marathon runner and a current national tennis qualifier, drove us over to Lake Calhoun where we enjoyed a 3.2 mile walk around the lake.  Actually, he ran around both Lake Calhoun and the adjacent Lake of the Isles, while Emma and I walked Calhoun.  (Emma at a much faster pace than I.)  Lake Calhoun is the largest lake in Minneapolis and is surrounded by beautiful stately homes.

One of the Tudor homes that borders Lake Calhoun
©Jean Janssen

In addition to the wide and well-marked walking and biking trails, Lake Calhoun is a great venue with two small beaches with lifeguard stands, a marina, a fishing pier, boat launching sites, and a sand volleyball court.  There is a nice view of downtown Minneapolis from several spots on the walk.  I always enjoy checking out the clever names people give their boats and spotted a small sailboat in the lakeside marina with a great one, “sick days”.

I loved the name of this sailboat on Lake Calhoun
©Jean Janssen

A home in Linden Hills
©Jean Janssen

After the walk, 3Jack2 drove us over to Lake Harriet which, although a smaller lake, has a greater number of sailboats than Lake Calhoun.  Lake Harriet is bordered by Linden Hills with wonderful cottages made of stone, stucco, and brick.

The bandstand at Lake Harriet
©Jean Janssen

There was a running event at Lake Harriet, but we were fortunate to pull in before they closed off the streets to vehicular travel.  The lake features a picturesque bandstand with outdoor seating that looks out on the water.  Lake Harriet is also home to a short section of the trolley line that formerly served this section of the city.  On Sundays, you can ride on it for a dollar.

It was Chill and Grill Day, as 3Jack2 likes to call lazy days by the pool with alfresco dining.  We followed the shade patterns and moved the lounge chairs accordingly.  Creme Fresh and Coco Vel-vet ran all around the pool chasing a ball and destroying pool noodles, once again providing entertainment.  We relived younger days and “rocked the pool.”

Entertainment by Creme Fresh and Coco Vel-vet
©Jean Janssen

A behind the back move by our teppanyaki chef
©Jean Janssen

At night we had a big family dinner at my nephew, 3Jack3’s favorite restaurant, Benihana.  He likes it so much that he has even taken one of their Teppanyaki Chef classes.  The food is great, but the experience depends upon your chef and Heri did a great job.  One slip up meant we got an extra filet mignon and who can argue with that.  3Jack3 is addicted to the yummy-yummy sauce and we all had to agree it was fabulous.

It was pouring down rain when we left and my brother pulled the car right up to the door to let us in. I mean right up to the door; he was up on the sidewalk.  I think if someone had tried to open the front door to the restaurant they would have hit the hood of his car.  Wish I had a picture of that to share.  I got pretty wet.  I sacrificed myself to save the camera with my pashmina.  As a travel blogger, I do have my priorities.

Sailboats on Lake Harriet
©Jean Janssen