An era ends on West Seventh

I read yesterday afternoon that Nick Mancini, proprietor extraordinaire of Mancini's Char House & Lounge in St. Paul, passed away. Mancini's was right across the street from St. Mark Lutheran Church, which I attended during my seminary years. Often a contingent from the church would cross over after an evening meeting and enjoy Nick's legendary hospitality. Nick was old-school - he gave out free drinks and food to his "regular" customers (you were a regular if you'd been in more than once), and it was hard not to appreciate his enthusiasm... not to mention the big plate of garlic bread he'd bring over.



I'm sure his sons, who have been running the place for the last several years, will continue to maintain Nick's standards of service, and Mancini's will remain a popular place to go in St. Paul for the suits and for the blue collars... but Nick - present now only in spirit - will surely be missed.

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I'm Watership Down!

Is it any wonder Gretchen fell for me? =)

You're Watership Down!

by Richard Adams

Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Big weekend!

Congratulations are due to Jeff, who donned the robe and mortarboard yesterday morning, and spent about ten seconds walking across the stage at Southwestern Minnesota State University - Marshall, about two and a half hours into the ceremony. It was a long time coming, in every sense, but worth all the wait beyond any doubt. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Nancy, and Gretchen and I couldn't be prouder - it was wonderful to be there for those historic ten seconds. =)

Best of all, I've got a new favorite picture of Jeff... a rare smiling one, at that. (Jeff does the "smiling" look for pictures about as well as I pull off a "serious" face - it's clear which of us is the more dignified...)

Love and flowers are due to Mom today - Happy Mother's Day! Ditto that to Nancy and Grandma, who are both blessings.

And in the belated birthday department, lots of joy in the year to come to Dad and Grandpa! (Dad - don't consume all your Wisconsin cranberry products at once.)

Since I'm creating a whole new category label of "shout-outs" just for this post, how could I not wrap things up by thanking Gretchen for taking her chances with the Schaefers and being a part of this weekend? =) I love you beyond words.