May the Force be with you

Today is our 38th (gulp) wedding anniversary. Last year I blogged about #37 and included some pictures, so go back a year if you want a refresher on what Larry and I looked like when we weren't old folks.

I wore my new glasses to the Science Museum of Minnesota today to give them a trial run at the Omni Theater and in the Star Wars special exhibit. Other than some minor weaving and near misses on the stairs, all went well. My eyes are making a concerted effort to work together again.

We went with two of our favorite 'tar Wars characters, Angie (A2P2) and Charlie (who will be CP30 in January '09). The Omni Theater showed "Special Effects", which was lots of fun to watch in those almost-lying-down seats.

The regular exhibits were brought to life by cute little kids who were into being scientists in white lab coats learning about cells, and microbe hunters checking the temperature of burgers as they "cooked" to prevent food poisoning. It's great when kids are free to explore and learn and just be kids. It's depressing how school can knock that right out of them sometimes (read: NCLB and testing, testing, testing). Hannah and Miles, take note: This WILL NOT happen to you! Don't let anyone diminish your curiosity about the world.

The Star Wars special exhibit was fun, although not as stimulating as some of us had hoped it would be. I think that's partly due to knowing the movies so well. Han Solo, Wookies, Ewoks, Sand People, X-wing fighters, the Millenium Falcon, Princess Leia, Hoth, and all the rest are old friends and familiar places. Hey--where in the heck was the Death Star??

Sketchy museum patrons who did not want to be identified

Sketchier patrons whose identities shall remain anonymous"...I am your father."

"Don't insult me you overgrown scrap pile!  At least I'm doing my job!""...Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not..."

A Wookie reunion: Chewbacca, Angie, and Charlie
reminiscing about the old days
Charlie and Angie, thanks for the traditional 38th anniversary
gift of a museum lunch. We had a great day with you today!