Men in reflective neon vests, working for the great city of Minneapolis use a long pole with a hook on the end to hang white Christmas lights in the trees here on 10th Ave, where it crosses 4th Street. Some trees are bare, some still sport a luxurious layer of golden leaves. I wonder if Minneapolis waits until Thanksgiving night to light everything up.

I like to think so.

This photo is Chris, the utility crew guy on tour.

This morning, Pete Winders, the guitar player in Donavon's band, and I walked down a block or two from where the bus is parked to Espresso Royale for some morning coffee. Then we went our separate ways forsome grub.

I'm so happy to have walked into Al's Breakfast. Its a shotgun shaped restaurant that reminded me of The Village Pub back home. Seating is only at the bar, there's one cook, and two others behind the counter. I ordered my favorite: 2 poached eggs on top of a (perfect) pancake - plus they added a generous helping of apple sauce. I wish there was an breaky place like this in Carlsbad. I'd have a hard time not going every morning.

The day before yesterday we were in Ann Arbor - a stop I'd been looking forward to since the tour began. A day in Ann Arbor means a lunchtime visit to Zingerman's Deli. I ordered #73 with a traditional pickle, a side of heavenly roasted squash with rose-merry, and a bag of gingersnap cookies for the bus.

Thank you Zingerman's. You never disappoint.