Metalwork

So the wife and I noted that it's been me that's taking Sander to all these Scouting events, and while that's kind of part and parcel with the whole father-son-thing, it occured to me that if ever there was a merit badge that she'd be interested in going to, it would be yesterday's- Metalwork, specifically silversmithing at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts. But, push come to shove, when Sander was asked who he wanted to take him- it was the old man who got selected.

So, an early rise to drive 45 minutes way to the other side of the Cities, but at least I'll get to watch my son at work, right? Well he no sooner signs in, than he subtly lets his dad know that it'd be okay if dad just disappeared for a while. After all, none of the other dads are staying to watch.

So, I wander around the center. Beautiful facility with lots of cool galleries and work areas. I was supposed to pick up a calendar of classes for the wife- but it slipped my mind. Then I went off to find a McDonald's... but apparently Wayzata and Orono are too hoity-toity for Mickey D's! After about 15 minutes, I give up, have a coffee and breakfast bagel at Bruegger's and then pick up a sandwich from Jimmy John's. Oh, and the other annoyance- neither Starbuck nor Caribou offer Italian sodas (I thought I'd surprise him). Grr...

After lunch, I go find a bar, have a cider and a whiskey, and relax with my book. Ya know, I kinda missed out on watching the boy work, but I really had a pretty nice day to myself in exchange.

All the silver was gone, so Sander made two pieces, one with copper and the other with brass. But all the requirements were met, he had a great time, said he'd totally do it again next year, and I was glad to see that he wasn't the only Troop 49'er there! Stephen did Pottery in the morning, and Graphic Design in the afternoon (Sander's was an all-day class).

Anyway, bottom line is #21, Metalwork, is all done, and Sander's got two pendants to show for his work!