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It is with great relief that the week is ending. Finally.

Earlier, I met John for lunch in Lowertown, a district in downtown St. Paul. On the way, I noticed that the cyclone fencing that lined Chestnut (winding up from Shepard Road, past the Science Museum, up to W 7th, past the Excel Center and up the hill to the I-35 ramp) is gone already. The troops are gone. The RNC is done. Good riddance.

And, not a moment too soon. Events got a little hairy, starting yesterday in the afternoon. Law enforcement was seriously ramped up—police on horses, on bikes, in riot gear, with gas masks—to “provide protection” from permitted anti-war protesters, who had gathered at the Capitol for a rally and were marching downtown. Downtown businesses closed early at the recommendation of police. State officials were encouraged to go home. Police officers were stationed at all the major freeway ramps nearing downtown and at the major intersections of Shepard Road (John’s office is at one of these major intersections and the boys’ school is at the last exit before downtown).

Just a little stressful, especially when you read minute-by-minute accounts from the street (scroll down for the good stuff). The stress wasn’t unwarranted either. As the protesters reached the John Ireland bridge over I-94, they were met by a full battalion of law enforcement and snowplows. The stand-off was ugly, but it never turned violent. Because, guess what? Minnesotans are really nice. It was an anti-war/peace protest made up of citizens who have a constitutional right to voice their opinion, not anarchists hell-bent to break windows. Sheesh.

But it’s over. Yay! On Tuesday, I’m marching myself down to Obama’s headquarters and giving what’s left of myself, after wife and mother duties.

The boys survived their first week of school. Getting up earlier than usual—not just earlier than summer, but earlier than last school year—has been a challenge for all. But, I’ve found that the boys can be lured out of bed if I promise oatmeal or scrambled eggs. They both like their teachers, and each has revealed the courses they’re most excited about. Simon easily exhibits the maturity of matriculating another year at school. And, Winston is surely coming into his own.

Simon had his first soccer practice this week. I could tell that Si really got a lot out of the coaching and play from the summer. He looked more confident on the field. I’m glad we let him “play up” to the next age group with older, more experienced teammates. Initially, he was the only player from his summer team, but just yesterday, another kid joined the fall team. Not just any kid, either, but the best player from the summer team. The first game is Saturday morning, and I’m truly looking forward to it.

Right after the game, John and I are driving 300 miles to Door County. Many friends have recommended this area in Wisconsin—the thumb of the mitten—as a great destination so I’ve always had it in mind to travel there. When a friend invited us to ride a century with her and her husband, we jumped at the chance. This 100-mile bike ride loops around the peninsula, with Green Bay on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. Should be scenic. Also, cold and rainy, as scattered thundershowers are predicted. John said, “That’s what rain jackets are for,” as he scurried out the door last night to buy a new windbreaker at REI. We love our gear.

The boys are staying with their favorite sitter, one who has been with us for five years and recently graduated from college. Since the ride ends late on Sunday, we’re going to take an extra night and revel in some couple time.

Be back Monday... or Tuesday…