Marcia Hales’ holiday lighting display (3700 block) offers a bit of whimsy, a bit of magic and a bit of respite. I encourage anyone who’s on the Point this weekend to take the time to walk through it. Make a wish on a penguin, watch a unicorn change colors, sip some hot cider and try to imagine it all through a child’s eyes.

I made an interesting find on a recent hike to the very end of the Point — a lump of dark black coal. Did it fall off a ship, or was it washed off? The feds and the state of Minnesota are a bit at odds about the Coast Guard-endorsed practice of allowing ships to ”sweep off their decks” into the water. Any thoughts on this matter?

Thanks to Captain Tom, a Great Neighbor!!