Now that we’re well into 2017, I fully understand that we — and the administration of President Donald Trump — are all about Making America Great Again.

Meanwhile, I’ve also embarked on my own program to Keep Minnesota Pretty Good. To that end, I’ve got a short version of what I’ve done and plan to do:

I paid $18 to tour the U.S. Bank Stadium, a palace we taxpayers spent a half-billion dollars on, mostly for the benefit of Vikings’ owners, near as I can tell. But, hey: It’s the only way I can afford to see the place.

The building itself is an architectural and engineering marvel. But I didn’t see many public drinking fountains, perhaps explaining why water sells for five bucks a bottle.

My $18 tour didn’t include any protesters hanging from the rafters.

I will practice more on my keyboard. I’ve discovered I lack dexterity and musicality, but I can offer a passable rendition of Amazing Grace.

And I figure we’re going to need it before the year is over.

I’m going to walk down the Nicollet Mall this spring and badger the crews to “get ‘er done.” It seems to me the Mall has been torn up forever, longer than it took to tear down the Metrodome and replace it with the Bankdome.

I will continue to support the Star Tribune, home of the best newsroom in Minnesota. More than ever, we need responsible, thoughtful and helpful media, with real reporters and editors who graduated from schools of journalism and mass communication.

I spent 15 years in the newsroom of The Minneapolis Star and I know how lucky the staff is to have Glen Taylor as the Strib’s owner. I believe the former state senator, and owner of the Timberwolves, is truly committed to having an enlightened citizenship in Minnesota.

I will say a prayer that another public-spirited Minnesotan (or two) would consider buying the St. Paul Pioneer Press, so it can return to winning Pulitzers.

I’ll consider taking a portable GPS device into the new grocery stores opening in the suburbs, such as Jerry’s in Woodbury or HyVee in Eagan.

I don’t want anyone to send a search party if I find myself meandering, wandering or even staggering among the aisles and miles of condiments, candy, cotton and crackers. A buddy of mine reports that the staff members at the Eagan HyVee escort him all the way to the item he asks about, apparently unsure that verbal directions to the right aisle would be adequate.

My friend, Cindy Lamont, and I will head to the canyon lands of Utah for a Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) trip. It’s 13 days for those who can hike at a “moderate pace.” We won’t be setting any endurance records, but we’ll be walking and doing what we can to keep from sucking up those health-care dollars.

To help keep my mind and spirit in tune with my well-toned body, I’ll keep fishing on a little lake about five miles from my townhouse. I’ll be in a 38-year-old, 14-foot AlumaCraft, a parting gift from the staff of The Minneapolis Star. The boat doesn’t leak a drop. My fishing buddy, Jim, and I leak occasionally and slightly.

Cindy and I will continue to attend the senior-rate concerts ($29 for groups) with the Minnesota Orchestra, a truly world-class musical group. I’m always impressed and buoyed by the parade of wheelchairs, walkers and canes on Thursday mornings. And we enjoy the free coffee and donuts, too.

I’ll probably buy a couple of tickets to a Twins’ game. Right now, they’re tied with the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals for first place in American League Central Division.

Smart-aleck comments aside, I do feel lucky to live in Minnesota, where citizens still value honesty, humility and human kindness.

Dave Nimmer has had a long career as a reporter, editor and professor. Now retired, he has no business card, but plenty to do. Send comments or questions to [email protected].