Como Zoo Tropical Rain Forest

The opening of the Como Park Tropical Rain Forest has been widely publicized so we went to see it after Thanksgiving. The outside structure of glass is part of the new addition to the zoo.









There are benches throughout the area to allow some resting and picture taking in the facility.







The turtle and fish are underwater.
Both the plants and flowers are wonderful to behold!

My blessings!

Matriarch and Partriach in Puerto Vallarta, México

Grand kids Olivia and Dominique in St. Paul, MN







Daughter Kati in Mazatlán, México and son Karl in St. Paul, MN


My faithful friend, Maggi

Turkey or Duck?

Well, not everyone eats turkey on Thanksgiving, or maybe they're being saved for Christmas dinner. Not many places can boast of having poultry in the middle of the city. These friendly birds on Nicollet Island rushed up to the fence to greet me. They didn't know that if I were a different person they could easily run afoul of me!!

Row house on Nicollet Island

When the neighborhood was in decline, it often housed tramps, hobos, the homeless or adventurous college students looking for cheap lodgings. Now it has an entirely different clintele

Nicollet Island

Nicollet Island in downtown Minneapolis is a unique location on the Mississippi River. At one time it was a working class neighborhood which went into decline. Houses eventually were rediscovered and refurbished lovingly. This yellow house is a good example why people choose to live here.

Garrison Keillor's Bookstore Open House

COME ON IN!!

Champagne, Wine, and Apple Cider!
Great Music and the man himself with adoring fans!
The Neighborhood Open House for Keillor's new bookstore on the corner of Western and Selby Avenues in the basement of the Blair Arcade was crowded. The man himself signing autographs, musicians, and friendly beverage servers made it a celebration. Let's support one of the few independent bookstores in St. Paul!

Self-Indulgence

An Eagle on the Mississippi by Dominique Neher



Grandson Dominique standing in front of his drawing.
Dom receiving his award.


Some of the other award-winning artists!





Allow me a bit of self-indulgence, please. Last night a reception at the Minnesota Science Musuem was held for family and friends of 17 students from several Minnesota schools whose drawings were selected from 720 entries and 28 schools to depict certain aspects of the Mississippi River. It is an annual event sponsored by the museum and the National Park Service that takes place for 4-6th graders who study the life on the river and then have a field trip on a paddleboat to enhance the unit. As proud grandparents we attended the reception and the program. The exhibit hangs for a year at the Science Museum and then travels throughout the state for a few more years after that. Click here to see a photo of the Science Museum.

Mazaztlán is Paradise!

Earlier this month I saw this bus on the streets of St. Paul. Oh, dear! Now everyone will know about this lovely Méxican port city, I thought. But, I wanted a photo to show my friends. Alas! no camera. But today, while having coffee, I saw it pass by the café. I chased it down and got some pictures. Since I'll be living there from January 7-April 7, I thought that this is a great coincidence. Will try to blog while I'm there but there are no guarantees without internet in my rental. I'll find a way!!

Summit Avenue home of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Here are two views of 593/599 Summit Avenue address where native son, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote his first novel, This Side of Paradise. For several posts highlighting his life in St. Paul, visit this site and check all the posts from November 10-14th.

Sunset in My Neighborhood

Today was phenomonal--temperature hit 72 degrees, which is quite unusual. Because of global warning I'm not sure whether or not I should be celebrating. But, I can celebrate the sunset!!

Días de los Muertos

Neighborhood House in West St. Paul is dedicated to Sheila and Senator Paul Wellstone who perished along with their daughter and 5 others on a private jet in northern Minnesota on October 25, 2002. When I visited the building which is located in a largely Hispanic community on the west side of St. Paul, I found this display honoring them for Días de los Muertos, which traditionally celebrates the lives of dearly departed loved ones on November 1st and 2nd. For the full display and a link to a memorial to the Wellstones, please click here.

A Medal!

Football season for the youngsters is slowly drawing to a close. My 12-year-old grandson's team won the city championship, and they are very pleased because they worked so hard for it! Scroll down to October 19th to see the young man who is part of the winning team!

Waitperson at Victor's

Victor's

Recently I ate in this neighborhood restaurant in Minneapolis. If you want to eat some good Cuban food, eat at Victor's!

Sculpture Garden-Walker Art Musem

Reclining Mother and Child, Henry Moore, 1960-1961

Walking Man, George Segal, 1988
Standing Glass Fish by Frank Gehry, 1986

Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, 1985-1988

On Friday I went to the Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis which is part of the Walker Art Institute. Unfortunately the pictures became corrupted while I was trying to posts them, but these few were saved. I need another trip back there to take more and better photos.

Minneapolis Mural-Street Art

I've been posting many murals I found on St. Paul buildings on my visualstpaul blog, but since this one is located in Minneapolis, I decided to photograph it and post it here instead. The mural depicts a neighborhood on 38th Street and Nicollet Avenue where the mural is painted on the side of a building. I obvious am going to have to spend some time "over there in that other city."

Mi nieto favorito!

My children have been a means to an end--mi nietos. Being a grandparent has been one of the best experiences of my life. I don't really play favorites, so if you want to see mi nieta favorita, check here!

Talented Friend!

Delor Erickson, a talented man, lives and works in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The pictures are posted here, just to whet your appetite. Talented friends are good to have! If you wish to see another palm leaf painting, click here.

Life is good here!

Hardware Mural - Triptych

This mural covers an entire brick wall on a Grand Avenue hardware store.

A Sure Sign of Fall

Can winter be far behind? Check out visualstpaul (sidebar) for more photographs of fall.

Seasonal Friends

Find more friends here and here

Street Art-Neighborhood Co-op

Starting from the extreme left, the photos show a mural which is painted on the brick wall of a neighborhood co-op.

Music! Music! Music!

A guitar store in our neighborhood has an amazing collection of instruments. This is just a small sample of what is available in the shop!

Pumpkin Patch

I often wonder what compells us to decorate long before the event occurs? Halloween is weeks away, but lawn decorations are springing up already. Perhaps this one is just a celebration of fall!

Whole Foods

Awareness of buying and cooking organic foods was initiated by small coops. Then larger stores decided that it was economically feasible to concentrate on this growing market,and some specialized. Now, at least in the Twin Cities, the larger chains and locally owned supermarkets have speciality aisles for those who are interested in nutrition and good, fresh foods. This is one idea where "the little guy" has made a difference. When an opportunity arise, however, the marketing giants begin to flex their muscles.

Lovely "Livie"

A child's simple pleasure at eating a sugared apple donut at the orchard. Whose nieta could this be, I wonder?!

The Apple Orchard

One of life's simple pleasures every fall is to visit the apple orchard. Our favorite is just outside of St. Paul, on the way to Stillwater. The day was glorious, the sun shining, and the place crowded with people--all eager to taste the apple donuts, apple cider and to bring home pies, apples, and apple brats. People who enjoy this annual event arrive in baby walkers, elder walkers, young and old couples--a cross section of the different generations. Simple pleasures--that's what life is all about!

Minnesota's Finest!-MN Workers Series

It's interesting what happens when you have a camera with you! Members of St. Paul's SWAT team that were meeting (on manuevers?) were gathered in a parking lot next to Border's Bookstore when I spotted them. They obligingly posed for me--glad they're on the job!! For another picture, click on Visual St. Paul in the sidebar.

Minnesota Workers-Two Hispanic Roofers

These two men are removing an old roof on a house across the street from us. When I heard Spanish, I walked over to the house and asked if I could take their photograph. They obliged willingly. Since my Spanish is less than rudimentary, I'm not sure how their amused remarks could be translated. It is hard and dirty work, and since they are working for a reputable roofing company, I can only hope that they are being compensated with competitive wages. From what I know of the male workers here (I volunteered with immigrants in the past--and should probably begin again), they are probably living in spartan quarters to send money back home to their families. It is also another hope that they are here legitimately with their families. St. Paul has had a thriving Hispanic community in this city for many generations.

Art work-Rondo Community Outreach Library

The newest addition to the St. Paul Public Library system is the Rondo Community Outreach Library that will honor the cultures of many of our new immigrants. The photos today are of a large quilt wall-hanging in the library that was made by students at Saturn School, now named the Wellstone Elementary School for Senator Paul Wellstone and his wife Sheila, both of whom died tragically in an airplane crash in northern Minnesota. In looking for more information, I discovered that there is a Hmong alphabet on the school's site, and Mr. Mark appears to be responsible for teaching Hmong students. I included a close-up of one of the sections. Hmong artwork always tells a story of some aspect of their culture. The solitary patch looks as though it has an agricultural theme of planting and harvest. For more information about the library, go to my Visual St. Paul blog.

St. Paul's Primary

My Favorite Street Art

Right next to Minnehaha Parkway in Minneapolis sits this wonderful statue, my favorite piece of public artwork. It's huge. It's hard to get a photo of it because normally there are always children playing and crawling on it. It delights me.

Grandparents Day

For Mother's Day, my son Karl gave me three shrubs of these lovely yellow roses. I'm posting two views one for me and one for my DH in our honor for Grandparents Day. Love celebrations, even if they are a bit contrived!!

The Market - Again!

I'm not sure what I'll do when the Farmers' Market is closed for the season. Every Saturday morning, or Sunday if I missed the day before, I get up early while DH is sleeping and hie myself off to see the new flowers, food, and musicians. Because it is slowly winding down as the weather gets colder, I decided to add a few new pictures today.

Yellow house

I decided to do a whole thread on Irvine Park on my other blog, Visual St. Paul. I couldn't leave this blog, though, until I posted one of my favorite houses in that location. Isn't it sweet?

Irvine Park is one of the most delightful neighborhoods in St. Paul, situated close to downtown. This small central park area is surrounded by older homes, many in the Victorian style. If I were just setting up a household, this would be the first place I would look. Now, however, I'd be happier in a condo!! A good place, however, to visit to rest and reflect. A few young people I know have gotten married in this Gazebo.

Vinegar

Although neither the lighting nor the exposure are right, there's something about these vinegar bottles on display at the Fair that appeals to me. And, it's all over but the memories, for another year.

Musicians at the State Fair

I tried to publish these yesterday after spending HOURS trying to fix a problem but couldn't. Mysteriously, after so much time wasted, I am now able to post again. I have virtually no idea how it was repaired or what made the difference. I'm just happy that I can share these with you!

State Fair 2006

Although 40% chance of rain was threatened, the crowds were large.
A Parade!

The Crafts Building holds many treasures: two of which are the Rooster Wall Hanging and Bread!!

The Fine Arts building is a terrific last stop before departing this year. A feast for the eyes: two outstanding watercolors by local artists.

Long day--good to be going home!!

Two Musicians

These two self-employed musicians are my "coffee-buddies" at Starbucks. Today they had an impromptu-sidewalk-cafe music session to the delight of passers-by.

Irvine Park

Irvine Park is a neighborhood with a small park as its focal point, surrounded by well-maintained houses, many of which are restored Victorians. It's a small oasis, very close to downtown St. Paul

Sex or Melons???

A little humor at the Farmers' Market. Well???????????????????????

Sweet Chariot

Riding in this sweet chariot will prove to be a bit breezy without a windshield. The scuba sign is on the building across the street.

Dee and Lee's

This funky little storefront restaurant in a predominantly black neighborhood has the best ribs in town. Note the political sign in the window. AK is no dummy; she knows where to campaign!

Art Supplies & Self-Discipline!

Stimulated by one of our bloggers today, Paris Breakfasts, I paid a visit to one of my favorite stores, Wet Paint on Grand Avenue. It is a colorful, important store for artists and writers alike. I had forgotten how delightful it is to shop there and will return again soon. But, first I have to find some balance in my life. I am spending far too much time on the computer to the neglect of other aspects of my life. I also believe that DH is getting a mite annoyed. But, it's more fun than a lot of other things I could be doing!

Rural mailboxes

Mailboxes like people come in many different shapes and sizes. How they present themselves depends upon interest, utilitarian needs, and sense of style.

One of Life's Dramas at Canal Park, Duluth

DH was very happy that I did not take a photo of him, kneeling beside the woman--reassuring and comforting her--while others kept her highly inebriated companion at bay. She had fallen and hit her head on the cement-no medications nor was she diabetic, but, unfortunately, she also was very drunk. The male companion wanted to get out of there, quickly--but it was obvious she needed medical aid. After the Rescue Squad arrived, I quickly snapped a photo as they were stabilizing her head and neck. My hero, Jim--no-one else seemed to want to help a drunk.

Ship's Steering Wheel

Duluth-Maritime Display at Canal Park

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a fantastic maritime museum that has interesting facts about various aspects of Lake Superior as well as the other Great Lakes with fascinating historical information about the world-wide shipping industry, often beginning with Duluth's port. Above is a display case dedicated to the sinking of The Edmund Fitzgerald. http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/wxwise/fitz.html Gordon Lightfoot recorded a song about the mysterious sinking of The Edmund Fitzgerald. This museum right on the canal where the ocean-going vessels sail in and out of the Duluth port has been an endless fascination for our family. During the past week-end we took our two grandkids there for a highly successful, short trip. We have once again continued a tradition with 3 generations of our small family.

Como Park's Japanese Garden Lanterns

The Japanese Garden is a place of great serenity with typical lanterns, rocks, water, and greenery.


Aside: I'm leaving town early in the morning for the week-end so I decided to post this early. There's no law against that, is there?!

Nature in Minature

The new addition to the Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory at Como Park has a special room for Bonsai trees. Does this 40 year old Ginkgo biboba on the botttom look like the trees on your block? For a visual treat visit this site: http://www.comozooconservatory.org/

Zoos Aren't Just For Kids!

Como Park in St. Paul has a wonderful zoo, conservatory, Japanese Garden, children's rides, carousel for both big and little kids, and, of course, animals of all kinds. Animals do not always cooperate with photographers, but they're fun to watch.

Very Cool!

Duck at the zoo

Memories

SPA is a co-ed, non-denominational private school--considered one of the best in the Twin Cities. It started out over 100 years ago as two private country day schools, one for the boys and one for the girls. In the 70's the two schools merged as co-educational. I and my family have a long history at the school--attended by some members and I taught English Literature and writing on this campus for 28 years. The room on the upper left with the air-conditioner was my room when I retired in 2003. It was a delightful room: my own huge indoor tree which we decorated with white lights and seasonal ornaments, cross-ventilation, and our own fireplace! I miss my colleagues and especially my great students, but I learned very quickly that . . . DRUM ROLL. . . Retirement Rocks!!

Many Uses

This beautiful old building has served many audiences: First, a religious congregation, followed by theatre-goers, and finally, business-minded people. Progress?

Needed: Fancy Dancy Camera!

Now if I had a decent camera I could take a clearer, sharper image of this flower and bug.

Bungalow on the Garden Walk

This bungalow was one of the prizes on the Flower Garden Walk. The owners designed the garden itself, sometimes climbing atop the house to get an aerial view of the yard to plan the flowers to their best advantage.

Stop the Violence!

Normally I consider billboards an environmental intrusion, but this one conveys an important message. Do you think it just might be possible to stop global warfare if we paid closer attention to local violence before that awful cancer spreads from family to community to nation to the world? Or is this just a hopelessly naive thought and oversimplification?

Favorite Fat Food

Without fail, I always hit 5 food stands at the fair: French Fries, Chocolate Chip Cookies, All-the-Milk-You-Can-Drink, Chicago Hot Dogs, and Grilled Corn on the Cob. Anything else is just something extra. And, there' s lots and lots of extras. I wonder why the grandkids like going to the fair with me?? They're still too young for the beer garden!

Tree Sculptures at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds

There's a thriving business in the state of Minnesota whereby artists sculpt images, people, and animals from tree stumps---better than whacking them down. Demonstations of the artists at work draw large crowds, and there are tree sculptures scattered all over the fairgrounds.

The Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair opens to large crowds on August 24th, 2006. The fairgounds are huge and the facilities are used by many different groups throughout the year. Today I drove around the streets within the area and watched a few worker bees sprucing up the lawns, trees, and shrubs before the vendors arrive to get their booths ready for the start of the annual event. At the same time I noticed a number of equestrians practicing for the reining horse show that begins tomorrow and lasts until the 6th of August. A few riders gladly posed for me. It's very corny, but I LOVE the fair! Seeing the world's "biggest sow," visiting the other animal barns, attending the horse shows, watching the volunteer veterinarians perform surgeries on dogs and cats, looking and ah-ing over all the beautiful crafts, and eating, eating, and eating is my idea of a good time-----at least once a year!!

Another view

Normally photographs of our capitol building are taken at the front, but I decided to take all of these from the rear entrance. Getting a fresh new perspective is important in life just as it is in photography. Taken from any point of view, the building is impressive. Perhaps that's what we all need in life...a fresh new perspective that leads to a different outlook.

Highland Park Fun Fest

Ceramic wall hangings. Pretty intimidating? Nah!!
It was a slow morning so Famous Dave's employees gladly posed for me. Hadn't sold much yet, but they were pretty happy!
Everyone wants a bargain book or CD at the Half Price Store tent.

Beginning today, for three days our neighborhood has a crafts fair with vendors of all kinds, including food. Several blocks of one of our main streets contain rows of white tents, surrounded by eager shoppers who are looking over the wares while eating--cholestorol heaven. Despite the inclement weather today, it's beginning to take shape by noon and the tents are slowing going up and the customers are arriving. These are just a few of the hundreds of choices.

Midwest Summer Evening

Midwesterners enjoying a summer evening, sitting on the deck of a restaurant at St. Anthony Main in Minneapolis along the banks of the Mississippi River. Anywhere one looks in the summer, the streets and the outdoor restaurants are crowded with people, enjoying the seasonal weather. I often wonder where they all are during the winter when I see nary a soul.

Market Musicians

There's more than fruits, flowers, and vegetables at the week-end Farmers' Market in downtown St. Paul. During the busy season, musicians of various kinds offer entertainment to the delight of the shoppers.

The aerial-lift bridge "master"

This platform is part of the section of the bridge that moves and rises to allow ships and pleasure craft to navigate the harbor. The lift "master" lowers a gate at each end of the bridge, over a loudspeaker announces to pedestrians to move quickly to get off the bridge before it starts to rise, and then visually observes the walkway and road to make sure everyone is clear and safe before he operates the mechanism that lifts the entire section of the bridge. It's an awesome sight to watch the bridge and the canal traffic in and out of the harbor.

Holy Buckets!

"Holy Buckets!" was an exclamation of an observer who was watching the freighter laden with logs being pushed by a tug through the canal. The trees were brought to Duluth Harbor from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada to be dispersed throughout the United States. I am awed by the lake traffic and the commerce involved at so many different levels. I have never seen so many logs in one place in my entire life, nor did anyone else observing this shipping phenomena.

Two lift Bridges-Duluth, Minnesota

This lift bridge is raised to allow a huge ocean freighter access to Duluth Harbor. It regularly stops traffic when fishing boats, pleasure crafts, and ocean freighters need passage. It is most impressive when a large boat passes beneath it.
Because of the constant boat traffic in and out of the harbor, there is a large lift bridge that rises to allow huge ships to enter, andthere's even a small pedestrian lift bridge by the wharf. This one is just being lowered after several pleasure crafts went into their slips.

A New Friend in Duluth, Minnesota

Outside a chocolate shop in Canal Park sat this wonderful "person." After seeing her girth, I thought it wise just to walk by instead of entering.

A Charter Boat-Duluth Harbor

Charter boats are fun and relaxing! One of the best ways to see the city and the Lake Superior area.

Coast Guard Boat Duluth

The boat is much larger than shown and is only one of many in the harbor. Duluth has an interesting tourist area with shops, restaurants, a good bookstore, hotels, motels, and lots of tourists! Despite the hustle and bustle, it's a great place to visit and rest.

New Minneapolis Library-Wow!

The new Minneapolis downtown city library is awesome! A statue of Minerva greets patrons at the first floor entrance. The wise Goddess of arts and crafts and helper of heroes is an appropriate statue. Each floor has a focal point mural and the violin mural on the third floor is imaginative and creative. Go visit!

New Guthrie Theatre Opens!

20,000 people visited the Open House for the public at the new Guthrie Theatre in downtown Minneapolis on the banks of the Mississippi River. With four, or is it five, stages it is a far cry from the much-loved original building which is owned by the Walker Art Institute. The first performance in the new center is going to be The Great Gatsby. The face you see is a HUGE mural on the outside street-wall of Sir Tyrone Guthrie, who in his wisdom and our undying gratitude, conceived the idea of the theatre and brought it to fruition.

Procrastination Wins!

Today we went to the Farmers' Market quite late when most of the vendors and customers were gone, which turned out to be a lucky break. We still got the few vegetables we wanted: sweet snap peas, radishes, and beets plus a reduced price bagel with smoked turkey, swiss cheese, onions, tomatoes, olives, and cream cheese. We needed a bigger mouth and bigger appetite to finish all of it. The big plus was being able to photograph this weather vane, normally obscured by parked cars and shopping pedestrians. The moral? Sleep late, procrastinate, and snap up bargains and photos!

Whose portrait?

I have wondered why photobloggers often do not include pictures of themselves on their profiles, and thought that perhaps I should change mine. I toyed with the idea of using this lovely iguana taken on a trip in México last year as my portrait or icon. After some thought, I rejected the idea. I would really prefer to see images of the blogger rather than a cartoon or symbol. But, people make decisions for themselves. Guess I'm just curious. Like the iguana??

Two Workmen

Two men are hard at work planting trees and shrubs to beautify our front yard. No-one in our household, past or present, are gardeners, and the yard was getting pretty tacky. At the price paid to the landscapers, we'd better develop some interest. Now our backyard needs it!!

Appalachian Chairs

The house for sale looks more inviting with the Appalachian chairs positioned strategically in front of it. "Putting your best chair forward" isn't a bad idea!

A Tree on Summit Avenue

Rather than completely destroy a tree, sculptors have used chain saws in a different way. Trees are converted to animals, statues, and whatever whimsy dictates. Seems to me to be a more fitting memorial to a once-living organism. People in the Twin Cities are not without imagination!

Olivia

Landscapes and flowers are beautiful, but what can top the picture of a child, especially if it's one's own grand-daughter? I will not wax poetic about all of her fine qualities because it's not necessary. Just take a good look!!

My Dream!

Despite my family's objections, I fully intend to shop around and buy one of these, but don't tell them. I'll get one as soon as I buy a new camera that allows me to take better pictures. Do I have my priorities straight?!

Eclipse

Not what you'd expect from the title, right? Although it could be considered a "cliché" my daughter brought this piece of metal work back from Mazatlán, México, and it now graces a wall in her living room. It's really quite compelling (daughter Kati, not I, took this picture BUT it is St. Paul, nonetheless). A peek into a private home!

The Surries with the Fringe on the Top!

Across the Mississippi in Minneapolis, Minnehaha Park has been redesigned and renovated in recent years. There's even a choice of a stroll or a spin. Choices are good!

Minnehaha Falls

Unconsciously influenced by my other blog that concentrates on St. Paul only, most of my photos here are in the same city. Today I wandered over to that "other city" and took this picture of Minnehaha Falls across the Mississippi in Minneapolis. Sometimes there is barely a trickle if there hasn't been much rain, but now it's flowing beautifully. Guess we all need nourishment of one kind or another to function well.

Duck! Duck!

I LOVE this photo! It makes me believe that I could take decent pictures if I upgrade my camera. St. Kate's campus has a good deal of wild life, even with a large volume of pedestrian and vehicle traffic. It is a wonderful resource, almost right in my backyard.

St Kate's Church on campus

After adjusting for exposure, I know that I definitely need a new camera. I cannot take photos with my old, ancient Sony Mavica that uses, ...get this, floppy discs. Now it'll be fun to research new digital possibilities. I have had a few recommended by friends already. Any suggestions?

Another Landmark

This is the clock tower of the Landmark Center building in downtown St. Paul. I have posted the building on my other blog, Visual St. Paul, but decided to post this one also even though it's of the same place. I often find that the pictures I take have more than one view that I like so I put one version on each site. This makes me think of my inability to "let go" or is it indecisiveness or maybe it's just plain feelings of pleasure while viewing the photos. I think I'll go with the positive--pleasure and joy!

Neighborhood Landmark

This neighborhood landmark used to be a place where children played. Now it is closed to the public for most of the year, but during the Highland Park Arts and Crafts Fair in July it is once again opened. Climbing all the stairs to the top is rewarded by a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Sometimes pleasures and joy need a little work beforehand.

Unexpected

Without meaning to do it, I took this picture while trying to adjust some settings on my camera. After seeing the accidental result, I am intrigued by it, noting the sky, tree, and neighbor's brick house visible through the blinds. Rather than dumping it, I intend to keep this strange little photo because it gives me pleasure. Life offers unexpected surprises!

"Can't judge a book....."

While sitting in a neighborhood cafe, I noticed a middle-aged, conservatively dressed couple playing dominoes. I glanced out the window, noted the brightly painted car with the large white peace symbol attached to the hood as well as the hub caps and ran out to snap the picture. No-one seemed to be able to identify the owners. To my amusement, somewhat later (you guessed it!) the graying seniors hopped in and took off. We need more peaceniks these days!

Serenity at St. Kate's campus

This week has been one of total (well, almost) frustration with blogging. Trial and error may be a good learning technique, but it is not the best way for an impatient person to learn. It seems that for every skill I develop, more needs multiply. I'm lucky, though, that St. Kate's campus is literally in my backyard because a stroll there helps produce a bit of serenity.

Feast for the Eyes-St. Paul's Downtown Market

Going downtown, especially on Saturday. to the market is a visual feast. I need more than food to keep me alive and well. It lifts my heart and fills me with delight.

A Sense of Place

In either Minneapolis or in St. Paul, the Mississippi River defines who we are and gives us a clear identity. As seen from either bank in any season it leaves an indelible mark on the viewer. We are possessive about it and treat it as our own, --whether we are rich or poor, it is ours. Neighbors walk their dogs along the paths and bicyclists share the asphalt walk with joggers as well as with those who just stroll.

The foliage framing the river isn't the only characteristic that changes with the seasons. During the summer viewers crowd the banks, but in the winter the pedestrian traffic slows to a crawl. Despite the beauty of the spring, summer and fall, perhaps winter is the time for its greatest enjoyment because it is almost abandoned during the day. The river can be enjoyed in solitude.

Education

Here is a good example of what is "right" about public school education. This week-end, June 3-5, 2006, a children's festival is being held in Rice Park in downtown St. Paul. The kiosk pictured is a 4-sided display of artwork on copper done by elementary students at Webster Magnet School, and this side is the work of fourth graders. The students first read poems and under the guidance of a local artist made a visual representation of their interpretation of the poem. The close-up is a more detailed photo of just one of the poems.

The way education is supported in this country is a scandal. Programs are cut, classes are too large, and children's futures are negatively affected by misguided politicians and too many disinterested citizens. Every child in the country should have opportunities such as this to help develop their intellectual and artistic talents. When are we going to demand more for our children??

Seeing

"There are lots of things to see, unwrapped gifts and free surprises...What you see is what you get." (Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, "Seeing", Annie Dillard).

Since I started my photoblog-a-day, I've found visual treasures, common ordinary objects that entered my peripheral vision for only an instant as I passed, unseeing. What a gift this has been!

Spring and Fall in Minnesota

This is my second attempt in starting this blog. In trying to put a clock on the page I deleted the first blog. I obviously do not understand how to edit the template. Don't try it---unless of course you know what you are doing ... and get good advice from the technicians at clocklink. I'm sure that they're rolling all over the floor laughing.
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Spring in Minnesota seems to last only one day. The lovely green buds burst forth but after just a day or so of our enjoyment with lifted spirits, the trees are fully leafed. Summer, too, is all too brief -- altho glorious. The fall season is glorious,too, with a riot of oranges, reds, and yellows yet it is an ironic season because it is all too soon followed by ice, sleet and snow.