Visual St. Paul

Theme Day-Photo of the Year, 2011

2012-01-01T00:00:00.007-06:00

Singin' and Ridin' in the Rain

It's hard to choose, isn't it? Of the several I liked, this remains my favorite image as I recall chasing her down with my car and calling to her from the curb so that I could take her photo. Drenched by a summer rain, she momentarily stopped so I could snap her picture.

Today is the beginning of another year when we will share our city and our lives with our fellow photo bloggers. May we all stay healthy, enjoy life and one another and do very well in 2012!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

PS. For the next two months I'll be living in Santa Fe, NM. Come visit me there on my Santa Fe blog!

Signs

2011-12-28T00:00:00.001-06:00

As DH and I were trudging along a seemingly endless parking area at a local hospital, we came upon this sign which made me smile. The parking lot is so huge that there is a shuttle van which takes less-ambulatory patients and visitors to and from their cars. Don't like hospitals this large, even if administration has a sense of humor.

The best thing that I'm doing for my heart right now is driving to spend two months in Santa Fe, NM! We left early Tuesday morning and are driving as we "speak." Come visit me at my Santa Fe blog right now...ya hear! lI'll start using my new camera after we arrive there and after I become familiar with it. Perhaps you'll be able to detect some improvement then!

Father and Son

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

Couldn't help but notice these two!

Comfort and Joy

2011-12-26T00:00:00.012-06:00

Maggie is still in the "comfort and joy" mode and it doesn't look like she's ready for Boxing Day!

A Canon Christmas

2011-12-25T00:00:00.004-06:00

I hope that Santa was good to all of you!

Happy Holiday Confection

2011-12-24T00:00:00.001-06:00

I frequent many of the Turtle Bakeries in Minneapolis as often as I can because of their lovely array of breads, pastries, cakes and desserts of all kinds. Taken through the glassed showcase, this photo does not do this delightful little cake justice, but you get the idea! Happy Holiday to all of you!!

Carondelet Village Complex

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

This is the new senior living complex on the edge of St. Kate's campus which includes several configurations of independent living apartments and studios, assisted living, and memory units. It's a whole community by itself. Not yet totally completed, all of the units have been snapped up already. Here are some of the photos of the various construction stages of development that began last spring.

The complex is described this way: Carondelet Village, a senior living community is a joint project of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, and Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). One of its unique features is Carondelet Circle, a wellness and life enrichment center that includes a library, bistro, conservatory, market and gift shop, arts and crafts studios, and intimate gathering spaces that will be opening to residents and the general community over the next several months. Carondelet Circle will also host an array of holistic wellness and enrichment programs for residents as well as the larger community. PHS is managing Carondelet Village. (Carondelet Viilage website)

"Kick Cancer to the Curb"

2011-12-22T00:00:00.060-06:00

I always display a large, pink breast cancer sticker on my car to honor a friend who lost her life because of this dreadful curse. I have never seen this object used before, but it certainly caught my attention. After a bit of exploring on the internet, here is what I found on thepinkcart.com:

Welcome to The Pink Cart! These bright, bold rolling trash carts are a collaboration with the American Cancer Society ® to create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays. Five dollars from the purchase of every Pink Cart goes to support the Society’s breast cancer awareness programs. Take a moment to explore our site – see if your trash hauler offers Pink Carts; read stories of women and their families who are fighting breast cancer; and read more about our program. Thank you for visiting our site, we hope you will join us in our effort to Kick Cancer to the Curb.

Order one for yourself; they come in three different sizes.
Pretty symbolic, I'd say, since breast cancer is nothing but trash!

ABC Wednesday-"W"- Wholly Wonderful Pasta Bar

2011-12-20T00:00:00.001-06:00

We are frequent diners at Broders Pasta Bar and sometimes sit close to the kitchen so we can watch the chefs in action. To see a view of the summer outdoor patio at this wholly wonderful pasta bar, click here.

Go here to see more ABC Wednesday posts from bloggers from around the world.

Not the Eagen Photo Blog

2011-12-19T00:00:00.009-06:00

I looked up from my latte and Sunday newspaper, and was delighted to see Leif Hagen and his charming wife, Ann, who had stopped in for a coffee while waiting for their daughters' Christmas rehearsal to finish. We are friendly folks here in MN, crossing borders to visit one another's neighborhoods.

Diane the Cellist

2011-12-18T00:00:00.004-06:00

This woman who also played at the recent symphony we attended (see other musicians' photos here and here) has remarkable credentials and experience. Diane is a very active and versatile freelance artist in the Twin Cities, performing with the Mn Orchestra, Guthrie Theatre, Mn Sinfonia and for broadway musicals. She has played extensively with the Mn Opera, many ballet companies, theatre productions, and a variety of orchestras. In addition she spends a great deal of time teaching at Breck and St. Paul Academy, working as a recording artist, playing and improvising on numerous pop and folk CD's as well as classical and commercial recordings. The list goes on and on. Diane and her husband, Jeffrey, live in Edina, Mn and have four children. Makes you kind of tired, doesn't it? Makes me feel like a slug!

Camera Critters-Our Maggi

2011-12-17T00:00:00.008-06:00

It wouldn't be a holiday without subjecting Maggi to her annual Christmas portrait.

To see more camera critters posted by bloggers throughout the world, click here.

Another Bassonist

2011-12-16T00:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I posted the photo of bassoonist Andrea who is a member of the JCC Symphony Orchestra. She and Larry played a piece of Johann Baptist Vanhal's Concerto for 2 Bassoons and Orchestra. Larry began his music studies when he was 8, first on the clarinet, switching to bassoon when he was 12. Currently he is the principal bassoonist in both the Health Sciences Orchestra and the Minnetonka Civic Orchestra. Larry and his wife Suzanne share their home with two Bernese mountain dogs, Butler and Chef.

2011-12-15T06:16:00.001-06:00

Last night DH and I went to the JCC Symphony Fall Concert, the first of three free events which is supported by endowment funds. Andrea began playing the bassoon as an adult--a present to herself on completing graduate school. She joined the JCC Symphony in the early 1980s and has served as the orchestra's librarian since 1985. Andrea and her husband share their home with a 32-year-old red lored Amazon parrot named Fanny.

ABC Wednesday-V-Valuable

2011-12-13T00:00:00.003-06:00

I took my ten-year-old granddaughter and husband to a performance of "The Nutcracker Suite" for their shared birthday gift. It's a wonderful way to show a child that we value music and dance. It was a valuable lesson in the pleasure of fine arts and a wonderful way to demonstrate that I value being with them to celebrate an important day in their lives.

Go here to see more photos for ABC Wednesday.

2011-12-12T00:00:00.007-06:00

We finally succumbed and hired someone to plow our snow this season, especially after our record snow falls last year. This man with the friendly wave is not our snow removal guy, but he offered a friendly greeting. Wonder if he's looking for business? Doesn't have to look very far!

Friendly Neighbor

2011-12-11T00:00:00.005-06:00

Usually when my neighbors see me coming with a camera they hide. I surprised Annette as she was scraping the ice and brushing the snow from her family's cars. Members of her family and Annette are very athletic so a little winter exercise in the cold weather doesn't faze her a bit. Such a sweet smile!!

To see a photo of Annette's husband who shoveled snow last year when the snowbanks were higher than the cars, check here.

Attractive scenes

2011-12-10T00:00:00.006-06:00

I vowed that this year I would not complain about the weather, but instead look for beauty. After our recent light snowfall, I think I found some attractive scenes.

Untrimmed Christmas tree

2011-12-09T00:00:00.001-06:00

T'is the season but it doesn't look like this family is in any hurry to trim their tree.

Different Dolls

2011-12-08T00:00:00.012-06:00

I check out the same art fair every December, and I also visit this artist's booth. Her dolls are made of many different kinds of materials: cloth, zippers, twigs...whatever suits her creative bent. She has original designs and pleases many customers because her little figures sell fast! (Click on the small photos below to see the details of the other dolls).

Another Glass Blower

2011-12-07T00:00:00.024-06:00

Meet Nate Lynn, a Twin Cities glass blower who is portrait #55 on my Flickr 100 Strangers Project. I met Nate at a juried holiday craft fair last Saturday. After taking a class in college to fulfill a graduation requirement, he got interested in this art and has now been doing it for about 4 years. I think all artists must know one another in this city since he is also friends with Peter Zelle, one of my former eighth grade students (many years ago!) who is also a well-known glass blower in the Twin Cities. Small world...and getting smaller. You met Peter here last year when he was doing a holiday glass blowing display.

To learn more about the 100 Strangers project, click here: www.100strangers.com/

Bread and Chocolate

2011-12-06T00:00:00.001-06:00

Bread and Chocolate on Grand and Victoria is a fine place to stop with friends for a delicious cookie, pastry, muffin or sandwich with your latte, coffee, or chocolate. The fireplace in the corner has a niche with a bouquet that changes with the season.This holiday bouquet is attractive and blends in well with the surroundings.

This is the fifth photo of the bouquets at Bread and Chocolate that I have posted. To see the others, click here.

Cruel and Unusual Treatment-Camera Critters

2011-12-05T00:00:00.010-06:00

On Saturday while shopping I came upon this "Christmas scene" which infuriated me. One of our local hardware stores sponsored having this animal in a small temporary encloser on a sidewalk as a holiday gesture as part of Grand Meander (a holiday shopping fest on Grand Avenue inSt. Paul). I quietly objected because of the size of the pen which allowed the animal only to walk in circles, and to be exposed to bystanders and the frightening noise of passing cars. When I spoke to the owner/handler, I was told that it was "okay, cuz' they're just like dogs." Some of the pedestrians admiring the reindeer with their children in tow looked askance at me as though I was some sort of lunatic. I wouldn't keep my dog in an enclosure this size nor would I put her on display as was done with this reindeer. I shall lodge a formal complaint with the hardware store where we USED TO do all of our business. Bah Humbug!!

A KINGDOM BY THE SEA!!

2011-12-04T00:00:00.010-06:00

Come with me, my beloved,

To a Kingdom by the sea . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM !!

You have been a remarkable
husband
father
and
grandfather!

One-of-a-kind!!

Downtown St. Paul

2011-12-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

To see more weekend reflections, click here.

Action and Reaction

2011-12-02T00:00:00.002-06:00

This was not a pretty sight, and it didn't look good. There seems to be lots of action from others on the scene. DH would not stop to gawk, but I, the roving blogger, would have stopped to get more information had I been alone. Photo as taken on a return trip home after a pleasant road trip. My hope was that no-one had been hurt, but...

MEN IN ACTION-DECEMBER 1 THEME: "ACTION"

2011-12-01T09:20:00.000-06:00

As I am posting these photos I can hear the buzz saw in the background as these three men finish taking down the tree in our backyard that was interfering with our electrical wires.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Stop!

2011-11-28T11:48:00.000-06:00

Apparently not read in time!

Here's another Camera Critter!!

2011-11-27T14:34:00.001-06:00

To see other camera critters, click here. (If you haven't already seen it, check my post yesterday for a canine camera critter)

Camera Critters:The Eyes Have It

2011-11-26T06:40:00.001-06:00

When I have to pull up a photo from the archives that is 4 years old, I know that I need to go out on a photo shoot. I recall this dog quite well because of his eyes. I had a Siberian Husky with the same trait of one blue eye and one brown eye...a dog that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Our Misha was a runner and always got out of the backyard, regardless of how we redesigned the fence to keep him in. I actually saw our dog climb a cyclone fence, topped by barbed wire (built on one end of St. Kate's college) to get inside the inviting green expanse of the campus. What a dog!

To see more camera critters posted by bloggers throughout the world, click here.

My handiwork!

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

For the full story, my post on November 23. It is SO much fun!!

TOO EARLY??

2011-11-23T00:00:00.002-06:00

We have neighbors who decorate their house MUCH too early. Thought I'd beat them to the draw this year.

Although most of our neighbors are friendly, helpful and considerate of one another, we have one family who is uncharacteristically quite reserved and keep to themselves to a degree which is almost antisocial. This baffles those of us who are more gregarious. At the bottom of their porch steps they have two lion statues, which I amusingly consider a bit ostentatious for our neighborhood. Three years ago, in the dead of night I tied two huge red ribbons around the lions' necks. The year after that I placed two green Christmas wreaths over the lions' heads and around their necks. Not a word was said to us but to their credit, the middle-of-the-night secret offerings remained for the season. Last year I waited too long so they attached the wreaths before I had a chance to devise something new. But, AHA, this year I visited Goodwill and I found two red Santa Claus hats that I recently attached at 4 am--a very late night is necessary to avoid detection because of their very bright yard light. I have more plans...wait until Mardi Gras!!

SKIS-ABC WEDNESDAY "S"

2011-11-22T00:00:00.045-06:00

Towe Royal originally hails from Arvika Värmland, Sweden. She has been in the United States for 21 years and has worked at REI for the past 5. At first she lived in Indiana, but claims that she likes Minnesota much better. Good thing because she has been skiing since she entered kindergarten and although our hills might not be as great as the Rockies or other mountainous ski areas, they're fun to navigate during the winter. I thought that Gene's advice was helpful when I consulted with him at Joe's Sporting Goods recently, but I bought my Christmas present to myself from Towe instead. The package was on sale, I liked the boots much better, plus I get points for future purchases at REI. I will think of her often when I'm on the trails in my new Fischer skis.

To learn more about the 100 Strangers project, click here: www.100strangers.com/

To see more ABC photos from around the world, click here.

"Silent Night"

2011-11-21T00:00:00.081-06:00

Jim and I attended one of the performances of the world premier opera, Silent Night, recounting the Christmas Eve truce of 1914 during World War I. "Based on Christian Carlon's screenplay for his 2005 film, "Joyeux Noel," it tells the parallel and eventually intersecting stories of opposing soldiers who step out of Belgian trenches to celebrate Christmas together in 1914." The Opera was spectacular and I have never been part of a more enthusiastic audience...anywhere, even at the Santa Fe Opera! The third performance which we saw was totally sold out, based upon well-deserved reviews. The composer, a very young and very handsome Kevin Puts, has created a sizeable body of works for orchestra, but this is his first opera. Mark Campbell, the librettist, is described as "one of the most in-demand librettist in opera today."

The lobby of the beautiful Ordway Center for the Performing Arts had show cases that displayed authentic uniforms and artifacts of the French, German, and British (Scottish troops) Armies of World War I.

Click here and here (this one is a fascinating article on Puts, the composer) to read reviews of "Silent Night" in one of our local newspapers. Read the background and fascinating account of the Christmas Truce here at firstworldwar.com.

In Memorial

2011-11-20T00:00:00.025-06:00

HELEN

MAY THE ANGELS LEAD YOU INTO PARADISE; MAY THE MARTYRS GREET YOU AT YOUR ARRIVAL AND LEAD YOU INTO THE HOLY CITY, JERUSALEM!

Roofing: Final Stage!

2011-11-19T00:00:00.022-06:00

It took five men ten hours to roof both our house and garage.

HOT DAMN!

Our new roof, ready for winter ... one hopes!! (With no ice dams or wind damage, which was the culprit on the former roof.

Roofing: Dos Amigos

2011-11-18T00:00:00.009-06:00

Two of the hard-working men who roofed our house. The supervisor willingly told us that the reason so many of the roofing companies use Hispanic immigrants is that the men have a good work ethic and that they "are cheaper." He assured me that they are treated "fairly." I don't think that a two-tier pay scale is terribly fair! I'm going to have to check to see why unions have not interceded. Perhaps because some (many?) of the workers are illegal? The boss man assured me that all of his workers are legal. Time to stir things up...I shall suggest that our local paper do a feature on roofing. Wouldn't hurt to contact the Attorney General's office either.

Roofing: Phase Two

2011-11-17T00:00:00.004-06:00

Roofing: Phase One: ABC WEDNESDAY - "R"

2011-11-15T13:33:00.002-06:00

A NEW ROOF:

1) Arrival of the insurance adjuster, with clipboard in hand,

2) Figures for repair of wind-damaged shingles on 10-year-old roof,

3) Interview and select roofing company, making sure that the immigrants are treated and paid fairly,

4) Wait forever for date of roofing,

5) Arrival of shingles deposited in driveway. Unable to use garage,

6) Dumpster takes up the rest of the driveway. Car is parked in street,

7) Hispanic workers arrive to rip off old shingles and affix new ones,

8) Dog is terrorized by the noise,

9) Leaving the house to get away from the noise.

To see more ABC Wednesday posts, click here.

F. Scott's hangout

2011-11-11T06:23:00.001-06:00

When F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in St. Paul, Minnesota the University Club at the top of Ramsey Hill was a favorite hangout. Years ago I did a theme of the houses where F. Scott lived and aspects of his life in this fair city, and I think that I will do it again in the future. Probably in spring when the Midwest world is again in full colour. In the basement of this club resides a very long mahogany bar with thousands of names of local revelers carved in the surface. On a hunt to find F. Scott's signature I discovered it after several tries, and, much to my delight, next to it was the name of my now-deceased very proper mother-in-law. I wish that I had found it when she was still alive so I could have teased her about it. Ah, local lore--how fun it is!!

PS. Years ago during a F. Scott Fitgerald conference there, I met his daughter Scotty, a very gracious woman who gladly autographed a book for my students.

Too many choices

2011-11-10T00:00:00.016-06:00

When our kids were younger and we were all enjoying Alpine Skiing, we made many trips to Joe's Sporting Goods and got excellent service. It's been about 20 years since I've been on downshill skis, but decided that instead I'd give Cross Country skis a whirl again, esp since my original skis are way outmoded. A visit to Joe's in its new location (established 8 years ago...wow! it's been a long time since I've skied anywhere!!) was a revelation in new designs and equipment. With so many dizzying choices, I relied on Gene, a knowledgeable salesman and an active retiree who decided that retirement was not for him. Despite numerous hobbies and interests (biking, gardening, skiing), he has been working at Joe's for 8 years, right after the store's new location opened. I think he'll guide me to the right package for my Christmas present....Now the camera store...

What's a Potter to Do?!

2011-11-09T00:00:00.027-06:00

I introduced you before to one of my former colleagues here and here and here. I think he's out of commission for awhile. Somehow I feel that he'd rather be throwing pots.

Sunshine and Shadow

2011-11-08T05:17:00.000-06:00

Packers 8-0

2011-11-07T00:00:00.004-06:00

Packer Fans come in all sizes and ages!

Special Sunday

2011-11-06T05:34:00.001-06:00

During the school year, students at St. Catherine's University are involved with the Sunday services, usually with their many musical talents. The instruments and their voices fill the chapel, but on one special Sunday, we were treated to a medley of dances at various points of the service.

Karl and Lexie-Camera Critters

2011-11-05T00:00:00.008-05:00

Even though I have this photo on my sidebar I thought that you should know more about my grand-dog Lexie
who is a canine Shiba Inu, a breed which originated in Japan. Son Karl adopted her about two years ago
from an animal rescue shelter. Lexie had been abandoned as a puppy, and lived in the dump on the
Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Before she was one year old, she had given birth to puppies;
all but one died. Some kind soul picked her up and Lexie was taken to an animal shelter in the Twin Cities where
she was checked by a veterinarian and spayed. Karl found her image on an internet site. He met Lexie and her
foster mother at a dog park in Minneapolis, fell in love with Lexie and adopted her. She has been a part of our
family ever since and spends an inordinate and happy time with our much older Maggi, our own rescue dog. Lexie
is a loving, often mischievous dog but has her fears, one of which is a terrified reaction to cameras. Who knows?!

Our first dog, Loki, was a Norweigan Elkhound (still my favorite breed), but being animal lovers we made a
conscious decision only to adopt and own abandoned or neglected dogs. We've even fostered some (with
hilarious results)...Maggi was our first foster dog, but we couldn't part with her. Long story short...have a heart
and adopt one of these many, many animals that need a good home. I guarantee that you will never regret it!!

To see more camera critters, go here.

Halloween at Lunds!

2011-11-04T00:00:00.005-05:00

Some people remain young at heart, regardless of age. Heidi, working the cash register at Lund's Food Market in Highland Village in St. Paul, MN. is one of them! She has worked at the store for 4 years and dresses up for Halloween. Heidi grew up in Stillwater, Mn but now resides in St. Paul. Although she wasn't familiar with photo blogs, she readily agreed to have me take and post her photo. Heidi is #51/100 in my Strangers Project.

To learn more about the 100 Strangers project, click here: www.100strangers.com/

Halloween at Starbucks

2011-11-03T00:00:00.002-05:00

This group of friends meet every weekday morning for coffee and conversation.

Día de los Muertos!

2011-11-02T00:00:00.007-05:00

Día de los Muertos is an important event in many cultures. I wish that we honoured death in this way, too. We seem to have lost some of our own traditions regarding this part of end-of-life. As a young person, it was obligatory in our family to visit gravesites to decorate the headstones with fresh flowers on Memorial Day. No more...cemeteries often limit the kinds of decorations allowed to facilitate upkeep. I like the cemeteries in New Mexico as an example of families that still visit their deceased loved ones.

To learn more about the importance of November 1st and 2nd in honoring the dead, visit the blog of Carraol in Mexico City for a full explanation.

November, 2011 Theme Day-"Fences"

2011-11-01T00:00:00.012-05:00

In "The Mending Wall" Robert Frost

did not agree that...

"Good fences make good neightbors."

Instead Frost's poem declared

"Something there is that doesn't love a wall..."

To see more fences, Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

2011-10-31T00:01:00.020-05:00

TRICK OR TREAT?

WHO CAN RESIST HALLOWEEN?!!

As a kid, there are some things you looked forward to. You looked forward to Charlie Brown during Halloween and you looked forward to Monday Night Football.
Nick Ferguson

A Dinner Invitation

2011-10-29T06:50:00.000-05:00

Won't you come in

and

Dine with me?

Choices

2011-10-28T07:17:00.000-05:00

Would you like to live in this house with the fantastic landscaping

Or this one with the windows and the amazing light?

A question!

2011-10-27T06:38:00.000-05:00

An important question for the experts out there... How does one take a shot like this on a point and shoot camera without a reflection from the flash? Too dark for a photo without the flash...

ABC WEDNESDAY-"O"-One of a Kind

2011-10-26T09:05:00.001-05:00

Click here to see more ABC WEDNESDAY posts.

And, here's Luke!

2011-10-25T00:00:00.014-05:00

Because he's such a charming lad, I think that Luke deserves a post of his own, especially since his Mother revealed that usually he doesn't like to have his picture taken. Luke, his sister, and Mom found their very own Great Pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch.

Eat your heart out, Charlie Brown!

Dem Apples

2011-10-24T00:00:00.005-05:00

How do you like dem apples??

The Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-23T00:00:00.007-05:00

On our way to dinner we passed Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church on 50th St. in Minneapolis and marveled at the huge Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins of all sizes and shapes for sale. With camera in hand, I stopped to take some pictures. While walking around I met Kirstin who was here with her two children, Amelia 4 and Luke 3, to pick out their Halloween pumpkins. They loaded their wagon to pull home that is just a few blocks away.

Trader Joe's

2011-10-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

I wish more stores would have these reminder signs. This one is right next to the elevator and is very effective. Normally I bring my grocery bags into a store about 50% of the time. Yesterday this sign caused me to turn around and get my bag out of the car.

Comical or Scary?

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

When my children were in elementary school, clowns were familiar people at many youngsters' parties. My adult son Karl revealed recently that he had been terrified of them. Do you think I scarred him for life?!
************************

Send in the Clowns

by Cath "Shandy" Carpenter (Clown)

Send in the Clowns - Quick for something is wrong
The crowd gave a gasp where it didn't belong.
Has somebody fallen - is death standing near
Are the Lion trainers hand's trembling with fear?
The band skipped a beat, there were animal roars
Quick "send for the Joey's to boost the applause"

Send for the Clowns when the Dogs won't perform
When the Tigers are restless with on-coming storm
In motley and costume their ‘entree' must last
Till the cage is assembled - then get ‘em out fast.

Send for the Clowns - what d'you say? They're all gone
Well, that's it, we're finished, the show can't go on
Who'll make ‘em all laugh - get the children involved
Till the danger is past and all problems are solved.

From when the Big Top goes up - Till the king pole comes down
That's the power and the glory of being a Clown.

Salesman

2011-10-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

This is the young man who sells the wild rice at the Farmers' Market in downtown St. Paul. Rain or shine he's there every Saturday and Sunday during the season. Because of the approaching colder weather, the dates for vendors to display their wares is becoming far more limited. He is very knowledgeable about the "authentic" wild rice that he sells and is pleased to be able to sell a quality product.

ABC WEDNESDAY-"N"-100 % Naturally Grown Zizania Aquatica

2011-10-18T00:00:00.007-05:00

The above packages of wild rice which are "100% Naturally Grown on Lakes and Rivers" in Minnesota are sold at the St. Paul Farmers' Market. There are other outlets for this grain, which is a highly prized gourmet delight, sold throughout the Twin Cities. If you're smart, you'll pass up the cultivated wild rice and get one of these packages instead.

"This water-loving grass produces a nutty-flavored seed that is eaten by humans and waterfowl. Once found throughout Minnesota, it has been an important part of the lives and culture of American Indians who have lived in the Great Lakes region long before the arrival of European immigrants. Today it is Minnesota's official state grain.

Wild rice is an annual plant, meaning that it dies in the fall. Seeds that fell in autumn take root in spring under water, and then the shoot grows to above the surface. Starting in late August, the seeds ripen gradually from the top down and fall into the water. Because it is an annual, people who harvest the plant in the wild let some seeds fall into the water so wild rice populations can survive." (Credit: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

IMPORTANT

How To Tell The Difference Between Real Indian Wild Rice and The Fake Stuff!

Authentic northern lakes wild rice is thinner then the commercially grown paddy wild rice and can be a light gray to an almost light green in color. It is not tough but very tender and has a very natural tasty nutty like flavor and only takes about 20 minutes to cook. The real Indian Wild Lake Rice cannot be grown in paddies. True Indian Rice only thrives in these cold crystal clear northern spring fed rivers and lakes of the Great Lakes region that was home to the Chippewa Indians. Real Indian Wild rice is sensitive and will not grow in stagnant waters.

REAL HAND HARVESTEDINDIAN WILD RICE

PATTY GROWNCOMMERCIAL RIC

Credit: http://www.indianwildrice.com/

Wild Rice harvesting on reservation land is strictly controlled; to see photos of an authentic harvesting, click here.

To see more ABC Wednesday post, click here.

A foreign object?

2011-10-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

While sitting in a room at a local hospital, I gazed outdoors at the rain drops on the window. What did I see floating in the dark and ominous sky? An alien? A spaceship? Any ideas?

It was just the reflection of the overhead lights!

The Chapel

2011-10-16T00:00:00.017-05:00

I often wondered why this large beautiful building is called a chapel. This is what the college website has to say about it:

"Structurally imposing and architecturally stunning, Our Lady of Victory Chapel is an integral part of St. Catherine University. Inspired by St. Trophime at Arles in Provence, France, the Chapel has a rich history, offers sacred ritual and serves as cherished space for reflection and prayer.

She opens her doors and invites St. Kate’s students, faculty, staff and neighbors to share in the Liturgy of the Mass every Sunday morning. She opens her arms to those who wish to celebrate in ways both secular and religious — as well as to those who need to grieve, to weep and to heal."

Check here to see Our Lady of Victory's open arms.

Camera Critters-Meet Gina and Teddy

2011-10-15T00:00:00.002-05:00

Gina who is from Omaha, Nebraska was born in Scotland, her mother's home. Her father, a US naval man, met her mother and the rest is history. Growing up in Nebraska, Gina has made many trips to Scotland over the years to see friends and relatives. 9-month-old Teddy lives with her in Minnesota because Gina is earning her Masters at the University of Minnesota. With only two more courses to complete Gina will soon graduate. I wonder if she will continue to live here in St. Paul?

To see more camera critters, go here.

Our Lady of Victory

2011-10-14T00:00:00.006-05:00

This statue is in front of the chapel on St. Kate's college campus. Different from some of the newer, more modern sculptures, it blends in nicely because of its simplicity.

Peavey Fountain

2011-10-13T00:00:00.041-05:00

As a typical St. Paulite, I don't often venture to Mineapolis, but when I do, I make some delightful discoveries. Who would guess that there is a momument dedicated to military horses?

Monster-Loch Ness? ABC WEDNESDAY "M"

2011-10-12T00:00:00.003-05:00

To see more ABC WEDNESDAY posts, click here.

ABC WEDNESDAY-M-The Dancers' Musicians

2011-10-11T00:00:00.030-05:00

These are the musicians that accompanied the dancers from Sweden that I posted here and here.

To see more ABC WEDNESDAY posts, click here.

Playing Around

2011-10-10T00:00:00.014-05:00

This is the result when a child plays around with my iMac! Cute, isn't she?

My environment!

2011-10-09T00:00:00.004-05:00

I would have a very hard time living anywhere permanently which is not close to water. I love the Mississippi and the Great Lakes. It's both primal and part of my genetic code!

Camera Critters- Hitching a Ride

2011-10-08T00:00:00.008-05:00

The horse drawn wagons have been very popular at the Farmers' Market this past summer. Interesting that most of the riders are adults, rather than children!

Added later: Originally I had posted these photos on October 1, forgetting about Theme Day, but I soon switched the post to today. Sorry if you already saw this last week when it was briefly posted. But the horses certainly are worth viewing again...beautiful animals!

Click here to see more critters.

More Swedish Dancers

2011-10-07T00:00:00.005-05:00

A few more of the 30 Swedish dancers that performed in Stockholm, Wi last Saturday night.

Swedish Dancers

2011-10-06T00:00:00.013-05:00

On our sunny Saturday road trip down the Mississippi we discovered these dancers in Stockholm, WI. The Nivren Folkdansgille are from Sundsvall, Sweden and the 30 musicians and dancers were scheduled to perform Swedish folkdances and sing, as well as discuss their costumes. They even were going to teach some of the dances! At the outdoor square they gave us a sample of what was in store that evening. I wanted to join them at their free potluck performance but we were on our way back to St. Paul. I felt a bit cheated that we missed it.

ABC Wednesday-L-: Louise Erdrich's Birchbark Bookstore

2011-10-05T03:00:00.006-05:00

Susan is the manager of the Birchbark Bookstore, which is owned by writer Louise Erdrich (pronounced: errd-rick). Close to Lake Calhoun, it is nestled in a neighborhood next door to a cafe. Very convenient for book and coffee lovers. If you are a Twin Cities resident, take yourself over there to meet Susan who is an animated booklover who wants to help customers make connections to books they might love. If you're lucky, Louise might be there. The necklace Susan is wearing and which I admired comes from Santo Domingo Pueblo midway between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM. Another "small world" experience since I just attended the Pueblo's Annual Arts and Craft Fair in September. The earrings I bought at that very same Pueblo are not quite as spectacular as Susan's necklace. Alas! But I walked out of the bookstore with books! To see more ABC Wednesday photographs, go here!

Lovely to Look At...ABC WEDNESDAY "L"

2011-10-04T00:00:00.005-05:00

Marge Lindemann from Cumberland, WI taught emotionally disturbed teen-agers for 25 years but had no time to do art. After she retired she has been making originally designed garments, scarves and wall pieces from hand painted and dyed silk for the past 9 years. I met her in an art store in Stockholm, Wi where she was demonstrating her art-in-progress on a silk scarf with an autumn leaf motif. She has outlets for her work in several Wisconsin towns, including Algoma, a Lake Michigan hamlet in Kewaunee County which happened also to be the small town where I was born. Small world!

To see more "L's" at ABC WEDNESDAY, go here.

Seamus Heaney

2011-10-03T00:00:00.009-05:00

On Sunday afternoon, October 2, I was more than delighted to hear my favorite poet, Irishman Seamus Heaney, read to a full auditorium at St. Benedict's College in St. Joseph, MN. I had heard him before at the original Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis in 1996 and knew that it was an event not to be missed. Currently the new Guthrie Theatre is performing The Burial at Thebes, Heaney's poetic adaptation of Antigone. Internationally known and honored with multiple awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature, Heaney is probably the most important living poet in the world.

Mystery Object identified!

2011-10-02T00:00:00.005-05:00

While waiting on the third floor of St. Joseph's hospital in downtown St. Paul, I leaned over the open balcony and saw the information desk on the first floor and a visitor ascending the staircase to the second floor. Eureka! I found the mystery object I posted yesterday. Because of the distance from the stairs to the camera, you really couldn't see the risers on each step, David was the first to think they could be stairs but clever Jacob figured it out for sure.

OOPS! Almost forgot about THEME DAY-MYSTERY OBJECT!

2011-10-01T06:22:00.001-05:00

This is really too easy! Tomorrow I'll show you the object in its original location! Have some fun and go over to the other blogs with mystery objects. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Signs of Fall

2011-09-30T00:00:00.003-05:00

Good Question!

2011-09-29T06:25:00.000-05:00

He leads the way.

ABC WEDNESDAY -K- A Kid, a Mom, and a Horse

2011-09-28T05:25:00.001-05:00

I wonder who is more interested in the horse..Mom or the Kid?

To see more "K's" on ABC Wednesday, go here!

Trimming Trees

2011-09-27T05:51:00.001-05:00

An entrepreneur!

2011-09-26T05:27:00.000-05:00

This young balloon woman offered some amusing advice.

A Pied Piper

2011-09-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

There are always musicians and music at the St. Paul Farmers' Market. Yesterday was the first time I saw a musician involve the children in a square dance to the delight of onlookers. He looked like he and the kiddies and the children were enjoying themselves!!

Camera Critters-Quite a Surprise

2011-09-24T00:00:00.006-05:00

After exiting my house, I was surprised to see this critter on one of the hanging baskets, and it didn't move nor fly away despite my movement. When I got too ambitious and tried to remove the dead leaf so that the photo would be more attractive, the critter flew away. It was a pleasant surprise to see this beautiful creature. To see more camera critters, click here.

A Matter of Choice

2011-09-23T00:00:00.004-05:00

I think that I like my boots far more!!

What on earth is this?!

2011-09-22T00:00:00.012-05:00

Medical technician, gentle Margaret, posed in "The Chamber of Horrors" for me. I felt that it was my civic duty to give the male members of CDP a peek into a technical advance endured by women who take their health seriously. Don't know what it is? Ask a female!

Check the coffee cup to understand the platform and top shelf which can be lowered and lowered!

Where Am I ??

2011-09-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Looks like Santa Fe in the winter

But . . .

It's really St. Paul in the fall!!

A Candid Snap

2011-09-20T00:00:00.001-05:00

A stealth shot may not be open and above board

but

it produces the best unposed snapshots!

Knitters

2011-09-19T00:00:00.002-05:00

Many hands make quick work! At one of the local cafes a group of women meet once a week to knit together and compare notes...about knitting, life, families. . .

A Bridge to the Island-Sunday Bridges

2011-09-18T00:00:00.002-05:00

This bridge on St. Kate's campus goes to a small island where my children spent many happy hours as they were growing up, playing in the pond and watching the turtles and ducks.

Go here to see more Sunday Bridges!

Camera Critters at Gabe's

2011-09-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

Gabe's is a local watering hole and the place to be if you're a Green Bay Packer football fan who lives in St. Paul. Instead of cheering for the Vikings during football season, these fans gather together among their friends in a supportive environment, surrounded by like-minded Packer fans. It gets particularly raucous if the opponent is the Vikings. I wonder if those Angus Burgers will be the same price during the games? To see more Camera Critters, click here.

Kati and Cath

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Although this was not a happy occasion because it was the funeral of a very close friend, who happened to be the godmother of Kati and the Mother of Cath, it was good to see the two young women together again. Our families spent many happy days and evenings with one another over the years, and like many events like this, we all got together to reminisce.

Art Fair

2011-09-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

The Bearing of

An African Queen

ABC Wednesday-"I" Incredible Car!

2011-09-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

What can I say?!

To see more ABC WEDNESDAY posts, click here.

ABC Wednesday-"I" Innocent Childhood

2011-09-13T00:00:00.002-05:00

Three little girls sitting on the curb at the St. Paul Farmers' market, probably waiting for the horse and carriage ride.

To see more ABC WEDNESDAY posts, go here.

Flight 93-9/11, 2001

2011-09-12T00:00:00.012-05:00

Two years ago I drove to Fort Snelling Cemetery to pay homage to the men and women who are buried there. I watched a very moving burial ceremony of a recently fallen serviceman and walked around to see the headstones in the newest section of the cemetery. I found Tom Burnett's headstone, who was on board Flight 93 on that fateful day and who was one of the passengers who attempted to take control of the airplane away from the hijackers after learning what was occurring in New York and Washington, D.C. Last night I watched an interview with his parents on one of the local television broadcasts.

Ten years does not wash away the sorrow.

Happy Birthday, Max !

2011-09-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

I met these two beautiful people yesterday so Max and I could celebrate our birthdays which occur today! Both Max and Jill were students of mine when they were in high school; after they graduated in 2003, I briefly lost touch with them, but followed Max's academic and professional career off and on. So delighted that he and Jill are now "a romantic number." Couldn't have happened to two nicer people.

Home Again #2--Sigh!

2011-09-10T06:59:00.001-05:00

Since I returned home on Thursday, I haven't had an opportunity to do any photo shoots, so I snapped this artificial flower that was behind our booth during our late afternoon snack yesterday. Even though I love my city, it's not as easy to find interesting subjects and images here as it was in Santa Fe...how I miss it already...sigh!! Off to the Farmers' Market now to replenish the larder--perhaps that will lift my spirits!