Which Color?

The poinsettias this year are an array of colors.

Which color do you prefer?

Remembering Birdman

While walking with a cane on icy sidewalks and holding a leash with Wild Wendy at the end, it is sometimes difficult to  produce an image that isn't blurred. Whenever I see one of these birdhouses, I often stop and think about one of our former bloggers, Birdman, who died unexpectedly several years ago. I like to think that my pause is a small homage to his memory, a person whom I never met but I  still miss.

An Early Gift

Merry Christmas to me!!

A little thing like a total knee replacement on August 18th and  unexpected nerve damage, making my left foot numb as a result of the surgery cannot keep down a "nasty woman who votes." According to tests, complete recovery of tibial nerve is inconclusive. 

Last week I joined a hiking club (check this link) to test my agility and ability to walk a significant distance. Members of the club were both welcoming and encouraging. I think that these hiking shoes will spur me on! Now I need some collapsable walking sticks (gotta get 'em in a suitcase), 
Santa?!

Another Blossom

Here  is another beautiful blossom in the Sunken Garden's holiday display at the Marjorie McNelly Conservatory at Como Park, which I posted a few days ago.

Eight Nights

Yesterday on the second night of Hanukkah DH and I attended the Winter Concert at the JCC.  A lovely hour and a half of good music. I am happy that we are members there because we have enjoyed participating in many programs of varied topics as well as meeting new people and making new friends.

A Pink Holiday

I have posted the Sunken Garden seasonal floral show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory many times over the past several years.  Instead of the traditional very red poinsettias for this holiday season, this year the petite flowers were white and varied hues of pink.  About 20 members of a hiking club I just joined walked to the conservatory from another member's house that is closer to the park.  Despite the fact that I trailed behind all the hikers, the cold wind and weather with sidewalks covered with snow and ice were largely forgotten after arrival and the sight of the floral display.

Teen-age Fashion

What's a grandmother to do?!

LONE WOLF

There seems to be an endless controversy about wolves and whether or not they should be protected. Each side seems to have valid arguments for their position. The painting that is on exhibit at Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue (see yesterday's post) shows the conundrum faced by wild animals when "civilisation" impinges upon their natural territory.

Linked to Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Easy Riders

DH and I often pop into Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue for a quick bite to eat.  In addition to the good food and swift service, often there are paintings of local artists displayed for the diners' enjoyment.  Currently on the second floor balcony is an array of paintings of bikes done in heavy strokes of oil. I didn't get the name of the artist so I will  have to return to get it.

The Boss

 While enjoying my morning coffee and navigating through the eEdition of the Star Tribune (yes, I am getting used to it!), I heard the scraping of shovel against snow.  Randy, the faithful yard and snow genii, had been up since 2 am servicing his grateful customers. Ever mindful of my recent knee surgery, he warned me that it is "sheer ice" under the cover of snow.  Guess I'll stay housebound today!

First Light

In addition to taking care of Wild Wendy's needs, this is the main reason why I get up early each day!

Time Flies!!

 Happy Birthday, Olivia !!

GIFT, the December, 2017 Theme Day

The GIFTS of
   JOY
  LOVE
  LIFE
  FREEDOM
  FAMILY AND FRIENDS

On the first day of every month the City Daily Photo Community comes together publishing photos from around the world with their interpretation of the chosen theme.To see other City Daily Photo bloggers' interpretations of the December theme, "Gift," please click he

Confused Wild Wendy

Now where did that squirrel go? I just saw him swinging on the birdhouse!

Remodeling Efforts

 The Jewish Community Center in St. Paul is in the middle of a huge construction addition and remodeling effort that will have expanded space and new areas to enjoy.  As typical of any effort like this, part of the space seems disorganized. These life size photos and signs help correct some of the confusion.

My own body has endured similar disarray and confusion since my total knee replacement so I decided that I, too, need some remodeling! Yesterday I started training with a delightful young man in the Fitness Center. Because I am still healing, we are working on my "core" (the term makes me giggle) and upper body. When Dane, my new hero, was introducing me to the machines and adjusting the weights, I apprehensively reminded him that I am a grandmother.  His reply? "Yes, but you will be a STRONG grandmother!" How can you not love a young man like that?

Linking to signs, signs

Holy Cow!!

Some people have cash cows, but our neighborhood has a holiday cow.   I have posted photos  of this beautiful bovine many times in the past, and I bet you look forward to seeing her each holiday!

Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Wordless Wednesday & Signs #2

Linking to Signs, Signs

Memorial Bench

During the winter months I often go to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park to feed my soul by viewing the  plants and flowers. A favourite spot is The Sunken Garden which has floral displays that are changed seasonally.  Scattered throughout the conservatory are memorial benches. I was particularly interested in this one because of my familiarity with the person honoured. (To see photos of the beautiful sunken garden, click on the link above)

Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Veterans Day

Why we wear poppies

The remembrance poppy was inspired by the World War I poem "In FlandersFields". Its opening lines refer to the many poppies that were the first flowers to grow in the churned-up earth of soldiers' graves in Flanders, a region of Europe that overlies a part of Belgium.

When I was a child, paper poppies were commonplace on people's lapels on Armistice Day, now referred to in the United States as Veterans Day.  I saw no-one wearing this commerative flower anywhere I went in the city today so I decided to post my photo to honor all servicemen and women who have served in the military, anywhere in the world.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

It's all about the crust!

This is only one of the reasons why we are steady customers of Cossetta's Market and Restaurant. In addition to these crusty loaves of bread, as you know I'll walk a mile for their gelato!

Wordless Wednesday and Signs

Wordless Wednesday

Linking to Signs, signs

Two Viewpoints

When in downtown St. Paul there are two large buildings, the State Capitol and the Cathedral, that can be seen from many vantage points. The Cathedral as shown in these photos can be viewed as an impressive building with a dome in a rather attractive setting but in the other it shows that it's really a part of a busy city.  I rather like the one with the traffic signals because it is clear the the church is part of an urban setting … my city, my world.

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Unusual design

 There are wonderful discoveries to be made along Summit Avenue in St. Paul. One of the homes has this interesting design along the front of their house, which is included on the entrance gate and along the property line of the sidewalk.

A Dusting of Snow

On Friday we got our first light dusting of snow, which did not last long.  It created some classic winter scenes in the first light of morning.  I posted this photo on Facebook and got enough positive comments that I decided to use it here also.  Do you like this quiet scene as much as I?

A Bird's Eye View

A humble abode overlooking a highway high above the Mississppi River. I could live there!

El Dia de los Muertos

I wasn't able to get to El Burrito Mercado on the west side of St. Paul to take photos before I posted yesterday, but here are two I would have shown.  I love Halloween,  but I love the Mexican celebration of the religious Day of the Dead even better. The ritual of honoring deceased friends and relatives is so positive rather than the absence or even dread, which is the way our culture approaches death in our society.

Frozen leaves

As seen on a chilly early morning walk.

November Theme, November, 2017-Rock 'n' Roll

Another month has rolled by! Go here to see what other bloggers have posted for this month's theme.
Linking to signs, signs