Hockey Hero

Starbuck Dogs

Saturday was a glorious weather day in St. Paul. As DH (dear husband) said, "The air is like wine!" Sun was shining and the temperature was comfortably warm. It's the season for dogs at my neighborhood Starbucks, an accommodating establishment that leaves water out for the visiting animal patrons. From time to time I will post pictures of our "best friends." (Clockwise from top left: Anonymous, Lily, Hannah, and Loki)

Jazz Fest

Tonight DH (Dear Husband) and I went to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and listened to pieces by the composers Wagner and Copland. During the intermission the audience had a choice to return to continue to enjoy the classical program or remain in the foyer to listen to jazz musicians. Jaime went back to hear Bach, but I stayed to listen to a trio consisting of a South African percussionist/drummer, a Cuban pianist, and an American saxophonist. When the regular program ended a few patrons remained to join us to continue listening to very smooth jazz. I like this kind of innovation, especially if it includes jazz music.

More guitars

A post by Celine, Stayton, Oregon prompted me to post this photograph.

Lady Liberty

I couldn't quite believe my eyes when I saw this lawn ornament, carved from a fallen tree. It is quite large and is symbolic of our Statue of Liberty National Monument.

A poem by Emma Lazarus is graven on a tablet within the pedestal on which the statue stands in New York Harbor.

The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Immigration has changed drastically since the French gave this statue to the United States. Currently both at home and abroad immigration is a hot topic with a divesity of opinions on how immigration should be legislated. I won't ask any of you to state an opinion on your country's policy because, like politics and religion, emotions on the topic are strong.

My Favorite Houses!

Yesterday several of you asked to see the picture of "my favorite house" when I posted the door only. Well, here it is! The bottom photo is another of my favorites, my very own home!

My Favorite House

Because this is the entrance to my favorite St. Paul house, I like the door but there are more spectacular doors on Summit Avenue. See April 13th, please (Blogger says the tag is too long to link!)

The Magazine's Appeal!

Is she too young to be reading this magazine?

St. Kate's College Chapel at Night

Another Bargain!

And, how much would you pay for this little number??!!

Friends of the Children

I haven't posted any St. Paul murals for a long time, but this one caught my eye. Actually I've been looking at it for a few years whenever I visit the ice cream parlour next door to it. The mural represents a national philanthropic organization called Friends of the Orphans. Recently it has received some favorable press in the St. Paul Pioneer press newspaper. Read this article to discover how dozens of people in Wisconsin and Minnesota raised 3.5 million dollars to build a hospital in Haiti where 50% of deaths are those of childen! Today I stopped in their office to check about volunteer activities.

PS. I just tipped the scales at 250 blogs for this blog!

A Real Bargain!

The One That Got Away?

While eating in a newly-opened Szechuan restaurant, I looked up and saw a large aquarium across the room. I whipped out my camera and took some shots in-between the waiters racing across my field of vision. Without missing a beat or dropping a chopstick, my husband continued eating as he ignored my behavior--something he wouldn't have done before I started blogging and photographing anything interesting in sight. No longer embarrassed--what a guy!

Mis Amigos

Many new friends can be found in coffee shops!

Poet Galway Kinnell

Charmingly eloquent, Galway Kinnell when discussing aging and life's changes said, "If you lose the ability to write in a way that is satisfying to you, then there are all sorts of things in the world that are just as good as writing, and you can turn to them." Blogging apparently satisfies that need in many of us!!

Poet, Josephine Dickinson

Josephine Dickinson became profoundly deaf at age six from meningitis, but managed to become a musician and music teacher! Gradually she turned to poetry and the stage at the Fitzgerald Theatre was graced by her presence last Thursday when she read her poems with another poet, Galway Kinnell.

Talking Volumes Guitarist

On Thursday two poets, Galway Kinnell and Josephine Dickinson read some of their poems on the stage of The Fitzgerald Theatre. Before the reading the audience was entertained by this guitarist.

My Favorite-Dedicated to Marie of Alexandria, VA

Historically Summit Avenue has been the premier street in St. Paul, and you can enter many of the old homes through lovely doors. This is my favorite on the entire avenue. At night, the etched glass panels literally glow! This post is for Marie, Alexandria, Va. for posting doors she receives from other bloggers throughout the world!

Bench

A combined utilitarian and artful bench. Wonder if it's comfortable?!

Retro Chairs

It's difficult to "catch up" when one has been away, but I think I'm getting there. These chairs were lined up on the sidewalk in front of a retro-art shop. Need to go back and photograph what's inside!

Home Sweet Home

Macalester College is a small liberal arts college with a fine reputation. This house as well as another has been moved next to the athletic field, a move that I do not understand. Usually the college has expanded into the neighborhood, which has caused consternation among homeowners, but this looks as though they are moving these building onto the campus. A mystery which I'll need to research.

I Told You It's Cold!!

After returning from sunny Mazatlan, Mexico, the climate has not pleased me at all. Snow flurries are forecast for tonight. This wood statue was carved from a felled tree, a common practice here; instead of wacking them down, many homeowners carve statues of various subjects to beautiful their property. Some wag took pity on this beautiful woman and added a shawl to keep her warm. I told you it's cold!!