Child Reading in Tree

Curling up with a good book is one of life's pleasure, especially if you can climb a tree to do it. Carved out of a tree, this child still illustrates it best!!

Spanish music

On Sunday morning, August 26, this young musician and approximately 9 other young schoolgirls played for the shoppers at the Farmers' Market. One of the adults who were with them told me that the donations from shoppers would be applied to the children's program at Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church on the west side of St. Paul. The neighborhood is a well-established Spanish-speaking community with some recent immigrant arrivals as well as some families who have settled there several generations ago. Because their 1 P.M. Sunday mass features their language and music, I think we'll go next week!

Jan, A Cancer Survivor

Jan, who was on the breast cancer walk, got to carry one of the pink banners because she is a cancer survivor. Jan owns one of the consignment shops that I visit regularly and where I photographed my July Red Theme Day photograph. Despite being a good-sized town, St Paul is really St. Small when it comes to knowing one another. I feel privileged to know Jan--another one of my courageous women friends. Please click here to see some more photographs I took of women involved in the walk I observed last Sunday.

Tribute to Aunt Alice

Sunday, August 26, was the last day of a 3-Day Walk in the Twin Cities to raise money for breast cancer research. I observed several thousand participating women and some men walking part of the 60-mile course on Summit Avenue. There were cheering onlookers, safety guards at busy intersections, pit stops, and a luncheon area on the University St. Thomas University's St. Paul campus. If like me you thought these marches were only on Mother's Day, check out this website for more information. The walk is scheduled for many cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Seattle--just to name a few.

Fallen Soldier

As I passed O'Halloran and Murphy's Mortuary on Snelling Avenue Friday afternoon, I noticed an overflowing parking lot as well as dozens of parked motorcycles and men and women holding American flags, lining the curb. I got out of my car and approached the entrance where there were uniformed, military honor guards beside the entrance doors. I was told that the funeral for a young Cambodian-American was being held at the moment. The young man had returned to the United States after successfully completing 18 months in Iraq, and then left to visit his Cambodian ancestral homeland. While there he was tragically killed in an automobile accident. The height of irony!

A Foggy Day in London Town? (365th Post!!)

A foggy day in St. Paul is a far cry from London, but the fog seems to be the same type! If you want to see some really spooky photos of a foggy morning seen from my backyard, click here.

Grandparents' Day

Grandparents Day today in my grandchild's pre-Kindergarten classroom. Can you guess which "monkey" is mine??

Where're the Workers?!

Where are the workers? To take a look at them, go to extraextra

MN Worker

Many Hmong families work diligently to sell their crafts, flowers, fruits, and vegetables at the Farmers' Market. Hmong families often concentrate on agriculture and the men, women, and children all work together Whenever I see older men or women, I wonder about their life stories. I would love to know how this woman got to St. Paul, why did she leave her country, and whether or not her relatives are with her? Who sponsored her and her family? Because I have taught young students who came to our city in the first wave of Asian refugees, I know that some of the hardships they endured are often beyond our belief or imagination. For this woman I wish much happiness,good health, and prosperity in our city.

Nature's Bounty!

The much needed rain we finally had did not keep shoppers away from the Farmers' Market this week-end. The aisles were thronged with people buying flowers, handicrafts, soap, honey, fruit, eggs, cheeses, meat, and vegetables. The St. Paul Market is indeed indigenous. This year they relaxed a rule, which now states that instead of 50 miles, vendors from as far away as 70 miles from the city limits may sell their wares at the central market on week-ends or throughout the city during the week at various satellites. This pleases me; now sellers of merchandise from Central America and places distant from St. Paul do not compete with our local farmers. We have families with large agricultural holdings and mom and pop outfits with booths next to one another, selling what they have grown or made. One woman sells handicrafts made exclusively by senior citizens, another has developed a thriving business of herbs and vinegars that she mixes and packages herself. Our community of Hmong are well represented, selling both food and their beautifully embroidered handiwork. As you can see by the photo, an abundant harvest of beautiful tomatoes were everywhere. Early hours of the week-end during the summer invariably find me walking the aisles of our central market. I love it and miss it during the winter months.

Play Ball!

"Today's St. Paul Saints were formed in 1993 in the Northern League, one of several "other" leagues not affiliated with Major League Baseball. The Saints are known for promotions that are over-the-top even by the standards of minor-league baseball. The principal owner, Mike Veeck, is the son of legendary major-league owner Bill Veeck, who was best-known for outrageous promotions as owner of the St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox. Comedian and actor Bill Murray is also a part owner.

A major factor in the continued success of the Saints in the face of the Twins' presence is the fact that Midway Stadium, the Saints' home field, is an open-air facility; many Twins fans have bemoaned the unfairness of being forced to go indoors to watch a baseball game on a warm Minnesota summer evening. Another is the love of tailgating by fans in the Twin Cities metropolitan area - the Metrodome, situated in the middle of downtown Minneapolis, has little space available for tailgating.

The St. Paul Saints won four championships in the Northern League: 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2004. The most recent championship was arguably one of the Saints most memorable games. In the decisive Game 5 at St. Paul's Midway Stadium, St. Paul trailed the Schaumburg Flyers 6-3 entering the bottom of the ninth. A leadoff double and two quick outs had the Flyers on the edge of their seat. A double by the Saints' second basemen, and it was 6-4. The next batter sent a base hit up the middle and it was 6-5. Three consecutive singles later and it was knotted up at 6. A walk to load the bases and a new pitcher set the stage for Marc Mirizzi. On a 1-1 pitch, Mirrizi struck a cannon to left field, just fair, for a grand-slam, walk-off championship clinching home run to win it for the Saints 10-6." (The St. Paul Saints, History, Wiki)

Cultural Heritage

There are all kinds of Sven and Ole jokes in Minnesota. This sign hangs above a popular local restaurant in Grand Marais on the North Shore. A little bit of Minnesota culture for you to enjoy!

My Neighbor's Gate

Flowers, food, and music

During my weekly stop at the downtown Farmers' Market in St. Paul, I savor more than just the sight of plants and food. As I stop to smell the flowers along the way, I am able to enjoy music, too!

A Mystery!

I was startled to see this object hanging from a small branch on a tree. These foreign objects, either real or not, are out-of-place in nature...or should be!

Lake Superior's North Shore

Okay, so it's not an exciting photo, but I think seagulls are worthy subjects since their habitat is one that we humans admire. Birds like this one were our constant companions during our mini-vacation on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Hawai'i Bug

Some of you who have been daily photo bloggers for a long time may remember this bugmobile. This time I am posting it with Molly, the owner, inside and about to drive away. Molly, a former teaching colleague of mine, has been an aficionado of the Islands for decades. Her Volkswagen was painted in Honolulu and then shipped to Minnesota. Whether it is in motion or parked, the car generates lots of interest and conversation. For a rear view of the car, click here. Wouldn't it be fun to own it? Forget about the resale value. We only live once!! PS. I'll be gone for a few days, living in a cabin on the north shore of Lake Superior. Be back soon!

Germanic-American Institute

"More Minnesotans claim Germanic descent than any other European ethnicity...Today, after two hundred years in the Midwest, Americans of Germanic heritage have assimilated into and helped shape a regional culture that values education, demands high standards for healthcare and public service, and promotes tolerance and inclusion... The early Volksfest held club meetings and events in various locations in the Twin Cities, until they acquired the former George Gardner home at 301 Summit Avenue," shown above. This group serves families and people of all ages with many different programs. To learn more about them and their history, check their website here (The Germanic-American, St. Paul website).

Fun or Scary?!

As youngsters, my children were frightened of clowns, but I didn't fully comprehend this until after I had hired one for my son's birthday party. As an adult, he's still not fond of them. How about you?!

The Red Balloon---Again!

I'm posting this a little behind schedule since several events intervened since July 31st. As promised, here is the icon that stands in front of the children's bookstore, which we all love in St. Paul!

A Portrait of Courage

A friend and former colleague was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is halfway through her chemo treatment, and it's not much fun. On Thursday August 2 a group of 25 women (some of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves) had a gathering, brought food, and enjoyed one another's company on a beautiful, sunny day in our hostess' backyard. Giving our treasured friend support, celebrating the halfway mark, and a few meaningful gifts was a small tribute to her. Come to our party; you'll have a good time there, too!

Bridge Collapse

I had planned on something more joyful for today. But! As many of you know and who have written to me offline, at 6:05 pm on August 1st the Interstate 35W bridge that spanned the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota unexpectedly collapsed, plunging into the river many cars that were navigating rush hour traffic. Rescue and recovery operations on many different levels: emergency personnel, hospitals, medical and rescue teams, sprang into action. Private citizens who were passersby also helped in the life-saving efforts. As of midnight 7 people have been reported dead from drowning and blunt force trauma, and 50 cars have been already searched. The Twin Cities metropolitan area has been traumatized by the tragedy which may worsen after rescue efforts are resumed in the morning. The Minnesota bloggers and their families whom you have met online here, Carol,Chris and Deb, Steve (Slinger) and I are all safe. Keep all the other victims who have been hurt and injured as well those who have died in your thoughts and hearts.

Maggi, the Gourmutt

A typical day for Maggi begins with a typical breakfast at approximately 6 am. Ummm! Good!
Because today is August Theme Day: A TYPICAL BREAKFAST, visit all these bloggers to see typical breakfasts around the world! Don't forget to leave your comment!

Saint Paul (MN), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - New York City (NY), USA - Tel Aviv, Israel - Hyde, UK - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Mainz, Germany - Stockholm, Sweden - Paderborn, Germany - Singapore, Singapore - Haninge, Sweden - Nottingham, UK - Ampang (Selangor), Malaysia - Manila, Philippines - Boston (MA), USA - Seoul, Korea - Singapore, Singapore - Joplin (MO), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Paris, France - Sequim (WA), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Boston (MA), USA - Chennai, India - Madison (WI), USA - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Toulouse, France - Seattle (WA), USA - Mexico (DF), Mexico - La Antigua, Guatemala - Selma (AL), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Lubbock (TX), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Sheki, Azerbaijan - Sydney, Australia - Mumbai, India - Seoul, South Korea - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - New Orleans (LA), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Austin (TX), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Villigen, Switzerland - Montréal (QC), Canada - Stayton (OR), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Moscow, Russia - Springfield (MO), USA - Inverness (IL), usa - Arlington (VA), USA - Cologne (NRW), Germany - Anderson (SC), USA - Oslo, Norway - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Manila, Philippines - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Bandung (West Java), Indonesia - Stavanger, Norway - Bastia, France - Hong Kong, China - Wailea (HI), USA - St. Louis (MO), USA - Chicago (IL), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Sydney, Australia - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Kansas City (MO), USA - Grenoble, France - Paris, France - Evry, France - Saigon, Vietnam - Prague, Czech Republic - Cape Town, South Africa - Brookville (OH), USA - Brussels, Belgium - San Diego (CA), USA - Wellington, New Zealand - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Shanghai, China - Zurich, Switzerland - North Bay (ON), Canada - Lyon, France - Naples (FL), USA