CHANGE!

Guess Who!

Yesterday I showed you a photo of Olivia during a riding lesson. Retirement has many benefits; it allows the realization of long-held wishes, dreams, and fantasies. Olivia and her grandfather, whom she calls Da, are taking riding lessons together! What a twosome!!

A Budding Equestrian

What child doesn't love horses? Tuesday was a red letter day because Olivia got to trot her horse!!

My Neighborhood-Restored house

If I had a before-photo this picture would have more meaning. The rundown house was sold about a year ago after the elderly resident died. It was a neighborhood eyesore with rotting wood trim, peeling paint, holes in the roof caused by squirrels who were living in the attic and dismal landscaping or lack thereof. I had thought it would be torn down because renovation would be too costly. An enterprising individual bought it, restored it inside and out, and sold it for a handsome profit. Not bad, eh?!

Beautiful Babe!

The daughter of friends of ours adopted Anthony right after his birth. The grandparents couldn't be prouder!!

Kellogg Fountain

The top photo is easy to take of Kellogg Fountain and a favorite of photographers. It is pleasantly situated in downtown St. Paul in a small park near the corner of Wabasha Bridge and Kellogg Blvd, overlooking the wonderful Mississippi River. The small photo, however, is one that I previously posted several years ago, but I think that the comparison is worth a look. Wonder what caused all that foam?!

University of Minnesota Meat Lab

The University of Minnesota has two salesrooms, one for meat and the other for dairy products, which are open for 3 hours of each week to sell items made from production classes or from control labs of student projects for the sole purpose of recouping funds for teaching and student research projects. I've known about them for years and just recently went to the St. Paul campus for the first time to sample the food. Silly me! All those wasted years! What a find! As I do at the Farmers Market, I over-bought and brought home ice cream, cheeses, yogurt, rib eye steaks, lamb shoulder chops, salami, Canadian bacon, ground turkey and lamb. Everything is so very fresh!!Students operate the salesrooms. Vegetarians wouldn't be interested, but I am!!

Choices!!

Selecting and buying a new high definition television set is not an easy task!

New Exhibit

The Science Museum of Minnesota is a wonderful facility with exhibits, films, and activities that are both entertaining and instructive. I haven't seen this one yet but I intend to go before the RNC hits town. Some of the facilities in this building will be reserved for large groups of Republicans to meet and greet...good time to stay away because of the crowds. Had to laugh, tho, when I thought about Republicans and "Star Wars."

Lucky

Lucky is lucky to be tooling around town in this cool convertible. Temperatures are soaring in the '90's this week. Lucky dog!

Former Colleagues

The school in which I used to teach has an annual luncheon for retired faculty and staff. Here are just a few of my former colleagues, some of whom I see regularly, others I see only at this annual get-together. It's a good way to keep friendships alive.

Get Ready!!

What a photo op this is going to be!! I wonder if I'll be able to get photos of the protesters without being jailed with them? I wonder if I'll be able to get close enough to the party regulars, both national and local, to snap them? We'll soon see; stay tuned!! PS. The convention is really being held in SAINT PAUL...not the "other" city!!

Farmers' Market

Usually when I visit the downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday or Sunday, I overbuy and come home with more vegetable than we can possible use and eat. On Friday I decided to go to a satellite market held on a church parking lot. There was less variety and fewer vendors, but I came home with...guess what? Too many vegetables...more than we can eat! People watching was also abundant!

Back in St. Paul

Salut is a restaurant that opened on Grand Avenue about two years ago. I had a delicious lunch there on Thursday, and although claiming to be French, it's a far cry from a truly French bistro. I was amused by the quote painted on one of the walls.

#26-Bandelier-Final New Mexico Vacation Posts

Bandelier National Monument probably was my favorite spot during our too-brief vacation. It has an antiquity with corresponding spirituality that appealed to me. The large picture is a reconstruction of a Talus house that were built on the rock debris (talus) slopes on the sunny sides of canyons and mesas. The small photo is an archeological stabilization (see the blue tents?) of Tyhonyi, on the floor of Frijoles Canyon, which was occupied at the same time as the dwellings that were built along the base of the cliff.

#25-La Muerta Cart?

The first time I saw these carts many years ago was on the High Road to Taos, behind a small adobe church, San Jose de Gracia, in Las Trampas. Whether it is an urban legend or fact, I was told that the carts were used by the Penitentes and supposedly held a statue of the death angel, Dona Sebastina, better known as La Muerta. Hmm! I think I need to do a little research on this!

"Columbines in Bloom"#24

I think I'll end the quilt theme with this one made by Donna Barnitz, who was featured already with "My Sister's Truck" on August 10. The small photo is called "Hummingbird Migration" by Jean McLaughlin who lives in Silver City, NM. Hope you enjoyed them; I know that we did!

#23-"Black, White, Red Bargello"

For a little change, I thought that this contemporary, abstract pattern can illustrate the broad range of quilt patterns in the exhibit. The information with this quilt reads: Sarb Khalso/Pattern-Chris Timmons, Espanola, NM

"My Sister's Truck"-#22

I loved this quilt because these trucks are a familiar sight on the New Mexico landscape. Donna Barnitz of Rio Rancho, NM is the crafter of this wonderful quilt.

#21-Another Quilt

Yadi Flannery of Santa Fe crafted this beauty called "Oldzia in Pink at 90."

#20-"Adobe Sundance"

On the first floor, the Capitol Rotunda Gallery had an exhibit called, "New Mexico Fabrications Art Quilts by New Mexico Art Quilters," which was an outstanding collection of approximately 30+ quilters. This one entitled "Adobe Sundance" was crafted by Michelle Jackson of Albuquerque, NM.

"Where the buffalo roam..."-#19

This unusual sculpture can be found on the third floor of the New Mexico state capitol in Santa Fe. Look closely and you'll see some of materials used in this piece that honors the buffalo: newsprint, metals of different kinds, wires, audio tape, and paint brushes. It's an impressive and imposing piece of art.

Senate Chambers of New Mexico-#18

Much to our surprise, probably the best place to see an impressive art collection of New Mexican artists is the state capitol building. The collection is enormous and eclectic, and all of the pieces are of very high quality. I was impressed by the lack of security in the building; in contrast, here in MN many of our government buildings are like fortresses. We walked in and out of both House and Senate Chambers, talked to the friendly staff, and were treated like honored guests! I'll show you some of the art pieces later this week, but today enjoy the Seal of New Mexico and the Senate Chambers.

Native American Artifacts

One of my friends has an outstanding collection of Indian baskets and other Native American artifacts. This photo shows some objects that demonstrate the exquisite skills of individual artists. Beautiful, aren't they?

SF, NM Vacation #16-Palace of the Governors

Native American Indians have been selling their jewelery and pottery in front of the Palace of the Governors for hundreds of years. The Palace flanks the Plaza's north side. Built in 1610 it is the oldest government building, aside from prehistoric kivas, in the United States. The Indian vendors are a big draw for tourist, but this photo made me laugh. Instead of the stereotypical "stoic Indian" expected by some tourists, they are doing what we all do, reading and eating.

#15-The Santa Fe Opera

I bet you thought that I was going to show you scenes from one of the operas, or the stage or costumes. Nope! These charming gentlemen were one of the hundreds of people tailgating in the parking lot before the performance. No white tablecloths or candlabras, but the cheese and wine they offered me looked pretty darn good!

Free Spirits-#14

Before an appreciative audience of mostly tourists, these free spirits enjoyed solo dancing to the beat of the musicians on the bandstand. Santa Fe Rocks!

Theme Day, August 2008 - Metal:Nuclear Crucifix

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

As usual we have outdone ourselves with 183 bloggers posting photos for theme day.Visit as many as you can and comment!

Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by freefalling, Arradon, France by Alice, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Baruch, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Harry Makertia, Bandung, Indonesia by Eki Akhwan, Bandung, Indonesia by Bunyamin, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Birmingham (AL), USA by VJ, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brantford (ON), Canada by Nancy, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chesapeake (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Cincinnati, USA by Erik Laursen, City of the Blue Mountains, Australia by Richard, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Edmonton (AL), Canada by , Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Piskie, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gabriola, Canada by Snapper, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Hanoi, Vietnam by Jérôme, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jerusalem, Israel by Esther, Kansas City (MO), USA by Cate B, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lakewood (OH), USA by mouse, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Leipzig, Germany by weltbeschreiber, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Lynchburg (VA), USA by June, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Mashhad, Iran by Meead, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Menton, France by Jilly, Mesa (AZ), USA by Mesa Daily Photo, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Middletown (MD), USA by Bernie, Milwaukee (WI), USA by karl, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Scott, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Molfetta, Italy by saretta, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, New York City (NY), USA by Kitty, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Palos Verdes (CA), USA by tash, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Philadelphia (PA), USA by Stephanie Craig, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Sharon, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Pretoria, South Africa by Sam-Ruth, Quezon City, Philippines by ann pablo, Quincy (MA), USA by slim, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Rancho Palos Verdes (CA), USA by Sarah Adams, Riga, Latvia by Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Schenectady (NY), USA by Buck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Zannnie, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, South Pasadena (CA), USA by Laurie, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica by David, Tempe (AZ), USA by angie, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Villigen, Switzerland by z, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by D.C. Confidential, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,