Reclusive Neighbor-Camera Critters

For the second year in a row, a mother raccoon has housed her family in a huge maple tree in our neighbor's backyard. I'm not sure how many there are in that tree because they are so reclusive. My 7-year-old grand-daughter is fascinated with them.

To see more critters from around the world on Saturday and Sunday click here.

Camera Saga Continues! The camera doctor here in St. Paul gave up and is going to send my sorely-missed camera to the Canon headquarters, which I should have done in the first place! During the past two weeks, the shop promised to call me with their estimate of the problem and cost, but I had to call them four times to get the information since they never delivered on their promises. I only hope that they send it to Canon as they promised. I'll need to make another callback on Monday to check to see that they have delivered on that promise!! I know that I shall inform the camera shop where I took it initially and who gave me the repair shop's name the full extent of my transaction. Two weeks wasted already!!

Tulips Still Around

I haven't seen too many tulips this year, and those that bloomed did not stay around too long. During my walk yesterday I saw that some gardens stll have a few beauties left that brighten the landscape.

Memorial

I recently attended a memorial for a former colleague, and this arrangement reflecting her and her family's interest was at the foot of the altar in St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A former high school English teacher and college counselor, she, her children, and grandchildren vacationed for many years at their privately-owned island in Canada. The canoe, paddle, and simple floral arrangement were perfect statements about her interests.

Bike

This is the bike that my son is going to fine-tune for his nephew, my grandson. But before he does that, he's going to remove the rack and attach it to my faithful, old-fashioned Schwinn so that I can go shopping without hauling the grandkids' outgrown Burley. I bought it to pull them around when they were small, but now I use it for more practical reasons; with each passing year, it gets heavier!! Anyone in the market for a used Burley?!

Added later: For the uninitiated and for those unfamiliar with a Burley, click here.

west side of St. Paul-Latino Community

When I feel lonesome for Mazatlán,all I need to do is go to the west side of St. Paul, which is a Latino community that has tiendas and mercados that are very similar to Mexican towns. Starting this week, I'll begin tutoring for English language learners, all adults, who need to improve for economic and social reasons. I've done this before, and I know that they are all highly motivated and so grateful for any help!

Memorial: 9/11/2001 Flight 93

June Jordan wrote, "To live means you owe something big to those whose lives were taken away from them."

From Wikipedia: On September 11, 2001, while on board Flight 93, Tom Burnett was able to call his wife four times on his cell phone after the hijackers took control of the plane.

Burnett and other passengers had been in communication with people via cellphones and learned that the World Trade Center had been hit using hijacked airplanes. Burnett was among the passengers who decided to fight the hijackers hand-to-hand.

Burnett called his wife, Deena, and reportedly told her, "We're all going to die, but three of us are going to do something" and added: "I love you, honey" before the call ended. He is survived by his wife and three young daughters -- Halley, Madison, and Anna Clare. He is also survived by an older daughter from a previous relationship, Mariah.

Shopping at the Market

A wonderful way to shop and transport your flowers!

The saga of the camera continues. For a current update, check yesterday's (5/23/09)post.

Camera Critters-Waiting for a Rider

The Camera Saga drags on! I am digging into my archives now: the repair shop admits that they cannot find the problem with my camera and it must be shipped off to Canon, which I should have done in the first place. Unfortunately they have not seen this particular problem before (nothing wrong with the lens!) and after consulting online with others, the shop is stumped. I might have to buy another, but hope not. I save my $ to travel, and Mr. Canon suits my needs just fine. Keeping my fingers crossed.

To see more critters from around the world click here.

Sofie

5-year-old Sofie often comes into a neighborhood cafe in the mornings with her father. She's a beauty!

Mother's Day Gift

I got this beautiful orchid for Mother's Day. Because the card that comes with flowers was missing, I don't know any of the details, but it's so beautiful that I don't mind.

Update: I'm still using my son's camera. I didn't ship Mr. Canon off to the factory because I thought it would take too long, but the local repair shop STILL hasn't given me an estimate since they "haven't gotten to it yet." Either they're busy with lots of back orders or they're not too organized. Hmmm! I wonder which it is!!

Olivia Among the Blossoms

She makes my heart sing!

PS. I called the camera shop, and I still don't have an estimate for its repair nor do I know what seems to be the problem. In the meantime, I'm using my son's point-and-shoot Canon. Patience!!

Two Former Students

>St. Paul is not a teeming metropolis nor is it a village either. After living in our neighborhood since 1976 I frequently see the same people. Sometimes, however, there are some pleasant surprises. Last week several former students introduced themselves to me as we met in the 'hood, and it was a delight to see them again as young adults rather than high school students, altho I enjoyed them quite a bit when they were in my classroom. The young woman on the left, Katherine, graduated in 1991 and I hadn't seen her since then. What a pleasant surprise! Robin, on the right, I see quite often because she is the aquatic director in the community center that I frequent. She has even taught my grandchildren! Imagine; who would have guessed over 20 years ago that our paths would still be crossing!!

Free Concert

On December 11, 2008 I attended a free concert by the JCC Community Symphony orchestra; I closed the season on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, by attending the last performance of the season, dedicated to the very young and popular musician (photo above) who was leaving for other opportunites after faithfully and joyfully fulfilling the role of conductor for the past seven years. After receiving a grant many years ago, the JCC formed an orchestra and has been presenting four concerts each season free-of-charge to members and people in the community. When in town, I always attend and leave with a light heart after hearing the beautiful music. I as well as the musicians in the orchestra will miss the talented young conductor, but a search is already on the way to find a new one who will continue this wonderful tradition of sharing music with the community.

Camera Critters-Bakery Duck and Ducklings

To see more animals of all kinds posted at blogs from throughout the globe, click here.

My loyal friend, Canon S31S, who is at the camera specialist will be repaired soon, I hope. I'll get an estimate next week (gees, they're slow!), and I hope that it just needs cleaning rather than an expensive repair. I'll be back soon!

A Very Sad Tale

Here is the camera that I have dragged around for about 4 years now. I love my camera, and I'm sure that Canon doesn't mind that I am posting it here. It has been a loyal friend, but friends sometimes get sick. It's my fault! Dropping a camera, not once but several times, eventually affects the lens. I took it to my favorite camera doctor, but he's sending me to a specialist. I'll let you know the verdict. In the meantime, I'll just have to enjoy all your photos. Please don't forget me because it will just make Canon cry, and I hate to see a friend who is already ill become even sadder.

Happy Mother's Day

I do not, unfortunately, have photographs of all my friends who are mothers, but after checking my archives, I found these and want to wish all of them a wonderful Mother's Day. Each of you richly deserve recognition and honour! For those of you for whom I have no photo, I'll try to remedy that next year.

Camera Critters-Chow time!!

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Lawn Ornament

How'd you like to have this on your front lawn?

Anchors Aweigh!

During the Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Neighborhood House, located in a Latino community of St. Paul, veterans enjoyed a luncheon together. I was there touring the facility because I plan to volunteer to help teach ESL (English as a Second Language) classes in that community center. This veteran was leaving with others as I passed him, but he took time to pose for me before he left. Unfortunately, we did not have time to chat so that I could get essential information about the medals from him. He's a fascinating subject, isn't he??

Camera Critters-A Snack Before Bedtime

To see some more camera critters , click here.

Shadows-May, 2009 Theme Day

Who uses this net? It looks fairly well-worn.
Only the Shadow knows!!

Without a doubt, there will be a wide variety of shadows on the blogs from around the world. Enjoy the creativity!!
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants