Fort Snelling National Cemetery

Fort Snelling Military Cemetery is very large and graves extend as far as the eye can see...in all directions.

"The Fort Snelling cemetery was established in 1870 to serve as a burial ground for the soldiers who died while stationed at the post. Following World War I, as new legislation expanded the eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery, the citizens of St. Paul organized a petition to designate a national cemetery in their area. In 1937, Congress responded with legislation that authorized a portion of land at Fort Snelling Military Reservation for this purpose. Fort Snelling National Cemetery was established in 1939 with the first burial on July 5, of Capt. George H. Mallon, whose acts of heroism at Meuse-Argonne in France were recognized with the Congressional Medal of Honor. Following the dedication of the new cemetery, arrangements were made for the exhumation of the remains of those buried at the older post cemetery and the reinterment of the 680 soldiers who served from 1820-1939 buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The 1930s were also a major boom era for national cemetery growth. Ft. Snelling is one of a dozen or so very large cemeteries conceived between World War I and World War II to serve large veteran populations in some cities.

In May 1960, Fort Snelling Air Force Station transferred 146 acres of land to the national cemetery. One more land transfer of 177 acres followed in 1961, bringing the cemetery to its present size."

Credit: US Department of Veterans Affairs

F. Scott in Rice Park

My favorite Saint Paul fella (in addition to my DH)! My husband always loves to walk through the park with me because I invariably stop to chat with  F. Scott Fitzgerald to tell him how much I enjoyed teaching his books!  Or how much my students loved The Great Gatsby. Or how much my husband loved writng his college senior thesis on This Side of Paradise. Since 2006 I have posted many photos relating to Fitzgerald. To see the house where he was born, look here.

Camera Critters-Star Face

Could this be The Lion King?

For more camera critters, click here.

Friends Forever

“If you don't own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.”

Mellow Yellow

This 1952 MG belongs to the father of my neighbor.

"No other man-made device since the shields and lances of the ancient knights fulfills a man's ego like an automobile."   Sir William

Ditch the Bottles

"Nearly 90 percent of water bottles are not recycled and wind up in landfills where it takes thousands of years for the plastic to decompose.

So the next time you feel thirsty, forgo the bottle and turn to the tap. Because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards for tap water are more stringent than the Food and Drug Administration’s standards for bottled water, you’ll be drinking water that is just as safe as, or safer than, bottled.

If, however, you don’t like the taste of your tap water or are unsure of its quality, you can buy a filter pitcher or install an inexpensive faucet filter to remove trace chemicals and bacteria. If you will be away from home, fill a reusable bottle from your tap and refill it along the way; travel bottles with built-in filters are also available. Credit: Tree Hugger, a Discovery Company

ABC WEDNESDAY "S"- Saints

This is a slightly different rendition of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, whom we normally associate with cute little animals.  Yes, the Roman Catholic Church has described him as the patron of animals and ecology, but on a recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I heard a lecture on a different side of St. Francis.  Note that the photo above has him holding a skull. He was big on penance. The Catholic Encyclopedia has a lengthy article on St. Francis and indicates that he "went forth at once exhorting the people of the country-side to penance, brotherly love, and peace. . .When the number of his companions had increased to eleven, Francis found it expedient to draw up a written rule for them. This first rule, as it is called, of the Friars Minor has not come down to us in its original form, but it appears to have been very short and simple, a mere adaptation of the Gospel precepts already selected by Francis for the guidance of his first companions, and which he desired to practice in all their perfection. When this rule was ready the Penitents of Assisi, as Francis and his followers styled themselves, set out for Rome to seek the approval of the Holy See." His life was very complicated but certainly was broader that the popular version of St. Frances surrounded by all kinds of animals with birds circling his head.

Click and go here to see more ABC Wednesday entries.

Irving Park Gazebo

In the small Irving Park neighborhood which is filled with delightful old homes (see yesterday's post), and which is close to downtown St. Park, there is a well-landscaped central park area.  The central features are a beautiful fountain and this gazebo. A number of young people I know who economized on their wedding held their ceremony and reception there.  A great idea!

"Hear the mellow wedding bells/ Golden bells! What a world of happiness their harmony foretells/ Through the balmy air of night/ How they ring out their delight!"   Edgar Allan Poe

Irvine Park Grand Dame

I'm not the only Grand Dame in St. Paul. One of my favorite St. Paul houses.  Oh, the stories we could tell!

Camera Critters-Peter Cottontail

Because of the early spring warm weather, this little devil and his siblings are flourishing this year while feasting on and destroying gardens! Since I don't have a green thumb, I can just sit back and admire their "cuteness!" We don't worry too much about their entrance to our castle grounds since our dogs patrol the area while waiting for a foolish little bunny to step inside.  So far, everyone has been safe!

To see more Camera Critters posted by bloggers from around the world, go here.

Bouquet, The Fourth Time Around

Bread and Chocolate on Grand and Victoria Avenues has an alcove above the fireplace in the cafe that displays flowers that change with the season.  This is the fourth bouquet on that spot which I have posted on my blog.  If you click here, you'll see the other three that I posted together several years ago.

Rest Awhile

The variety of benches around town is really quite interesting.  This one in Trader Joe's carries out their tropical motif. 

ABC Wednesday-"R" RESPECTFUL RIDERS

Both yesterday and today I decided to post photos for  ABC Wednesday. Last Sunday I posted this photo of a real Bozo who broke all the safety rules of the road for cyclists. By contrast on the same day and on the same street, these two RESPECTED all the safety rules that put no-one at risk.  Well...ALMOST since she is not wearing a helmet, which I've discovered is a Minnesota law! After observing the "bozo" I decided to read the law to be sure that I know what they are and to follow them to stay as safe as possible. There are too many "ghost bikes" standing alone.  Love riding my bike because  it's a recreational sport that can be healthy, convenient, and fun for all!

To see more photos from bloggers from around the world who participate in ABC Wednesday,  go here and enjoy.

ABC Wednesday-"R", A REAL RASCAL!

Meet Lexie, a REAL RASCAL, who has come into our lives unexpectedly by a RELATIVE'S decision and a RESCUE SHELTER. She has already chewed up a pair of my bedroom slippers and 2 pairs of sneakers, and  all of our older dog's stuffed toys have been ripped and torn to shreds.  Other than her puppy characteristics which we hope she soon outgrows, she's a joy to have around. In her favor, she keeps our 9-year-old Maggi on her toes and physically fit.  To see the story of how Lexie came into our lives, click here.

To visit more bloggers who participate in ABC Wednesday, stop here.

A Great Lady of Letters!

Maya  Angelou, this lovely woman of literature, who told us that she had just turned 82-years-old, spent an hour on stage at St. Kate's campus on Sunday afternoon, singing, reciting poetry, and telling anecdotes. She touched on racism, sexism, courtesy, and good grace. Her sense of humour is as well-developed as her writing and recitation skills. If she had stayed longer the audience who clearly adored her would have loved it.  I would have gladly remained until well after midnight; one can dream!

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

Maya Angelou

Meet Bozo

We followed this Bozo for many blocks.  Although he was riding in the proper bike lane when I snapped this photo, he managed to break many cycling rules as we followed him: ran ALL the red lights, passed unsuspecting and surprised motorists when there weren't bike lanes, cut in front of turning cars at intersections, and even rode several blocks on the wrong side of the street; therefore,  he puts himself and many drivers at risk.  He represents one of my PET  PEEVES--cyclists who do not obey the rules of the road! As a cyclist myself, I appreciate careful motorists and try to do my part. It's a two-way street. I'm annoyed at "Letters to the Editors" that excoriate motorists who do not respect cyclists.  To put it mildly, Bozos like this guy enrage me!!

Camera Critters-Meet Grace!

Art and Grace often walk to a local cafe, Bread and Chocolate, on Grand and Victoria for a daily stroll and to get Art some good coffee.  I found them sitting in the inner courtyard, basking in all the attention generated by Gracie. To meet more Camera Critters, go here.

Trimming the Tree

Landscaping truly is an art form.  Our own trees either have a carpet of grass surrounding them or are encircled with cedar chips.  On my walk home from our neighborhood branch library, I noticed the trimness and artistic arrangement of plants around this tree.  Now, why didn't I think of that?!

A Bibliophile

I'm so happy that coffee shops are now a standard part of American culture from the Atlantic to the Pacific.  They're great places to meet and chat with friends, do some writing, and to meet new people. Meet Dale, one of my cafe friends. I can always count on him to suggest new movies to see or interesting books to read.

 

"A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails." ~Donna Roberts

Serenity

This waterfall in the Japanese Garden at Como Park is part of an area of traditional Japanese landscaping.  The rocks, water, plants, and this particular waterfall reinforces the feelings of serenity when walking in this lovely place.

To learn more about this garden, click here.

ABC Wednesday-"Q"- A Quiet, Contemplative Place

Japanese Garden
A Bridge of Understanding and Peace

The Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden is a living symbol of the peace and friendship that exists between Saint Paul and its sister city Nagasaki, Japan. A renowned landscape designer in Nagasaki, Masami Matsuda, created the garden according to time honored Japanese design principles using plants and trees that are hardy in Minnesota. Infused with true Japanese design, the garden is meant to delight. (Credit: Como Park Japanese Garden website)

Bloggers from many parts of the world, post photos for ABC Wednesday.  To see more, click here.

Japanese Garden-Como Park

On Mother's Day we decided to forego our traditional brunch but instead have a picnic in Como Park, which has many delights: zoo, conservatory, kiddie rides, picnic grounds, and lots of greenery.  Tops on the list of attractions is this lovely, peaceful garden that is a result of a partnership between the sister cities of St. Paul and Nagasaki, Japan.  Despite a previous cloudy and rainy week, the temperature and weather were perfect!

About the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden opened in 1979 with funds donated by the family of Mrs. John G. Ordway. Mr. Masami Matsuda, a ninth-generation Master Gardener, designed the garden in the chisen-kaiya (strolling pond) style as a gift from Sister City Nagasaki. The Garden stays true to its Japanese traditions, using the elements of rock, water and plants to create a tranquil environment that guests are invited to experience from many angles.

The Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden is the second Japanese garden to grace Como Park. The first was created in 1904 and disappeared from the Park Commission reports in 1909. The four white granite lanterns in the current garden are originals of the 1904 tea garden.

ABC Wednesday: "P"- Peek-a-Boo!

These fish swim happily around in a pool in the Como Park Conservatory and look like they'e playing PEEK-A-BOO in the pond.  They're a huge draw for the children who are dragged through the conservatory by parents, but who are delighted when they come upon the fish.

To see more ABC Wednesday entries from around the world, click here.

Campus Fountain

Although the administrators at St. Kate's college decided that a soccer field is more important than a small forest of trees and subsequently cut down about 75 large trees right behind our house, and although I haven't forgiven them for that error in judgment, there are many perks to have a college campus abutt my back yard.  The green space along the boundary line the length of  our street has been a real plus over the years. The ducks and turtles that enjoy the pond and its fountain are a pleasure to watch.  While my children were growing up, they spent hours down by the pond and frolicing on the campus grounds. I and my family of dogs have also enjoyed walks there.  Except for the tree fiasco, St. Kate's has always tried to be a good neighbor yet it's still a sore spot.

Need to Rest?

I decided to feature a bench on both of my active blogs: this one and my Santa Fe blog. This bench is  located in a small park on Summit Avenue across from the University Club. It is dedicated to one of our beloved former governors.

Thanks, B-Squared!

In the middle of April I expressed concern that my crab apple trees had nary a bud on them.  B-Squared advised me to "try fertilizer." Lo, and behold! It was either his advice or a passage of time; whatever...it got results!

Theme Day-Statue-Indian Hunter and his Dog (repost)

On June 12, 2007 I posted photos of this statue.  Because many of you may have not been posting at that time or may have missed it and because I have been blindsided with a Minnesota summer cold and unable to get out to take photos, I decided to repost it.  Probably the biggest reason is that it is one of the two of my favorite statues in Saint Paul. I LOVE this statue and often stop in the small park where it is located just off Summit Avenue to admire him and his dog.  Say "Hello!"

Artist: Paul Manship

Media: Bronze on metal base inside teal and blue tile circular pool
Location: Cochran Park, Summit and Western Avenues

"This elegant Art Deco style statue was created by the Saint Paul native and internationally acclaimed artist, Paul Manship. The statue was commissioned by the family of Thomas Cochran and originally installed in Cochran Park in 1926. Because of vandalism, it was replicated and the original was removed to Como Park in 1967. In 1994, due to a neighborhood initiative by Alma Joseph and the Ramsey Hill Association, the sculpture was returned to its original location.

Paul Manship studied painting at what is now the Minnesota Museum of American Art. He also studied at the Arts Student League in New York City and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. It is here he worked as an apprentice with Isidore Konti. WIth Konti's support he received a three-year fellowship to the American Academy in Rome. In 1920 he moved his family to Paris and lived there until World War II forced him to move back to the United States. His finest work was done between the wars, culminating in his best known work, the Rockefeller Plaza Prometheus in New York City which looks over the Rockefeller Plaza ice rink." (Parks and Recreation)
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