The First Year

Tomorrow is CDP December Theme Day.  Introduce your worker!!
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This year St. Paul tried a "European Christmas Market" in downtown.  It is small but it looks promising as the beginning of a new holiday tradition.  From what I have seen on European blogs, ours is not as varied or large, but it's a start!!

Through a Glass Darkly. . .

Through my windshield!

December 1st Theme Day: Worker

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

We always have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner:  turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn soufflé.  Instead of pie, I switched the dessert to Pumpkin Bundt cake with buttermilk frosting topped with pumpkin seed.  Eat hearty everyone, even if Thanksgiving isn't part of your culture.  We all have lots for which we can be thankful. . .at least I sincerely hope so!!

Remember December Theme Day.  What "worker" are you going to feature on your blog?

Dinnerware

I think this set of dinnerware would make a lovely setting for a Thanksgiving feast, don't you?  It is a set designed and made by a former colleague, a very talented potter and superb educator.

A favorite mural

I decided that rather than succumb to the weather and wallow in a deep funk, I would work around it. I have NO desire to wander my gray and grim Minnesota winter environment to find pleasing images for photography; I shall break the rules and find color in my archives, regardless of location.

In years past we spent many lovely winter months in Mazatlán, México.  A house that I admired had this mural on one of the walls.  Now this certainly can dispel gloom, can't it?! Now, just for the record I KNOW that a creative person can find subjects worthy of photography in any environment, and I am aware that Thanksgiving is approaching and I have a life for which I have much gratitude. But . . . I just don't feel like making the effort right now.  A funk it is!!

Linking to Monday Mural

Theme Day is approaching: December's theme is "worker."

Colors

My Minnesota winter right now is a drab one of black, dark brown, gray, and dirty white.  Yearning for some color, I found this wonderful hand-dyed yarn that added some brightness to my world.

Italian Style

Trace the evolution of Italian design, from Gucci and Prada to Missoni, Versace and more. A major retrospective of the fashion that has defined a nation—and a rare chance to see Milan’s finest in Minneapolis.

An MIA first, this groundbreaking exhibition examines the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial verve that catapulted Italy from the ashes of World War II to the style powerhouse it is today. Immerse yourself in impeccable design, rare ingenuity, and the head-turning glamour of celebrity style. (Credit: Minneapolis Institute of Arts)

Toured this breathtaking exhibit on Friday.  Outstanding and quite extensive. 

The Irish Pub

We will not be going to Ireland 'til June, but I'm already doing research: reading poetry, doing some family genealogical sleuthing, finding contemporary authors, rereading classic Irish fiction and drama, watching Irish films and familiarizing myself with Irish lore and history.  Recently we saw a GREAT film (available on Amazon), The Irish Pub, directed by a Dubliner. I found a map that located the pubs in the film, some of which I know I will visit to lift a Guinness or two.

Teen space

Looking down from the second floor this is just a small detail of the space for teen-agers and young adults in the newly renovated Highland Park library.

Benched-Wordless Wednesday

Visiting City Politicians

Mayor Chris Coleman (left) and Councilman Chris Tolbert were on hand to help us celebrate the Grand Opening of the Highland Park Library, renamed the Highland Community Center.  Although it was a very different building, Tolbert recalled getting his first library card here after he learned how to print his name. Many good memories for Highland residents.

It Finally Opened!!

It finally happened!  

The library as well as the newly renovated community center had its Open House last Sunday from 1-5 pm.  It was a mad house with hundreds of people attending,  but I shall wait a little while before I return to start using it as I had before. People who helped raise money to fund the remodeling and addition plus the mayor and other dignitaries were there to celebrate the library's opening. Three young musicians, one of whom is pictured below, entertained the crowd.

Historical Gravestone

Recently because of Armistice Day there have been a number of war memorials on CDP.  While visiting a cemetery today I noticed the cannon and then the Civil War monument. It was too snowy and cold to get out of the car to investigate, but I am unaware of many cemetery headstones for this period of history.around here.

When I checked the Minnesota Historical site this is what I found:

The Civil War holds a pivotal place in the history of the United States. Citizens of the new state of Minnesota were a major part of the national story, from being the first state to offer troops through their dramatic role at Gettysburg to Appomattox and beyond -

December Theme Day is "Worker": Click here for full details.

ADDED LATER: Inquiring minds wanted to know, so I looked it up--
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, US Navy, Marines and Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War. Founded in 1866 in Decatur, Illinois, it was dissolved in 1956 when its last member died. Linking men through their experience of the war, the GAR became among the first organized advocacy groups in American politics, supporting voting rights for black veterans, lobbying the US Congress to establish veterans' pensions, and supporting Republican political candidates. Its peak membership, at more than 490,000, was in 1890, a high point of Civil War commemorative ceremonies. It was succeeded by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), composed of male descendants of Union veterans.

Happiness is a warm puppy!

Meet Brio

Coton de Tulear

 Link: Camera Critters

Line of Duty

Memorial to Minnesota Police Officers 

Who Have Lost Their Lives

Teardown Plans

Yesterday's morning newspaper indicated that some residents of picturesque Tangletown in St Paul are unhappy because the new owners of this 104 year-old-house plan to tear it down and rebuild.  The former owner claims she never would have sold it had she known their plans.  Apparently that was not the original intention but remodeling the structure would be prohibitive.  Neighbors want to conserve the vintage character of the neighborhood.  Interesting dilemma for all concerned.  Apparently there has been a recent trend in some places where homes are purchased, torn down and the new houses do not fit into the tradition of the neighborhoods. In this instance, the irony is that one of the new owners is head of conservation for the Minnesota Historical Society!

Catherine-Rest in Peace

Catherine Grant Rohling Carrier

"May flights of angels lead you on your way to paradise and heavens eternal day!

 May martyrs greet you after death's dark night and bid you enter into Zion's light!
May choirs of angels sing you to your rest ...

War Monuments-This One For Those Who Survived

I was surprised at how poorly the war monuments in St. Paul are identified and marked.  I think that the city needs to look at this oversight.  After returning home I did a Google search and discovered that plaques and memorials are scattered around the Capitol grounds so I'll have to return to find them.  I was unsuccessful on a cold blustery grim-looking day when I searched earlier  for them.

This memorial is to those men and women who served and who survived.

Dedicated to Fallen Heroes

Because Veterans Day was close, I spent one cold, windy and gray day looking for war memorials that are located close to the Capitol building in St. Paul.  I found some other memorials that are different than I had expected.  This memorial is to fire fighters. . .
A large monolith forms a ceiling above the statue of a firefighter rescuing a child. Supported by a field of slender columns, it creates a pavilion that intercedes between the monumental scale of the Capitol grounds and the smallerscale of the statue. The pavilion is made of weathering steel plate, which rusts to form a protective coating—a process similar to the oxidation of fire. Names of fallen firefighters are inscribed on sleeves affixed to the columns. Today, 86 columns are part of the grid, recording the years in which Minnesota firefighters have died in the line of duty, and the design allows room for necessary additions. Outside the pavilion, a sculpted cedar bench with a burned finish provides a place for reflection. Credit: http://www.archdaily.com/320623/minnesota-fallen-firefighters-memorial-leo-a-daly/

Private Joke

I have a friend whom I love dearly but who is a bit of a wine and food snob. When I saw this plate, I knew that I had to buy it and send it to him; however, I like it so much with wine, cheese and crackers that I kept it and sent him a photo of it instead.

Literary figures

Last year on September 15th I posted some stained glass windows in the Frey Library on the St. Paul campus of St. Thomas University, showing that the remodeling and expansion of the building retained the beautiful windows.  In the O'Shaughnessy Room on the first floor of the library I recently discovered windows symbolic of literary figures.  In the future I will show you a few more, many of whom will be familiar to you.  Love 'em!!

Music at St. Thomas University

I recently learned that once a month St. Thomas University presents an hour program on the St. Paul campus that involves music.  Last Tuesday DH and I enjoyed Irish music, poetry and art in the Frey Library, which was organized and presented by several faculty members.  Next month the program will focus on Flamingo.  What a pleasant break during the day!!

Holiday Decorations

The Farmers Market has generated lots of interest in their harvest of root vegetables and inventory of holiday decorations.

Gives one pause. . .

Stopping for gas on a recent road trip, I noticed this wreck being hauled away.  Gives one pause. . .

More Día de Los Muertos

These wedding figures have always amused me. I have often been tempted to buy a pair yet I don't want DH to have any misgivings!

Cultural Impressions-Monday Mural

The west side of St Paul for decades has been the home of Spanish speaking residents from Mexico and Central America. This particular mural indicates quite strongly the importance placed on our combined cultures.  I regularly visit the tienda, El Burrito Mercado, a wonderful market, shop, and restaurant combined.  One section of the store contains a take-out cold display section with tamales, enchiladas, beans, rice, salsa and more that make an easy heat-up and eat Mexican meal.  It is SO tasty and authentic!!
Linking to Monday Mural

Día de los Muertos

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   1. Día de los Muertos-Day of the Dead is an interesting holiday celebrated in central and southern Mexico during the chilly days of November 1 & 2.

   
   

   

   
   
   

   Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday observed throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico where the day is a bank holiday. The celebration takes place on October 31, November 1 and November 2, in connection with the triduum of Allhallowtide: All Hallows' Eve, Hallowmas, and All Souls' Day. Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars called ofrendas, honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts. They also leave possessions of the deceased.

   Scholars trace the origins of the modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years and to an Aztec festive ldedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The holiday has spread throughout the world. In Brazil Dia de Finados is a public holiday that many Brazilians celebrate by visiting cemeteries and churches. In Spain there are festivals and parades and, at the end of the day, people gather at cemeteries and pray for their dead loved ones. Similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

Landmarks: Theme Day, November, 2014

Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul: In 1972 a group of determined citizens saved the building from the wrecking ball and restored it to its previous grandeur. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and reopened to the public as Landmark Center in 1978. Today, Landmark Center serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums, and hosts countless special events. Owned by Ramsey County, Landmark Center is managed by Minnesota Landmarks, a not-for-profit organization. For more information on Landmark's history, go here. Today is Theme Day. To see and enjoy other Landmarks that have been posted by City Daily Photo bloggers, click here.