Two Seasons

    

Currently -14 degrees F

Ah, Minnesota!

Minnesota Fashion

Fashionable boots

Minus eleven degrees

Welcome New Year's Eve!

Flowers and a Bench

Before the holiday poinsettia and flower display is taken down, go visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park to lift your spirits. The current frigid temperatures need this kind of balm to make the weather outside more endurable! In case you missed previous posts of the show, go here and here and here!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

When the outside temperature is below zero and the wind chill is double digits, sitting with a good book beside a fireplace with a roaring fire is the best place to be.

Stay Home!

If Minnesota residents are smart, they will stay home where it is warm rather than open that gate and venture outdoors.  Why?  Well, currently at 7 am it is 7 degrees below zero. Don't even want to check the wind chill temperature. Stay home and stay warm!!

Merry Christmas, 2017

Merry Christmas!!

Tree Trimmings

If you haven't trimmed your tree yet, here are some ideas, seen on one of the trees at the Minnesota Arboreteum.

Minnesota Arboreteum Outdoors

More photos from the hiking trip earlier this week. Very little snow and ice, making walking the trail quite easy.

Linking with Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Tenement Birdhouse

One of the many decorations in the main building at the Minnesota Arboreteum

Arboreteum in Winter

Although the same number of people are not present at the Arboreteum, a real Minnesota treasure, in the colder months  as in the warmer season, it is open all year long.  Recently my hiking club took a 3-mile hike on the spacious grounds with lunch following the trek. Admittedly I did not complete the entire hike, yet I now feel inspired to get in better shape to continue this new interest. The members of the group alone are enough to keep me motivated and interested.

History and Mission

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, a top visitor attraction, is more than 1,200 acres of gardens and tree collections, prairie and woods and miles of trails. As a premier northern garden, the Arboretum was borne out of the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and established in 1958, with the Men's Garden Club of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, Minnesota State Horticultural Society and other community supporters creating the Arboretum as a gift to the University of Minnesota. Click here for more information.

More blossoms

Beautiful blossoms

Have a visual impact.

Softens winter winds.

During the cold season a visit to the Conservatory lightens the heart and lifts the spirit.

Which Color?

The poinsettias this year are an array of colors.

Which color do you prefer?

Remembering Birdman

While walking with a cane on icy sidewalks and holding a leash with Wild Wendy at the end, it is sometimes difficult to  produce an image that isn't blurred. Whenever I see one of these birdhouses, I often stop and think about one of our former bloggers, Birdman, who died unexpectedly several years ago. I like to think that my pause is a small homage to his memory, a person whom I never met but I  still miss.

An Early Gift

Merry Christmas to me!!

A little thing like a total knee replacement on August 18th and  unexpected nerve damage, making my left foot numb as a result of the surgery cannot keep down a "nasty woman who votes." According to tests, complete recovery of tibial nerve is inconclusive. 

Last week I joined a hiking club (check this link) to test my agility and ability to walk a significant distance. Members of the club were both welcoming and encouraging. I think that these hiking shoes will spur me on! Now I need some collapsable walking sticks (gotta get 'em in a suitcase), 
Santa?!

Another Blossom

Here  is another beautiful blossom in the Sunken Garden's holiday display at the Marjorie McNelly Conservatory at Como Park, which I posted a few days ago.

Eight Nights

Yesterday on the second night of Hanukkah DH and I attended the Winter Concert at the JCC.  A lovely hour and a half of good music. I am happy that we are members there because we have enjoyed participating in many programs of varied topics as well as meeting new people and making new friends.

A Pink Holiday

I have posted the Sunken Garden seasonal floral show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory many times over the past several years.  Instead of the traditional very red poinsettias for this holiday season, this year the petite flowers were white and varied hues of pink.  About 20 members of a hiking club I just joined walked to the conservatory from another member's house that is closer to the park.  Despite the fact that I trailed behind all the hikers, the cold wind and weather with sidewalks covered with snow and ice were largely forgotten after arrival and the sight of the floral display.

Teen-age Fashion

What's a grandmother to do?!

LONE WOLF

There seems to be an endless controversy about wolves and whether or not they should be protected. Each side seems to have valid arguments for their position. The painting that is on exhibit at Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue (see yesterday's post) shows the conundrum faced by wild animals when "civilisation" impinges upon their natural territory.

Linked to Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters

Easy Riders

DH and I often pop into Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue for a quick bite to eat.  In addition to the good food and swift service, often there are paintings of local artists displayed for the diners' enjoyment.  Currently on the second floor balcony is an array of paintings of bikes done in heavy strokes of oil. I didn't get the name of the artist so I will  have to return to get it.

The Boss

 While enjoying my morning coffee and navigating through the eEdition of the Star Tribune (yes, I am getting used to it!), I heard the scraping of shovel against snow.  Randy, the faithful yard and snow genii, had been up since 2 am servicing his grateful customers. Ever mindful of my recent knee surgery, he warned me that it is "sheer ice" under the cover of snow.  Guess I'll stay housebound today!

First Light

In addition to taking care of Wild Wendy's needs, this is the main reason why I get up early each day!

Time Flies!!

 Happy Birthday, Olivia !!

GIFT, the December, 2017 Theme Day

The GIFTS of
   JOY
  LOVE
  LIFE
  FREEDOM
  FAMILY AND FRIENDS

On the first day of every month the City Daily Photo Community comes together publishing photos from around the world with their interpretation of the chosen theme.To see other City Daily Photo bloggers' interpretations of the December theme, "Gift," please click he

Confused Wild Wendy

Now where did that squirrel go? I just saw him swinging on the birdhouse!

Remodeling Efforts

 The Jewish Community Center in St. Paul is in the middle of a huge construction addition and remodeling effort that will have expanded space and new areas to enjoy.  As typical of any effort like this, part of the space seems disorganized. These life size photos and signs help correct some of the confusion.

My own body has endured similar disarray and confusion since my total knee replacement so I decided that I, too, need some remodeling! Yesterday I started training with a delightful young man in the Fitness Center. Because I am still healing, we are working on my "core" (the term makes me giggle) and upper body. When Dane, my new hero, was introducing me to the machines and adjusting the weights, I apprehensively reminded him that I am a grandmother.  His reply? "Yes, but you will be a STRONG grandmother!" How can you not love a young man like that?

Linking to signs, signs