Memorial Bench

This little bench sits among the flowers that I posted last Thursday and Friday.  On my way home today. Woo Hoo!!

Floral Treat

After seeing the dinner-plate-size white and red  hibiscus flowers that I posted yesterday, I noticed these smaller-sized blossoms that were not as showy but certainly as pretty and pleasing.

A Floral Day Brightener

I am recuperating quickly and well after my knee surgery and presently am in the Transitional Care Unit at Episcopal Homes on Fairview and Feronia Avenues in Saint Paul. Finally I have been able to walk the grounds with my Cadillac walker to get some fresh air and sunshine! I took advantage of that outing this afternoon to take photos of some flowers in the many small gardens located throughout the campus.  I'll be "sprung" on Saturday and eventually I will be able to be out and about on some photo shoots after  I get home.   In the meantime, I will have to make do with what is available. 

Kneed to Know!

These photos obviously are not mine, but will serve to explain my past and future absence on CDP.  On Friday, August 18, I will have TKR, Total Knee Replacement, on my left knee. The weeks leading up to this procedure have

had some medical complications, but all is now resolved. Although I won't be around for awhile taking photos and posting on here, I will visit this group and Facebook every day to get my internet fix. I selected the least gross photos of knee replacement for your enjoyment!  Don't worry, I intend to be a brave, uncomplaining and cooperative patient.  If anyone out there has some artistic skills and wish to draw me as a a Bionic Woman, I will use it as a signature profile photo!!

Peace

Although not strictly a mural since it is not painted on a wall, I felt that this colorful work of art done on a large piece of canvas is close enough to qualify. I found it on a wall in a building on St. Kate's campus. Because of its style and vivid colors, I would expect to find this in a student area or commons, but it was in Carondelet Center, a building on Randolph Avenue that focuses on spirituality workshops, Wisdom Ways programs, a fine library and other programs, sponsored by the Sisters of Carondelet.
Click here to see more murals.

The Family

This statue is located at the main entrance of United Hospital in St Paul, and it has always intrigued me. I have seen several statues with circles of figures in public places so the concept is not unusual or new, but I like the idea of parents together holding aloft and supporting  a child. The red flowers surrounding the sculpture lends a bit of vivid, contrasting color.

Three lovely women

What fun it was to see three former colleagues on the outdoor patio at a local restaurant on Grand Avenue in St. Paul! Jill, a former college counsellor, Judy, the dean of students, and Mary, another college counsellor at the school were part of the faculty where we used to teach. Jill and Judy are retired as I am, but Mary is still toiling away in the educational field.  When people ask me if I am happy to be retired, my answer is a resounding "yes," yet when I declare that I miss the students and my colleagues, these three are part of what I miss.

Corner of Hamline and University

On the corner of Hamline and University sit the carts left by"civic-minded, good citizens" who have finished their shopping and gone home.  Since it is at the stop of a light-rail line, it must be easy to unload the goods, hop on the rail and leave the carts for someone else to return.

A more modest Summit Avenue house

This house on Summit Avenue is situated close to Mississippi River Boulevard on the far west end of the avenue. This wasn't one of the big budget houses I have posted earlier;  it is a high gabled house that draws on "elements from English arts and Crafts design. Even so, the house's recessed entrance, banded windows, wide eaves, and open floor plan are all Prairie Style trade marks. The house was built for Dr. Ward Beebe, a bacteriologist, and his wife, Bess, as a wedding present from her parents." (Credit: AIA Guide to the Twin Cities)

A Stately Duplex

The larger stately homes on Summit Avenue were built close to downtown St Paul. Architecture changes as the street runs its way west down the six mile stretch of homes.  On the corner of Hamline and Summit is this very large duplex. The top photo shows the right section of the building. The part that connects the two is shown below on the right and the second part of the duplex, the more modest section, is on the left. It was built in 1895 and designed by Clarence H. Johnston for Pierce and Walter Butler. "With its picturesque stepped and curved gables, this brick double house is one of Summit's more exotic specimens of architectural theater. It is done in a late phase of the Tudor style sometimes called Jacobean Revival. At the time the house was built, Pierce was the Ramsey County attorney.  In 1922 Pierce was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court; he remained a Justice until his death in1939." (Credit: AIA Guide to the Twin Cities)

Friday Field Trip in the 'Hood

I do not have to stray far if I want to see beauty on a Friday Field Trip

Railroad #2

More of the railroad villages and buildings I told you about yesterday. Enjoy!

The Railroad Man

On of my former colleagues is truly "young at heart!"

This man who directed our school plays, built sets, and now retired has time to continue to paint, write essays and poetry, volunteer for Habitat and Unity Church, bird watch with his wife, and travel.

In addition he sets up in his back yard, his trains running through villages and towns in his backyard during the summer months. He has invited friends, family, neighbors, church members and childen to come see and enjoy the whole set-up, which I did last Sunday.

Come back tomorrow and I will show your more parts of the railroad landscape.

August, 2017 Theme Day-Young at Heart

This is a honey of a guy who has been a vendor at the St. Paul Farmers Market for years. Who can resist buying from him?!

Go here to see more versions of "Young at Heart."