Artful Sunken Garden Display

In the past I have posted several photos of the Sunken Garden in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. Very popular with the public,  the floral display changes and corresponds with plants and flowers of the season. Yellow and purple were selected for the spring's Easter display 2018. The water between the two rows of blossoms contains large pots of flowers and also reflects the light and glass structure of the ceiling.

Gone, All Gone!

Much to my delight, these have disappeared from rooftops and gutters. But, I wish I were still in Mazatlán!

Hail to all flight attendants!

My flight back to Minnesota from Mazatlán was not uneventful. Despite the new owner and president's draconian measures to put profit above all else, the employees of Sun Country still display their charm and good humor.

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

There are lots of reasons why I haven't been posting and commenting lately, and I miss that daily routine.    Despite the fact that St. Paddy's Day has passed, I can't pass up the opportunity to introduce you to our beloved neighbourhood cow who celebrates many different seasonal highlights.

To reboot my energy, I am jetting off to Mazatlán tomorrow for a short mini vacation of a week,  but DH and Wild Wendy will hold down the fort in St Paul.  I'll post my vacation photos on my Mexico blog so come visit that site for awhile. Then I hope to return on a regular basis.

PS. Hope you all had a great day on Saint Paul's High Holy Day, St. Patrick's Day!

Sign of the Times

Ducks on the pond at St. Kate's college campus.

Photographer Addario

Last night nationally acclaimed photographer Lynsey Addario captivated the audience at the OEC Auditorium on the St Paul campus of St. Thomas University. She was the International Women's Day speaker at the Luann Dummer Center for Women and spent an hour showing her many remarkable photographs, answering questions and signing copies of her book. When her memoir, It's What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War, was first published in 2015, I immediately read it, and was delighted when she was scheduled as the speaker for the annual program sponsored by the Women's Center this year. She has travelled to many countries, using her photographs that reveal the human costs of war and social conflicts. Not just a bystander, Lynsey captured images in Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Darfur -- sometimes embedded with US troops, even being captured twice and held as a prisoner by opposing forces. My photographs show her warmth and expressive presence while signing books at the closing reception.

Wordless Wednesday

China's Last Dynasty

"Power and Beauty in China's Last Dynasty" is an extraordinary exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, a collaboration of the museum's objects with the renowned international theatre and opera designer and artist, Robert Wilson.  I found that the 10 galleries were staged with a combination of theatre and art. Each room evokes an aspect of life within China's imperial palace during the Qing (pronounced ching) dynasty, which ruled more than 250 years. The Buddhist Art gallery contained 5  standing buddhas elevated on high pedestals.  Taking photos in museums usually frustrates me because of the need to overcome the difficulty of awkward lighting, reflections that mar the image, and crowds of viewers. I need to return to get more pictures.

"I Am Somali"

Because of our nasty winter weather and unpleasant driving conditions, I had been putting my "Friday Field Trips" on hold, but I resumed last week with a trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. I spent some time in the outstanding Chinese travelling exhibit (more on that later), and on my way out I walked through this small, delightful exhibit, "I Am Somali." The bright, vivid colours in the paintings are fantastic, depicting part of their history.  The Twin Cities is an area that has welcomed immigrants with with open arms, and we have the largest Somali community in the United States. Take that, Mr. Trump!!

A Bread and Chocolate Bouquet Again!

During our cold season this is the closest I have come to seeing flowers, which I love because they lift my spirits. Bread and Chocolate, a cafe with terrific baked goods,  often uses an alcove above a fireplace to display seasonal flowers,  and they too must be anxious for spring weather. This is the sixth bouquet I have posted from the cafe, and you can see some of them here and here if you are interested.

A Deer Moment

Earlier this week when the weather was a balmy (for Minnesota) 40 degrees DH and I drove to Fort Snelling State Park, a mere 5 minute drive from our home. We took advantage of the splendid weather to hike down the snow packed trails with Wild Wendy, our small little poodle. We encountered wild turkeys that acted like they owned the place as they strolled along the paths. The biggest thrill was meeting five deer along the park road. I think I'll go there more often to see if we can meet other wild life.

Linked to Saturday Critters & Camera Critters

Meet Ellen (or Edgar) the Eagle

My camera lens is not powerful enough for a close-up, but I loved seeing the eagle and its nest yesterday. I think I'll go with binoculars today to get a better view.  A friend spotted it and tipped me off and the bird soared into the nest shortly after I had arrived. I previously had seen several eagles' nests at the Eagles Museum in a near-by Mississippi River town and was amazed at its size. Even at this great distance it is obvious. I think eagles may be hunting along the Mississippi River which is close to my house. Our winter has recently been brightened for me by all the wildlife I have seen recently.

Theme Day, March 1, 2018-"Play"

Theme Day on the first of each month is a time when all city daily photo bloggers post an interpretation of the stated theme. Because it is also "Throwback Thursday," I decided to combine the two. This PLAY activity was taken at Camp Butwin on Family Day, July 28th, 2009.  Jim and I always attended all the many summers when grandson Dominique and granddaughter Olivia went to the JCC day camp. Here Olivia and daughter, Kati, are enjoying some refreshing play time.

To see other City Daily Photo Bloggers theme photos, click here.