Chapel doors

Friday I introduced Lakewood Cemetery and focused on the Memorial Chapel. These photos are the entrance doors of the chapel.

Party Time

Halloween is all-inclusive!!

Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel

Lakewood Cemetery is a large private, non-sectarian cemetery located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It is located at 3600 Hennepin Avenue at the southern end of the Uptown area. It is noted for its chapel which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was modeled after the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

I enrolled in two OLLI courses during this session: Landscape photography and Lakewood Cemetery.
I LOVE both of them. If I learn some technical aspects of photograph, I hope that my photography will improve. Today I went to the first session of Lakewood Cemetery, the premier location for one's last resting place. It has a fascinating history and it is landscaped beautifully.  The chapel is filled with mosaic art on the dome and throughout the interior.

Celebrate CLA!!

While on the University of Minnesota campus recently, I saw this sign celebrating the 150th anniversary of the College of Liberal Arts.  Lately I have been reading with dismay that enrollment in liberal arts has been steadily declining over the past decade, which is a terrible loss to our society. I want to give a "shout out" to liberal arts; I loved my time at the University, some of the most valuable years in my life. I feel that it has made me a better person and has given me an appreciation for our culture and an avid interest in the world, which I shared with young people during my 30 years as a classroom teacher (also some of the best years of my life!).

A Common Sign

This is a common traffic sign, but it is attached to a very uncommon, decorative  metal post. I was surprised to see this creative pole in a neighbourhood not far from my house.  As I drove around, I noted that there were several of these scattered on different corners.  I wonder how the city approved these, and I should probably make some calls to find out. I'm curious to learn how this happened.

ADDED LATER: This is a project which is part of a Public Art program, funded by the city of St. Paul. A neighbourhood group helped me identify the artist, Lisa Elias, a Minneapolis artist.  Read about her here.

Following is Elias' statement about these signs: Our goal is to re-imagine streetscape elements in residential neighborhoods, give them a visual purpose without loosing important function and reveal a place for beauty. This past summer I installed almost 100 forged stop sign post for the City of St. Paul in our efforts of making everyday objects a work of art.

Linking to signs, signs

Two Photographers

José, an employee of one of our local TV stations, and I had a good chat before the candidates arrived for the political rally organised by the students at the University of Minnesota. Originally from Illinois, he likes living in Minnesota.

Because this photographer moved so quickly from one spot to the next as he recorded the event, I didn't have a chance to talk to him.

Poster at Rally

Yesterday I posted three portraits of Minnesota women who are running for office to represent our state. The rally was held on the Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota.  It was heartening to see the number of students who attended and who appeared to be interested in political action. Although this is not a mural, it certainly is a poster with a message!

Linking to Monday Mural

Political Rally

On the first day to vote by absentee ballot, students at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, held a well-attended rally in front of Northrup Auditorium last Friday.

Senator Tina Smith addressing the students

Christine "Tina" Flint Smith is an American politician and former businesswoman serving as the junior United States Senator from Minnesota since 2018, filling the seat vacated by Al Franken. She is a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, an affiliate of the Democratic Party. Wikipedia

 Catherine Cortez Masto, junior Senator from Nevada, joined her colleague Tina Smith to encourage the students to exercise their right to vote!

Catherine Marie Cortez Masto is an American attorney and politician serving as the junior United States Senator from Nevada since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the 32nd Attorney General of Nevada. Wikipedia

Peggy Flanagan, candidate for lieutenant governor, addressed the students as a fellow graduate (2002) of the University.

Peggy Flanagan is an American political activist and politician in Minnesota, serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2015. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, she represents District 46A in the western Twin Cities metropolitan area. Wikipedia

Busy as a Bee!

Busy as a Bee!  Whenever I go to Longfellow Garden, it's there!

Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Rain on the Petals

Although we are not as wet as the Carolinas, we have had a great deal of rain the last few days. Too many homeowners are complaining about water in their basement; fortunately we had ours waterproofed a few years ago so we are okay. Trees, shrubs and flowers don't seem to mind!  This blossom is one of many I have seen that enjoy the raindrops on their petals!

A Peaceful Scene

It has been raining for two days now, the temperature has dipped, and it seems that summer is definitely winding down. This peaceful scene is in Mattock's Park, a small but lovely place close to my home.  I discovered today that this is the park where Charles Schultz used to play as a child. Funny that there aren't any Schultz characters here as there are in other parts of the city.  I'll have to call the Park and Recreation Department to suggest that they remedy that fact at this location.

Mattock Park Sign

With our emphasis on good health, this is a good sign of our community's effort to help its citizens to achieve that goal. A wonderful public service plus it's free!!

Linking to signs, signs

Pretty! Pretty!

 Every summer the homeowner in the house on the corner of Wellesley and Fairview in St. Paul displays a gorgeous planter of red geraniums.  All summer so far I have been intending to stop, and today I managed to take some time to photograph them.  Earlier in the summer, the flowers were more abundant and in full bloom, but now at the end of the season, the planter and blossoms are still impressive. The best part is the predictability, and my pleasure in seeing them!

Wood Lake Nature Center

Interesting Creatures

I am not a very good naturalist when it comes to identification; what is this interesting creature?

Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Nature Walks

Knowing that our delightful warm weather will soon be chased away by cooler days and followed savagely by ice and snow, I have been taking advantage of all the natural delights I see on daily walks. Wild Wendy joins me and, I think, loves it as much as I!

A restful spot

Water fountains are always an attraction!

A small park across the street from the Iris Commons west side entrance at the Episcopal Homes on University Avenue in Saint Paul contains two fountains, one of which is in the middle of a small pond. It offers the residence a place to walk their dogs or a spot to rest or read or just watch the world go by.

Black Pearls

A gardener at Longfellow Garden told me that the "pearls" on this annual plant turn red when they ripen. An Hispanic visitor to the garden told her that he hasn't seen them for a very long time, loved them but they are really, really HOT!!

They grow quite close to the ground and look like black jewels before they ripen and are quite beautiful to see.

Linking to Signs, Signs

A happy gardener!

Teresa is a happy gardener at Longfellow Garden where I have been spending a lot of time lately since I am totally charmed by the plants, flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds that are lovingly nurtured by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation staff. Teresa grew up in St. Paul but moved across the Mississippi to that "other city" and has been employed by the park service for twenty years. She has tended the Garden for 11 years as one of her responsibilities and is responsive to visitor's questions.  Teresa showed me many of the Garden's charms, including the locations of fennel, black pearls, larvae, and the hummingbirds' hangouts,

Hungry? Make a Pizza!

If you are hungry for a pizza, Cossetta's Market will be happy to help you out!!

Meet Jay

When I discovered the Longfellow Garden last week for the first time, I also discovered Jay, a photographer who lives in Zimmerman, Minnesota.  A former fine arts painter,  Jay switched to photography about ten years ago and has been engaged in his hobby-turned-semi-professional activity doing what he loves. He gave me some tips on locations where I can photograph nature and wildlife within a reasonable driving distance. I guess some more short road trips are in order!

Meet "Bear"

Our new neighbour, Bear, used to scare me as Wild Wendy and I went for walks past the house where Bear occasionally is tethered. WW unwisely would bark sharply and loudly as we walked along the sidewalk as we approached, and Bear would lunge toward us, stopping short at the end of his leash.

I began to walk in the street as we passed the house, bothered by the dog's actions.  Recently his owner was in front of the house so I approached her and explained how I felt and asked her to keep the dog in their backyard. She told me that she occasionally puts Bear in the front for a bit of diversion for him and assured me that Bear is very friendly.  We passed the time together for a little bit, allowing the dogs to get to know one another and to allay my fears. Now we walk confidently past the Bear, greeting him while WW still barks wildly and fiercely. The three of us are now friends. Whew!
Linking to Saturday's Critters and Camera Critters.

Happy Birthday!

Yesterday I introduced you to a neighbourhood treasure, Longfellow Garden, which my good friend Syb and I found during one of our meanderings.  Lucky us! It is a gem, filled with a variety of beautifully maintained flowers and shrubs of all kinds with vivid colours and hues. I think it is fitting today to celebrate Syb's birthday with a photo of her among these lovely blossoms.  

Happy Birthday, Syb!