Yard Man

These wooden statues carved from fallen trees can be found on boulevards and in small neighborhood yards. I saw this one on a quiet block on Ashland Avenue, a place where many homes nearby beautify their plots of land with flowers and statues. A pleasure to see. For more angles of this "yard man" click here to see a collage.

Quack! Quack!

Since many bloggers are posting pictures of wildlife, I thought I'd add this little family of a slightly different species, found in the bakery department of Lund's grocery store in Highland Village. Check this site for another family of a different species.

Another new neighbor!

This is nothing like our friend Abraham Lincoln's yard, but wildlife is finding hospitable surroundings close to our home. He's been feasting on our newly planted flowers. My other new neighbors have me worried since the birds haven't hatched, and I'm concerned about how the mother bird is incubating the eggs since she isn't there most of the time. I always thought the mother bird was supposed to sit on the nest all the time. Well, we'll see soon I hope.

Going Up?

It's the week-end so the inevitable occurs: gas prices increase. Perhaps a better solution would be what is occurring on Carol's post. Click here to find out!

Ummmm, good!

Often on a Friday night DH (Dear Husband) and I will stop for a light supper at Cafe Latte on Grand Avenue. The restaurant has tasty sandwiches, delicious soups, great salads and pastries "to die for"--especially chocolate. For variety there are cheesecakes, truffles, scones, and different desserts such as the above luscious delight.

Church Door #2

This door graces the entrance to St. Paul's on the Hill Episcopal Church which was founded in 1854. It's located on historical Summit Avenue.

You've Got Mail!!

A truly unique box for snail mail.

New Neighbors!!

We have a purple verbena hanging basket on both sides of our front door. During the past week I notice a small bird, perhaps a gold finch, fly out of one of the baskets whenever any of us entered or left the house. The light bulb finally went on. I took a stepstool and gingerly parted the blossoms to find a beautifully formed nest with 3 tiny blue eggs in it. We now use the side door and posted a sign on the front entrance, warning unsuspecting intruders. Now I just have to figure out how I can water the plant on a daily basis without disturbing the nest and eggs. Tricky!
ADDENDUM: So far so good! This was a macro shot of the eggs and nest so the actual items are much smaller than the photo. My fingers are crossed; I hope the fertilized water we poured on the plant before we found the nest hasn't damaged the eggs. The mother bird is still around!

Minnesota Bloggers

A multi-talented group of all ages met on Saturday, May 12, 2007. An historic meeting! From upper left, clockwise: Chris and Sophie; The MN Bloggers: Steve (Slinger),Kate, Carol, Sophie, and Chris; Chris, Sophie and Deb; and Slinger.

Church Door

Happy Mother's Day!!

St. Kate's church door looks very different during the day than it does at night.
Click here to see the difference.

Location, location, location

Remember this post? Since I took the first photo, I discovered that Macalester College has sold some older houses on the campus to a local developer for a couple dollars (!!)in order to expand their athletic facilities. The new owner will move all of the houses into neighborhoods, remodel and refurbish them and sell each one at a profit. Without informing the public, the houses have been moved late at night to eliminate too many problems with sightseers. Darn! What a photo that would have been: houses lumbering down the streets of St. Paul. This house now rests on a lot on Snelling Avenue.

Use Your Head!

I wonder if this planter is made in the image of the owner of the house where it resides on the front porch?

An Angel

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION!I should have researched this before I posted the photo! I just called the church, and I was told that the anchor is the official logo of the church. It is a symbol of HOPE and ties in with the name of the church itself. The anchor and rope, combined with HH (House of Hope) is frequently used with church literature.

This guardian angel rests on the front lawn of House of Hope Presbyterian Church on Summit Avenue, looking after the parishoners and passersby as well.

Indian Mounds

These Indian Mounds are located in a park which is situated high above the Mississippi River across from the city center of St. Paul. The overlook is awesome, but I think that I need to call the park service with a complaint. The park is overrun with dandelions and marred by ugly grafitti. Since it's a burial ground, it's a sacred place and needs more care! Its history is outlined on the placque below.

My Fine Feathered Friend

The Farmers Market opened two week-ends ago, and I am delighted since it's my favorite early Saturday morning sojourn during the season. This man has been at the Market, willingly posing for pictures as he sells his wares, for as long as I can remember.

St Paul and Its Sister Cities

If you live in a large city, your local government has probably established sister cities in many parts of the world. Do you know the names and locations of them? These are St. Paul's 10 sister cities: Changsha, China - Ciudad Romero, El Salvador - Culiacan, Mexico - Hadera and Tiberias, Israel - Lawaaikamp, South Africa - Manzanillo, Mexico - Modena, Italy - Nagasaki, Japan - Neuss, Germany - Novosibirsk, Russia. I have visited two of them: Lawaaikamp, South Africa and Novosibirsk, Russia. Alas, those were the days before my digital cameras, but I shall look for photos to represent each city, and it will take awhile since my film photographs are scattered throughout the house. I have visited all but two of the countries. The ones I missed are China and Japan. I would love to know what bloggers have sister cities!!

A Stoned House

A friend of mine and I have recently begun to walk in neighborhoods that are unfamiliar to us. The gardens and houses we've seen are varied and different. This one is unusual because of the number of stones used in the landscaping. What do you think of it?

New Neighbors!

Actually these two are not new neighbors, they return every year and hang out in the neighborhood. Today they spent their time walking to and fro across three yards, and I "shot" them on my neighbor's lawn.

Sadie

Sadie has been a member of our household for 22 years. She arrived as a gift to our son Karl when she was only a chick. When Karl moved out, guess who inherited her?! Birds are very social and very smart. She doesn't like too many people but she thinks I am pretty terrific. Occasionally she bites the hand who feeds her, but I told you she is smart--she prefers me to other family members with the exception of Karl.

An Abundance of Blossoms

The four seasons in the Midwest result in very different environments. Spring has to be the most glorious visually as trees turn green almost overnight and flowers and vegetables make their appearance. It's difficult to decide which annuals to choose because of the variety and abundance. What's your favorite garden flower?

Spring tulips

Theme Day-Where Am I?

Now, if not in St. Paul, where am I??!! NO! I'm not in Mexico. I AM in St. Paul where many Mexican and Central American families have lived for generations in a neighborhood that retains much of the Hispanic-speaking cultures. Great place to eat and buy groceries; that is, if you like Mexican food!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------At least 82 other city daily photo blogs participate in this theme day today, why don't you pay them a visit? Remember, due to time difference they might not all be ready when you visit them.

Monte Carlo, Monaco -
Rome, Italy -
Singapore, Singapore -
Tenerife, Spain -
Rotterdam, Netherlands -
London, UK -
Montréal (QC), Canada -
Melbourne, Australia -
Naples (FL), USA -
Bastia, France -
Hong Kong, China -
Mazatlan, Mexico -
Buenos Aeres, Argentina -
Manila, Philippines -
Arradon, France -
Madison (WI), USA -
Evry, France -
Seoul, Korea -
Shanghai, China -
Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia -
Sequim (WA), USA -
Singapore, Singapore -
Budapest, Hungary -
Baziège, France -
Hamburg, Germany -
Toruń, Poland -
Nelson, New Zealand -
Madison (WI), USA -
Vantaa, Finland -
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia -
Mainz, Germany -
Dubai, UAE -
Saint Paul (MN), USA -
Cork, Ireland -
Stockholm, Sweden -
Menton, France -
Tel Aviv, Israel -
Albuquerque (NM), USA -
Kitakami, Japan -
Stayton (OR), USA -
Szentes, Hungary -
Stavanger, Norway -
Grenoble, France -
Villigen, Switzerland -
Paris, France -
Hyde, UK -
Moscow, Russia -
Joplin (MO), USA -
Jakarta, Indonesia -
Greenville (SC), USA -
Cape Town, South Africa -
Asheville (NC), USA -
Seattle (WA), USA -
Kyoto, Japan -
Tokyo, Japan -
Madrid, Spain -
Auckland, New Zealand -
Oulu, Finland -
Lubbock (TX), USA -
Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina -
Baton Rouge (LA), USA -
Sydney, Australia -
Maple Ridge (BC), Canada -
Vancouver, Canada -
Seattle (WA), USA -
Selma (AL), USA -
Chandler (AZ), USA -
Sharon (CT), USA -
Manila, Philippines -
Lyon, France -
New York City (NY), USA -
Los Angeles (CA), USA -
Brookville (OH), USA -
Hayle, UK -
Wailea (HI), USA -
Saarbrücken, Germany -
San Diego (CA), USA -
Boston (MA), USA -
Saint Louis (MO), USA -
Cypress (TX), USA -
Anderson (SC), USA -
Torino, Italy

Hockey Hero

Starbuck Dogs

Saturday was a glorious weather day in St. Paul. As DH (dear husband) said, "The air is like wine!" Sun was shining and the temperature was comfortably warm. It's the season for dogs at my neighborhood Starbucks, an accommodating establishment that leaves water out for the visiting animal patrons. From time to time I will post pictures of our "best friends." (Clockwise from top left: Anonymous, Lily, Hannah, and Loki)

Jazz Fest

Tonight DH (Dear Husband) and I went to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and listened to pieces by the composers Wagner and Copland. During the intermission the audience had a choice to return to continue to enjoy the classical program or remain in the foyer to listen to jazz musicians. Jaime went back to hear Bach, but I stayed to listen to a trio consisting of a South African percussionist/drummer, a Cuban pianist, and an American saxophonist. When the regular program ended a few patrons remained to join us to continue listening to very smooth jazz. I like this kind of innovation, especially if it includes jazz music.

More guitars

A post by Celine, Stayton, Oregon prompted me to post this photograph.

Lady Liberty

I couldn't quite believe my eyes when I saw this lawn ornament, carved from a fallen tree. It is quite large and is symbolic of our Statue of Liberty National Monument.

A poem by Emma Lazarus is graven on a tablet within the pedestal on which the statue stands in New York Harbor.

The New Colossus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Immigration has changed drastically since the French gave this statue to the United States. Currently both at home and abroad immigration is a hot topic with a divesity of opinions on how immigration should be legislated. I won't ask any of you to state an opinion on your country's policy because, like politics and religion, emotions on the topic are strong.

My Favorite Houses!

Yesterday several of you asked to see the picture of "my favorite house" when I posted the door only. Well, here it is! The bottom photo is another of my favorites, my very own home!

My Favorite House

Because this is the entrance to my favorite St. Paul house, I like the door but there are more spectacular doors on Summit Avenue. See April 13th, please (Blogger says the tag is too long to link!)

The Magazine's Appeal!

Is she too young to be reading this magazine?

St. Kate's College Chapel at Night

Another Bargain!

And, how much would you pay for this little number??!!

Friends of the Children

I haven't posted any St. Paul murals for a long time, but this one caught my eye. Actually I've been looking at it for a few years whenever I visit the ice cream parlour next door to it. The mural represents a national philanthropic organization called Friends of the Orphans. Recently it has received some favorable press in the St. Paul Pioneer press newspaper. Read this article to discover how dozens of people in Wisconsin and Minnesota raised 3.5 million dollars to build a hospital in Haiti where 50% of deaths are those of childen! Today I stopped in their office to check about volunteer activities.

PS. I just tipped the scales at 250 blogs for this blog!

A Real Bargain!

The One That Got Away?

While eating in a newly-opened Szechuan restaurant, I looked up and saw a large aquarium across the room. I whipped out my camera and took some shots in-between the waiters racing across my field of vision. Without missing a beat or dropping a chopstick, my husband continued eating as he ignored my behavior--something he wouldn't have done before I started blogging and photographing anything interesting in sight. No longer embarrassed--what a guy!

Mis Amigos

Many new friends can be found in coffee shops!

Poet Galway Kinnell

Charmingly eloquent, Galway Kinnell when discussing aging and life's changes said, "If you lose the ability to write in a way that is satisfying to you, then there are all sorts of things in the world that are just as good as writing, and you can turn to them." Blogging apparently satisfies that need in many of us!!

Poet, Josephine Dickinson

Josephine Dickinson became profoundly deaf at age six from meningitis, but managed to become a musician and music teacher! Gradually she turned to poetry and the stage at the Fitzgerald Theatre was graced by her presence last Thursday when she read her poems with another poet, Galway Kinnell.

Talking Volumes Guitarist

On Thursday two poets, Galway Kinnell and Josephine Dickinson read some of their poems on the stage of The Fitzgerald Theatre. Before the reading the audience was entertained by this guitarist.

My Favorite-Dedicated to Marie of Alexandria, VA

Historically Summit Avenue has been the premier street in St. Paul, and you can enter many of the old homes through lovely doors. This is my favorite on the entire avenue. At night, the etched glass panels literally glow! This post is for Marie, Alexandria, Va. for posting doors she receives from other bloggers throughout the world!

Bench

A combined utilitarian and artful bench. Wonder if it's comfortable?!

Retro Chairs

It's difficult to "catch up" when one has been away, but I think I'm getting there. These chairs were lined up on the sidewalk in front of a retro-art shop. Need to go back and photograph what's inside!

Home Sweet Home

Macalester College is a small liberal arts college with a fine reputation. This house as well as another has been moved next to the athletic field, a move that I do not understand. Usually the college has expanded into the neighborhood, which has caused consternation among homeowners, but this looks as though they are moving these building onto the campus. A mystery which I'll need to research.