#6-Santa Fe Opera, 2008

 

John Crosby, 30, found the Santa Fe Opera in 1957 and its first production was Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Crosby retired in 2000, having built the Santa Fe Opera into one of the most famous companies in North America. The 2,126-seat theatre is 7 miles north of Santa Fe. After 4 decades the famous open-air amphitheatre was finally roofed in 1998 although the sides are still open to the nocturnal desert air. Because of its spectacular building and setting and the high quality operas, tickets are often snatched up months in advance of the opera season.

#5-The High Road to Taos

Last Tuesday we drove to Taos on the old highway, The High Road to Taos. It's one of my favorite things to do when I'm in this area. The vistas are breathtaking with a good deal of variety. Not to be missed!!

SF, NM Vacation #4 St. Francis Cathedral

Saint Francis Cathedral closes off the east end of San Francisco Street. It was designed in Auvergne, France by Antoine Mouly and his son Projectus, who journeyed to SF to oversee the construction. Before it was finished three different architects worked on it, revised the plans and completed the building which was consecrated in 1886.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Vacation #3

Several statues are in the courtyard in front of The Saint Francis of Assisi Cathedral, but this one is the most interesting. It immortalizes Kateri Tekawitha, 1656-1680, who is said to be the first Native American to be promoted to sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church.

SF, NM Vacation #2

I've discovered that the marvelous light in Santa Fe is VERY tricky. I think that I need to shoot either early in the morning or late afternoon. I continue to experiment!

Santa Fe, New Mexico Vacation #1

Yesterday afternoon we landed in Albuquerque and drove to Santa Fe in our rental car. The house we rented exceeds our expectations, and the owner is a PERFECT host! I still don't feel 100% but sunshine, ambience, and countryside will be wonderful tonics! I know that when I'm not out-and-about, I'll be spending lots of time on this patio.

"Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore!"

A neighborhood private school is buying several blocks of houses in order to expand their campus. Many, many decades ago (a hundred years?) they originally owned the land but sold the property, which then turned into blocks of small bungalow-type homes. Because of limited space and increasing enrollment with a corresponding need to expand in the current educational climate, almost all of these houses have now been purchased by the school. The photo shows the tail end of the demolition of one house. The steps lead to blank space on the vacated land.

By the time you read this, my DH and I will have vacated our home (temporarily) to take a much-needed vacation in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's convenient to have a son who will live in our house and take care of our dog and birds while we're gone. I'll post from SF during our two weeks respite! It is SO GREAT to feel healthier again!! And, I hope it stays that way!!

Cafe Cronies

For the past several years these four men (as well as a few others) have been regulars in the morning at a neighborhood cafe. Getting to know them and joining in their conversations on occasion always is fun. I've learned some valuable life's lessons from some of our conversations.

Window and Flower Box

Walking through my neighborhood at this time of year is a real treat. Because our winters are legendary (record snow or low temperatures) people LOVE the summers. Almost every house has an abundance of flowers, which makes the neighborhood colourful and very attractive. I'd love to live in a climate where these were year round images. Would you?

My Neighborhood

What an odd looking tree! Anyone know what kind it is? I suppose I could knock on the homeowner's door and inquire. If I see them outside, I'll ask. In the meantime, any suggestions?

The Catwalk

This well-maintained block long cement path sandwiched between several houses stretches from one street to the next, and is affectionately known as The Catwalk. When my children were young they used it for biking, skateboarding, and roaming the neighborhood. Now it's a convenient shortcut during my morning neighborhood walk...helps me recover my health as well as lifts my spirit.

My Morning Walk

I haven't posted for a long while because I have been sick with a short hospital stay. I'm on the mend (I hope!), and I take a leisurely early morning walk now since I am feeling better. This leaf from a Ginkgo tree with the early morning dew still on it appealed to me. These walks lift my spirit and help my recuperation so I'll try to post more photos in the future from my neighborhood.

Theme Day, June 2008

Although I haven't been actively blogging for awhile, I can't pass up a Theme Day!! Here's the delivery door to my favorite consignment shop, Encore. Please visit the other CDP bloggers who are posting their theme photo today, too!Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey by afyonblog, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Cavite, Philippines by cavitedailyphoto, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chennai, India by Shantaram, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Clare Unsworth, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gainesville (FL), USA by Leah, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hangzhou, China by Chanin, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Los Angeles (CA), USA by Martha Perez, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monroe (GA), USA by Tanya, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Posadas, Argentina by Lega, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by , Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sequim (WA), USA by Norma, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torino, Italy by Fabrizio, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Sailing Away

I had hoped to make it to my second anniversary on May 30, but I find that, unfortunately, I need to take an hiatus from blogging, and I need to begin now. Because I find that I cannot visit the blogs and comment in addition to posting photos on a daily basis, I need to bow out for awhile. I'll check in every once in awhile to make sure that you're behaving yourselves!

I want to thank each and every one of you for the pleasure you have given me during this period of time. I have learned a great deal about many parts of the globe and have loved the friendships that have developed. For many of you I have strong feelings of affection. Thank you for sharing your lives with me!

A Numbers Game-May, 2008 Theme Day-NUMBERS

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Arradon, France by Alice, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Busan, Korea South by iamnbinb, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chesapeake Daily Photo (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Chicago (IL), USA by Focused Light, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Concordia Sagittaria, Italy by Patrizia, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Dallas (TX), USA by turtle, Darmstadt, Germany by Elsch, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Mary, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hong Kong, Hong Kong by Rachel A., Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Ioannina, Greece by Christos-Ioanna, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Malaga, Spain by Paula, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Medan, Indonesia by KT, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Montpellier, France by Marie, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, North Hampton (NH), USA by Amy, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Penang, Malaysia by Maltelda, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Riga, Latvia by Riga Images, Rollag, Norway by Stormel, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vichy, France by Delphsnl, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

ABC WEDNESDAY-"O is for OUCH"

This morning I checked with J's mother on her progress after surgery (see yesterday's post), and I was told that she "is a little grumpy." After an accident, x-rays, meds, surgery, and recovery, I guess "grumpy" is okay. I thought a photo of her bear, hiding her pain is more appropriate. But, she's going home today already!! Can you believe it!!

Surgery-MN Workers #6

Not everyone is as brave as this young lady who is just about ready to be wheeled into surgery. A friend of my granddaughter's, this child fell on a school playground and broke her elbow. Ouch! The surgery was successful, and she'll return to school this week, after only three days!!

Parrot News

The babies are obviously thriving and growing, thanks to many volunteers! If you go to this site,you will find a wonderful album created by some of the rescuers (many of whom I know) who are caring for the baby parrots in Mazatlán, México. The photos show the babies at various stages of development as well as being fed by a few of the volunteers. In the past, I've posted part of the story on my blog, scroll back to April 8th and 12th for the full story.

MN Worker #5

Being responsible for other peoples' money is a tremendous responsibility, and, in addition, this capable financial planner has lots of paperwork!

Have a good week-end everyone!

Vanity Plates

Love the car and appreciate the humour.

ABC WEDNESDAY-"N"

Rather than moving forward, NWA soon will be disappearing from the skies because of the merger (aka take-over) with Delta Airlines. The familiar red tail will then be defunct. My reaction is mixed since Northwest was never one of my favorite airlines, but the economic ramifications to the Twin Cities will be considerable, which no city can afford during these difficult times. The so-called merged airline will be called Delta (what else?!) and will be headquartered in Atlanta. I predict that jobs will be lost on the former NWA system and fares will rise. Not a happy post for this ABC Wednesday!!

PS. To see more ABC posts, go to MrsNesbittsplace for the list of names.

MN Workers-#4

Now, wouldn't you love to have her wait on your table?! A most efficient and lovely waitperson!!

A Banner Day

At 12:40 noon on April 21, 1970, darlin' daughter, Katherine Kilbane Neher was born. Happy Birthday, Kati!!

New Beginnings #2

On September 7, 2007, I posted a photo of Joanne and Peter, two people who had lost their spouses after long marriages, but who decided to start new beginnings with one another. On Sunday night, April 20th, friends gathered together to celebrate Joanne's and Peter's marriage that had taken place in December. After an extended honeymoon, including a cruise to Hawaii, a trip to Florida as well as other romantic places, they've returned to St. Paul so we could party with them!

Post #500-Minnesota Workers Series (#3)

Blogger and I have not been on good terms the last few days, but I finally got to post again ... and I've made it to my milestone!! What better way to celebrate post #500 for this blog than with smiling faces of happy workers at Lund's Super Market!

If I were also to count my Mazatlán, México blog, it would be 685 posts. Although I may have missed a day or two here and there, I think that I've been pretty faithful and have enjoyed every minute of it. I don't know which I enjoy more--taking photos, reading your comments, or visiting your blogs. Thanks, everyone, for your visits and encouragement!!

MN Workers #2

A typical spring activity after a long hard winter...repairing potholes!

Minnesota Workers Series #1

A year or so ago, I posted a Minnesota Workers Series which was well-received so I decided to try it again. Meet Kara, a barista at my local Starbuck's Cafe on Ford Parkway in Highland Village. She and her colleagues were very busy during this photo session of mine.

Two more days and I will have posted 500 photos on this blog (not counting my Mazatlan, México blog!)

Community Center

 

I've always liked this mural although it's not in an area that gets lots of traffic. It depicts what's athletically important in that particular community center.

Parrot Rescue Update!

Last week I posted a story and some photos of a Mazatlán, México rescue effort for 500 confiscated parrots, 272 of which are babies. Volunteers Nancy and Paul have updated their experience with the 50 baby birds that are receiving their care until the parrots are mature enough to be released. Please visit their blog on Countdown México for the latest news and more photos, one of which I've posted above. Take some time to peruse their blog, too, to learn of their experiences as full-time expats in Paradise!

Amorphophallus titanum

This rare plant had received a great deal of press as an international botanical event so I went to the Conservatory to see and smell it for myself. It began its bloom period on Wednesday, March 9 and lasted approximately 36 hours, according to a guide. By the time I got there on Thursday at approximately 10 a.m., the plant was dying and losing its bloom--the odor that is likened to rotting flesh was gone.

The flower is lime green with a phallic-like stalk and, when blooming, has a leafy purple and green "cape." Its soil temperature is monitored and at the base of the stalk are seedlike structures, which turn out to be the male and female features. The pollen is to be collected and spread around so that other corpses may bloom! The flowering version of the plant is so rare that plant experts know how many times it has happened in conservatories since it was discovered in Sumatra in the late 19th century. Ours was no. 122, one of the smallest on record, topping out at around 29 inches.

Alas I missed the peak blooming and olfactory experience and will now have to wait for 15 more years before it blooms again! I wonder if it's worth it?!

Slothful

A sleepy sloth or a sloth sleeping? I want back to the Como Conservatory to photograph the much publicized "corpse plant" (more tomorrow), and couldn't resist a visit to my favorite friend in the tropical area of the building. Don't malign sloths; they have the right idea, especially during these gray, rainy days!

Can't go to Italy?

Can't go to Italy? Don't fret; just follow me to my neighborhood supermarket that is having a sale on olive oil, tomatoes, pasta, and cheeses. Together we'll buy all the ingredients we need to make a memorable meal while we dream of Tuscany, Umbria, and the Italian Riviera. Perhaps Fabrizio in Torino can give us a few of his favorite recipes!!

Look What I'm Missing!!

[Photos were taken by Nancy and Paul on their Mazatlán, México blog, Countdown to México. Some of you know that Jaime and I spent the winter months in Mazatlán, and while there we got involved with different activities, one of which included helping to care for animals. We returned to Minnesota on March 30th. A few days after we got home, close to 500 illegally-captured parrots were confiscated by authorities, and close to 300 baby parrots are now being fed and nurtured by volunteer expats and Mexican citizens in their own homes. Visit Nancy and Paul's blog to read a fuller narrative, view two short videos and see some more photos. What a kick, and I'm so jealous that I'm not involved!!

Rain! Rain! Go Away!

No chance to take photos today because it's raining and very gray outdoors. The forecast includes rain off and on all week. So...I'll have to be alert for breaks in the weather when I can look for some good subjects to photograph. In the meantime, I'll have to search for some archive snapshots to post here, such as this one which I took in the Sunken Garden last week.

Latte Anyone?

Come join me for breakfast!

The Fern Room

Fern Room
A Palette of Delicate Greens
Experience the ambiance of dappled light, a gentle waterfall and floating mist. Walk among green lacey foliage and step back in time through a garden of living fossils. Ferns are one of the most ancient groups of plant surviving today. The Fern Room at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory contains over 100 species of ferns and fern allies. (From the Como Conservatory website)

The light from the conservatory windows adversely affected the exposure, and my Canon point-and-shoot camera didn't seem to be able to compensate. I think you can visualize the beauty of the place from these photos, however.

Sunken Garden-Statue

Yesterday I showed you the exterior of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. Today I have a photo taken in the Sunken Garden, one of the most delightful gardens in the building. Tomorrow I will bring you to an equally delightful part of the Conservatory, the Fern Room.

The Conservatory hosts more than 300 wedding ceremonies each year! Couples can choose to have their ceremony inside the Conservatory in either the Sunken Garden or North Garden. The two outdoor locations, the Japanese Garden and The Excedra, are available seasonally.

Sunken Garden: A Visual Symphony of Color For a Virtual Tour of the Garden, click on this site for a great view.

The Sunken Garden in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park presents a seasonal potpourri of fantastic floral shows, with five popular themes each year. Enjoy amazing azaleas and festive poinsettias in winter, multicolored tulips in spring, prized roses and geraniums in summer and cheery chrysanthemums in autumn.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory-Como Park

Editorial

Review for Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park
by Citysearch Staff

The glittering dome of Palm House is a promise of elegance (and year-round warmth) within.

In Short
Half an acre under glass, the elegant conservatory is a celebration of the living earth. Plentiful collections of orchids, bromeliads, palms, ferns and bonsai overflow from the six indoor garden rooms into two outdoor gardens. In winter, its steamy glass dome is a perfect escape from Minnesota's rigorous climate. May through September, enjoy the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden.

Know Before You Go
Photography is allowed, but tripods and lengthy photo shoots are not permitted. Special shutterbug days are held five times a year.

The Extras
Sign up for an art class in the garden, using the most exotic live models you'll find in these northern climes.

When To Go
The tea house in the Japanese Garden offers a traditional Chanoyu tea ceremony several times throughout the summer. Call ahead to find out the times and to get a reservation.
*******************
The Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (or just Como Zoo and Conservatory) are located in Como Park at 1225 Estabrook Drive, Saint Paul, Minnesota. The park, zoo and conservatory are owned by the City of Saint Paul and are a division of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. The attractions located there include the zoo, the conservatory, an amusement park, a carousel, Lake Como, a golf course, a pool and more. The park receives more than 2.5 million visitors annually. Como Park is a free park and while no admission fee is charged for the zoo or conservatory, voluntary donations of $2 per adult and $1 child are suggested.

April Fool The Joke's on Us

The day after we returned from 3 months in sunny Mazatlán, México the Midwest played its special brand of April Fool on us--a snowfall! These are scenes in my neighborhood. I miss México!!