Ghost Bike

I have seen two ghost bikes this summer not far from my house. This one is on E. River Blvd, close to the Lake Street Bridge.  Automobile drivers and cyclists need to be more attentive to one another.

Bold and Beautiful Garments

Gudron Sjodén and her colorful universe!

For more than 40 years, one of Scandinavia's most unique designers and entrepreneurs has been creating whimsical fashion and spreading cheerful splashes of colour all over the fashion world. The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis currently has an exhibit of part of her collection. This unique exhibition highlights some of her original creations, watercolors and archival materials. Can you guess which is my favourite ensemble?

Gudrun Sjödén (born 5 June 1941) is a Swedish fashion designer. 

Sjödén grew up in the village of Julita in Södermanland, and studied textile and fashion at Konstfack 1958-63. She is since 1961 married to photographer Björn Sjödén. Along with him she in 1976 opened her first eponymous fashion store in Stockholm at Regeringsgatan.^[ The company has about one hundred employees and earns a quarter of a billion (SEK) a year.

In 2007 she received a medal from King Carl Gustaf of Sweden. (Credit: Wiki)

Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

Grass Roots Protest-#Stand On Every Corner

While driving home late Sunday afternoon, I noticed a group of people holding protest signs at the corner of Marshall and Fairview Avenues in St Paul. Not one to pass up an opportunity for an impromptu photo shoot I stopped to talk to them. They are friends and neighbours who have been inspired by #Stand on Every Corner, a movement that appears to be spreading. Read about it here. Bet they wouldn't mind if you joined them!

Kofi Anan, 1938-2018

Kofi Annan, a graduate of Macalester College in St. Paul, was U.N's secretary-general for two terms, from 1997 to 2006 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. He attended Macalester from1959-1961, earning a degree in economics and setting a school track record in the 60-yard dash. Annan returned to the college several times to give commencement speeches.  In May he was honoured by the college when it renamed its Institute for Global Citizenship for him.

A floral path

These gorgous plants and flowers graced the path I followed Saturday night to a friend's dinner party. Certainly makes a guest feel welcomed!

International Homeless Animals' Day

Here are some of the rescue dogs we have adopted who have lived with us for years and who have enriched our lives and given us immeasurable amounts of pleasure on a daily basis. Won't you consider adopting a homeless animal?

Sweet Maggi-14 years

Still With Us: Lexi-9 years & Wild Wendy-3 years

Link to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Flower Box

The French Bakery Restaurant on Grand Avenue in St. Paul has a flower box with a variety of flowers and plants along the front of their establishment.  Such a lovely looking welcome!

Perhaps one of these might look familiar to you? Check Wednesday's post!

Welcome!

Because of our short growing season, in my neighbourhood flowers take on an importance all their own! Many homes use flowers at their entrance to put out the Welcome mat!

Wordless Wednesday

GET OUT THE VOTE!!

The Highland Branch Library has had these signs displayed over a week now, which also encouraged early voting.  BE SURE TO VOTE!!

Be sure to vote today! Some people in the world are willing to die to have this privilege. Years ago I was an election observer in El Salvador during a critical voting period. Watching the lines of people, observing the military helicopters overhead and the armed soldiers on the ground was a sobering, humbling (and scary) experience. PLEASE VOTE AND REMIND OTHERS OF OUR PRIVILEGE AND RIGHT TO VOTE!

Boulevard Gardens

Boulevard Gardens are very popular in my neighbourhood. A good use of space!!

Come and sit awhile!

A neighbour with a sense of humour--the best kind!

New Kids on the Block

As we took our morning walk Wild Wendy, my little toy Poodle, was curious about the new kids on the block, but she wasn't interested in meeting and greeting them so we kept our distance.  This was the closest we got to them.
Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Pretty Blossom

This blossom with its gently curled petals seemed too pretty to ignore.

War Memorial

Located in small garden high above the Mississippi on the corner of Summit Avenue and E. River Boulevard, this war memorial can be seen from afar.

Wordless Wednesday

River Boulevard House

There are many large homes on East River Boulevard. This house is of a newer stone exterior construction but the baby blue shutters seem out-of-character for the neighbourhood where many, but not all, of the houses are more classical in design; others are more contemporary.

Road Blocked Signs

Construction seems to be everywhere! This seems like such a narrow lot for a building of this size; the rear alley view below reinforces the too-large dimension of this new condo building.  The street is now open, but because the construction had forced the closing of a busy street, some neighbours were annoyed and motorist were impatient at the detours.

A New Neighbor!

Was I excited? You bet!! This hawk (?) allowed me to get about 3 feet from it to take photos as it sat on a fence a few blocks from my home. I drove by Saturday morning, thought it was a new statue in the yard, saw it move, stopped the car, leaped out and cautiously approached it. The bird watched me and didn't even make a move toward the red cardinal that unwisely perched nearby.

Duck! Duck! Grey Duck!!

This patient and faithful duck has been standing on my neighbour's sidewalk for years. Makes me smile whenever I walk past.

Linking to Saturday's Critters & Camera Critters

Friday Reflections on the Mississippi

Early this week I ventured out shortly after sunrise, and discovered numerous images that I probably could not see later in the day.  The Lake Street Bridge that connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul shimmered in the early morning light.

Early Morning Crews

Even from quite a distance, the crews looked pretty energetic for 7:30 a.m.!!

Theme Day, August, 2018-MUSIC

On June 15th DH and I went to Como Park Pavilion in St. Paul to listen and watch a performance by musician friend, John Eller. We were treated by performances of volunteer singers during the show. I have a feeling that some of them were also friends of John. This wonderful vocal artist had lyrics on her smart phone so she came prepared! If you missed the two previous posts, follow the links I provided above. Because that night is such a delightful memory,  I thought another photo would do for today's theme!

To see more photos of the "Music" theme for this month, go here.