MN Worker

Many Hmong families work diligently to sell their crafts, flowers, fruits, and vegetables at the Farmers' Market. Hmong families often concentrate on agriculture and the men, women, and children all work together Whenever I see older men or women, I wonder about their life stories. I would love to know how this woman got to St. Paul, why did she leave her country, and whether or not her relatives are with her? Who sponsored her and her family? Because I have taught young students who came to our city in the first wave of Asian refugees, I know that some of the hardships they endured are often beyond our belief or imagination. For this woman I wish much happiness,good health, and prosperity in our city.

Nature's Bounty!

The much needed rain we finally had did not keep shoppers away from the Farmers' Market this week-end. The aisles were thronged with people buying flowers, handicrafts, soap, honey, fruit, eggs, cheeses, meat, and vegetables. The St. Paul Market is indeed indigenous. This year they relaxed a rule, which now states that instead of 50 miles, vendors from as far away as 70 miles from the city limits may sell their wares at the central market on week-ends or throughout the city during the week at various satellites. This pleases me; now sellers of merchandise from Central America and places distant from St. Paul do not compete with our local farmers. We have families with large agricultural holdings and mom and pop outfits with booths next to one another, selling what they have grown or made. One woman sells handicrafts made exclusively by senior citizens, another has developed a thriving business of herbs and vinegars that she mixes and packages herself. Our community of Hmong are well represented, selling both food and their beautifully embroidered handiwork. As you can see by the photo, an abundant harvest of beautiful tomatoes were everywhere. Early hours of the week-end during the summer invariably find me walking the aisles of our central market. I love it and miss it during the winter months.

Play Ball!

"Today's St. Paul Saints were formed in 1993 in the Northern League, one of several "other" leagues not affiliated with Major League Baseball. The Saints are known for promotions that are over-the-top even by the standards of minor-league baseball. The principal owner, Mike Veeck, is the son of legendary major-league owner Bill Veeck, who was best-known for outrageous promotions as owner of the St. Louis Browns and Chicago White Sox. Comedian and actor Bill Murray is also a part owner.

A major factor in the continued success of the Saints in the face of the Twins' presence is the fact that Midway Stadium, the Saints' home field, is an open-air facility; many Twins fans have bemoaned the unfairness of being forced to go indoors to watch a baseball game on a warm Minnesota summer evening. Another is the love of tailgating by fans in the Twin Cities metropolitan area - the Metrodome, situated in the middle of downtown Minneapolis, has little space available for tailgating.

The St. Paul Saints won four championships in the Northern League: 1993, 1995, 1996, and 2004. The most recent championship was arguably one of the Saints most memorable games. In the decisive Game 5 at St. Paul's Midway Stadium, St. Paul trailed the Schaumburg Flyers 6-3 entering the bottom of the ninth. A leadoff double and two quick outs had the Flyers on the edge of their seat. A double by the Saints' second basemen, and it was 6-4. The next batter sent a base hit up the middle and it was 6-5. Three consecutive singles later and it was knotted up at 6. A walk to load the bases and a new pitcher set the stage for Marc Mirizzi. On a 1-1 pitch, Mirrizi struck a cannon to left field, just fair, for a grand-slam, walk-off championship clinching home run to win it for the Saints 10-6." (The St. Paul Saints, History, Wiki)

Cultural Heritage

There are all kinds of Sven and Ole jokes in Minnesota. This sign hangs above a popular local restaurant in Grand Marais on the North Shore. A little bit of Minnesota culture for you to enjoy!

My Neighbor's Gate

Flowers, food, and music

During my weekly stop at the downtown Farmers' Market in St. Paul, I savor more than just the sight of plants and food. As I stop to smell the flowers along the way, I am able to enjoy music, too!

A Mystery!

I was startled to see this object hanging from a small branch on a tree. These foreign objects, either real or not, are out-of-place in nature...or should be!

Lake Superior's North Shore

Okay, so it's not an exciting photo, but I think seagulls are worthy subjects since their habitat is one that we humans admire. Birds like this one were our constant companions during our mini-vacation on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Hawai'i Bug

Some of you who have been daily photo bloggers for a long time may remember this bugmobile. This time I am posting it with Molly, the owner, inside and about to drive away. Molly, a former teaching colleague of mine, has been an aficionado of the Islands for decades. Her Volkswagen was painted in Honolulu and then shipped to Minnesota. Whether it is in motion or parked, the car generates lots of interest and conversation. For a rear view of the car, click here. Wouldn't it be fun to own it? Forget about the resale value. We only live once!! PS. I'll be gone for a few days, living in a cabin on the north shore of Lake Superior. Be back soon!

Germanic-American Institute

"More Minnesotans claim Germanic descent than any other European ethnicity...Today, after two hundred years in the Midwest, Americans of Germanic heritage have assimilated into and helped shape a regional culture that values education, demands high standards for healthcare and public service, and promotes tolerance and inclusion... The early Volksfest held club meetings and events in various locations in the Twin Cities, until they acquired the former George Gardner home at 301 Summit Avenue," shown above. This group serves families and people of all ages with many different programs. To learn more about them and their history, check their website here (The Germanic-American, St. Paul website).

Fun or Scary?!

As youngsters, my children were frightened of clowns, but I didn't fully comprehend this until after I had hired one for my son's birthday party. As an adult, he's still not fond of them. How about you?!

The Red Balloon---Again!

I'm posting this a little behind schedule since several events intervened since July 31st. As promised, here is the icon that stands in front of the children's bookstore, which we all love in St. Paul!

A Portrait of Courage

A friend and former colleague was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is halfway through her chemo treatment, and it's not much fun. On Thursday August 2 a group of 25 women (some of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves) had a gathering, brought food, and enjoyed one another's company on a beautiful, sunny day in our hostess' backyard. Giving our treasured friend support, celebrating the halfway mark, and a few meaningful gifts was a small tribute to her. Come to our party; you'll have a good time there, too!

Bridge Collapse

I had planned on something more joyful for today. But! As many of you know and who have written to me offline, at 6:05 pm on August 1st the Interstate 35W bridge that spanned the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota unexpectedly collapsed, plunging into the river many cars that were navigating rush hour traffic. Rescue and recovery operations on many different levels: emergency personnel, hospitals, medical and rescue teams, sprang into action. Private citizens who were passersby also helped in the life-saving efforts. As of midnight 7 people have been reported dead from drowning and blunt force trauma, and 50 cars have been already searched. The Twin Cities metropolitan area has been traumatized by the tragedy which may worsen after rescue efforts are resumed in the morning. The Minnesota bloggers and their families whom you have met online here, Carol,Chris and Deb, Steve (Slinger) and I are all safe. Keep all the other victims who have been hurt and injured as well those who have died in your thoughts and hearts.

Maggi, the Gourmutt

A typical day for Maggi begins with a typical breakfast at approximately 6 am. Ummm! Good!
Because today is August Theme Day: A TYPICAL BREAKFAST, visit all these bloggers to see typical breakfasts around the world! Don't forget to leave your comment!

Saint Paul (MN), USA - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - New York City (NY), USA - Tel Aviv, Israel - Hyde, UK - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Mainz, Germany - Stockholm, Sweden - Paderborn, Germany - Singapore, Singapore - Haninge, Sweden - Nottingham, UK - Ampang (Selangor), Malaysia - Manila, Philippines - Boston (MA), USA - Seoul, Korea - Singapore, Singapore - Joplin (MO), USA - Chandler (AZ), USA - Paris, France - Sequim (WA), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Boston (MA), USA - Chennai, India - Madison (WI), USA - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Toulouse, France - Seattle (WA), USA - Mexico (DF), Mexico - La Antigua, Guatemala - Selma (AL), USA - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - San Diego (CA), USA - Lubbock (TX), USA - Jakarta, Indonesia - Sheki, Azerbaijan - Sydney, Australia - Mumbai, India - Seoul, South Korea - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Saarbrücken, Germany - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - New Orleans (LA), USA - Budapest, Hungary - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Austin (TX), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Villigen, Switzerland - Montréal (QC), Canada - Stayton (OR), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Moscow, Russia - Springfield (MO), USA - Inverness (IL), usa - Arlington (VA), USA - Cologne (NRW), Germany - Anderson (SC), USA - Oslo, Norway - Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation - Manila, Philippines - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Bandung (West Java), Indonesia - Stavanger, Norway - Bastia, France - Hong Kong, China - Wailea (HI), USA - St. Louis (MO), USA - Chicago (IL), USA - Rabaul, Papua New Guinea - Sydney, Australia - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Kansas City (MO), USA - Grenoble, France - Paris, France - Evry, France - Saigon, Vietnam - Prague, Czech Republic - Cape Town, South Africa - Brookville (OH), USA - Brussels, Belgium - San Diego (CA), USA - Wellington, New Zealand - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Sharon (CT), USA - Shanghai, China - Zurich, Switzerland - North Bay (ON), Canada - Lyon, France - Naples (FL), USA

The Red Balloon

The Red Balloon Bookstore is the premier shop for children's books in St. Paul. The large chains (and I don't think I have to mention any names!) have successfully closed a number of my favorite independent bookstores but so far this wonderful oasis is still well and thriving. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for its continuing success. Come back on Thursday, August 2 and I'll show you the Red Balloon's signature icon which is located at the front entrance of the store!

Warning!

During the school year students accompanied by a science teacher regularly tour the neighborhoods bordering the Mississippi River to paint these signs on storm sewers. Community service at its best, begun at an early age!

Seeing Double

This house is neat and tidy and well-maintained. It doesn't appear to have anything remarkable about it unless you take a second look. The double stairs are not the norm, and I wonder if it was just a desire for creativity and individuality that resulted in the double staircase.

Homage to Charles Schulz

Background information about these statues and others like them can be found here at a previous post.

Shaggy Dog

You've heard the phrase "a shaggy dog story" haven't you? Well, here she is--another Starbucks dog. Customers often bring their dog along, most of whom wait patiently while the owners sip their cafe, read the newspapers, write in their journals, study for exams, or just simply gossip. Haven't got a tale to go along with this shaggy dog, though.

Landlubber?

If this were mine, it wouldn't be sitting here!

Bouquets!

Many different kinds of bouquets can be carried around during Farmers Market days. (All these were taken last Saturday, July 21, but somehow I can't seem to be able to change the date--try as I may!)

My Kind of Store

There isn't a bookstore that I can pass by! The real treasures are used bookstores, such as this one.

SKY

Sculpture: SKY
Artist: Georgette Sosin
Media: Sculpture: Welded aluminum
Base: Concrete
Location: Kellogg Mall Park - Ramsey County Detention Center Plaza

This sculpture consists of two geometric shapes twisting up to touch points at the height of the sculpture. A plaque carries the inscription:

And grant our prayers for lasting
peace, for every nation everywhere.

This sculpture was presented to the people of Ramsey County by the Zonta Club of Saint Paul in May 1981. (St. Paul Parks and Recreation website)

I've seen this sculpture and have attempted to photograph it numerous times. Today's is the most satisfactory of the snaps although it doesn't really show the burnished gold colour (gray day!). The annoying lines behind it are electrical. I've lived here in St. Paul for a long time, but was not aware of the Zonta Club. Read about this international group here! To see the Park Tower Condos of yesterday's post photographed at a slightly different angle behind the sculpture, click here!

Park Tower Condos

This building located on 59 W. 4th Street was built in 1983 and is next door to The Hotel St. Paul, across from Rice Park. The location is superb for those who wish to live in downtown St. Paul. I would move in a minute but DH is opposed. I'm itching to get inside it since the only website I could find regarding it stated that "condos in this building rarely become available." I'll have to call the company listed as the agency to ask for a tour. Stay tuned and I'll let you know what I discover!!

MN Worker-A Great Dad!

A different kind of worker!

I stopped to chat with a neighbor whom I had never met before when I saw his head poking above their very high fence. He obviously was working on a tree house that I could barely see but which intrigued me. His young daughter was ready for this new backyard environment, and Dad was working to repair and refurbish the old structure for his child. Aren't Dads great?!

A Familiar Summer Sight

Every little boy's dream job (or is this a sexist statement?). Lake Street, a main artery between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is being torn up this summer. The concentration on this worker's face indicates the need to pay close attention. To see some of the work he did, check here.

Charles Schulz Characters

SCHROEDER AND LUCY
Artist: Tivoli
Media: Bronze
Location: Landmark Plaza
On Sunday, September 21, 2003 three bronze vignettes, which include 6 statues of our favorite PEANUTS gang members, were unveiled in Saint Paul's Landmark Plaza. The statues will provide a lasting legacy to Charles Schulz, Saint Paul's native son, for everyone to enjoy for years to come!

The statue auction proceeds from the past PEANUT statue promotions have funded the Charles M. Schulz Fund that was established to create and maintain the bronze statues. In addition, proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for artists and emerging cartoonists at the College of Visual Arts where Schulz attended and taught. (St Paul Parks and Recreation website)
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For five summers after the death of Schulz in 2000, artists designed and displayed throughout the city of St. Paul individual renditions of Peanuts characters. Over 2 million people from 50 states saw this tribute to Schulz. The first year all statues were of Snoopy, the second was Charlie Brown, the third Lucy, followed by Linus and finally Snoopy with Woodstock. For a description of the project by one of the artists, check this website. Check this blog to see one family's collection of photos of almost all of the Snoopy statues.

Nathan Hale in St. Paul !!??

The following information about the statue is taken from the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Art Gallery webpage:

Artist: William Ordway Partridge
Media: Sculpture: Bronze; Base: Mount Airy Granite
Location: Nathan Hale Park, Summit and Portland Avenues

The sculpture depicts Hale, with hands tied behind his back, waiting his appointment with the gallows.

The inscription on the base quotes Hale's famous line, "I only regret having one life to lose for my country."

The Nathan Hale Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution donated the statue in 1907 in memory of the American patriot and hero of the Revolution. The land this statue rests upon was donated in 1882 by M.J. Hannaford, Kenneth Clark, and W.J. Jean.

For another view of this statue go to my ExtraExtra blog.

National Register of Historical Places

"Mickey’s Diner was prefabricated in New Jersey, shipped to St. Paul by rail and installed in the heart of downtown [60 years ago]. Despite the proliferation in recent years of fast-food chains and franchised restaurants, the diner remains a successful business, in part due to its unique atmosphere. Inspired by streamlined railroad dining cars, Mickey’s sports a symmetrical facade clad with yellow and red porcelain steel panels, a horizontal band of plate glass windows and a projecting neon sign with Art Deco lettering. The interior of the diner features stainless steel, mahogany and mirrored fixtures. A glass vestibule, added when the diner was installed, protects patrons from harsh Minnesota winters." (Mn. Historical Society) For more information, click here and enjoy the pictures, too! The diner was added to the National Register of Historial Places on February 24, 1983.

We're Back!

A week-end on the North Shore of Duluth, Minnesota with our grandkids.
We manage to take at least one week-end each summer to Duluth with our two grand-kids, and invariably we have a great time: going to the beach at Park Point on Lake Superior, watching world freighters arriving and departing, building campfires, wandering around the tourist area, and playing cards and dominoes. The five-year-old still thinks it's a wonderful treat, and the thirteen-year-old would prefer being with his friends but is a good sport about it and always tells us how great it was! Who could ask for anything more?!

Mn Worker

Basketball Camp coach and student, grandson Dominique

There all kinds of ways to earn a living. If you are a good basketball player and good student at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, there's a summer job available at Johnny Tauer's Summer Basketball Camp for boys and girls held on campus each year. This week-long overnight session ended with a demonstration of what the players had learned. The drills, exercises, games, and recreation had kept them busy (with a little mischief thrown in for good measure during limited free time). The demo was well-attended by parents and grandparents.

I'll be gone for the week-end, taking the breeze up in Duluth, Minnesota. See you in a few days!

"We Wear the Mask"

"We wear the mask that grins and lies,
It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,..." Paul Dunbar

How many masks have you worn and what kind do you wear? If I made a list of mine it would include: Physical-make-up, bridal veil, Halloween, masquerade, sunshades, eyeglasses, ski mask, scuba, goggles, surgical, camera,; and, Emotional-Smiles, Frowns, Anger (and these are all that I'll identify!) What does your list look like--do they hide or reveal?

MN Worker

Summer is the prime season to get household tasks and outdoor building jobs completed. Craftsman have been busy up and down my street: completing landscaping, paving driveways, replacing roofs, repairing porches and steps, and myriad other jobs. This fine young man is a friend and co-worker
of this young man!

Nature

I find this tree that is located on the banks of the Mississippi and heavily eroded by the water quite beautiful. It reminds me of another tree which is the banner used by Annie of Little Rock. Both trees survive despite being buffeted by other elements of nature. Humans, too, are often buffeted by elements that we cannot control, and how we survive sometimes is a miracle of nature.

Mn Worker?

A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I wonder if all these fisherman actually eat the fish they pull from the Mississippi. I guess I'd have second thoughts. Maybe I'm just too cautious.

MN Non-worker! Farmers Market

I begin each week-end with a trip downtown to the Farmers' Market, whether I need anything or not. I just like the atmosphere, but we do eat lots and lots of fruit and vegetables during the summer. When I asked if I could take his picture, the man who was patiently waiting for his wife seemed a bit startled. But, when his wife arrived, she congratulated me on my good taste in subjects! Very cool people go to the Market!!

MN Worker

If we had this kind of weather year round and abundant flowers and vegetables I can now find at the Farmers' Market, I would never leave, but..........

Eight Engines!

On the way to the Taste of Minnesota festival on Independence Day, DH and I walked along the Mississippi to watch the river traffic. We noticed 4 train engines pulling some loaded cars of coal. Because there were 4 engines, we knew that the train had to be long, and long it was. We counted 150 cars loaded with coal, with 4 more engines pushing in the rear, for a total of 8 mighty engines. To see two more photos of this train go to ExtraExtra.

Born on the 4th of July!

DH is really getting into the blogging mentality. Yesterday he suggested a much better subject for the 4th of July than the one I had posted. Maggi, our 6-year-old "mongrel" dog, was born on the 4th of July and is of mixed breed. This is similar to the mixed ancestry of most Americans and certainly is parallel with the members in our own small family who can lay claim to African American, Belgian, Dutch, French, German, Irish, Italian, and Native American ancestors. Now that's truly USA!!

4th of July Treat

Devoid of inspiration and not wanting to use any of the standards (flags, bunting) for my 4th of July blog, I asked DH to take me to Lunds to photograph a cake. The light wasn't right and the snaps were really substandard. When he saw the gleam in my eye, he did a quick fade--knowing what I'd do. He didn't stick around when I asked the lovely young clerk to remove the cake from the case and let me include her in my blog. Well, Jim's making progress; he willingly stopped at the super market to get my photo, but he still draws the line when I enlist total strangers. What a guy!!

Peace Car

To see and read more art work and slogans painted on this car click here for Rosa Parks, Ghandi and others.
I found this car parked at a curb in downtown St. Paul by Rice Park. No-one was around to quiz and inquiries of other bystanders yielded no answers. Obviously someone has a message for us. The other messages on the trunk, front of the car and the other side are equally as colourful.

Museum Art! Rogues' Gallery!!

Son Karl

I invite you to view more family pictures that are museum quality, and they are a hoot! Click here right now!

July Theme-RED

ENCORE is my favorite consignment shop. Located on the corner of Hamline and St. Clair Avenues. Jan Boss, the proprietor, is a savvy merchandiser. Come visit--it's worth a shopping trip. More photos? Click here

To visit all the bloggers who are participating this month, check the following:
Shanghai, China - Mumbai, India - New York City (NY), USA - Manila, Philippines - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Hamburg, Germany - Stayton (OR), USA - Los Angeles (CA), USA - Hyde, UK - Oslo, Norway - Brookville (OH), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Stavanger, Norway - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Joplin (MO), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Selma (AL), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Seattle (WA), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Arradon, France - Evry, France - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Boston (MA), USA - Grenoble, France - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Hilo (HI), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - La Antigua, Guatemala - Brisbane (QLD), Australia - Singapore, Singapore - Tel Aviv, Israel - Hong Kong, China - Sequim (WA), USA - Paderborn, Germany - Saarbrücken, Germany - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Tenerife, Spain - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Sydney, Australia - Naples (FL), USA - Cologne (NRW), Germany - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Mainz, Germany - Toruń, Poland - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Singapore, Singapore - North Bay (ON), Canada - Jakarta, Indonesia - Montréal (QC), Canada - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Baziège, France - San Diego (CA), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Ampang (Selangor), Malaysia - New York (NY), USA - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia - Sharon (CT), USA - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Villigen, Switzerland - Chicago (IL), USA - Torquay, UK - Brussels, Belgium - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Paris, France - Seoul, Korea - Manila, Philippines - Milano, Italy - Austin (TX), USA - Chennai, India - Madrid, Spain - Seoul, South Korea - Wailea (HI), USA - Toronto (ON), Canada - Ajaccio, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Zurich, Switzerland - Sydney, Australia - Budapest, Hungary - Moscow, Russia - Auckland, New Zealand - Torino, Italy