Mythical Creatures

Next year I'm going to visit Rice Park when the artists are doing the ice carving because I'd like to interview them to discover where each one got the idea and inspiration for their piece. To see how it's done, visit Kim's blog.

FIRE AND ICE

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
Robert Frost

Brrrr!

History In 1885, a New York Times Reporter wrote that Saint Paul was the "Siberia of America" and questioned whether it was fit for human habitation. Offended by this attack on their Capital City, the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce decided to not only prove that Saint Paul was habitable, but that its citizens were very much alive during winter, the most dominant season. Thus was born the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. In 1886, King Boreas I was crowned at the first Winter Carnival. This festival also featured an ice castle -- an elaborate creation made from Minnesota lakes . The Saint paul Winter Carnival, also known as "The Coolest Celebration on Earth," is the nation's oldest and largest winter festival. With many events -- including the breathtaking ice sculptures and parades  -- the Carnival has become a trademark of history, community spirit and togetherness, turning Saint Paul into a winter wonderland in late January. Added Later: BINGO: Go to the following links to see more St. Paul Winter Carnival photos of two other bloggers! Slinger's and Kim's.

Super Bowl

Who dat going to the Super Bowl on February 6, 2011?!

RED FLAG: BIG OOPS! In my enthusiasm because the Packers are going to the Bowl, I'm afraid that my message is misleading.  The logo on the hat refers to the team going to the Bowl again, not I.  Don't  I wish?! Please know that I will be watching the game on television in the comfort of my own home.  Rather than pull the post, I hope this explanation will clear it up.  Go Packers!!

A Little Prickly!

How'd you like to climb this tree?!

Vigilant He Stands

In another part of the Conservatory, you can meet St. Francis who oversees many of the plants, fountains and koi. Although he seems a bit worse for wear,  he remains vigilant.

ABC WEDNESDAY -"B"- BEST BUDDIES

I don't often post more than one photo for ABC WEDNESDAY,  but I couldn't resist today.  On Monday I spent some time and had a delightful chat with these two young women whom I taught when they were in 7th grade.  It has been fun watching them grow and mature.  It was also lots of fun reminiscing about the past and their shenanigans. Both of them have done great things with their professional and personal lives and have beautiful families.


To see more ABC WEDNESDAY post, click here.

ABC WEDNESDAY'S "B"-BENCH

After following me around the Sunken Garden, you probably would like to rest, perhaps to watch the fish around the statue,  Play Day, that I showed you on Sunday, January 23rd.

To see more ABC Wednesday posts from around the world, click here.

SUPER BOWLS: I (1/14/67), II (1/14/68), XXI (1997), XLV (2011-??)

 Curly Lambeau

 Bart Starr

 Vince Lombardi

 Former Greats

Brett Favre

Our Hero, Aaron Rodgers

Play Days

Because this is probably my favorite statue in the Conservatory, I often photograph her and have posted her on my blog on two different occasions. Located in the Sunken Garden at the Como Park Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, “Play Days” is a 1925 sculpture by Harriest Frishmuth.  “Play Days” is a nude probably modeled after the dancer Desha Delteil. The “Play Days” figure is tentatively testing the water where four frogs are spouting water and real goldfish swim in the pool.

It’s a playful and graceful sculpture, which matches its surroundings. Children consistently gather at the figure’s feet, trying to get as close to the goldfish as possible.

The Sunken Garden

The Sunken Garden not only has the seasonal plants on display but permanent trees and shrubs add to the decor. In addition to the flowers, there are places to rest and reflect upon the environment as well.  Don't be impatient; I'll show you my favorite sculpture tomorrow.

Holiday Display

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory (0.5 acres) in Como Park was first opened in 1915, and is open every day of the year. It includes gardens and galleries, one of which is the Sunken Garden that has seasonal displays of flowers. Follow this path and I'll show you more treasures.
**************
Here's flowers for you;     [Poinsettias,too!]
Hot lavender, mints, savoury, marjoram;
The marigold, that goes to bed wi' the sun
And with him rises weeping: these are flowers
Of middle summer, and I think they are given
To men of middle age.
The Winter's Tale (4.4.122-7)

Como Park Conservatory

  Como Park has many attractions. Come back tomorrow and I'll show you some of them.

ABC Wednesday-"A"- ABUNDANCE of Cheese Choices

Take your pick.  If you can't find a cheese that interests you, hop over to your closest cheese shop or super market and ask for some help ASAP.Click here, if you wish to see more ABC Wednesday photos posted by bloggers from around the world.

Let there be light!

This is one of the many light fixtures suspended from the ceiling at the Ikea store.  I've only been there twice, and I'm not sure what I think about it. It certainly is popular so their merchandise must appeal to a large number of people.  I particularly like the Marketplace where we bought pickled herring, lots of delightful jams, and swedish meatballs. Came home and made mushroom-swedish meatball soup.  Was missing something, tho; need to keep experimenting. If you shop at one of their stores, what do you like or dislike about Ikea?

Camera Critters-Beseeching for the Outcome! (Repost)

Looking heavenward, my loyal friend, Maggi, seems to be beseeching for the correct outcome of tonight's game with the Atlanta Falcons.

"The Green Bay Packers never lost a football game.  They just ran out of time."

Vince Lombardi (American Football Coach, national symbol of single-minded determination to win.1913-1970)

To see more camera critters, stop by here.


ADDED LATER: 48-21 ain't bad!  Go Pack!!

                          "The Green Bay Packers never lost a football game.  They just ran out of time."

 Vince Lombardi (American Football Coach, national symbol of single-minded determination to win.1913-1970)

127- DODGE AND DUCK!

Sighted this latest casualty resting on the boulevard on the corner of Summit and Fairview Avenues.  No-one was around but it's safe to assume that the driver lost control, even though the conditions were not too bad the day I snapped this.  Not a laughing matter for the driver, but I couldn't help but be amused by the license plate and the make of the car.

Not from Wisconsin!

Last Monday Molly, another St. Paul blogger,  identified a cheese and sandwich shop on Grand Avenue that I had never visited, despite making weekly stops at Breadsmith next door.  I checked it out and met both Blyth and Steve, very personable folks who were behind the counter.  I'll be back to taste not only the cheese, but to sample the sandwiches, too. Oh, yes, I also bought some cheese on this first trip to the store.

"How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?"  Charles De Gaulle 

ABC WEDNESDAY-"Z"

A ZILLION SPOTS/DOTS-ABC WEDNESDAY "Z"

Aren't these beautiful paintings?!

All of these paintings are by artist, Farida Hughes, on  exhibit
in the Harry M. Drake Gallery at
St Paul Academy and Summit School
(where I used to teach in the English department)


To see more ABC posts from bloggers throughout the world, click here.

A New Beginning

This is my old-stock-in-trade photo for the beginning of a new year.  


"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves." 
Bill Vaughan

The Holiday Spirit Lives!-Camera Critters Saturday

This rabbit is a favorite of children and passersby.  In the summer children climb all over it,  but in the cold winter months,  it's left alone except for some revelers with holiday spirit. To see more camera critters posted by bloggers from around the globe, click here.