Unusual Bat!

I  hope that none of the Trick or Treaters run into this strange bat on their rounds tonight. 

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Protective Vests #2

With protective arm covering, a police officer demonstrates how the dogs are trained to apprehend criminals.  Because most people are right handed, the protective covering is used on the trainee's right arm and the dogs are trained to attack the right arm.  Looks a little scary, doesn't it?  Thank goodness for these dogs who really need the safety of those protective vests.  We were told that the dogs are imported primarily from eastern Europe, especially the Czech Republic because that's where the "good bloodlines are."  Earlier in August another policeman and his dog came to our neighborhood block party and the photos there demonstrate their gentle side, esp with childre.  Some of the police dogs are outdoor dogs, but many of their human partners to whom they are assigned keep them in their home where the dogs are an integral part of the family.  There is a strong attachment between the policeman and the canine partner.

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Protective Vests-ABC Wednesday "P"

 Recently a combined demonstration and fund raiser to get more money to buy protective vests for Twin City metropolitan police dogs was held in our neighborhood.  Because some of these loyal and hardworking canines have been seriously injured (some have died) by criminals with knives and other deadly weapons, protective vests are essential.  The purchase price is costly. . . $950.00.

A wonderful young man, Jim, a beautician at Euphoria arranged for the demonstration and the Salon donated yummy snacks and refreshments as well as a silent auction and a raffle for 6 hair appts. Jim donated 5% of his income that day toward the purchase of a vest(s). Patrons were generous and the result was fantastic.  If you  would like to learn more about this national effort and to make a tax deductable donation go here. .  .  . PRONTO!
Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Linked to ABC WEDNESDAY

Saturday Farmer's Market

Even late Saturday morning the Farmer's Market was busy (and chilly!) a week ago.  I passed on the pumpkins but bought millet seed for our parrot, and squash, radishes, beets, scallions, and tomatoes for us. Yum! You haven't lived 'til you've eaten beet greens! Great meals this past week!

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Do it yourself?

Rather than have the shop give this piece of furniture a new look, would you rather do it yourself? It just might be i
an interesting winter project.

Reminder:  November 1st Theme Day photo is : Heights. 

Ukrainian Pyrohys

The November issue of the Minnesota Monthly magazine identified little known places for some good food.  The century old Ukrainian parish of St. Constantine in northeast Minneapolis serves traditional pirogis in the school cafeteria on Fridays each September through April.  Wanting to taste this ethnic food, DH and I went there yesterday and were impressed with the number of people being served by a large group of volunteers.  René who has belonged to the parish all her life explained the food and served
us with a smile.






I had tasted pirogis in the USSR, and these are similar in appearance and texture, although one of the servers said that theirs are definitely superior to the Russians' pirogis! If you are not familiar with them, they are doughy half-moon  dumplings stuffed with potatoes, sauerkraut, and prunes., or anything else, I imagine. Frozen pirogis (which they call "pyrohy") are available to take out with instructions on how to cook them.

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Before and After

Same tree
 Before taken on September 20th and After snapped on October 21.

 Sad, isn't it?

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Halloween

My neighbors really enjoy Halloween!

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

A Carpet of Leaves

Overnight Nature left a carpet of leaves! 

Reminder:  The theme day for November is "Heights."

Oh, No! Eddie's Missing-ABC Wednesday "O"

I saw this sign posted on a busy street corner and doubled back to check it out.  Eddie is sorely missed and his owners desperately want to find him.  Hope that the sign helps.  Eddie, go home!!


The November 1 theme for City Daily Photo bloggers is "Heights."

Linked to ABC WEDNESDAY

Ghosts and Goblins!

Ghosta

Get Ready for Ghosts and Goblins!
The November 1 theme for City Daily Photo bloggers is "Heights."

A gazebo?

Historic Summit Avenue has many beautiful and imposing old houses lining the street.  Last September I showed you a fancy gate and unusual fence (here and here) surrounding one of the homes. Recently I found a way to check inside the property and discovered this sculpture and benches.  Pretty fancy and rather small for a gazebo, but I don't know how else to label it.  Whatever it is called, it is unusual, but that's Summit Avenue!!

The November 1 theme for City Daily Photo bloggers is "Heights."

A Little Much?

A Bit Overwhelming?

The November 1 theme for City Daily Photo bloggers is "Heights."

I'm Back!

 Many thanks to all my cyber friends who visited this blog while I was feeling "under the weather."

Unlike today's rainy and gloomy weather, here is a photo of a recent and very quiet morning in St. Paul.  Few cars on the freeway but sunny and bright with fall edging toward winter.  Below is the unsupported marble dome of the Capitol with the four golden horses representing earth, air, fire, and water. The building was designed by Cass Gilbert who modeled it after the Basilica in Rome. and the dome is the second largest in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Wikipedia has a complete description of the  Capitol building; if interested, go here.

Close-up of the horses is credited to Wikipedia

Sabbatical

Until I get a medical solution to my neck pain, I will not be posting my photos or visiting your blogs on a regular basis.  I cannot find a position to type without pain.  But, I'll be back!!  Sooner than later I hope.

Well-known Marathoner

Didn't realize when I took his photo that this runner is well-known.  Later I found a previous interview with him on You Tube

To my blogging friends, I haven't been commenting on your posts for awhile because of a difficult  neck issue, making the typing after just a few minutes pretty painful despite some pain killers.  I'm following your posts, though!  I've pre-scheduled a few photos and hope that they won't run out before this issue is resolved.  Happy blogging, everyone.

Runners-Marathon #3

Special Categories

...And Here's Ben!-Marathon #2

Parents Waiting for Ben to Arrive

32nd Twin City Marathon

12,000 runners hit the road Sunday, beginning in Minneapolis and ending at the Capitol building in downtown
St.Paul for the 26.2 mile  Twin  City Marathon.

Minnesota Worker #6

Whenever I return to the school where I used to teach I make it a point to see Karen, one of the staff members who make the cafeteria work well.  I am always rewarded with a hug and a happy greeting from this hard-working woman who has been serving the students, staff and faculty for the past several decades. About 12 years ago her grand-daughter was the Olympic goalie on the USA Women's Hockey team, and it was a happy time for her and her admirers.  Recently I attended an evening function, and, of course, Karen was taking care of all the folks who were there for class reunions. . . working during the day and putting in extra hours on the week-end. Proud to know this Minnesota Worker!