¡Adiós Amigos!

!I am leaving on a jet plane! I'll be in México for just one week, but I will be so happy to get there.

While I am away, visit me at my Mazatlán blog.

Therapy Pets at the Library!

Wendy was one of 10 dogs that went to college Thursday night!  St. Thomas University on the St. Paul campus provided space and treats for therapy dogs (plus rabbits and cats in a different area of the library) during mid-term and final exams to give students a little down time during the exam period. Happy faces on humans and canines abound!

Truly a Winter Wonderland

My world today is truly a winter wonderland.  I awakened before daybreak and was rewarded with a white landscape of unbelievable beauty!

International Women's Day, March 8, 2019

Yesterday was so much fun! Polar Explorer Ann Bancroft (standing behind me) was the speaker at the annual Women's Day program at St. Thomas University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Students, staff, and community (me!) volunteers representing the Luann Dummer Center for Women on campus are gathered above to celebrate the day. Ann's address that featured videos and photos of her explorations was well-received by a full audience. Not only an intrepid explorer, Ann Bancroft is an environmentalist, writer and teacher. "No Horizon is So Far" is the book of Liv Arnesen and Ann's extraordinary journey across Antarctica. Buy the book; it's an inspiring read!!

Monday Mural of the Mississippi

A mural seen in the lobby of St Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota with one of the many bridges spanning the Mississippi River.

Without the use of my good camera the overhead light marred the concrete support arch of the bridge,  but the scene captured the interest of the young people. I thought it an unusual mural in a hospital setting.

Linking to Monday Mural, https://sami-colourfulworld.blogspot.com

The Wonders of Winter Wonderland

Earlier this month, I lamented the lack of moisture this winter because of the negative impact it could have on the farm families and agriculture. After the last few days, my worrries are over.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring to the Midwest?

Guest photographer, son Karl took our photo.

Warming up after a romp in the snow! Wild Wendy is the BEST Therapy dog!

Through rain, sleet, or snow!

 "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds" 

See what you are missing, Snowbirds! Jim, our mailman had one day of rest last week, but carried on the rest of the time.  Yesterday was a bit challenging!

A Sojourner in Life

I took this photo several weeks ago before Minnesota winter weather arrived. I love it because both he and I share the need for a walking stick as we traverse the terrain. I find that the staff's length offers greater stability over unsafe or rugged ground.  Which reminds me, I haven't
 been on a good hike for a long time.  Time to get moving if I want to  become a sojourner in life!

Red tailed Hawk; Favorite Photo of Previous Year, 2018

I saw this beauty looking like a statue on a neighbor's fence post.  Investigating by leaping out of my car to photograph the bird, it allowed me to get within 5 feet as it watched while I slowly advanced, snapping photos. I was thrilled to make its acquaintance!

Happy New Year!

Ring out the old, Ring in the new !!

X-mas Fantasy

This car stopped me in my tracks; I love the bright yellow color.  To me it is far more eye-appealing than my conservative, gray SUV, and I would love to tool around town in it. My fantasy is to get it as a Christmas gift.  Fat chance since my husband is far more conservative than I!! I used "Xmas" because it is the alphabet letter for this week for ABC Wednesday, and since I haven't been to that site recently,  I can use the photo for both X and Y (next week). Back to the car: I have been told that as one ages, conservatism takes over.  Wrong in my case because my approach to life has been even more liberal than before!! Don't you think I would love this car?!
Linking to ABC WEDNESDAY

A Christmas Bovine!

Some people get Christmas bonuses, our neighborhood gets a Friendly Neighborhood Cow, all dressed for the holidays.  The children in the neighborhood watch for its attire whenever there is a holiday.  Amuses the adults, too!
If you'd like to see her celebrate the 4th of July, click here.

A Mural/Poster

When driving in unfamiliar areas, many new and interesting sights can be seen.  I visited a friend in Minneapolis recently and noticed this unusual old, faded and a bit tattered poster on a wall of a building on 38th and Cedar. The image is quite arresting given our climate change debate plus the large Native American population that lives in Minneapolis. One can view this photo in many different ways, and I speculate that we could have a great conversation about the possibilities of interpretation.
Linking to Monday Murals

A Mural/Billboard

Although it appears to be  a billboard, it is attached to the side wall of a local business and gives the "feeling" of a mural. Much better than appearing on the roof of business establishments, don't you think?  It certainly is appropriate for the season. Happy Holidays, Scrooge!

Linking to Monday Mural

Naptime

Granddaughter napping with Uncle's dog, Lexi

Our house must be pretty boring since  sleeping seems to be the preferred activity!!

Linking to Saturday's Critters

The Season Has Begun

While driving to Trader Joe's yesterday, on Edgcumbe Road near the corner of Eleanor I saw this

 créche in a front yard of a home. On one errand, I found I could feed both my body and soul during this holiday season.

Who's the Artist?

This photo represents just a small portion of a very large wall mural in the Pajarito, a restaurant in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is an obvious nod to el dia de los muertos since it is billed as a Mexican restaurant, so that would make sense as an image for Day of the Dead. Intrigued I asked two of the employees for the name of the artist, but neither of them was able to provide me with the information. I guess I'll just have to return to do some more research and eat a bit more of their delicious food.

Linked to Monday Mural

Sigh! Another season begins!

I know that the weather in other parts of our country is much more severe, but I think I am already tired of this weather, and it has just begun.  Guess an attitude change is in order!

December, 2018 Theme Day-JOY!

JOY

Scandanavian costumes for dolls

The European Christmas Market is in its fifth year in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The many booths offered merchandise representing typical items from a variety of European cultures that surely will  bring joy both to gift giving and receiving. Vendors offered handcrafted items such as hand-knit mittens, hats, scarves, sweaters, gorgeous  ornaments and pottery--just to name a few of the many items for sale. 

The vendors responsible for the doll dresses cheerfully posed for me. If you are interested in "Debbie's Doll Dresses, click here.