M-O-O-N Spells Moon

The moon is shining brightly this evening.  It looks like a full moon, but I guess it isn't officially a full moon until Wednesday.

I didn't think I'd get too much because it was already high in the sky, but with my longest lens and some Photoshop cropping, it turned out pretty decent. 

I especially like the shadows of the craters in the upper and lower left.

Candy Stripe

My Candy Stripe Creeping Phlox is the only Phlox I have with variegated flowers.  They look good enough to eat right now.  I wonder if they taste like candy canes.  Probably not.

Walking around and enjoying all the flowers gives me the "warm fuzzies."

Bleeding Hearts

I have several bleeding heart plants in the yard.  The flowers are so delicate and dainty. 

Oh Dandy Lion

Nothing heralds in Spring like dandelions.  We spend the rest of the growing season trying to eradicate them.  But if you can get past the weed aspect, they are pretty in their own right.

Spring is in the Air

When I came home today, the smell of Spring was overwhelming.  Our Snow Crab trees are in full bloom and most of the Spring flowers are showing their blazing colors.  I just had to start taking pictures!  I will probably do a short series since they are so plentiful right now.

My tulips are almost done, but these variegated ones were putting out one final effort today.

Flowers just seem to have a way of bringing out the best in people.  Last Saturday, a stranger rang our doorbell.  It was a man who lived down the street a few blocks.  He was obviously drunk--smelled to high heaven, could hardly stand up straight, slurred his words, and I think he had some booze from the local liquor store under his arm.  Still, he came to the door and politely asked if he could have a tulip for his granddaughter because it was her birthday.  He could have stole some, but he didn't.  We gave him one of each color and he went happily on his way, with tulips in one hand and booze in the other.  The beauty of God's creation is so obvious, even a drunk man could see it.  I hope they brightened his granddaughter's birthday.

150th Blog

For my 150th blog, I thought a splash of gold would be appropriate.

While I was at the State Capitol on Saturday, I took a quick shot of the shiny gold statues on the capitol building.  I did a search online and found out that this sculptural grouping is called "Progress of the State."  It is in the style of ancient Roman sculptures and everything has a meaning.  The four horses represent earth, air, fire, and water.  The women represent agriculture and industry, and together they represent civilization.  The charioteer represents prosperity.

The statues are steel, covered in copper, and gilded in gold leaf.  They were taken down in 1994 for a yearlong restoration, and they continue to get gold leaf touch-ups as needed.

They sure do shine in the sun!

Bagpipers Piping

Yesterday there was a Tartan Day celebration in front of the State Capitol.  Before Friday night, I had never heard of Tartan Day.  According to information I found online, April 6, 1320, is when the Declaration of Arbroath (the declaration of Scotland's independence) was signed.  Tartan Day is a celebration of that and of Scottish heritage in general.

Even "Nessy" put in an appearance.

It was a beautiful day at the State Capital.

According to the announcer, these two are brothers, ages 4 and 6.  They were having a good time smacking each other and pushing each other around.  I guess boys will be boys, even in kilts.

The Minnesota Police Pipe Band

The Scottish American Military Society

A taste of a "highland fling"

Ever had...

...one of those days?  I think my kitty is having one right now.

Amen

I have a little plastic cross that still manages to glow in the dark, even though I think I got it in Kindergarten, or close to it.  For the past few months I've had it hanging above my computer to remind me, above all, that Jesus never fails.

I know a lot of people going through a lot of things right now,  but Jesus is willing to help you through anything if you ask Him and do what He says.  Sickness, family discord, financial troubles, splintered marriages, pain and suffering, whatever it is, Jesus never fails.

Happy Easter!  He is risen!  He is risen indeed!  JESUS......NEVER......FAILS

Night Views from Raspberry Island

Wednesday, one of my co-workers talked about going and getting some night shots, so I invited myself along.  The water levels have receded since last week, so we were able to get to Raspberry Island with no problems.

The lights were reflecting beautifully on the water and timed exposures left interesting light trails from the passing cars on Shepard Road.

I took a shot through the bandshell with more light trails in the background.

I also took two different shots of the staircase leading from Raspberry Island up to the Wabasha Bridge.  I thought it was so cool looking.  It really looks pretty at night.

Tuf-N-Uf

This one definitely takes the prize as the biggest bike at the show.  It's named "Tuf-N-Uf" and I've never seen a bigger bike in my life.

I'm not sure how well this bike would corner.  That is a behemoth back tire!

Trying to show a little scale here.  That back tire would come up to about chest height.

Another attempt at scale.  With normal size choppers all around it, it really sticks out.

Big Wheels

I think the custom chopper industry is getting some inspiration from the Big Wheel toys of the 70's.  It was definitely a theme at the bike show this year.

This is a ridiculously large, 30" front tire.

All I can say is if you happen to hit a puddle while riding this, you'll end up with a black streak down the middle of your face!

Not sure how big this one is, but at least it has faring to protect your face from road splash.

This one is 26" and has a nice full fender.  Love that blue.