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.