Rainy Day

It started out as a rainy day today, but it has now turned to snow! Has winter finally arrived?

There aren't many Jewish deli's in St. Paul. In fact, Cecil's is the only one I know of. It's no Chompies (the Jewish deli I LOVED when I lived in Phoenix) but it's not bad.

Finally opened and just down the block from my house. How could you ask for more?

After Christmas Glow

All over St. Paul, families are basking in the after Christmas glow. And all over St. Paul garbage bins are overflowing in the after Christmas excess.

Merry Christmas!

Petite Flower received awesome new chrome parts for her motorcycle for Christmas! Hooray! Can't wait for spring. Merry Christmas St. Paul!

I wanna be a dentist!

Hope you are able to enjoy all your holiday favorites this year.

Bucket Full of Gumdrops!

The MOA

Is all dressed up and ready for the holidays.

A Day In The Life of Lucas!

The sun rises over the city.

Nearly one hundred Christmas cards get mailed to family and friends.

A hard day of work was had.









Beautiful neighborhood lights were enjoyed.








A cocktail called The Paris Hilton (with a side of bling)was discovered.




Interesting sights were seen on display.




Beauty was found in the ordinary.

A few more pics of La Cucharacha. I once had some kind pulled pork tacos or something there. They were so good I almost fell out of my chair. But I'm willing to branch out and try new places. Thanks to Kate for the suggestion of El Bravo. We will for sure give it a try.

La Cucaracha

This festive truck was parked outside my favorite local Mexican restaurant, La Cucaracha on Dale & Grand.

Night Lights

My neighborhood looks so dang festive! I love this time of year.

St. Paul prepares for the holidays!

Last One

Last stolen pic from 7 corners. Enjoy!

Sneaky Me

Another clandestine photo snapped on the sly.

Extensions

In trying to be sneaky, I shot without a flash but that makes for slightly blurry pics. My apologies.

And now, a trip through 7 Corners Hardware

Since the dawn of time, 7 Corners Hardware has been providing St. Paul with its building needs. No triple wide aisles or teenaged workers here. The aisles are narrow, the shelves crowded and the workers experienced. Rather than looking for the needed item yourself, it's always better to ask since most likely, it's on a shelf 10 feet high behind 3 other boxes of things you don't need. But they have it all folks! There is a sign that says "No photos" that I really wanted a photo of but it's right near the register so I didn't dare. So the in the days to come, I'll post what I was able to shoot from under my coat. Enjoy and stop by next time you have some building or repair needs.

Mickey's Final Shot

This is the last one and then we'll move on. Promise.

Mickey's Continued

I got several nice shots while at Mickey's so the adventure continues.

Mickey's

I may have posted a picture of Mickey's Diner before, but not a picture I'd taken just after enjoying a stack of blueberry pancakes. Mmmmmmm!

The Balloon Bunch!

Another Grand Avenue shop with Balloon in the name and another shop I've never been in. Someday, when I need a bunch of balloons I'll venture in.

The Red Balloon Book Store

On Grand Avenue. I hear they have a lovely story hour. My Godson's mother takes him there all the time.

Two of my favorite things

Bread & Chocolate on the corner of Grand & Victoria. Owned by the same folks who own Cafe Latte. Yum & Yum!

Mount Zion Temple

On the corner of Summit & Syndicate.

A Minnesota Dairy Queen

Minnesota is where Dairy Queen started so it makes sense that there are so many of them here. It also helps explain why there are big long lines outside them in the summertime (tradition and all that), but I've never seen Dairy Queens close down in the winter like they do here. The first year I saw this Dairy Queen on Lex at 94, I thought, "How sad. It went out of business." But it was right back in business the next year. So now, every winter when I see the DQ all boarded up I just think, "Shhhhh, she's sleeping."

Honk! Honk!

Don't these geese know that it's winter? I would have thought they would have headed south already. Or perhaps these are Canadian Geese and this IS south for them? Hmmmm. Anyway, I found them hanging out at the post office the other morning so I thought I'd take their photo.

Pizza Luce

This construction zone will someday be a Pizza Luce. Why is another pizza joint worth any kind of interest? Because this one is a mere 3 blocks from my house! I can't wait till we can walk a mere 3 blocks knock back a couple of beers and wash them down with a slice of pie. Running into neighbors will be a huge added plus!

My Godson Turns One!

And his mother is quite the creative homemaker. Beer cheese soup. YUM! And his father is quite the talented homebrewer. I was very impressed with the porter. Double YUM!

A little stretch of businesses along Grand at Snelling. Breadsmith, Jamba Juice, Caribou Coffee with lots of locals hanging around socializing.

The Original

I've been told this is the site of the first Green Mill ever. If I wasn't so busy (lazy) I would have done some research to determine the history of this joint, but I'm trusting what I heard. So here it is. Yummy.

Treadle on Grand

While I've never been in, I've always enjoyed their window displays of fabric. Someday I'll venture in.

Memories of Halloween

Eye see you!

Rebel Ink

This little strip of stores is what St. Paul is all about. Locally owned specialty stores with great neighborhood folks running them. While I'm a big fan of Lula, a funky retro clothing store, I am particularly partial to Rebel Ink & Rebel Ink Baby! Specialty T-shirts with saucy sayings and unique designs! They make custom T's too.

I LOVE this sign! Who advertises color TV anymore? This is such a no tell motel and I wonder what goes on there sometimes.

Como Park Conservatory

A friend of mine was just talking about this place yesterday. I know I've posted a picture of it before, but here is a different view. Enjoy.

Dinner at Pazzaluna

Halibut, oh so yummy! And a delightful coffee afterwards.

I apologize to my viewers as I've been forgetful with my camera and need to spend some serious time taking new shots for you all to see. Thanks for the patience.

It's been so cold & damp, I thought this might warm us all up a bit!

And Two Became One

Weddings are always fun. Thanks Adam & Cheryl!

Golden Treasures

Behold! My favorite jewelry store responsible for many of the shiney baubles lovingly bestowed upon me by my husband! (Thanks, babe!) Enjoy personalized service with superior quality? Enjoy locally owned businesses who understand about fantastic customer service? Then Golden Treasures is for you. Located on Grand Avenue, I highly recommend them!

Apartment building on Grand Avenue. I just liked the way the three buildings were lined up.

An Evening in St. Paul

One of my all-time favorite things to do in St. Paul is have dinner with friends. While St. Paul boasts many fine eateries, it's the people that live here who keep this spot firmly planted in my heart.

Fall in Como Park Continues

It's so easy to take gorgeous pictures when nature is providing such amazing subjects.