NO, this is not St. Paul, but I was on the way to St. Paul when I took it. That counts, right?

This is just two blocks away from my house on Selby but I never noticed it before. I love the entrance to this apartment building.

Fall has officially arrived

It arrived so fast that the grass is still green.

My favorite spot on Summit

I love this little hideaway home squeezed in between two much bigger homes on Summit. I love that it is kept from view by these big bushes. I love that it is a tall & narrow house so that it can fit in the thin lot. I love the mystery of it all and if I could pick a home to live in on Summit, this might just be my pick.

The Governer's Mansion

Located on Summit near Lexington and often the site of gatherings, protests, newcasts, etc.

Look up to the dormer windows and see the blue umbrella that is closed? There is a little patio up there with a table, chairs and umbrella. What a fun place to have a cocktail at sunset!

Finally, We Tour Summit Avenue!

After promising this tour for over a month, we have finally arrived. Admittedly not my best photography but hopefully, you will enjoy. Reaching from Mississippi River Boulevard to the Cathedral of Saint Paul, stately Summit Avenue showcases the country's longest span of Victorian homes. This tree-lined avenue includes the Governor's Mansion, Fitzgerald’s townhouse and the "Empire Builder" James J. Hill's spectacular mansion

Midway

The Midway area of St. Paul has lots of fun old buildings and signs. Here is one of my favorites.

Summer is over

I know we are all thinking it but no one really wants to be the one to say it out loud, but summer is over. Fall is approaching. The signs are everywhere. This sign decorates my back gate.

Last Day

Today is the last day of the fair. Sigh. I only ventured out one time this year as opposed to my usual two or three times so I'm a little sad. But not to worry, because the Great Minnesota Get Together will be back next year, with more fun sights, smells, sounds and tastes for all!

Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Who doesn't love Princess Kay? Especially when her head is carved in butter! The gals who compete for the Princess Kay are all girls who either live or work on farms and are familiar with how important dairy is to our fair state!

Below is the Midwest Dairy Association's description of Princess Kay:
The young woman who serves as Minnesota's state dairy princess wears the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way, a name selected in a Department of Agriculture contest over fifty years ago. Princess Kay is crowned each August the night before the opening of the Minnesota State Fair, and she makes appearances not only during the Fair's 12 day run, but all year long.

Here is a bit about this years winner, the 53rd Princess Kay:
St Paul, Minn.– Audrey Mohr, New Ulm, representing Brown County, was crowned the 53rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony at the State Fairgrounds Aug. 23. As Princess Kay, Mohr will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy industry representing approximately 5,400 dairy farmers.

One of Mohr’s first duties as Princess Kay is to sit in a rotating cooler for nearly eight hours on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter. The butter is made in Minnesota at Associated Milk Producers, Inc. of New Ulm.On each remaining day of the fair, another Princess Kay finalist will have her own likeness sculpted out of butter. Fairgoers can find the butter sculptures on display in the Empire Commons building.

Throughout her year-long reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Mohr will make public appearances to educate consumers about dairy farmers’ commitment to providing wholesome milk and dairy products and caring for their animals and the land.

Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, personality and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. The Midwest Dairy Association-Minnesota Division sponsors the Princess Kay program with funds provided by dairy farmers.

Oh I wish I were an.........

Oscar Mayer Weiner!!!!! Yes folks, it's the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile! Here, one young fairgoer tries her hand at singing the Oscar Mayer theme song. Some lucky children may actually be offered commercial spots based on these auditions. It was fun to see the weinermobile up close and listen to the off key singing of the kids.

Mmmmmmmmmmm

This is what really torments me. I can see that someone got a taste, but not me! Maybe I could convince the blue ribbon winner to come over some Saturday and bake up a storm just for me? Wishful thinking, I know but a girl can dream, can't she?