Rumblings from behind in Wayzata

I got out of my purple Beetle and postioned myself to take a sleepy morning shot of Talbots and the Caribou Cofee's glowing storefront. I snapped a few shots, then heard a rumbling from behind. I turned to hear and watch the train whistle and thunder by me on its way west... as so many have done for so long. So much a part of Wayzata.
James J. Hill Days are next weekend.

Minnesota State Fair - the year of Pig.

Overheard: "I gotta get me some of that chocolate covered bacon"
Or how about some "Fat bacon on a stick"

Oh, by the way, here are the prices I encountered:
Parking: $10. Foot long - $4, Ostrich on a stick $4(encountered not incurred), adult admisssion $11, Buttered popcorn, small $3.75.

Foot Long.
"We make our own dough"

A lot of Purple at the Landscape Arboretum

394 under construction

I have rarely seen such a dangerous merging point. You twist your head to the left and crane your neck to look back and measure your chances of surviving the merge onto 394 from the ramp leaving Wayzata Boulevard. It is a life and death 45 degree entry with about 10 yards before you are in 60 mph highway traffic. But ignorance is bliss, you cannot see the traffic behind because your view is obscured by a large construction sign. You just cross your fingers and punch it.

BigFoot on Minnetonka

A change in media policy has found "BigFoot"; AKA - Yedi, Sasquatch, or Abominable Snowman, with a new public realations styling. The previous elusive photographic format has changed to a proactive format in which BF is now actively seeking photo ops.
In this case I was merely shooting a tranquil bay scene, only to be interupted by a camera crazed Big Foot.

Today's sign - animal lamina

Crossing, but in different directions.

An August morning on Carson's Bay

A very light mist rising from the bay. The shortening daylight hours.... I have taken this shot many times, but another Summer shot before Autumn sets in.

At the Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen, surrounded by sage and wildfowers, I stop and take a shot of a stenciled yellow leaves. Reality.

Red and Green

Suspenders

Spasso

My first dining excursion to "Spasso", the new italian restaurant at Highway 101 and Minnetonka Boulevard. Spasso replaces the Lakewinds Co-op, that previously occupied the corner location. (Lakewinds now is a few doors down in the old Coopers location). Coopers is gone.
I have always been drawn to the Spasso sign. and the warm simplicity of the inline lighted type.... the inviting wooden doors. I had stopped a few times in passing (when they were not open) to see if they post a menu, but they do not. - So, on a sunny Saturday we stopped in to share a few dishes and try a little "Spasso" - Their slogan is "Come as you are". We did. We split a salad and a side, and were pleased with the food and our very attentive service.

Bleu flank steak and onion salad

Safron risotto
We sat outside in the warm August sun. It was a caucaphony of automotive sounds accompanied by a flashing semifore as we watched the world spin by at the crossroads of two busy avenues.

Friday am, Gray's Bay looking west

Sunrise and a quarter to....

Sunrise and a quarter to....

Flowers abound!

I've got a tiger by the tail!

Scenes from The Twin City Polo Classic 2008

Fledgling polo players paraded past spectaors for their review.



Pony rides were avaialabe for the youngsters.

Hats! These ladies lounged in director's chairs and enjoyed the Equine spectacle.


One of the most impressive and fun displys of face painting... I am going to do it next year.

Twin Cities Polo Club 2008 - a charity event for children' s cancer research.

As we pulled up to the Twin City Polo Classic we were asked if we had VIP Parking. I smiled at the young female volunteer. We were driving a 10 year old Dodge Minivan. What were the chances?

We cruised around and joined the hoi paloi in regular parking. We strolled across the field into the Childrens Cancer Fund Charity event.
Even though the day was windy and overcast, it was a very lively Equestrian expericnce.
I will be posting many fun shots, and writing more tomorrow.
Stay tuned. Women's Hat contest winners, face painters and of course Polo and equestiran shots abound.