Wildflowers by the Bay

Butterfly Milkweed. Wildflowers.

"June prairie is incomplete without the vivid presence of Butterfly Milkweed. This outstanding member of the Asclepiadaceae, or Milkweed family, may be found from New England to Utah and south to Arizona, Texas and Mississippi. It is unique in not having milky sap, as do other members of the genus."

These lovely flowers are blooming along Grays Bay. I'm no sap either.
Not the best shots. It was overcast on my "way in". I will try again tomorrow.

Whats up dock?

On the Anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn

"The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand and, by the Indians involved, as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, was an armed engagement between combined forces of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho people against the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. The battle, which occurred on June 25 and 26, 1876 near the Little Bighorn River in eastern Montana Territory, was the most famous action of the Great Sioux War of 1876." - Wikipedia



Above: Powder Face, 1870. Arapaho Chief and member of the "Spear Society", Warriors who never retreated in Battle.

At the Wayzata Art Experience, Pirate Jack Sparrow

His card Say: "Hire me for all your pirate needs".

After a brief chat with Jack Sparrow, the Pirate I wandered through the Wayzata Art Experience. Mingled among the artsts were some painters actively painting on wooden easels. I noticed that one woman was using the very same easel I have at home, but the similarities end there. I rubbed my chin like Brain Keith and ambled on.

Highwater on Minnetonka

Only a small fishing boat with the crew ducking all the way, will slip under the Carson's Bay Bridge today. Further along the line, Minnehaha Creek, at the Burwell House. is rushing along to the mighty Mississippi.

The muffin man.

Do you know the muffin man
the muffin man
the muffn man
do you know the muffin man
that lives on Dury Lane?

18th Century England, local bakers went door to door selling daily baked muffins.

My wife looked at the bunch of black and over-ripe bananas in the kitchen and quipped to me. “Either you make something with those or they go today”.

Yes I know the muffin man
the muffin man
the muffn man
Yes, I know the muffin man
he lives on Dury Lane.

In Purgatory Park 3 years ago today

A visit to Excelsior's Art on the Lake 2012

The temperature was hovering around 90. I walked the rows of tents at the Art on the Lake. I recognized a few artists. The heat kept the number of pets down, but the Lake sparkled with boats of all types.

I purchased a very small piece of salt- fired ceramic, from an artist whose worked had a bit of Wiccan imagery. She illustrated how she tossed salt onto the ceramics before firing at a very high temperature.





Here is The Gateway to the Excelsior Commons, the Port of Excelsior. A young woman poses by the Lady of the Lake Tour Boat. I piggybacked on another photographer's shot.



My "Best Pet" award goes to Guinness. A real charmer.



My Best Fish Award goes to these wonderful leaded glass fish.



Steve Paler recieves my "Most Lakeworthy" award for his blown glass, and looking a bit like Hemmingway.





By Harlin

It happened one Sunday Morning

Walking the dog at 6am on Sunday I saw a small crowd concerned gathered around the Cottagewood General Store. I wandered down. An old tree had just "given way" to age and tumbled down onto a fence and power lines. Within the hour Xcel Energy workers were on the scene to cut the tree away from the power lines. As the day progressed the weighty trunk and branches were cut and carted away....

An Old Bench In Thorpe Park Revisited

The weathered bench sets along the path by the little pond. The inscription reads:
"In Loving memory of Mary Woodley Sorensen. 1919-1984. From her many friends."

Art On the Lake In Excelsior approaches (June 9, 10)

Artist Ron Benson of Duluth shows off a glass mermaid. 2011 "Most Lakeworthy"



Another view to the lake through a tent.

I plan another excursion to "Art on the Lake", where I will wander around and again award my own "Imaginary Awards". That is because the artist(s) receive nothing, and in fact, in most cases do not even know they have received one.

My categories are:

1. Most Lakeworthy
2. Best large painting
3. Personal favorite (best overall)
4. Best fish
5 Best, Best pet - while I am there.
6. NEW! 3D

Toonie - the movie. Guest staring Rocky

Woof Stock

The question is this: Is the pet the psychic, or is it a person who gives pets "readings"?