Minnetonkascenes

Internment and war refugees 1862

2012-01-29T20:05:00.001-08:00

The shot above is the only photograph known, according to "Historic Minnesota", of the Indian war of 1862. It was shot by refugee Adrian Ebell.

In 1862 war broke out between the Dakota Sioux and the United States. The war lasted 6 weeks. It took place during the American Civil War, or "The War Between the States".
I have read personal accounts of the war, with graphic descriptions. It is a seldom visited era in American History, for many reasons.

For Jack Jablonski

2012-01-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

"Injured Benilde-St. Margaret's hockey player Jack Jablonski is ready to begin the next phase in his recovery from an incident that left him paralyzed.
Jack is leaving Hennepin County Medical Center on Monday and moving to Sister Kenny Rehabilitation at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
Jablonski has shown improvement in movement in his hands and arms, a development that wasn't necessarily expected by doctors after it was discovered that his spinal cord had been severed." Minneapolis Tribune

These articles were being sold at the Pond hockey tournament for Jack's benefit.
Pond hockey is growing in popularity for its emphasis on skating and stick handling and de-emphasis on checking and slapshots. Fighting is retained in both versions.

A Visit to The North American Pond Hockey Championship

2012-01-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

It wasn’t until Sunday Afternoon that I visited the Pond Hockey Championships at the Bayview Center. Gutless wonder that I am, I was a scared away by the sub zero temperatures of Friday and Saturday and the thin glaze of snow. But I wandered out onto the tacky ice surface at about 1pm, to wander amidst the participants and an array of mono-pod toting professional photographers.
It was an active scenes with lines of skaters changing on the fly and a flurry of youths being towed across the ice by ATVs.

The Red Knights of St. Johns wearing orange.

North American Pond Hockey 2012

2012-01-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

The Pond Hockey North America Championship 2012- Lake Minnetonka will be a cold one this weekend. Coldest for the spectators.
I am going to wander over and hope I don't freeze my lens off.

I have noticed more kids playing hockey and skating outdoors in recent years. There was a time when most kid rented time in an arena and the outdoor rinks were empty. It is the economy? I do not know, but the pond hockey tournament pits the players against the elements as well as the opposition.

Christmas Lake Monument, Chanhassen

2012-01-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

Contemporary Celts.

You can see it openly from Highway 7. A Celtic-looking monument setting in a little pine grove. Above it is a rustic fire pit and circular stone enclosure. The romantic sees gatherings of Minnetonka druids pitching offerings into a fire. The realist sees discarded Kool cigarette packages and empty packets of energy gel. Still, it is primitive, and tucked off the dark side of Radisson Inn Road and Highway 7.

The Monument for Christmas Lake - which cannot be seen from this location.
It reads:
"Named for Charles W. Christmas, first county surveyor of Hennepin County, Elected in 1852, who platted the original town site of Minneapolis for John H. Stevens and Franklin Steele. Christmas Lake and Lake Minnetonka now occupy what in pre-glacial times was part of the Misssissippi River junction with the pre-glacial Minnesota River."

Howdy. Scenes from a Hopkins antique shop.

2012-01-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

The relationship among Howdy Doody, Clairabelle the Clown, and Flub-a-dubb has always been a tenuous one. Sometimes strained, they put forth a good show for their public.
Behind the scenes, as Clairabelle pulls back the psychological curtain, we find a childlike Howdy. Woodenly optimistic, Howdy has deep-rooted fears. He remembers the fate of his "Doppelgänger Howdy", who disappeared with Frank Paris in 1947, never to be seen again.
Today Buffalo Bob is nowhere to be found. Often a missing, father he shows up on weekends to take center stage.
Flub-a-dub displays an erratic nature that can be attributed to clinical schizophrenia. After all, he/she is a composite of 8 others.

Excelsior remembered - The White House

2012-01-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

The White House

"Looking up at the White House in Excelsior. It was located on Lake and Water Street site of Haskell's now (2011). The first building on the bluff at the southeast corner of Water and Lake Streets was the Jenkins House built in 1866. In 1872 the old Jenkins House was rebuilt by son Grant Jenkins into a two-story frame house with room for 30 people. It was owned by a Mrs. Simpson and was called the Simpson House until confusion with the new Sampsion House a few years later led them to rename it the White House. In 1921 The Woman's Club of Minnetonka bought it and called it their Community House and prepared one room for a public library. In 1929 the Minnetonka Woman's donated the White House to the Minnesota Sunshine Society which converted it into a home for the aged. In 1946 the building was razed. The hill it was on was also leveled for commercial buildings."
Taken From: 'Lake Minnetonka's Historic Hotels'

Today:

Life on ice.

2012-01-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

The ninth of January and only pedestrians traverse the thin ice of Lake Minnetonka. Temperatures in the 40s. The dedicated fishermen drag their ice augers and fishing equipment out on sleds. The sun is warm. The fish are biting.

Your name here @ 7 Hi

2012-01-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

Located in the corner of the Target Superstore parking lot on highway 10, near Highway 7, is a blank building. Once it was a Blockbuster Video Store, now it sets, recently renovated and waiting for an identity. I wonder what it will be.
It is a very easy-access and high visiblilty location. Blockbuster just suffered the fates of the ever changing video marketplace. Brick and mortar no more.
By the appearance the space is being prepared for multiple shops.

A little house by the lake

2012-01-05T05:09:00.000-08:00

Deephaven Beach. Sunny at at sunset this Sunday. A little alliteration. I am a little giddy here in TonkaLand as the temperatures continue to soar into the 40s.

Lake Minnetonka Polar plunge 2012

2012-01-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

At jump time it was a balmy 27 degrees fahrenheit. This is 40 or 45 degrees warmer than other Polar Plunges I have attended. It lacked the intensity and urgency for the participants, who in previous years shot out of the water into the warming rooms with singleness of purpose. I visited briefly, strolling in from the Lake Minnetonka Trail where a fire engine was blocking the path. No fires were encountered.

Running shoes seemed were sported by most participants. No Air Jordans.

Now Hiring. Wayzata Boulevard at 6am.

2011-12-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

Will the warmth dilute the plunge?

2011-12-27T05:14:00.000-08:00

Minnesotans are accustomed to greeting each other with "Cold enough for you?", "How was your drive in?" or " F'n freezing". It is not really a complaint as much as an obligatory admission of reality.

Not this season. the trails are clear, the sun is out and the ice is thin. Oh, you see a few autos being pulled for the icy depths, but not many. Even the foolish have their limits. It is warm.
"
But I am apprehensive. Will the "Polar Plunge" be a balmy bath? There is no snow to speak of, so my traditional photographic excursion's success may hinge on a cold snap.

A scene from last year....actually this year day 1. A founder takes a plunge.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

Looking out onto Lafayette Bay

2011-12-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

This is actually a subtle reference to the fact that the original Lafayette Club, owned by James Hill, burned down in the 1890s.

Tonka Bay

2011-12-19T05:36:00.001-08:00

5 fitness facts for men

2011-12-15T05:32:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the “mommalicious blog” I have decided to write my own 5 rules for men at the health club.

1. STAND CLEAR WHILE MACHINE IS IN OPERATION

2. An attractive woman within 10 ft. of a man lifting weights, will cause him to instinctively increase his weights by 15 percent.

3. If you cannot bench 300 lbs, sit at the bench with the weights, wipe your forehead, and act tired.

4. “No pain, no gain” and “Feel the burn” are moot and ineffective techniques after 50.

5. Grunting, moaning and groaning while lifting should be restricted to the qualified. This rule applies to men only.

A healthy dose of reality is always required.

Jurassic politics

2011-12-14T05:24:00.000-08:00

On thin ice

2011-12-12T05:20:00.000-08:00

I was surprised by the activity on the lake, with only a thin covering of ice glazing the bays. But the sportsmen and adventurous were out, skating, fishing and taking their fates in their own muklucks.
Excelsior Bay was quieter, with fewer people and broad open stretches still lingering in the distance. Today's 39 degree temps will not change that.

Soon Excelsior Bay will host the always entertaining and sado-masochistic Polar Plunge. One cannot help but enjoy the thinly clad men and women of the tundra as they plunge into the icy depths with a unanimous "Oh....my...God....!"

Later in the month is the fun filled and semi-brawl called "Pond Hocky Tournament".

Winter Benches of Deephaven

2011-12-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

A red Thorpe Park

2011-12-05T05:58:00.001-08:00

On the advice of a friend I stopped by Thorpe Park, Deephaven's main park. The pond has turned a brownish- red color. It is an odd rusty hue that I can only guess came from chemicals introduced to control algae during the warmer months. Although the fact that we had almost no rain for the last months of summer and fall could have contributed to the color.

The following shot represents a more normal water level and color from a few years ago.

Another December - 2009

2011-12-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

Let's just drift back to the past. The sun was breaking over Deephaven, St. Louis Bay, early in December 2009. I had a little more time to reflect and wander about, taking photos in daylight hours.

Excelsior ChristKindslMarkt

2011-11-28T07:30:00.001-08:00

A snowless ChristKindelsMarket in Excelsior. I wandered around the booths filled with Holiday gifts, jellies and jams, bell ringers and some animals that looked vaguely familiar. It was cold enough, and the lovely Peruvian woman was so bundled that only her eyes were visible.
I know I was late to the part, with parades and other festivities on Friday and Saturday. But them the breaks. The "belle" bell ringers clanged out some tunes and I was invited to warm myself by the fire pit. I noticed that the Boy Scouts wisely had a fire extinguisher nearby. Always be prepared.

Forks in the road

2011-11-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving. I looked at the sparkling forks resting in their tray, waiting to do battle.

Forks are the middle way. Neither the kind, nurturing sort, as the spoon...Yes the spoon has always enjoyed good press. Spooning. A spoon full of sugar. A soup ladle. Stir it up.
The knife on the other hand, is a danger. Slicing, stabbing, creating division. A Messer in German.
But the fork is a middleman. Why, the devil carries a fork, not a knife. The fork holds and detains. It decieves and speaks with forked tong.
One must always make a decision.

"An Englishman named Thomas Coryate brought the first forks back to England after seeing them in Italy during his travels in 1608.

The English ridiculed forks as being effeminate and unnecessary. "Why should a person need a fork when God had given him hands?" they asked. Slowly, however, forks came to be adopted by the wealthy. They were prized possessions made of expensive materials intended to impress guests. Small, slender-handled forks with two tines were generally used for sweet, sticky foods or for food (like mulberries) which was likely to stain the fingers. By the mid 1600s, eating with forks was considered fashionable among the wealthy British. Forks used solely for dining were luxuries and thus markers of social status and sophistication among nobles." - From The Hospitlity blog

(I have often featured forks in my artwork)
I will do one again tomorrow...

Hearts

2011-11-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

The skids are bare at Deephaven Marina

2011-11-21T05:19:00.000-08:00

Looking out onto St. Louis Bay, once the site of many grand hotels.

Lookin inward.

A question answered

2011-11-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

A Toonie Dog in action

2011-11-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

"Toonie on Tonka" - an agility Sheltie.

Toonie is a herding dog ( a Shetland Sheepdog) with innate agility skills. She took to agility training quickly and can run, jump and weave through hoops and a variety of obstacles. Her formal training has been at Dog Works of Eden Prairie, MN.

The term “Toonie Dog” is from the Danish term for a Farm Dog. That is how she got her name, from the Shetland Islands tradition of hearty farm dogs used to herd sheep. Toonie will herd any thing, often herding me about the house on to what she thinks is the next task in the day.

Brotherhood of the Traveling Socks

2011-11-15T05:07:00.000-08:00

I have a confession. While walking my dog Rocky, I found a pair of socks. Calvin Klein socks. Frankly, I buy cheap socks, and endure my big toes getting hung up on loose threads as I put them on. This CK find was a magic moment.
After I took them home and washed them, I put them on. They fit me perfectly, as if I were a Calvin too.
Now I share these magic legwear moments and adventures with an unknown previous owner of the traveling socks.

The calm before the freeze.

2011-11-12T04:52:00.001-08:00

The colors are washed out, even at sunset. I run out along the dock and then cut across a narrow side dock, then I realize the plank is about 18 inches in width and I am being a bit hasty in my enthusiasm. The sun is sinking and get off a few shots.

A Major Hermit

2011-11-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

The Major lived alone in "The Hermitage" from 1876 to 1901. It was a house that he filled with old manuscripts, bric-a-brac and curiosities that drew many visitors.
"In some unknown manner the house caught on fire and the house and relics perished in the flames"- From Picturesque Minnetonka 1906

"The Hermitage was owned, at different times, by the two brothers, Captain
Frank W. Halsted and Major George B. Halstead. Captain Halsted, as Frank was
commonly called, had settled in the Lake Minnetonka area in the late 1850's. In
1861, during a visit to his family in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the Civil War broke out
and he volunteered for the navy. George Halstead also joined the navy the day after
war was declared. Later in life he would claim to be the first civilian to receive a
commission during the war. For a short time they both served together on board the
flag ship U.S.S Minnesota. Due to conflicts with their commanding officer, Frank
requested a transfer and George resigned his commission and accepted an
appointment as first lieutenant and "Aide de Camp" to Brigadier General Philip
Kearny of the New Jersey Volunteers. By the end of the war, he had attained the
rank of Major, hence George bcarne known as Major Halstead. When the war was over
in 1866, George returned to his home in New Jersey and Frank went back to Lake
Minnetonka.
Upon returning to Lake Minnetonka, Captain Halsted bought some land on the
Upper Lake near what is now Halstead's Bay.
In 1868 Frank commenced building his small and simple house; it
was a story and a half with a basement.
Captain Halsted then set about his hermit-like ways. The T r i b , July 6, 1876 described him like this:
In his manners he was ever quiet and unassuming, and though sympathetic and approachable,he invited no confidence and gave none. A recluse, he was hospitable and affable, and when asked why he chose to live such a secluded life, he always replied in such a manner as would show the interrogator that it was not a question he cared to answer. Little is known of Captain Halsted for this reason"
- Excelsior Historical Society 1989

Christmas Lake sign "Save our Summers"

2011-11-08T13:17:00.000-08:00

Low down on Christmas Lake

2011-11-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

It hasn't rained much. I mowed my lawn one last time this year to a flurry of dry dirt and old leaves. A visit to nearby Christmas Lake found the water level much lower than in the picture (below)that I took last year.
Christmas Lake is a small, deep lake, partially in Hennepin County and part in Carver County.

Pear

2011-11-04T05:49:00.001-07:00

I saw a pear
upon a stair
I saw a pear that wasn't there
I saw that pear again today
But now that pear has gone away

The Lake Minnetonka Sirens beckon

2011-11-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

The sirens beckons in a Dr.Pepper sign from the 1890s. Dr. Pepper, like many early soda pops were marketed partly as health drinks.
In Coca Cola's early days leaves of the coca plant had very miniscule amounts of cocaine remaining on the plant and it was left in the drink. In the 1890s many doctors prescribed cocaine for medical reasons. So the although the amount was miniscule, it had some sales appeal. But in 1905 druggist and owner of Coca-Cola, Asa Chandler ordered all traces counts removed from the drink.
Strangely enough according to Coca Cola history, the greater problem they had were with complaints about the amount of caffeine in the drink. By 1920 there was a steady stream of criticism of Coca cola for the caffeine content.

The North Run Farm in Delano

2011-10-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

I visited the North Run Farm in Delano MN for a “Schooling Show” in which Shelly and “Cody” made their first showing. It was delightfully low key. The day was dark but the barn was well lit. Still, it is hardly a setting for a photographic "point and shooter". I did not fare well.

Some participants were dressed in festive costumes. Another young lady, a judge, looked quite a lot like Paris Hilton. This was not a costume. This was not bad.

Shelly /Cody won a 4th place ribbon. I believe she was ticketed for changing lanes without signaling - or some other change of lead and cantor violation.

The Commons, St. Alban's

2011-10-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Minnetonka Ness

2011-10-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

I leaned back in my car, having a cup of coffee. Caffinated decompression. Are the two mutually exclusive? Then I heard a soft ripple of the lake nearby. "The Muskellunge are restless tonight" I thought.

Under the Bridge @ St. Albans Bay

2011-10-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

The sign is slightly obscured. This will not last much longer as the leaves fall away. A little path juts off the Lake Minnetonka Trail and wanders down under the bridge. Actually there are two bridges. One for bicyclists and pedestrians, the other for cars. Underneath, in the shade, on a summer day you will find people fishing from the shore line.

Blue Line

2011-10-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Food Based Holidays Approach with many questions...

2011-10-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have been mulling over writing about some of the FAQ to the Minnetonkascenes"Hapless chef".
An example is the FAQ: "Can I substitute baking soda for baking powder?"
The hapless chef replies: "There is no difference between baking soda, and baking powder. It is one of the myths foisted upon us by the large Multi-national Food Conglomerates. The truth is that you can also substitute Alka-Selzer for either one"

What do you think? Is this tip of value to anyone?

A morning revisited to Grays Bay

2011-10-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

I had a flurry of visits to this photo I took a few years ago. I thought I would re- post on a Fall Friday.

Blade warrior

2011-10-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

I took this shot this summer "on the road".

*** *** ***

I woke up this morning and thought about shaving. Dull multiple baldes, a pile of plastic razor covers. Disposable razors have skyrocketed in price, as I have mentioned before. I suppose more and men are going to go unshaven - I pondered this. Then I thought about the history of shaving...

"• The earliest shaving razors discovered were flint blades made possibly as far back as 30,000 B.C. Flint could provide an extremely sharp edge for shaving; these were, of course, the first disposable shavers because flint becomes dull rather quickly.

• In Greece, it was popular for men to crop hair very short and shave the face. Alexander the Great is pretty much the man responsible for this trend because he was obsessed with shaving. He even shaved during wartime, and would not allow himself to be seen going into battle with a five o’clock shadow.

• Roman men started their day with a trip to the tonsor, or barber, who would shave a face with an iron novacila, or Roman razor. This type of shaver corroded quickly and became blunt; so most customers usually, or eventually, got cut. But don’t worry- the tonsor could fix this by applying to the face a soothing plaster made from special perfumed ointment and spider webs soaked in oil and vinegar. Despite the dangers of going to the barbershop, Roman men continued to flock in daily because they were also great centers for gossip and news."

- From the Web site "Know the World"

Oyo Como Va!

2011-10-17T09:37:00.001-07:00

Listen how it goes
my rhythm
Good to enjoy, mulata
Listen how it goes
my rhythm
Good to enjoy, mulata

A little store on University Avenue. I pass it on the way, as I start another day.

The Excelsior "Boo-seum"

2011-10-15T11:01:00.000-07:00

I stopped in to the Excelsior History Museum and was met with an array of black and orange signs, skeletons and a group of busy workers setting up the Boo-Seum. I took a few photos in the safety of daylight. I am not showing the spooky venue, because the light of day does not convey it properly. Go see for your self.

Ghosts of Autumn

2011-10-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

My father told me stories of seeing the ghosts of Indian Pow-wows in autumn. He could see the smoky shadows of teepees of the Kaposia campsite along the Mississippi. My father was born in 1906, and perhaps he did have some faint childhood recollections. Fall seems to give rise to these images and the passing of a way of life.

"In 1889 after much wrangling and questionable promises by the government, vast areas of the Sioux Reservation were signed away. A move bitterly opposed by Sitting Bull. The Lakota political organization was shattered and their religious ceremonies were suppressed. The Hunting economy was abolished, and even their children taken away to distant schools.
Thus all old values became meaningless, the conditions for self-fullfulment and attainment no longer existed. The Lakota had reached an 'anomic' state."

- Smithsonian Institute

Lakota Shamans perform a ceremony about "The white Buffalo Maiden"

Dark marina.

2011-10-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

The moon escaped me this morning. I saw it from the highway and stopped along the roadside. I rushed down a long damp dock to capture it, but it was gone.

The Pale Pumpkin

2011-10-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a pumpkin themed story.

The seasons take a turn

2011-10-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ahhh - Oktoberfest!

2011-10-01T22:50:00.000-07:00

These lovely Mädchen posed outside the Cottagerwood General Store, in preparationfor the Oktoberfest Celebration and fund raiser. They are very photogenic, aren't they?
They did not know me,(and really who does?) but they posed for me even though they were very busy. Thanks!

This crop is closer, with a little more attitude... it is Oktoberfest.

Cottagewood General Store Oktoberfest, a sign

2011-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

It was 6am and i took this crumby shot with a flash standing on a darkened road. To my surprise about 3 cars and 4 people passsed by me and watched to see what I was doing. Am I doing the community a public service, or just being a public nuisance?
I don't know. It is funny how people will gather to see what you are photographng, in many situations and locations.
Anyway the information is here- blurrily.

And to remind everyone: October is near.

A visit to Smithtown Road in Tonka Bay -continued.

2011-09-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

I was searching out old Beetles. On a tip I went to Tonka Bay Auto, where I found a few. I had a Kharmann Ghia for years, it was my signature car.... and reflecting on this, it was a pretty lousy signature. But I drove it for years, taking my life in my hands each time with bad brakes, no heat and rusty rocker panels.

EEP!

A note from the History of the Beetle Web site:

"The history of the Beetle started in 1934 when in the Hall of Berlin Adolf Hitler announced that the car had not to be an exclusive privilege of the rich. To Ferdinand Porsche, defined by him as "the most famous designer of all time", he entrusted the assignment to construct the Volkswagen (the people's car)"

Cruisin at Smithtown Road

2011-09-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

I had never been in the Truffle Hill Chocolate Shop, but I decided to stop in while cruising around Excelsior listening to the Vikings play Detroit (At the time they were leading 20 to O).
The VERY large sign says it all. “Chocolate” and lots of it. Chocolate shaped like Bullwinkle the Moose, power hand tools, or the classic jumping bass.

Truffle Hill Chocolate Shop

End of the line

2011-09-21T05:30:00.001-07:00

The Excelsior pioneers were stoic

2011-09-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

For some reason only Mary Sheldon gets a qualifier in the photos on page 1 of the book "100 years in Excelsior" by historian Daisy Dillman.

Parked outside Sunsets in Wayzata.

2011-09-19T10:15:00.001-07:00

Return of the Honey Mushrooms

2011-09-16T06:12:00.001-07:00

It is a wonder to see the “Honey Mushrooms” spring up each year in mid September. They only last briefly and then melt away like wax. I have read there are many varieties (10 North American) and that some of them are not at all good for the woods.
From the descriptions the category is quite broad. These are small, and semi -edible. You can eat them and hope you don’t get mildly sick. Or you can just observe them grow, open, and then quickly disintegrate back into the earth.

Gray's Bay blues

2011-09-15T05:52:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist reposting this with a tighter crop. Tonka Toys

James J. Hill Dachshund races -

2011-09-12T05:15:00.000-07:00

Race day was warm and the crowd was a buzz with enthusiasm. I could only stay for a while so I took many shots before the costumed pups arrived.

I was dogless Saturday so I felt a bit out of the canine loop.

Hey, who is that Non-dog in the lead?

Pipp takes eyedrops daily, for an eye problem that sidelined him from the competition.

Apple daze in Excelsior

2011-09-11T06:29:00.001-07:00

It was a warm Saturday, even at 8:30am. I wandered thro ugh the booths filled with hand painted sheet metal yard ornaments, bad velevet John F.Kennedy portraits (Camelot that!) and maps of Lake Minnetonka galore. Here and there an apple stand, honey booth, or a 100% pure beef a foot long corn dog stand. Apple days.
I perused the antiques, which now are composed of actual items I grew up with. I felt a bit uneasy.
Later in the day there was an antique boat show at Maynards, but I balked for time limitations and fear of seeing Joe Soucheray.
I bought a 1967 Look Magazine Special Edition called "20 years of flying saucers". That made me feel better than the free standing plastic clown that was leering at me.

Follow the yellow

2011-09-09T07:48:00.001-07:00

Smell you at James J Hill Daschund Races

2011-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

Westward bound

2011-09-07T05:41:00.001-07:00

Taken from "About Minneapolis Hotels" website.
1864-1899: Minnesota Central Railroad

The rail line, first built in 1864, was originally known as the Minnesota Central Railroad. In 1867 the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad bought the Minnesota Central Railway, changing the name of the railroad to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad in 1874 before shortening the name to Milwaukee Road. The old Milwaukee Road Depot was constructed in 1899 and remains one of the last long-span, truss-roofed sheds surviving in the nation.

Renaissance Revival Style by Charles Frost

The Depot, a Renaissance Revival style building, was designed by Charles Frost. Considered conservative in style, the ground floors were paved in white marble with black borders and walls were built with cream and brown enamel brick. The ceiling of intricately paneled oak gave the rooms a large, spacious feel. The total cost of the Depot was about $200,000.

Minnetonka Community Eduction Center Main Entrance 2011

2011-09-06T07:30:00.001-07:00

The Minnetonka Community Education Center was expanded and updated in 2010. Although this is the Main entrance, it is the narrower side of the building which runs along Vinehill Road. The is a certain fortress like quality, that is at once reassurring and also formidable. It reminds me of Fort Snelling The new exterior brick matches fairly well with other structures in the complex which includes Deephaven Middleschool (a term I dislike). The typestyle is a the somewhat stoic Avante Garde Demi all caps, lending an early 1900s Art Deco quality to the entrance way.

The final photo is one of the slender florescent lights and no doubt eye-in-the-sky units in the parking lot.

The upcoming James J. Hill and Apple Days Extravaganza weekend

2011-09-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

Dueling events? Hardly. Both James J. Hill Days and Excelsior Apple Days are on the same weekend, but considering the scale and proximity of the events I will be able to go to both. Photos to come...

Magenta and Saffron - Gray's Bay in the morning.

2011-08-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

Magenta: "1860, in allusion to the Battle of Magenta, in Italy, where the French and Sardinians defeated the Austrians in 1859, because the brilliant crimson aniline dye was discovered shortly after the battle, which advanced the cause of Italian independence and fired the imagination of European liberals."

Saffron:
Word History
Date of Origin 13th c.
Saffron brought its name with it along the spice route from the Middle East. It comes from Arabic za‘farān, a word of unknown origin, and reached English via medieval Latin safranum and Old French safran. The town of Saffron Walden in Essex is so named from its once thriving saffron-growing industry.

On-line Etymology

Dinkytown remnant

2011-08-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Leipolds letter to the past

2011-08-29T05:58:00.000-07:00

I stopped in to Leipolds in Excelsior to visit the dogs and cats that wander through the isles of the shop. Taking care not to step in a water dish, I rummaged through Excelsior and Lake Minnetonka past and present.

I bought an Apple Day button.

Good nite Irene

2011-08-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

OK this is was morning shot. Who cares? No hurricanes here.

Tomorrow - scenes from Leipolds.

Morning Glory Gray's Bay

2011-08-26T05:39:00.000-07:00

The 904. From a 1950s Minnesoata State Fair

2011-08-23T10:05:00.001-07:00

I am posting this as a tribute to the old Minnesota State Fairs. I am probably not going, it is my avoidance syndrome. Crowds, flash mobs, deep fried stick on a stick, jokes about things on a stick, parking. Alaskan pricing. I am a curmudgeon.

Back to School in Excelsior

2011-08-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Cornerstone of Excelsior Academy was laid on Wednesday, May 27th 1885. in the presence of seven or eigth hundred people" - The Northwest Tourist

From: "100 years in Excesior" by Daisy Dillman
1953

Strafed on a Monday morning

2011-08-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

They came straight at me flying in a low formation. I got one shot (digital) off, then hit the deck.

Stone Arch Road

2011-08-18T07:33:00.001-07:00

I turned down a road I have never driven down, but I have passed almost daily for twenty years. It is a one way. On it I discovered the old Stone Arch, Woodland.
This is a historic structure for Woodland, but I know very little of it’s history. There is a much larger and impressive stone arch, once a double stone arch, in Northhome, Deephaven. They are not far apart...

Cub 101

2011-08-15T06:19:00.001-07:00

This very successful fund raising Coca-Cola/barbeque stand is a hit with almost every pork lover. Hot dogs 1 buck.
I took the photo at a distance with my little pocket camera. I get a little squeemish ever since the Minnetonka Police Department caught me in a speed trap about 4 years ago, about a half mile from Cub on 101. I was guilty, along with about a hundred other drivers. The next week they raised the posted limit from 30 to 40mph. But frankly, I deserved it..... to the tune of 100 bucks.

Green/Red

2011-08-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

The Promenade

2011-08-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

"Wayzata is known as the Gateway to Lake Minnetonka that people love for its village feel and distinctive shopping and dining, and we feel both the design and Promenade name reinforce what makes Wayzata such a special community. Though the pronunciation is different, the name for the senior housing project was inspired by the seaside village of Folkestone in England. There, Folkestone is a thriving resort area known for its broad promenades, prominent green spaces and breathtaking views.”

- Wayzata Bay Redevelopement Company press release, January, 2011

The only contemporary time I have heard the word "promenade" used consistently (and incessantly) was in the television series 7th Heaven. It was an episodic meeting place where the 7th Heaven extended family met for subterfuge and clandestine romantic trists with 2nd, 3rd and 4th cousins.

Signs of the times

2011-08-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

The "Muni" in Wayzata

2011-08-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

Tour De Tonka - the tiny ride

2011-08-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning it was dfficult to find a place the lake around that wasn’t part of the many different venues and distances. I did not ride this year, but I did see waves of bicyclists moving around Lake Minnetonka.

I stopped at a corner in Excelsior and watched as a few riders past on one of the shorter routes. The volunteer shouted, continue left, or go to the rest stop right. His lure was "fresh dounut holes!" at the stop.

Carson's Bay Panorma - early morning, early August

2011-08-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

And finally:

2 Fishing boats @ Deephaven Docks

2011-08-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

I heard a rumbling at the Wayzata Depot.

2011-08-01T05:51:00.000-07:00

I stopped in to Wayzata to check the location of a new bicycle repair and coffee shop, near the start of the Dakota Trail. It was early and I thought “Not much of a photo without any bicycles or latte drinkers”.
Suddenly, as I stood there casually, the crossing gates by the railroad track swung down, and the lights began flashing. Warnings sounded. Within 10 seconds a freight train rumbled by within arms reach.

Minnetonka Mills, Minnehaha Creek & Bridge Number 27629

2011-07-29T05:33:00.001-07:00

Stubble trouble

2011-07-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

I shave every third day nowadays. I’m not trying to look rugged, I am just cheap. The cost of razor blades has tripled in the pst year and a half, so this is just my way of holding my own. Lets call it “The Stubble Bubble”. The cost of straight steel and gasoline and the preponderance of quadruple turbo blade razors.... well something had to burst. At 11.99 for 4 disposables I was taking it on the chin.

Also, with the cost of fuel I have adopted the open window policy of auto air conditioning. Turn the radio up and drive 65.

Wanted!

2011-07-27T06:35:00.001-07:00

"Careful. That word has been known to cause adrenaline overdoses.

These giants have just one attitude. Nasty. Muskies have been described as "pure muscle with gills." They give a no-holds-barred tussle like Hulk Hogan in the wrestling ring.

Easy to see why. Ask anyone who has boated one. A thirty-pounder is plenty to give you the excitement of your life. A 40-pounder will stop your heart.

The scientific name for muskellunge is Esox masquinongy. Most anglers translate that as "pure mean."

FISH ON! Members of the pike family, muskies are easily distinguished from its popular cousin, the northern pike. Northerns have light spots on a dark background. Muskies have dark splotches on a light background"

Taken from: Muskie Tips & Tricks
By Ted Takasaki and Scott Richardson

Old Faces

2011-07-26T13:17:00.001-07:00

Behind the scenes

2011-07-25T05:19:00.000-07:00

I walk by the general store many mornings with my aging dog "Rocky". This morning I noticed the packaged ice machine with the words "Ice" in red lettering. A break-away-from-the-crowd color choice. No mistake, even the smaller sign on top has red lettering. At first I thought they blue it, but no. Red it is.
And then I noticed the red star...

Carson's Bay revisited on a hot summer evening

2011-07-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

On The Bridge

2011-07-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

I stood on the wooden bridge and watched as pleasure craft of all sorts shuffling through the narrow St. Alban's Bay channel. It was early Sunday morning, and I have always noticed that the Minnetonka crowd gets off to a later start, I will partially credit church-going.Partially.

I felt like a bit of a voyeur as I took pictures of boats and a lot of bare backed mariners. It was 95 degrees.
Occasionally the wooden bridge would rumble and clatter with the passing of groups of bicyclers on the Lake Minnetonka trail. Yes, it has a name now.

One observation I have made; about bicyclist is the schism that is developing between the younger - say late teen and twenties bicylists and the older over 30 crowd. I also seen seen it by "The U" and now it is even apparent on the trails. The younger riders do not wear helmets, and generally have a disdain for the "Tour De France look" of the older riders. A group of what I will describe as "Earth first" riders passed wearing camo,flannel, backpacks and skullies. No drop handles and spanex here.

A hot weekend

2011-07-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

wooden
I took this picture on Friday evening after a long day. Today, I stood on a wooden pedestrian bridge over St. Albans' Bay and took photos of the marine traffic as it passed through the narrow channel. I will post those shots tomorrow.
It was hot and quite entertaining, as I watched the traffic come and go in the sweltering heat.

- Another shot from Friday night.

1890 Double Decker Streetcar

2011-07-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

Once connected downtown Minneapolis with Excelsior. With a transfer and you could ride one of the Lake Minnetonka Steam boats.

Lifetime 101

2011-07-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

If you look carefully you will see a camera, watching me, watching them. I belong to Lifetime Fitness, although not this one. My wife and I have a "couples membership" and we use it.
Hoever this photo is merely a starting out point for a bit of fitness advice I received from a fitness trainer I ran into him about a year ago - at work. His name was Matt and he gave me some input into my old and ad hoc workout program. He told me I was not doing enough reps. Too few sets, too few reps.
This may seem like a simple observation, but it actually hit home for me. I am nearing 60, and I was still thinking I was 30. So I began to adjust my program for my age...don’t get me wrong, I still put out an effortj just differently. I also added my own philosophy which is: "Above all do no harm".
My wife on the other hand should write a book. She has lost 30+ pounds in the last year and is almost too energetic.

A Pontoon boat in the morning. Wayzata Bay

2011-07-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

Unleaded 3.81 in Wayzata

2011-07-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

July 12. 2011

On Monday morning radio at 6am the "Wall Street Weekly experts" predicted an upturn in the economy, only to be shocked by the poor economic reports later that day.

Toonie is a Graduate Student

2011-07-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

Toonie has graduated her basic and intermediate obedience training with flying fur. Now she is in "agility training". Her basic shy nature is problematic, as she confronts barriers and obstacles with a ginger reserve. However her desire to please, and of course be rewarded, is strong.
Toonie is a rookie at agility, and many of the dogs take to the agility with a real natural zest. Toonie's training is at DogWorks of Eden Prairie. At DogWork some of the dogs are so clever that during break time they have pick up games to keep themselves entertained.

Skuller in the morning

2011-07-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

Skulling. A classic rowing sport that seems to lend itself to the East Coast Ivy League more than to Lake Minnetonka. Thomas Eakins, the 18th centruy realist, would surely agree. Still, I happened upon a 'skuller' in Wayzata Bay, and tried to capture him, only to fumble with my camera in my pedestrian way. This is the result. The following is an Eakins' skuller.

Gray's Bay on a bright July 6th morning.

2011-07-06T05:55:00.001-07:00

Cottagewood 4th

2011-07-05T05:43:00.001-07:00

A quiet morning before the crowds arrive.

Crowds of red, white and blue colored bicycles, riders and pets converged on the Cottagewood General Store for the Annual 4th of July Parade. Perfect weather emboldens me to declare that it was a record crowd. I would estimate 3000 or more, and I will definitively state that they were a happy bunch.

The dunk tank was bit of sham, - where the “dunkies” seem more than willing to be dunked.

394. A deadly problem that is not attended to.

2011-06-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

The woman behind me has just cut in to the single lane that merges one major highway with another major highway (394 Eastbound with 94 Eastbound). She flips off the car behind her. Horns are sounding and she has almost caused a dangerous accident by by coming to a full stop with traffic moving in her lane at 55mph. This is a daily event. Many times accidents with injuries take place at this location. MDOT knows about this, and has known about it for years. The situation is simply ignored.
I have heard MDOT officials on the radio (NPR) talk about this isssue and simply verbally shrug. It should mean more to them.
I have an opinion about the "why", but I will refrain.

The pictures don't tell the story well, but then I am shooting from a moving car... well, sporadicaly moving.