Cute or a threat? Both.

A new generation has started working on my garden.

Today a young squirrel fell out of a tree but recovered quickly enough to avoid notice by our dog.

This bunny seems to be having an easier time learning to fend for himself.

Cute now. But this guy and his brothers will be eating my shrubs over the winter.

A Personal Best.

Since my baby book is pretty worn, I am recording this accomplishment on my blog.

We live on high ground, so whenever I go biking I end up having to climb hills on the way back home.

The most challenging is the Montreal Ave Hill through Highland Park.

It has my goal for years to make it up this hill on my bike without having to stop.

I was discouraged last September that I could not make it even at the end of the season when I should have been in top biking condition.

Yesterday, at the end of a 20 mile trip, I made it up the hill without stopping!

This did involve running a red light partway up the hill but the risk was worth it.

I wanted to return to the bottom of the hill today to take a photo but I was afraid yesterday's success may have been a once in a lifetime event. I did not want to spoil the mood by having to walk my bike back up.

So below is a Flickr photo that represents how the incline feels as one bikes up it.

There is no Coit Tower at the top of our hill but the Highland Water tower is nearby.

St.Paul

Gardening, the struggle goes on.....

My plants and I are gaining a little ground in our struggle with the animals that are out to destroy all living vegetation. After losing a tomato plant overnight, I bought a larger one at the Farmer's Market.

While unloading the car, I noticed a squirrel was already examining the new replacement plant I had set down on the driveway.

I quickly repotted it , encircled it in wire and put bird netting over the top.

I photographed it today in case it does not make it through the night.

Teddy is doing his part by standing guard.

Garden Wars

The devasation started over the winter.

The usual suspects left lots of evidence.

In the spring I built cages for the shrubs and gardens .

I started seedlings indoors in April.

On a nice spring day I put them outdoors to "harden".

But they were not strong enough to withstand the animals.

Even a full grown Dalhia was not tough enough.....

Now I have double fencing and bird netting over the gardens.

I am losing many battles a day.

I am getting a headache.

And so are the animals...

Healthy Cooking in Napa

For several days in April I attended a course put on by Harvard and the C.I.A. that taught healthy cooking to medical professionals . We left with lots of enthusiasm and lots of great recipes. See a sample recipe >>>>>>>>>

Searching for Spring

We have been waiting a long time for spring to arrive here in Minnesota.

It is below freezing and no tulips, no daffodills, no crocus yet.

I thought a nice photo of Spring might be encouraging.

I found this image online.

It is a realistic representation of the only Spring we have here so far.

I am sure I will feel better after a couple of these.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Christmas Memories

These figures are part of a nativity set that my parents received as a gift from my mother's parents.

My parents were given a few pieces each year starting with their first Christmas together in 1951.

Our mother loved the set and took great care in arranging it each year.

Warm memories come back as I unwrap each piece from its nest of old newspapers and place it on our mantle. Peace on Earth.

The Magic of Christmas

I took today off to get ready for the holiday.
On the weekend I polished the floors and worked on the menus.
Today I did other Xmas prep while listening to carols on my ipod.
As I was doing my tasks I was thinking that Xmas is not only magical for the kids who believe in Santa.
It is also magical for a lot of men.

As the holiday approaches personalized holiday photo cards arrive at the homes of these men's family and friends.
As if by wizardry, the photocards somehow include images of the men themselves.
Soon after, wrapped packages appear under the tree.
Yes, the men recall removing that tree from the car roof but after that things are a bit blurry.
Then one day the house seems busy and suddenly extended family start arriving.
How nice to see everyone! Good thing we happen to have all this extra food!

Fall Light

Since taking a class,Kevin discovered he has a passion for photography.

While he shot some rolls for class this weekend , I used the amazing light to get my own images.

Pete & Bob go to the RNC.

Luckily they left before the trouble started.

Last Images of Summer

The days of the garden are numbered.

A warm fall day.

Water is irresistible!

Let's Play Hockey!

My sister encourages her kids to explore many options and to try new things.

One glaring exception is hockey.

Hockey is not allowed.

When the kids were over recently they found our stash of hockey equipment

and insisted on trying it on.

They had a ball!

Don't tell mom.

Big brother gives some pointers.

An important early skill is dealing with being checked.