Shades and a dark suit

It must be a Secret Serviceman. Indeed. President Obama stopped by the local creamery yesterday for an ice cream cone. Most of us on the street never got closer than the nearest security guy.

Theme day: Photo of the Year 2011

My favorite photo for 2011 was published in July after I'd been to a street fair in Northeast Minneapolis. I loved the colors and styles of the vintage sunsuits these young women were wearing (and the 21st century hair coloring to set them apart from their grandmothers!).

To view thumbnails for all theme day participants, go here.

Goodnight, moon

I confess. This photo was not taken in the Twin Cities because I don't believe this morning's lunar eclipse, nearly 50% covered here, could be seen from the Midwest. Question for you photographers (or astronomers) out there. Where does the ghost moon come from? I could not see it with the naked eye, but a 1-second exposure revealed this phantom orb. A reflection from a cloud?

Lennon tribute

It's the annual tribute to John Lennon tonight at First Avenue and I won't be there for the first time in a while. The crowd is enthusiastic and the music is big.

Messaround

It's time once again for the Minneapolis Messaround at Memory Lanes - "only traditional hotrod and kustom car show" according to their website.

Happy Father's Day

Dad and daughter (1984)

Directing trafaig

Where else but at Macalester College during reunion weekend!

Defying gravity

No, don't turn the photo around. They are indeed dancing on the side of a building. Project Bandaloop is in town for the Flint Hills International Children's Festival. Only one day left - today. Don't miss these dancers! They'll be doing it again at 11AM and 1PM off the west side of the Lawson Building. More photos on my Facebook page.

Eagle eye

The "Star of the North" eagle watches over the official last day of the state legislative session. Official because there will be a special session since the Republican House and Senate don't agree with the Democratic governor and we have no budget deal. So much for compromise. Remember when this whole thing started back in January?

Coming of age

Outside the Wild Onion on Grand Avenue in St. Paul I found this rather forlorn remnant of a 21st birthday celebration. What happened to the princess?

Pomp

Commencement at nearby Macalester College always includes a procession with flags of the United Nations and the bagpipe band (I'll have to post a video sometime for the full audio experience!).

Czech fest

Today's Czech and Slovak fest at the Landmark Center attracted a crowd of people proud of their old world heritage.

I ❤ chocolate

I went to Patisserie 46 in south Minneapolis recently for coffee and a very authentic croissant, but also admired these pastries in their display case. Happy Valentine's Day to all lovers.

St. Paul chainsaw sculpture

This is how it is done, folks. Well, just one of the many tools for turning those blocks of ice into a thing of beauty. For more on the ice sculpture competition, read about last year's winners.

Winter carnival begins

We haven't had an ice palace in a long time but this wall celebrates 125 years of the festival that gets us crazy Minnesotans outside in subzero weather.

Inauguration day

We have a new governor in Minnesota. He was sworn in on Monday along with assorted other public servants. The Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul was swarming with people and I got there after the speeches had begun so had to park myself between the pillars of the second floor gallery.

Chocolates!

Chocolate lovers, don't miss the final days of the exhibit at the Minnesota History Center. The last display features this giant box of tempting chocolates and testimony from people the world over who have fond memories of celebrating special occasions - like holidays - with chocolate.

Wedding!

My cousin's wedding was last weekend. Check out the amount of cupcakes they had! Yummy. I had to snap a quick picture before they were devoured.