Celebrating summer (July theme day)

Here in Minnesota if you don't spend some time during the summer on a lake, you can't really claim citizen status. So, celebrate summer the Minnesota way and see how others around the world are enjoying the season at the City Daily Photo Project.

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.

Unrecognizable

The fun continues with my iPhone apps. This one is BlurFX and ScratchCam taken a couple of weeks ago near St Anthony Main during an iPhone photo workshop. To see more ABC Wednesday photos, go here. To see more app-transformed photos, go here.

Historic day at the State Capitol

Today the Minnesota Senate voted to allow same sex couples to marry following last week's lead of the House. Governor Dayton will sign the bill tomorrow.

Theme day: Pedestrians

Leaving the Easter Sunday service on a cold spring day

Theme day: Cobblestones

Cobblestones are not found very readily any more on Midwestern streets, but my neighborhood has maintained a block-long stretch that is teeth-jarring. No wonder most cobblestone or brick streets have been paved over. If you'd like to see more theme day photos, go here.

K is for kneehighs

My vantage point at the St. Patrick's Day parade in St. Paul this year. The crowds were incomparable; the week had seen our earliest reading of 80 degrees ever!

There are more ABC Wednesday entries here.

A is for adult toys

No, not those kind! These kind. When friends get together the urge to play is irresistible. You can see more ABC Wednesday entries, here.

Floyd B. pontificates

Floyd B. Olson was a socialist governor of Minnesota in the 1930s. He's enshrined in this spot on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Rockin' New Years Eve

I recently saw the Black Tibetans who had a rockin' show. Hope you have a similarly flashy New Years Eve.

Fanning

It was a hot day back in July when I took this photo at a motorcycle street rally. We have moved on (or, more accurately, down) since then, but it rounds out the T theme this week.

P is for pink

These young ladies were out drumming up business for a salon on Grand Avenue in St. Paul. Shocking! See more contributions to ABC Wednesday here.

Slow down

Old St Paul has an entire behind-the-scenes life. Here's one example from the Merriam Park neighborhood. This is the first post for this week's theme. Stay tuned for more.

Tap your toes

More fun at the Farmers Market.

Last week's theme was... (check out yesterday's updated post).

Last night's scores

Monday night football - the morning after - at Nina's coffee shop. Post 2 for this week's theme.

S is for Soulful

The garage punk band L'Assassin (what does that name mean?) lead singer and lead guitarist at the 7th Street Entry at First Avenue this fine weekend.

This is an entry for ABC Wednesday. To see more, visit their website.

Last leg(s)

Literally the last stretch for Twin Cities marathoners, this is what runners see as they descend the hill past the St. Paul Cathedral towards the finish line by the State Capitol. Good luck to all runners this Sunday.

Home run

Summer softball is over, but there's always the fall league. This photo starts a new theme (after taking a break for a week). Check back tomorrow for another entry and a chance to guess what it is.

Daily walk

The sun is rising later and setting earlier making for more dramatic strolls.

Cooling off

Stretching the day trip label a little again as this was taken in Millennium Park in Chicago. This digital fountain right along Michigan Avenue displays enlarged faces of Chicagoans who end up "spitting" onto the pavement. It attracts a daily crowd of families seeking relief from the heat and a whole lotta fun.

Last post for this week's theme. All will be revealed tomorrow.