Dark of Night

Recently, I took some night photos in Mpls, St. Paul, and Hastings.  It was cold.  It was dark.  It was fun.  Click on each photo to see a larger version.

Orion Watching Over The Hastings Bridge

Downtown St. Paul

The New Vikings Stadium (Just think of the Superbowl's we're going to win here. <cough>)

Thanks for looking!

Lowertown Depot

I've noticed it hundreds of times while driving by on I94: Lowertown Depot.  Nestled not-so-neatly at the southwest corner of the 3rd Street bridge and I94.  Home to transients, taggers, and vermin, it is a place safer to visit during the day.  One day I found time to explore it.

 Measures taken to prevent entry.

Dr. OD expresses his passion for cats.

The artist's thought for the day - Poop 

 I wonder: Was the artist angry that the paint ran from the eye?  Did it ruin the message?  What is the message?  That's why they do it, right?

Perception is Reality 

In the shadow of The City

Thanks for looking at my pics.

Here and There

These are several pictures I have taken over the last month or so, with the exception of the two photographs of houses which were taken last year and in 2012.

Unlived on Selby

Bricks and Beams 

Quiet Desolation

Refinery at Minus 25 

Stairwell 55414 

Como Pavilion 

JAX Building Elevator Shaft  

Old Cottage Grove Farm House

Shadow and Lines at the Conservatory

Up is Down - Reflections 

Inconspicuous Watching - The Part-Time Job

Nothing to See Here Folks - The Authority of Bonsai Rabbit

Thanks for looking.

Heroes

Journey, challenge, good, bad, and even ugly are all words we use to describe life.  Like everyone else, I have experienced my share of things that can be described using those words.  And, sometimes, those life experiences can make a person feel a little ungrounded.  Fortunately, there are numerous people in my life who have made an impression on me. Some are fighters, some are survivors.  They are people I look up to.  Some are people who, during their lives, went to far away places and fought for our country. Some are people who have survived cancer.  They have faced challenges and fears most of us cannot imagine.  And yet, their spirits shine brightly.  Here are just a few of the people who have inspired me during my journey.

Click on the image to see a larger view.

Sometimes, she is one of the only people standing in my corner, supporting me no matter the challenge.  She is one of the most compassionate and hard working people I know.  She's also a breast cancer survivor, and she's walked 360 miles (so far) in the fight to end this terrible disease.  I am blessed that she is my beautiful Wife.

My friend, Lloyd, served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.  He has several interesting stories from his experiences during the war, including the day he found himself submerged, upside down, after his helicopter crashed into a river.  Thanks for your service Lloyd. 

My friend, Laura, is a two-time breast cancer survivor.  She is a bright lamp of hope in a darkness too many women face when they are told they have breast cancer.  Her spirit, her strength, and her family have been an inspiration to me and to many. 

My friend, Vern, is depicted here in the reflection of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in St. Paul.  In 1967, Vern fought alongside some of these men, and he saw firsthand the horrors of that war.  Thank you for your service, Vern, and Welcome Home.

And finally, my Dad.  Though he did not fight in war or beat breast cancer, he is the man who played a major part in who I have become.  He taught me right from wrong, and he gave me the tools I needed to be who I am.  Thanks Dad.

Grey Cloud Island

Recently, I found myself driving around Grey Cloud Island looking for interesting things to photograph.  Here's a sample of what I found.  Click on the image for a larger version.

 Abandoned tennis court/basketball court near the town hall

 Small tree struggling for space with the chain link fence

 Gate leading towards what used to be a house and yard