On a late autumn, Halloween weekend we made probably our last pilgrimage to Wisconsin along the St. Croix Scenic River route to spot Tundra swans on their way south along the flyway in Alma. Too early. So that meant more time to visit my favorite bakery, the Smiling Pelican Bakeshop in Maiden Rock. I've posted about this spot before and for once we got there before the lady in front of me bought the last scone and the couple before her bought the last piece of pie--all by about 10:00 am. We went home with pumpkin pie and snickerdoodles. And a vintage, Depression Glass cake stand, Lyre pattern. You see, the baker, Sandy has started a collection of old cake plates and sells a couple as well. Here's what greets you as you step in her shop, once you inhale all the goodness which puts a smile on your face:

These shelves are above kitchen work area as well as above the bread display above. Its a magical place. I felt like I'd walked into a story book setting. . .

Happy Monday Halloween!

slow days of autumn

I saw these amazing reflections on Sucker Lake this week. The trees of  many colors stand guard over the lake where loon eggs were hatched, swans stayed on the secluded part of the lake, pelicans and cormorants clustered on a sand bar, herons and egrets fished the banks. We've had bright autumn days with plenty of time to remember summer.

Visit Skywatch Friday for more of the season.

I'm speechless

water is as water does

Back when ducks were hatching I caught this pair of new wooducks sunning themselves. Note the nub of their soon distinctive feather 'helmet' on the back of their heads. Have you ever seen an ugly baby?

There's a spot along White Bear Lake where dog owners let their dogs exercise by swimming after the illusive tennis ball. The dogs are 90% Labs so this photo of twin white Labs tells that story well. Plus an old hippie's pony tail made me smile and reminisce. . .

A new week begins with a view of animals and birds @ Misty Dawn's meme, Camera Critters.

Aren't diamonds forever?

Last days of summer at White Bear Lake. The morning was trying to break through the clouds. I loved how the sun sparkled on the water--a sight I want to remember come January.

Sail over to Skywatch Friday for more skies to enjoy.

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

J.R.R.Tolkien

Wednesday in a word: Newman

Found: a photo of a very young inductee into the U.S. Navy, Paul Newman. Need I say more? More handsome N-words @ Mrs Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday.

The problem with getting older is you still remember how things used to be. ― Paul Newman

from flower to fruit

I may be stretching the concept of Today's Flowers a bit, but you get it, don't you? Nature's beauty is complete from start to finish.

 See more flowers and such @ Today's Flowers.

Skywatch Friday from the North Woods

These are sky views along the upper north shore of Lake Superior between Grand Rapids and the Canadian border taken in September. The shoreline is so impressive with rocky outcroppings and pine trees but no beaches. Its easy to imagine how this rugged shore could be dangerous for ships.

I've included this view of the lake because if you enlarge it and look toward the bottom of the photo you can catch a glimpse of lake rocks because the water was crystal clear and an incredible blue that day.

More incredible skies here.

'Happiness is an angel with a serious face.'

sculpture, 'Head of a Woman' - 1912 and 'Blue Eyes' [portrait of Madame Jeanne Hébuterne] - 1917

While visiting Erica earlier this year I saw this art at a Marc Chagall exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art which included some work by his contemporaries, in particular Amadeo Modigliani.

'Portrait of a Polish Woman' - 1919

ABC Wednesday's letter du jour is M for Amedeo Modigliani, an Italian painter & sculptor who lived from 1884-1920. He studied in Italy but made his more famous work while in Paris in the Left Bank bohemian Montparnasse with contemporaries like Picasso and Chagall. His work is easily recognizable in the painted figures with elongated bodies and mask-like sculptures. Sadly he died at 36 from drug and alcohol abuse, and finally, tuberculosis.

Visit Mrs Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday for many more uses of the letter 'M'
title quote by Modigliani

hanging on to autumn

From my walks in the autumn woods in September are wildflowers too lovely to forget, even the bane of my existence, Goldenrod.

I still have some die hard herbs and annuals hanging on for dear life. Since our days have been near 90 degrees lately, I haven't the heart to pull them up yet. Photographing flowers make me happy so I am grateful for a place to post them each week @ Today's Flowers, a virtual flower shop meme.

Happy Week!

Friday: truth and beauty

Happy Autumn Weekend!

from Linnea Designs 2011 calendar

October mornings

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

To-morrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

To-morrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow,

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know;

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away;

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--

For the grapes' sake along the wall.

                                       Robert Frost

More beguiling October skies @ Skywatch Friday.

L is for Louis, love and lines

I couldn't let ABC Wednesday's letter du jour go by without posting about one of my favorite Abstract Expressionist/Color Field painters, Morris Louis. He was part of the band of mid-century painters like Kenneth Noland and Barnett Newman, and many more who used this style of painting broad fields of flat color.

Where,1960 @ Hirschhorn Museum

 Dalet Chaf, 1958 @Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

No. 28, 1961 @ Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

Louis lived in D.C. where he banded together a group calling themselves The Washington Color School during the 1950's & 60's. He died at age 50 from cancer attributed paint vapor exposure.        
 I love what he left behind.

More L words today @ ABC Wednesday. They will make you smile.

why I love Minnesota

Last weekend I celebrated my birthday on the back of the motorcycle, again. But this time it was to avoid the cake blindness caused by so, so many lit candles. The birch trees were magical. Riding in the early evening when the sun was shining on them, their leaves were suspended and the wind made them seem to glitter like sequins. Every so often a bright red maple would jump out at us. Autumn beauty plus amazing desserts made this birthday memorable. Life is good.

More good times can be seen @ Mary's meme, Ruby Tuesday.