Passing By

On the overpass of Interstate 94, near Mounds Boulevard in St Paul, traffic whizzes under my camera lens at light speed. I'm unnoticed by the drivers as they venture forth on their nightly quest.

Shadow Painting

The shadow of the temple caught my eye.

Blooming Day

Every year I wait for my Stargazer Lily's to bloom....this was the week! Naturally I had to photograph them in full bloom. I really need to find more of this type to plant or figure out if these can be split or how to grow more stems.

Not Yet, But Soon

Currently it's for planting corn, but one day, the corn will be gone and a road with houses will be in it's place....

Careful Construction

I really like that they were able to build a taller building around the historic Porter Frye building. The older building reminds me of a tall castle.

Underdog

Why Underdog for the title you may be asking? Oh if only he had both arms in the air, he would match perfectly with the Underdog t-shirt he is wearing....all kidding aside, I believe his name was Captain Pottery. Could be wrong, but I cannot recall what name he was using. He is from the Afton 4th of July parade, which I've posted several photos from during this month of July.

Additional information can be found at Mudslinger Pottery, stop by his website and say hello.

The Doors Of Steel

In May of 2007, I had stopped by the Lock and Dam Number 2 in Hastings, wanting to get some shots of what the insides of the locks look like. I was greeted with a big fence and a warning sign stating that this was as closes as you'll get to the dam. It became protected after the Twin Towers attack on September 11. If you'd like to read the sign, I have a photo of it here.

This afternoon, another co-worker of mine, Dave J, forwarded me a photo of him traveling inside of the lock and damn while on his boat. The photo was taken with the camera on his cell phone. I've been inside of the locks a couple of times and it is a strange feeling when the lock doors close and your encased in steel walls, while holding onto a rope to keep your boat next to the side of the wall. The water rises or lowers slowly, and before you know it, you venture on your way. Thank you for the contribution.

Valleyfair

One more contribution for the week. Today's is from Dave R. It features the neon sign from Valleyfair Amusement Park along Highway 13 in Shakopee. I would love to hear those of you who do not live in the Twin Cities to pronounce the city name of Shakopee. The massive sign does feature a spinning neon ferris wheel which adds a great touch.

The Ledge

A co-worker of mine, Dave J, sent me this photo a couple of weeks ago from his fishing trip. I like how it shows the calm water level to the left, then a mini rapids as the water rushes over the rocks to a lower part of the lake.

Mama And The Chicks

Contribution photo from swc, taken about a week ago in his backyard. Capturing the mother duck leading her ducklings on a journey. In the foreground, that yellow blob, a golden finch was just leaving the feeder as the shutter clicked.

House On The St Croix

One of the many houses that can be found on the St Croix River.

It's A Good Look For Him

He reminds me sort of a younger Dee Snyder from Twisted Sister, but without the characteristic nose.

All Smiles

A couple of smiles from two ladies with red hats that were involved in the Afton, 4th of July parade. I captured them as they passed along the route.

Color Guard

From the city of Afton, 4th of July parade. This was the color guard to start the parade.

Lines And Shapes

The west facing wall of Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis.

St Paul At Sunset

Just as the sun was setting on the Twin Cities, the pink sky was reflecting off the windows of the buildings.

Streaking Lights

Passing semi truck, caught on camera with downtown St Paul in the background.

Still Of The Night

At the end of the day, all that remains is the outlines of the trees.

The Show

Captured during the July 4 fireworks show in Cottage Grove at Kingston Park.

Sidwalk Sale

What happens when you have a hardware store next to a thrift store, with both store have items for sale sitting out on the sidewalk....well, it looks like a bunch of junk from this angle. I'm sort of laughing at the photo because there are actually three store entrance doors among all of the goods for sale [there is a bird feed store inbetween]. Though with this tight angle, makes it tough to find the entrance. Really I liked how trustworthy both stores feel having so much of their inventory sitting out in the open. I guess it takes a small town attitude these days.

Milestone: 1000 Posts On Twin Cities Daily Photo

With today being the 1000 post for Twin Cities Daily Photo, I decided it would be fitting for today's photo to be be from one of my personal favorite subjects to photograph....the St Paul Skyline. I've actually been sitting on this photo just for this occasion, as I took this one about two weeks ago. The location for this shot is from the East Side neighborhood. I'm between 3rd Street and 7th Street on the elevated sidewalk. It allowed me to be above the treeline and a clear view of St Paul.

Sparkling Effects

It's time for some fun with sparklers....plus my kids like it when I put photos they were a part of on this photo blog.

 

Firework Show

Captured on the 4th of July during the fireworks show in Cottage Grove. The event is held each year at Kingston Park.

Independence Day

"I hope you and yours enjoy a safe and happy 4th of July. Happy 233rd birthday, USA! Well, sort of, as the USA is actually 220 years old dating back to the adoption of the Constitution)..."

Eric H.

I read this quote from a good friend of mine today and thought it would was a great message for this day. The photo was taken during the Republican National Convention in 2008 along Highway 94 while driving 55+ miles per hour.

Boyd's Motel

Located in Newport along Highway 61, Boyd's Motel is another place that has survived the ages. This was really a tough shot to take. Nothing was ideal. I wanted the faded sign with the hotel in the background, but that telephone pole was smack dab in the middle of any shot I wanted. The other side doesn't get any sunlight, thus it was not faded, but if I shot the sign on that side, the hotel was out of the photo completely. So this strangely arranged photo was the best I could come up with.

Newport Center

Along highway 61, in the city of Newport, this red, white, and blue Newport Center signage is hard to miss.

Theme Day: Empty

Today is the City Daily Photo's monthly theme day. This months theme is actually a challenging one. It was voted the photo theme was 'empty'. Creativity is a must with this theme. I've selected a photo I took last summer on a camping trip. The sun had set about 60 to 90 minutes at the time of this photo. All that was left was the empty sky and the moon's dancing light reflecting off of the waters for my camera to capture.

To see additional theme day photos around the world, stop by the portal page for a convenient thumbnail view of all participants. As the time zone changes each hour, more photos will be added.