The Sights of Minnesota

OK, so we're here in the state of 10,000 lakes.  They're everywhere!  There's practically a lake on every corner in the state.  Why, then, cannot we not find a lake?  Because Minnesota is a big state.  The corners are farther apart.

There was supposedly one at Como Park where we went to the zoo.  Didn't see it. 

We did see the mighty Mississippi River as she flowed powerfully 

through the city.

Then there were tall buildings in the city of Minneapolis.  All lovely and interesting, but I want to see lakes!

A trip to Minneapolis isn't complete without a visit to the Mall of America, complete with it's own amusement park.  Again, no lakes.

Finally, on our way to Stillwater, we stumbled across Lake Elmo Park Reserve.  Here is a man fishing with his son, who just caught his very first fish.

Here is an satellite view of the pier, courtesy of Google Maps.

At first glance this appears to be another lake.  It is actually a swimming pool.  It is filled with chlorinated water and filtered just like a regular pool, but has the look and feel of a lake with a beach.

It was cool and overcast, but there were still folks in the water...kids, that is!

It looks like I was looking through a window doesn't it?  Well I was, sort of.  This was a tiny building at the end of boardwalk through a marsh-like area leading to another lake in the park.  Tall grass on either side was nearly as tall as me.  I think this was built as a shelter to observe wildlife. I love getting back to nature, although we didn't see much wildlife.

Except for this little guy!

So while I did get to see some of Minnesota's beautiful lakes, it was only a drop in the bucket.  There are about 9,998 to go.

Nursery Rhyme Redo: Birds of a Feather

Pink Flamingo at the Como Zoo

Birds of a feather dressed in leather 

Danced with the pigs in a line 

The rats and mice held their own 

And formed a chorus line

For those of you (like me) not familiar with the original verse, this is the original "birds of a feather".

Birds of a feather flock together

And so will pigs and swine

Rats and mice will have their choice

And so will I have mine

Quote of the Week

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.  - Erica Jong

How many times have you asked someone "What should I do" after you have wrestled with the problem for hours, always coming to the same conclusion?  You know what is right, but want someone to confirm the choice you would prefer to make.  Sometimes the right answer is the hardest thing to hear.

Dude, you're gettin' a Dell!

Guess who just got a new computer?

Remember the old Dell commercials with Steven?  Seems like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?  Well in the techno-gadget world it was actually a millennium ago.

I thought the ads were corny but cute.  The Dell dude always made it sound like such a sweet deal!  "Dude, your gettin' a Dell!"

I had been intrigued by the fact that a college student started and ran a computer production business from his dorm room.  I believe in supporting young entrepreneurs, and this ingenuity made the Dell computer compelling. 

I've had several computers over the years, and as with all things technical, we eventually want something bigger, better, faster, with more bells and whistles.  Fast forward to the present.  I needed wanted a new computer.  Hubby got a heads up from one of his co-workers on a getting a good deal on a Dell.  He uses them in a side business and has good success with them, so for a mere one-third the cost of my first computer back in the early 90s, I am the proud owner of a Dell Inspiron.

I guess that makes me a Dudette!

It's my initial foray into Windows 7.  I've been an XP chick for the last 6 years and prior to that it was Win95.  Yeah, I don't exactly jump on the runaway upgrade train.

So, how often do you change with the technological times?

A Swedish Beauty

From the Como Zoo Conservatory

 Petals of velvet

A delicate rosy hue

A lovely lady

  

Posted for One Shot Wednesday.