West 7th Street has remained partially closed near downtown due to a sinkhole that is 35 feet deep. How does that even happen? Meanwhile, in the nearby downtown area, many roads are partially closed due to road reconstruction, utility work, and bridge repairs.
It is Friday, and Fridays are for fun. I have always been a fan of the Saint Paul Public Library. Ever since childhood, it has been a favorite place, especially in the summer. In my early teens, I used to hop on a city bus with my bestie, and we would go to the library, check out some books, and read in the park (Rice Park) before heading back home for an evening of reading.
I decided to relive my childhood earlier this week with a visit to the library. I checked out several books and brought them to the park, and read for a while. I can spend hours in the library. It is hard to leave.
Here are a couple of pictures of the historic firehouse on Leech Street at Grand Ave. The building was vacant for a time, and before that, it belonged to a local contractor. Then it was sold to someone with vision who transformed it into a restaurant.
Hope Breakfast Bar is one of my favorite places to eat.
Change in the neighborhood seems to happen at a snail’s pace and then I look around and it all seems sudden.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, there were public fireworks displays on the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota, on July 4th. The event was free and open to all, and the fireworks could be seen from miles away.
We used to line up on the bridges and watch the fireworks. It all helped build a sense of community, the way we celebrated together. I am happy that I have some pictures.
Fireworks can be challenging to photograph. I like to show context rather than just showing the fireworks in the sky that could be anywhere. In the picture, you can see the old West Publishing building, which isn’t there anymore.
For many years, there were public fireworks displays on the State Capitol grounds in St. Paul. Those fireworks could be seen from miles away and were free and accessible to the public.
Blooming tree season lasts about a week in these parts, which is good news for people with spring allergies. Pay attention and don’t miss Blooming Tree Week. I may even get out and take some pictures. Happy Monday!
Today is the first day of spring. As always I look forward to gardening and today I’ll be starting some plants for the garden. I use discarded packaging like egg cartons and the plastic clamshell that mini cupcakes come in. I like to start tomatoes, peppers, zinnias, and marigolds from seeds and bring them outdoors when it is warm enough. I grow herbs, in the house during the winter. I have big plans.
I have already gotten the bike out and taken it for a spin. Winter isn’t completely over yet. We may have a few more snowstorms. Leave those shovels out, it is bad luck to put them away in March.
