Frozen vegetables

Cabbage

Frosted cabbage leaves

Broccoli

Cool weather earlier in the week frosted some of the few remaining vegetables in the garden.  Thankfully, they're pretty cold resistant!

Recommendations for enhancing political debates

I’m always impressed with how politicians can so convincingly bend the truth during their debates.  I’ve got a recommendation to help us more quickly validate the content of their remarks. Rather than wait for the fact checkers afterwards to tell us just how blatantly false so many of their statements are, I would suggest that a small screen be provided showing a polygraph readout throughout the debate.

While the networks are at it, how about they change that beautiful constitutional backdrop that is being used during the presidential and vice presidential debates. I would prefer to see individual and or corporate logos of the major donors for each of the politicians boldly emblazoned behind them.  The size of the donor’s names could be proportionate to the amount of their donations. Alternatively, instead of simply wearing American flag lapel pins, candidates could debate dressed like race car drivers, with their donor names and logos patched  all over their sports coats.

Constitutional marriage amendment and religion

The state of Minnesota will be voting on an amendment this fall which would change the constitution in order to restrict the definition of marriage, so that it can only be between one man and one woman.  This is being done, even though this is already state law.  Much of the energy for this proposed amendment comes from people concerned about defending their religious beliefs.

It seems that with an obesity epidemic, this same group of folks should also be supportive of outlawing gluttony.  With a growing gap between the ultra rich and poor, I'm not hearing this same outcry about greed from this group of folks. Jesus preached a whole lot about caring for the poor, but spoke not one word against people being in committed loving relationships with people of the same sex.

Fall park scenes

Milkweed

Milkweed seed captured by plant

Canada Geese flying

Leaves in morning frost

Tamarack branch decked out with morning dew

River birch leaves in morning sun

I enjoyed taking photographs at Crystal's Bassett Creek Park yesterday morning.  It was a frosty start to the day, which made for some beautiful scenery.

Falling leaf

Falling Maple Leaf at Bassett Creek Park

Drought continues

Mallards feeding

Maple leaf

Despite a wet spring now nearly 45 percent of Minnesota is experiencing a severe drought.  Seems that extreme weather conditions continue to occur on a frighteningly regular basis around the nation and across the world.  Yet, many still seem to want to hide their  heads in the sand, and pretend global climate change isn't happening.

The dry weather has to be difficult on the trees, bushes, crops and all other vegetation.

Twin Cities Marathon

Group of volunteers from Armstrong High School

I enjoyed volunteering at mile 11 aid station at the Twin Cities Marathon .  I joined over 100 volunteers, primarily affiliated with the Armstrong High School cross country team, helping out at this station.  It was impressive to see the wide range of people, all running to complete 26.2 miles.  

Volunteers at mile 11 aid station

ALARC

Vikings fan?

Top wheeler

Lead pack of runners

"Honor and Remember"

Gary Walters,
Raising funds for Kinship Partners

"Native Thunder:
One million miles against diabetes"

Running for two!

Water station... no, it's NOT coke ;-)

Father and son

Water table

Happy volunteer crew

First place wheeler rolling on by