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    T Tuesday: Pillsbury Castle edition

    July 22, 2024 - By 

    Last Friday Mr. G surprised me with tickets to tour the Pillsbury Castle. I had mentioned it in passing earlier that week but hadn’t expected to be doing the tour just a few days later.

    I’m not sure about all over the USA but here in the mid-west Pillsbury is synonymous with baking. And this house was that man’s castle.  The flour milling industry was one of the largest factors in Minneapolis becoming so successful during the industrial revolution.

    This remodel/restoration was not a historical recreation. A couple purchased the home and is planning to move into it later this summer. The tour was more of a designer showcase once we got there. It was cool anyway.

    This was my favorite painting in the home. I love impressionist style, but this had a modern flair that spoke to me.

    The same room had a large niche/alcove/inset…not exactly sure how to classify it… but I was amazed by these crystals.

    This old mirror gave a fun reflection at the end of our tour. I’d like to think it was an original mirror from the home but I really have no clue.

    Back in the day this was a very wealthy neighborhood. These days it’s a very weird mix of old mansions turned into apartments or businesses and homes being restored or neglected. Just a couple blocks from there was a homeless encampment. It’s so odd to me that there is such disparity within a few block radius. Maybe I’m just too used to my safe suburban bubble.

    Speaking of the suburban bubble… back at home I captured a photo of my handsome Marvin enjoying his supervised outside time.

    While outside I took a few blooms from my neighbors daylilies. Don’t worry…I’m not a thief. She texts me to come get them before the deer eat them. Since there were very few I upcycled a tequila bottle into a vase.

    T stands for Tuesday

    Errands and housework are on my agenda…yay fun stuff…

    What are you doing today?

  • Blog

    T Tuesday: random assortment edition

    July 15, 2024 - By 

    I’m not going to sugar coat it…this post is going to be all over the place. Kind of like my brain some days.

    My neighbor, who is a prolific card maker, inspired me to get back at it. The first chore is cutting, scoring and folding the cardstock. Once I had a nice stack I began looking through my scraps and envelopes. An orange one caught my eye…a Shutterfly envelope. Inside I found a stack of photos perfect for cards. I know I originally ordered them for that purpose but they got set aside and therefore forgotten.

    In a short time I had this pile of blank photo cards completed.

    This is one of my favorite photos. I created this arrangement exclusively from my yard into a handmade pottery piece I picked up at a garage sale.

    Independence day was a rainy day here so both the parade and fireworks were cancelled. The city made the decision to reschedule the fireworks until July 12th.

    We are lucky enough to be able to walk a few houses down to the top of a cul-de-sac to view the show. The mosquitos were fierce but it was still a good time.

    My garden is continuing to produce which makes me so happy. I grilled the yellow squash on Sunday with our meal. It was delish!

    I’m also working on some coffee dyeing. It’s really hot but humid. I’m hoping the sun will overpower the humidity when it comes to drying these stacked pages. I have lots of different stencils and plastic pieces mixed in the stack to hopefully create some cool patterns. I’ll share my results at a later date.

    T stands for Tuesday

    What are you doing today?

  • Blog

    T Tuesday: summer days edition

    July 9, 2024 - By 

    Nothing beats summer in Minnesota if you ask me. It’s the reason we put up with the harsh winters.

    I’ve been trying to get myself back on track with walking in the morning. I like to do it as early as possible but some mornings I can’t seem to get the lead out.

    I’m so fortunate to have beautiful and well maintained places to walk. Just around the bend of the above photo I spotted a place where the fairies live. 🙂

    It was so cute. I’m glad the park service let it stay there.

    As I continued on my walk I got to our city center park which hosts a carnival and street dance the 3rd of July. Everyone was working hard to get things set up for the afternoon. Mini-me and I went up for a little while and hung out with our neighbors. It’s always a good time.

    Yesterday Mini-me and I walked at the MN Landscape Arboretum. They have a nice 3 mile walking trail that we enjoy. There are benches of varying ages throughout the walk to rest or contemplate.

    My garden is doing quite well. I’ve harvested 2 cucumbers and 2 jalapenos so far.

    I’m hoping the tomatoes will begin to ripen soon.

    T stands for Tuesday
    Today has me working on some boring chores in the house. I got my walk in though. I plan to spend more time outside as well even if it’s just weeding.
    What are you doing today?