Now THAT'S a big tree!!!

Rochester was one of the 30 communities in the United States

 that enjoyed "a stop" during the 2000 mile journey of our

 Nations Capitol Christmas tree, an 88 ft tall white spruce. 

It was chosen from the Chippewa National forest

 in Northern Minnesota near Cass Lake.

I personally think it's very cool that one of our very own Minnesota trees will be the 

National Christmas tree in Washington DC. 

The lighting ceremony will take place on December 2nd.

Rick and I were downtown on Friday so we stopped by 

to check out the tree and festivities.

There were a lot of vehicles bearing this decal.

The US Government forest service

I took a panoramic picture of the huge truck carrying the 88 ft tree.

 The street was closed to accommodate the crowds of people

 flocking to get a glimpse of the tree.

The reindeer for santa's sleigh were also in attendance

They seemed very happy to be having so much attention.

A part of the actual tree was viewable through this window on the truck.

A couple of the US forestry guys....at least I think that's who they were  :)

A quote I found from U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar...

 “This massive spruce is a shining example of the extraordinary natural beauty our state has to offer, and I’m excited to see it light up our nation’s capital this holiday season for the entire country to see.” 

I happen to agree  :)

They still got it....

Last Sunday night Rick and I ventured down to the Riverside to watch a 

free concert by a band that was popular wayyyyyyyy back 

when we were teens ... 

Three Dog Night

 My guy totting the chairs to find us a place in the crowd

  We barely got into the crowd when we were found by these three sisters

Who happen to be Rick's 2nd cousins, or as Rick would say,

 "1st cousins once removed"

They are a goofy bunch as you can see.

*the family connection is this.... 

the 3 sisters' mom and my husbands maternal grandma were sisters.

They said they had plenty of room so we should come sit with them.

The sister's like to talk geneology with Rick.

 He has done a lot of research

and they are eager to hear what he has to say. 

I believe there was over 20,000 people in attendance

 In our spots

 Nightfall

 The band stand,

 It was a beautiful night for a concert, listening to a band 

that goes wayyyyyy back to when we were just high school sweet hearts.

A few of their songs that were hits.... do you remember them?

Celebrate

Black and White

Joy to the World

An old fashion love song

Hens VS. Chicks Vintage baseball

Yesterday, I ventured over to the Historical Center in SW Rochester 

to watch a game of 1860's baseball. 

Players, dressed as they would of back then and the rules of the game

 were followed as they were in 1860's. 

Fun fact: There were less than 40 written rules for baseball of the era, 

all else was left to the codes of gentlemanly behavior of the time.

The men (Roosters) were playing at 6pm, but being a veteren ball player myself I really wanted

 to watch the women play an exhibition game before the men's game.

 2 bits, is all they asked for admission, 

I had .75 in my pocket so I threw it in the dish.

The pitcher. 

Both the men and women pitch underhand.

The old....

and young came to watch the games 

batter up 

 The rooster's (men's team) were the score keepers for the women's game.

Fun Fact:  After a player scored, it was customary in 1860 vintage baseball to  have that player report to the scorer and ring the tally bell to announce the score to the throng (fans)

Some of the terms have changed since the 1800's

here are just a few...

 Throng = Fans

Artist = proficient player

Muffin = inexperienced player 

Muff = Error

Striker = Batter

Striker to the line = Batter up

Daisy cutter = sharp grounder

Four bases = Home run

Ace = Run; crossing home base

 left field player

break in the action 

 first baseman

 running for the ball

Coming off the field.....they were having fun!

Favorite photo, 

players on a old wooden bench sittin' on a quilt .

My favorite winter scene....Gone

This row of pine trees juts off to the west off County 22 just about 1/2 mile from my home.

It is most beautiful in the winter when the pine branches are flocked with fresh snow

(I know I must have taken a winter photo but I just couldn't find any)   :(

This row of pines used to come up to the road

until a few months ago....

Now, most of them have been cleared away

They bowled them down and the trees were soon a hugh heap of mulch

Soooooo many beautiful pine trees, demolished!

I'm not really a "Tree hugger" but this used to be my favorite winter scene. 

 It is soon to be a grocery store, I do like Hy-vee, but I'd rather look at the pines, sigh!

Chalk the walk

318 Commons is a fairly new apartment building that houses medical residents for Mayo Clinic 

and  students for UMR (university of MN Rochester)

The university and Mayo clinic are only a few block from the apartments, 

which makes for a short walk! 

On saturday, the neighbors (downtown Rochester) came out for a fun little event

 to help welcome the incoming freshman to UMR

The chalk was provided

The artwork was to focused on the theme of "welcome"

Kids, student and adults came out to show their artistic flair

I stopped to visit with this young man, he is a Junior are UMR and quite the chalk artist if i go say so myself. He is from Texas and has no family in Rochester.  He was really getting into the blending of colors, when I asked him if he was about finished, he said, "not even close" 

I didnt stay till he was done.

 Husband and wife team working on a little farm scene

 A soccer ball?

 "Nolan is awesome" I had to chuckle :)

Bright & colorful 

Funny  :)  

Pretty flower  

It's amazing the things that go on in your city.... 

I happen to see a little blurp in the newspaper about this and thought I would check it out.

I kind of wish I would have gone a little later, I would have liked to see Mr. Texas's finished work and I think there would have been many more to look at. 

All the same it was a fun filler for a quiet Saturday afternoon.