Pic-A-Day

Pic Today 1/30/12

2012-01-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

THE ART OF PREPARING

FINE CUISINE

A close look at the skill and preparation

of a multi-course gourmet meal.

Each step a hand-made work of art.

Freshest ingredients.

A knowledge of combinations and chemistry.

A bold approach for new techniques.

An appreciation for sensory expression.

A passion for food.

And above all, color!

The end result is every bit a work of art.

(Food is beautiful!)

Pic Today 1/29/12

2012-01-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

ANOTHER AMAZING

"ROGUE UNDERGROUND" EVENT

This time, volunteer "foodies" signed up

to help prepare the extraordinary gourmet dinner.

Rogue master chefs helped direct each course.

Guests dined in a photography studio,

and were treated to an unforgettable 6-course meal.

Volunteer chefs pitched in

to create an extraordinary experience.

Yum!

Pic Today 1/28/12

2012-01-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

NEW COFFEE SHOP IN TOWN

Coffee lovers know the difference

"small, local and personal" can make.

And they're supporting small coffee shops

in neighborhoods around the city . . .

with passionate baristas, small batch roasting,

single-origin estate beans,

and the latest in brewing techniques.

Welcome SUMP South City Coffee,

3700 S. Jefferson in St. Louis.

Scott Carey offers unique beans

not normally seen in town,

and some very unique brewing techniques.

You'll enjoy Scott's knowledge and curiosity

of brewing a perfect cup of coffee.

You'll have your choice of:

Espresso & Lattes

Chemex Pour-Over

Aeropress

French Press

and

6-foot Ice Tower Brewer

Definitely worth a vist.

(This ain't no Starbucks!)

Pic Today 1/27/12

2012-01-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

SEE MY PRETTY ROCKS

These aren't just rocks.

These are agates.

Beautiful laguna agates, from Mexico.

Considered by collectors

the most beautiful banded agates in the world.

Their intense color combinations make them unique.

Laguna agates are found in the rugged hills

of Ojo Laguna, just north of Chihuahua, Mexico,

150 miles south of El Paso, Texas.

Unfortunately, the choice mining spots there

have carefully guarded claims,

which make these beautiful "rocks" even more scarce.

Laguna nodules average 3-4" in diameter,

and when sawed and polished,

have spectacular bands of color within.

Pic Today 1/26/2012

2012-01-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

DISSECTING VIEWS

ON ONE PIECE OF ART

How we look at art . . .

there are so many ways, so many views.

Take this outdoor sculpture,

at Washington University School of Architecture:

a class project, called "Salt Works",

(mixed media: plywood and plastic),

constructed at the graduate studio,

under the direction of Joe MacDonald.

An "organic shape of concave shapes"

that plays with light and shadows!

More than one view . . .

(See the salt?)

Pic Today 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

"STICKWORK ON CAMPUS"

Drive along Forsyth Boulevard,

next to Washington University (St. Louis),

and you'll see two new "buildings."

It's the result of a recent installation by art students,

under the direction and supervision of

internationally renowned sculptor, Patrick Dougherty.

Two 20-foot high branch houses were the

brain child of Dougherty, who had the students

collect 20,000 sticks and branches from the area

(mostly willow and dogwood.)

These all natural constructions were erected

and hand assembled in 3 weeks time,

and will weather naturally through the seasons.

The sculpture is entitled "Double Or Nothing."

Now THAT'S what I call a "tree house."

Pic Today 1/24/12

2012-01-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

GOOD NEWS:

IT'S THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Happy New Year, everyone.

Happy Chinese New Year, that is.

It's the Year of the Dragon.

And that's very good news on the Chinese calendar.

Of all the years and animals,

the Year of the Dragon is the luckiest one.

In fact, the Chinese take it so seriously,

women include "fertility" in their family planning

and do their best of become pregnant

the next 3 months . . .

so their next generation will be born

in the Year of the Dragon.

For good luck!

Whenever you were born,

whatever your year,

here's wishing you good fortune

and good luck in the coming year.

Pic Today 1/23/12

2012-01-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

ADJUSTING TO A

WINTER WITHOUT SNOW

Our weather this winter

has been noticeably warmer,

and without the snow of past years.

Noticeable changes in our winter lives:

o No sledding or toboggans down neighborhood hills.

o No helping children build snowmen in the yard.

o No dressing up for long walks in snow covered fields.

o No staying home from school or work due to snow warnings.

o No skis or snow boards strapped atop cars . . .

UNLESS, OF COURSE

We make our own snow!

A short drive, west of St. Louis,

to Hidden Valley Ski Lodge,

where they cover their slopes with snow.

(Man-made snow is better than none.)

I suppose this will do

until we get the real thing!

Pic Today 1/22/12

2012-01-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

WHEN CAMELLIAS BLOOM

". . . spring cannot be far behind."

Camellias are making their first showing

this late January (albeit indoors.)

Their fragrant, colorful buds shown here

at the Linnaean House, Missouri Botanical Garden.

Built in 1882, the Linnaean House is

the oldest continuously operated greenhouse

west of the Mississippi River

(named in honor of Swedish botanist,

Carl Linnaeus, by Henry Shaw.)

The camellia collection planted here

dates back to the 1920s.

(Did you know?

The tea we drink

comes from leaves of the camellia.)

Pic Today 1/21/12

2012-01-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

ICY WEATHER

MAKES A VISIT

How would you like to be the weatherman

this winter?

Warm weather last week;

cold weather this week;

no snow to speak of;

an ice storm last night;

only to be followed by a warm spell in the 50's

for the next 3 days.

Hard to know what to wear when you leave the house!

No matter the weather . . . how warm, how cold . . .

how bad, how good . . . how sunny, how cloudy . . .

there's beauty and wonder in the world.

The seasons change.

The world adapts.

Such is nature!

Pic Today 1/20/12

2012-01-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

TROPICAL RAIN FOREST

ON A WINTER DAY

A visit to the Climatron,

at Missouri Botanical Garden,

is a sure fire way to escape a cold winter's day.

This tropical enclosed environment

was the first geodesic dome greenhouse

ever built (constructed in 1960).

The Climatron houses over 1,500 tropical plants

in 85% humidity, at a daytime temperature of 85˚F

and a cool nighttime temperature of 65˚F.

(A well tempered jungle thriving in St. Louis!)

It sure feels good when it's cold and windy outside.

But it does make your camera lens fog over

when you go inside.

(With patience - about 15 minutes - the fog clears.)

Pic Today 1/19/12

2012-01-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

BRICKS AS ART

Bricks are much more than building blocks.

They're beautiful, durable

and, until the mid-20th century,

totally hand made.

They come in different sizes, color and finishes

depending on the application.

Bricks can be crude, finely finished,

and even embossed with designs and names.

When brick buildings are demolished,

the bricks are saved to be used again.

In fact, used bricks can be twice as costly as new ones!

Bricks are collectable.

Old ones are auctioned as "fine art."

Bricks are beautiful.

Pic Today 1/18/12

2012-01-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

BRICKS BUILT THESE TOWNS

As immigrants traveled westward

and settled the Missouri valley,

they brought their skill of making bricks.

(After all, the river valleys were rich with red clay,

perfect for molding bricks, to bake in kilns.)

Wood frame houses and log cabins

gave way to houses and businesses fashioned from brick.

Even streets were paved with special bricks,

called "pavers" or cobblestones.

19th century brick homes still stand today,

while some street sections in St. Louis and St. Charles

are still paved with their original bricks.

200 years old, and still standing.

Bricks are a part of Missouri's history and heritage.

(Earliest bricks of Missouri are now collectable.

View some rare brick styles and building stones

on tomorrow's blog.)

Pic Today 1/17/12

2012-01-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

TWO UNIQUE NIGHT SPOTS

IN BENTON PARK (ST. LOUIS)

In the shadow of the world's largest brewery,

Benton Park is an historic neighborhood

in downtown St. Louis.

Century 2-story homes are being carefully restored

and attract new vitality to this older section of the city.

Corner pubs and eateries throughout Benton Park

attract visitors to the area.

Two worthwhile night spots are Niche,

a well known gourmet brasserie,

and the Venice Cafe,

famous for its wild and creative decor.

Pic Today 1/16/12

2012-01-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

PRICKLY BUSINESS

A trip to the garden hothouse

always feels good in the winter,

and a chance to view the symmetry and beauty

of the rugged cactus (family cactaceae).

Native to the Americas,

cacti have adapted to conserve water

in dry and hot environments.

The stem and body have evolved to become succulent,

with leaves transforming into spines and needles.

All parts of the cactus (even the needles)

are capable of absorbing moisture,

but have little ability to lose it.

So they're able to retain water

during periods of drought and harsh conditions.

Each cactus is efficiently designed

to survive its environment,

while keeping predators at bay.

(Ouch.)

Pic Today 1/15/12

2012-01-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

BROWNIE LOVERS, REJOICE

As any brownie lover will tell you,

the problem with brownies is

"only the brownies on the outside of the pan

have crisp, chewy edges."

Problem solved!

Introducing the "edge brownie pan"

which assures that each and every brownie

has at least two well done chewy edges.

Same amount of batter.

Just an ingenious brownie pan design.

What took them so long?

Pic Today 1/14/12

2012-01-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

WINTER IN THE GARDEN

With our strange warm weather this winter,

it was good to get our first snow of the new year.

It always creates a different kind of beauty

in the garden, in the forest.

With the snow came bitter cold temperatures,

but the snow will be gone this weekend

as the forecast calls for 50˚ by Sunday.

What's the garden to think?

(Let sleeping plants lie.)

Pic Today 1/13/12

2012-01-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

FINALLY

The first snow of the year

has finally arrived.

Just before dawn.

Enough to paint the town white,

muffle the morning sun

and put sparkles in our path.

Finally.

Pic Today 1/12/12

2012-01-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

NEW VITAMIN WATER

HAS DARK SIDE

There's a new vitamin water in town.

It natural . . .

with 77 trace elements . . .

electrolytes, and fulvic acid . . .

It "tastes like water".

It's expensive.

And it's BLACK!

BLK.Water is here.

Just what the world's been waiting for!

Another silly product no one needs!

Pic Today 1/11/12

2012-01-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

SHOPPING FOR

TROPICAL FISH

Here's what I learned today,

shopping for tropical fish.

(I don't have any. Just shopping.)

1. Some fish open and close their mouths nonstop:

(I think they're talking. We just can't hear them.)

2. Fresh water fish are bland, not very colorful.

3. The colorful fish of the world live in salt water.

4. Clown fish aren't very funny, but they can hide

in the poisonous tentacles of sea anemones.

(Immune to the poison, they've got the last laugh.)

5. Goldfish have buggy eyes. Not all of them are gold.

6. Neon tetras look like little neon signs.

7. The more beautiful the fish, the more they cost.

8. Fresh water aquariums cost less than $50.

9. Salt water aquariums cost more than $500.

10. Fish make great pets.

(And they don't run away.)

Pic Today 1/9/12

2012-01-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

BLOG ON HOLD

Out-of-town for a few days,

on assignment.

Be back soon.

Pic Today 1/8/12

2012-01-08T00:05:00.000-08:00

HERSELF

(ANIMAL FARM, Part Two)

Queen of the farm,

holding court in her comfortable home.

She loves to spend time on the screened-in porch

which is her "favorite room of the house."

She tends to her subjects, feeds them

and loves them dearly.

(These animals love her in return.)

Her worldly treasures are on display

throughout the porch.

Gems and crystals from the earth;

colored glass and bottles

sparkle in the sun.

Inside, antiques fit nicely in this vintage farmhouse.

A Hardman upright piano, anyone?

Pic Today 1/7/12

2012-01-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

A SPECIAL LADY

ON A SPECIAL FARM

This amazing young lady,

(nickname "Ellie May")

lives alone on this historic

200-year-old farm in Missouri.

Well, not really alone . . .

she has goats, horses, a pig, 4 dogs, a cat & a macaw.)

Her farm is a living museum

of an original 19th century homestead,

including historic log cabin, barns, limestone root cellar,

cistern, spring-fed catfish pond, a 2-seater "out house",

all surrounded by cleared fields and fertile farmland.

The land is marked by an historic gravestone,

where members of the Kissing family are buried,

who settled here from Germany in the 1800's.

This young woman knows what she has, and where she lives.

She is happy, content and capable

of managing and maintaining this original historic farm.

(Tomorrow's blog will feature photos

of her screened-in porch,

which she calls her "favorite room in the house",

and some of her treasures.)

TO BE CONTINUED

Pic Today 1/6/12

2012-01-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

SAY IT ISN'T SO

KODAK is filing for bankruptcy?

They'll stop making TRI-X black-and-white film?

The news is out.

This once giant U.S. film company can't find

any customers for its digital imaging patents,

which means it may "go under."

This 131-year-old photography company

is synonymous with film and cameras worldwide.

Until digital photography transformed the industry,

Kodak made 90% of all the film worldwide!

It was just over a year ago,

the last roll of Kodachrome was processed.

("Mama, don't take my Kodachrome away from me.")

They can't take away my Tri-X film.

Oh no!

There's a lot of us converted digital photographers

who still relish (and use) those wonderful

black-and-white films.

Tri-X film has always been my favorite.

The joy of shooting, developing and printing Tri-X.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.

I've still got 5 rolls of Tri-X

I haven't developed yet!

SAY IT ISN'T SO.

Pic Today 1/5/12

2012-01-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

PRESERVING

A FAMILY TRADITION

A "century farm" has been worked and owned

by the same family for 100 years or more.

It's a respect for the land, the home, the barns

and the tradition that has kept it alive

for a century.

The weathered wood. And patched roof.

Rusted plows, root cellar and chicken coop.

There's beauty in the ways of our ancestors.

This is good land.

There's much to teach the children.

Pic Today 1/4/12

2012-01-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

SCENES ALONG THE RIVERFRONT

St. Louis.

The mighty Mississippi.

Flood walls.

Landmarks.

Famous night spots.

River barges.

Bicycle paths.

Doorways,

closed for the winter.

But a river never stops.

(Not ever.)

Pic Today 1/3/12

2012-01-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

MY FAVORITE

CHRISTMAS YARD DECORATION

It was "no contest" this year . . .

the favorite holiday outdoor decoration

of the neighborhood was Mr. Pinky!

Maybe it will last all winter long,

if it doesn't sleet or snow.

(Yeah right, a winter without snow.

Ha, when pigs fly!)

Pic Today 1/2/12

2012-01-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

THIRST IS A DANGEROUS THING

If you're prone to making resolutions

for the new year,

it's best to keep your list short and simple.

It's best summed up by the 19th-century English writer,

Jerome Klapka Jerome,

who wrote Three Men In A Boat.

"Let your boat of life be light."

Pic Today 1/1/12

2012-01-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

TURN CHAMPAGNE CORKS

INTO FRENCH CAFE CHAIRS

Here's a fun use for those popped

champagne corks from last night.

Detach the wire wrapping and cap

from the champagne cork.

Just 6 turns of the wire will lift it off.

(Trivia: It always take 6 turns,

no more, no less, to open any sparkling wine

or champagne bottle. No matter the winery or country.)

Just follow the pictures above.

You'll need a wire snips and pliers,

and you can make your own French cafe chair.

(The Chandon chair is my handiwork!)

Voila.

DESIGN WITHIN REACH stores ran a contest

recently, calling for entries of miniature chairs.

Materials: two champagne corks, foil, wire, cap.

No glue, no solder, nothing else.

They received thousands of entries, worldwide.

An exhibit toured their stores across the nation.

(Bottom photo shows 5 entries.)

Bubbly fun!

Pic Today 12/31/11

2011-12-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

UNIQUE CONCERT VENUE

AT JOE'S CAFE

When St. Louis artist, Bill Christman,

opened Joe's Cafe in the Central West End,

the college crowd swarmed into this unique

whimsical studio/art space/venue . . .

especially when he began booking top local bands.

But that was too much for the surrounding

residential neighborhood. Soon thereafter,

Joe's Cafe lost its liquor license.

So Bill closed his doors, and continued

collecting outlandish art and neon signs . . .

until he reopened as a "private club."

Joe's Cafe is thriving once again, but it's

strictly BYOB and a $10 "membership fee" at the door.

Award winning Irish band, Misla, performed

for New Year's Eve and it was

standing-room-only.

Beside top local bands in this tiny club,

Joe's Cafe is worth a visit

just for the art, decorations and outside garden.

Let the party begin!

Pic Today 12/30/11

2011-12-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

GOURMET COOKING

AS AN ART FORM

Here's an inside look

at a creative execution of a traditional English dish,

Fish-n-Chips (aka fried fish & french fried potatoes.)

In this case, it's

Fish-In-Chips, with Malt Caviar & Parsley.

Filets of redfish are rinsed and patted dry,

then coated with flour & instant mashed potatoes.

(That takes care of the "fish and chips" part.)

Dissolve agar (vegetable gelatin) in hot malt vinegar.

Once dissolved, fill syringe with liquid vinegar gelatin,

and slowly drop into ice cold grape seed oil.

Droplets of gelatin will form and settle to bottom.

Remove globules and reserve for garnish.

(Looks like caviar, doesn't it?)

Now for the parsley drops!

(Best done well in advance.)

Finely chop fresh parsley; mix with

dissolved gelatin in water.

Pour in sheet pan, and refrigerate.

When set, scrape parsley gelatin from pan;

liquify with water in blender.

Transfer to squeeze bottle for final plate garnish.

Plate the freshly fried fish w/potato coating

onto mayonnaise (with Old Bay Seasoning mixed in).

Squeeze fresh parsley dots onto plate.

Top fish with Malt Vinegar caviar.

(You don't taste the malt vinegar until you bite into the caviar.)

Pretty, isn't it?

The flavors combine in a most creative way.

Pic Today 12/29/11

2011-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

GOURMET DINNER

AT NEWEST CRAFT BREWERY

St. Louis' newest craft brewery -- 4 Hands --

hosted the famous Rogue Underground dining club

with a 6-course gourmet "beer dinner."

The secret team of Rogue chefs and staff

transformed the 2-week old "4 Hands Brewery"

into a gourmet dining room,

and matched these hand brewed beers

with extraordinary dishes.

This micro brewery is destined to be one of the

great craft beers in St. Louis,

in the shadow of Anheuser-Busch,

the giant worldwide brewery.

Artisanal craftsmanship wins again!

Pic Today 12/28/11

2011-12-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

FINALLY . . .

We got our first snow!

It's not much, admittedly,

but enough snow to cover the city

in white.

(And it was gone by noon.)

This is the latest, by far,

we've waited for the first snow.

What's happening?

Pic Today 12/27/11

2011-12-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

SHOOTING THE ARCH

The St. Louis Gateway Arch

is a national monument in my hometown,

St. Louis, Missouri.

the Gateway Arch was constructed between 1963-65,

standing 630-feet on the Mississippi River,

symbolic of the great Westward Expansion by Lewis & Clark.

(And yes, you can ride in elevators to the top.)

It is indeed a challenge to photograph the St. Louis Arch,

due to its scale and gleaming brilliance.

As is often times the case,

I love shooting pictures of people shooting pictures

of the magnificent stainless steel monument.

(A challenge, to say the least.)

It is no accident that Saarinen chose the exact dimensions

of the St. Louis Arch, a classic catenary arch,

one of the most stable designs in architecture.

Imagine holding a chain between your hands,

allowing it to fall to a depth exactly the same

as the distance between both hands.

Got it?

Now freeze the chain, flip it over,

and you've got a catenary arch.

(Isn't math wonderful?)

Eero Saarinen photo, courtesy of Yale University archives.

Pic Today 12/26/11

2011-12-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

EXTENDING CHRISTMAS

(PAY IT FORWARD)

Why not keep that Christmas feeling going,

and bring it to life more than one day a year?

That good feeling comes from giving to others.

The real face of Christmas are the less fortunate

and those who "live without."

You can keep Christmas in your heart,

day by day . . . reach out to the homeless,

the poor, to those who live alone.

They live where you live, and are easy to find,

in your city, in parts forgotten perhaps.

They're grateful when you find them, and try.

Warm clothes, food, a smile.

Make Christmas a longer season.

It feels good.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

-- Ghandi

Pic Today 12/25/11

2011-12-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May the magic of Christmas touch you

with the wonder of a child's dreams.

Close your eyes.

Make a wish.

Pic Today 12/24/11

2011-12-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

DEAR SANTA,

HERE'S WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

A shiny new sports car, please,

'cause I've been really good!

I saw some racing cars

just the other night,

all on the showroom floor.

Here's some hints . . .

Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes,

Audi, Maserati, Lamborghini.

Any color will do.

But red is nice.

Pic Today 12/23/11

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

ANNIE MEETS STINGER

My daughter, Annabelle (chef),

is home from Boulder (Colorado),

and spent some time with my friend,

Joy Stinger (bee keeper) yesterday.

Stinger (real name) is an amazing 77-year-old

"earth lady" who does it all . . .

raises bees, sells her honey, bee pollen

and molded bees wax products . . .

while raising chickens, selling eggs,

making mead, and tending to her

rabbits, tropical birds, Portuguese water dogs,

organic garden (on the 3rd floor of her city house).

Two great ladies

who know how to enjoy life.

Fun!

Pic Today 12/22/11

2011-12-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

LEAVING SOMETHING

FOR SANTA

The tradition of leaving milk and cookies

for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night

is believed to have emerged around the

time of the Great Depression

when parents wanted to inspire their children

to share with others, especially in hard times.

Finding crumbs on the plate the next morning

was proof that Jolly St. Nick had visited.

In England, sherry and mince pie are used.

And in Germany,

carrots are left out for the reindeer.

There's a Dutch custom to fill wooden shoes

with hay for Santa's horses.

Whatever your custom,

make sure you leave something nice for Santa.

(Chances are it will be gone Christmas morning.)

Ho Ho Ho!

Pic Today 12/21/10

2011-12-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS

CANDLE LIGHT CONCERT

BACH SOCIETY CHORUS & ORCHESTRA

POWELL SYMPHONY HALL

Dennis Sparger, conducting

Mary Wilson, Soprano

St. Louis Children's Choir

A heart warming evening of

Christmas music, including

Mendelssohn, Mozart, Schubert,

Vivaldi and traditional carols.

With audience selections

to join in song.

Nothing like a Bach Society candle light concert

to put us in the Christmas spirit.

Pic Today 12/20/11

2011-12-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS

DOORS & WINDOWS

Christmas decorations

all about town . . .

Doors are trimmed

to welcome friends inside.

Windows are dressed

to view a festive world outside.

Happy Christmas week!

Pic Today 12/19/11

2011-12-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

RURAL SPLENDOR:

ABANDONED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

This jewel of a farmhouse

shows the craft of hand made beauty

in rural Illinois, 100 years ago.

Unoccupied today,

but carefully left standing,

as a reminder of a simpler life

in elegant style.

The detail and workmanship

shine through,

each door and window intact

with privacy preserved by country lace curtains.

I wonder how each room is still furnished.

Beautifully, I'm sure.

Pic Today 12/18/11

2011-12-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

MY EARLY

CHRISTMAS GIFT

Got an early Christmas surprise

at my usual coffee house today.

Fresh baked apple pie,

still warm from the oven.

Big juicy slice,

on a fancy plate.

NO CHARGE.

Yay Christmas!

(Yum.)

Pic Today 12/17/11

2011-12-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

AN OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS

IN HISTORIC ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI

Established in 1765, St. Charles is one of the oldest cities

west of the Mississippi (just west of St. Louis),

and was the last "civilized post" on the Missouri River

from which Lewis & Clark launched their canoes

on their expedition towards the great Northwest.

Old town St. Charles is carefully preserved

and the site of many historic 18th century homes . . .

and where Christmas happens in a very "old fashioned" way.

Each Christmas season, 12 blocks of Main Street

(on the banks of the Missouri River)

dress up for the season, and open up their shops

with handcrafted gifts and ornaments.

This is the traditional old fashioned Christmas

we remember, and long for.

Pic Today 12/16/11

2011-12-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

THE WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT

. . . has to be the Chia Pet planters.

(They're so bad, they're good!)

Just fill these terracotta planters with water,

apply chia seeds in the grooves,

and 1-2 weeks later seeds grow into fur or hair.

They're only sold at Christmas time.

They were first introduced in 1980,

sold primarily at drug chain stores.

Combined sales are 1-million planters.

Believe it or not, over 1-million Chia Pet

planters are sold annually.

The popular Chia Pet characters this year are:

Chia Guy

Chia Homer Simpson

Chia Scooby-Doo

Chia Sponge Bob

Chia Po

Chia Taz

Chia Obama*

*Walgreens National Drug Chain has since

withdrawn Chia Obama from its stores.

"Too political," the store manager said.

(I might have to figure out who gets a Chia Pet

for Christmas this year.

Homer Simpson, for sure.)

Pic Today 12/15/11

2011-12-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

Books.

Real books.

Books you can hold, and smell,

and take to bed.

Not the Kindle, I-Pad, tablet

or anything electronic.

Ink. Paper.

Beautiful books.

And please support your local book store.

Not the big guys, or the national chain stores.

You won't find independent book stores

at the local shopping center.

Stop by your small, indie book store.

(They're usually on the corner.)

The most popular books this season are:

Steve Jobs

Rin Tin Tin

The Disappearing Spoon

The Litigators

Drop

Heaven Is For Real

Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

Books are for keeps!

Pic Today 12/14/11

2011-12-14T00:05:00.000-08:00

RETRO McDONALD'S

Did you ever notice?

No matter how they "make it modern",

sleek and refined, and update the look

from the original . . .

it's never quite as good as it once was?

Same goes for McDonald's,

the world wide fast food giant.

(Not that I dine under the golden arches!)

But the original arch and store design

sure looks more appealing than the

updated, modern store designs.

Don't you think?

Since 1950, there are 31,000 stores,

in 119 countries.

(And there will always be one-of-a-kind

McDonald's unique restaurant locations,

like Paris, France -- shown here.)

But I like the retro McDonald's.

We want to remember the pricing

back then. These are real prices from 1950:

Hamburger 15¢

Cheeseburger 19¢

Fries 10¢

Coca-Cola 10¢

Shakes 20¢

Pic Today 12/13/11

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

SPRINGERLE COOKIES:

ROLLED & PRESSED ART

These shaped-and-stamped German cookies

are a sure sign Christmas must be near.

The recipe for these traditional holiday treats

has remained unchanged since the 15th century.

Originally baked to honor "Church Holy Days"

in Bavaria and Austria, springerle cookies

have become a favorite at Christmas time

for Germans worldwide.

Original molds were hand carved,

depicting ornate scenes and designs,

and can occasionally be found in antique shops.

Here goes . . .

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

2 tablespoons butter (soft)

Beat for 15 minutes.

(Important: beat until fluffy)

Add

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

2 drops anise oil

zest of 1 lemon

Mix, just to combine

Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thick

press in images

Cut and lay onto sheet pan

Let sit out overnight (uncovered)

Bake 325˚ for 40 minutes

(don't let cookies brown)

Enjoy the traditional centuries-old

taste of springerle Christmas cookies.

Pic Today 12/12/11

2011-12-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

HOW WILL YOU DECORATE

YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE?

The earliest accounts of decorating

an evergreen tree at Christmas time

go back to the late 16th century

(attributed to Germany -- Oh Tannenbaum).

The tradition is celebrated today

in many countries, in many ways.

And there are unlimited ways to

"trim your tree" . . .

ornaments, colored lights, popcorn, cranberries,

candles, tinsel, flowers, and very personal decorations.

Sometimes a simple red bow is all you need

to say Merry Christmas!

Pic Today 12/11/11

2011-12-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

MAKE MINE

A HOLIDAY LATTE

How my barista

says Merry Christmas . . .

Yum!

(Now all I need is the mistletoe.)

Pic Today 12/10/11

2011-12-10T00:05:00.000-08:00

SKY HIGH

AT A DALLAS HOTEL

Dallas, Texas, is a city

of big hotels, extreme hotels.

Each one trying to out-do the other.

(Afterall, it's the "Texas way.")

Lots of glass, lots of balconies.

Extreme angles, dramatic views,

and extremely tall features . . .

like Restaurant 560,

a Wolfgang Puck restaurant

atop a very high tower.

(560-feet up in the air, to be exact!)

As if the "tallest restaurant in Texas"

isn't enough . . . it revolves!

The views are spectacular,

but it's easy to get dizzy.

I sat at the sushi bar,

and watched college basketball on TV.

My home team -- Missouri (#10) --

beat Villanova.

(I think I'll stick with street-level restaurants.)

Pic Today 12/7/11

2011-12-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

BLOG TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN

On assignment.

Blog on hold.

Be back on Friday, 12/9.

Pic Today 12/6/11

2011-12-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

POMEGRANATE:

ANCIENT FOOD OF VITALITY

Scholars believe the pomegranate is the true fruit

of the "tree of life" that tempted Adam.

Ancient civilizations refer to the many benefits

of the seeds and juice from this beautiful food.

Some cultures used the noble pomegranate

for decoration only, while others revered

its nutritional and medicinal properties.

Today, pomegranate seeds are eaten and squeezed

as a powerful antioxidant and tonic for the heart,

to reduce cholesterol, hypertension and blood pressure.

It is high in potassium, vitamin C and niacin.

It's also fun to eat,

and absolutely delicious.

Pomegranates are cultivated world wide,

and are now in season.

Enjoy.

Pic Today 12/5/11

2011-12-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

POINSETTIA:

THE CHRISTMAS FLOWER

Also called the "Christmas flower",

poinsettias are a great and safe way to

add festive color to your holidays.

This popular plant is widely misunderstood.

Hybrids have been developed in a variety of colors

(red, orange, pink, peach, white and yellow).

Variegated varieties show a broad range

of color combinations.

Contrary to popular myth,

poinsettias are NOT poisonous.

And the colored parts,

which most people think are the flowers,

are actually colored bracts (modified leaves.)

The actual flowers are quite small

and centered in each plant.

Native to Mexico, poinsettias grow to

10-feet tall in the wild.

Pic Today 12/4/11

2011-12-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

CYCLIST TWIG SCULPTURE

There's new twig sculpture

in the Shaw neighborhood.

Two cyclists are now residing

in the mini-park,

at Shaw & Vandeventer (St. Louis.)

(Look closely. They blend in with the trees.)

Pic Today 12/3/11

2011-12-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

LOVING THE LIGHTS

It's time.

Neighbors are putting up lights,

adding to a festive holiday season.

Trimming their tree,

stringing and wrapping their lights,

adding twinkles out front . . .

saying Happy Holidays to one and all.

It's beginning to look a lot

like Christmas!

Pic Today 12/2/11

2011-12-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

SKY LINES

ABOVE THE RUINS

Cloud streaks paint an evening sky

above cathedral ruins

where roof beams stretch no more.

There's no more beautiful roof

than God's sky above.

Pic Today 12/1/11

2011-12-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

SUNNY CHILLY DAYS

Happy December, everyone.

It's cold now,

but feels right in the bright sun.

I love the long shadows,

and blue, blue sky.

Pic Today 11/30/11

2011-11-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

ABANDONED FACTORY DESIGNS

I see art, and random order,

in forgotten parts of the city.

Silent floors, chutes and pipes.

Missing panes of glass,

that spell a coded message,

or maybe just a crossword puzzle

on an abandoned factory wall.

A peaceful retreat from all the holiday buzz.

Pic Today 11/29/11

2011-11-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

VISITING SANTA

Come sit on Santa's lap.

Don't you want to tell Santa Claus

what you want for Christmas?

(Maybe they DON'T want to

visit with Santa. You think?)

Pic Today 11/28/11

2011-11-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

QUEST FOR

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE

Remember your first Christmas Tree?

Remember the smell?

How beautiful it looked with lights & ornaments?

How it filled the room with magic

and made your house brighter, happier?

No matter what your religion, or tradition,

or how you celebrate the holidays . . .

now's the time when trees go on sale,

and children's dreams are filled with hope.

It's fun decorating for the holidays!

Pic Today 11/27/11

2011-11-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

ST. LOUIS

NIGHT LIGHTS

IN THE RAIN

Somehow, the lights are more alive

when it's raining.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Pic Today 11/26/11

2011-11-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

TURKEY DAY RUNNERS

(MOMS INCLUDED)

Just because you've got a baby,

doesn't mean you can't run a marathon!

In yesterday's Turkey Day Run,

there were quite a few runners pushing their babies

out in front!

Way to go, mom.

Pic Today 11/25/11

2011-11-25T00:05:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING DINNER,

ITALIAN STYLE

It's an all-day affair.

An Italian family comes together on Thanksgiving.

To prepare all the courses (from scratch),

from anti pasti to dessert.

The turkey (of course).

The pasta (of course).

The family together (of course).

Set the table.

Everyone's here.

Pic Today 11/24/11

2011-11-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU

I am grateful today

for all the friends I've met

through this blog.

Thank you for your comments (mostly positive)

and for sharing your words and pictures,

and mostly your friendship.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pic Today 11/23/11

2011-11-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

A TIME FOR GIVING THANKS

Join us and celebrate Thanksgiving,

a time for family, and giving thanks.

Although primarily a North American holiday,

Thanksgiving is celebrated on different days in these countries:

Canada -- 2nd Monday in October

Liberia -- 1st Thursday in November

Norfolk Island -- Last Wednesday in November

USA -- 4th Thursday in November (TOMORROW!)

Whatever your country, where ever you are,

celebrate a reason for being thankful,

and count your blessings.

The origins of Thanksgiving in America

are generally attributed to the early colonists'

first successful harvest (est. 1621),

along with the Wampanoag Indians

who shared so many survival techniques

with the first Americans.

Painting: "First Thanksgiving", J. Brownscombe 1914 (public domaine)

Pic Today 11/22/11

2011-11-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

WINTER WOODS

Winter has taken the color

out of the woods.

The cold winds and weather

have stripped my hikes of accents.

Dead browns and cloudy brush;

monotone winter days.

Fungi and lichens on fallen trees.

Seed pods, grasses gone amber, and

ghost flowers without any color.

Nature's not dead, just gone to sleep

to transform into new life next season.

Pic Today 11/21/11

2011-11-21T00:05:00.000-08:00

UNDERGROUND DINING:

FIRE AND PASSION

Another Rogue Underground Dining event.

This one at a local coffee roaster,

surrounded by bags of rare artisanal coffee beans.

Chefs preparing indescribable courses

of seasonal fare . . .

including frittatas topped with fresh watercress

(hmmm, I wonder where they got the fresh greens!)

Pic Today 11/20/11

2011-11-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

WILD RIVER GREENS

One other source of winter greens this time of year

are the clean, spring-fed rivers of Missouri.

Wild watercress is abundant now,

tucked near the streams that flow from our many springs.

Watercress is especially sweet and peppery,

and delicious in salads,

but it needs clean, cold, flowing spring water.

(Just what the trout need, too.)

It's easy to harvest,

replenishes itself, and

is absolutely delicious!

Pic Today 11/19/11

2011-11-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

WINTER GARDEN HARVEST

Just because the nights fall below freezing,

is no time to stop growing and harvesting

beautiful, nutritious vegetables.

Early winter weather is the best time

for hardy crops -- sunny days, chilly nights --

especially if you cover tender leafy plants,

like lettuce, spinach, chinese cabbage, swiss chard.

And this is the best time for cauliflower (white & yellow),

broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and kale.

(Here's the best part -- it's too cold for bugs and pests.)

Check out today's bounty.

Don't you wish you could taste the fresh flavors?

Yum!

Pic Today 11/18/11

2011-11-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

NATURE UNEXPECTED

Nature grows in mysterious ways,

sometimes in the most surprising places.

You find her where you don't expect to,

and how you can't explain.

Pic Today 11/17/11

2011-11-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

COLD FRONT HAS ARRIVED

(BRRRR!)

Our recent spell of warm weather

has "gone south for the winter."

Today, it felt cold "to the bone."

Time to light a fire, bring the plants inside

and rake some leaves (before the first snow.)

This old railroad town of Kirkwood,

Missouri, can handle it.

We're ready!

Pic Today 11/16/11

2011-11-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

ABANDONED RAILS & BRIDGES

Bridges that carry no cars or trucks.

Rails that take trains nowhere.

Iron left to rust, concrete that slowly crumbles.

But designs of modern art and sculpture everywhere.

And fresh graffiti on a concrete wall.

The Cardinals are new World Champions.