In Pursuit of Fire Stations

Cycled with a friend past eight former St. Paul fire stations, and a monument in Oakland Cemetery to firefighters who lost their lives while on duty. This fire station, built in 1872, was St. Paul’s first.

Lamplighter

Cycled through St. Paul with a friend looking for vestiges of the past. Spotted this lamplighter, frozen in time, on a residential street.

Up Next: Fireworks

Watched the riverfront Red, White and Boom fireworks display from our balcony. Over several hours, thousands gathered below.

East Side Freedom Library

Cycled over to St. Paul’s East Side with a friend to visit another Carnegie Library: East Side Freedom Library. Formerly a public library, this institution is a nonprofit with a mission to “inspire solidarity, advocate for justice and work toward equity for all.”

Ol’ Man River

Cooked chicken and veggies on the grill while… Ol’ man river/That ol’ man river/He don’t say nothing/But he must know something/Cause he just keeps rolling/He keeps rolling along/Rollin’ along. The rest of the lyrics are brutal. Showboat premiered in 1927.

Canadian Forest Fires

Watched another dramatic sunset. Unfortunately, the effect is enhanced by smoke from Canadian forest fires.