What Goes Up When Something Comes Down?

One day I was out walking around one of the city lakes here in Minneapolis. I came upon this retaining wall and gate. Not so unusual except that the house that once stood behind this gate was no longer there.

Here’s the house that used to be on this lot. My thanks to Dorothy Childers for permission to use her photo. It was a white stucco house with a red tile roof. The design has some quirky features and there appears to be an addition (possibly two)made over time.

Here’s the new house that is going up.  I took this photo back in October, 2012. I haven’t been back to see if they’ve completed it yet.

Here’s a shot of the back side:

This new one has a lot of detailing:

I like the copper accents. I’m not sure I care for the “wavy” brick exterior. No doubt there is a name for this look; I don’t know what it is. I think house numbers with a bit more polish would be better for a home of this stature. Perhaps the owners are creative types and preferred a bit of whimsy over elegance. What do you think? Do you like this new house or the old house better?

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Life’s Celebrations

Weekly Photo Challenge: Unfocused
(Part 2)

Tomorrow I will be attending a friend’s bridal shower. It will be held at the family’s home. We celebrate many of life’s passages in our homes. It’s only natural.

These two photos are slightly out of focus and yet they likely will make an impression. If you’re a married woman, this photo will perhaps take you back to the day or days you were shopping for your dress, as well as the day you were married. If you’re engaged, you may be in the midst of shopping for your dress. If you’re single, you may be dreaming of the day that you’ll walk down an aisle, flanked by friends and family, wearing such a dress, and ready to begin a new chapter in your life.

Regardless of your marital and dress status, life itself –and love– is for celebrating. Each day offers something to be grateful for and a reason to celebrate. Tomorrow we’ll raise our glasses and say “Cheers!” and wish the bride-to-be a life full of love and happiness.

May today find you of great cheer and ready to celebrate.

Ciao!

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An Arch and a Courtyard

A Lake Harriet Home

This lovely home has a beautiful stone arch over the driveway. Beyond is a courtyard with a carriage house, garages, and a side entry. On this particular day, the sun was beginning to set and the waning daylight cast a golden glow across the facade.

This is a good example of why I love older homes. The craftsmanship is superb–the materials and construction hold up over time. We can’t say that about a lot of things made today. Additionally, the designs are classic, remaining uncommonly beautiful year after year. I’d like to photograph this home at twilight, with the lights on.

Below is a view of the front of the home.

There are many lovely homes along Lake Harriet Parkway in Minneapolis. I’ll be posting more photos of homes in the area in the coming days. Come back for a visit and we’ll take a virtual walking tour of Lake Harriet homes and architecture.

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