Remembering & honoring

Hundreds gathered at the new "Tribute & Memorial Plaza" in Eagan's Central Park on Monday for Eagan's first annual Memorial Day Observance. American Legionnaire Tom Mullon led the program and WWII veteran Charles Hedges gave the Pledge of Allegiance. Miss Minnesota 2009 Brooke Kilgarriff sang the National Anthem followed by Fire Department Chaplain Bruce Ruggles' invocation. Mayor Mike Maguire gave a welcome and special remembrances came from Police Chief Jim McDonald, Fire Chief Mike Scott, Lt. Co. (Ret.) Joe Repya and former Senator Jim Carlson. Wayne and Gwen Olsen, whose solider son died in Iraq, presented a beautiful floral wreath. TAPS were played by bugle before the colors were retrieved.

Waiting again...

The most difficult part of my short, daily commute to my HFN office is the left turn onto Nicols Road. I often end up waiting at the stop light. Only a week left of school before summer vacation.

Beneath Blackhawk

Driving south on Highway 35E, one passes under several bridges including this Blackhawk bridge. See other BRIDGE meme participants here:

Looking North...

Here's the view from the top of yesterday's building. Look closely to see downtown Minneapolis in the top far left side of this photo. Top right= huge, brand new federal postal facility in Eagan. Stores in the strip mall include: TJ Max, Old Navy, Michael's, Office Max, Pier One, Hallmark, Barnes & Noble, etc.

Eagan's "Skyscraper"

A friend arranged for me to take some photos from the 10th floor of Eagan's tallest building. It's good to know people in high places at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota. Come back tomorrow to see the view from the top!

Back to Eagan...

Somewhere between Louisiana and Minnesota, I caught this sunset view out my window. The 5 day, 102nd annual Rotary International convention in New Orleans was great but it's always good to come home, too.

Suburban Decay III

It seems abandoned on Difley Road. Tired. Spooky.

Spring at Holz Farm

Holz Farm was one of the early farms of Eagan. Now it's owned by the City of Eagan and used as a living museum for community festivals, etc. See other charming barns here.

All lined up...

Over 400 runners and walkers assembled at the Eagan Community Center on a rainy Saturday morning for Eagan's "5K Fun Run." Families of bikers also assembled for their our 5K start.

Ready, set, go!

Methodists in Eagan

Advent Methodist Church stands along Lexington Avenue. I'll have to go back for some interior photos, too. I think they're a thriving congregation!

Stonecliffe housewives

These three woman were putting on a Stonecliffe neighborhood garage sale. Toys, clothes, furniture and more!

Flown away

These 5 baby birds sat in their messy nest in the Christmas wreath hanging on our front door window. Our family watched them grow daily since they were little blue eggs and now they're gone!

Spring splendor

This crab apple tree on Denmark Trail is in full bloom!

Eagan dog series #27

Linda Ball, executive Director of PawPADs, and her colleague, Yvonne, posed with two assistance Labrador dogs on a cold May 1st. Blond "Hero" and black "Recon" are both training and less than a year old. They will help disabled veterans soon.

wonderful weeping willow

Isn't this reflective view on a small pond along Dodd Road lovely?! See other "Watery Wednesday" participants here.

Going green!

Spring arrived late but now it's here. I stepped out on my office balcony for fresh air and a lovely view. See "My World" participants here.

Eagan's MOON

My Eagan Rotarian friend, Michael Proebstle, helped me photograph the Moon on Sunday evening at 10:30 pm with my camera. It's good to have a professional photographer as a friend!

Planting for the future

Volunteers planted native and non-native perennials in new, street-side Raingardens along Hackmore Drive near Schwanz Lake on rainy Saturday morning. Eagan's "Lakes & Wetlands Program" provided plants, materials and funding for these newest of 25 neighborhood plantings to filter runoff for cleaner city lakes. For more info, call Gregg at 651-675-5395.

Roadblocks

Wellington Way does not yet connect through the Steeplechase neighborhood. Sometimes we sneak around...

Men at work

Have you ever wanted to drive a bobcat and wear a florescent green jacket?

Eagan dog series #26

Julie and her two greyhounds, Wrangler and Rind, met me at the "Tribute to the Troops." A special hello to her husband serving in Afghanistan.

Elegance in Eagan

If you'd like to live at 4761 London Lane, then call Sheila Hittner to view this 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 4,460 square feet home. Built in 1989, it's been completely remodeled and redecorated inside and lovingly landscaped outside! Listed at $549,722.

Through the trees...

Driving south on Dodd Road from Thomson Reuters recently, I discovered this weathered barn hidden behind trees down a long driveway.... See other "Barn Charm" photos here.

Happy 90th, Tony!

The Eagan community and others gathered to celebrate Tony Caponi's 90th birthday at the Caponi Art Park on a glorious Saturday afternoon. Tony taught art at Macalester College in St. Paul for 42 years and has worked as a sculptor for longer than that. Today, he still improves and grooms the wonderful park set on 60 wooded acres in the heart of Eagan.

Annuals & perennials, oh my!

The Eagan Garden Club held its annual spring plant sale at Holz Farm on Saturday morning. Hanging flower baskets and many plant varieties were available for eager shopping gardeners!

Celebrating 2 years!

My City Daily Photo blog journey from Eagan, Minnesota began on May 7, 2009. It's been a great ride of seeing photos around the world, making and meeting new blogging friends across the globe! Thanks for your support, friendships and interest in my Eagan Daily Photo blog! My family is enjoying a 5 layered, chocolate & ice cream cake from Ring Mountain Creamery!

A snap with an otter

Our 5 Rotary International GSE guests from Brazil enjoyed a tour in April of the Minnesota Zoo just across the Eagan border in Apple Valley. Flavia posed with a swimming otter while Rotarian John Curlee snapped her photo.

4 ridin' Leathernecks

These four marine veterans served in Iraq, Kuwait, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and other places. They attended the "Tribute to the Troops" event on May 1 and belong to the Minnesota Chapter of "Leathernecks Motorcycle Club International," a group of riding veterans. One showed me his incredible motorbike covered with special military marks, symbols and events.

Eagan Rotarian series #21

Nyam Smith has been doing lots of heavy lifting as the executive director of the Southwest Area YMCA in Eagan since March 2010. Our local YMCA has an annual budget of $8.8 million and far reaching programs inside and outside their building at 550 Opperman Drive across from Thomson Reuters.