Sunday, September 21, 2025

On my walk today

Below are some of the things that I saw in and around our neighborhood while on my morning stroll. It really made me appreciate where we live.

Bonus Question: It’s pumpkin spice season! Starbucks first introduced the pumpkin spice latte (or PSL, to insiders) in 2003, beginning the popular trend of these nostalgic product offerings each autumn. Fun fact: There was no pumpkin in the original recipe—only cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. 

Which of the following is NOT a pumpkin-spiced item for sale in the U.S.? (answer at end of post)
A. Oreos
B. Hummus
C. Pop Tarts
D. Cough drops
E. All of these are real


Cochran Park and The Commodore (our home) 

The Germanic American Institute. I’m taking
German language classes here!

James J. Hill House. Completed in 1891, its 44,000 sq ft
is still the largest home in Minnesota.

Louis “Louie” Hill house next door. He was
James J.’s eldest son and successor
 


Downtown St. Paul

Minnesota State Capitol, Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Cathedral of Saint Paul

Minnesota History Center

St. Paul College


W.A. Frost patio. Consistently voted one of the
best outdoor dining areas in the Twin Cities

The Gnome—our favorite outdoor dining patio

The YWCA, where we work out

The Blair Arcade and Nina’s coffee shop

A good place to watch a game, also with a great patio

St. Paul Curling Club, founded in 1885–
the oldest curling club in Minnesota
and the largest in the U.S.

Mississippi Market Co-op

The University Club


Architect Cass Gilbert residence, 1 Heather Place

Part of the neighborhood turkey flock

Our favorite ice cream shop

Cafe Latte, a Grand Avenue institution since 1984

Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Minnesota Governor’s Mansion. The ribbons around the
tree are the colors of Annunciation School in Minneapolis

Kathleen’s childhood home, 1009 Portland Ave.

Fire Station No. 5, 860 Ashland Ave.

Vertical Church, previously SteppingStone Theater


Obama School, 707 Holly Ave.




Mrs. Porterfield’s Boardinghouse, 513 Summit Ave. 
My favorite house on this historic street.

Holly Tot Lot, 519 Holly Ave.




Lamplighter statue, 461 Holly Ave

Leaves are starting to turn

On Wisconsin!

Pickleball at McQuillan Park

F. Scott Fitzgerald birthplace, 481 Laurel Ave


Sweeney’s, our favorite watering hole


Former St. Paul Academy, 25 N. Dale St. 

Overlook Park. The eagle sculpture came from atop the
New York Life building and is the oldest in St. Paul. The Smith
Ave High Bridge over the Mississippi River is on the left

Boyd Park Playground, Selby Avenue 

Get it?


Nathan Hale Park. Fun fact: Hale had no connection 
to Minnesota. His famous final words before being 
hanged by the British for spying became a rallying cry 
for the American Revolution: “I only regret that I 
have but one life to lose for my country.”


Bonus Question Answer: E—All of the above. Other pumpkin spiced products include: Beard oil, SPAM, toothpaste, lip balm, toilet paper, deodorant, marshmallows, cat litter, salsa, Goldfish, Twinkies, cream cheese, gum and dog treats. 

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On my walk today

Below are some of the things that I saw in and around our neighborhood while on my morning stroll. It really made me appreciate where we liv...