Exploring My City

It is kind of sad that sometimes we live in a city and yet we are unaware of so many treasure within our own back yard. The other day I was on a quest to photograph something different and wound up in an area of the city that just five years ago was corn fields. This is what I found.

The University of Sioux Falls campus is only a few blocks from my home and I wasn't even aware they had built this large stadium on the outskirts of the city.

Although it is almost no longer the outskirts as the stadium is not the only new development in that area.

Store Front Reflections

Historic Homes

This home had such a warm comfortable appeal that I couldn't resist taking shots from various angles.

I absolutely love wrap around porches

As if that beautiful porch wasn't the perfect spot to while away a lazy afternoon or sit and unwind from a stressful day there is this treasure almost hidden in the trees to the left.

Stylish Office Space

In the down town area many of the old buildings have undergone or are in the process of undergoing remodeling and restoration to make way for stylish office spaces.

On Philips Avenue most of the second story space has been converted to office space, however a few still appear to have residences in the upper levels.

The entrance to this stylish lobby is tucked away between storefronts in one of the older three story buildings on Philips Avenue.

Sunday In My City: Woofstock

Bethel, New York had WOODSTOCK and we have WOOFSTOCK

Yes our doggies and their owners gathered here

for a fun filled day.

My dog doesn't play well with others so I had not planned on attending. However I just couldn't resist stopping by for a bit and capturing a few photos. I am glad I did because unbeknownst to me my son-in-laws sister was there with her two great pups. I was able to get a few shots of her taking one of her dogs through the obstacle course.

Everyone seemed to be having a great time. I just can't imagine my dog behaving as these dogs. He has an ego complex and would be sure to pick a fight.

Random Photographs: Street Scenes

Well the van is still in the shop so I decided to share a few random street scenes from my archives.

Tenth & Philips, probably the busiest corner in down town.

Zandbroz is an awesome shop with so many unique and different items.

As you can see we take advantage of the nice weather when we can.

Roadside Assistance To The Rescue

I headed out this morning with the intention of capturing some new Sioux Falls photos for the blog and some to use this coming Sunday in Scavenger Hunt Sundays. My van had ideas of it's own.

1st gratitude: I was not on the interstate. I pulled into a parking lot and discovered that I couldn't get the doughnut spare out of it's cradle. 2nd gratitude: I have roadside assistance.

Two hours later my savior arrived.

Things went down hill even more after he got the tire off. It wasn't just flat but had worn uneven and the inner sidewall was separating from the tread. As soon as I saw it I knew this was going to be more than just a new tire. As it turns out the mechanic at the tire shop confirmed my worst suspicion. I had been telling my husband and son since February that I thought there was something wrong with the front end, but they took it for a spin and said it was fine. I should have trusted my instincts, the front end is in bad shape. They gave me an estimate and sent me home with an appointment to repair the van tomorrow. It will take all day, they have to replace bearings and ball joints on both sides of the front end. So it looks like if I take any photos tomorrow they will be taken within walking distance of my home. 3rd gratitude: Thank God the front end didn't go completely out when I drove to Virginia last March.
I hope you are all having a smoother week than I am.

A Bit of Skateboarding Fun

I can remember when Sioux Falls opened it's first skate park on the west side of town. My oldest son was so excited to finally have a place to really practice his MOVES! I really enjoyed watching him skate.

Memory Photo by www.artistixnetwork.com

He grew up and his interests went elsewhere, that tends to happen when you marry and have children. I no longer get to watch him skate but I do occasionally enjoy going to watch the neighborhood kids with their skateboards and bmx bikes.

These guys were having a grand time and were all for getting their photos taken while they preformed their tricks. They probably just wanted to humor the old lady with a camera.

One of the boards decided it needed to be the center of attention and took off to do a few tricks on it's own.
I hope you have enjoyed my Monday fun day post, and have a fun week.

Sidewalk Art's Festival

Every year the streets surrounding The Washington Pavilion in down town Sioux Falls fill with thousands of visitors who have come to experience the Sidewalk Art's Festival. With over 200 booths containing fine art, folk art and crafts from ten states this one day event is sure to have something for everyone. Here is a small peak of the festivities this year.

This is my Weekend Reflection Submission

More weekend reflections can be seen at Jame's Weekend Reflections.

 

9/11/2001 Tribute

Today's Post will not contain photos of the Sioux Falls area as I am taking this day to remember those affected by the horror of the attacks on September 11, 2001

I created the following two composite art pieces as tributes

In remembrance of 

the lives cut short 

the tireless out pour of aid

the horror that gripped our nation

and our ability to survive

 May we never forget the devastation intolerance wrought.

On this day all my blogs will contain this post.

 May each of you find peace and tolerance wherever your life may take you. ~ Nita

Waterford at All Saints

Retiring in style, that is what I think of every time I pass the Waterford at All Saints retirement community. The building is amazing, even the newer additions have kept the feel of the old architecture. The grounds are always so serene and well groomed. One day I really should go for a tour of the inside.

Riverfront Condo's

I would love to live in one of these condominiums. It would almost be like living in country.

Weekend Reflections: Avera Cancer Institute

I have been saving this photo to share as a weekend reflection. I love the reflection of the sky and the architectural lines in this photo.

View From The Upper Cascades

 This long open grassy stretch extends from the down town arch to the western side of Falls Park, and is a favorite spot for geese. After a few shots of the geese I headed over to take a few shots of the train bridge and upper cascades.

New Family Fishing Park

With both the heat and humidity high today I decided it was best to stay indoors and clean. Believe me when I say I would have much rather been out exploring the city with my camera. I was very happy though when it finally started to cool down around 7:30 this evening.
I had read about a new fishing park on the western edge of the city and decided this was a perfect time to go check it out. The setting sun was low in the sky casting beautiful shadows and gorgeous shades of yellow and orange.

After snapping a few shots of the the setting sun I turned to the east and took this of the dock and eastern side of the lake.

The setting was so peaceful, I will be going back to explore it further. You can read more about the 90 acre park on South Dakota.com Blog.