Theme Day: Bakeries

Delicious!  It's the first and only word that comes to mind when talking about Simma's Bakery in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  The lovely wedding cake above was made for a friend of my daughter's special day a few years back.  The display below shows just a few of the many options available on a daily basis at Simma's shop.  A picture of Simma posing with Julia Child (bottom) is on the wall in her bakery.  Since her retirement, Simma's daughter manages the busy little bakery, which in 2007 was given the "One of America's Top 25 Bakeries" award by the International Restaurant and Hospitalities Rating Bureau.

Talking Turkey

I know these images are more appropriate for Thanksgiving rather than springtime, but it's mating season for the wild turkeys around here now.  While walking Nik the other day, I saw two Toms (above) putting on quite a show for the "ladies" - and the one below appears to have won.  (Sorry - I had to use my cell phone, and so these aren't as crisp as they could have been with a regular camera.)

Amaryllis

As my last post mentioned, I am gearing up for the gardening season again this spring and in sorting through old photos, found one of this beautiful lime green amaryllis from last winter. It was grown as an indoor potted plant, but can also be grown outside in the summer. The contrasting colors were so brilliant, especially in the sunlight, and helped brighten up our dreary Wisconsin weather!

Remembrance

With all the hectic things happening in my life these past few months, including the loss of my beloved mother of 95 years back in February, it's been a while since I've had a chance to post. In reviewing a few images from the past I've selected this one to post in her memory.  It was taken by my father, Oscar, back in the 1940's. He was a professional portrait and landscape photographer in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area during the mid-20th century. He learned the trade from his grandfather, Ole E. Flaten, who was quite a photographic pioneer in the Moorhead/Fargo area back in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

You can't tell from the B&W image, but Orvie had dark red auburn hair and aqua green eyes. Note that she is wearing white gloves - very popular with the ladies back in those days. I absolutely love that hat and the sparkle in her eyes, which she had until the end.

Now, in this new spring, I look forward to gardening again, which was one of her passions.  We cherish the memories of the past, but look forward to the promises of the future.