
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
First up let me say that I feel like big fuzzy pink something-or-other has taken up residence in my chest. Yes, my grandson was so sweet and special to share his cold with me and breathing has become an effort. Well, when you can't breathe, not enough oxygen gets to your brain, so you can't think so well either. Luckily I prepared this post yesterday, before the oxygen deprivation began. But if the elephant doesn't remove his tail from my lungs and lift his big furry pink butt off my chest I will be slow making the rounds. Please forgive me. Now on with the show.

Recently, I had the opportunity to admire The Basilica of St Mary, in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, up close and personal.

It’s 100 years old this year and was the first Basilica in America, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.

But I really don’t want to overload you with words when I have so many photos to share. I tried to weed it down, but there were so many I liked or so many features I wanted to share. The place is huge! And beautifully intricate! And old!









I loved the shadow on the wall - see it?
All of these were taken with the Canon 40D, 50mm 1.8 lens, handheld, with no flash, ISO 640 and shutter speeds of 8-15. Yes, I hate using a tripod so much that I handhold as low as possible, even if I have to hold my breath. When I first started I was lucky to shoot at 30 without the tripod, now I can go down to 8. I don’t think I’ll ever top that.
Oh, btw, Happy Halloween!
UPDATE: Part 2 is located here.