Duluth cleans up as Minn. floods persist to south

In this aerial photo, floodwaters surround the Burning Tree Plaza shopping area in Duluth, Minn., Wednesday afternoon, June 20, 2012. Residents evacuated their homes and animals escaped from pens at a zoo as floods fed by a steady torrential downpour struck northeastern Minnesota, inundating the city of Duluth, officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/The Duluth News-Tribune, Bob King)

Memorial Day's weekend of 2012

Last night the sky above my house turned to crimson and black before a huge lightning and thunderstorm.

Happy Mother's Day!

On May 10, 1908, the first official Mother’s Day celebration took place at Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia and a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Two white carnations were given to every Mother in attendance. Today white carnations are used to honor deceased Mothers, while pink or red carnations pay tribute to Mothers who are still alive.

"The Supermoon"

A runner makes his way along a trail on a butte in front of the "Supermoon" at Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona May 5, 2012. A "Supermoon" was lighting up Saturday's night sky in a once-a-year cosmic show, overshadowing a meteor shower from remnants of Halley's comet. The Moon was especially big and bright since it reached its closest spot to Earth at the same time when it was in its full phase. /NASA/

Finally I got some flowers in my garden! Blessed Easter for All!

BACH: Chorale from the Easter Cantata BWV 4 (Tr. E. Power Biggs)

The Pietà (1498–1499) is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French cardinal Jean de Billheres, who was a representative in Rome. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for the cardinal's funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.

This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion. The theme is of Northern origin, popular by that time in France but not yet in Italy. Michelangelo's interpretation of the Pietà is unique to the precedents. It is an important work as it balances the Renaissance ideals of classical beauty with naturalism. The statue is one of the most highly finished works by Michelangelo.