The James J. Hill House on Summit Avenue

I had to stay home from work on Monday so the TV guy could hook up my new Direct TV.  I didn't want to change from my old service, but it was an apartment-wide change and they left me no choice. It has made channel-surfing far less convenient and I'm not adjusting well.  However, I'm willing to bet my experience with this change, as with so many I have resisted, will ultimately be a favorable one.   

Portrait of James J. Hill in the Music Room

I ended up making the most of the day by going out to lunch at the Wild Onion with Melanie, in beautiful Saint Paul.  What is it about Saint Paul that I like so well?  I get the sense I'm just a heart beat away from an earlier era.

Window in the Parlor of the James J. Hill House

I was suprised that we were able to tour the James J. Hill House on a Monday.  It was an abbreviated tour, but the video we got to watch about Mr. Hill's life was well worth our while.  It was tricky taking pictures, though, because I wasn't allowed to use a flash and I tend to get fuzzy photos, but a few of them turned out all right.

Light Fixture in the Art Gallery of the James J. Hill House

I intend to return on a weekend when I can get the whole tour of the Hill House.  As Minnesota State Historic Sites go, this is a dandy.