Although it’s not here yet, spring is definitely around the corner. After a wet snow on Friday, today is sunny and in the 50’s with much melting taking place. Outside the grass is brown and the trees are bare. But there’s a hope and promise of spring to come. And that’s what these lovely yellow begonias seem to be saying – spring’s colors and warmth will be here soon. Green will appear in our landscape, the sun will generate warmth, and we will gladly move from winter to spring.
Author: lindastaatsphoto
Barbed wire and weathered leaves
Every Minnesotan found an excuse to be outside yesterday as the temperatures soared into the 50’s. The sun was warm, the day was bright, and spring seemed just around the corner. We headed out for a hike in the woods. As we started out before 8:30 in the morning, the ground was still hard and frozen. Within the woods, there was more snow on the ground, but as the morning continued and the temperature warmed, everything became softer. The birds and squirrels were active, making their presence known, as if they too were enjoying this spring-like morning. I found a large roll of barbed wire that had been left in the woods. Amidst the tangle of wire, there were leaves that had fallen and been held in place by the snow. Now they were weathered and delicate, leaving an amazing texture to their thinness. The contrast seemed so opposite between the cold, hard barbed wire and the delicate, paper-thin leaves.
A hint of spring to come
A couple of days with temperatures in the 30s and 40s makes Minnesotans think of spring. I was at Como Lake last night and the evidence was everywhere – people walking, running, biking the perimeter path; cars driving by and splashing all the snow melt water that was standing in the road; and an outdoor event at the Pavilion across the lake – complete with music and cheering. The temperature was 42, but it was easy to imagine a warm(er) spring day. There is open water on the lake, and what ice remains is becoming thinner and slushier. Ducks and geese were flying overhead, coming into the lake, swimming, and then taking flight again. The sunset lit up the clouds in the western sky, and the thin ice allowed the sky’s reflection and beauty to be repeated below. Eventually spring will come, and stay, but it’s a bit too early just yet.
Valentine roses
Today is Valentine’s Day – a day to celebrate love, friendship, and all things red and chocolate. I was the lucky recipient of a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Not only are they a treat to look at and smell, but I also get the privilege of truly admiring them and photographing them. I am amazed at the layers upon layers of delicate petals that spiral outward – all slowly opening with the light and heat in the house. At the days go by, the shade and coloring of the roses will change, as will their wonderful scent. For now, they are gradually unfolding and revealing their beauty and delicacy.
Colors in the gray of winter
Across the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin is a celebration of hot air balloons called the Hudson Hot Air Affair. Begun in 1970, the festival brings pilots, hot air balloon enthusiasts, and lots of spectators out into the wintry morning air. This morning’s temperatures were around 25 degrees – mild for early February, but the winds were too strong and the cloud deck was too low to allow the balloons to launch into the sky. When the weather conditions do not cooperate, the balloons are instead filled with air and up righted. Some were tethered to vans and trucks, others were held down by multiple people at the ends of long ropes (at times trying to keep their footing as the balloons pulled and tugged and their feet slid over the compact snow and ice). The balloons were plentiful and colorful, and the spectators were many and all seemed adept at keeping warm on a cold winter morning. It was all a bright delight in the gray midst of winter.
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