We knew it was coming; it was even later than usual this year. But winter’s arrival is always a shock, especially when the temperature drops 30 degrees in one day, the wind blows and gusts, and the rain turns to snow. For less than 48 hours we have been below freezing. The snow fell Friday afternoon and evening, and here in the Twin Cities we have less than an inch on the ground. But the white was evident on the plants and grass, and the cold was enough to put a layer of ice on the water in the Ordway Japanese Garden at Como Park. One tree bravely held on to its bright red leaves – the only real spark of color in the now-winter landscape. In this beautiful quiet this morning, the only sound was the waterfall that was continuing to gurgle and the geese whose flight south to open water took on a new sense of urgency.
Como Park
The beauty of an autumn dawn
Our fall temperatures have continued, and last Friday dawned with a noticeable crispness in the air. The wind was still at this early hour, and the sun was just starting to reflect off the clouds above as it made its way over the horizon. At Como Park I was able to find a perfect spot to take in the sunrise. A small pond on the golf course captured the reflection of the clouds above, and the silhouettes of the trees. Some trees still have their leaves while others have lost them to the autumn winds, and the grasses are in full bloom – their swan song before winter moves in. This season seems to be the shortest one, no matter how hard we try to hold onto the fall colors.
Sometimes it’s the lines
I spent a couple of hours this morning at the McNeely Conservatory at Como Park. The flowers were beautiful and the rain gradually cleared away while I was there. But today I was seeing lines, rather than colorful flowers. I spotted this fern near a window. Gracefully it arched upward, and its tips hung down and even swirled over itself. I walked around the fern and photographed many of the branches. And then I saw this one as I was looking down. Its green color was complimented by the flooring stones and it spread and twirled below where I stood. For some reason this image became all about the simplicity, the lines, the colors, and the gracefulness of the fern.
Quiet at dawn on Lake Como
Yesterday’s cool rain cleared overnight, but left pockets of fog in some of the low-lying areas. The stars came out with the promise of sunshine today. I was up before dawn this morning and went to Lake Como. The air was still — no wind to form ripples or waves across the lake, and the fog that was expected hadn’t settled in over the water. Gradually the dawn sky was growing lighter. The canoes and kayaks that are available for rent rested in place on the dock, waiting for today’s patrons. The peace and quiet were a welcome relief from the busyness and crowds that are a short mile away converging on the Minnesota State fairgrounds.
The freshness after the rain
This past week started out with unusually hot temperatures and high humidity. Everyone was staying inside and trying to keep cool in whatever way we could. After about four or five days of heat, a storm moved through with heavy rain and wind, followed by a cool front behind it. The next morning I was out for a walk in our neighborhood. The lighter, cooler, fresher air was a welcome relief. I walked over to Como Golf Course and spent a few minutes watching the sun clear the hills and trees. People were out and about walking their dogs, running, and bicycling. It was as if everyone was anxious to enjoy the cool of the morning and the promise of a new day. I turned a corner and found this cat precariously seated on the house railing – as if he too was enjoying the morning and waiting to welcome the sunrise.
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