I awoke to a gray and cool morning and had plans to go to the McNeely Conservatory in Como Park to photograph the fall floral display. The gardens were filled with the usual photographers all intent on getting the best images they could of the mums and grasses that decorate the Sunken Garden. It was quiet and would probably have been considered quite boring if you were not a photographer. But then we had an unexpected guest. A fairy named Bud came into the conservatory gardens. Her temperament and demeanor was youthful and energetic. She flitted from garden to garden, amazed at the flowers and the palms, delighting in the koi that were swimming in the pools. Her voice was high and impish and I noticed she’d caught the attention of all the photographers. Someone asked Bud if she would sing a song for us. She thought for a moment, then opened her mouth with a beautiful voice and rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Her energy and enthusiasm was infectious, and my morning in fairyland was most unexpected and delightful.
Minnesota
Autumn brights
Our cool nights and warm days earlier this week provided the perfect recipe for bright autumn colors. With a blue sky and a sidelight provided by a rising sun, I knew this tree would be brilliant. The colors were intense and the leaves that were already on the ground provided a subtle crunch as I walked around the grove of trees to frame this image. What you don’t see is that I was right next to a busy street during morning rush hour, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the people passing by were aware of this brilliant display that Mother Nature was providing. I hope they paused for a brief moment to appreciate the colors, to be aware of the smells of fall, and to know that it is all fleeting as winter will soon be on the heels of autumn.
Moonset over the autumn prairie
With delightful autumn weather forecast for the day, we headed out before sunrise this morning to Wild River State Park. This Minnesota park is north of the Twin Cities and is located on the St. Croix River. Although there was the promise of afternoon temps in the upper 70’s, the morning had a cool feel to it. We drove down to the canoe landing on the river and could see the fingers of fog stretching into the air and creating a veil over the fall colors on the Wisconsin shoreline. As we turned the opposite direction facing away from the river, we were greeted by the full moon as it was making its way behind the hillside. The prairie stretched out before us filled with golden grasses; the birdhouses were empty at this early time of the morning. The hillside was brilliant with the colors of fall – golds, oranges, reds – all in a hush before the sunlight brought them out into a blaze of bright color. Silently we watched the moon descend behind the hill and turned our attentions back to the river, accompanied by the geese and the ducks that were flying by.
Meet the grand-dog
We recently had the serious responsibility of watching the “grand-dog” for a day and night. Meet Archie – the yorkiepoo with a big-dog attitude. At almost five months old he is certainly displaying his own personality. He is thrilled and excited with anything and everything – it’s all a new discovery to him. A new blue tennis ball is a wondrous thing! And it was just squishy enough (and small enough) for him to bite into and run around the yard with it in his mouth. We took him for a walk in the neighborhood and he was so happy to have people ooh and aah over him, and when he met other dogs he was up to whatever their size was and oh-so-friendly. As hard as he played and romped, he also crashed and slept — almost in an instant. A puppy is a wonderful creature to remind us all to see with new eyes and take delight in whatever is in our surroundings. We’ll look forward to sharing Archie’s world anytime we’re asked.
Blue moon sailing
Every two and half years or so we are treated to a blue moon – the second full moon in one month. With relatively clear skies last Friday night we headed to a nearby lake to enjoy a picnic on the shore and watch for the moonrise. We were joined by a large group of children trying their luck fishing as well as a number of people out bicycling or walking – all enjoying the evening. As luck would have it, a bank of low clouds was hovering on the east horizon, and the moon was hardly visible as it first slipped over the lake. But as it continued its rise in the sky it cleared the clouds and shone brightly, reflecting in the water below, and lighting the path for this sailboat as it made its way back to the marina. A beautiful night and a wonderful way to bring a close to the end of August.
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