Last weekend we made a quick trip to Milwaukee. Although it is further south than the Twin Cities, the temperatures were still cool and there was a brisk wind blowing. We spent a few hours at the Milwaukee Art Museum and then drove north along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It was a wonderful drive close by the lake, then through some neighborhoods of large historic mansions and many public parks. The lake was a beautiful almost-turquoise color that contrasted nicely with the clouds. As cool as it was, people were out enjoying the day with its promise of spring.
spring
The tease of a perfect spring day
Tuesday was a perfect spring day with white clouds, warm temperatures, and the smell of spring in the air. There were hints of green in the lawns, buds were evident in the tree branches high above, and birds were singing their spring songs. The white clouds danced in the brilliant blue sky as we softened ourselves to the warmth of the sun. It was wonderful, and I was so thankful for getting outside and soaking it all up. Because….the following day brought wet heavy snow, howling winds, and cold temperatures. Winter has returned for a few days.
Yellow is a lovely sign of spring
Our landscape has been white for so very long that a bright burst of yellow is a true signal of spring. I spent some time at the McNeely Conservatory where it is spring, under glass. Yellow and red tulips, ranunculus, crocus, and daffodils are wonderful (and needed) reminders of the season of spring. These yellow tulips were set off by the blue reflection of the sky in the water behind them. Soon enough we will have spring outside too, and not need to go inside to experience it.
The greening of spring into summer
The seasons move quickly from spring into summer and this year seems to have moved faster than normal. Everything has turned to a beautiful bright green — the color of new growth, late spring, and early summer. We’ve had enough rain to keep things fresh and the heat hasn’t set in yet. This graceful fern was backlit in the garden, accentuating each leaf and its lovely color. Its beauty was stunning, and I also know it will be fleeting as the green will become darker and not nearly as bright. It’s a reminder to me to appreciate the season and the time we’re in now as it changes ever-so-quickly and what we see today will not be the same tomorrow.
Beauty of a chilly dawn
The temperature dropped down into the 30’s overnight. When I woke in the morning, the sun was trying to break through the fog and steam that was coming up off the lake. The air was quiet, without a breeze, but it was filled with the sound of birds – blue jays, robins, woodpeckers, geese, ducks, and loons. It was an early, chilly, and beautiful beginning to a sunny and warm day.
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