Summer is the season of so many flowers, yet one of my favorites is the coneflower. From a tall stem and a tight bud, the petals are gradually pried open by the sun and warmth. The white petals are small, and reach upward. Then as they mature, the petals turn a beautiful shade of pink and flex backwards, leaving the cone accessible to butterflies, bees, and small birds. I have coneflowers in various stages throughout the gardens, yet this photograph seems to symbolize the uniqueness of this flower with both the early blossom and the fully developed bloom in the background.
summer
Summer sunrise
We arose in the dark early yesterday morning and headed north to one of our favorite little lakes. With the boat in tow, loaded with fishing and camera gear, we were set for a summer outing. We had only just headed out from the landing when the sun cleared the horizon and broke over the tree line. The clouds reflected the colors of the sun, and the reflection came alive in the surface of the lake – both in the calm water, and in the wake behind the boat. This glorious sunrise was only a prelude to the rest of the day. We had packed a breakfast to enjoy on the boat in our “lake with a view.” The fishing was good; we caught a mess of crappies and sunfish (some of the best lake fish for eating). The morning remained pleasantly cool, and we marveled at the sandhill cranes that passed overhead and the loons that called from another area of the lake. Before we knew it, a full six hours had passed. After the trip home to unload and shower, we then headed to the Minnesota Twins baseball game (another rite of summer). The crowd enjoyed a well-played game under the summer sky, and celebrated the Twins’ win after the sun had set. One full day with two of my favorite summer past-times; I can’t help but feel so fortunate to be able to enjoy all of this.
Morning rain in the Japanese garden
I spent the morning at Como Park in the McNeely Conservatory and the Ordway Japanese Garden. Although we had the promise of bright sunshine and hot and humid weather for the day, the morning was cool and cloudy. The light was actually quite beautiful for photographing. I spent a half hour in the Japanese garden and was preparing to leave when I heard the sound of raindrops hitting the pond. As beautiful as the sound was, the sight of the large drops punctuating the calm water’s surface was delightful. I stayed through the rain showers and continued to photograph, enjoying the freshness of the rain, the cool of the morning, and the peacefulness and beauty that I found in the garden.
Pink peonies
Our summer has finally arrived, and with it the peonies have burst into bloom. I’m fortunate to have three peonies in the yard; one white one that was purchased here in Minnesota and is known to be hardy for our cold winters, and two pink peonies that I transplanted from my parents’ home in Kansas. It took those two plants a couple of years to establish themselves, but they appear to be thriving now. A week ago we had a huge wind and rain storm that moved through, causing major damage to trees, fences, and plants. I was worried that the peonies, which has been pummeled by the storm, would not bloom. But they have burst forth with the brightest of colors, and the best scent around. Just having them in the house or seeing them in the yard brings a smile to my face and an acknowledgment that summer has arrived.
Sunset on the lake
We were lucky to have family from Kansas visiting us in Minnesota this past weekend. Knowing that they are all avid fishermen we decided to share some of the wonderful lake fishing we have in our state of 10,000+ lakes. Yesterday started with some (successful) Northern Pike fishing on a small lake near the Twin Cities. Then we headed north for an evening launch on Mille Lacs Lake. After a day of clouds and overcast skies and even a few raindrops, we were hopeful our trip on the big lake would not be rained out. As luck would have it, the clouds parted and we enjoyed some sun, blue skies, and a wonderful sunset over the lake. As luck would not have it, our fishing success was somewhat limited; one perch, and a couple of walleye that were too big to keep. But we did keep the experience of a shared night of fun, laughter, a beautiful sunset, and the camaraderie of family and friends. Thanks to them all for a memorable weekend!
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