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.
summer
Minnesota State Fair fine art exhibit
If the calendar is turning to the end of August, it must be state fair time in Minnesota. Affectionately known as the “Great Minnesota Get Together” the fair begins this Thursday, August 23rd, and runs through Labor Day, September 3rd. One of the showcases each year is the fine art exhibition — a juried competition of Minnesota artists. Last year 361 art pieces were accepted into the final exhibit, selected from over 2,500 works. I’m happy to say that my submission for this year has been accepted into the exhibit. My photograph is titled “Rain on my tulip window.” If you’re planning to attend the state fair, be sure to enjoy the Fine Art exhibition. You’ll have the opportunity to see a collection of wide-ranging art by some of the very best Minnesota artists.
Geraniums by the window
We had a “free” Saturday this weekend and decided to hit the back roads of Minnesota. We traveled about an hour or so south to Faribault and explored the town, in particular the antique and consignment shops as we were on a very specific mission for old picture frames. We had some success early on, but decided to keep looking as we wandered our way home. Alongside State Highway 57 in Wanamingo we found the Lars Larson log home., nestled under the town’s water tower. This area of the state was first settled by the Norwegians and this small one-and-a-half story log cabin was built by Lars and his son Edward in the 1850’s. It was completely restored in 1974, and as we drove past it truly looked like someone was living there. The town of Wanamingo has the most lovely red geraniums in the window boxes on either side of the front door, and the gardens along the front were full of black-eyed susans and lilies. With the blue and white gingham curtains, the white trim of the windows, and the red of the geraniums I couldn’t help but think that the Larsons would be most proud of their little log house that was built so many years ago.
California poppies
A short haiku:
summer’s bright morning
golden poppies dance lightly
blue heavens above
Garlic harvest
We’re trying some new things in our vegetable garden this year, one of which is garlic. Last November we planted a variety of different bulbs, covered them, and waited for the spring to see if they survived the winter. They shot up through the ground and just this weekend we were able to begin a harvest of a couple of the earlier types. It was a treat to dig up the bulbs from the ground and see their size and color. This particular variety is called Xian and has these beautiful reddish-purple stripes to it. They’ll now hang to dry, and soon I’ll be able to report on their taste. But if their flavor is as good as their photo-worthiness we should be in great shape!
lindastaatsphoto.com 