Across the St. Croix River in Hudson, Wisconsin is a celebration of hot air balloons called the Hudson Hot Air Affair. Begun in 1970, the festival brings pilots, hot air balloon enthusiasts, and lots of spectators out into the wintry morning air. This morning’s temperatures were around 25 degrees – mild for early February, but the winds were too strong and the cloud deck was too low to allow the balloons to launch into the sky. When the weather conditions do not cooperate, the balloons are instead filled with air and up righted. Some were tethered to vans and trucks, others were held down by multiple people at the ends of long ropes (at times trying to keep their footing as the balloons pulled and tugged and their feet slid over the compact snow and ice). The balloons were plentiful and colorful, and the spectators were many and all seemed adept at keeping warm on a cold winter morning. It was all a bright delight in the gray midst of winter.
Lifeguard off duty
I got up and out of the house before dawn yesterday, in search of a photograph to show a Minnesota winter morning. The air was cold, but not bitterly so, and the wind was still. The eastern sky promised a bit of color so I headed to a city lake. Our winter has been cold enough, long enough to freeze the lakes and they are now a winter wonderland of activities. Hockey nets are in place on many lakes, snow has been dusted off to allow skating areas, ice houses are seen with people fishing, and even cars are driving on the frozen lakes. This scene caught my attention – the summer swimming beach is anything but hospitable in winter, yet we are reminded that the lifeguard is off duty, at least until the winds blow summer temperatures our way.
The color white
The color white evokes so many feelings and emotions. For those on the east coast, white is the color of the snow that has enveloped their area. For brides it is the color of newness and purity. For funerals it is the color of new life and light. As we celebrated the life of a family member recently departed, we were surrounded by flowers and plants of many colors and scents. The white roses seemed to be strong and yet tender all at the same time. A symbol of hope and love, circling around and around as the petals unfold from the bud.
How to honor 99 1/2 years of life
Sadly we’ve said good-bye to a family member who passed the milestone of 99 1/2 years of life. After coming back from so many stumbling blocks and minor health issues, the medical event yesterday was too much for Ed to overcome. A Minnesota man throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, boating and snowmobiling. He was a large man with a gentle demeanor. His shared life with his wife Vi covered 45 years of adventures and travels. And as time passed by, they remained devoted to one another. I will always remember his smile and laugh – a laugh that erupted and was truly delivered from delight. The last time I saw him alive he flashed that smile at me and I couldn’t help but smile back, returning the joy on his face. Thanks for the joy you brought to us all, Ed.
A perfect snowfall
Friday morning we awoke to a fresh snowfall. The dingy remnants of the earlier snow were whitened, the snow that fell overnight lay coating the trees, the wind was still, and the temperature was hovering around freezing – all the elements of a perfect snowfall. As I headed out the door to work, I made a “scheduled” detour to Como Park and the McNeely Conservatory. The lights inside the conservatory gave off a warm glow to the glass in contrast to the blue and white of the snow. And the snow-covered trees were sentinels of the beauty of this winter morning. In the stillness and beauty of the early morning it was just me photographing, and the snowplow driver clearing the roads and paths in the park.
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