We celebrated summer this week with baseball – three nights of it, to be exact. The Twin Cities was host to the US tradition of the MLB All Star Game and Home Run Derby. Target Field sits in downtown Minneapolis, with the skyline looming beyond the outfield. The stands were filled with Minnesotans and baseball fans from across the country, totaling over 41,000 people. The setting was festive, the fans were all in great spirits, the players were enjoying the traditions, and the baseball was memorable. The following night we took in a Minnesota tradition – a town ball game in Miesville. Jack Ruhr stadium sits off a county road with the beauty of a mid-western sunset over the cornfields as its backdrop. The Miesville Mudhens played well, but were not a match for the Austin Greyhounds on this night. The crowd of about 100 locals enjoyed both the evening and the baseball. Two contrasts – each with their own sense of grandeur and traditions.
July’s full moonrise
Yesterday was the full moon of July. I’d heard it referred to as the “supermoon” – appearing immense in size due to its proximity to the earth. As rainstorms moved into the area in the afternoon, I had given up any hope of seeing the moonrise. But the clouds parted and the skies cleared about 6:00pm. We had gone out for a night of fishing (which was not so weather-dependent), yet we lucked out in so many ways. The fish were biting, the sunset was beautiful, and it was quickly followed by the rising of the pink full moon. It cleared the trees on the east side of the lake, and let its reflection glisten in the still water below. For a short while it hung in the sky between the trees and the upper clouds, then quickly slid out of sight into the clouds. We stayed on the water for another half hour, and as we headed to the landing the moon cleared the clouds again, this time shining clear and white.
A quieter 4th of July
The long 4th of July holiday weekend has kept us in the Twin Cities. Rather than hurry to a northern lake, we decided to relax at home and make some shorter excursions. Between early morning bike rides, a Twins baseball game, and some tasks around the house and yard, we’ve enjoyed a relaxing weekend. On the evening of the 4th, we took our boat to Peltier Lake, one of the lakes near the edge of the metro area. The wind had been gusty all day and there was a threat of rain and storms, but it looked promising. As the sun set in the west it seemed to divide the lake and the sky. The clouds to the south kept that area in the dark, while the break to the north let the sun reflect off the sky and onto the water, almost a split-screen effect. The fishing was good, the weather held for us, and we were able to watch the fireworks all around us as we headed back to the boat landing.
Roses through the rain
The rains have continued this past week. Unlike most years, everything remains green and lush. We haven’t had the excessive heat of a typical summer, and the rainfall has been more than adequate to keep things watered. As the rain pelted the window yesterday afternoon, it created a wonderful effect with the roses in the background. Each droplet reflected the roses – the bright colors and shapes seemed to dance in the water. How wondrous and mesmerizing to see the many “small roses” that decorated the window pane in those droplets.
Sunset fishing
The past week has been stormy and rainy, with downpours of historic amounts. What a delight to have a return to sunshine on Friday – it seemed as though everyone got outside to enjoy the warmth of summer again. The unsettled weather has also brought some amazing clouds, and on this night there was a beautiful reflection of light and dark, pink and gray, as the sun was setting in the west. The lake at Como Park was filled with people – walking or biking the paths around the lake, taking in the sunset, or fishing. Summer is short in Minnesota so it’s important to make the most of each wonderful evening.
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