My intention was to photograph the full moonrise, yet sometimes the best intentions don’t work out — as was the case when a layer of clouds hovered on the horizon to the east. After this change of plans, I decided to concentrate on the sunset that was about to take place to the west. We were south of the Twin Cities by 35 miles, but we were in the heart of an agricultural area. Minnesota farmers have been late getting their crops into the ground this year because of the rain, but it was good to see the corn pushing up. The pivot outlined the hillside in the distance, and the sun set to the side of the silos, glowing brilliantly before slipping past the horizon. Sometimes a change of plans creates new opportunities. (PS – On this Fathers’s Day, a thanks to my dad for nurturing my sense of adventure and optimism. Miss you, Dad!)
Morning light at Hidden Falls
I took the opportunity to venture out to one of the wonderful state parks we have in Minnesota. In the south-central part of the state is Nerstrand Big Woods Park. Along with the large trees and prairie that co-exist in this park, there is a wonderful waterfall, Hidden Falls. Prairie Creek meanders through the park and it tumbles over the layers of limestone at the falls. With the large amount of rain we’ve had recently, all our lakes are full and the falls are running with larger than normal volumes of water. And such was the case when I arrived at Hidden Falls. It was early in the morning and I was accompanied only by the birds in the woods and the sound of the rushing water. The overhead trees have come into full leaf and are green. This delicate tree branch seemed to contrast with the fury of the tumbling water behind it. The scene was complete with the early morning sunlight glistening off the falls.
Green of spring
As quickly as winter left, spring has arrived. Minnesota spring-time is short and condensed. It’s almost as if you can watch the flowers come up through the thawed and warming ground. Our lilacs are bursting forth, the peonies grow inches overnight, and the greenest of ferns have started to unfurl. From a tight bud to the gentle arches, they are a study of delicateness and beauty. Soon the fronds will be straight and upright, but I love the soft curves that they now show.
Graduation celebrations
Springtime brings many new things including new starts and celebrations. We journeyed to Kansas last weekend to celebrate the college graduations of my oldest nephew and niece. After the hardships and sorrow our family has been through recently, this was all a grand opportunity to be joyful and celebrate. The weather was wonderful, the ceremonies were filled with the usual pomp and circumstance, and everyone came together to note their accomplishments. I’m so very proud of all of my nieces and nephews – it’s been a delight to watch them grow up and to be able to share in their lives.
Magnolia time again
Our spring has blossomed once again. Even amidst the cooler temperatures and late season, the magnolias have flourished and bloomed. Their bright white is a wonderful precursor to the later vibrant colors of the tulips and annuals that will follow. Although they bloom for such a short period of time, they seem to be the early messenger announcing the change of seasons.
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