The nights have a bit of coolness to them now, and the sunshine isn’t quite as hot as it was earlier this month. Our daylight is becoming noticeably shorter as we move closer to fall. The skies are filled with Canada geese flying over, strengthening the wings of the young ones as they prepare for migrating south; their honking fills the air. I noticed these sedum blossoms the other day with spots of color in them. They too are responding to the fast approaching change in the seasons.
We are experiencing our transition season as winter slowly gives way to spring. In northern Minnesota and Wisconsin it means give and take – warmer temps one day and snow the next. But our waters are starting to thaw, allowing open water for the birds that are beginning to migrate into the area. The oak trees are holding onto their rust-colored leaves, and the air has been heavy with moisture creating some foggy conditions. It almost seems like fall but this time we know there will be green in the landscape and ice-free lakes and ponds soon.
Last week I celebrated what now seems to have been a colorful flourish to the end of summer. I sent some time at the McNeely Conservatory in Como Park. The sunken garden was filled with its summer flowers, scents, and colors. Since that day our weather has been gray, cloudy, rainy, and much cooler — anything but summer-like. How lucky I was to have soaked up the last bright colors of summer!
The seasons move quickly from spring into summer and this year seems to have moved faster than normal. Everything has turned to a beautiful bright green — the color of new growth, late spring, and early summer. We’ve had enough rain to keep things fresh and the heat hasn’t set in yet. This graceful fern was backlit in the garden, accentuating each leaf and its lovely color. Its beauty was stunning, and I also know it will be fleeting as the green will become darker and not nearly as bright. It’s a reminder to me to appreciate the season and the time we’re in now as it changes ever-so-quickly and what we see today will not be the same tomorrow.
The cusps of seasons and days can often hold tension and beauty. We woke to the sound of thunder as a storm was starting to roll through, yet the eastern horizon held a hint of color. As the rain started to come down, I could see the droplets hitting the open water. Further out on the lake was the edge of the black ice that was starting to go out, and on the opposite shore was the white ice and snow that hadn’t thinned yet. It was a wonderful experience – both visual and auditory. The loons are back in the area, and the geese, ducks, and swans were all contributing to the soundtrack.
In my own life there is a change too, as I retired from my corporate job and am transitioning to the adventures I’ve been looking forward to all these years. I began this blog in January of 2009 with the purpose of sharing the beauty of my world and to give me the incentive to photograph each week. And what an amazing journey it has been — so many sights, so many surprises, and so much to see! My plan is to continue this blog however my posts may not be quite as consistent in timing. I hope you will continue along with me and share in my upcoming adventures.
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