I traveled to the Kansas City area last week for family celebrations. My nephew Parker graduated from high school and received his Eagle Scout award. It was a festive and grand time — a time to celebrate all his many accomplishments and to marvel at the young man he has become. He’s had the support of his parents, grandparents, family members, and the extended community where he has lived. He’s experienced the many ups and downs of a child, a teenager, and a young adult. And he’s made his aunt so very proud of him. Congratulations, Parker — I look forward to seeing what accomplishments and adventures are in your future.
Photography
Purple trillium in bloom
In the heart of Minneapolis is a hidden garden gem — the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden. With fifteen acres of woodland, wetland, and prairie, it is the oldest public wildflower garden in the nation. The garden was established in 1907 by botanist Eloise Butler and the Minneapolis Parks Board. We spent a delightful early Saturday morning at the garden. These purple trilliums were blooming profusely, along with marsh marigolds, hepatica, anemones, two-leaved toothwart, and trout lilies.
Fishing success
The ice is out, spring has sprung, and fishing season has begun once again in Minnesota. And this year I’ve joined the ranks of Minnesotans with a fishing license! To be honest, the last time I was fishing was when I was about 13 years old. But, like riding a bike, it’s something that comes back to you (along with some good coaching too!). Paddling against wind gusts up to 30 mph and battling the whitecaps, we put our canoe into Peltier Lake and proceeded to the calmer shore and threw in our fishing lines. After awhile without any bites, we moved to where a small river enters the lake. The water was pretty shallow, the sun was nearly ready to set, and the fish were biting! Within about ten minutes we had caught 6 crappies! Now that’s an exciting way to fish, and with that success I’m excited to try it again. Yes, I know fishing isn’t always that rewarding, but it’s a delightful way to spend a warm evening outside. (And the crappies were delicious the following night for dinner!)
Spring blooms
I found the first bloom of spring in my backyard yesterday. Those of you in the upper Midwest know this has been a long and drawn out winter. But we had a delightfully warm & sunny day yesterday, allowing me to clear the marsh grass from the garden beds and do some general cleanup. It was a delight to find the tulip bulbs had emerged about an inch and half above the soil. That was reason to celebrate. But when I uncovered these beautiful little squill blooms I was delighted — our first glimpse of color since last fall. These are tiny flowers, only about two inches tall, so I didn’t see them at first. But for being so small they are certainly mighty; surviving the summer and bringing springtime joy and the promise of warmth and a renewed growing season!
Bougainvillea red & white
My exhibit of photographs titled “Paths and Portals” ends today at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Thanks to all the people who came to the receptions (the opening and the closing) and to those who left comments for me at the Center. This image “Bougainvillea red and white” was one of the more popular photographs. Perhaps the colors speak of warmth and summer, while we’re still battling winter’s grip here in Minnesota. This scene is from Tucson, Arizona and caught my eye with its contrasting colors as well as the details that were so artistically painted over the door.
