St. Paul

Winter weekend of fun

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In the bracing cold of winter, we Minnesotans can not be said to shy away from outdoor activities!  And yet Mother Nature has played a cruel trick on us here in the Twin Cities this year.  In what is traditionally the coldest time of the season we have had temperatures above freezing, and rain…requiring some adjustments on our activities.  This was the weekend of the US Pond Hockey tournament on Lake Nokomis.  Unfortunately the rinks were covered with 2 to 3 inches of water, making a puck useless, and postponing the presentation of the Golden Shovel award to a later date.  This was also the beginning of our Winter Carnival in Saint Paul — an annual celebration of the enjoyment of our white season.  The Vulcans were out en force, celebrating in their raucous tradition, and getting ready for their overthrow of King Boreas in the upcoming week.  And there was a sleigh and cutter rally at Lake Phalen, where the horses and ponies were tromping through slush and standing water, rather than gliding along over inches and feet of snow.  But we know that winter is not done yet.  There are predictions of colder temps returning again.  In the meantime, we’ll promise  to enjoy the winter, adjust to Mother Nature’s schedule, and revel in whatever is doled out to us.

Winter at Como Park

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Snow has continued to fall this past week.  We haven’t received the dumping that the East Coast is dealing with, but rather we have a beautiful coating that’s put everyone in the holiday spirit.  The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is located in Como Park in Saint Paul, and is a wonderful gem in the city.  No matter how cold and wintry it is outside, it’s warm and tropical inside.  It’s presently filled with poinsettias, begonias, and hibiscus — a wonderful burst of color during this season of white.  As Christmas is fast approaching this week, I wish everyone a season of joy and wonder, family and friends.

Winter’s arrival

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Winter has arrived this week, and with it so many changes.  For the past six days, our temperatures have stayed below freezing. We’ve had some blowing snow, although not enough to cover the grass.  But the cold weather is now allowing Mother Nature to ice over our lakes and ponds.  Many of the Canada geese are flying high in the sky, heading south to warmer climes.  Whereas before we heard their calls in the early morning and before sunset, now they are continuous throughout the day as they journey away in large flocks before the winter becomes harder and colder.   What waterfowl remain, find it slippery going on the once-liquid lakes.  Soon the transition to winter will be complete and we will revel in her white and shimmering beauty.

Unexpected finds

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Fall at Carlos Avery WMA 51522_StaatsHow often is it that one starts to go to point A, makes a wrong turn, finds point B, and discovers something unexpected and remarkable?  One late afternoon this past week, I was headed north out of Saint Paul to meet a friend.  With an extra 25 to 30 minutes to spare, I got off the interstate to wander to a side highway.  Fortunately (?) I missed the turn and continued east, and stumbled into the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area.  My GPS showed lakes and sloughs on either side of me.  As I wandered down an unpaved road I came to a dike.  The sun was low in the sky and bathed the gold and red leaves in a warm evening light, offering up this late fall color, accompanied by the sounds of geese honking overhead.  All this beauty of nature was unexpectedly waiting for me on the outskirts of the city, yet it transported me to a wild and natural area far removed from the day’s hustle and bustle.

Minnesota State Capitol Building

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MN State Capitol Building
MN State Capitol Building

This past week I joined the Minneapolis Photographic Society on a field trip in downtown Saint Paul.  The weather was threatening rain and it was quite windy, but a group of about 15-20 photographers braved the elements.  Earlier in the evening we stopped by the Capitol building, photographing it with a dull, gray sky.  The images were documentary, but nothing to draw a viewer into the photo.  As we waited and chatted, the skies got darker and eventually the lights on the building were lit, giving the image a delightful and beautiful glow.  Adding the bright petunias in the foreground gave the image some additional color and interest.  The Capitol Building was designed by local architect Cass Gilbert, and was opened in 1905.  It sits prominently overlooking the city of Saint Paul.