Feeding the ducks in Owatonna’s Morehouse Park on Sunday afternoon.
IF YOU LIVE IN MINNESOTA and did not spend most of this past weekend outdoors, then please do not complain come January. For we have had a gloriously long autumn that has extended in to these early days of November.
Walking on a carpet of oak leaves in Kaplan’s Woods, Owatonna.
What a gift. What an absolute gift. Each day that the weather remains warm, sunny and without snow means one less day of winter.
Every detail, even leaves in a creek in Kaplan’s Woods, delighted me.
For that I am thankful.
Some leaves are still clinging to trees like these by Lake Kohlmier in Owatonna.
Sunshine and warmth defined the weekend, one I documented with my camera. When the snow flies and the temps dip to well below zero, I will pull up these photos and remember the delightful Autumn of 2016. And perhaps that will carry me to spring.
Cruisin’ with the top down along Intersate 35E north of St. Paul Saturday afternoon.
Following a gravel road near Clinton Falls in Steele County on Sunday afternoon.
Finishing the corn harvest south of Faribault Sunday afternoon.
Mud hens bob across the choppy waters of Lake Kohlmier.
Checking out Lake Kohmier at the boat landing.
Taking the 1970s Ford Maverick out for a cruise Sunday afternoon by Lake Kohmier.
Sunday afternoon fishing along the Straight River in Morehouse Park.
Water churns in the Straight River at the Morehouse Park dam.
A recreational trail bridges the Straight River/Morehouse Park dam, a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts this weekend.
Lots of dogs were out with their owners.
Almost unbelievable: mowing lawn on Sunday, November 6, in Owatonna.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Wow! A Ford Maverick! Haven’t seen one in years… just like this fantastic day 😆😆
I owned a 1976 Ford Mercury Comet. Same thing. Except mine was bright yellow. Cool, huh?
I used to be a huge gearhead back in the day. I had a ’66 Mustang coupe, also bright yellow! I think my dad bought it because of the highly visible color 😉
What a loving dad.
I paid for my own car. The color, yellow, matched how it operated. My 1976 Comet really was a lemon.
I loved my Sunday tour of Owatonna and nearby sites. Thank you. So happy you all had a beautiful day to enjoy.
I figured you would appreciate this tour from your hometown.
It was a beautiful weekend in NYC as well and we had plenty of outside time walking the city and taking Penny to the dog park. 🙂 Yes, these are the days to remember when the snow flies.
So happy you had a great weekend in NYC. I’m awaiting your email to tell me how the shopping went.
Email coming!
Wow! You really are having a remarkable autumn season! It’s been warm here too – almost too warm for Ronnie and Emma deer. They pant a lot during the 80 degree days – sporting those beautiful winter coats. But I think now we are heading to the 60’s with crisp night temps in the 40’s and 50’s. We still don’t have much color. Thanks for sharing your lovely candid images with us! It gives me a real feel for the community you live in. 🙂 By the way… I love the Maverick!!
These images were actually shot in Owatonna, which is about 15 miles south of where I live.
The weekend was splendid. And this morning the sun is shining bright again with the promise of another stunning day.
My first car was a 1976 Ford Mercury Comet. Bright yellow. Basically the same thing as a Maverick.
Working on the farm gave me a completely different view of autumn. On these warm windless sunny weekends, instead of planning a walk through the woods, we are thinking….Geez, we might get 30 trucks in today!
Oh, yes, you are right on that. Is your extended family’s harvest nearly complete? Or done?
Love this weather. I invite it to continue until December for a brief interlude of snow over the holiday season. It would be quite welcome to return mid-February. This Autumn has been quick busy; now it will be dark by 6 p.m. This last weekend was a must to wrap up yard work.
I extend the same invitation to the seasons.
We finished our yard work last weekend, meaning we had no obligation whatsoever to stay home and work.
The photo you took on 35E was the same spot we were at about 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, we were on our way up to see the baby. It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that it’s still November! I wouldn’t wish it away for a moment. Loved all your photo’s highlighting this beautiful fall
I didn’t expect the “I wouldn’t wish it away for a moment” part of your comment, Jackie, being you love winter so much.
We just missed you on 35E by maybe 15 minutes. We were on our way to watch Izzy. Happy you got to see your new grandson. Love, love, love these times with our precious ones.
Well I do love winter, but I love fall almost as much!
I apparently forgot the loving fall apart. It’s my favorite season. Someone has to love winter. I appreciate your enthusiasm for that season.
Ahhhh, yes!!!! Out on the cycles with friends on Saturday afternoon…..amazing!!! Only light jackets/shirts needed. Not as many out as I would have thought but it WAS the deer/gun season opener! How frustrating to be in your ‘stand’ knowing all too well that the deer were dozing somewhere and enjoying the weather, too!!! LOL!!!!!!
I thought of you on Saturday out on your bikes. We saw lots as we drove to and from the metro.
Be careful riding during hunting season.
As warm as it was we had no problems with deer just some added traffic with drivers NOT paying attention!!!!!! We were hyper-aware!!!!!
Hyper aware helps keep you safe.
It was a beautiful weekend and your pictures captured it perfectly
Thank you. I hope you and your family were able to be outdoors and enjoy the season. Or does being outside trigger your allergies?
We were out a bit. I commented to my Hubby late Friday night that it was crazy that I had the windows open in November. I think having the windows open made my allergies worse but I refused to use the air conditioning this time of year.
Yes, it would seem crazy to turn on the air this time of year. I hope you’e feeling better soon.
Thanks for sharing MN Fall – loving your captures 🙂 Yes to enjoying the beautiful days! Happy Day
You are welcome, former Minnesotan.
Great pictures and weather wish I was there! I on the other hand had to fire up the snow blower and put it to work as it snowed all weekend here, crummmmmmm
I am covering my eyes. I do NOT want to read that word, snow. Oh, yeah, I used it in my headline.
Indeed it is a gift this weather and it really elevates everyone’s mood. Loved all your photos.
Thank you. Yes, this ongoing stretch of sunny, warm days certainly lifts my mood.