IN SNOW TINGED with dirt, a curled brown maple leaf lies, a remnant of autumn lingering in this month of February.
Above, the sun flares against a blue sky bordered by bare branches.
Below, laundry hangs on the line. Drying at forty degrees.
I delight in it all—heat of the sun, fence line shadowed on a dwindling snow pack, ice melt dripping from gutters, long johns on clothesline, interior kitchen door flung open. All hold the hope of spring in a Minnesota winter that seems always too cold, too snowy, too long.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Those spring like days are such a breath of fresh air to the soul, aren’t they? We had a break in the rain and the sun came out yesterday for a good part of the day. Granted our winter has not been like yours but we have had way more winter weather than I like. Happy Spring is Coming Day!
For your area, yes, you have faced a challenging winter. But, hey, March is almost here which means Spring is, too. Yeah. The temp is back to its normal winter cold. But we had that one-day break and the sun still shines brightly.
I love that you hang laundry in 40 degrees!
I am a die-hard hanger of laundry outdoors. With the bright afternoon sunshine yesterday, Randy’s long john shirts nearly dried. They were just a little damp around the buttonholes.
Heat Wave! 🙂
For Minnesota in February, yes, it was. Today it’s back to cold, but still sunny. Sunshine makes a mega difference in winter.
Yes….yesterday seemed like a teaser compared to today. We are thankful for the teasers. Today is very cold, white-out conditions and light snow. So ready for spring! My mom also hung the laundry out, way before the neighbors dared!
I admit to being a tad fanatical about hanging laundry outdoors. I considered it today with the bright sunshine. But one step out the door into the frigid air changed my mind.
I have a friend driving to Faribault today from north of Fargo. Hopefully she won’t encounter white-out conditions. Stay safe and warm.
I’m not sure how far south the snow and wind extends. Hopefully, she’ll be safe.
Hopefully. She’s smart enough to not travel if weather conditions are unsafe. Thank you for your concern.
Yesterday was a beautiful day. Sounds like you made some productive use of it. It’s looking rather grey and gloomy out today.
We had sun this morning which has now, like in your area, transitioned to grey.
Very poetic! I did turn down the heat and opened my windows yesterday to let some of the fresh air in and let the sneezes out!
I did not hang out laundry however. Good for you!
Well, I did not open windows, so I think we’re pretty even for appreciating the warmth of Valentine’s Day. 🙂
What a beautiful description of what I think most of us are feeling! The leaf in the snow is a very poignant reminder that the season will change and we with them. But, I think we are all ready for the changes that spring will bring.
Thank you, Sheri, and welcome to the comments section of Minnesota Prairie Roots. When I saw that leaf in the snow yesterday, I knew I had to photograph it for the reason you state.
40 and sunshine, in February… cant beat that.
But maybe a little too warm for your liking?