Near New Ulm.
IN THE NAKEDNESS of winter, when trees are stripped bare of leaves, when fields lie exposed to the elements, rural Minnesota seems especially vulnerable.
Near Essig along US Highway 14.
In no other season do I notice more the intimate details of this place.
Along US Highway 14 somewhere west of Owatonna.
Red barns seem redder.
By Morgan
Power poles appear more intrusive.
Morgan, Minnesota
Grain elevators dominate, shoving grey mass into an already colorless landscape.
All of this I see through eyes that crave now the melting of snow, the cloaking of the land in the greening of spring.
NOTE: All images have been edited to create an artsy look.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
lovely images Audrey.
Thank you, Penny.
That house looks like a mighty cold and drafty one. Grain elevators always seem to look monstrous and foreboding on a wintry landscape. I am ready for spring to arrive. I will take a green landscape any day to the blanket of white and casts of gray.
We are seeing patches of green here and that makes me happy. Fifty degrees expected here on Saturday. Today will be in the 40s, thus my sheets are going on the clothesline.
I wonder how much longer these aged grain elevators will remain in our small towns. Many have been abandoned. When they’re all gone, we will realize what we’ve lost in landmarks and agricultural history.
That house is amazing. I’d love to sit on that porch in the summer and sip a drink while knitting.
I could just picture you there.
Your pictures are so quintessential Midwest, love them!
Thank you. I’m happy to take you “back home” today.