Photographed in Faribault’s North Alexander Park, along the shore of the Cannon River.
THIS TIME OF YEAR in Minnesota, after six-plus months of cold and grey, we welcome the greening of the land.
A patch of green in the woods along a recreational trail in Faribault.
Slowly, on those days when the sun shines with warmth and strength, dormant grasses and plants push through the earth.
Singled out in the woods.
Buds form.
A duck swims at Two Rivers Park in Faribault, where the Cannon and Straight Rivers join.
Rivers, now free of ice, flow. And waterfowl paddle the waters, hug the shorelines. Nesting.
Photographed recently from the Rice County Courthouse lawn, bikers on Fourth Street/Minnesota State Highway 60.
People, too, are breaking free of winter constraints with motorcycles pulled from storage and now roaring down streets and highways.
Here the Straight River Trail in Faribault crosses the Cannon River.
Recreational trails offer a natural respite from everything. A place to walk or jog or bike. A place to just get away from it all for awhile. To take a mental break and renew one’s spirit.
A scene in North Alexander Park, near the Cannon River.
Quieter spots exist, too, to sit for awhile. Not to contemplate that which we’ve lost. But to embrace that which we still have—a world greening with spring in Minnesota.
© Copyright 2020 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Our landscape has been green for a few weeks now, but it’s always grand to see the welcome signs of spring after the bitter cold of winter. Our nut trees are usually the last to leaf out, and that is happening this past week. Weeds are already a couple of feet tall… and the insects are making their big appearance. It’s official. Spring has sprung!! I can’t wait to see more photos from you as your spring season progresses!
You understand the excitement I feel in the greening of the land. I thought of you when I heard of all the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Be safe. Is the storm shelter ready?
Spring is a season of hope…it is nice to see the multiple colors of green…I love it.
Exactly. Love that word “hope,” especially this year.
Thanks for thinking, reflecting, photographing, and writing during this difficult time.
You are welcome, Ken. I continue to pursue my passions, just a lot nearer home. Last night Randy and I walked at River Bend Nature Center. Beautiful. I love the light around sunset.
There is a photo going around the internet that perfectly illustrates Minnesota seasons. It is of a gas station where a snowmobile and a motorcycle are filling up side by side.
Now that would be fitting of Minnesota.
Finally getting a good soaking rain here today. Nothing like a storm to roll in for a 5 am wake up call. I pruned all the trees in our yard on Sunday and the Mockingjay was happy when I was done messing with its tree/perch. The exciting news is that our baby lime tree we planted recently has limes almost ready to pick – hello! to a spritz/squeeze of lime 🙂 Be safe, take care and Happy Day – Enjoy.
Oh, fresh limes, what a delight.
Have a wonderful weekend, Renee!
I think it’s finally here to stay 🙂
I do hope you are right. Today has been absolutely lovely.
Lovely spring pictures, Audrey –so nice when it finally shows its head in MN.
As a former Iowan, you understand how much spring means to us in Minnesota.
Ahhhh Minnesota in Spring.😊❤️
With the added bonus of Holland tulips.
😊
Spring is poppin’ out all over s.w.Montana, too. Love your pictures, Audrey. Thank you! ❤
Great to hear! And good to hear from you, Jan. I’m behind on my blog reading.
It’s hard to keep up, isn’t it? But, I always enjoy seeing what others are posting. ❤
It is. I try. Some weeks are better than others, depending on what I have going. Have a joyful Sunday, Jan, from Minnesota to Montana.