FRIDAY MORNING BROUGHT the first snow flurries of the season to southern Minnesota. Not enough snow to stick to the ground here in Faribault, but in other parts of the state flakes accumulated.
We are in the time of transition, shifting from autumn toward winter. One day the sun shines bright on trees still ablaze in color and temps feel comfortable. Other days, grey clouds blanket the sky, blocking the sun, with winter attire needed outdoors.
In these waning days of autumn, I am reminded of how much I love this season—for the colors, the mostly moderate temps, the scent, the feel, the gathering in. It’s as if we Minnesotans recognize that every single gloriously sunny day needs to be celebrated, to be photographed in our memories, to be pulled out when winter days draw us in.
A few weeks ago I was in neighboring Northfield, about a 20-minute drive away. This art-strong historic college town along the Cannon River presented scenes that hold the essence of the season. From colorful trees to blooming flowers to seasonal displays, the visuals of autumn unfolded before me.
People were out and about. Dipping into Just Food Co-op. Shopping at the thrift store. Sitting on a park bench waiting to share a faith message. Walking a dog. Biking across a bridge spanning the river.
I felt no hurry, only an appreciation for the day, time to meander while waiting for Randy to complete an appointment. Afterwards we headed to Cowling Arboretum for a short walk and an engaging conversation with another hiker. It was one of those chance encounters that left me feeling uplifted, encouraged, blessed.
As I immersed myself in nature on that final day of September, I noticed wildflowers in bloom, leaves floating in the creek, the curve of grapevines, the hint of color in a few trees. If I was to revisit the Arb today, I would surely view a different scene. Each day moves us nearer, oh, so much closer, to winter.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I so agree with you about the feel and look of the season, it certainly holds a special charm. love the name of the flower shop.
Autumn is just a wee bit cold here in Minnesota this morning. Upper teens this time of year do not please me.
It is really moving up and down all over the places
That’s for sure. This weekend will bring 70s to Minnesota.
Hi Audrey,
I enjoy your posts n email Minnesota Praire Roots. I lived in Dakota n Rice Counties n now reside in California. Fall is my favorite season because the leaves turn colors. I miss that.
Warm Regards,
Mike Angelo
Mike, thank you for taking the time to write and express your gratitude for my posts. You understand the beauty of Minnesota in the autumn. Today you would feel thankful to be out of the Minnesota cold with temps dipping into the teens overnight. But, hey, at least the sun is shining.
Lovely, lovely photos, Audrey. Thank you for taking us along to see such beauty. ❤
You are welcome, Penny.
I love Fall – however it is more about the colors and the festivities and of course here a little cool down would be nice from the hot, hot, hot. We were out kayaking this weekend and the dolphins were on the hunt. So cool to see the wildlife from a different perspective in being on the water with them (of course give them their space). Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
What a fun experience to see dolphins up close while kayaking.
I would gladly send some of our Minnesota cold your way with temps in the teens overnight into this morning.
We have a cool down coming our way but not MN cold. It rained yesterday and the sky was putting on the “pinks” this morning something fierce. It was like a Hallelujah sky with a can I get an Amen 🙂
I am visualizing that pink morning sky. I love your analogy.
The cold weather has come too soon, and the snow! I’m grateful there is warmer weather in the forecast for the weekend. Fall is my favorite season too!
I am grateful for that weekend of predicted warmer weather also.
Thank you for the fabulous fall journey. I have done some driving around, but am not able to get out and walk around much as I am still using a walker for a while longer. I have spent much of this year living vicariously through others – my friends, you, family. I thank you for taking me along with you. Your pictures are always terrific and your comments uplifting.
Sheila, it’s my joy and honor to take you along on my journeys. I’m sorry you’re dealing with mobility issues and I hope you can soon stash away the walker. That said, a walker is a great tool when you’re recovering and regaining strength. I’ve used one following hip replacement surgery many years ago so I know. Thank you for stopping by with your grateful words. I appreciate them.
While our fall in the North Carolina mountains is especially stunning this year , I find myself reluctant to let go of summer quite yet.
It is tough to let go of the seasons. For me, letting go of autumn is hard given what comes next. And it’s felt an awful lot like winter around here the past few days.