Colorful Goldfinch

 The male goldfinches are decked out in their vibrant yellow feathers.

Empty Field

 The fields are still bare here. Soon, farmers will be out in their tractors planting their crops. 

Mysterious Sign

Over the past 25 years, I have walked by this sign countless times when I walked the dogs. I finally called Washington County to see what it means. It is a sign to mark a section corner on a map of Washington County and stands for "Washington County Reference Monument."

This marker is at the corner of 32N 20W 11 (which we live in), 32N 20W 10 (the section to the west of us), 32N 20W 3 (the section kitty-corner to us and to the northwest), and 32N 20W 2 (the section to our north).  

Originally, when the land was surveyed in 1847, a cedar post was used. Then, in the 1880s, the surveyors used a block of sandstone with an "X" on it. Now, there's a metal sign.

Welcome Back, Waterfowl!

 The ducks and great blue herons are migrating north again and spending time in the pond.

A Miniature Horse's Spring Shedding

 Hoss, the miniature horse, sheds his brown winter coat for a white spring coat.

A Sign of Spring

 A catkin is caught on barbed-wire fencing in Scandia.

Spring Garbage

On Earth Day, a reminder to pick up garbage. Today, uncovered now by the melted snow along the road, there was glass with writing on it that reflected the sun and weeds.

Hiking in Osceola

The Ridge View Trail (Osceola Loop) is part of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. The entrance to the trail is majestic and offers beautiful patches of wildflowers. The 1.9 mile trail includes a creek and view of the St. Croix River.