Heart-Shaped Flower

It wasn't until I looked closely at this image that I saw that the center of the flower is in the shape of a heart. Just what I needed to see today. 

Spreading Milkweed Seeds

It is hard to believe that it has already been 15 years since I took this image of Sophia in the back part of our farm. We were spreading milkweed seeds with the hope that we would see more milkweed plants - and more monarchs - in future years.

By doing this each year that we have lived at our farm, we have many more milkweed plants now than we did in 1995 when we moved here. We are seeing a positive impact of our actions.

Firefighters' Waterball Competition

One of the highlights of Taco Daze in Scandia that the Scandia-Marine Lions sponsor is the Firefighters' Waterball Competition. The goal is for competing fire departments to try to move the metal ball to the opponent's side. Whoever does this, wins. 

Edinburgh - Day 7

On the seventh day of our England-Scotland trip, we spent time in Edinburgh. Enjoyed hearing the bagpipers and seeing the beauty of St. Giles Cathedral.

London - Day 1

Arrived in London. Compared to Scandia, there are a lot of people walking, biking, and using public transportation. A highlight today was visiting The British Museum. The wealth of history and art at the museum far surpasses what I thought would be there. 

Fencing on a Farm

With the recent ice and snowstorm, there was a coating of each on the fencing. We have two types of fencing here on the farm - woven wire and chainlink. The former fencing is around the pastures and most of the property and the latter is around the backyard to keep the dogs safe.

Ice Crystals

It is so cold today that ice crystals are covering the doors and windows. 

Native Plants in Winter

We leave the native plants up in the winter to provide a landing spot for birds and cover for wildlife. Many of the plants have seeds still in them that can be consumed during the winter. 

Sophia in the Handbell Choir

Sophia performed as part of the handbell choir today at Bethel University. The choir did a pre-performance in the lobby as well as many pieces during the Festival of Christmas in Great Benson Hall. 

Milkweed Seeds

The milkweed seeds and fluff are ready to be carried off by the wind.

 

Orphanage Museum

Some images from the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum in Owatonna.

Woodware in the Kitchen

 Various wooden items that would have been used in the kitchen at Grand Portage National Monument. 

An "A" Leaf

It wasn't until I downloaded the images that I saw the "A" that these leaves - dotted with raindrops - made. 

Many Leaves

 The lilies are growing well and sending out many leaves. 

Sculptures

 Two sculptures at Franconia Sculpture Park.

Celebrating My Sister

 Celebrating my sister on her birthday.

Sign at the County Fair

For a couple of decades now I have gone to the Washington County Fair and never noticed this sign. Sometimes going to a place off-season and taking a look at it through a different lens yields some interesting finds. 

Cows in the Pasture

 The cows were in a pasture along Highway 95 today. It was a beautiful day for them to eat and relax.

Wood and Wire

 A post with barbed wire at the edge of a field.

Empty Field

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