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.  

Window Stars for a Golden Birthday

 It's always fun for me to make window stars to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Today was Olivia's 18th birthday. It also is her Golden Birthday, thus all the gold stars. Needless to say, she was surprised when she saw all of them. 

My Favorite Oak Tree

Ever since moving to our hobby farm in 1995, this has been my favorite tree. It is in the west pasture and probably stands at least 45' tall. As a reference, the white sign to the right of the tree is 4' square and is on about 8' posts. 

Goose

This goose was one of many at Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield. Walking on the boardwalk across the lake afforded this close-up view.

SAORI Weaving - Table Runner

Spent part of the day with a group of women doing SAORI weaving. It's interesting to see how each of us has essentially the same yarn and roving to work with, yet each of us creates such different pieces. 

Hiking at William O'Brien

It's hard to believe that it has been five years already since we took this camping and hiking trip to William O'Brien State Park. Although the park is only about five minutes away, we chose it because it is a good introduction to camping for those who haven't done so before. We introduced another 4-H family to camping and they had a great time. They want to go camping again with us and explore another state park.

Cool-Colored Window Stars

 Enjoyed making five origami window stars. On a bright summer day, the sun shines through the window stars and illuminates their patterns.