LIKE A BUDDING ROMANCE--WITH NATURE!

This past winter in Minnesota was incredibly long, and just when the calendar turned to April and we thought the snow had ended until at least November, we were shocked to experience even more massive amounts of snow. It went on and on for days. And Minnesotans were not happy!! I noticed a growing number of glum faces about town.  The consensus was, "Enough is enough!"

And then came the delightful month of May.  For a short time it truly felt like spring had arrived.  The temperatures were moderate and invigorating. And all of a sudden it was green everywhere.  But all too soon spring disappeared and summer arrived. And I mean ARRIVED!! Minnesotans are used to adapting to the unpredictability of the weather in this region, but this change was greeted with mixed blessings.  My apartment building still had the heat turned on when people started talking about air conditioning.  My apartment, I discovered, had a broken air conditioner and rapidly turned into a steamy sauna--89 degrees F. and humid.  It felt unbearable.  I had a hard time focusing on anything. Thankfully my children came to the rescue and provided me with a wonderful new air conditioner.  And now, unlike six weeks ago when snow was everywhere, heat advisories became the norm.  We are not exactly

used to temperatures in the 90's in May with uncomfortable humidity, but adapt we must, and appreciate the beauty of our lush

green surroundings and wonderful parks and lakes.  Over the last week or so I've had fun taking pictures of the look and feel of summer in spring.  Yes, it is incredibly hot, but the reality is that spring in Minnesota after a long winter

is like a budding romance--with nature.

Here are some recent photos to show the beauty of our new reality.

Just keep the snow away for many a day to come.  We can only handle so much!!