St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park

It was a balmy day for December in the low 20's so I visited a new park for me, St. Croix Bluffs. If there had been more snow on the trails, my regular hiking boots would not have been adequate. I was glad I packed the handwarmers, too. Taking photos meant removing my gloves and my hands (fingers) really cannot handle the cold.

Here are a few of the photos. To get to the St. Croix River meant going down-down-down which the park's name would have given you a clue. And hiking down means you have to hike back up. It was a good workout.

Lots of deer tracks and as you will see, beaver action. There were also lots of birds including song birds, woodpeckers and mallard ducks.

I got to walk on the frozen river. It is always exciting and a bit un-nerving walking out on a large body of frozen water.

This tree wasn't in the park. It was in a field but was so beautiful I had to stop to photo.

Hoarfrost on everything.

More hoarfrost.

Some serious beaver action.

The view down on the river.

I love symmetry and I love trees.

"THE LOOKOUT" I found this on my hike up from the river.

Snowy February

Record breaking snowfall this February and the month isn't over yet!

First Snow

Well, it was bound to happen. We got our first snow of the season today. I don't recall the forecast saying it was going to stick or even last this long.

It has been snowing all morning. Really only sticking to the grass, bushes and trees. We haven't had a freeze in the city yet so the white is coating the Fall colors. It is actually quite pretty.

I was planning a walk and wasn't going to let the first snow stop me.

Lake of the Isles

the backyard

Not bridal veil spirea

A snow storm - finally

Drifting around the truck

Always piles up at the garage door.

Snow blown onto back porch door.

Recording those nasty temps

I think this is our lowest temp so far this season. Definitely the lowest so far in 2017 but it is early yet. Little snow on the ground.

Random photos

This month's run... Running For Pigs at CHS Field in St. Paul

Blue squill at neighbor's end of alley.

Blue squill at neighbor's end of alley.

Uno ready for the mail. This one is for Aunt Donna.

I won this month's random drawing at my chiropractor's!

Snow in April!

Snow pellet squall. It was crazy looking.

Volunteering

Had the opportunity to volunteer for Project Success last Saturday. Project Success is a social services organization that helps kids and their families with school choices and encourages kids with all aspects of their school life.

Project Success hosted a fun day for Franklin School in north Minneapolis. It was planned as a winter outing with snow shoeing, cross country skiing and tubing. Unfortunately our snow this year has been scarce. Instead of cancelling, the event was turned into an out-of-doors day with games, toasting marshmallows and roasting hot dogs.

My snow shoeing duties turned into leading the toasting and roasting. Some kids had never toasted a marshmallow! It was so neat to see their faces eating a first-ever s'more.

Cabin fever

I am not the only one experiencing cabin fever. There is still a lot of snow and it is almost April 1st.

Frankie has been asking to go outside. That is not going to happen. It got to the mid-40's today with lots of beautiful sunshine. I had to let Frankie experience it somehow. The bathroom window is.one of his favorite places.