Cemetery Discovery

 

In the 1960s, when McDonald's built their store next to Atkinson Cemetery, the area was completely covered with trees and brush, making it unrecognizable as a cemetery. In the 1980s, the city took control of the land, cleaned up the site, and uncovered the history of the lost cemetery. It’s now one of my favorite places to photograph in Cottage Grove.

DIY Snow Castle

My wife and I can be found walking in our neighborhood, two or three times per week, since the walking track at Park High School's Activity Center closed, due to Covid. It has yet to reopened. Some of our walks, we are amazed with our neighborhood finds. 

A couple blocks down and around the corner from my home, one of the neighbors has created this ginormous, DIY snow castle. We first saw this structure when they were working on the third layer. I can confirm there are plywood boards used in the snow castle to help with support. The fourth layer was new to us this week. We unfortunately did not dress warm enough for the 13 degree temperature, so it was a quick walk. 

I would estimate this is 40-45 feet tall.

It's Still Snowing

Good times here in Minnesota. It won't stop snowing.

Snow Fest 2023

I believe we received 15.5" inches of snow in my city. It was enough to camouflage the mailbox. My work gave us a snow day and that was a great way to welcome in the new year. 

Christmas Cutout Cookies

 

It's our family tradition to make Christmas cutout cookies for all of the gatherings. This is our 2022 batch.

Winter Scenery From My Door Step

I do post this shot quite often in the winter months. It's always a unique scene. 

It's So Bright

Nighttime photography is so much easier when there is snow everywhere. 

Spot The Difference

 

 

Which version of this pond do you prefer, Spring or Fall?

Halloween Pumpkin

Our pumpkin carving for Halloween 2022.

Birch Tree Garden

 

The leaves are just starting to change colors here in Cottage Grove and all over the Twin Cities. 

Busy As A Bee

I wish I knew the name of this plant, but every year when it finally blooms, near the end of summer, it attracts the bumble bees. There are usually 20-30 bees on our two plants collecting pollen for the entire day. This pollen collection last about a month and now they are gone until next season.

Ride The Lightning

 

Is it just me, or does it look like a horse is running out of the lightning? I took well over one hundred shots with my Samsung Galaxy S20+ to get one semi decent lightning capture. Didn't have a tripod with me, so I was standing on my lawn snapping away. About three minutes of photo taking, a lower bank of clouds rolled in and the lightning show was over. At least I got one shot!

Red Daylilies In Bloom

My Red daylilies have bloomed as of last week. Some years they are the last to bloom, other years, my Stargazer Lilies are the last to bloom. This year, they are second to last. 

80th Street Tunnel

The tunnel under 80th Street in Cottage Grove is one of my favorite walking paths in the neighborhood. Once through the tunnel, the path winds through a valley of homes, leading to the end of the trail. This area mainly serves to collect rainfall. Behind me, there are multiple paths to explore, which is one of the reasons we enjoy walking this way. 

Independence Day 2022

I'm out, enjoying the 4th of July weekend celebration.

Like A Tall Tree

 We have been a bit under our normal weather temperatures this spring, but this day was the turn of the good weather. Just waiting on the leaves to fill in now and we will be in full bloom.

Pink Sky In Morning

I don't normally stop to take sunrise photos in the morning since I'm on my way into work and don't want any delays, but I couldn't pass this one up. It was one hell of a purple sunrise!

Agave Plants In Minnesota

Now that we are in the month of May, I am hoping to get these two Agave plants into my garden. I bought them at then end of March, but our cooler temps and rainy days just haven't allowed for me to replant them. Where I live in Minnesota, it is Zone 4 for gardening. These are rated to last through the harsh winter, but I'll need to cover them with a frost cloth. 

I purchased four cactus plants altogether from Cold Hardy Cactus. They arrived safely in the mail in small planters pots. I replanted them into these clay pots after realizing getting them outdoors was going to be a while. 

 

Graffiti Bus On Parade

I am not sure exactly what this bus does in the community, but it sure makes for a great photo. It was sitting at the South Washington County District Center. I really do love the colors on this one. 

Cottage View Drive-in Seed Art

One of my past favorite places to photograph was the, closed in 2012, Cottage View Drive-in. One of my photos of the sign is on the wall of my local Applebee's. This year while looking at the seed art at the Minnesota State Fair, there was a dedication to the sign. Kudos to the artist.