Author Archives: snowbirdredux

ORKO

Posted on February 11, 2013 by snowbirdredux

All day today we have been under the influence of Orko, who has provided the most snow downfall in our year and a half of Minnesota existence. A real blizzard. Church services cancelled. Even the YMCA closed. Drifts gathering up … Continue reading →

Posted in minnesota life, mythology, SNOW, storm, WEATHER | 1 Comment

46 DAYS ‘TIL SPRING

Posted on February 2, 2013 by snowbirdredux

Winter snow in Minnesota has its pluses and minuses. I’ve already referenced the wonder of wafting flakes, the cushy clumps of white upon the evergreens, all the novelty of exotic climatology to a California girl. If I could just figure … Continue reading →

Posted in Claustrophobia, HEALTH, introspection, minnesota life, SNOW, storm, WEATHER | 1 Comment

THANKS FOR CARING

Posted on January 30, 2013 by snowbirdredux

QUESTION: “Find a vine with attractive fall color that attracts wildlife, grows in full sun, tolerates urban conditions and has a fast growth rate. Then describe how that vine grows upward – with twining stems, with thorns, with twining petioles, … Continue reading →

Posted in education, favorite things, Gardening, Master Gardeners, minnesota life | 1 Comment

THE LIFE OF BOTANY

Posted on January 19, 2013 by snowbirdredux

I’m looking at this big fat tome that arrived from the University of Minnesota Extension, Master Gardener Core Class, straightening out the tabs which became scrunched in the mailing bag and wondering if Trees and Shrubs, Soils, Weed Management, even … Continue reading →

Posted in favorite things, food, Gardening, introspection | Leave a comment

ONCE UPON A TIME

Posted on January 16, 2013 by snowbirdredux

Once upon a time there were a bunch of hobgoblins who created a mirror where every good and pretty thing that was reflected seemed ugly. Landscapes became hideous and people appeared distorted. And the goblins were so delirious with their … Continue reading →

Posted in COMMUNITY, Favorites Books, introspection, minnesota life, mythology, SNOW, WEATHER, writing | 2 Comments

CORE COURSE

Posted on January 12, 2013 by snowbirdredux

I have nearly completed the first week of the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Core Course. Whew! In California in 1994 it seemed easier. Or maybe my brain was a lot younger. I just took the first of 15 … Continue reading →

Posted in COMMUNITY, favorite things, Gardening, introspection, minnesota life, politics | 1 Comment

SOCIAL NETWORKING

Posted on January 6, 2013 by snowbirdredux

  I’ll admit it took me many years to come around to Facebook. Friends and relatives proclaimed it was the only way to keep tabs on what their children and grandchildren were up to. But that seemed a bit sneaky … Continue reading →

Posted in CYBERSPACE, faith, Family, favorite things | Leave a comment

A BLANK SLATE

Posted on December 31, 2012 by snowbirdredux

2012 was our first full year as residents of our new state and we filled it up, among other things, with wonder at hoarfrost and tornado skies and ice fishing and Minnesota Nice. I wouldn’t say we’re “old hands” now, … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, Family, favorite things, Gardening, global warming, introspection, minnesota life, SNOW | 4 Comments

SNOW GEESE IN MY LIFE

Posted on December 22, 2012 by snowbirdredux

“It was the Snow Goose that I really had in mind when I designated us the Snowbirds-redux. Just the fact that the species has a mystic tie to the Aurora Borealis (which I long to experience now that we are … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Birds, favorite things, IMAGINATION, minnesota life, mythology, Wild Life, writing | Leave a comment

STICKS AND STONES

Posted on December 15, 2012 by snowbirdredux

  It’s a tricky thing to accuse kids today.  But every generation does it. We always harken back to our youth and reminisce about how much better it was in the old days.  For example – “Radio made us think … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, favorite things, IMAGINATION, memories, playtime, techno-geeks | Leave a comment