The beginning of 2023 offered opportunity to notice what was in my own yard. Taking the time to notice the little details that are around every day. In the middle of winter, there were pops of color. We experienced an ice event which provided a magical opportunity. In March, my husband surprised me with a trip to a state park that is known for friendly birds. The red squirrels were also interested.

This year has been a good one for viewing the aurora. The first time they were visible in the Twin Cities, I was asleep. The next opportunity, I was in the right place, the cabin, when I got notifications from friends, family, and the Aurora app. I had my camera ready to go on the tripod but alas, it was not meant to be. Clouds blocked any view of what was happening. I still went out, took some photos just in case. What I got were some funky green clouds. A sign that the aurora was indeed happening on the other side.

As winter finally turned to spring, spring ephemerals appeared. Always a favorite part of year for me. Bloodroot is a flower that is first to appear and this year, the flowers seemed to last a little longer than usual. I got lucky this spring and was able to photograph a black bear cub! I wasn’t expecting to but I was in the right place at the right time. Sometimes, that’s all one needs.