PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE

The Absolute Very Best Time of Year

Week four of my photo journal

All photos by Author

I’ve decided this is my favorite time of year. Yes, it’s spring, but late April through early May in Minnesota is unique compared to any other time of year.

Every day, I am a bit giddy to go outside with the dog, walk around the house with a cup of coffee, and see who’s shown up. Overnight, it seems — the ferns, bleeding heart, and Russian sage are gaining leaves, unfurling, sprouting.

It’s not boring.

The more I notice, the more I notice.

Is this age? Appreciation appreciating? I’m curious.

I knew Hernan had high expectations for dinner when he began texting me at 10 a.m. on Cinco de Mayo, while we both had most of our workday still ahead of us.

Where should I get tortillas?

Do we have cilantro?

What do you want for sides?

He did most of the work, grilling and making his mom’s arroz rojo recipe. I went to a Mexican restaurant later in the week and found that their arroz rojo was…