from the publishers
The not so terrible twos
This issue marks the first of year No. 2 for Minnesota Moments. Our first year, the baby year — went well. Just like raising a baby, there were lots of oohs and aahs and a few oh-my-goshes! But as any parent knows, it’s year No. 2 when things really take off. No more crawling. Now we’re at a dead run.
We’re excited to bring you this issue, which is full of articles about spring.
Granted, we’re still in the icy grips of winter. Snowstorms aren’t uncommon this time of year. In fact, March is one of our snowiest months. Many of us older Minnesotans have plenty of stories about spring snowstorms, whether it be about the spring of 1965 or one of any number of “state tournament” blizzards that left us stranded somewhere.
But once we Minnesotans reach this stage of winter, the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. We begin the process of pulling out lighter jackets from the recesses of the closets and the storage rooms. We push the boots and the mittens and the stocking caps to the side. We begin longing for the days of spring when we’ll be able to drive with the windows down and can wash our cars again without the fear of the windows and the doors freezing shut.
To help you get into a spring mood, we’ve devoted some space in this issue to gardening. Many people love digging in the dirt, whether your goal is beautiful flowers or a bountiful harvest of vegetables later in the summer. And, even if you don’t enjoy the planting, weeding and watering of a garden, who doesn’t admire the sights and smells of a bed of flowers?
If you’re more of an indoor person when it comes to spring, you’ll want to read our stories on bathroom remodeling projects.
Also in this issue, we have some stories about critters. You’ll find out how to attract birds to your yard, how to care for those newborn animals that spring brings and how one local man helps control the population of some animals that people find more annoying than cute.
We hope you enjoy this issue.
Mike Nistler and Diane Wimmer