I was lucky enough to grow up in Minnesota! I love the beauty most of all. Waking up to the frost on the trees. The white snow covering the tree branches and the ground. I can hardly wait to see my breath when going outside. Knowing that I will be sharing this fun of winter with my grandchildren. They are happy to be able to go outdoors to play.
Now, some people would say, what? Lucky growing up in Minnesota? I don't think so! The beauty, the snow, the sliding, the skating, the snowmen, the ice fishing, the snow angels and more. We had an occasional snow day. Probably not as many as the kids have today.
Some say, but what about the cold, the snow, the ice, the travel, hitting the ditch and more. The cost to heat everything has to be impossible! Then there is the beating the vehicles take. What is fun about all of that?
It is fun to be ready for the cold. To know what it means to be ready. To have warm places because you put your plastic on the windows that may need the extra support. To put up the snow fence that will keep the snow from your driveway. To have the vehicles and equipment all ready for the winter. Changing the oil to a lighter weight, fixing the snow blower. The right shovels, and plows. Making sure that everything is all done!
There is a big sense of accomplishment when you know that you are ready for winter. When you have the clothes you will need. Long underwear, wool socks, hats, mittens, and gloves, scarfs and warm coats and even snow pants. I awoke today to see...
The rising sun is up at 7:23
In Warba Mn and 23
Below with a high of 3
Above zero wouldn't you know
What to do now
No need to snow blow
We are staying home today no
Feeling a slight glow
The sun is shining bright
It feels just right
What a day
To play
The snowmobile will come out
and we will take it all about
Then sit in front of the fireplace
drinking hot chocolate with a smile on my face!
Winter in Minnesota is the place to be when it is 23 below and maybe even colder. It was colder here as a child and the snow got deeper too. They call that climate change. Makes me nervous, but what can I say. Many people remind me of the story about coming out of the tornado shelter, looking around and seeing the disaster and saying, "looks okay to me ma, nothing wrong here!!" Or some other such denial. It is very hard to stay in denial, coming from a Native American culture, and once you have worked a recovery program. Then getting an education makes it so difficult to not listen to the science about climate change and so much more. Well, back to loving Minnesota all year long...
Four seasons
Our three daughters and four sons
Love fall, winter, summer and spring
They make a very colorful mother's ring
The brilliant colors of Fall
Enjoying all
Winter frost is all about
We all can handle this cold bout
Flowers, and plants
Flies and ants
Spring is on the way
Can't wait ay
Summer is bright
And will be just right
I miss motorcycling
Others can go bicycling
Our children, and grandchildren
Most live in Minnesota, our children
Some ski, skate, swim, fish and play hockey
Enjoying the outdoors is the key
And me, I have done all of that
well and more, I've watched hockey and have a hat
for doing just that. Dressed right
and we will be alright!
About the Creator
Denise E Lindquist
I am married with 7 children, 28 grands, and 13 great-grandchildren. I am a culture consultant part-time. I write A Poem a Day in February for 8 years now. I wrote 4 - 50,000 word stories in NaNoWriMo. I write on Vocal/Medium daily.
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Rubio to Meet Danish Counterpart Next Week Amid Rising Tensions Over Greenland
Senator Marco Rubio, one of the United States’ most influential voices on foreign policy, is scheduled to meet with his Danish counterpart next week to discuss the escalating Greenland crisis. The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Arctic, where strategic interests, natural resources, and geopolitical maneuvering have turned the region into a flashpoint between global powers. Rubio’s upcoming discussions in Copenhagen highlight the United States’ concern over Greenland’s growing geopolitical significance. The Arctic island, while sparsely populated, sits atop vast mineral reserves and plays a critical role in transatlantic security. Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over Greenland, has increasingly found itself at the center of debates over foreign investment, security alliances, and the influence of countries such as China and Russia in the region. Greenland: A Strategic Prize The Arctic has long been considered a frontier of strategic importance. With melting ice opening new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources, Greenland has moved from a remote territory to a focal point of global attention. For the United States, maintaining influence over Greenland is not just about economic interests—it’s a matter of national security. Military analysts have pointed out that Greenland’s location is critical for monitoring missile activity and for establishing early warning systems. U.S. officials have voiced concern that without a solid diplomatic and strategic partnership with Denmark, Greenland could become vulnerable to foreign influence that runs counter to American interests. Rubio’s meeting seeks to reaffirm U.S. commitments to Denmark while ensuring that Greenland’s strategic positioning aligns with shared Western priorities. The Current Crisis The so-called Greenland crisis has been fueled by several recent developments. Reports of increased Chinese investment in mining projects and infrastructure, as well as discussions of potential Russian interests, have sparked unease in Washington. While Denmark maintains administrative control over Greenland, the island enjoys a degree of autonomy, particularly in economic matters. This semi-independence has created a delicate balancing act for Danish leaders, who must reconcile Greenland’s economic ambitions with broader security concerns. Diplomatic sources suggest that Rubio will raise these points during his meetings, emphasizing the need for transparency and cooperation in Greenland’s economic and security decisions. “We are looking at a situation where strategic partnerships must be strengthened to safeguard both national and regional interests,” a source close to the senator said. Denmark’s Position Denmark has historically managed Greenland’s affairs with a careful approach, respecting the island’s autonomy while ensuring that strategic decisions do not compromise the kingdom’s security obligations. Copenhagen has been wary of any moves that could be perceived as overreach by external powers. However, Danish officials also recognize the need to balance Greenlandic economic development with defense commitments to NATO and the broader Western alliance. “The Arctic is not just about resources—it’s about alliances, responsibilities, and ensuring that Greenland’s growth does not undermine collective security,” said a Danish diplomat. Rubio’s visit is therefore expected to be both a reaffirmation of U.S.-Danish ties and an opportunity to coordinate policy responses to external pressures in the Arctic. Broader Implications The Greenland crisis illustrates the shifting dynamics of global politics in the Arctic. With climate change accelerating ice melt, previously inaccessible areas are now opening to international competition. Shipping lanes, mineral extraction, and energy resources are increasingly contested, making strategic cooperation between allies like the U.S. and Denmark more crucial than ever. For the United States, ensuring that Greenland remains aligned with Western strategic interests is paramount. Rubio’s engagement with Danish officials signals a commitment to proactive diplomacy, aiming to preempt any unilateral moves by other powers in the region. Analysts suggest that this approach could serve as a model for handling Arctic issues more broadly, combining respect for sovereignty with strategic foresight. Political Context Rubio’s involvement in Arctic affairs is consistent with his broader foreign policy focus, which emphasizes countering adversaries while strengthening alliances. The Greenland crisis is one of several areas where the senator has sought to assert influence, reflecting a broader U.S. strategy to maintain leadership in contested regions. Critics, however, argue that such interventions can strain relationships with local authorities and risk being perceived as heavy-handed. Balancing strategic priorities with respect for Greenland’s autonomy will be a central theme in the upcoming discussions. Observers will be watching closely to see whether the meeting strengthens U.S.-Danish cooperation or exposes fractures in alliance cohesion. Looking Ahead Next week’s meeting promises to be a critical moment in U.S.-Danish relations. Rubio is expected to discuss a range of issues, from military cooperation and infrastructure security to investment transparency and regional governance. While details of the agenda remain confidential, the broader goal is clear: to ensure that Greenland’s strategic importance does not become a source of tension between allies or an opportunity for rival powers. As Arctic geopolitics continues to evolve, the outcome of these discussions could shape policies for years to come. Greenland’s unique position—geographically remote yet globally significant—makes it a bellwether for how nations navigate the complexities of sovereignty, security, and economic opportunity in a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, Rubio’s diplomatic efforts underscore a central truth: in today’s interconnected world, even the most distant territories can have outsized impact on international relations. Greenland may be remote, but its role in the unfolding Arctic story is anything but marginal. The coming week in Copenhagen will be closely watched by policymakers, analysts, and the global media as the U.S. and Denmark work to navigate this delicate crisis together.
By Muhammad Hassan6 days ago in Earth
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