Up close Linda Baumeister/Review Having crossed the border, some of the 30 hot air balloons from Hudson's Hot Air Affair festival landed in Lake Elmo neighborhoods and Oakland Junior High while others floated even farther east as observers often pulled over to look up. Weather conditions, good visibility and winds less than 6 mph, only allowed for the Feb. 6 afternoon launch, not weekend early morning launches.

Extreme GREEN kicks off

submitted photo This photo shows naturalized planting using some native plants -- not all -- as an example of an alternative to traditional front yard landscapes. Property owners are encouraged to go beyond planting natives, and even beyond rain gardens, to try to infiltrate as much water from hard surfaces as possible on the yard site. What could be better to take home from an inspiring landscaping seminar than $500 worth of plants and landscaping supplies to get started? How about a $15,000 professional yard makeover? Friday, March 12, 2010

Braving the frozen waters

Steel-bladed boats sailed around courses on Phalen Lake during the last weekend of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Jan. 30. Friday, February 12, 2010

The running of the the kites

Members of the Frosty Fingers Kite Festival, of the Minnesota Kite Association, took part in the Winter Carnival family day at Lake Phalen Jan. 30. Giant and often colorful kites sailed overhead. Friday, February 12, 2010