bittersweet

Have you read Bittersweet, the book by Susan Cain?  If not, I recommend it. My husband and son feel that “bittersweet” is the best possible descriptor for Minnesota and Minnesotans. The two of them are in NYC right now, otherwise I would ask them for a short explanation of what they mean when they say that–but it will have to wait until Steve is back home. No hurry though, because this bittersweet vine will keep getting more and more beautiful as it dries.

American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens)