“Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.”—Neil Armstrong; July 20, 1969 “I want to fly like an eagleTo the seaFly like an eagleLet my spirit carry me”—Steve Miller; August 13, 1976 Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock. “The hike up Starved Rock was a great … Continue reading Eagle Watch Weekend at Starved Rock
I was going to Milwaukee County Zoo. I pocketed my disposable cardboard and plastic camera. My nylon wallet’s Velcro closure secured paper but no plastic. The radio dial pulled in more static than music. Air conditioning from the Old World—let’s call it— buffeted through the vents and open car windows. It was hot, sunny, and … Continue reading Milwaukee County Zoo
Today, I will be your maple syrup guide as you hike up your sweatpants in your seat. Here we go! First question:Which is more expensive? Pancake syrup or pure maple syrup? Next:Which takes more time and energy to produce? Same choices. Finally:Which tastes better? Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Maple … Continue reading Maple Syrup Hikes at Ryerson Woods
Six thousand years ago,a) My grandmother painstakingly composed a snapshot of me facing pure sunlight, nearly blinding meb) A candy bar was made, one that I found last night under my bed that I inhaled without hesitationc) I spearheaded a pilot study to domesticate cats, while bitching about the nickname “Tiger King”d) Volo Bog as … Continue reading Volo Bog
An ancient ponda frog jumps inthe sound of water—Matsuo Basho This is a universally accepted western translation of the original Japanese haiku from 1686. It is regarded as one of Basho’s best short poems for its faithful devotion to the 5-7-5 pattern, and most importantly its capture of the Japanese reverence for nature. Japanese art … Continue reading Anderson Japanese Gardens
We piled into our seats, and paused before we got going. Our journey was about to begin. The destination was River Trail Nature Center. That was decades ago. That was my first visit to River Trail Nature Center for an elementary school field trip. I vividly remember our school bus pulling up to the front … Continue reading River Trail Nature Center
What is human nature? Is it base? Or something greater? Are we apart from nature or a part of it? We ask the questions for which we seek the answers. It’s human nature. Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Human + Nature at The Morton Arboretum. “I am amazed by the … Continue reading Human + Nature
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 “Whose woods these are I think I know.His house is in the village though;He will not see me stopping hereTo watch his woods fill up with snow.” Robert Frost (aptly named) wrote my favorite poem of all time, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” … Continue reading Self-Guided Woods Walk at Chicago Botanic Garden
Van Patten Woods, 15838 West Route 173, Wadsworth, IL 60083 It’s late summer: the chorus of crickets chirping, the distant note of a fire pit, and the mellow tones of glorious sunsets. Pumpkins can wait. I want to hold on tight to the light. I want to embrace the warmth in a long hug. It’s … Continue reading 22nd Annual Hike Lake County
Last month, in Japan Photo Archive: Part One, we (re)visited my trip to Japan in June, in June. This month, we (re)visit my trip to Japan in October, in July. At this rate the stars just might realign, and all will be right with the world once again. No pressure. Scroll down to see more … Continue reading Japan Photo Archive: Part Two
The Simple Luxuries 