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
It’s summer. The incessant churr of cicadas stirs up the humidity so thick I can almost taste it. I feel the sting of blistering hot sunshine piercing my skin. Roads shimmer and pools simmer. When deep summer drags, fly as the crow does from the farm to the store—a place of premium milk, ice cream … Continue reading Oberweis Dairy
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”—A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, 1859 Early on a Saturday morning, a hot July day was starting to shimmer and sizzle. I felt my skin struggle to breathe. Drops of sweat raced down my back. This was just my second time … Continue reading Butterflies and Blooms
Spunky _________________________. a) and Our Gangb) McFarlandc) Monkeyd) Brewstere) Dunkers You knew the whole time. I knew you knew. Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Spunky Dunkers. “The Spunky Dunkers Peanut Cake donut is very moist! I taste something almost like ginger? I like the Red Velvet Cake donut too. It’s … Continue reading Spunky Dunkers
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
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
1490 South Lake Street, Mundelein, IL 60060 Summer is coming to a close. You can feel the cool air hovering over you like a silk sheet. You can smell the distant firepit drifting closer. The sun seems like a close friend who must now pack up for their return trip home, so far away. Greg’s … Continue reading Greg’s Frozen Custard
The Simple Luxuries 