Nascent Summer seems to have settled in nicely, replete and contented. Yet her once dewy, fresh face begins to grow sallow and somber under the impossible weight of hot, humid temperatures and lack of meaningful moisture. Her youth, vigor and novelty are starting to wear thin.  July is upon us….

  February settled in comfortably, as it’s apt to do, lounging upon the couch of life, shoes on, leaving an empty pantry in its wake, and hogging the remote.  Winter is here to stay, and will undoubtedly leave its mark. Winter scorch, due to extreme cold, drying winds, and even…

Early February was teasing us with burgeoning bulbs and warmer-than-should-be weather.  It was, though, a great reminder of the power and promise of Spring.  Soon the muddied, desolate earth would be replaced with color and life, and the barren trees would fill the sky with their lush canopies. In order…

Sweet, tender Summer was becoming a bit more brazen and fierce as desiccated leaves scraped and scratched their way along the ground.  Although not in a drought, DuPage County and much of Illinois have been behind in precipitation year over year.  Whether it rains or not, this doesn’t mean we…

Summer marched forth to the cadence of the cicada, stumbling ever so often, as her rhythm slowly became out of sync.  Her easy going nature seemed strained, and her once verdant beauty disheveled and unkempt.  A kind word and a bit of support would again renew her spirit and loveliness. …

The Cottonwood’s downy seeds fell like snow.  Drifting and swirling upon the air, some suspended momentarily as they sought the perfect landing place.  Soon, they began to snag and accumulate.  It was magical, slightly alarming, and a complete contrast to the summer heat. Contrast, in the landscape, is an important,…

Swelling buds and burgeoning bulbs dappled the landscape with the power and promise of Spring.  Soon the muddied, desolate earth would be replaced with color and life, and the barren trees would fill the sky with their lush canopies. In order for trees to leaf out, they must rely on…

Spring finally seemed to settle in, yet the promise of rain has gone almost entirely unfulfilled.  Her once dewy, fresh face began to grow sallow and somber under the lack of meaningful moisture. It’s not even Summer yet, and we find ourselves in the early stages of drought. As season’s…

  Winter settled in comfortably, as it’s apt to do, lounging upon the couch of life, shoes on, leaving an empty pantry in its wake, and hogging the remote.  Winter is here to stay, and will undoubtedly leave its mark. Winter scorch, due to extreme cold, drying winds, and even…

Sweet, tender Summer was becoming a bit more brazen and fierce as desiccated leaves scraped and scratched their way along the ground.  Although not technically in a drought, DuPage County and much of Illinois are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.  Granted, we haven’t had much measurable rain since early Summer/late Spring,…

Summer marched forth to the cadence of the cicada, stumbling ever so often, as her rhythm slowly became out of sync.  Her easy going nature seemed strained, and her once verdant beauty disheveled and unkempt.  A kind word and a bit of support would again renew her spirit and loveliness. …

Nascent Summer seems to have settled in nicely, replete and contented. Yet her once dewy, fresh face begins to grow sallow and somber under the impossible weight of hot, humid temperatures and lack of meaningful moisture. Her youth, vigor and novelty are starting to wear thin.  July is upon us….