The black tree limbs are naked of leaves and their outline contrasts against the heavy gray skies. The gardens too are naked and the lawns have turned the dull green of an old wool shirt. Another seasonal change is moving through, and winter is coming. Growing up in the Midwest I learned early about seasons and signs of change. The winds from the north bring us colder temperatures, but those from the southwest are warm, humid and have a potential... Read more

I’m really not very political and just barely politically correct.  But still, I wonder what the results will be of the upcoming presidential and state elections, and also the local proposals. I try to make informed decisions but tend to give up about half way through the learning curve, feeling less illuminated than when I started. I have found over the years that after an election, what I’d hoped was accurate information was advertising in the name of game and... Read more

I look at my gardens in despair. The seeds of fox-tail grass and tall Queen Ann’s Lace are ripe and are falling into the flower beds. The perennials that survived the severe summer drought have gone dormant, their dull wilted leaves lay against other plants and fallen branches from the locust tree. The Brown-eyed Susan’s are dried out; their black buds and crinkly leaves snarled with rampant white morning glories. Looking at the scene my emotions move from my chest into my... Read more