DEJA VU — The Weekly Opine

The Morton Arboretum still resonates, even when trees are bare. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

A month later…

On Saturday, October 17, during a visit to The Morton Arboretum, the trees were flush with leaves and the Arboretum was at, or near, peak fall viewing. That October afternoon the scenery was amplified by colorful trees and the grounds filled with admiring visitors.

Last Sunday, a return trip was made to the Arboretum on a gray, windy, raw day. As expected, things looked and felt different. Even so, the two hours spent wandering trails was immensely satisfying.

Leaves had fallen off the trees, yet trees without leaves reveal their soul. The trunk and limbs are like bones. Most trees appeared sturdy. Some looked frail. Without leaves, the nests belonging to birds and hornets are visible. Ponds, small lakes, and streams combined with bare trees, scattered leaves, and uncovered stretches of green grass to render a picturesque landscape.

Sunday was “Bring Your Dog Day” at the Arboretum which made for a fun experience watching a variety of pooches playfully taking in their new surroundings. On the other hand, it must have been a long, nerve-wracking day for squirrels that inhabit the Arboretum, one of whom barely escaped up a tree as a young dog was in enthusiastic pursuit.

With a return to stringent pandemic-related restrictions now in place, a great way to continue exercising your body and soul is by visiting places like The Morton Arboretum, Garfield Park Conservatory, and your local forest preserve. Walking gentle trails and absorbing nature is the perfect way to clear your mind, relax, and feel whole again.

Scroll below to view photos of last Sunday’s excursion.

Related articles

Beautiful pathways: theweeklyopine.com/current-events/2020/10/15/sensational-sunday

Lovely trails: theweeklyopine.com/current-events/2020/10/22/serene-saturday

Homeward bound: theweeklyopine.com/current-events/2020/11/12/back-home-in-indiana

Once they fall, leaves end up on land and water. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

What remains of this tree strikes a defiant pose. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

This time of year rugged beauty delights. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Laid back mellowness aptly describes this scenery. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Speckles of brighter colors are a pleasant surprise. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Walking past this tree you get the feeling something might pop up and snatch you away. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

It was very windy but not that windy. These birch trees permanently lean back. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine) — It was very windy but not *that* windy. These birch trees permanently lean back. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

A standout. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

I say rustic. What you say? (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

A wall of evergreen trees looks good anytime of year. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Ah, relaxing and so good for the spirit. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

When it’s “Bring Your Dog Day” at The Morton Arboretum bring your dog. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

A happy anniversary

This month we celebrate The Weekly Opine’s third anniversary post. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and collegial disagreement. When this blog began, I figured two to three years would be enough. However, the fire is still lit. The feedback on recent photo-driven posts has been overwhelmingly positive so those will continue, mixed in with opining that relies more on written words.

As long as I feel the same adrenaline rush on Thursday mornings, while preparing to post, The Weekly Opine will continue.

Happy Thanksgiving!