Winter Version

On my return trip from dropping Drew off at school this morning, there were forestry workers camped out by my garage.  Their mission was to trim the dead branches off my elm.

As if the rainstorms of 2010 weren't enough, my poor elm took a beating during the blizzard of 2011.  It is but a shadow of its former self.  Once again, I was told to enjoy this tree while I still can.

As I took a moment to capture the winter version of this old elm, I realized how much I'm going to miss this tree when it comes down.

Hiking Among the Fall Colors

Since today was Columbus Day and the weather was just perfect, I decided to take the kids to one of my favorite hiking destinations in Illinois:  Starved Rock.  Here's a peek into our day:

Another Step Toward Progress

I recently wrote about the Village making good on the threat to re-pave Fillmore between Gunderson and Scoville.  Almost three weeks ago they tore up the sidewalk and re-paved it, but the street itself has remained intact.  Until today.  Here was the scene outside my window early this morning:

Seriously, people, construction season is lasting way too long this year.  Just get it over with already.

Suburban Wildlife

This afternoon when I went to gather some basil for homemade pesto, I came across five caterpillars hanging out on my parsley.  I wasn't sure exactly what they were.  They looked an awful lot like monarch caterpillars, but they're eating up my parsley - there's no milkweed in sight.  A little online research (I love the internet for things like this!) told me that these are third generation black swallowtail caterpillars.

As long as these little buggers leave some parsley for me to use at my table, I'm happy to share with them.  I hope we get to watch them turn into butterflies!

Spring Colors

The trees and flowers around my house are so gorgeous right now, I just had to share. Happy spring!