I like to think summer picks up steam as July rolls into August and we aim for the grand stand of summer’s bell lap. Our skin smells like sunscreen and lake water or chlorine; our toes wriggle in the breeze. Maybe we’ve coasted a lap or two, thinking we’ll hit the beach another day. But, [...]
We followed an eagle into summer last night and could not be more grateful for the guidance. As is our reflex, we sprinted north when we realized we had the opportunity and plunked our tubes in the Oconto River as soon as we arrived. Soon after, a majestic bald eagle swooped overhead and beckoned us [...]
Many will remember the summer of 2020 for its terrible cacophony of pandemic and politics, reckoning and rage. But I am still struck by its silence, the eerie stillness of its streets, the sad spectacle of silent swimming pools and limp park swings, the mute stages and empty playing fields. That’s why, even more than [...]
If you ask me, the solstice comes too soon to summer. I want the longest day to come when fireflies dance and corn cobs sag on tall green stalks; when sandhill cranes call loudly over still lakes and sunflowers face proudly toward the sun. I'd like to feel just a hint of burn on my [...]
The Erb Park Pool opens today and I can't wait. I bought our pool passes months ago, on one of those sleety Midwest afternoons that makes you wonder if summer planned to skip us this year. She took her good, sweet time but summer finally made it and it was fun to watch her unpack [...]