The signs of early autumn in the Northwoods are everywhere. 

I'm still working on getting this right. 

This leaf was the first to glow on the forest floor. 

Emma is in an autumn frenzy. 

The ferns are the first to go. 

The forest floor exhibits its version of early autumn. 

The sun sets further south. 

This year's class of loon. 

Adult loons are teaching their young to fish. Next step: how to fly. 

This year's class of eagle is also learning. 

Believe it or not, this is a fish tail on a power line. 

Even the river exhibits signs of fall. 

Wild rice as fuel. 

Four score and twenty blackbirds (squared) 

Toby and Jenessa Visit

Toby and Jenessa paid a visit to Madison this past weekend so I thought I would supply some pictures and make a few comments.

Friday night we trekked down and up State Street, landing at Casa de Lara for dinner. Saturday morning we toured the quintessential Madison experience, the Dane County Farmers Market. The weather was slightly overcast but that did not deter the throngs from coming out. Here, a patron skirts the 'Dogs Prohibited' rule.

Toby and Jenessa contributed to the economic well-being of the area by purchasing a plant. Fortunately they won't have to pass customs on the way back to Michigan.

In the afternoon we cross the lake to the north to visit Mom and Dad/Molly and John/Grandma and Grandpa. Bonnie and Jenessa discover one another and strike up a lasting friendship--based on stick tugging and ball throwing.

For those who have not had the good fortune to meet her, Bonnie is an actual retriever, one who brings the ball back and, I know this sounds crazy, actually drops it (unlike another well-known so-called retriever we know). And she could do this all day and still keep going while the rest of us would be in the emergency room seeking rotator cuff surgery.

Her form is graceful, her legs powerful, and the landing, well, the landing is her attempt to run on water.

After the show we had a delightful dinner that Mom prepared which included Swiss chard from the Farmer's Market. She said it brought back memories of her parents growing it in William's Bay.

It's Sunday morning as I write this. Jenessa has requested 5 more minutes of sleep. Toby has showered and packed and is ready to hit the road. We plan on brefkist at Monty's before seeing them off.

I love them immensely and will miss them sorely.

Baseball Trip 2005

You've heard the audio!

You've worshipped from afar!

You've wondered about specifics!

And what about that woman outside our room?

Find answers to this and more by clicking here.

Some pictures