Praising Nature on Earth Day Eve
Every day is Earth Day for our local food and farming community, but let’s salute April 22 as the annual reminder to all of the responsibility we all share to be stewards of the earth and all that live upon it.
Most of us are celebrating Earth Day indoors because of a soaking rain. Fortunately, yesterday was one of those days that we in this region dream about during the doldrums of winter: nearly cloudless, temperatures reaching the upper 60s. It would have been a sin for me to not get out in it, so I took my first long walk in a very long time down the lakefront between Belmont and Diversey harbors.
The willow above (just south of the entrance to Belmont Harbor), its branches catching a strong breeze, is one of my favorite trees because it is beautiful and it is yearly the first tree in our vicinity to bloom. Here’s a second willow nearby taken more in context.
The geese and ducks are pairing off. Can floofy little goslings and ducklings be far behind?
My first cormorant photo of 2022.
The downtown view from Diversey Harbor, about three miles north. There may be some place that captures the juxtaposition of a skyline and waterfront as well, but I’ve never seen it.
And finally, the new AIDS Memorial park at Belmont Harbor is open and near completion. The centerpiece of the park — which was originally scheduled for construction in 2020 but delayed by the pandemic — is the big green statue by the late Keith Haring titled Self Portrait.
Tomorrow we’re supposed to be back to sunny with a high around 80, by far the warmest day this year. It will be sweet relief for the vendors and customers at Green City Market: After three opening weeks with high temperatures in the 40s, the market will open at 8 a.m. with temps in the low 60s and rising.
Let’s call it Earth Day Do-Over and get outside.
Write 100 Times on the Blackboard: E-l-a-w-a
Three things you should never do when tired are drive, operate heavy machinery or write for publication. I violated that third rule yesterday and apologize to my friends at Elawa Farm for misspelling their name (as Elewa).
I’ll give my editor a stern talking to when I’m next at a mirror.
Your mastery of self-abnegation humbles me. I do it best in person. Personally, I think your accuracy has been outstanding in the past year.
It looks like you get a good market day tomorrow, as long as the tents don't blow away.