Walking in the Forest

With the time change, I decided to take advantage of the evening light.  What better way than getting out into the great outdoors and inhaling the beauty of the world God placed me in? 

I went to Hofma Forest Preserve yesterday.  The ground was so icky and mushy that I didn't get very far.  I went a little better equipped today, wearing my waterproof hiking boots and leaning on my big, strong husband anytime I felt like I might slip on the ice.  It was the first of, I hope, many, many walks throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall.

It’s amazing how the preserve changes with each season.  Today, we watched a crane fly toward us before veering off toward the edge of the water.  We heard geese and red-winged blackbirds.  I breathed deep.  I felt clean.  Whole.  Strong.  I smiled bigger than I have in a long time. 

When we crossed a little bridge, I wondered where the lily pods went.  They come in thick in the summer, but where are they now?  Do they go dormant in the winter, curling up like little fairies who cover their heads with their wings?  Or are they deciduous, dying away in the Winter and re-budding in the Spring?  I suppose I could look it up, but I think I’d rather just wonder about it for now.