Summer Sky, The Farm 2008.

Today's Joy: A Little Environmental Gratitude.

Can't help thinkin', Reader, as I'm driving past fragrant corn and soybean fields on my way home from work, how blessed we are to live in such a place. My commute to & from work is literally 25 minutes of meandering country back roads, surrounded by a few rolling hills, lots of picturesque farms and a smattering of woods here and there. Driving it never fails to improve my mood.

When my friend S-- was in town recently for a visit, I took her joy-riding to see some of my favorite wide open spaces. What she said about our northern Illinois countryside still sticks with me: "It's like living in a storybook."

Secretly, I've always thought so too. Life should imitate literature, playing out amidst proper woods filled with long-lived, scraggly oak trees--the sort that you'd find in a Washington Irving story. It should have a backdrop of orderly corn fields stretching away over low hills to meet the sunset. Life should also be full of gorgeous farmhouses, well-kept and cheerful--the pride of ancestral family properties--dotting the roadside. I suppose it's an overly-romantic viewpoint, but in my heart, it's true.

We may not have the hit-you-over-the-head sort of beauty you find at vacation spots, but there's something about daily life here in the countryside that becomes more and more pleasing to the soul the longer you're immersed in it. Winter, of course, is another matter. But for all the pleasantness of spring and fall and the thick humidity of summer, we are prepared to weather the windchill in January. It's the price you pay for residing in a setting fit for literature the rest of the year.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~ Thornton Wilder

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Today's Joy: Freedom & A Sunday Morning Trail Ride.
It was so lovely this morning, Reader, to forego all the fancy show trappings of the last few days and just get the horses out for some fun at the forest preserve. It was warm (high 80's) and beautiful at the Cook County-Potawatomi Woods Forest Preserve in Barrington, IL. We were quite the entourage with 5 carts & buggies and 4 people on horseback.

As it was Memorial Day weekend, I couldn't help thinking, as we laughed and rolled over hill and dale and through the backwoods, how blessed we are as Americans. The sacrifices of innumerable men and women throughout our country's history have made it possible for us to spend this carefree morning in the country, not worrying about our personal safety, or a corrupt government, or religious persecution, or if we'll have enough to eat tonight.

It's so important to remember how we got here. And equally important to recognize the people who give up so much so that we can continue to live this amazing life. I pray that God brings hope, joy and peace to those who are called to serve and to their families. They are doing sacred work.

Here, for your enjoyment, Reader, are a few shots of our wonderful day on the trail. More trail ride highlights are available here. I can't think of a better way to honor and celebrate the sacrifices of our forefathers & mothers and of our dedicated military than to get out and really live! What are you going to do today in celebration of all you're blessed with?


Little Man, Cousin & the Divine Ms. "M" on the trail.


Julie & Breezy, Serious Trail Riders.

Follow the leader.

Stay to the right!

Grace & Norma come up over the hill.

Uncle & Ginger coming up the hill.

Little Man hitches a ride with Aunt.

Waiting for stragglers.

Ginger meets the water obstacle.

One look and she's an old pro.

Elated smile or terrified? You decide.

Taking a break in the shade.

Cathy & Harry traverse the water.

Charge taking the plunge.

Just chillin'.

Uncle, Driving Portrait.