At Summer’s End

I sat by the river I Iooked at the sky And as I looked A summer went by. Paraphrasing from A Fly Went By, by Mike McClintock A Fly Went By was one of my favorite books growing up. And not just for the image forever emblazoned in my mind of the kid in bare feet and rolled up jeans […]

Planning to Retire? Ducks!

Scene from 1967’s “The Graduate” starring Dustin Hoffman, imagined: Mr. McGuire: I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Benjamin: Yes, sir.                                                                Mr. McGuire: Are you listening? Benjamin: Yes, I am. Mr. McGuire: Ducks! Benjamin: Yikes! What?! What is it?! (looking up while cowering from floor) Mr. McGuire: No, no, Benjamin, I said DUCKS! *** I […]

The Scientists in the River

Bruce and Joe pulled the four foot gar up from the Sangamon River. It was an impressive specimen, to be sure, long of snout and razor sharp of teeth, but his eyes has already been picked out. Mary imagined they may have been taken by foodie connoisseurs seeking the key ingredient for “Gar-eye soup”, which probably enhances virility, or something […]

Something in the Water

There must be something in the water Oh, there must be something in the water (amazing grace). – Carrie Underwood There is definitely something in the water, but with apologies to Ms. Underwood, I’m not sure it’s amazing grace. This time of year, with rains heavy and the Sangamon River fluctuating up and down by 5 and 6 feet at […]

Notes from the Flood

It only rained twice during June! Once for 10 days and once for 20 days. – Facebook post. On Memorial Day, we went canoeing on the Sangamon River. And then came the rains. The next day, according the Fisher Gage, the Sangamon rose 6 feet to over 12 feet in a day (not an unusual occurrence). Thus started the rainiest […]