One of the great joys of spring is the first appearance of the tree swallows. In my yard, this event almost always occurs in the first week of April; this year was no exception. It was a close call, ...

The late July morning is fairly cool and calm with a forecast of a hot afternoon. It is a pleasant time to walk. Along my usual road route, I pass plenty of wildflowers. Fireweed and milkweed still ...