I’ve always enjoyed running.  As a kid if I could run somewhere rather than walk, I would run.  Around my 40th year, I began running every day, which served my general health, and “the kid in me” felt the old enjoyment.  It has been a few years since the daily habit of running, and the occasional 5K community runs in the summer.  Things have changed, I’m older with some health issues, and the covid-19 pandemic has foreclosed those community events which afforded so much enjoyment.  I miss them.

Nevertheless it is necessary to live a balanced life, — to embrace habits which keep the mind sharp and the body in good functioning condition.  Activities which I value are getting out every day, often in nature which refreshes the mind, — a reminder that we are a part of something much bigger and more enduring than ourselves.  I expend the effort to see friends on a regular basis, at the proper social distance.  I know that we share an emotional energy.  Is it the Élan Vital, the life-force, which philosopher Henri Bergson wrote about?  I am renewed by others, especially friends.  Also I am eager to become acquainted, and develop new friendships when I can.  This has a practical aspect as well.  In unsettled times a bond with others is crucial for the sharing of resources in the face of Climate Warming, and political conflict. 

Yesterday, I decided to walk from the town of Batavia where I reside, along the east side of the Fox River toward Geneva.  I began the walk after parking my vehicle at the Fayban Estate on the west side of the river.  The first photo in this series is looking north up the river from the walkover bridge which is opposite the Fayban Villa.  I always take a camera with me; the diminutive Sony device fits comfortably in my jeans pocket.  Nature, especially at the apex of summer is alive with sights and surprises.  I have learned to look closer, my interest grows when I observe the concentric layers of life; there is a dance — codependency between the river, wild flowers, insects, birds, and occasionally a turtle. 

As example of what I mean to say, this robust plant growing a few feet from the waters edge is viewed from a distance.  It is unusual appearing approximately 6 ft in height.  I had to get closer.  Can you guess which of the photos shows the tiny blossoms at the end of the stalk?*

The final photo is taken from Island Park in Geneva, looking north toward the State Street Bridge, with the river spilling over the Geneva dam in a cascade of reflected sunlight.

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*The next to last photo displays the yellow blossoms at the tip of the stem.