Janet's Blog

As I've been walking this week, enjoying the last mild days of autumn, I can't help but dread the long, cold days ahead. Even though this fall has been beautifully balmy, I know what's coming, and I'm not looking forward to it.     Fall might have to be my favorite season if it only lasted longer, and if it didn't lead, inevitably, to winter! I love the crunching sound of the fallen leaves as I swish my way down the winding path. I wish I could enjoy it like I used to, when I was a young child who didn't know what foul weather was just around the corner. I love the majestic Cottonwoods' golden leaves, brightening even the dreariest, drizzly days of autumn. But, it's hard for me to appreciate them as I should, when I know that drizzle will soon give way to sleet and snow. Even worse, I dread the coming of the Brown, when there is not even any snow to add a touch of brilliance to our dull winter landscape. But then, God reminds me that I can become like ...

There is nothing quite like a tree. I love the sight and smells of all flowering trees, but especially the pink crabapple trees that bloom so beautifully most springs--except, sadly, not for this year's too-cold spring. The majestic oak trees, with their acorns, have always fascinated me, and the vibrant, orange, sugar maples in Michigan are without comparison in the fall. But here in Nebraska, nothing can compare to our state tree, the mighty Cottonwood. One of many Cottonwoods at Scottsbluff's Riverside Park. I'm not talking about the newer, cottonless, ornamental trees, erroneously called Cottonwoods in spite of their relatively wimpy appearance and inherent lack of cotton. The trees I love the most are decades old, or even a century or more in age, stretching their branches heavenward, with trunks that can only be encircled by several people clasping hands around a tree.  Shimmering leaves. The shade of a magnificent Cottonwood provides a refreshingly cool sanctuary on ...