Sad End...

As I sat on my deck with my morning coffee, I notices maple "helicopters" lying around everywhere. It is only August, but this came as a sad reminder that summer will not last forever. I love the spring season, really enjoy summer with all in bloom, and actually love the fall of the year too. I am not, however, ready for fall. This summer has truely been a gem. I have enjoyed this class for many reasons, most particularly because it has heightened my awareness of the nature around me.

We have discussed wilderness during this class and our place in it. Lacking any true wilderness within a drive of a day or more, I have focused on my "wilderness". Nature at it's finest is everywhere we look. The way plants grow from small seeds, animals adapt to whatever their environment offers, and even insects that we do not even see thrive, is all a wonderous process. If we take our natural setting for granted, weather we live in the city or country, we are missing out on one of life's most awesome gifts. Don't let the process of everyday life get in the way of this gift. That is one thing I will take away from this class.

Even this fall while I am raking leaves or later when I am clearing snow from my walks and driveway, I will do it with a renewed awareness of my wilderness.

Thank you all for your discussions and varied views of our readings. It absolutely made the class a pleasure.

Bob Johnson