May is here and it is getting greener by the day in Illinois. The local geese have their goslings in the water already. Pool openings are scheduled for later this month. I'm still wearing a sweater at this point but look forward to our 80 and 90 degree days ahead. I have made it through another winter.

We were lucky this time around. We did not have much snow or really cold weather. I look forward to the warmer days ahead and the chance to sit out on the balcony with a good book.

What have I been creating lately? Not much. I have taken a few photographs and started the research for the next book. I have not finished any paintings. I have been spending more time relaxing, catching up on my favorite shows/movies and reading.

As I write this today I am feeling so relaxed. I hope you are enjoying your spring and have the chance to sit back and relax a bit too.

This photo was taken mid-April on a walk through Churchill Woods before the trees began to leaf. You can see the crane's nests in the upper left corner in the tree tops. This was a facinating surprise. I expected to sit on a bench there in solitude and think a few things through. As it turns out I was greeted by a construcion crew that was making improvements to the park and as I tried to walk as far away as possible from that I found the nesting cranes. It was awesome to watch them. They seemed very comfortable with the fact that I was there. Nature is full of surprises!