Falling Fast

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Yesterday
 It happened faster than I expected. Oh, I knew that it would. But as I drove to church, reveling in the display of gold and green still on the trees as well as blanketing the ground, I expected at least another week or two of this fading glory.

Yesterday
Then came the wind. And the first snow of the season--a "lake effect" storm that swooped down from Wisconsin leaving behind nearly bare branches and covering the fallen leaves with a carpet of white. 

 From my little sun room across the street from the lake, I see the old catalpa that just a day ago was decked out in its finest golden dress but now looks almost forlorn with its remaining leaves drooping. I see to my right the neighbors' parkway trees with nearly bare branches waving in the breeze. 

 On the street are tracks, already turning gray and slushy, signaling the winter months to come. 

Today

But the silver lining is this. Each day now, my tiny slice of
lake vista enlarges as I can see beyond the bare branches. Soon, I will also have a small view of the beach to the south where the white-capped waves crash into the rocks. I can hear them now. A muted rhythmic roar. A welcome respite from the clatter of whistles, honking horns, and sirens that otherwise disturb and distress our lives in these fraught times.  

Soon
Today



Location: Chicago, IL, USA

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