A Poem for Earth Day

Springtime on the River in Leo

We were there, looking out at a serene, reflective river. Then, "that's a beaver!" said the one. A thick, sturdy brown creature paddled out from under the pier floating cow-style, doing a dog paddle, as if such a thing were possible from an aquatic rodent mammal. It cruised around and about, almost lollygagging along the shoreline. Spring water was calm and I agreed: maybe it was a beaver or an extremely large muskrat.

Now, I sat not moving in April and feeling guilty, perhaps a Catholic-mother type of guilty or a Midwestern-Christian type of guilty, just as bad. As if the world didn't want me to sunbathe or listen to the birds sing: the wren, the robin, the finch, the catbird, the goose and duck. Red bud trees curved like bonsai after their limbs had been broken by the winter's ice and snow. No leaves yet, their tiny pink buds were dots still, their bright brilliance a promise that was yet to be unveiled.

Yesterday's rainbow sherbet. It was so good. Did I once say 'sher-Bert?' now it has become sorbet, always was. Oh, happy colors. At rainbow's end - we come again -

The birds hammer away. Do they sound loud to themselves? Do their heads vibrate? Paper whites, tulips, daffodils, vinca, lies, untold truths, secrets. "So-and-so needs lots of feedback," meaning 'reassurance,' he said and I thought, as he was talking about a co-worker. Really, I thought.

As for me, I'm glad to hear the distant lull of a trolling motor on a fishing boat far down the waterway. I wait for the beaver/giant muskrat to paddle back by me.

A little girl knocked on the door, asking for someone who wasn't home. She watched me shut the door, carefully lingering: holding her breath, she heavily drew it in, and then let it back out. I saw her as she ran through the front yard and around to the flowering magnolia. Nearly flying past, she reached out and clung to a large blossom attached to a low-hanging limb. Her hand wanted it so badly but she seemed afraid, of being yelled at, any minute: she was new to the neighborhood. Briefly, I saw a moral struggle written on her small face. Sweet, sweet anguish of life. Temptation.

I stayed inside, smiling, watching from a window. Unbeknownst to her, and to the beaver rat - creature on one side of the house, earth child on the other.

The Quiet Man is a classic movie about love and Ireland

Just now, mid-April, the grass is becoming green again in Indiana. It's so pleasant to see spring, with daffodils and paperwhites opening their cheerful faces. Green coming back reminds me of one of my all time favorite movies, The Quiet Man with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Director John Ford won the Academy Award in 1952 for this epic romantic comedy set in rural Ireland. In 2013, the film received recognition from the National Film Archives at the US Library of Congress as being culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.

In the story, Sean Thornton (played by John Wayne) returns from life in Pittsburgh to his boyhood home of Inisfree, Ireland. He falls in love with fiery redhead Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O'Hara). Mary Kate's brother, Squire Will Danaher, does not approve of the courtship, however, and conflict ensues. The story explores Irish customs in a modern setting, and the cinematography in the Irish countryside is breathtaking and won awards. Irish language and traditions are featured and celebrated. The movie is charming and wonderfully acted by an impressive ensemble cast.

Without giving too much away, the couple marry, but after feeling tricked brother Will refuses to pay the dowry that was to accompany the bride. Groom Sean cares nothing about the money and possessions that were promised, but bride Mary Kate cares deeply about her heirloom treasures. She wants her own things about her in her new home in the quaint old cottage - things that included family linens, a spinet piano, an ancient baby cradle, etc. A custom that was so common in Ireland was becoming lost in the post-war days of much of the United States.

Other traditions are woven into the story seamlessly - the gathering and singing in pubs, horse racing, the sale of livestock at a town marketplace, the ways Protestant and Catholic Irish worked out living together as neighbors. Emotions, whether anger, mirth, spirit or love, are portrayed passionately.

The action in the film keeps it moving as well - John Wayne athletically riding his horse, the long walks through the fields, the prolonged choreographed fight scene. The countryside is a character as well - ancient chapel ruins, trout fishing streams, horse carts and trains. It's all a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart.

I wasn't alive in 1952 when this film was created. I can only imagine a United States and a Europe healing from the great wars a few years before. Maybe it's the Irish in me, and the love of the idea of a strong and spirited woman, that makes me rewatch this old classic every few years. I recommend it especially if you enjoy a great musical score, this one featuring some traditional Irish folk songs in addition to songs composed by Victor Young.

Garrison Keillor shines at IPFW Omnibus Series

The creator and host of NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion" graced the stage at the wonderful concert venue Auer Hall, IPFW college campus recently. IPFW, home to both Purdue and Indiana University in Fort Wayne's satellite campus, is nestled in a lovely spot next to the St. Joe River on the city's north side. Keillor at 72 is still a 6' 3" tall, imposing figure and gently, wholly commands the room.

Garrison spoke, sang and paced without stopping for two-and-a-half hours April 1, no fooling. As he did when we saw him at Fort Wayne's Embassy Theatre, he began by singing a Cappella, his deep tenor voice ringing out, sounding stronger and more melodious than it does on his radio show. He chooses a song that most people know, such as a patriotic song, folk song or hymn, and persuades the audience to sing along, which they do willingly.

Garrison orates without notes: telling stories about his beginnings in radio, growing up in Minnesota, and how he started his radio show that continues to this day - begun in 1974. He was born in small Anoka, and in his weekly radio show he bases a fictional town, Lake Wobegon, upon his real experiences as a young man. If you aren't familiar with it, tune in to WBOI 89.1 FM on Saturdays, 6 p.m. His show also features musical guests, skits and ficticious commercials. Story themes are often about Midwesterners, Lutherans, Minnesotans, English majors, cowboys, and the Chatterbox cafe, to name a few.

But that's the radio show - at IPFW Garrison was alone on the stage. He talked about clashing with management in radio over the years: when he would misspeak politically, tell off-color jokes, or otherwise mess up. He talked about writing radio news in college and having it broadcast to no one because the signal was turned off by mistake. He is eloquent and hypnotic, a spellbinding storyteller. I think he is a national treasure. Who knows how long any of us will continue to be around - so check out Garrison Keillor if you get a chance, while you still can. There will be a live taping of A Prairie Home Companion in Goshen, IN on May 2, so that might be a chance to get tickets and see him out on the road.

Fort Wayne's Botanical Conservatory is a great attraction and landmark

On a cold day in early March when we longed to be outside but the snow was looking crusty and uninviting, we went instead to downtown Fort Wayne. The first Thursday of the month, 5 - 8 pm, is $1 night at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. It's in the tall heart of downtown at 1100 S. Calhoun, across from the picturesque Catholic cathedral. Owned by the city of Fort Wayne, the conservatory features three separate indoor biospheres as well as four outdoor gardens. There is 25,000 square feet of indoor gardens featuring 1200 plants and 500 different species. There's also educational exhibits, meeting spaces and a gift shop.

Upon entering, the first space a guest encounters is the Showcase Gardens, a seasonal display. Currently featured is Changing Tides, with colorful art made using recycled materials. Artist Sayaka Ganz created elaborate jellyfish, coral, dolphins and kelp by fusing objects such as utensils, tools, etc. This exhibit hangs among the hibiscus, gardenias, orchids and bamboo. We saw Boy Scout groups coming in and participating in a scavenger hunt to identify pieces in the composed art.

The second, or middle environment in the Botanical Conservatory is the Tropical Garden. It smells wonderful - it's flower perfume. This glass "greenhouse" has orchids, palms, the mimosa tree and Bird of Paradise plants shown above, and two cascading waterfalls. It was relaxing and transformative for me to be in there in the winter weather. We paused and strolled, and sat by the upper waterfall. Unfortunately an area in the lower center was roped off with no admittance. It appeared to be closed for repairs but there was no sign.

Farthest in, the third bio-environment, is the Desert Garden. 72 types of cacti are displayed representing plants in the Southwestern United States. We saw the Saguaro, prickly pear, mesquite, creosote, yucca and more. In the Midwestern US, one forgets unless one has travelled to Arizona or such state, a citizen doesn't see these specialized plants. Probably lots of children there are seeing many of these plants for the first time.

We reminisced about attending weddings and corporate events in the Botanical Gardens over the years. It's a wonderful setting in which to mingle, eat and even dance while music is played and food is catered. It was good to revisit it. The BC is closed Mondays and major holidays. Check their website for hours. Adults are regularly charged $5 and kids are $3. There are other great opportunities, such as classes and volunteering, at this unique place: check it out, and take your out-of-town visitors if you're looking for something to do.

Logan's Roadhouse has a country music feel with its Nashville roots

What is a roadhouse? This place was full of old road signs of all kinds. I saw antique signs for motor oil, Chevrolet, neon beer signs, and photos of old service stations. Buckets of peanuts were on the table and nut shells were thrown on the floor. Large TV screens showing sports programs were hanging up high, scattered around. It was noisy, with predominantly country music playing very strongly. I did hear them play a John Mayer tune for something different.

Logan's waiters and waitresses are dressed in jeans and flannel plaid shirts. For drinks, they promote a few specialties such as fruit flavored lemonades and iced teas. My companion had a plain lemonade and was pretty happy with it. I had a specialty combo margarita with a cran-raspberry lemonade - it was nice.

For entrees, we chose hamburgers and baby back ribs. I thought their yeast rolls were outstanding. The rolls were served very hot when salads came out, which was great timing. I liked my green salad - nice red onions and cucumbers, and filling.

But the ribs, a half slab, were a little dry. My companion also said so after wanting a taste. The seasoning was spicy and smoky, so I liked it. But for ribs, I had a better recent experience at Fort Wayne's old Rib Room on East State Boulevard. Logan's were good, but too dry - maybe it needs another try.

Entrees come with some choices for sides. Sweet potato fries, mac & cheese, veggies. I had the streamed broccoli - ok but very plain. My friend chose the homestyle fries with the burger, and we both thought they were tasty but a bit too salty. I need to go back and try a some other things, like a steak and an appetizer, because I didn't get a complete sense of the menu on this one trip.

We did like the Logan's desserts we had. They offered something fun - a small portion (so fewer calories) of three desserts. One was peanut butter, one brownie, one strawberry cheesecake. They are served in a little farm-type metal bucket that can be taken home as a souvenir. It's a thoughtful marketing gimmick for a sweet-tooth finish that isn't too filling.

We went to this busy location - on Lima Road at Ludwig, near Smith Field, Lowe's and Meier. They have another Fort Wayne location southwest on West Jefferson. Logan's is a chain in about 23 states, so you may have one near you. I think a lot of my Indiana and Illinois friends would feel right at home here.

Cataract Falls is worth a trip to central and southern Indiana

The largest waterfall in Indiana is south and west of Indianapolis, and not far from the above mentioned McCormick's Creek State Park. Near Lieber State Recreation area, Cataract Falls has two sets of falls on Mill Creek. The upper part of the falls has a steep plunge of about 20 feet (top picture). The lower falls is shown in the bottom photo. It is half a mile downstream, and its water falls about 18 feet.

A covered bridge is built near the upper falls. Constructed in 1875, it was open to car traffic until 1988. The bridge has recently been restored by the Indiana DNR. Cagles Mills Lake sets at the receiving end of the falls.

A mill was erected in 1820 by settler Issac Teal near the lower falls. Wildlife and fish provided resources for the settlers as well. A Jennings family later bought the mill and improved upon it adding flour, saw and woolen mills, along with shops and a general store to form the community of Cataract.

Owen County, Indiana, is not far off Interstate 70 which connects Indianapolis to Terre Haute and then goes on to Effingham, Illinois. This lovely Indiana county has tons of wonderful scenery just a few miles off the highway, yet it seems as though few folks have stopped to see. There are lots of great trips like this from Fort Wayne, but I think many of our Hoosier friends don't know what treasures exist in our neighboring counties. This is a great picnicking spot, a place to take the kids for a runabout and some back-to-nature time. Sometimes we need to remind them (and ourselves) what life was like before we had all the screens and techy gadgets competing for our attention.

McCormick's Creek State Park is a jewel in south central Indiana

I wish I had a photograph of this lush, green Indiana State Park. Alas, but no - how did that happen? Below is a trail map of sorts with the park's highlights.

Perhaps if you live near Bloomington you know of this quaint park, surprisingly not far off an exit on Interstate 70 south of Indianapolis. Along the confluence of the White River and McCormick's Creek, beautiful canyons and ravines provide great hiking trails, camping and exploring in this diverse state park. The wonderful, old Canyon Inn houses lodging, a restaurant, outdoor handball courts, tennis courts, and a pool. A saddle barn offers trail rides and haywagon rides. And a nature center provides exhibits, bird watching, and naturalist-led activities.

Before white explorers found the spot, Miami Indians hunted and fished along these rugged banks. In 1816, the homesteader John McCormick claimed 100 acres and tried to settle in with lumbering, hunting and farming. In 1888, a physician purchased part of the homestead and made it a 'sanatarium,' a place for people to get well. In 1914, the deceased doctor's estate went for auction and was purchased by the state of Indiana.

So, in 1916, McCormick's Creek State Park was dedicated as Indiana's first state park. The peaceful Canyon Inn is situated on the site of the original sanatarium. We stayed there, ate, and walked down the trails to the creek from the lodge. It's peaceful, verdant, relaxing. We found a pair of abandoned trail shoes that we still own - don't know what happened to the owners. The newish kicks were too good to pass up and leave on the rocks.

We also took advantage of the saddle barn. Guides took us on a group trail ride through the forest, something I think is a great opportunity in a public state park. I loved walking and trotting the horses along the fragrant trails, seeing ferns and flowers, birds and squirrels. It made me very happy. Go find yourself some beauty outside when the weather will allow. Indiana is lovely - don't let any foolish television shows make you think otherwise. I recommend stopping here, especially for all my Hoosier and Illini friends.