A stroll thru the Lincoln Park Zoo

Happy Birthday to my Dad in Heaven!

This year of firsts is rough. 

So much has happened in 2016 and 2017 that there has been no time to digest it all.

Thank goodness for our faith.

And the peace and serenity that comes from nature and the beauty of God's creations.

A few weeks ago, my oldest son took me on a tour of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

(His middle name is my Dad's first name, a wonderful continual reminder...)

I've been to the zoo countless times, but wanted to see it from his perspective.

Last summer he performed a research fellowship at the zoo

studying wild Black-crowned Night Herons.

Most of the adults have begun migrating, but he showed me where the juveniles tend to feed.

Do you see the one patiently fishing above?

He showed me the many communal nesting sights hidden throughout the zoo.

He pointed out native plants like the obedient plant.

While you can see the City peeking out in the background,

we enjoyed the Nature Boardwalk around the pond that used to house paddle boats.

They are returning it to a more natural existence.

Last summer, our son would row out to the island to take a census of the turtles that have returned to the pond. 

He pointed out the towering Cup Plants.

And the Ironweed.

He told me all the Latin names, but I can't remember a single one. :)

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond at the Zoo is another hidden treasure.

Can you spy the Green Heron fishing in the picture above?

Even thought the Zoo is right in the middle of the City, here you feel a hundred miles away.

A wonderful way to spend a few hours with both of our sons.

And enjoy the peace of the trickling water.

Although the Zoo is known for its wonderful animal exhibits - there is so much more to see... 

And the wild animals and birds like this wood duck that have voluntarily taken up residence here are such a joy.

Mom wasn't up to joining us on our tour, but maybe next year...

People don’t light a lamp and put it under a bucket; they put it on a lampstand. Then it gives light to everybody in the house. That’s how you must shine your light in front of people! Then they will see what wonderful things you do, and they’ll give glory to your father in heaven.

~Matthew 5:15-16

Blessings, Patti