It is a glorious day today in Fort Collins, Colorado. The trees all gold in the sunshine. I'm at my son's computer, soon to head on west, but for now, I think I'm just going to step outside.

I saw migrating monarchs through Oklahoma--and a park called Toad Suck.

I saw tall white pillars with Grecian statues in the middle of the plains of Kansas, tumbleweed swept across the highway, roadside grids of rotted wood signs--unintended art.

Dark cows against pale fields, all grazing but for one on top of the hill, gazing outward. And hawks perched low on fences where no trees were near.