This week, I saw farmers with their tractors clearing the corn fields. They got the fields cleared before the Monday snowfall of 14”. As I travel around the county, I can see some fields lying fallow, while others are tilled or replanted with another crop. 
I can see that the DesPlaines River has a visible current. The grasses that cover part of the riverbed have turned a yellowish hue. The river farther south is growing algae, and no current is visible. 
My garden has been put to bed, except for coneflowers, mums, and Joe Pye Weed, which remain standing as an alternative food source. 
My birds have not been feeding at the feeder until this morning. The snow covered most of their sources. It was good to see them back and hungry.