The temperature plunged, it rained almost all day and my favorite urban park suffered a few more downed limbs before it was all said and done. One of the casualties was this year’s nesting hollow of Charles and Sarah, our neighborhood Great Horned Owls. It is now open to the elements, having had the top completely broken off. It’s lying in the waterway below the tree.

On a more cheerful note, I can tell you for a fact that the park is still there, is still America’s most diverse urban park and is ready for action. Shakespeare, the Beer Fest, Forest Park Forever’s annual Hat Luncheon, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s WOW event and all of the usual activities of the park, planned and unplanned, will be going on this very week!

In addition to all that, the animals will be out looking for food, the flowers will be in bloom, lovers will be holding hands - well, I think you understand. Here are some visual aids.