We went apple picking at an organic orchard at the end of September. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such rich colors in organic apples before! (mbnov)

There is something magical about the mix of spices that goes into this butter chicken recipe. I wish you could smell this photo. (mbnov)

Our neighborhood is shared with bears, who have been known to rummage through yards, looking for food. For a while, I brought our trash barrels into the garage, but now we secure our trash in a bear-proof bin. (mbnov)

Royal company may be good for the ego (and even the pocketbook) but I much prefer the richness of imagination that accompanies the companionship of children. (mbnov)

The nearby Montshire Museum of Science holds an annual “take apart day,” at which woebegone appliances are disassembled for educational purposes. We took apart the microwave shown here. (mbnov)

Summer warmth yields to cold crackling winter ice. As chlorophyll drained from leaves, trees dazzled with hidden colors. Taking the hint, bees harvested every grain of pollen they could. Now they will hum to each other through frost until spring melt brings relief. (mbnov)

This tide pool, about the size of an adult hand, is home to a tiny crab hiding inside a hollow within the rock. Can you spot it? (mbnov)

Repairing is better than replacing or even recycling. When it comes to minimizing the damage we do to the world and the resources available to future generations, there is simply no question. Every device in our household gets a second life, whenever possible. (mbnov)

When the storm winds abate and the clouds lighten, place the sun at your back in case enough rays of light have emerged to reveal one of nature’s best surprises. (mbnov)

Chicago is an amazing place. I wish more cities were as thoughtful about where and how to build as this town’s Merchants Club, whose members commissioned the Burnham Plan, which recommended preserving the lakefront for public use. (mbnov)