I took a walk a few days ago after the rain let up. In an alley there are several thin cottonwood saplings growing in the narrow strip of earth between the edge of the asphalt and a high fence that runs the length of the alley.

I took a nice walk yesterday afternoon. It was overcast and cool for most of the walk; towards the end the sun emerged with a late summer warmth. After passing through the park, I followed an alley for a long block. It’s a route I like to frequent because there is a beautiful garden along…