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Saturday: Weekend

Taking note: Shifting seasons

A golden ray of the late afternoon sun was striking a tree with bright orange leaves at just the right angle. The leaves seemed to practically be ablaze. The illumination of the tree almost seemed to come from within. It was a dazzling, warmly lit sight, providing a glorious contrast to the bright blue sky with wisps of purple clouds in the distance. When I looked down, I saw a few red-orange leaves floating in the rainwater that had accumulated upon the surface of a bright blue outdoor table. The rainwater upon the table was frozen that morning, encasing an autumn leaf that came ...

Opening his home: Man shelters 300 dogs from Hurricane Delta

LEONA VICARIO, Mexico — As the dangerous Hurricane Delta closed in on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Ricardo Pimentel opened his home — to about 300 dogs. There were plenty of other critters too: Dozens of cats were harbored in his son’s room; his daughter’s room served as a refuge ...

Taking note: Simple signs

Countless roadside signs seemed to float by in the darkness as I drove along the highway. Some were lit up by their own power, while others relied on the headlights illuminating their reflective surface. Signs telling you the price of gas. Signs directing you to another county road, highway or interstate. Signs letting you know sharp curves lie ahead. Signs pointing out cultural heritage sites, rest areas, tourist traps. Signs encouraging you to drive safely. Signs informing you of offerings such as “great pet-friendly lodging” and “chips, 2 for $5.” Some are temporary ...

Fish rescue: Annual effort saves hundreds from Wyoming intake

JACKSON, Wyo. — Cutthroat trout tails and heads boiled with the surface of Spread Creek’s diverted water, involuntary spasms resulting from electricity shooting out of Jack Bryan’s handheld anode. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department fisheries technician was standing in Spread ...

Taking note: The long wait

The late-afternoon mix of natural and artificial light was setting in, casting a glow upon the airport concourse and its endless stretch of gleaming tiles. I was just about to follow the long line of shining tiles to my gate when my phone lit up with a notification. My flight was delayed. Again. Another couple of hours to pass during an already long layover. Another couple of hours tacked on to my initially anticipated arrival time. And although this was a few years ago now, I still remember that I couldn’t help but make a bit of a face at this news. I was starting to feel ...

Taking note: Falling snow

The tiny, wet snowflakes were melting almost as soon as they hit the grass, which still green, but dotted with fallen leaves. But the flakes seemed to gain some traction as the ground chilled, forming a nearly transparent layer of lacy, slushy snow upon the grass. The sidewalks and streets were still warm enough to melt the flakes upon impact, leaving a wet, glossy sheen on the pavement. However, the flakes upon the grass were forming the type of snowy layer that makes a neat, satisfying little crunch when you walk on it. It was the kind of snow that attaches fully to your boots ...