Flowers in containers and in the ground on public or commercial property are dug up and planted anew each season but, unlike some other cities, there is variety in the type of containers and the type of flowers in them. Trees are young and offer a diversity of leaves, shapes, and heights. Nevertheless, when the photographer spent mid-Autumn walking eleven miles within a two-mile radius half circle, one tree of any particular type started looking like other trees of that type planted elsewhere. Similarly, the Des Moines River has been sculpted extensively by humans. Bridges, dams, and concrete pathways at the water’s edge change the speed, current, and volume of the river as it passes through the Iowa capital.

The weather for mid-Autumn was seasonal. Clouds remained from the previous day’s light rain, but by noon sunlight was breaking through. By 2:00 pm, the temperature had warmed sufficiently for a pedestrian to be comfortable in short sleeves without a jacket. The following day, temperatures returned to the 70's (Fahrenheit), where they had been near for most of the previous week.

The mid-Spring shoot generally took place in the southern part of Des Moines. Lilacs in Ewing Park were blooming, giving a gently sweet smell to the air. Honeysuckle, spirea, myrtle, tulips, and iris were some of the other flowers found in bloom.

Several rain showers over the past few week were still apparent in the water levels of the rivers, lakes, and creeks. The rain also left grass thick and green. Humans kept the grass mowed, which pleased the birds looking for worms and bugs. Both birds and insects were plentiful in numbers and in types.

It was a rather uneventful day and shoot, the perfect type of day to take a book, sit by a pond, listen to the birds, read, and relax. Alas, the photographer had to work.