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Tourist in My Own Country

The joy of blogging while exploring your home country. A slice of your life, Food, culture, nature and more.

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NATURE/INSPIRATION/TRAVEL

A Cold November Walk in Illinois

Visiting my son, taking a walk, and finding beauty in an ordinary fall afternoon

3 min readOct 9, 2026

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Nature
Credit: B.R. Shenoy

“For a time, I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.” –Wendell Berry

November in Illinois can be beautiful, even on a cold day. A couple of years ago, my son was living in Illinois while working toward his PhD, and I went to visit him because his dissertation defense was coming up. I wanted to be there for that important moment.

I arrived earlier in the day, while my husband was coming on a later flight. My son was busy studying and preparing for his defense, so I had some time to myself that afternoon. I bundled up and went for a walk near his apartment.

It was one of those quiet, cold late afternoons when the season seems to be changing by the minute. There was still some color on the trees, the air was crisp, and the streets were peaceful. I took these photos as I walked, enjoying the chance to slow down and take in my surroundings.

Looking at these pictures now brings me back to that visit. I remember being there for my son during an important time in his life, while also having this…

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B.R. Shenoy
B.R. Shenoy

Written by B.R. Shenoy⁠

6 States/5 Countries/3 Continents•Owner & Editor of The Family Desk •MS Toxicology•BS Biochemistry•Married Mom of 2• Topics: Family, Work, Nature & Travel

Tourist in My Own Country
Tourist in My Own Country

Published in Tourist in My Own Country

The joy of blogging while exploring your home country. A slice of your life, Food, culture, nature and more.