Twenty years ago, a different home was needed, and one was available. That candidate was evaluated for location, cost, size, etc. After passing as suitable, with the trust that any shortcomings were subject to change, plans were implemented over the years to improve the property’s ability to serve.
Even before the sale closing, the owners quickly added a deck from the rear entry that was the only outdoor feature on the rather small lot containing the house, garage and clothes line. No trees, plantings, garden or other landscaping existed – just lawn to mow.
Over time, improvements were made to improve the house. Strengths and weaknesses in its performance were realized. Looking back over the years and ahead to this year, between primary and upcoming elections, the consideration of candidates brings to mind that life encounters present a series of candidates.
A jack pine, white cedar, and mountain ash each were transplanted when they were small and available candidates for additions to the landscape. Friends purchased a bare-root bundle of pin cherry, chokecherry, and plum trees. With a few to spare, a few were offered and planted. Candidates for smaller trees were a couple of mountain ash trees with enough soil to include soil and roots that have grown along with the bunchberry, pussytoes, and other ferns and plants coming with them.
In addition, other plants came on their own, including trees. A paper birch, two quaking aspens, and many green ashes started from seed and began growing up against buildings, porch, deck, and fences where the mower didn’t reach. These produce root systems and no matter how many times a green ash is cut, the root system will bring it back if not totally removed. It knows no term limit without total severance.
The birch and aspen originally seemed unobtrusive and produced backyard shade next to the garage, until their size, height, and location now put the garage at risk, and eradication is a challenge both above ground and with a living root system below ground.
What happens close to home provides insight into the reality of life everywhere. The last week of August marks seasonal transition, plants like jewelweed ending their 2026 flowering, hummingbirds migrating, and questions about what comes next if bird feeding is to continue. What has been happening regarding everything of interest, and what are the candidates under consideration for what lies ahead?
There are galas, annual celebrations, 2027 plans, reunions, holidays, and other recognition events occurring in the present, reflecting on the past, and serving as candidates for future directions. What choices are best for you, family, community, state, country, health, future, environment, etc.? In taking an Environmental Science class at the beginning of the Fall Semester, students are from New Mexico, Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, etc. An instructor and a student compare their experience in Austin, Texas and in Ely. A difference of opinion arises about the eventually more desirable future. Austin, Ely, or Kansas come up as candidates.
When candidates for mayor, city council, and other election offices address voters during this pre-election period, how can they best serve their constituents? Discussions go back to how past choices turned out. What is promised? What is known? What is needed? Strengths and weaknesses? Can their vision for the future grow out of public inclusion and trust?
During the discussions at Semers Park, a shorebird was noticed on the beach. This sandpiper was migrating after its species’ breeding season was completed in the north, and it was resting along its journey south. That event, like others experienced by humans, was an action with a story behind it that provides learning. Our lives evolve through actions we take to shape the future.
In a few weeks, a new book will be available that tells the history of Ely. That should provide an opportunity for understanding and discussion of how history will continue to be built. Let’s look around us and to each other for understanding and opportunities to design and evaluate options for the future. With ownership and the resulting systems at any level come the required knowledge, problem-solving, and creativity, along with trusted leaders.
