They're back!

The Japanese beetles are back -- fewer than in previous years and a bit later, but back, nevertheless. Kind of pretty -- if they just weren't so voracious.

By the rockets' red glare

There's something about fireworks that makes children of us all, raptly looking skyward in wonder and amazement. This was the scene at Blackhawk Country Club in Shorewood Hills Saturday night, but it was repeated in countless neighborhoods and communities around the country.