This theme celebrates the beauty and simplicity of rural life and the rural landscape. Please include the word "Silo" in the photo title (unless it's so unmistakably prominent in your thumbnail that it's not necessary). Each image must include a silo or a barn, preferably both. The silo can be near or far, a main feature or part of the landscape. Have fun and let your imagination and creativity do the rest!

The Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve in Grand Chute, Wisconsin is a 775-acre sanctuary with 8 miles of scenic trails weaving through meadow, cedar swamp, white cedar forest, prairie, and pond. Open year-round, it offers hiking, jogging, bird watching, cross-country skiing — and quiet contemplation. See it with me and enjoy some of its splendor here, on TE, and on TN.

Fall is a time of transition that bridges the warm days of summer and crisp ones of autumn. The traditional high school cross-country season is part of that span. I've followed it photographically because my son is on his school's team and because I enjoy running as great exercise and an atmosphere where every participant competes against himself or herself, always striving to bring out the best within. The photos in this theme should capture that atmosphere of hard effort, intensity, and fun.