COLORS

Saturday, April 10, 2010

COLORS

(APRIL 10, 2010) During this time of year there are splotches of purple, blue, yellow and green in the woods and in the fields of the Riverwalk. This morning I saw a bluebird staking claim to his bird house and a couple of swallows flitting about before landing on the rung of a large pole at Dan Daniel Park. There were also the purple, blue and yellow flowers surrounded by the lush green foliage of Spring.

This morning we walked from Dan Daniel Park to Angler's Park. We enjoyed the colors of nature, but at Angler's Park there were multi-colored shirt on the large field as a rugby tournament was being held. Sadie was humbled by a large black lab (about twice her size held back by a lady with a Cornell t-shirt) and wanted to chase the strange looking ball the ruggers (don't know if that is a word, but I may have just made it up - it sounds right, though) were carrying and kicking a football shaped ball to score points in this very rough game where there are few pads and the object is to get the ball to the other end no matter what happens. The game is continuous, and I noticed three rescue squad vehicles lined up ready to take care of any broken bones or cuts or any other medical care needed in this very physical game. We stood and watched for a half hour, spending some of that time talking with friends who were working there with the Rotary Club and the Parks and Rec. dept. It was a perfect day for any outdoor activity.

It was another great day on the Riverwalk.

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"DON'T TRADE YOUR DOG FOR AN ELEPHANT"

(JUNE 19, 2010) This morning we saw some lovely sights as we ventured to the Riverwalk at 6:15. The mother mallard and the six babies were out at Dan Daniel Park and the flora and fauna were plentiful. But, one comment made by a regular Riverwalk biker/walker stayed on my mind as we ventured forth. He said, "One bit of advice: Don't trade your dog for an elephant." What was the meaning of that? I pondered that question throughout my walk until I saw a water moccasin swimming close to the shore.

EXPRESSIONS

(JUNE 1, 2010) Often we see expressions in animals that are similar to humans. Sadie sometimes swallows a moth she has been stalking, and the look on her face says, "Sheesh. That didn't taste very good." The picture above shows some interesting expressions on the faces of a goose family. There is the gosling looking up at the adult with respect,, the other goslings looking over the adult goose with an inquiring look, and the adult in the background showing stress. Within this one photograph is captured many emotions.

SHALL WE GATHER

(MAY 25, 2010) People gather each morning to walk or ride bikes together on the Riverwalk. In addition, there are many "gatherings" on the river each morning among the wildlife there. The waterfowl gather to communially dip in the river or fly off together to graze in the rich meadows or just sit on a log in the middle of the river - watching. There is another type of "gathering" that goes on as well. Look closely and watch the swallow and the bluebird and the robin and other songbirds gather nesting for their homes or food for themselves and their off-spring. Look closely and see the insects gathering whatever they need for sustenance - the small bug drinking from the rain water "gathering" on the leaf or the bee gathering nectar from the budding flower. All of this is the age old activity of gathering by the river.

THINGS ARE DIFFERENT

(APRIL 14, 15, 2010) There have been many changes on the Riverwalk over the past two days. The search for the young 5 year old who fell out of the boat near Dan Daniel Dam, the small flowers that were once there are now gone because of the cooler weather, and the river has gone down because of the drier weather. However, amongst these changes there are some constants: the same people we see every morning on our walk are there, the river continues to provide a home for wildlife, and robins can be spotted along the trail.