Kids

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of babysitting a niece and nephew. I was a little nervous because I don’t usually spend a chunk of time with them alone. I wondered how I would keep them entertained, and from saying that staying with me was “boring” — the kiss of death for any aunt.

I knew the TV and what few video games we had might do the trick, for an hour or two anyway.

And then I remembered I had to walk the dog at some point in the day. So I saved it for when they arrived. They were so excited to walk the dog, I don’t know why I even stressed. It was another beautiful day for a walk.

They were so excited to be outside, and among the trees, I could hardly keep them from running off. They tossed pebbles into Holmes Run, picked up and examined leaves and branches, and skipped on the trail. We reached the end of Dora Kelley, and walked across the newly built bridge to the Glen Hills Park. They got to play in the playground, while Momo and I watched.

Little nephew enjoyed running through the park, picking up rocks, sticks and leaves.

Oh, Snap! 4 (Double Skinny version)

They just grew too tall too fast…

Natural beauty

Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.”

— John Lubbock

Oh, Snap! 3

Another tree fell in the forest….

Did anyone hear it?

Oh, Snap! 2

Old, giant tree…

Was practically hollow inside.

Wet your feet and escape the heat

It’s summer, and it’s hot.

Our neighborhood doesn’t have a pool. I’ve tried to get in at the giant swimming pool at the apartment buildings down the street, but no dice. You have to be resident of one of the buildings. Their pool, which faces Beauregard Street, is HUGE and very inviting. And there never seems to be anyone swimming. Every day I pass by with envy and am tempted to jump the fence and cool off in there. But like a good neighbor, I don’t.

I have also checked in at the closest private pool, at Dowden Terrace. Not only was an annual membership expensive, there was a wait-list to join.

So that leaves my beloved Dora Kelley park.

Frolicking in the stream with Rebecca.

I often see families swimming in Holmes Run, but I am not comfortable letting my dog drink the water (although he often does so, with no ill effects. Yet.). With all the construction going on up stream, and workers tinkering with what looks like sewer portals in the park for the past couple weeks, I do not advocate even touching the water.

But it was hot. We had to get in there. And so we did.

Momo & Rebecca

All clear

Looks like the trucks are leaving, and we’ll get peace and quiet back on the walking trail….

And hopefully the slight odor of sewage will disappear.

All manner of equipment was used the past few weeks to update the infrastructure that runs through the park.

More storm damage

City workers were surveying the park today. They were looking for the manhole cover of this thingy. Looks like rushing water tore it apart — pieces of red brick were strewn downstream. Manhole covers weigh about a hundred pounds, so the workers were a bit puzzled because they couldn’t find it.

A fallen tree stump blocked our path.

Fish out of water.

Ready for repairs.

Severe rain, flash floods

A rain storm ran through the area yesterday. Evidence of flash flooding abounded at the park today. Toppled trees, flattened grass. Mud, sand and dirt covered the walkway. Parts of the concrete path crumbled. In one area, the path just gave way and sunk into a shallow hole in the ground. 

It’s hard to tell, but you’re staring at the bottoms of three large trees that had fallen over.