A Walk in the Park

The lilac festival did not do well this year. They actually cancelled three of the days due to the persistent rain. I felt bad for the vendors. Its miserable to stand around in the pouring down wet just in case some crazy person might be interested in gawking at your merchandise. The boys and I missed our usual trek to smell the lilacs and have a round of fried dough.

But Highland Park is still in bloom somewhat this week, and I suggest that we take an afternoon stroll and let Ramseyes run out a bit of his energy there. I forgot that Mark has allergies to the pollen, especially of pine trees. There aren't a lot of pines, but many of the bushes are flowering. I forgot that it is quite hilly and at least manage to remember to park at the bottom so the trek back to the car won't be as bad as the trek from the car.

We walk together, one of the boys corralling Ramseyes, the other carrying the baby in her nip and nap. Mark and Faith hold hands and slow down when Mark needs to rest. He took medicine, but I am sure this is not easy for him. I feel badly and decide maybe we should cut it short. They insist on going to the top where we find a picnic table and sit gazing out over the pond, watching the ducks.

Ramseyes runs and runs and runs, chased first by Drew and then Kiel and then Drew again. It is pleasant in the shade and we can see the mountains far off in the distance. The sun glimmers on the water like so many sparkling diamonds. The breeze is light and refreshing. The grass is green and there are no flowering bushes nearby to set Mark off. We sit enjoying the peace and quiet, watching Ramseyes run about. Except for Kiel and Drew, everyone is enjoying the day. I imagine Ramseyes will be tired enough to sleep well tonight. What was I thinking??? It is Kiel and Drew who will sleep well.

Eventually, we wander back down the walkways to the car, just in time as it begins to rain lightly. I hope Mark is alright. Maybe the beach is a better environment for him. We will see what he thinks about the idea tomorrow. Right now, we need to feed these hungry kids. All of them!