A friend of mine posted a pretty picture containing a quote on her Facebook status that said: “Nature nurtures your soul” and I just felt compelled to share these wise words with you in this blog post. Rachel has three kids under ten years old and nearly every day since school has been out, she posts a picture of her and the kids and their dog, Scarlett, cavorting in one of our many local parks. When I read the words in this picture, I thought to myself ‘well, this is what I’ve been crowing about with my trips to Council Point Park and how a little bit of nature nurtures your soul’. While my boss Robb enjoyed another day in Cape Crocker, I seized the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll at my go-to nature place, Council Point Park. The sun was out, but just filtering through the clouds, so there was a definite chill in the air and I appreciated my warm sweatshirt cardigan. I could have used a pair of gloves as well. Speaking of feeling like Fall, I was surprised to find some of the saplings that line the Creek’s edge, already had red leaves on them – not the entire sapling, but enough leaves to look like they were from Mother Nature’s Fall palette. Those little splashes of red and an abundance of Queen Anne’s Lace and Chicory were the only spots of color in the whole Park. I walked the entire pathway and didn’t hear any birds singing; they were probably huddled together trying to stay warm. The noisy bullfrog was absent this morning as well. There were quite a few walkers and bikers at the Park however, no doubt due to the beautiful cool weather. Most were walking briskly; a few strolled leisurely holding onto take-out cups of coffee – all strangers gathered at a common place to drink in Mother Nature’s beauty and improve their health at the same time. I waved at some of the “regulars” and while walking along, I was suddenly startled by very loud singing just a few paces behind me. I quickly turned around and there was a guy, singing at the top of his lungs, tuned into his iPod and oblivious to the outside world. I’ve done that myself many times, so I sure couldn’t fault him for enjoying his music. The only other noise intervening in the tranquil morning was the long and lonely train whistle that lingered in the background.