This morning I took an extended walk at Council Point Park since my boss was out at a meeting. I don’t always get time for a second lap during the work week, especially if I stop countless times along the way to feed the critters or take a few pictures. I saw the usual flora and fauna, including a few peanut pals who have now resurfaced following the long holiday. I strongly suspect that they might have been hiding in their nests or hidey holes due to the influx of geese that have been around lately. All those extra geese and their antics, i.e. honking, squawking and flapping their wings like supreme divas, probably terrify the poor squirrels. So, I used up a Ziploc bag of peanuts in no time to treat them and soon had a little parade going on behind me which made me smile. On the second lap I noticed some new folks on the trail. An older gentleman was rolling along the perimeter path on his walker with wheels, while an older woman, presumably his wife, grasped the side of the walker with one hand and clasped the handle of a leash that led to a white toy poodle with her other hand. The dog was a little impatient and straining at the bit to go faster, but the woman held him back. Finally he complied with her wishes and walked along quietly beside his master and mistress and kept pace with them. On the heels of this threesome was another elderly couple who strolled along occasionally turning to speak to one another … or to just smile. The white-haired couple were holding hands as they walked and I couldn’t help but think … new love … or love through the ages? It made me feel good to see these two couples – perhaps they were just good friends and not mates. Who knows? We did not speak, but I smiled when I passed them in the opposite direction. I was left with a warm feeling, after knowing so many couples who don’t make it – divorce or death often tarnishes the golden years. Sometimes, certain wildlife are more faithful to their mates than mankind. Canada geese mate for life, and if the mate dies, the remaining goose will remain solo forever. It was pretty heady stuff to think about so early in the morn but I have to say they made my day.