Well, the big holiday has finally arrived. Of course, despite the fact that it is Christmas Day, you cannot help but notice that the landscape doesn’t resemble a vintage print by Currier and Ives, but instead, the grass is lush and green and still scattered with leaves.  Shortly after I set out on my walk today, I saw a couple of young girls on pogo sticks bopping  along the sidewalk, and, nearby, in Ford Park, a young man was shooting hoops.  This year, skates and sleds under the Christmas tree would be worthy of a snicker or two.

While strolling down Emmons Boulevard, I saw passersby, wreathed in smiles, who gushed “Merry Christmas” even though I’d never seen them before. Of course I waved and responded in kind … there are no strangers on holidays and it’s all good.

I took tidbits of old bagels and bread heels to throw out to any lucky waterfowl at the footbridge. As I approached the bridge, I suddenly was happy I had the camera with me, because not only were there mallards, but about thirty Canada geese as well.  I quickly positioned myself with the camera and my bag of treats.  To my dismay, however, the geese and ducks started heading in the opposite direction, once they saw the hulking human in the salmon-colored down coat lurking on the footbridge.  I quickly opened the bag and skipped some bagel chunks across the water.  They double-backed in a matter of seconds, so I offloaded some more treats which were greedily gulped down.  So, it was a lucky day for both of us, as they got an unexpected treat and I got a ton of up-close shots of them congregating in the Creek.

Finally, I tore myself away and next headed down to the River and over to the marina where it was quiet, save for a few ducks that swam in circles around the dock pilings. I lingered there awhile, taking some more pictures, and, soon a bicyclist came over and stopped to ask what got my attention.  “Just the ducks in this peaceful setting” I said.  He watched awhile as well.  He agreed that it was an idyllic scene, then wished me “Merry Christmas” and quite unexpectedly grabbed my hand and shook it before he quickly hopped back on his bike and headed off for parts unknown.  I began to feel warm and fuzzy all over, and it wasn’t just my Winter woolens.

I arrived home wreathed in smiles from adding more miles to my 2015 walking log, plus I had a definite glow from the walk in the chilly air as well as the glad tidings. The wreaths featured above, are just a few of the many beautiful wreaths that adorn the stately homes along Emmons Boulevard.

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. – Washington Irving

Merry Christmas everyone.