Well, despite the dire predictions of an all-rainy weekend by every local meteorologist, I think we fared pretty well, though the tail end of today is turning out to be a washout. As I type this blog post, I hear thunder rolling and we might be slated for another downpour … easily the third or fourth this evening.

I soaked up enough Vitamin D this weekend to last me until the 4^th of July, between walking and working out in the yard under sunny skies.  I am convinced that yardwork is for younger legs and now rue the day that I made the decision to put ornamental rocks around the perimeter of the house and that planting small bushes in those rocks would look great!  Well, maybe it has given the old abode considerably more curb appeal, but keeping bushes trimmed small to complement the house and keeping the lava rock, river rock, plus mulched garden beds, weed free becomes a Herculean task each Spring.  But, it is done now and I am thankful for that.

Today’s trip to Council Point Park was uneventful compared to yesterday’s journey on the perimeter path. There was no chattering away as fellow walkers were scarce, and, even the critters were absent – not one squirrel came begging for peanuts.  A lone goose booed and hissed at me for no apparent reason as I crossed his path on the first loop.  It was not as if I got in his way, nor was I taking photos of him, but, all of a sudden, there he was, flapping his wings, repeatedly arching and contorting his long and slender black neck like geese do when agitated, and, of course, there was the bright pink tongue hissing at me.

Even my latest nature nook find – the turtles – were missing from their partially submerged log in the middle of the Creek.

Well, it was a holiday after all, so perhaps everyone was sleeping in.

The first long weekend of the year, long touted as the gateway to Summer, has come and gone. Once again, we had the opportunity to honor our fallen heroes for their bravery, and, for giving the ultimate sacrifice.  Though I have never lost a family member, nor friend, due to war, we have had several neighbors through the years, whose sons returned from an armed conflict wounded, unable to complete their tour of duty, and they retired from the military thereafter.

I spent some time at Memorial Park earlier this week when I went to view the many flags that were placed there by the Lincoln Park Exchange Club. Those flags remained there as of this morning, flapping in the early morning breeze, a symbol of patriotism and honor for the fallen service personnel in our city.