July 24,2024
I got a late start this morning as I indulged my YouTube video-watching habit to play political videos. Since Sunday’s pivot in the election story, I’ve been very curious how various pundits explain their views. I especially want to learn how people I disagree with explain the issues!
I escaped in time to get to my Mom’s room at 9:40 to find her dedicated to her morning nap. I let her be and went out to the public living room space and commiserated with another resident’s daughter while also building a puzzle to occupy my brain.
At about 11:00 I enrolled my Mom in taking a walk outside in the garden. She stayed out there for about 30 minutes, making a few laps on the small patio, then sitting on a bench. Surprisingly, her eyesight is still sharp and she’s amenable to observing the clouds and birds. I also showed her a short video of one of my sisters playing flute. She seems to enjoy watching it often.
I considered counting this brief foray as my day’s Nature walk, then decided that would lower my standard for Nature connection too much! A wise choice! The walk I chose definitely surpassed it!
I walked at the Aullwood Audubon Center north of Dayton, getting on the trail shortly before the afternoon’s thunderstorm. My first stop was the streamside respite where the memorial benches for my dad, Jim Bernard, and my nephew, Andy invite visitors to sit.
Soon, the rainstorm crept in and I continued my walk back towards the building, with my umbrella. During the downpour phase of the storm, I sheltered on one of the porches of the center, then headed out again as the rain abated. This time, I walked toward the woodland pond, enjoying the fresh fragrance of the cool air.
The Aullwood Audubon Center holds happy childhood memories of visiting with my parents, as well as of getting to work there for one week in August, 2019. I often assure myself that my life has had value when I recall the hundreds of children I have guided to have extraordinary adventures in Nature. The 10 kids of the Fish Scales and Snake Tails week are definitely among them!
Standing on the boardwalk next to the pond brought back happy memories of leading the kids to lay down and dip nets into the pond to discover what lives there! I could hear their excited chatter in my mind!
With another half hour before the trails closed for the day, I went on a search for a picturesque view of rain droplets. I found the perfect example on a Jewelweed leaf, signifying its name. I concluded my walk as the late afternoon sunlight glinted on wet leaves, gratitude and fulfilment confirming my dedication to walking in Nature every day!