Last day of 2006

This is Nixie and I at Avery Park, a year or more ago. I walk in this park every day, and never tire of it. The park is very damaged from a resent storm, numerous trees and power lines cover the roads, at the entrance a sign that says "Park Closed" blocks the road in. Traz and I walk around a fallen tree to enter and walk carefully dodging others on our walk. Today Lance and I walked both dogs there, just like we do every weekend morning. As we walked down from the upper part of the park we see a familiar person, Sol, an older man, in his upper 80's I believe he told Lance. I have seen him in the park for at least the past 5 years. The first time I saw him Shadow was still alive. We exchange pleasantries today, just like always, but of course wish one another happy new year. He, in is heavy accent (not sure what) says, I wish for you great prosperity in the new year. I said, its hard to walk in our park these days with all the trees down. His answer will stick with me always "yes, but at least the park is still here" I love that. Looking at life in a good way. The glass half full instead of half empty. In someways I think for him it partly meant "at least hes still here" at that age I doubt the days are taken for granted. My new years resolutions, to be kinder to people. To give more and expect less. To hug my dogs until they run away, ha ha ha. To make sure all the people in my family feel the love I have for them. To spend more time doing fun things with my husband and last but not least, to smile more often.

A Poem By Irving Townsend

We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle easily and often breached. Unable to accept it's awful gaps, we would still live no other way. You cherish memory as the only certain immortality.

I close this year with wonderful memories, of dogs and people long gone, but not forgotten.