Wandering With Spirit

Even though I have a membership, I had only visited the GARDEN one time this year, blooming of the crab apple trees. Easy to explain since I’ve spent many weeks in the country. The weather forecast was for sunny skies, warmer than usual. I decided that it would be good for me to go. Since I have come home, I’ve tried to reclaim our home. I’ve made some progress but more needs to be done. And I decided it could wait.

I planned to leave at 10, after the rush hour traffic. Robin hadn’t eaten her dinner on Monday and she was pesty. I decided to feed her before I left. She was HUNGRY. She ate almost all of it without any fussing. Traffic was still heavy. I knew that the forecast of 80 degree weather would bring crowds to the GARDEN and I was right. Thankfully I now have a handicapped placard that would allow me to park closer if I found a spot. THANKFULLY I DID.

I thought I had planned for the day. I had; I wore a hat that had a string to keep it from blowing off my head. I had a case with my membership card and a credit card so I could get food. I had a bottle of water and a couple of cough drops. I had a vest that I could carry everything in and not take my purse. I had my cane. I DID NOT HAVE FOOD OR PAIN PILLS.

Thankfully my knees were behaving but I decided to sit down every 30 minutes and rest for at least 10. ENJOY THE DAY. I thought I would visit the Old English Garden and the Japanese Garden. I only took a half bottle of water, planning to refill it. It would be lighter. I have to admit that I sat down more than I used to. And of course, when I sat down, I would drink my water.

I reached the rose garden when I decided to refill my bottle. Roses were still blooming. The fountains had already been turned off. One was filled with mums. The great lawn was empty of flowering plants. The GARDEN was preparing for Winter Lights and cold weather. The Bonsa was packed and the greenhouses were closed. An 80 degree day at the end of October had not been expected.

As I walked over to fill my water bottle, I saw a beautiful tree in its Fall colors that called my name. It was in a part of the GARDEN that I hadn’t visited in a few years. I always ended my visit by going down the wilderness path but since my knees have been acting up, I haven’t gone there. TODAY WAS THE DAY!

Over the years, I have sat down on the benches near the path, admiring the crab apple trees. Today I was able to direct two gentlemen to the bells. I was sitting by the path they should take to get to the bridge. One of the gentlemen mentioned he was suffering from neuropathy, and I mentioned Terry’s Naturally Herbal Feet and Nerves that has been of such benefit to me. I was tempted to walk the path, all the way to the end but I noticed the time. Leaving late, sitting and enjoying the day, the time sped by. I DID NOT WANT TO BE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I walked a short way, took a few photos and remembered the many times I have enjoyed the path with my husband and daughter. GOOD MEMORIES

I didn’t have a map with me, but I thought I could return a different way. Thankfully the GARDEN has many benches for sitting and I wandered toward the exit. I was surprised to see crocus in bloom. They are a spring flower but there they were. Since I have spent so many years wandering the GARDEN, I didn’t have much trouble. I would have LOVED to stop and get something to eat but I didn’t want to get stuck in traffic. IT WAS A LOVELY DAY! I paid attention to the traffic and headed for the streets before it jammed up. I stopped for hot dog buns for dinner. I wanted to EAT, NOT COOK.