moody weekend
The weekend was the kind of damp, moody fall days that I love. Cloudy and rainy weather seems to bring out the colors of the fall leaves best. Unlike some people I enjoy a little cold and damp. I like walking outside when it is just cold enough for a sweater or a jacket.
Saturday Tricia and I returned to Reverchon Park. We wanted to collect a few more of the burr oak nuts we had seen there before. We explored more of the park this time and found more of the trees.
The park is in a valley and one hillside has an intricate web of stone paths and stairs built in the 1930's. On our previous visit I had been intimidated by the groups of young men hanging out along the paths. This time it was earlier in the morning and they were not out yet. Tricia did not want to climb the steps because of her bad knee so I left her to saunter down by the creek and set off on my own to see where they led.
There are picnic tables back in the woods too and old stone fireplaces which have been stopped up so that you cannot use them anymore. And lots of stone benches set into the paths.
Coming down from the hillside we followed the creek for awhile. We had this part of the park all to ourselves. We found one of the big burr oaks back there with lots of the nuts and filled up a canvas bag. I have promised to trade some for some other seeds and I will keep some for myself too.
Ever since my father's death I have felt like I have been acting out scenes in a play. It's a familiar play and I know the scenes but I have not played this part before.
It keeps you busy for a few days, making all the arrangements and then gathering with friends and family. Then suddenly all the scenes are played, it is all over and mysteriously someone is missing. Just like you knew it would be.
Yes...to everything you've said.
Posted by: Shelley at November 21, 2004 11:11 PMBill, I did want to also say that I am so sorry about your Dad. I hope you find peace during your walks, and among your friends, family, and plants.
Posted by: Shelley at November 21, 2004 11:14 PMThank you for sharing those tranquil photos. Your words are striking. I never thought of it in those terms.
Glad to see you back.
Posted by: the orchidophile at November 22, 2004 11:32 AMIt gets easier, it doesnt go away, just gets more familiar. The biggest thing I find, is that the things I want to know are now lost, because neither of them wrote out their memoirs! So many times I have wanted to call him and ask about this or that. It's gone now!
Glad you are getting through this ok. ;)
Posted by: mary lou at November 22, 2004 01:04 PMPeace to you during this time. Allow yourself to make it through each day and eventually, it won't get normal, but the absence of him will become normal -- and a little bit easier to handle.
Posted by: paulapalooza at November 23, 2004 08:07 AMPeace to you during this time. Allow yourself to make it through each day and eventually, it won't get normal, but the absence of him will become normal -- and a little bit easier to handle.
Posted by: paulapalooza at November 23, 2004 08:07 AMThat park looks like a perfect setting in which to gather one's thoughts and to reminisce, to find some peace. I'm sure your life feels somewhat like it's been turned upside down. Be well.
Posted by: Leslie at November 23, 2004 10:18 AMYes, Bill, peace to you. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Don at November 23, 2004 04:32 PMAmen to all that's been said: you're in *all* our thoughts & prayers.
Posted by: Lorianne at November 24, 2004 10:05 AMMy sympathies to you and Tricia.........
Posted by: Dottie at November 24, 2004 08:17 PMFound your blog via Leslie. Sorry to hear about your Dad. I went through the loss of my beloved Dad in 1992. It was not an easy time for me. With the passing of some years I realized that my Dad was my whole family, because I have since seen my brother and mother's true colors. Suffice it to say that when I lost my Dad, I had no idea that I had lost the rest of my family as well.
I wish you a very peaceful time in your grieving process. Your photos are lovely and the places you visit are incredible!
Posted by: Maggie at November 26, 2004 06:52 AM