Afternoon In The Park

Thursdays I have a morning meeting and miss going to the park and walking. This day was busy at and after the meeting with guests and details on projects already in progress. Then back to my office to communication commitments and a noon training session with my wonderful friend Susan in exchange for physical therapy she provided for my knee.

I use a technology called "flip video" that I originally heard about on the Opera television show in November of 2006. A conveniently small camcorder that does a great job with an hour run time using two double a batteries. I use it as a teaching tool for one of my groups. Susan also leads a group and wanted to learn about the "flip." For me, learning technology requires a certain amount of risk taking. Facing the unknown and letting go of trying to control what is happening, is a very hard lesson for me, but I am getting better. Susan and I spent three hours facing the unknown and taking risks before we called it a wrap. We committed to a follow up meeting in a week to address issues and explore further. It was a profitable training session for us both.

On my way home, the weather was in the seventies and I decided to go to the park and walk with the 4:00 walkers and joggers. The park was beautiful and the boardwalk was not crowded. I extended greetings to those I encountered and was having a great time in the crisp air. A woman connected with me and we started talking as we walked. She was from France and looking for things that resonated in her new environment.

We exchanged names and hers was unusual to American ears, MaryAnnge. When we rounded the east end of the lake, I shared what I had heard about the new wood ducks that are now at the lake. Then we came to the "duck beach" under the live oaks, there among many ducks, were a few of the new ducks preening, swimming and holding their own with the larger mallards.

The wood ducks are more petite, with lovely white markings on the black and iridescent greens and purples of their feathers. The most noticeable attribute is the distinguished tuft on the back of the head, appearing like a military helmet that draws to a point over the shoulder blades. As with most birds, the males are more colorful that the females but the wood duck has an appealing compact size, festive colorations and a unique form.

Different is only noticeable when there is something else to compare it to. Walking the lake in the afternoon was delightful with different lighting and different temperatures. The wildlife and flora seen in afternoon light seem new and different as well. I will walk the park in the afternoon again because it was just as lovely and beneficial as walking in the morning. Now I have more choices to design exactly what I prefer. There are no accidents.