The Joy of Early Walks in a Winter Park

I am surprised by how early it gets dark this time of year even though I’ve lived through half a century of winters. Although, my formative years were in Florida so that might not count. With the new puppy, I’ve been forced out of my cosy morning reading routine and into the low, winter sun of an early morning. There’s something that appeals to me about seeing our local park in all seasons. I enjoy being the only person out there with the frost on the grass and my breath and the dog’s breath making clouds of “smoke”. I come back from these cold romps feeling more invigorated, more ready for the day. However, if I didn’t have the puppy, who’s eyes follow my every move in the morning, I don’t think I would drag my body out of the home before 8 am every morning.

The park in the winter becomes mine again. Warm weather exercisers are either at the gym, at home with their morning ritual, or waiting until it’s warmer in the day. I share it with the flocks of Canada geese, attracted by wide, flat expanses of their favorite grass. The maintenance men now gather inside the small brick building up there before they disperse to other parks rather than standing around outside laughing and leaning on each others trucks and lawn equipment like they do in other seasons.

Here’s to us getting through another season and another year in a changing world. I don’t know what this next year will bring. I hope to continue my walks with the puppy, greet my neighbors when I see them and understand that change is the only constant. Thanks for being here with me this year and I wish for you calm and peace in the new year.