We meet a parrot

According to a Writing teacher on NPR some months ago, you are never supposed to start writing by describing weather, as in the often-made-fun-of "It was a dark and stormy night." But the weather is so much a part of the park experience, it's impossible not to acknowledge it. Overcast, warm, humid this morning. It felt like an imminent storm. But the gray cleared to blue, and the storm hasn't happened...yet - it's mid-afternoon now and I think I just heard the faint sound of distant thunder. We skipped the park yesterday - those doctor's appointments! - but it must have been great. All the trash cans are overflowing with picnic detritus. What a shame they can't empty them between Saturday and Sunday. The raccoons will have a field day tonight, and Monday should be a giant mess.

Nesting swan was setting peacefully, with Papa patrolling nearby, looking suspiciously at a fisherman, but not hissing. The lake level is down a bit more, so I could climb up a downed tree to get a better view.

The stairs up to Lookout hill revealed 11 crack bags, including the cute little unicorn style, and several dozen cans and bottles. Many were the little half-size water bottles that the joggers drink. They weigh maybe 1/4 of an ounce. Would it be so much trouble to carry them to a trashcan??????????? Come on joggers and runners. You are not high on rum, vodka, beer or crack and have no excuse not to clean up after yourselves. Do I sound like your mother? Do you listen to your mother? ...There was also a guitar on top of Lookout Hill. We left it there - it's still there if anyone would like it. Just waiting for a friendly musician.

Yes, I do find it odd to call a crack bag cute, but there it is.

There was a man walking his 16 year old Amazonian parrot and his old service dog. All 3 were very friendly. The parrot will live to be 90! He's named either Buttons or The Anti-Christ, depending on who is talking to him. He's on a leash, although he will fly and come back when he is not on the leash. Some kids got him and pulled his feathers out one time, so the owner is quite protective, with good reason. He will eat little parakeets when he can, but not little boys.

All in all, just a beautiful day in the park.