The lake is nearly down to normal. But no new photos - battery ran out of charge. I should probably check it before I leave the house every day,. but I don't seem to be that organized. Oh well. The nice photo of the supported tree will go in. I think its a great shot.

Coffee Bark today. Big crowd, great weather, friendly people. I was talking to Rine, who's a big animal rights person. She was telling me a bout something called Kapparot. This is when some ultra-religious Jews, like the Hasidim, take time just before Yom Kippur, to swing a live chicken in a circle over their heads 3 times while chanting. I had to stop her to ask if she was serious - sounds so much like a Monty Python sketch! But this is totally serious. It apparently started up on the 9th century, when some genius noted that the Hebrew word gever means both man and chicken, so it would be cool to torture a chicken and make him/her suffer for your sins. WHAT??? As a Jewish person myself, I find this embarrassingly weird, and cruel. I'm not a vegetarian, and I accept that meat-eating is a large part of nature. Doesn't mean it's all right to torture, mistreat, etc., animals. http://www.endchickensaskaporos.com/ is the website, for more info. She's trying to stop it, to replace the chicken with a bag of money for charity, has the support of several rabbis, and I hope she's successful.

The world is busy making 9/11 plans for tomorrow, the 10th anniversary. Even the park. Paths will be closed for downed tree removals. I think I want to go to the beach or a movie, and according to today's Times, I'm not the only one. I don't need anything to remind me of 9/11 because I haven't forgotten it. At all. And I think most New Yorkers feel the same. I think about frequently. When the day is beautiful, with a cloudless blue sky, I shudder - this was the 9/11 weather. Tony thinks this is PTSS. I don't know. I think it's just that life affects people.

Back in the park...

After a week in New Hampshire and 3 days of sleeping late, it was great to get back to the park today. Up Lookout Hill and all the way over to the FIDO Coffee Bark in Long Meadow. We did maybe 5 miles, huffing and puffing most of the way up the hill, but it was an excellent workout. Amazing how these days I need to keep it every day or I feel like I haven't moved in weeks. I did swim back and forth across a lake in New Hampshire, but it wasn't enough to keep me in shape. Not that I'm in such great shape, but not so bad either. I remember reading that when Margot Fonteyn, the great ballerina, was in her 40's, she had to train 4 hours each day just to keep in the same shape. And she actually did it!

30 geese and the three cygnets happily swimming in the lake, near the beach. Fabulous weather, and a good crowd at the Coffee Bark. There are nice "No BBQing" signs at the Peninsula, and a lovely little bit of art - orange feathers in a few trees. Pictures included.

There were wild turkeys and their chicks all around the house in New Hampshire where we stayed. Note: the pictures of the turkeys were taken in NH.

4 cormorants 4

Actually, I didn't see them today (geese and ducks took over the log today), but I have been informed by my readers that they are in fact cormorants, not egrets. Thank you. I feel really bad about not recognizing them, since we saw many when we were vacationing on the Gaspe Peninsula last summer. Even went and used the free Internet in the Visitor's Center to learn more about them. Starting to worry about my memory. Oh well, I haven't put my keys in the freezer yet. Anyway, I do appreciate the corrections although, after this and the Lincoln/Poe incident, I probably should rename this blog the "Find the factual error" blog. Maybe offer a prize? Really, the satisfaction of knowing you have spread knowledge and enlightenment in the world is about the best I can offer.

I also made a semi-joking comment about hoping Bloomberg won't have them (the egrets/cormorants) gassed too. Sadly, it is no joke (thanks, Bonnie). Did some research. Apparently, cormorants have been considered a pest for years, especially in the midwest area of this continent. And why? BECAUSE THEY COMPETE FOR FISH WITH THE FISHERMAN!!!!!!! In 1999, American guides were actually arrested for killing over 2,000 cormorants near the American shore of Lake Ontario. And now I find that Canada has been "culling" (their word for killing) thousands of them for several years now, in spite of protests from their citizens and an organization called Cormorant Defenders International http://www.zoocheck.com/cormorant/?id=14. I found this absolutely shocking. Canada? Land of Nice? I have always considered America the embodiment of what I call the 'John Wayne School of Diplomacy" (Step 1: Shoot and kill). Sadly, it's not just us. Not to go off on too much of a tangent, there's a Canadian guy named Al who keeps sponsoring illegal coyote killing contests, and the authorities don't seem to do anything about it. Of course the prize Al gives away is a gun. Sigh.

On the more local subject of our geese...yes, I do think there were too many of them last summer. In my entries last summer, I kept referring to them as Nazis, partly because they had taken over the lake and driven the swans and ducks away to the Audubon boat house, partly to their habit of, well, goosestepping when they walked. These were supposed to be migrating birds who stopped migrating and moved in. There were about 5 flocks of them, and it really was too much. I didn't want them killed, but I did think we needed to limit the growth of the population in a humane way. Which is why I pretty much like the recent recommendations about the egg-oiling, plantings, no feeding, and occasional use of dogs

Today in the park

I actually haven't been in a few days. Two reasons. One: hubby had to go in for minor surgery, which ended up in a two day stay in the hospital. Two: weather was not conducive. Even JJ didn't want to go. Yesterday, I needed spring so badly I went to Macy's for the flower show which, by the way, was pretty nice and cheerful. Back on track today.

Sure signs of Spring: Clumps of daffodils everywhere. Big bike race. Also, the FIDO Coffee Bark, which has been moved slightly downhill to the Long Meadow, was very well attended. We walked all the way there and back, and even stopped at the Grand Army Greenmarket for some of Rick's Pick's low sodium pickles. On the way back, we saw a group of Girl Scouts gathering at the Asian Pagoda for a day of tree planting and gardening in the Park. Good for them! Also a group of young runners training to be Marines. So vigorous and proud! Couldn't tell if they were actual Marines or some kind of Junior ROTC, but they were doing great on this very beautiful day in the park.

Filming alert: Boardwalk Empire will be filming Monday, 6 AM to 8 PM, around the house with the big wraparound porch on the SE corner of the Argyle/Albemarle intersection. Cameras already in place.

Today at the Bark

It was FIDO's Coffee Bark today, a monthly gathering of dogs and humans, with coffee and snacks for both. We walked all the way to Park Slope (and back, later) to attend. They were also selling doggie clothing along with membership renewals. JJ, of course, needs no clothing, since she loves to roll around in the snow to cool off, even on the coldest days. We thought about getting her a raincoat, but they didn't have her size and besides, we figure she's entitled to opt for short walks in the rain. But we did get an adorable, sorry, MANLY little sheepskin coat for our daughter's Australian Terrier, Chewie. He feels the cold. Complete with a pocket.

The Park: still only the car road and horse trail cleared, and of course the Greg Mocker Path. Ran into Ed and Anne, who said that after the big snow on Jan. 28, the Mocker Path (all 30 feet of it) was cleared by the 29th! I can no longer call it the Greg Mocker Memorial Path, since someone who reads this asked me if Greg had died. GREG MOCKER IS NOT DEAD - HE'S VERY MUCH ALIVE AND DOING GREAT THINGS, AS ANYONE WHO WATCHES HIS NEWS REPORTS ON WPIX CHANNEL 11 KNOWS. Just wanted to make that clear. Too damn easy to start silly rumors. Remember "The walrus is Paul?"

I noted that someone was celebrating Chinese New Year in the Park by leaving one of those Chinese plastic plaid bags in the lake. (see photo). I mean, must we? really?

The more I think about the N.Y. Times article justifying the geese killing, the angrier I get. Protecting ornamental plantings? What ornamental plantings? The only ones I've seen are the phragmites, and the Parks Dept. is constantly (excuse my language) bitching about how they're invasive and unwelcome. The other justification is protecting the water supply. THE PROSPECT PARK LAKE IS NOT AND NEVER HAS BEEN THE CITY'S WATER SUPPLY!!!!!!!!! Just saying. Too often, the first response to any problem is "Kill something." Geese, Congresswoman Giffords ... history is way too full.

Sorry. It was a beautiful day in the Park this morning.

Fun at the coffee bark!

Great time at the FIDO Coffee bark today. Norana and her dog Chewy came along with me and Ber and JJ. We met two adorable Pomeranians who had a great time with Chewy. One tried to walk him, the other was even more friendly. JJ has true dog instincts and kept close to her humans hoping for food. Which she got - there are little biscuits for the dogs. Chewy is not so food oriented (puppy mill result) but he does let me feed him now. We have to keep Chewy attached to his the leash because he still doesn't come when called, and he can run faster than all of us. Ber met a dog named Bear, and we hav e a portrait of the two of them.

I actually biked - did 7 miles in all today. Very good for the leg. I had to go in circles from time to time so the walkers could keep up with me. My balance is very poor at 3 MPH, but I hope to improve. Looks to be a huge party day in the park. There was a police car escorting in several cars setting up for a huge family reunion party in the Nethermead.

The bridge repair seems to be done. There's a wood lining under the bridge, over the paths, so no falling bricks will hit anyone. The metal plate is still gone. Hopefully it is being repaired and will be replaced.

Perfect, stunningly beautiful day.

We're Back!!

We had a wonderful extended 4th of July weekend in New Hampshire. My kids (who are grown) have been going for years - friends of theirs have a family place on a lake. Their Grandfather bought it about 60 years ago, and it's been in the family. Two branches - 1 gets July, 1 gets August. Every 4th of July, all the kids go up. We've always been invited, and decided to go this year - a perfect respite when the temperature is over 100! It was quite wonderful. 28 overnight guests! Tent city! They have two houses plus two little cabins, plus a nice lawn for tents. Opportunity to compare their lake with Prospect Park Lake! Would make a nice Venn diagram.

1. Theirs is bigger, but not a whole lot. 1/2 mile by 1 mile, more or less.

2. Both have plants growing and taking over the lake. Their's are native, and slower growing than our invasive phragmites. We took a shift pulling them out of their lake - roots were quite firmly in place, but we had a grand time getting cool and covered with mud pulling them out.

3. Clean swimmable, cold water vs. warm, shallow, not-so-clean water in prospect Park Lake.

4. Both have ducks. Only PP has swans and geese and occasional seagulls.

5. Both have fish, but you can catch and eat the New Hampshire fish. Both have very loud bullfrogs. Don't know about New Hampshire turtles.

6. PP Lake has pedal boats. NH has canoes, kayaks, and a few motorboats and party boats. Also a raft with chairs that putt-putts around the lake. Looks weird - like chairs walking on water.

7. Prospect Park has fireworks on land, NH has them around the lake - different lake-house owners put on their own display for the rest of the lake. One guy had a huge display, trying to outdo everyone. Our group had a few largish rockets, but mostly small ones - sparklers and such. They are legal in "Live Free or Die" New Hampshire, though you have to pay and get a permit for a campfire on your property.

8. NH - hardly any trash. No point in mentioning the PP trash situation. It gets pretty bad in summer. However, there are now a few large dumpsters in the park (see photo). Definitely better than the too-few trash cans, p0lus they are probably safe from raccoons.

Today was FIDO's Coffee Bark - usually it's the 1st Saturday of the month, but they moved it one week after, cause of the 4th. Norana and Austin and their new adorable Australian Terrier Chewie joined us. A fine time was had by all. It really feels like a peaceable kingdom - dogs and owners sharing food and liquids, with no barking, fighting, or any of that.

Coffee Bark with FIDO

The knee is substantially better, and we crossed to Long Meadow to attend Fido's Coffee Bark - a once-monthly gathering of dogs and dog lovers. Coffee and pastries for the humans, biscuits and water for the doggies. Lots of people and dogs. Anne and Ed came, and were treated as the heroes that they are, having brought the poor park conditions to the attention of the public. Tony (President of FIDO) was in the latest Courier, furious about the mess left in the park after Labor Day. He's a great character, and I hope that his fame persists. Someone referred to Anne as Joan of Park, which she wasn't too happy about. Not in the mood to be burned at the stake. I assured that that almost never happened any more. I told them about Elizabeth Cady Stanton's comments, when they, our foremothers, were mocked and abused, that it's fine to be laughed at - it got people talking and exchanging ideas, and that was the way change happened.

No Park officials were there. Quelle surprise!! Their attitude about the Memorial Day mess was that it could have been a lot worse. That's like, "I'm not fat because I see people who are fatter." Pretty much a bullshit argument. Of course it could be worse. We could have a massive oil spill or Hurricane in Prospect Park.

We met lovely people and great dogs. One dog looked like she was adopting Anne, but the dog was just old and partially blind and enjoyed the quiet circle we made while talking. We got JJ's picture taken, and she'll be in next year's FIDO calendar. March 17 will be JJ's Day. Possibly also mine, since I was in the picture too. Ber is more persistent in saying no to photos than I am.

No turtles needing rescue today. Just overturned latrines AGAIN, trash barrel in the lake AGAIN, and one of the new trash cans by BBQ Plaza overturned. Pretty impressive, since it was set in about 8 inches of concrete to keep it from being moved or tilted. Hard to believe people have the strength. A vehicle? But why only one, and not the two other next to it. Inquiring minds want to know.

And the geese really seem to be taking over. Could this explain why no one has seen baby ducklings in the last 2 years? Could the geese have overrun their nests, as they've tried to do with the swan nests?

Parts of the park are becoming beautifully lush and overgrown with greenery and totally gorgeous, but i think I've posted enough pictures for today.