Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Take a wee trip with me...

Yesterday was a glorious day at the park. I met a wonderful woman who stopped to chat and give me a big hug. I'll explain that later. For now I'll share some photos I took for you a few days ago on the way to the park. Discovery Park is in Natomas, CA and is located where the American River and Sacramento River converge. It's near downtown Sacramento, the Marina and Historic Old Town Sacramento. I didn't realize it was so close to downtown until I drove to Robyn's house for her birthday (remember that!!!???) and took the 5 from 80. What a little shocker!!! If I wanted, I could walk to Old Sac from the Park. Who knew?! Apparently not me because I'm so busy I never take time to look around and see the forest through the trees. That's going to change.

I wasn't able to take many photos because I was trying to drive, etc., but the above was taken on Truxel. If I don't take the freeway to the park, I get off in town and take main street (Truxel) and always enjoy myself. The speed limit is 40 and trust me, imposed (!!!), so I slow down and exhale. (Dr. P would be proud!) The above is a photo of Natomas' lovely library and community center. I was unable to capture the campus in all it's glory, but plan to in the next month or so (I'm going to stop, get out and walk around) because the architecture is very impressive and the landscape inviting and eco-friendly. It really is beautiful and a good use of urban space. This photo doesn't do it justice because the light changed and I had to boogie.
Going through Natomas to the park. The park is just up ahead. All the trees you see at the end of Truxel Road belong to the park. The large evergreens along the street are CA Redwoods. They're always planted in the wrong place and end up having to be cut down because they get really HUGE! These are just babies!
Things were so crazy at the park I didn't have time to take photos driving in and while there, but stopped on the bridge when leaving to show you a very small portion of the American River. Yes, I was lazy. I didn't get out of the car. Just pointed and clicked. Please excuse the rail. And as I've said so many times before, I love how Mother Nature landscapes. This is looking, hummmmmmmmmmm...is that west? Hummmmmmm. Yes, I think that's west. No, whoops, Lake Tahoe is East. Okay, that's east, so
this is west. I know!!! Too funny! What a lovely concrete pour and steel to boot. Oh, but off in the distance you can see a wee bit of river. Hey, I'm 5'2", cut me some slack. And this of course was taken...
from the same vantage point on the bridge. The cross street is Garden Parkway and signals the end of the park on the north side. I'll continue with this tour over the next few months.
And now for something completely different!!! Yes, of course I'm a Monty Python fan!
The day the BMW was towed away and the Mercedes arrived. For those of you who wanted to know, that's what she looks like. Oh, and those of you who follow me know that's the old roof. It's now black (will post those photos eventually!!!) with new gutters. The garage is a mess because we're trying to rehab the interior and for some reason everything ends up in the garage. Our cars have always had a garage until this remodel. Go figure. And for those of you who follow me (yes, I know I'm repeating myself) you will see a pile of chairs. Yes, it's true!!! Remember???! I actually have a very impressive collection...too many infact. I'm thinking of selling some on eBay!!! I'll paint them all cottage white and use shabby chic fabric. Think they'll sell? Please say yes because I have about 50! What??? And the pile of limbs and leaves. Yes, ready for the compost bins.
Now about my new friend at the park. Her name is Mrs. E. Well that's not her real name, I'm using it to protect her because you know how I protect everyone on my blog (hey Ali, hey Cher, hey Renee, hey Rob)!!! She stopped, beautiful and elegant, with a huge smile and said,
"You feed the ferals?"
"Yup."
She was running so was all hot and dripping with sweat, but looked gorgeous, fit, tan, and adorable in a little navy tennis skirt (so I knew she played tennis too). She asked about the cats. All of them. How many? Where I fed them? What I fed them? Where they spay and neutered? Etc. We had a glorious conversation. She informed me she lived on the river about 7 miles up (which of course didn't surprise me because I knew she was wealthy and only wealthy people can afford to live on the river! It's like living on the ocean.) and fed ferals near her home so was always seeking guidance. We stood in the parking lot and talked about so many things and had such a beautiful morning while Wee-Piggy looked on and seemed very interested. I asked how many miles she runs. She replied "10-12, Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday and 5-7 Monday and Thursday and walk between 4-6 miles Tuesday and Friday."
I started to laugh and she said "WHAT???" I replied "You put me to shame, and you play tennis too!" She said "How do you know that?" I said "because you're wear a tennis skirt." She looked down almost in disbelief and said, "Wow, I forgot to change." I said "You played tennis before this?" She replied "Yes." We couldn't stop laughing. She belongs to a running club and they participate in all sorts of events, so her running schedule is intense, but she plays tennis for pure joy!!! She's gorgeous, inside and out and probably 10 years older than I am and looks 10 years younger. I told her "I'm going to take the next few weeks and reevaluate my life." She said "DO IT!" Then she said "Can I hug you?" I said "Of course!" And we hugged a good long time. She said "I'll see you next Saturday, and thank you for all you do." I said "You bet." And off she went.
I have been graced with some of the most amazing people at Discovery Park: from visitors, to employees, to Rangers, to Directors, to members of the Army Corp of Engineers, to homeless. I am blessed. When I'm old and look back on my life, this will be a period I never forget. Never. And no Mrs. E., I will never forget you. Thank you for such a gorgeous morning.
XO
P.S.
~ Cece, thanks for the call and for your concern. I'll be okay. Thanks too for making me laugh. You always do. I love you with all my heart.
~ Renee, thanks for the email. I'll be okay. Just a bit of a rough patch!!! You know me well enough to know I'll navigate this like everything else. Hard? You bet. But good times are ahead. I just have to wade through the muck to get there!!! Yuck! Thank you so much for your love and concern. I'm sorry I worried you, but so glad you enjoyed the DMV post. That was hoot! I love you baby. Hope all is well with you and yours. I'll email when I come up for air. And we'll call one another in a few days.
~ Leah, I'll be fine. So much going on and only one of me. I feel like one of those little, out of control, bouncing rubber balls that everyone tries to catch but can't get near. I'll explain in an email. Thanks for your concern and the email. I'll get back to you in the next few days, but really, think I should take three or four weeks because you can't actually respond, can you? With Rush Hashanah and then Yum Kippur, legally, you can't blog. Can you? Love you baby!
XO to all who have helped me through this very difficult time in my life. I adore all of you, but of course can't write to every single one because this post would be insanely long!. We'll get through this together. Trust me. I'm moving on and hope you all join me.
XO





20 comments:

Suzanne said...

SECOND!!!!

That's it? I wrote all that for "First!!!!"

Hey, funny thing. I just finally listened to all my phone messages from the past two months. Yes, I'm quite pathetic. My sister, Laura, called 5 times. She's very worried after not hearing from me. You'd think she might have left her new phone number!!!!! I still haven't heard from Ali or anyone in my family. Life is sometimes way too funny. Laur, if you're reading this honey, I need the new freakin' phone number! And will someone in my family please call or email?!

Hi Bob.

Skeeter said...

THIRD!!!!

Hooray, that means a bronze medal! Oh my.

It is amazing how you meet people that share interests with you. I think that compassion for animals and caring for their environment is one of those traits that most everyone shares. I only wish that more would act on that compassion and turn more of it into reality. The world would be a much better place, you know?

A very nice posting, Suzanne.

Best wishes,

Skeeter

Kookaburra said...

Thanks for the guided tour and the photos of the environs of Discovery Park and Truxel. I noticed the 'stars and stripes' flying proudly above the library. It would be real neat if you could someday publish some photos of the Marina and Historic Old Town Sacremento.
Oh and by the way; did you realise that you were driving on the wrong side of the road?

Suzanne said...

Skeeter,

Thanks. I agree that if everyone made just a wee effort the world would change. Unfortunately that is not the case. Why? I don't know. Honestly, it isn't hard to make a difference. Help one person. Or one kitty. Or one child. One dog. ONE! Just one.

I loved meeting Ms. E. yesterday. She said "I've watched you for months and had to stop today." The fact someone noticed and cared meant the world to me. She's so kind, gentle and warm and being held in her embrace mattered. It actually mattered. I have met so many amazing people, as you know, and they all matter. As difficult as life has been the past few months, I can't believe how beautiful the past year and a half has been at the park. I'm absolutely confident everything will be okay personally and life will move forward with, as Cece said, a little help from my friends.

Thank you my dear friend. Your words mattered.

With love,
Me

Suzanne said...

Mark,

Oh shush!!! You're too funny. I'm driving on the "right" side!

And yes, Old Glory usually flies over most state buildings. It's lovely, isn't it. I do love our flag. I think it's gorgeous. And thanks for enjoying the tour. I do plan to take many more trips and will include Old Town Sac and the Marina. Robyn has inspired me to get out and look around more. I'm so busy I never find time to do much more than the regular stuff, but I realized last week I must venture out and take time to explore, not only for myself, but for dear friends!!! I also got lost last week trying to find the west entrance to the park because the north entrance was closed. I ended up traveling down a two lane back road along the river in and effort to find the freeway. All the homes were so gorgeous and the drive devine. I realize I have to get out more and explore. The world has so much to offer.

Love you so much and thanks for your constant support. I realize writing this that three of my favorite guys are here. What a comfort.

Hope you're having a good week. Love to all,
Suze XOXOXOXOXO

Leah said...

Hey you! Great post, great story. I love the car window pictures. I'm glad you're doing okay (semi-okay? as okay as can be expected?). Rosh Ha-Shanah is over, at least for me, so I can check in. I'm heading over to the Wild Onion--

xoxo

Mr. Shife said...

Glad to hear you are doing better and you had a wonderful day. I mentioned it on my blog but the timing of the book you sent could not have been better. Life took another dump on me this week but I will be OK. I am just glad you are alright and I have friends like you to help me out. Take care.

Cece said...

It doesn't matter which number I am. It just matters that I got here. The lady in the park sounds like a very nice lady. Perhaps it is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Call me when you get the time. I could use some cheering up myself. I am heading to bed right now. I am exhausted. Talk to you later. Cece

Anonymous said...

HEY SUZANNE!!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for your comments on my blog. I've got an appointment to see my general doc for some migraine drugs, and I've been to the acupuncturist which kind of helps.

I LOVE THIS POST!!! I want to come with you on your next trip to the park to feed the ferrals...please!!!! What a lovely life you've created, even though it sounds like it gets hectic sometimes. Sounds like that lady in the park is an angel come to help you out...how lovely.

Hey, head over to the Wild Onion and join the fun when you can...

XOXOXOXO
RC

Skeeter said...

Hey Suzanne,

I hadn't thought of it until I read Mark's reply, we really are tourists in your city and sightseeing through the images on your blog. Their great pictures, I've only been to your city once and that was back when the Air Force still operated the Air Logistics Center there. Didn't stay long though, was on my way to Sunnyvale and the City by the Bay to visit friends.

Best wishes,

Skeeter

Mr. Shife said...

I don't know what BBC is smoking but I assure you that I am trying to make the world a better place. I love Mother Earth and with my American Indian roots I would get my ass kicked by my grandparents if I did not recycle and do my part to make a difference. So don't worry I am a greenie.

kylie said...

hi suzy
just saying g'day
i hope youre taking care of yourself
xx

Shutterspy said...

Helloooooooo! :-D

Is 40mph unusual where you are? So many of our roads are 30mph.

Nice to see you :-D

Kookaburra said...

Hey Suzanne,
I have just re-read my comment to you over at http://www.justbobness.com/2008/10/mavericks.html. It seems that I might have upset you with my flippant remark. I apologise and if i haven't upset you then all's well and good.

Cheers and beers,
Mark.

Suzanne said...

Mark! NO! You didn't upset me at all. I adore you and appreciate the thought you put into your comment. I often think it's funny how we read words differently. I love you baby!!! Nothing's changed! NOTHING!!!

XO to you and my favorite family!

Suzanne said...

Shutterspy!

Hey you cutie you! It's so nice to see you here again. Gorgeous photos by the way. Yes, of course I notice.

40-45 on side streets are pretty typical here, with 25-30 on neighborhood streets. I wish every street was 25-30, but I'd probably be killed if I suggested it.

Keep up the good work darling.

Love you,
Suze ;)

Shutterspy said...

Hehe :-D

25? Hmm that might be a bit *too* slow. Although at the end of our road is a wider, busier road, so they designated it as a '20 zone' (why they couldn't just put up normal speed limit signs is beyond me lol). They also put speed bumps (GRRRR!), but as you turn into our road, two signs announce 'end of 20 zone, 30mph' which is stupid because our road is much, much narrower (wide enough only for single-file traffic because there are cars parked on either side).

So you can only do 20 on the wide road, but you can do 30 down our road lol :-D

Walker said...

NINTEENTH :P

Nice pictures of the inside of your car and the outside looks great too.

You can take up jogging with your new friend :)

Kookaburra said...

SUZANNE & ROB,

Belated HAPPY ANNIVERSARY for October 2nd.

I'm sure that you celebrated the day in style and wish you both many more years of happiness.

Mark.

Leah said...

Oh my goodness--happy anniversary to you too Suze! How funny, one anniversary after another...

xoxo