I know I’ve mentioned this little stream before. I’m so grateful to the city for directing rain runoff from the tennis courts and golf course to join this tiny stream, and leaving a completely wild area (that can’t be much more than a hundred yards or so wide, if that) between it and the backyards of houses on the next block.
In this steamingly hot summer, it’s wonderful to walk past it in deep shade from a row of scrub oaks, on a nice level sidewalk where I won’t trip….Well, actually, I did trip one day. I was hugging the right side of the sidewalk because bikes often tend to come ripping past on my left, and my right foot happened to land partly off the edge. Carried forward by my long stride, I did a full-on face-plant on the concrete. Bleeding from my left eyebrow, cheek and lip, I looked around. I could see cars parked over by the tennis courts, but no people in sight.
Mentally checking my various parts, I decided, “OK then, I’ll do it myself.” Nothing hurt anywhere but the face, and I had a tissue to keep the blood from dripping. I got myself up, very awkwardly, and walked 15 minutes home. It was wonderful feedback on how strong my bones are. Nowadays, I walk in the middle of the sidewalk. The bicyclists can look out for themselves!
Ann Dickinson Sargent 