Fascinating Playground

This post is about a fascinating playground...the park.

As I begin to write, I am thinking the month of July has certainly 

come all to soon.  Time seems to be moving faster each year. However, I must say...

Many memories flood my mind as I recall the number of "4ths" I have celebrated. There have been the patriotic activities, the small home town parades, and the joyful days at "Lagoon." Those were the days when riding the merry-go-round, and other exciting rides including the giant roller coaster were the colossal things to do. I remember the spicy hot dog with ketchup oozing out of its bun, and me quickly licking it up so it would't smudge my favorite blouse and tasting the refreshing vanilla ice cream cone, which melted much too fast for my liking.  Also, my memories recall the welcomed, wonderful picnics, especially the rich, dark chocolate cake, with thick yummy icing, which we enjoyed, as a family, at Liberty Park in Salt Lake. 

I believe the below picture shows one of my first outing at Liberty Park with my mother and dad.

How old do you think I am? What do you imagine I am going to do with the pillow?

Of course, I am much older now and I am happy to announce I enjoy a quiet day watching others at the park; which I call the fascinating playground.  I refer you to the entertainment area across the street from my home.  It is Mt. Ogden Park and each week, especially all the holidays, I can watch it packed with vigorous activities.  People of all descriptions have fun choosing their favorite activity and enjoying life like it might be the last chance they have for joyous entertainment; I say, "Good for them!"  For me, I enjoy watching the coming and going of the happy throngs. Oh, the sights I have seen.  Did I mention anything about the lovers who hang out on the playground equipment? Rather entertaining. Would you believe I witnessed an immature Don Juan going down the high spiral kiddie slide and arriving at the bottom all askew.  He acted like he may have been dizzy, injured, or in a state of unbelief. I thought, "Well, it serves you right, Mr. Lover Boy, being a silly show off trying to impress your sweet maiden."  

Children on the playground's wonderful paraphernalia. 

Oh, to be a child again!

I do enjoy watching and listening to the excitement of the throngs of people at the fascinating playground.  It is also delightful to stroll along the sidewalk running adjacent to its well cared for lawn.  I have taken my grandchildren across the street and watched them enjoy the slides and small climbing mountain.  I love to hear the happy noises of children screaming with delight as they challenge each other in their play. Often there are gatherings at the spacious Bowery, and the aroma from their BBQ feasts wafts into our yard.  I like to think it tastes as scrumptious as it smells. I wonder what the outcome would be if I attended, as a foreign visitor, a huge family gathering with plate in hand ready for a hardy meal, and with a smile on I my face ask, "Will it be possible to have a second helping?"  Well, it is a daring thought, and I would never be brave enough to do it, but, to me, it does seem intriguing; like a joker having an exciting escapade.   

Each Saturday morning, during the spring and summer, soccer games are held.  My goodness, there are little ones who are two years old (I believe they are called "Happy Feet") who run the best they can while parents watch and coach them.  I feel a smile creep cross my face as I watch the scene of over-zealous parents. Then at parade time, high-school students come to practice their marching skills. The members play an assortment of boisterous, band instruments to the steady beat of drums; each performing at a high pitch of enthusiasm. Even the military have used the park to practice their war games. My, my, I sure hope our country will be in good hands with those funny looking maneuvers I see performed in such a strange way. However, I feel a need to boost up my faith on their behalf, because these young, noble, brave people are going to protect our liberty.

  

God Bless America.

Never, in all my imaginations, would I have known the fascinating playground would continue, from when a small child to now as a mature woman, to be such an enjoyable part of my life.  

Everyone, enjoy the month of July. I am going to celebrate summer...maybe I will meander

over to the fascinating playground with my wicker picnic basket,
filled with goodies, and a colorful blanket
 for a private afternoon lunch.

Until next time, be brave, be good, and for goodness sake have fun.