On Wednesday I said to Charles (out loud) "I am going to take a drive down to Cawston and see what's happening at Ginty's Pond - would love to have you come along....."
It was a gorgeous day. Blue sky, wispy clouds, warm breezes and sunshine!!
I went first to Kobou Park, a project of the community to mark the 1967 Centennial Year,
- when we were young, -
And since kept in beautiful shape by the young people of the community
(and some of the older people, too)
who use the ball parks and the children's corner constantly.
What interested me most was my thoughts of contributing in Charles' name
to the trees that rim the park,
placed there in memory of pioneers of the Lower Similkameen
and some of the people who
were part of the Cawston Bench Lands,
veterans of the Second World War who planted the dusty sagebrush flats.
I thought about what tree would best exemplify his dear, generous life,
and think it is a decision I cannot make on the spur of the moment.
I left the park, still pondering, and drove along to the western end of the pond.
where the shrubs and trees and grasses that line the water are that wonderful
luminous green of April and springtime.
Last year's bullrushes rise crisply above the rather murky waters, holding aloft
their soft, puffy seed heads, enticing the birds and the wind shamelessly.
Stretching into the eastern part of the pond there is a little green growth, then smooth waters
I pass beside the river, and the hills that rise above its far bank..
and I come to the end of the pond that crosses the road through a culvert that
stretches to the south, winding its way down again to the river.
There is a great deal of housekeeping going on here!
and perhaps still a bit of courting
I came home through the orchards in bloom and the gardens blossoming with spring flowers.
and along by the creek that runs through the Rocking Chair ranch
It was my first venture out alone, and I thought I did pretty well.
Lots of lovely memories of other days, other drives, other conversations.
And memories from long ago, - I remember the first year we were in Cawston,
roller skating down the Main Street with Steven, our oldest -
and skating on Ginty's Pond during the 1950's when the winters were
cold and the snow was deep and there was a marvelous place to party and have bonfires.
Ah yes, and here is this ancient lady, wandering around, taking pictures
and finding some contentment,
as I turn into the driveway at home and see Callie, waiting in the window....
