On the way home from school today I stopped at the local duck pond. The weather was so very beautiful out that I really wanted to enjoy it a bit, before I went to my second job, where I work with a young boy on the spectrum. A great sweet bright kid.

I have been going to this particular duck pond all of my life, starting probably when I was around 3 or 4 and my dad would take me there on some Sunday mornings. We fed the ducks bread before we knew that you are not supposed to do that. I have lived in this town growing up, then a few other places before I came back here and raised my family. I am on Long Island in New York. I lived in Boston for five years in the 80’s.

Today was the first time that I ever saw turtles here. I asked a woman who was taking photographs-a serious photographer with a tripod and a telephoto lens. I thought that maybe these turtles were a decoy, fake to protect the birds. She said no, they were real. I was so happy to see the turtles for the first time today. I will go back more often now to look for the turtles.

The ducks, Canadian geese and swans were out relaxing so it seemed. The sun was shining and the blue skies and 64 degree temperature made it perfect for me.

The tree with the buds getting ready to burst brought back joy too. Not only the hope of Spring’s renewal and rebirth but also of my Grandpa Jack. My Grandpa Jack would walk with me on E. 24th Street in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn by their home. He would stop as we walked when I was about 5 and point out the buds. It is a special memory and it added to the foundation of me feeling connected with trees and plants and the best of nature in general.

It was really wonderful when my student at my second job worked quickly with on his homework-this doesn’t always happen. I do not know who was more excited to walk to the park by the water-him or me? He had his helmet on as he rode his scooter and I walked with him. We went on the swings together. He played with some other children. It was just lovely. I am feeling much gratitude for all the blessings in my life right now.