Oh, Kensington!

I was bound and determined to get to Kensington tonight.

I left work around 4 pm, stopped at a yard sale, and then my car wouldn’t start. Since I didn’t have my phone with me, I asked the yard sale people if I could use theirs to call AAA. Instead, they used my new jumper cables to get my car started. I was only a couple miles from the AutoZone that Dennis used to work at, so I drove straight there and learned that my battery was basically toast. Dennis’s former boss – Tony – was happy to sell me a new one and install it for me. I debated for a moment or two, but then I drove to Kensington and arrived at about 7 pm. It was well worth it.

It’s hard to describe the myriad of feelings that I had while I was there. I rehearsed some pleasant memories, reveled in the beauty of the lake and the sky, experienced the gentle massage of the water as I swam and floated, and smiled at some little kids.

After I got dressed, I sat in my chair on the lawn and a tall sandhill crane came within 5 feet of me and just stood and watched me. Since he stayed around for a long time, I decided to make a couple of sketches of him. I’m sure he was interested in some food, but since I had nothing to offer, I just talked to him and waved my arms – which seemed to make him come closer. He would look directly at me and kind of tilt his head a bit. Eventually he walked on – came back later – and after I finished my sketches, he went to the beach, fluttered his magnificent wings, and took off across the lake.

The sunset was not spectacular, but since the crane was so friendly, I stayed until about 9:30 p.m. or so. I enjoyed watching the silhouettes of the crane and a man, woman and dog – against the water. It was all SO lovely!

On the way home I stopped at the Redford fireworks for about 10-15 minutes and enjoyed them, then came home feeling very relaxed and happy.