We have had some gorgeous spring days lately. The sunshine is amazing! Yesterday I decided I needed to sit in the sun and also the hot tub/spa at my apartment complex. Off I went. There were a few children playing in the pool, but no one in the spa. Happy Day! I set up my chair, took my robe off, and turned on the jets of the spa. Getting ready to step into the warm water I found a sign "Spa Closed". Now I am not sure why it was closed, but I wasn't going to take my chances. I returned to my chair in the sun and sat there for awhile. In my sitting I noticed the joy of the children playing and teasing each other. I noticed parents and friends enjoying the day in the sun. It was a lovely time to feel the sun on my face and rest. Sometimes doors open in a different direction just because the door you thought you were walking through was closed.
That being said, on Saturday I drove to Elk Rock in Portland. It is less than a 1/2 hour from my apartment and has gorgeous gardens. It is on the grounds of an Episcopalian Retreat Center that overlooks the Willamette River. Many people don't know it is open to the public, as it is tucked in a quiet neighborhood and doesn't have markers to find it. You have to know it is there.
I wanted to go see the wisteria, as I knew it would be in bloom.
I drove up to the property, the gate was open; so I drove inside and parked in the visitor parking lot. There was one other car there, but I didn't see anyone. I got out and enjoyed the wisteria immensely. It was the best I had ever seen of it in all the years I have tried to capture it. It amazed me that no one else was there enjoying it. It felt like I had the place to myself in my own "secret garden".
After enjoying the wisteria, I walked on through the grounds snapping pictures as I went.
Still I saw no one.
The sun was glorious.
The flowers gorgeous.
Ahhh! Another wisteria! I had forgotten there was a white one on the walking bridge.
One trillium hiding under the flowering bush.
The view of Mt. Hood and the river was spectacular!!!
It was a glorious walk. I enjoyed every minute.
Returning to my car I proceeded to leave.
No, I never saw a person in the garden.
As I drove out to leave I realized the gate was now closed, strange!
It automatically opened to let me leave and then closed behind me.
As I looked back I saw the sign, "Closed on Saturday and Sunday".
Did they close the garden just so I could enjoy it by myself?
Laughing with flowers I thoroughly enjoyed.
I guess I was trespassing, but then I had a delightful time in the garden.
My own "secret garden" just for me.
Sending love,
Marilyn
No comments:
Post a Comment