Riverfront Park runs along the Emory River and perpendicular to the Harriman Bridge into Harriman, Tennessee. This is where I try to walk at least twice a week. The gravel trail runs 6/10 of a mile around the perimeter of the park and I never walk less than 3 times around, but push for 5 when time permits. It is a fun walk, with lots of flowers, slow moving water, and people either walking or quietly sitting along the way.
This and last week have been busy in the park, with the Brushy Tennessee Department of Correction crew painting the gazebo, cutting back weeds from the river bank and underneath the bridge and along the fences that run between Christmas Lumber Company property and the park. It is hard labor, but the young guys are largely unsupervised and seem to appreciate being here than behind a fence or bars.
Others have been busy putting up big white tents, retiling the bathrooms, and cutting the grass for the coming ceremonies. They are all preparing to dedicate The Roane County War Memorial on October 14th. A big brick fountain, plaque wall (now draped in purple to keep the names they hold a surprise), and flagpoles have been installed for this specific purpose, and it all looks grand.It is a good place to be and a good place to walk and contemplate…well, wonderfully there is less clutter in my head these days, and so much of the walk is just quiet time, simple prayers of thanks, and the buzz of brain cells waiting or searching for something to process.
I love it. I have been blessed, and I know I have said it many times before, but “thank you” cannot be said enough.
UPDATE to local readers: The traveling wall, Vietnam War Memorial, will be at Riverfront through the weekend, beginning this Friday.
8 comments:
Yep, "thank you" sometimes just doesn't quite say enough about this wonderful world.
I also enjoyed your Pack 'em down story.
It's great to have somewhere peaceful to walk and think. We are lucky in Sydney that there are such places in such a vibrant city. It is a wonderful world
You do realize that there's less clutter in your head these days because you can't remember half of it, right? LOL!
Some of our best times together are just me and Mr. G walking in the silence of the woods;)
Than You for allowing me to discover your beautiful blog. I know I can count on you for a good read to brighten my day.
Jose - what a wonderful thing to say - gee thanks. Thanks for the encouragement.
That's really nice. There's a new veterans cemetery south of Killeen on the road I use to get to my morning classes every day. They fly the flag at half mast every day they have a funeral. It's a nice reminder that there are lots of old folks passing away each day, and a few young ones in dangerous places working hard for all of us.
And the memorial park there in Sydney is amazing. Had the pleasure to visit about a decade ago on their vets day in late April.
Oh beautiful.
You ARE blessed to be planted in such a lovely spot. I'd treasure the opportunity to have regular walks in such a beautiful place with a slower pace than Dallas. Good on you!
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