So Much to See and Do the Kids (and adults) Will have the Time of Their Lives

Yesterday afternoon my friend called me and said she would be playing soccer on a field near my house and she thought I might like to walk the dog over and watch.  Yes, I would like to watch the game, no I would not like to bring the dog.  He's had his chance to attend a soccer game.  One day we were out walking in an big open area (he was off leash) when we came upon a girls' high school soccer practice.  He started running up and down the field with the girls, chasing the ball and having great time. When I finally got him leashed up and over to the sidelines, the girls came over and started petting him and fawning over him.  Noticing how irritated the coach was, we left.

Handball courts are in the background.

 The field where my friend was playing is part of a vast and impressive sports complex that lies between Roosevelt Park and San Jose High Academy.  There is a fantastic skateboard park, a roller hockey rink and stadium, handball courts, baseball fields (yes, multiple baseball fields) football stadium and track.

Roller hockey rink is in background.

Nestled in among all these arenas are two open fields large enough to accommodate soccer.  Any given night in San Jose, one is likely to find soccer games (organized and not) taking place in parks and schools and fields.  My friend's game was part of an adult coed soccer league and I have to say it sure looked like fun and set against the backdrop of Mt Hamilton with Lick Observatory sparkling in the setting sun, it was a pleasure to be there.

Always Something Interesting Along the River

Enjoyed a nice long walk along the Guadelupe River today and saw these colorful little flags again.  Does anyone know why they are there?

And then when we took a little side trip to check out Henry's Hi Life we peeked into a hole in the wall and saw this dazzling sight.

And then this.  Always something new to see, just around the corner.

Sheep in Downtown San Jose?

When I set out to take pictures of this whimsical front yard I had spotted last week on North Second Street, I wasn't expecting to have the surprising and enjoyable afternoon that I ended up having.  After shooting these pictures, I headed over to Guadelupe River Park to take the dog for a walk. We were stopped short when we spotted a flock of sheep grazing in the historic orchard.  This unexpected sight was quite exciting for me and Burgan (the dog) and I ran back to grab my camera.  While putting my camera away, I met a friendly and interesting man who also enjoys taking pictures of San Jose, mostly archiving relics that are about to be plowed down.  We connected with each other and we ended up having a rather lengthy and meaningful discussion about many things.  I just think it's unlikely I'd have this kind of afternoon if I was still living in the suburbs.  I love San Jose!

Misty, Moisty Morning in Kelly Park

This place is so special to me that I'm reluctant to go public with it. If you go to Kelly Park and walk past the picnic area and the Japanese Friendship Garden and then through a chain link gate, the park opens up into a wild old orchard and a path that follows Coyote Creek. I love the solitude of this place and each season brings its own brand of beauty. Right now the landscape is stark with buds just beginning to swell but the rolling turf is covered with bright, fresh green grasses. This area is teeming with birds all year round. I have seen blue herons as well as Western Bluebirds. In a few weeks this park will be a sea of fruit tree blossoms. Check it out.

Roosevelt Skate Park

I never thought I needed a skate park in my neighborhood until my first visit to our brand new skate park and now I love it.  The first thing that struck me was how the skate park had just soaked up skaters from all over. Where were all these people before the park was built? There were people from the immediate neighborhood and people from as far away as San Diego.  There were famous sponsored skaters and little skaters just getting started.  Even the youngest, most hesitant skater was accorded a genuine respect by the others.  I was struck by the harmony amongst the skaters.  If there was an unwritten rule or a statement of protocol I think it would go like this:  "Do what you want, when you're ready to do it and stay cool."  The skaters are a very unexcitable group, very mellow. In the numerous times I've visited the park there have been no arguments, no raised voices, no discord, no lines or sign-ups.  Just people doing what they love to do and watching others do the same.

Walking to the San Jose Airport

When it came time for my son's girlfriend to fly back to Boston after her holiday visit here, she asked if we could walk to the airport.  I couldn't think of any reason one wouldn't walk to the airport, it's just that as far as I know, no one ever does. I love the Guadelupe River Parkway and my dog and I have walked hundreds of miles along the trails but never to get to the airport for a flight.  Well it turns out you can do it, it is really no big deal. Although judging from the makeshift, iffy looking pathway that leads you from the river trail to the terminal, it is clearly not encouraged.  If you begin at the HP Pavilion and walk north, it is about 3 1/2 miles to the airport.  You will almost certainly spot an elegant white egret while you are walking.  In addition to the picture of me and my son walking the trail, I'm posting a picture of the beautiful and moving Veteran's Memorial at Guadelupe River Parkway and Park Ave.  The striking white flags represent military personnel in formation.  If you visit the memorial, make sure you take time to read the etched glass panels which have figures of veterans and excerpts from their letters home telling of their experiences in various wars.