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Not far from our home is a delightful public playground that's a favorite of kids of all ages. It is a fun place to stroll, sit, and enjoy the walkways meandering through lush Florida landscaping. The park is completely shaded by tall, old oak trees and is always pristine and inviting. Kids (and some adults) love the colorful and elaborate play equipment of slides, platforms, swings and outdoor basketball courts. It is just a fun place to get away without going far from home. It is much-needed, total relaxation. One of the big attractions is the fountain. The wide patio and seating areas surround the water jets as they shoot into the air. Lots of young families (and even some grandparents) brings babies and toddlers to sit, jump and run through the cool, pulsing spray. Aside from being a great fountain there are lifesize statues of four male African lions. The big cats with manes and paws almost as big as a new born child stand guard around the perimeter. Yes, every kid - big and small - wants to climb on a lion and does. This little girl was having the time of her life getting totally soaked as she zipped through the water while at the same time keeping an eye on the lion at the fountain's edge. Funny how we adults, who do know better (right?), never join the little ones playing in the cool, refreshing water. It is in the mid 90s!! They are smart little guys for sure. (Now why didn't I wear my bathing suit and sit on top of a fountain of water? Or sit on the lion's head and pull his ear? I do know that the lion is made of stone and won't roar or object. I do!) Isn't this scene what Florida's summertime is all about?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Who's afraid of a cowardly wet lion?
Not far from our home is a delightful public playground that's a favorite of kids of all ages. It is a fun place to stroll, sit, and enjoy the walkways meandering through lush Florida landscaping. The park is completely shaded by tall, old oak trees and is always pristine and inviting. Kids (and some adults) love the colorful and elaborate play equipment of slides, platforms, swings and outdoor basketball courts. It is just a fun place to get away without going far from home. It is much-needed, total relaxation. One of the big attractions is the fountain. The wide patio and seating areas surround the water jets as they shoot into the air. Lots of young families (and even some grandparents) brings babies and toddlers to sit, jump and run through the cool, pulsing spray. Aside from being a great fountain there are lifesize statues of four male African lions. The big cats with manes and paws almost as big as a new born child stand guard around the perimeter. Yes, every kid - big and small - wants to climb on a lion and does. This little girl was having the time of her life getting totally soaked as she zipped through the water while at the same time keeping an eye on the lion at the fountain's edge. Funny how we adults, who do know better (right?), never join the little ones playing in the cool, refreshing water. It is in the mid 90s!! They are smart little guys for sure. (Now why didn't I wear my bathing suit and sit on top of a fountain of water? Or sit on the lion's head and pull his ear? I do know that the lion is made of stone and won't roar or object. I do!) Isn't this scene what Florida's summertime is all about?
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What a lovely picture Frank. There are lions in a park where I grew up and during the war someone painted the largest one red, white and blue, the colours of the British Union Jack, I remember crying about it. I was only four
ReplyDeleteThat's about as cute as it gets! Great catch! Really! Would I be lion to you?
ReplyDelete"Mammy, do you think the lion is thirsty?"
ReplyDeleteAnd I always thought cats didn't like water.
ReplyDeleteAs long as I can leave my purse with someone I trust, I'll be with her in a second! And go on, Frank, I know you want to!
ReplyDeleteHard-bound books? I don't know Frank. Next you will probably tell me your phone is attached to the wall. All kidding aside, I believe bookstores, such as this, are the fabric of any great community.
ReplyDelete