The McFamily: What a shame.

Riley and I went on a stroller walk today, which in itself is remarkable, given that it's been many months since he'd tolerate sitting in the stroller, preferring instead to walk. Anyone who's 'walked' with a toddler knows that you don't do much walking. The adult gets to stand there tapping her foot while the toddler turns over every rock within reach to see if there are any interesting creatures underneath. It takes a hour to get up the block.

But anyway, today I suggested a stroller walk and he said sure, so off we went. While we were out we passed our nifty local business district and stopped to get an orange juice at the coffee shop. On our way back to the stroller we spied a lovely toy wooden sailboat in the antique store which was quite reasonably priced, so we got it. It's in fabulous shape and seems to me, given my utter ignorance of sailboats, quite well made. We brought it home and after some lunch and some minor adjustments to the boat we were off to sail it at Avondale park, the only place I know of in the city with a body of water.

We'd only been to Avondale park one time before, but today was a total wash. The park has a rich history, with fabulous stone work, a lovely rose garden and, of course, a pond (not to mention an elaborate stone amphitheater built into the side of a steep, boulder strewn hill) but the neighborhood on one side of the park has fallen on hard times and the beautiful park has an unsavory element to it now. While I'd have loved for Riley to have been free to trot where he chose and wade in to the water to play with his boat, that wasn't an option, so the whole trip ended up frustrating for both of us. I kept one eye on the young men talking loudly by the playground equipment and the other on Riley, who seemed determined to get into the water despite the fact that it was anything but clean. We had to nix the outing early and come home for a shower.

What a shame to see such a beautiful, extraordinary place like that given over to ne'er do wells. Robbie and I agreed that we need to scratch Avondale park off the list and find another place else for Riley to sail his little boat.