Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Right in Our Own Back Yard

Mom and dad are trying to make the most of these scary times, and that includes getting out for walks as much as they can while maintaining their personal safety.  Of course, practicing their social distancing skills is first and foremost while exercising, but that comes easily since neither is really much of a people person anyway.  They know enough to avoid touching things and getting too close to people, and waving "hello" to others is good, but they're still getting used to this.  When they headed out the other day they encountered an elderly gentleman in a nearby parking lot who was having difficulty figuring out where the gas cap door release was in his rental SUV.  They did their best to help him and got it figured out, but they found it a little awkward to stick to these new rules while doing so, even with a simple encounter like this. They couldn't help thinking things like "should we not have touched his keys?" and "should we not have leaned into the vehicle?" and "should we keep hand sanitizer on us?"  Scary, sad and crazy, isn't it?  They even questioned a previously-scheduled appointment to donate blood right down the road.  They walked to the location, but couldn't decide- even with adequate spacing between waiting area chairs- whether this kind of thing was a good idea (as important and much needed as it is).

Anyway, they've been wandering the streets of nearby neighborhoods right around here, and occasionally walking the perimeter of a small city park nearby.  They saw a sign for what they thought was a small park for kids near a school and when they approached the walkway that lead into it they discovered this. 
Now, I know we've posted photos in the past of these awesome carnivorous plants, but who doesn't love photos like these?
The Venus Flytraps were scattered in clusters here and there throughout the park, and a partially submerged stone walkway curved throughout, providing the most awesome up-close view.
There were signs that some humans don't know enough to stay on the path, but that's no surprise considering how ignorant some people are these days.
  At least they didn't see signs that any of these gloriously fascinating plants had been damaged.

Things are weird, times are uncertain, the news is too often sad and the word vomit coming from certain leadership is confounding, but hopefully we'll get through this in time.  Until then stay as safe as y'all can, hone your social distancing skills and be mindful of what it takes each and every one of us to navigate this new reality.

10 comments:

Eastside Cats said...

When out walking, I go to the other side of the street, just to give oncoming walkers room!
Kids and young people don't seem to get this social distancing thing AT ALL, I've noticed.
What I want to know, Cleo...what the heck was happening in the Wilmington, NC area that created Venus Fly Traps 'way back when?!?

Brian's Home Blog said...

The crazy humans around here thing 6 inches is social distancing, they are out and about everywhere, even a multi-family yard sale in our neighborhood over the weekend. Y'all stay safe, healthy and virus-free.

pilch92 said...

Those are cool plants. It is tough right now trying to be helpful to others without literally risking your life- be safe.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Those Venus Flytraps are fascinating. I never knew that they could only be found in that one place in the wild.
We are sheltering for safety for 12 weeks.
It isn't too hard for us as we live on a farm, so the only people we see are the people who keep their horses at livery with us.
It is quite normal to talk from a distance while they are poo picking their fields.

The Whiskeratti said...

It was kind of you to help that man. And it's definitely a strange, strange time.

The Island Cats said...

Wow, we've never seen Venus Flytraps just out in the wild like that. We would social distance from them. ;)

Mickey's Musings said...

Sounds like that was a cool walk.
The Venus Flytraps are pawsome but we would not want to get our paws in them :/
Purrs,Georgia and Julie

Ivan from WMD said...

Kindness *is* contagious. That was a nice thing your mom and dad did.

We had no idea that Venus Flytraps grew only in NC. We wish we had Venus Pigeontraps here.

The Swiss Cats said...

Those Venus flytraps are pawsome ! We're lucky to live in the countryside, our humans can go for a walk and don't meet more than three or four people. Purrs

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

Very interesting plants! We're in NYC and people are still being stupid! WE can't believe it.