Auckland, Musings, Walks

On a park bench reminiscing

Suzanne

Sitting with the Squire by the duck pond, there was not too much dialogue happening; we were immersing ourselves in what was happening around us. A moment that stood out was the antics of one adventurous toddler.

To the left, heading along the path, a young child strode along with her grandparents, one hand holding the woman’s hand tightly, the other hand outstretched in the direction of the man. Well, that’s what I first thought until she rejected that hand and grabbed the dog’s leash. The dog’s face said it all as he peered up into the man’s face; the man indicted with a nod and a knowing look, straight ahead lad, as the child softly slapped the dog’s rear to get the show on the road— best yet snippet of people watching for quite a while.

The child held onto that leash for a few metres before dog walking control was once again under the calming influence of the man. The dog in question looked relieved.

Capturing the dog walker toddler moment took me back to the day my family and I attended the yearly local country fair.

Memories of a Calf Day

At this stage of life, I had difficulty with short stubby legs; it was another few years before I acquired more freedom. (Myself, Mum, Uncle Ian, behind Mum was my brother being pushed by Nana)

Attending the yearly local country fair was always a memorable event, even more so, some years than others. There was so much to do, and one particular event had my enthusiasm reaching total capacity. Organisers were looking for keen youngsters to show off the young calves by leading them around a large field. Being a goer and vocally repeating “I can do it”, age never made me question my ability to try something new. This particular year I was around five years old. So, with pleading and a smidgin of sulking, I got to volunteer to walk one of those young calves with other older children; as I said, I was older in my mind than five.

Best of all, I was to receive a penny for this wondrous adventure.

Off I went, my parents, shaking their heads in disbelief at how I managed to wangle this feat. All was going well until the moment I discovered I had dropped that penny. In my grief, I completely forgot, the calf and I were supposed to be a pair. All hell, let loose. For some reason, to this day, I can’t fathom why no one came to assist me in finding that penny. It was to be another very memorable country fair for all concerned.

Was I ever given the opportunity again? I think you can answer that.

Published by Suzanne

Travel and Life Musings from New Zealand and Beyond. . . . . . .

25 thoughts on “On a park bench reminiscing”

  1. What a lovely story, or rather two lovely stories, and the Squire (I take it it is he on the seat) looked suitably relaxed and in full enjoyment of the lovely weather. Compared to you I was a perfect child, although when my Uncle Owen met my husband for the first time he said “Did she ever tell you about the day she let all the pigs out?” And no, I hadn’t, but more to the point, I don’ remember it at all!

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    1. Thanks very much, Maris and yes that is Les the Squire on the seat. Selective hearing eh. If you asked all the people at the same event all would have completely different tales to share. I was an adventurous child who couldn’t sit still for long.

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    1. Thanks very much, Deborah. I’m finding lately that we’re chatting about our parents more, another distraction from the present. It is also an excellent way to keep old photos alive and the memories that they captured.

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  6. You’ve given me a laugh Suzanne at your lovely memory. I do love memoir and your photo is gorgeous. It reminded me of how we would get dressed up for the country show in our town. For us it was a time that we stepped out in our new summer dresses.

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    1. Thanks very much, Jennifer and very pleased it made you laugh; it was supposed to. Dressing up to go out certainly made the event special. Got to love those summer dresses in the 1960s.

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    1. Thanks Sarah and pleased you enjoyed it. I think most adults who were in charge remembered it for a while. Imagine if I had banked that penny I would have more in the bank by now 😉

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    1. Jo, so pleased the post made you laugh 🙂 Hoping the rain has stopped by the time you read this. I quite enjoy walking in the rain as long as there’s no need to be totally dry on my return.

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  14. Gosh what a lovely smile that post brought. I am glad to know you and your husband are able to be out and about again. Love the photos..and the memories. I went to agricultural shows with my aunty from the age of about 3 and we dressed up, hats & gloves and had photos taken at th entrance. I LOVED the Dapto Show!!

    It was great reading your post today after linking up for #LifeThisWeek on my blog. Thank you! I can’t believe we are in December! Now “only” 3 more Mondays for #lifethisweek in 2021. See you next week too I hope. Denyse.

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