See you at Home Depot!!
Unfortunately what had become my secret Covid hideaway since March has now become a very hot spot for so many to go and enjoy winter activities. Hundreds of people flock to Bowness Park both day and night to get some exercise and enjoy the fresh air. There is a new skating track (Calgary’s very own Rideau Canal!) along the river banks illuminated by brilliantly lit up trees wrapped with lights around both their trunks and branches. Fire pits and free fire wood are scattered along the path for those needing a rest or a place to warm up. And if skating is not for you, there are ice bikes for rental that will take you almost anywhere a pair of skates might have. While it is a special place to visit anytime, at night it is truly a winter wonderland.
I recently tried on a couple of occasions to get into the park only to be caught in a traffic jam and find no place to park. The other day was no different. I had planned to meet up with a friend in the park but it soon became very clear that this was not going to be possible as vehicles lined up for blocks outside the entrance hoping to get in. It was time to think of a plan B – a walk on the ridge of the ravine with mountain views and Chinook arches. However, by the time I met up with my friend and after our shifting of plans, the sun’s warmth had peaked and so had our enthusiasm!! Keen on still having a little visit, yet knowing with lockdown our options were extremely limited, I noticed the Home Depot parking lot and thought a wander down the aisles of Home Depot may be just the perfect solution! After all my friend was moving into a new home in less than a week so she would be keen to browse the aisles, it would be warm inside, and would allow us ample space to walk about and fulfill our exercise commitments. We both agreed it was a good idea and headed inside where we were immediately greeting by a touch of the tropics with the blooming orchids and miniature palms. Our spirits were instantly lifted. We began removing some of our outer gear and dreamed of sand between our toes and a margarita between our lips! Eventually we carried on further into the store and before long we found a perfect spot to relax and have a visit. The perfect spot being some boxes of metal shelving!! In fact these boxes quickly converted into our sofa and the empty gas jugs, the ultimate in arm rests. As we chatted up a storm, an older employee came by to see if we needed assistance but perceptively recognized the plight of two mothers of twins (she has two sets🤪) trying desperately to find a little oasis in a Covid crazy world. He sympathetically offered to get us some Tim Horton’s coffee and assured us we could stay as long as we liked or needed!!! We thanked him very much but assured him that we needed something much stronger!!
So you see, with a little determination, some creativity, and whole lot of imagination; Home Depot became a perfect place to cheer up our Covid spirits and rejuvenate our parenting potential!!!
It also reminded me that friendship will always find a way.
5 Comments
Leave your reply.