In a Washington State of mind

I like it here. Seattle.  I'm just ready to leave tonight and thought I'd try to capture some of my time in writing.  First, I found a wonderful Airbnb in an area Green Lake.  I was so happy to find that this lake, smaller than the Stockbridge Bowl, but bigger than Lake Mansfield had a wonderful exercise trail.  it seems like Seattle is REALLY good at providing services to the people of the city.  I went to the trail every day I was here walking and lightly jogging each morning.  What I found was that there was great freedom in being in a place where no one knows you.  It didn't matter what I wore for my walking, or how slow or fast I was. No one was there to chat, just to have their morning exercise - there was no judgement.

The paved trail had a nearly center yellow line, the right side (counterclockwise) to the lake was for bicycles and in line skates, while the left side (either clockwise or counterclockwise)  was for walkers and runners.  I saw all kinds of people, not a crowded trail like in NY Central Park, but people out for all sorts out for "fitness".  All body shapes were really inspiring and of course the anonymity.

There is such a rhythm to the early morning at Green Lake.  Walkers and runners with dogs of every breed and personality.  I saw several runners with three wheel child strollers only with dogs as occupants, older dogs enjoying the ride. One man had a German Shepherd pulling him while he skateboarded in the "wheel" lane.  And while this activity was busy, I saw several people doing Tai Chi, and other people calmly fishing, and those strolling with a Starbucks coffee in hand.  I loved every minute at this lake.  I wish we had something like this in the Berkshires.

So that was how I started my day, but the real Sense of Purpose began in seeing my daughter and her family.  Z is just so good natured and easy to be with that we spent a lot of time with her.  I brought her to the Asian art museum and I found a Pride celebration where there were many activities for children.  One vendor had child size butterfly wings that they could glue feathers and craft items to.

My daughter's graduation was very nice.  She looked great in her gown with her colored hood.  So many of her friends from her apartment village came to wish her congratulations.  One friend brought flowers and a card.

In my short time, I visited a winery north of here, the art museum, a salt water swimming pool on Puget Sound, and today the Gas Works park.  I'm tired but fulfilled.  My daughter left this morning for Kolkata, and will arrive in gosh only knows, 35 hrs?  She flew from Seattle to Minnesota, then on to Paris, then to Delhi, then she'll take a flight to Kolkata.

So I leave in a few hours, back to my high school track for exercise.  But a part of the essence of Seattle and the values Washington State has for its residence will linger with me.