In 1987, when the ‘Great Storm’ ravaged many parts of the UK, lots of great trees were damaged or lost completely in Heavitree Park. This is the park where I grew up, part of my daily walk to school through infant and junior school years, and a place full of memories both good and bad.
My children also played there in the late 80’s, and we walked Jassy, the family dog, a golden get-it-yourself. Over time, new trees were planted, some of which are now fully grown. Grandchildren have played there, Dido and Daisy walked there for 13 years, and now it’s Flora and George’s turn.
Time passes, fall arrives every year bringing short days and damp weather. In the park several more trees have fallen over the years and have been given a new lease of life. Like this meeting bench standing near the skate park, it’s somewhere for the kids to hang out, make and break friendships and generally do what teens do, each one imagining they’re different from the generation before.
This is my post for Paula’s Thursday Special, ‘Fall’. You can join in, there’s always a warm welcome!
Lucid Gypsy 
I like your musings, Gilly 😊 hope you’ve had a good Sunday
A lovely piece of intergenerational autobiography, my friend. You make me homesick for the past and northern autumn, even with its short days and damp weather! But I’m out of there before winter!
Lovely post!
How nice that the kids today have a shelter over their meeting place, good to keep the cider dry 😉
Love your description of your family dog “golden get-it-yourself “.
Life’s and season’s pattern so vividly depicted in your musings.
A meeting bench: what a neat idea. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one anywhere in the States. Wonder if we have any anywhere. And isn’t it true that each generation of teens believes they are totally different from all the generations before them. A very astute observation, my friend.
A Golden “Get-it-yourself”!!! Love it!!
Listening to the hum of traffic in Lisbon and getting ready to leap into the day. Belem and then Cascais. Love you honeybun xx
Sounds lovely enjoy and take lots of pics. My girlies are coming and we’re all very excited! Love you too and sending hugs x🙂x
In love with Cascais. Have a lovely time Gilly xx