Unexpected sounds in the park

This morning, I tried not to bundle up too much for my short bike ride to meet the running group. It was a chilly 1.5 miles! And, then, we fidgeted around until 8 minutes after, thinking that others might show. But, finally, we had to start running to warm up.

I’m not yet back in shape to run the full 10k route; and, I turn back early. Today, we were having a very interesting discussion about history and politics and what is this holiday called “Boxing Day”?. It carried me all the way to the beach! And, then, I started the return journey solo.

Running solo is boring. Today, I stopped to take photos, checked out books in a lending library, and even said “Hi!” to a random person working in his front yard.

All this as I was dreading the uphill slog back into the park. By the time I crested the hill, I was tired and disoriented. Then came the sound “pa-thwock”. And, another “pa-thwock”. Familiar but that couldn’t possible be happening outdoors at 37 F?

My gaze searched for the sound until I saw the two ladies carrying on a lively game of ping pong. They were bundled up for the cold: winter coats, mittens, stocking caps. The table itself is made out of cement; and, the “legs” look like giant ping pong balls.

But, a short blast of conversation ahead on the path distracted me just in time to see a lady doing tai chi along the path. I swerved in time to avoid her side kicks. The park is a very happening place, even when it’s 37 F!