TheBanyanTree: Como Zoo

[NancyIee at aol.com]

I remember Como Zoo. It was the place to spend the day.  After one tired of 
the cages, there were rolling hills for picnics and barefoot racing, relaxing 
as the children played. There was a lake, Como Lake, naturally, where sailboats 
tilted.

I remember one Sunday we took the children, decades ago, now. We walked the 
paths and finally ended up in the picnic ground hills. We found a spot under 
Ash trees and spread our blanket to sit and eat our chicken, hard-boiled eggs 
and cake. After, the baby slept as the older children ran about. We were country 
folk, our children had not been often to the city, so they were curious about 
the black family nearby. African-Americans, nowdays.

We talked about how some people have different appearences, but children have 
short attention spans and had another agenda besides our "lesson."  Soon, 
they had joined the other family in a game of softball. We were urged to join in, 
and so spent an afternoon far more educational than a simple 'talk.'

My children, grown with families of their own, still talk about that day.

Oh, and Como Park, by the way, a few years ago installed a lovely Japanese 
garden which I love. And, there are few places as exciting and lush as the 
conservatory, where weddings and other events are held all summer.

I agree, Margaret, Como Park is a jewel.

NancyLee