Day 262: In My Own Backyard

Foster Floodplain Natural Area

Yesterday, I chose to cross Foster Road for my walk. The Foster Floodplain was the perfect destination for a warm, blue-skied January day. I didn't realize how scenic this area is. Usually, on any given drizzly Portland day, it is gray, soggy and marsh-like. Not a very inspiring outdoor experience. But yesterday it was lively. Birds were singing, a slight breeze was blowing and Johnson Creek was gurgling. I've been doing a bit of research. I discovered that the Foster Floodplain area was completely restored in 2012 - all 63 acres. I had no idea it was this large! Very excited for my walk today. Much to explore!

If you are interested in learning more about the Foster Floodplan, click here: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/286175

I stretched this morning to "Walking the Dog" by George Gershwin. This delightful little tune came in at number 252 on the Classic FM Hall of Fame for 2015. 

I weighed in at 187 pounds.  I set a new goal:  182 pounds by February 26.

My hymn of the day is: "Abide with Me".  Words by Henry F. Lyte, written in 1845. Music by William H. Monk, written in 1861.

The words are so comforting. This would be a good hymn to sing before going to bed. I had such nightmares last night. Note to self: Be careful what I watch on television before bed!

Here are the words to today's hymn:

 Abide With Me

1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
   The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
   When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
   Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
   Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
   Change and decay in all around I see—
   O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
   What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
   Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
   Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
4. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
   Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
   Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
   I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
5. Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
   Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
   Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
   In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

 Happy Tuesday! :)