Focus on Life: Week 10

Week 10: The Big Picture

We are expanding what we are checking out and

looking at the BIG picture! The wide angle shot!! 

The Mill Pond was named in recognition of the sawmill operation that once used this pond for power. The sawmill was part of what made the heart of town an attractive place to settle in the late 1800s.

Today, it is a local park, the stage to the summer Concerts In The Park, and also hosts the annual Winter Carnival and Mill Pond Splash Events. There is a playground for the children and walking trails through the woods. It is home to a variety of wildlife species, including ducks, swans, raccoon, geese, and beavers.

This photo was taken VERY early this morning. It looks very peaceful and serene right now. Later today, you will see families skating, children playing hockey and seniors out for their daily stroll.

The park is surrounded by heritage homes and is a popular location for wedding photos. You can always find someone fishing in the summer, but don't let your children play in the water! The snapping turtles who reside there have belligerent dispositions and their powerful beak-like jaws can snap off fingers and toes with ease.

Many years ago, my father worked for the parks & recreation department. He came upon a couple of ducks that had been victims of those turtles. The male had only one leg and could not defend himself very well. The stronger, two-legged males harassed him constantly. The female had only half a beak and had difficulty picking up food to eat.

The two of them were often seen together. She chased off the aggressive males and he picked up the food and fed it to her. One day, my father decided to re-locate the two disabled ducks to a small lake in the north end of town where there were no other ducks to bother them and they could live in peace. Now, there is a vibrant community of ducks living there that began with those two.

To see the BIG PICTURE photos of the other participants, check out the links below...

An InLinkz Link-up