Randy and I walked Sunday morning along a recreational trail in Faribault’s North Alexander Park. The path follows the Cannon River. That’s the Faribault Woolen Mill in the distance.
MID SUNDAY MORNING and I desire to get out of the house. For one reason. A mouse. After I went to bed Saturday evening, Randy spotted a mouse running across the living room. Have I told you yet that I am terrified of mice? I understand that my fear is irrational. But that does not change my feelings about rodents. I’ve had too many mouse encounters—in a bathroom in the dead of night while pregnant. Another with a mouse found floating dead in a crockpot. And a live mouse in a silverware drawer. Yes, I detest mice. I figured if we left the house, we would come home to find the elusive mouse caught in a trap. Snap. Dead. It didn’t happen.
The trail winds through a wooded part of the park. At the distant shelter, a group was setting up for a grad party.
But, hey, we had a nice time at North Alexander Park in Faribault, where we walked a recreational trail and I paused numerous times to take photos. It proved a welcome break from mouse brain. And also provided photos for this blog. Win-win.
Three growing ducklings in a row.
The watchful mama duck trails behind.
Overnight rainfall raised the water level of the Cannon River considerably, but not to flood stage.
As usual, ducks and geese populated this park and I found myself dodging droppings. For the first time ever, I also observed a couple throwing bread to the fowl. I thought to myself, please do not encourage them to wander away from the river and onto the pathways further into the park.
Typically, this playground is swarming with kids.
Randy and I saw a few other humans. Walking dogs. Setting up for a graduation party. A dad and his two kids on the playground.
And on a nearby tree, a beautiful woodpecker searching for bugs. (If only he could scout out mice.)
The empty softball diamond. Check back for some interesting signage photos.
Across the road, the softball diamonds were vacant. On a typical summer weekend, they would likely be busy with tournaments.
Looking through the fence at the Faribault Aquatic Center. No kids. No pool open this summer.
This sign made me laugh. Check the weather forecast before you head to the pool.
On this incredibly hot and humid July day, the pool remained closed due to COVID-19.
Likewise, just down the street, the Faribault Aquatic Center was also vacant, locked down due to COVID-19. I took a few photos and laughed at a sign inside the front entry that advised of no refunds in the event of lightning. It rained all night Saturday into early Sunday morning here in Faribault. Plenty of thunder and lightning.
Across the road at the Rice County Fairgrounds we found one final surprise—a horse show. Not yet underway, but in the process. I’ve always liked horses.
But mice? No. Not one bit…
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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