Tico Walks Richland Boulevard
One of Tico and Sally’s favorite activities was to go for a walk on Richland Boulevard.
Richland boulevard was a historic and beautiful street not far from their home. The homes were old, the sidewalks were wide, the trees were massive, and the little yards were immaculately kept.
Every house had the greenest little patch of grass and the prettiest flowers, gardens and walkways. There were rose bushes, hydrangeas, both pink and purple and green, and lots of wildflowers too.
Everyone was welcome on Richland Boulevard! And this was a theme Sally and Tico took notice of. There was a true spirit of harmony here.
Anytime Sally was having a bad day, she’d rush home from work, get Tico and they would jump in the car and off they would go to Richland Boulevard!
There was a small Christian college on the street along with a library and cafeteria which gave the neighborhood the quaint feeling that it had. There was also a Jewish Temple just one block up and it was not uncommon, especially on Saturdays, to see families walking to temple, men wearing their yamakas, and ladies in pretty skirts and dresses.
There was also a little park with a gazebo and a swing. This was Sally and Tico’s favorite spot!
They always made time to sit in the gazebo, Sally would swing, Tico kept a close eye on the squirrels... and they would think about life. They though t about life a lot.
Halloween was a fun time on Richland Boulevard. The entire street participated in a pumpkin carving contest. They would bring their carved pumpkins to one house that set up stands to display these works of art, there were so many, and then the judging committee would pick the best one.
“There must be hundreds,” Sally said to Tico one cool Fall evening as walked by. Tico sniffed the pumpkins and turned up his nose. I have better things to sniff, he seemed to say... like squirrels!
Christmas was a sight to behold as well. Nearly every house was light up and sparkling with a variety of different colors and decorations. One house had a big, elegant pine tree in the front yard that must have been as tall as a skyscraper and every year it would be strung with large colorful lights. No doubt the owner had to rent a cherry picker to get the lights up that high!
But Sally and Tico’s favorite time of year on Richland Boulevard was Spring. All the flowers were blooming, and the entire street was lined with beautiful cherry trees that produced an abundance of delicate pink blossoms. The scent of roses, jasmine and honey suckle filled the air and neighbors left little water bowls out on the sidewalks for all the dogs as the weather got warmer. Tico thought this was very kind of them.
One Sunday morning, Sally and Tico were walking and discovered a brand-new little herb garden with a sign that read, “FREE! Take some herbs home, pull some weeds if you want to!”
Sally said, “Wow, how kind is that!” as she plucked a small batch of thyme and parsley. “This will go nice with our eggs this morning,” Sally said to Tico.
They got home and Sally boiled some eggs just enough so that the whites were cooked but the yolks were still runny. This is how she and Tico liked them. Sally chopped and sprinkled the fresh herbs on top.
“Eat those Tico,” Sally said. “Herbs are good for us!”
Well, you never had to ask Tico twice to eat an egg. He ate so fast he nearly swallowed them whole, then sat there looking very pleased and content with a big smile on his face.
“Wouldn’t it be nice if the entire world was kind and harmonious like Richland Boulevard?” Sally asked Tico.
Yes, Tico seemed to say with his big, wise brown eyes. Yes, it would. But until then, we’ll always have Richland Boulevard.
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