Rancho Park

As has become our family custom, we hauled the brood out to San Jacinto to spend «Thanksgiving-​Act I» with the in-​laws. Around 3:30 pm, with nothing to do around the house and growing weary of watching the kids fight over screen time on the Chromebook, we put everyone in the the truck and headed up the street to the local park.
Upon arrival, the place was virtually deserted. The afternoon sun shone through the autumn maple trees, igniting in shades of yellow, crimson, and orange. A chilly breeze fight in vain against our sweatshirts as the kids clambered about on the play structure. Aunt Mary walked the dogs along the perimeter of the tennis courts. Sure, someone carved a small swastika on the outside of the plastic slide, but you just sort of shake your head at that sad element of this diverse community and focus on the good.
Over the course of the hour, a few other families showed up, as did the ice cream man in his van. The kids got a little exercise, Mrs. Picante and I enjoyed an autumn sunset in the 951, and we didn’t need to shoo away any vagrants. I love it when San Jacinto/​Hemet stars align.