See you in Seattle!Every year, NRPA's Congress & Exposition brings something new to attendees, speakers, exhibitors and even staff. Even though you may have attended before, you should stop and explore so you don't miss out on something worth seeing. For example, at last year's Congress in San Antonio San Antonio (săn ăntō`nēō, əntōn`), city (1990 pop. 935,933), seat of Bexar co., S central Tex., at the source of the San Antonio River; inc. 1837. , I spent an afternoon taking pictures at an off-site institute at the botanical gardens A botanical garden is a place where plants, especially ferns, conifers and flowering plants, are grown and displayed for the purposes of research, conservation, and education. . By all accounts, it seemed like a routine assignment for a magazine editor. However when I arrived, I was amazed a·maze v. a·mazed, a·maz·ing, a·maz·es v.tr. 1. To affect with great wonder; astonish. See Synonyms at surprise. 2. Obsolete To bewilder; perplex. v.intr. at the gorgeous landscapes and the different ways these southern gardens were organized from those on the east coast. I spent time in the Senses Garden, where a woman who was blind enjoyed feeling the herbs and plants, and smelling the pungent aromas of thyme thyme (tīm), any species of the genus Thymus, aromatic herbs or shrubby plants of the family Labiatae (mint family). The common thyme, which is used as a seasoning herb and yields a medicinal essential oil containing thymol, is the Old World and rosemary. I also followed a group of attendees as they strolled through the gardens. They were comparing observations, pointing out different plants to one another and just having a great time. As I introduced myself, a few members of the group told me they were from different parts of the country, but that they make it a point to meet at Congress every year to visit, socialize so·cial·ize v. so·cial·ized, so·cial·iz·ing, so·cial·iz·es v.tr. 1. To place under government or group ownership or control. 2. To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable. and talk about park and recreation issues. It is these moments that you can't plan for, but will experience in the bustling city of Seattle this year at Congress. All you have to do is take your time, open your eyes to something new and maybe stop and smell the roses. Rachel Roberts Rachel Roberts may refer to:
Editor, Parks & Recreation |
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