Summer might have finally arrived! I meandered out in the murky and muggy morning to run a few errands on foot. I was almost sorry that I ventured out, but for that ultimate 500-mile year-end walking goal, I went. I opened the door to see a cricket jump off the bricks and then I promptly walked into some spider web or something sticky that about freaked me out. I batted my arms in the air, waving off whatever had settled on my head and shoulders. I didn’t see a monstrous-sized spider, but he had been there and no doubt abandoned the web at some point after he spun it. Well, ugh!

That gusty thunderstorm the other day split apart an old tree on the corner and left huge branches scattered all over the lawn. That tree was there as long as I’ve lived here, and soon that will be 50 years. Just as I returned home, the tree cutters arrived, making quick work of the big branches, feeding them into the hungry shredder and sawdust was spewing everywhere. I watched them cutting the trunk down as well – there was a large crew which worked fast because they no doubt had a lengthy agenda today. Sadly, that tree was history in no time.

As I passed Memorial Park I couldn’t help but notice all the large branches scattered around the Park … these were more like limbs that lay in large heaps everywhere. Our City with its financial problems probably won’t be removing them for awhile yet. Once again, I marveled at the wrath of Mother Nature.

It was so sticky and humid outside … not my cup of tea at all. My walk became an adventure of sorts as the stroll challenged my nose to determine what aroma belonged to what since the humid air carried a myriad of smells, and not just the smell of worms.

First, I heard the slow chugging of a large vehicle and then overpowering diesel fumes. I looked behind me, and there was a school bus rolling along. It was empty – good thing because I sure hope the exhaust problem is corrected before it asphyxiates any of the young scholars who soon will be riding in it.

Finally, the bus fumes dissipated, and were replaced by a more-inviting smell as I walked past Harry’s Corned Beef and Ham. The door was cracked open a tad and the smell of corned beef wafted through the air right across Fort Street. I swear I detected garlic pickles as well. The exhaust fans were working overtime to create such a nice aroma, but I know how wonderful the food smell carries to the outside world from that little restaurant, for it was the former diner where I worked for five years. You could smell breakfast or burgers on the grill at Carter’s for many blocks away.
I was reminiscing about Carters just as I ambled past White Castle. I don’t know what they were cooking on their grill – breakfast sliders and hash browns perhaps? I sniffed appreciatively at the homey smells which filled the air. Again, I was sorely tempted to step on in.

The smell of all the fried food in the moist and humid air smelled so delicious and I was sure I carried some of that aroma with me as I stopped along the way on my errands. It reminded me of my waitress uniform and apron years and years ago. When I walked into the house, my mom would bemoan my “greasy spoon smell” since my hair and my clothes just reeked of fried food, especially when I helped out on the grill while the cook was taking a break.

I always say to people that since I gave up sweets, fast food and fried food, that I really don’t miss that fare, but, of course, I don’t usually smell it either so there is nothing to entice me in slipping off that wagon. Hopefully, the nose knows the difference between scents and sensibility.