Just as that old song by The Jamies says – it’s Summertime. Today and tomorrow anyway.

It was an icky and sticky morning when I ventured out in considerably less clothing than my walks earlier in the week. Even so, when I stepped out of the air-conditioned house it felt a sauna bath.

Since it rained off-and-on yesterday, I figured I’d walk down to the marina. But, there aren’t many trees on Emmons Boulevard in Lincoln Park, so I was sweltering as I walked along, even in the early morn. Once I crossed the Ecorse Creek footbridge, the canopy of trees all down the street provided some welcome shade, that is … until I reached the train tracks and the shade was gone again. It was downright hot by then, so I turned around and headed back home.

I also felt hobbled somewhat by my new walking shoes. They are not quite broken in and felt like lead weights on my feet, almost as though I was wearing Dutch klompen as I trekked down the street.

Despite yesterday’s significant rainfall, many homeowners, in an effort to keep their petunias perky and their lawns emerald green, had their sprinklers turned on, so I was forever dodging the sprays of water and stepping out into the street. I saw several robins racing through the sprinkler spray, trying to beat their brethren to the worms that would likely be available in the moist lawns and I saw many sparrows drinking and splashing in the puddles on the road. Quite honestly, I almost wished I could join them.

I’d have enjoyed a longer walk today, but the sun beatin’ down on my head did me in. The good news is that my miles walked this morning helped me reach the half-way mark to my eventual goal of 500 miles. I was having some serious doubts about reaching that milestone, let alone 500 miles … but onward and upward.

Ok, Summer – you put in an appearance, so … may we return to the cooler temps again?