… I said I’d reach 600 miles by October 15^th and got it done today.

Actually, had that rainy spell and furnace tech appointment not kept me grounded a week or so ago, I’d have celebrated even earlier.

Now, I will strive to beat my 2015 record of 718 miles. My friend Marge suggested I make Thanksgiving the date to get that goal accomplished.  So, dare I be so bold to choose that date, as the sun rises so late now, or an early arrival of that four-letter word, a/k/a snow, could dash those hopes right into the cold and frosty ground?

Well, I will think positively and try to make that goal attainable, and hope snow and ice are not in the immediate future.

Speaking of frosty temps, at least it was warmer this morning when I set out, but it sure was gray and dismal looking, like the sky would open up any minute. I pounded the pavement and hustled along just in case the rain arrived, and, I eked out a round-trip trek to the tracks and back, just like I did all Summer.

On my daily trip, I pass a huge horse chestnut tree, and, I think the entire squirrel population on Emmons Boulevard was congregating at or around that tree this morning. For weeks, that tree has been dropping its bright-green spiny nut casings all over the lawn and sidewalk.  Sometimes you couldn’t even see the cement for bits and pieces of those bumpy-looking spheres that had already split and fallen down to the ground, leaving the actual nut still hanging on for dear life up in the tree.

But now, those shiny, dark brown horse chestnuts litter the lawn and sidewalk and it is just like walking on an abacus. The squirrels were having their own version of a tailgate party as they sampled the shiny new nuts that just bounced onto the ground, or the half-eaten ones, and even the “nuts on the half-shell” i.e., those nuts that have fallen with part of the spiny casing intact.  The collection of squirrels were so intent on munching down on their treats, they refused to budge as I neared them.  In fact, a few looked up with a rather indignant stare as I threatened to walk right on through and crash their party.

Of course, it may sound nutty, but … silly goose that I am, I found myself sidestepping them, and walking through the wet grass and into the street, far away from their feast, not wishing to smash those nuts with the heavy soles of my walking shoes. Yup, the squirrels have me wrapped around their little finger, er paw, and that thought tickled my funny bone and made me smile.