… this sunshiny day was downright divine.

When I left on my walk, Mr. Sun was already lighting up the sky, as well as my smile, on this Valentine’s Day.

Before I left, I had toyed with the idea of sharin’ the love at Council Point Park, but, it was a work day after all, and, communing with my furry pals, then making a quick getaway without the gang trailing along behind me as I departed the Park, might not be easy, so I planned a jaunt down to the marina instead.

That is … until I was forced to stop in my tracks at the tracks.

I made good time after leaving my house, high-tailing it through the neighborhoods, and eventually making my way down Emmons Boulevard. That bright sky meant I had my shadow along for company, and I studied the puffy coat, oversized hat and, even the loops of my shoelaces out of the corner of my eye, while I kept a steady pace on the sidewalks through Lincoln Park, over the footbridge, and then far into Wyandotte.

But, the closer I got to the River, I began hearing the clanging of the railroad crossing bells. The incessant noise continued, and, as I neared the tracks, I soon realized that the racket was not going to stop any time soon, since the gates were down and the train was at a standstill.  There weren’t any cars queued up on either side of the tracks, so, the train must have been stopped there for a while.

Thus, the marina trip had to wait, so I walked to the tracks, turned around and then headed for home.

I waved at the postman who seemed to be listing to one side from his heavy bag of mail, no doubt packed with all those valentines he would be delivering up and down Emmons Boulevard.

There is plenty of festive décor at those big homes lining the Boulevard; in fact, some people still have their Christmas decorations up. I saw a few real evergreen wreaths which were looking perky, plus a pair of flamingoes who had donned a Santa cap and a big red bow, respectively.  Dozens of homes were festooned with hearts or cupids on their windows and doors – tomorrow, or the next day, those hearts will be whisked away in favor of shamrocks and the cherubs will be replaced with leprechauns.

The walk was brisk and efficient, giving me another four miles to add my total. I was dressed to stay out even longer and the sun was sooooo very inviting – did I dare stretch the walk out a few blocks more and allow some more sun to settle into my Winter-weary body?

I did just that.

A stroll in the Winter sunshine … it’s like chocolate for the soul.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!