WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY

Summer’s heat and humidity have made an encore performance and will linger over the next four days. I lost track of whether it rained or not last night, and, since it was sooooo muggy, I thought Council Point Park might be buggy, so I opted to trek down to the river instead of the Park to get today’s walk done.

My boss has been on vacation this week in the Upper Peninsula, so I was able to get some long-ignored cleaning done in the house, tackled and tamed the weeds, plus laid in some provisions for the Winter, the latter of which was probably my most-favorite chore of the trio.

When I headed out, the streets were bare, so I suspect alot of people headed up North early to enjoy the water in the warmer weather. Even the songbirds were silent as I wended my way down to Wyandotte to the marina and back. I missed the train by a hair, so there was no need to stop at the railroad crossing and lose momentum.

While walking, I was thinking that there never seems to be enough perfect weather days (in my opinion anyway), and, our sometimes-fractious Michigan weather makes us either sweat or freeze – thus, there is no happy medium. If you’re not a Winter sports enthusiast, you may spend most of the cold-weather months hunkered down in the house, hibernating like a bear. If you don’t enjoy being on or around the water during the Summertime, you’re basically relegated to parking yourself near a fan, or enjoying the A/C. I don’t like the extreme weather at all, and I’m not looking forward to this batch of 90-degree days.

It seems impossible that August will be half over tomorrow, and, even more incredible that pre-season football is here already. Currently, the Detroit fair-weather sports fans are all agog over their Lions, but their Tigers not so much – perhaps the players, like this bear, should go into hibernation the rest of the 2015 season. (Of course, tying these critters together in a sentence could only make me have an earworm for that famous line out of “The Wizard of Oz” … lions and tigers and bears … oh my!)

I got home, and checked the pedometer – five miles today. I’ve now walked 353 miles to date this year and hope to stay on target to get to 400 by Labor Day. The docs tell you to stay hydrated in this heat and humidity, but I didn’t take along a water bottle, so I headed to the fridge, just as soon as I got home, my tongue hanging out for a tall glass of cold strawberry milk. I grabbed the half-gallon out of the fridge to pour some into a glass. As I watched in horror, big globs came out of the container and plopped into my glass. It looked more like strawberry yogurt – blech! I had a big glass yesterday and the date wasn’t expired – well, I’m not expired either, so all that mischief happened after I had a big swig yesterday. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate … well, it was just plain old H20 today.

I was ready to hit the ground running today for a pleasurable and well-deserved long walk.

The morning air had a real Fall-like feel to it and it was breezy as well. As usual, I “dressed wrong”, despite listening to two weather forecasts before I left. I must admit I was chilly as I walked along the water’s edge.

Just like this little squirrel at the Park, I, too, have been thinking ahead to the cold and nasty weather that is just a few short months away. You know it is coming – the sun is a slacker these days … later to rise and going to bed earlier, so, for the past few days I’ve been laying in pantry provisions for the Winter months. I trekked around Meijer for hours, then schlepped bags in from the car, one by one, to build up some walking steps, and, before I was done, I had slowly filled the pantry shelves, plus added multiple miles to my walking total.

So, you see my little furry friend is not the only one squirreling away food for the future; I just don’t run like heck and bury my stuff like he does.

I noted that the grocery store is slowly morphing from a Summer extravaganza to Autumn happenings. The BBQs and patio furniture are on sale for a song, and the fertilizer and bug repellent have been tucked away, only to be replaced by backpacks and lunch totes, not to mention the traditional back-to-school items like paper and pencils. Quite honestly, I didn’t think kids used those basic items anymore.

All too soon, the rows of rakes will uniformly line the aisles and yard waste bags will be piled sky high on end caps, all to be used to snag and capture all the brittle Fall leaves. I’m sure the store’s creative designer is tapping his or her foot, just waiting for the school supplies to be scooped up, so the Halloween items and Fall décor can be shuffled in quickly.

You’ll know Fall has arrived once you see the bales of hay, exquisite mums and gangly or misshapen-looking gourds gracing the entrance to the store, and, don’t forget the caramel apples once they show up in the produce department. I’ve had an unexpected treat all Summer since Meijer had decided to carry apple cider all year around now, so, no need to wait ‘til harvest time and hoodie weather to sip that tasty and aromatic drink.

My trip to the Park was rewarding as I took in the rich beauty of a sunny Summer Day and a nature alcove plunked in the middle of the city. I walked two complete loops before heading home, and truly hated to go inside as it was just a glorious day … I wished I could bottle it up to exchange it for one of those blustery, ugly snow-filled days we’ll have come January or February.

Back in May, the City of Detroit was a virtual sea of pink-clad walkers on a soggy Saturday morning. They walked because they had a personal story to tell, or to honor the memory of someone lost to this disease.

This weekend, still more walkers laced up their sneakers and paced themselves in heat, humidity and rain to walk 60 miles “for the cure”.

So today … instead of talking about and touting my daily mileage, I’d rather give kudos to the walkers who finished the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk to raise money for breast cancer.

I’ve just been watching the clips of the highlights of the event on the various news stations I follow on Facebook. Those weary walkers began their trek Friday morning, walked 20 miles per day and each had to raise $2,300.00. You could tell the experience was uplifting … the tears of joy and sense of accomplishment, not to mention hugs between survivors and those who walked for family and friends who lost their battle. Their elation, upon completion of their mission, brought tears to my eyes as well. The Michigan leg of the Komen 3-Day Walk raised $2 million thanks to 650 dedicated men and women, so that one day – some day – a cure will be found.

Hope is like peace.

It is not a gift from God.

It is a gift only we can give one another.

~ Elie Wiesel

The cooler weather refreshes all of us – it makes you want to get out and kick up your heels.

I know I am really enjoying my walks in these cool, even crisp-feeling, mornings.

I got in another five-mile jaunt today by doing a round trip from home to the marina and back. The morning was still as I wended my way down Emmons Boulevard. A few birds twittered and chirped and in the distance a lonely woodpecker was taking drilling practice in a tall tree, no doubt leaving it pock-marked with his sharp beak.

As I approached a huge tree, a pair of squirrels was playing a vigorous game of hide-and-seek, causing me to gasp one time when the two of them ran down the tree and continued their chase out into the street. I had to look away, but thankfully the motorist was going slowly and gave them a brake. Whew!

Speaking of breaks … today, a black squirrel, just like this one, captured the Comerica Park crowd’s interest during the 8^th inning when he darted out into the field. All play was halted while the squirrel prowled around a bit, then went back to where he came from.

After play resumed between the Tigers and Royals, a Twitter account was quickly created for the intruder (Black Squirrel @Tigers Squirrel) and our thoroughly modern furry friend churned out a couple of Tweets: “I did it” and “That was fun …” which was soon followed by his Retweet by MLB.com “and we shall call him, the #WalkoffSquirrel” … you can see him and read the story here: http://atmlb.com/1OTPSAj .

Hey – no time like the present to act squirrelly is my motto too sometimes.

The thermometer’s up, it’s down, then up again. The old adage about waiting a few minutes and the weather will change could not be truer in this state. This Summer I’ve had to have three different sets of walking clothes at the ready depending on how cool or warm it is. This morning felt downright chilly.

I hopped out of bed and got out the door and down to the Park in record time. These past few days I’ve been swamped at work so I wanted to ensure I got my five miles in for today while the weather is so perfect, and, indeed, I was able to do so.

I decided to include this picture of the lily pads that float so daintily on the surface of the Creek water with this blog post. I’m still looking for the elusive frogs that should be sitting on top of them, but, as usual, nary a frog was in sight. Perhaps that fraternal order of frogs are consoling Kermit who broke up with Ms. Piggy today. Yes, sadly it’s all over social media and even made the national news.

Sorry Kermit – as you know it’s not easy being green.

Summer has finally kicked into full gear and heat mode is here to stay. In my opinion, it has already overstayed its welcome, but then, I’m not a big fan of hot weather.

According to multiple meteorologists, we have severe weather slated for later today. Since I have several projects for work in the hopper that need to get done, I hopped to it and headed out for my walk early, so hopefully I finish everything before the stormy weather arrives.

There went the weed-pulling expedition (which didn’t break my heart) and the housework got a swift once over, so surely it won’t pass the white-glove test, but I got another five miles under my belt. I know … I need to recalibrate my priorities sometimes.

I saw this rabbit on Emmons Boulevard and he posed for me as you can see above. I often see him at this corner house, hunkering down in the hostas or nibbling the tender blades of grass. I think he’d be an excellent candidate for the Easter ads don’t you? Just picture him hopping down the bunny trail after you Photoshop a wicker basket filled with chocolate eggs and jelly beans onto his paw – he could be a celebrity.

It’s way too early to think about Easter, but this guy has my vote for the cutest candidate for Easter Bunny for the year 2016.

Another beautiful morning and I set out early with the intention of walking the full two loops at Council Point Park. I can’t believe it is the last day of July and soon – too soon, the sun will be getting up way too late and setting much too early. Well fiddle-dee-dee as Scarlett O’Hara would say … we are all too familiar with how short the Summer season really is.

Actually Summer’s midpoint is tomorrow … as of August 1^st, Summer is considered half over.

There are many people who believe that once the 4^th of July has passed, Summer is a done deal.   For me, it is Labor Day – then the Summer is officially kaput. The plethora of Summer art fairs and festivals have finished up and the produce has turned from peaches and plums to apples and pumpkins. Then, you might as well face the music … Fall is on the horizon.

As I stepped out the door today, I was packing my camera and some peanuts and looking for a photo op during my Friday foray to the Park.

But … I never made it to the Park.

I got to the cross street where I usually turn to head to the Park, or the River, when all of a sudden I saw a pit bull on the lawn at the corner lot. His ears were raised up, probably because he no doubt heard the jingle-jangle of the items on my lanyard. I quickly pulled the lanyard taut to silence it and stopped in my tracks. I remembered my neighbor Marge warning me awhile ago to be careful of a pit bull that was roaming the neighborhood. This was my first encounter with it however.

This pit bull was black and white and fairly large. He appeared to be alone. I didn’t see anyone, nor hear any voices, so I figured he was on the loose. To be truthful, he stared at me with a rather disinterested look, then hung his head down and started walking away. But, I was a little spooked anyway, and decided I’d rather not tangle with him, nor be his breakfast tidbit, so I decided to just trek along busy Fort Street should he decide to follow me. I don’t walk along Fort Street too much anymore unless I have errands to run since they raised the speed limit from 35 mph to 45 mph earlier this year. People are in a hurry to get their destination and not always mindful of pedestrians.

As the cars whizzed by and I trudged along, it was breezy … suddenly I got a whiff of something that caused my stomach to growl. It appeared to be wafting from the direction of White Castle. Their marquis was touting “Corn Dog Nibblers” and, yup … that smell could very well be that of hot cornmeal, wrapped around a juicy wienie, fresh out of the deep fryer. I used to love going to fairs and carnivals – not just for the rides, but is there anything that says Summer better than fair fare like elephant ears, candy floss and corn dogs?

Just one whiff of those “Corn Dog Nibblers” took me back to the carnival merry go round, with a cone of candy floss or a corn dog in one hand and hanging on for dear life with the other.

Good thing I don’t carry any $$$ on me.

Today, it was not as scenic as my usual walk, but instead was a tantalizing trek for the taste buds to be sure.

This morning I reached and passed 300 walking miles so far for 2015. Good thing, because I was mad at myself for not reaching my self-imposed 4^th of July goal of 250 miles. Though I fell short of that goal, which was halfway to my end goal of 500 miles, luckily, due to the spate of sunny mornings, and alot of pounding the pavement, I’ve reached this mini milestone. I walked 110 miles in the month of July alone … and July is not done yet.

So, just like this train that keeps rollin’ along, so do I. My next goal is to reach 400 miles by Labor Day. Hopefully that is doable.

When I left for my walk this morning, it was mercifully cooler, with the humidity banished and a the bonus of a slight breeze to boot.

The cooler temperature meant the neighborhoods were quieter, with A/C units switched off and sprinklers silenced. There was no pinging sound of flinging droplets onto concrete which had often forced me to skirt sidewalks and driveways and walk in the street to avoid getting drenched. The robins were hushed as well since they were busy grabbing grubs and wrestling worms from moist lawns that were the glad recipients of a quick cloudburst yesterday that yielded nearly a half inch of rain in a matter of minutes.

I was much quieter too, as I meandered along, minus my water bottle and its holster and harness that hook onto my fanny pack. Between the hooks and clips on my gear, and my lanyard with its pepper spray, whistle, keys and plastic tag with my contact info, my trappings were starting to sound and look like Schneider. the building super on the late 70s TV sitcom “One Day At a Time”.

I hope the humidity stays at bay for a few more days. Today’s jaunt added five more miles and I was happy to get home and reward myself with a substantial swig of strawberry milk.

I often breathe a sigh of relief that I was not born in the Victorian era as their garb would have stifled me for sure. I don’t know how those Victorian ladies survived the heat in an age of corsets, crinolines, bustles and bustiers. No wonder they fainted all the time and needed to be revived with smelling salts.

The weather folks are all saying this is the last wickedly hot AND humid day before a storm rolls in later to knock back the humidity, but unfortunately the heat wave will linger. I know we all complained enough about the brutally cold Winter and chilly Spring that there should be no complaints about these hot Summer days. I distinctly remember saying, that I, for one, would have no complaints about the heat when it arrived, and now, of course, I’ve whined about it all week, so I guess that labels me a malcontent.

Once again I left early for my walk to beat the heat. There was no breeze, the temps were already in the 70s and the sun was just starting to filter through the clouds.

As I walked through the neighborhoods, I noticed more and more bedraggled-looking blooms in pots and planters and many hanging baskets had the dregs of formerly fine-looking flowers which now resemble something the Addams Family might place on their shepherd hooks – not just bedraggled, but downright dead. We sure got spoiled with Mother Nature taking care of our flowers and lawns with cool days and rain showers daily. Even the lush lawns are beginning to get tinged with yellowish patches which can’t be blamed on Fido, and, I suspect in just a few more days of this heat, those grass blades will be crispy.

I just walked to the railroad tracks and back, not wanting to get waylaid by the 8:20 a.m. train rumbling through. That was a quick trip, with four more miles to add to my total. By the time I arrived home, the sun was high in the sky and the morning was quickly getting downright hot and sticky.

As to me, I liken myself to a flower – a daisy to be exact. When I left the house I looked like a hardy Shasta Daisy and by the time I returned I resembled a Gerbera Daisy – you know the type … those cute and colorful blooms with the perky petals, that is – until the sun hits them, then, they, just like those Victorian ladies of yesteryear, collapse in half and faint dead away.

Well, it was another sweltering morning, but luckily I left early enough so that only the return trip was hot and sticky. The humidity was high and little drips and drops once again speckled the concrete where they had plopped down from the gutters or car bodies.

My destination was just up and down Emmons Boulevard, to the train tracks and back, usually an easy, four-mile, round-trip trek, but I was getting tuckered out on the last leg of the trip. By the time I neared home, my sleeveless tee-shirt felt moist, as did my lanyard; even my madras seersucker clam diggers felt clammy as their puckers went kaput and the fabric lay limply against my legs.

As I unlocked the door and stepped into the cool house, I truly wished I had been as scantily clad as this little fellow above.

My pal Leslie posted this interesting-looking bug on her Facebook site a few days ago, along with the comment “this little Walking Stick came by today to say hello”. Several of her friends, including me, commented on how long since we’d seen one of these creatures, and I added to my commentary that he stopped by for “Throwback Thursday”. You might remember me sharing the escapades of Leslie’s garden frog a few weeks ago, so, I told Leslie she has the best critters in her yard and I only get those big, fat, ugly garden spiders – ugh!

I figure that with all the walking I’ve done this year, especially in this heat and humidity, my physique should resemble this slender Walking Stick, or, at the very least, that of “Gumby”.

Today the new Dr. Seuss book debuted, courtesy of a recently discovered draft that was written and illustrated long before his death in 1991. It is entitled “What Pet Should I Get?” This Walking Stick might have been one of my “outdoor pets” when I was a kid. Oh sure, I had my little budgie “Skippy” and dogs named “Fritzy”, “Cocoa” and “Peppy” while I was growing up, but when I was with my playmates , we would capture and keep some oddball critters, much to the chagrin of our parents.

Growing up, there were many carefree childhood Summer days spent down at the meadow area at the foot of our new sub. All the kids from the cul-de-sac would gather, then cross the street carefully, sometimes hand in hand, and we’d head to the meadow where the creek ran through. There we would run off all our excess energy and explore that little nature nook. We’d giggle at grasshoppers that we’d capture in our bare hands, holding them hostage between splayed fingers. Their jerky or fluttery movements would tickle our hands and leave “tobacco stains” on our palms and fingers as well. We’d pluck furry caterpillars from the bark as they inched up trees or bushes, then squeal in delight as we touched their bristly texture. And, so also it was with Walking Sticks, or the occasional Praying Mantis, which we would gaze at in wide-eyed wonder.

Oh … to be a kid again sometimes, though I know I’d not get so touchy-feely with any of these insects, like in the past. Though I’m not bothered by placid insects, or, even worms, it is the creeping and crawling pests that would never be a pet and really and truly “do me in”.

I added four more miles to my total and I’m still hopeful to get to 300 miles by week’s end.

I’ll leave you with a quote by Dr. Seuss; it’s just one of my many favorites by him: “From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” ~Dr. Seuss