WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY

Steppin’ out at Heritage Park.

Posted on May 18, 2019 by Linda Schaub

I had my ducks in a row Thursday morning when I left the house at 7:10 a.m. My destination was Heritage Park because I was going duck hunting. Oops … let me clarify that – I was going DUCKLING hunting and looking for photo ops of those tiny, feathered dumplings.

I follow the City of Taylor’s Heritage Park “Photo of the Day” on Facebook. About ten days ago, one of the regular photographers posted a photo of how high the water level was at Coan Lake, the park’s man-made lake and hubbub of activity in the historical village area. Coan Lake is a mallard magnet and there are Canada Geese there as well, but mostly ducks. You may recall my photos, not all that long ago, of mallards huddled and shivering on the ice, or paddling in the frigid water near the covered bridge that crosses Coan Lake. The photographer remarked on how many ducks and ducklings were there that day. So, I aimed to see those cute-and-fuzzy ducklings while they still were soft and downy and before they turned into teenagers.

I had method in my madness for arriving there so early (and not just because it was a work day and it is about a 12-mile round trip during rush hour for me). There is a gentleman that makes a daily trip to feed Coan Lake’s mallards in the early morning. He takes a large bag of cracked corn for them, and, just like Parker comes running to meet me when I get to Council Point Park, these ducks paddle over and/or fly down to see him as he tosses the corn onto the ground near the lake. So, I hoped to get to Heritage Park to hang out and wait for this guy and get some pictures.

When I arrived, the sun had just burst on the scene, but it was still a little shadowy at the park since the plentiful trees have leafed out. The many flowering trees made a parade of frothy pink and delicate white blossoms and these Redbud trees were just exquisite.

Oh no! The mallards were MIA!

Much to my surprise, not to mention disappointment, unbelievably, not a single mallard duck was in the water! The water had receded from the level seen in the photos a fortnight ago, but amazingly there were no waterfowl at all. Even the usual contingent of Canada Geese were at large, nor was there a single Cormorant, who always looks like a “flasher” the way he holds his wings outstretched. Needless to say, if Mr. Corn Man showed up, he’d turn on his heel and head back to his vehicle … if he showed up at all.

But, it’s such a picturesque venue, I knew I’d capture some images besides those pretty Redbud blooms, so I set off.

As many times as I visit Heritage Park, I usually come home with the usual photos of the Little Red Schoolhouse, covered bridge, gazebo, old log cabin, and the old mill.

Barn swallows were dive-bombing.

I did see barn swallows swooping and dive-bombing all around me. They were not collecting flies or grubs, but hanging around near ground level grabbing nest materials. They were pulling dried grass strands with their beak, then flying off to their destination, the rafters of the covered bridge.

So that was my next destination as well. Last year, I was able to get a few shots of the nests and young ones from the rafters of the covered bridge, but I saw no nests in the rafters and just a whole lotta swooping going on.

Dodging barn swallows was definitely not on the agenda and I may have been disappointed to have the duck families MIA, but I took it in stride and decided to get my steps in with a stroll around the village, then I planned to head to the track that encircles the park to get some serious steps in later.

It was blissfully peaceful and quiet, just a few walkers, some walking their pooches. I never carry peanuts when I visit here because I’ve never seen squirrels nor have I seen cardinals, blue jays or blackbirds, the usual peanut-scamming-and-enjoying suspects at Council Point Park.

Heritage Park Petting Farm.

I meandered over to the area in back of the petting farm. Bathed in the early morning light, the ramshackle old buildings with their gaping holes, long since patched up with old signs, and a rickety fence looked inviting for taking a few pictures.

Behind all the faded red paint and tired-looking fence was a gorgeous lilac bush. It was huge and set against the blue sky up top and the old white fence to the left, it made a beautiful picture. I knew I could not do it justice, even if I tried, but I told myself that an artist sitting here with easel and paints would enjoy trying to recreate that sight.

Hmm – just like these two Robins, I was on the fence for a few seconds …

… so, should I go closer to check out the lilacs, or was this private property? I didn’t see any “no trespassing” signs, no gates to unlatch and absolutely no sign of life anywhere, so I decided I must get a whiff of that large lilac bush. I thought of my pitiful lilac tree and bushes at home, still sans leaves, let alone blossoms.

The scent was intoxicating, like the finest potpourri. Well, I wish I could make a scratch-and-sniff sample for you to enjoy. I hurriedly snapped another photo, then scurried back onto the pathway again after a refreshing pause.

With a quack-quack here and a quack-quack there.

I returned to the path just as a pair of ducks decided to announce their presence by quacking before landing near the water. They gazed at one another and at me as if to say “well this is what you came here for, so take our photo already!” So I did. They posed, I clicked, then they plopped into Coan Lake for a quick swim.

They flew off and a seagull landed on the lookout point and I guess I took too many shots of him as he flew up to the covered bridge.

I saw a sparrow or two …

… and a Mourning Dove.

The Goose Family.

Before I finished one complete trip around the village, yonder, across Coan Lake, I saw them – the goose family which was recently featured on the “Photo of the Day” for Mother’s Day.

There they were, Mama Goose, with seven goslings toddling after her, and Papa Goose bringing up the rear. I decided my trip to this venue was not in vain, and thankfully I would not just be posting photos of the gorgeous trees and bushes that dot the grounds, the historical buildings and farm, but could include the Canada Geese and their offspring as well.

[Can there ever be too many baby animals or birds to ooh and aah over? I don’t know … you tell me, because the day before at Council Point Park I came home with a slew of images of goslings, Robin hatchlings, a young Heron and the usual pals along the perimeter path. I promise you some cute photos once I sort through them and work around this severe weather we are having tomorrow.]

The parents and their goslings were hanging around the Little Red Schoolhouse, more specifically underneath a small memorial tree. At Heritage Park, the memorial trees are done differently – the plaque is larger, more raised up off the ground and has the info about the loved one plus the species of tree beneath that.

The warm sun must’ve baked onto the memorial stone as several of the goslings sat there, sleepy-eyed or snoozing away.

Mama and Papa Goose were never far from their offspring.

I took dozens of photos, trying to get the goslings to look at me, but it was difficult as they were either on the move, grazing or napping. These were my favorites.

I didn’t get too close so not to anger the gander, however a dog got a little too close to the goslings and the gander hissed then flapped his wings and the dog quickly retreated.

It was an enjoyable morning getting my steps done and goose-stepping with the goslings. I’ll leave you with this quote:

Everything flourishes in the nourishment of our appreciation; plants, people, the Earth, moments. When we live with that appreciation, we flourish. ~ Kristi Nelson

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged geese, Goslings, nature, Spring, walk, walking | 76 Comments

The Rain, the Park and…

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Linda Schaub

… Wild Wings, er … Other Things.

In between the intermittent bursts of sunshine and raindrops, I have managed to get my steps in, and take some photos as well. Woo hoo, considering how most mornings are about as gray and gloomy as it gets.

So, while my recent cute-and-fuzzy gosling shots are adorable, the rest of the feathered and furry clan of critters are clamoring for equal time in this forum. Well okay, I guess I can’t blame them for that.

This Red Red Robin is not bobbin’, but sittin’ on a nest.

I wonder if it’s the same Robin as last year? Last Spring she built a nest on a low branch. While I didn’t have a bird’s eye view of the happenings inside the nest, on a daily basis I monitored Mama Robin first incubating the eggs and then attending to her hatchlings. We, (Mama Robin and I) even fended off the Red-Winged Blackbird who tried to rob the nest twice while I was right there – once when there were eggs and Mama Robin was off hunting for her breakfast and the next time when Mama was off to get fast food (worms and grubs) for the hatchlings. I raised my voice and waved my arms around to get that bully bird to leave and Mama returned to investigate what the commotion was all about. I watched as she chattered and used her body to knock that large blackbird away from the nest. It was incredible to watch Robin versus Red-Winged Blackbird. The bully bird finally flew off, not successful in his robbery attempt, and Mama Robin was still shook up. I swear I saw her heart pounding behind that bright-red breast. My heart was thumping too Mama.

So, this is a more secluded spot for the Robin nursery, but not an ideal spot for me to monitor – maybe once the chicks poke their beaks into the air?

I’ll keep waiting and watching for the hatchlings’ arrival.

I’ve got swagger and I’m struttin’ my stuff!

And, speak of the Devil, just look at this Red-Winged Blackbird. He has been hanging around all the squirrels’ favorite feeding spots along the perimeter path. He gets pretty animated, hopping from branch to branch when I come along with my bag of peanuts. From his perch in the tree, he will strategize how best to land onto the path and snatch a treat from under the squirrels’ noses, if I don’t favor him with a peanut first.

We usually trade glances, and then he’ll hop to a lower branch to ensure that I see him.

Oh, I will see him alright, but … just in case, he’ll erupt into song. I love the trill of the Red-Winged Blackbird.

He knows he’s caught my eye, so down he goes to the path in a purposeful strut to retrieve the peanut that me, the sucker, just left for him.

The squirrels are still my favorite Park critters with their fun-loving antics.

As you may know the entire perimeter path is two miles long and shaped like a figure eight with the pavilion separating each one-mile loop. There are certain spots that are woodsier than others and thus the squirrels congregate there.

Of course, that doesn’t stop Parker from greeting me at the pavilion area to be first in line for peanuts. My furry pals have got their meet-and-greet-and-pleading-eyes-ritual down pat and one day I fully expect one of them to point to their rumbling tummy … yes, it’s all about them sometimes.

So what’s a few peanuts between friends anyway?

The sun was so welcome and it was definitely a good shadow day – look at Parker checking out his shadow.

This squirrel was gnawing on peanuts from a prior benefactor – all of a sudden he was in awe of something. Well … a peanut for your thoughts Sweetie.

I am sure this peanut pal wanted to ensure I didn’t miss him in case I sprinted over to see the goslings like last week when I bypassed all my furry friends in favor of my feathery friends. I chuckled to myself when I saw this squirrel, eager to impress me in an effort to glean extra peanuts by pretending he was a Meerkat. Yup, I went right over to him and he got those desired peanuts and I told him “my, look how tall you are!” He stood there like that for the longest time and I’m sure he’ll try this stunt over and over again.

And now the swan song for today’s post.

In this parade of “wild things” finally there is the elegant Mute Swan which graces this post’s header image and takes my breath away any time one silently glides down the center of the narrow Ecorse Creek. I was ogling the gaggle of goslings, when suddenly I heard a hard thunk onto the surface of the Creek not far from me. Startled, my head swiveled around as I wondered what in the world had swooped in with such a hard landing? I knew it had to be a swan since Canada geese announce their arrival to their brethren, (or sometimes just to hear themselves honk … I’ve got them all figured out, believe me). A Mute Swan is generally twice as large as a Canada Goose and a good 15 pounds heavier.

This graceful Mute Swan flew down from the sky, making a rather clumsy splash down, but quickly composed itself upon hitting the surface.

I was mesmerized by this swan’s glide down the center of the Creek. What a treat to behold this lovely creature so close-up. I watched its slender neck dipping into the murky water of the Creek to nibble some aquatic plants, or simply enjoy a sip of water.

That swan owned the Ecorse Creek as no other waterfowl were in the water at that time.

Every so often it paused to preen.

It was the perfect end to this walk on the wild side.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged birds, nature, Park, Spring, Squirrels, swans, walk, walking | 68 Comments

Mom -n- Me.

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Linda Schaub

Sweet memories.

It has been ten long years since I threw my arms around Mom on Mother’s Day and gave her a hug and a kiss, then thanked her for being my mom, but, truth be told, I didn’t only do this on the day that we honor our mothers. I think about her every day and not just because I see the many photos lined up on the fireplace mantel, or positioned just so on the dresser or bureau. Mom imparted a lot of wisdom to me over the years and taught me right from wrong and for that I am blessed.

Above is the first photo of Mom and me, the day she brought me home from the hospital. What was she thinking with the faraway look in her eyes and clutching onto me for dear life?

This is the last photo taken of the two of us.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

My mom had a tough life and endured many hardships. I only wish I could be half the woman she ever was. Growing up and to adulthood, I looked exactly like my father – same straight and mousy-brown hair, eyeglasses … “mirror images” people would say.

But the similarities stopped there.

I got my mother’s disposition, virtues and her smile … I rejoice for that.

Although I recently joked about our housecleaning squabbles, (and sometimes our arguments weren’t nice, as I did my share of protesting about the “unfairness” of keeping the house immaculate and “white-glove perfect”), only now do I realize it was merely an exercise in asserting our respective viewpoints. As you know, it is important in every relationship that each person is entitled to their own opinion. Yes, life isn’t fair sometimes, but you have to learn not to sweat the small stuff. That is easier said than done sometimes and I often struggle as I often sweat the small stuff.

Life was not fair for my mom from an early age. In 1937, at age eleven, she was hit by a car, an accident that would plague her the rest of her days on earth. She spent four years in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, some of that time in a body cast.

Mom was just a schoolgirl …

… on her way home from school, when she was hit by a soldier on leave, after darting in between two parked cars. He didn’t see her, but heard her scream, then rushed her to a nearby doctor’s office and my grandparents were called. This car had headlights that rose out of the grille and were the same height as Mom’s chest, so several of her ribs were broken. The doctor taped up the broken ribs and young Pauline received a scolding from her mother for tearing her leotards and her parents having to miss work. The soldier offered to buy new stockings and he paid for the doctor’s visit. His insurance company was in touch with my grandmother and asked her to sign a form that no serious medical mishap had happened, which she willingly signed.

However, unfortunately the story doesn’t end there.

At that time of the accident my mother had a minor ear infection. She was not running a fever, had no other ailments associated with the ear infection, so, rather than take her to the doctor, my grandmother plugged up her ear with a wad of cotton batting. Almost two months later, the ear infection that was present in her body, plus the broken ribs, became problematic when an infection set in on the still-healing bones. This caused osteomyelitis (infection of the bone). Mom woke up one morning with a high fever and weak and was rushed to the E.R. where they diagnosed her with osteomyelitis. She was admitted to the hospital, operated on and spent the next four years at the Hospital for Sick Children.

My grandparents had a huge hospital bill, which they paid off weekly, because, as you recall they signed off on any liability by the driver. Many surgeries later, she was released from the hospital at age 15, then resumed any schooling she had missed (the children on the wards had a tutor come into the hospital). Mom would graduate from high school, then go on to business school.

My grandfather was a tyrant who complained every day about how much money he spent as a result of her careless actions at age 11 and the vitriol he spewed became worse after his weekly trip to the Lansdowne Tavern after cashing his paycheck. They hated one another, but she lived at home until she married in 1953.

Unfortunately, if her medical and parental woes were not bad enough, my mother married a man who would later decide he was unhappy with his little family (Mom and me) and thirty years into their marriage, he announced on Christmas Day he wanted a new life. But before this proclamation, he stopped at the bank and withdrew all their savings, and had already tapped into an annuity fund by forging her name by falsely pleading a “family hardship”. He left the country in early 1984, never to be heard from again. My mom was only 57 years old at the time. We grew closer than ever before, and, not to toot my own horn, Mom often said I was the best thing that ever happened to her in her lifetime. That sentiment touches my heart to this day and I confess a tear just rolled down my cheek as I typed it.

Mom had 42 operations in the course of her lifetime, 41 were related to the car accident and one, a C-section, when I was born. She had scars all over her body, but I heard about that &^%# C-section scar all the time … no worries, it was all said in jest, just like for years when she complained I had the measles for her birthday and the chicken pox on Mother’s Day the same year.

I never saw my mother cry, except at my grandmother’s funeral and when our beloved parakeet, Joey, died in her hands.

At the risk of getting too maudlin in this post, I want to share some fun and lighter moments … and pictures at this look back of Mom and me.

Mom and her “Momisms”.

Mom was actually the disciplinarian in the house when I was growing up because back then I was “Daddy’s Little Girl” but, it was my mom who swatted my bum if I “lipped back” at her (rarely) and I one time got a “lickin’” after I interrupted her on the phone one too many times. I never did that again and yes I still grew up okay, despite the occasional spanking.

Most of the time Mom gave me ultimatums to ponder over, like “if you don’t do this, you will suffer the consequences.” There was both fear and respect by me for those utterances.

Here’s a good example of an ultimatum. When I was a little girl, Mom would sweep my hair into a high ponytail and I had grosgrain ribbons that matched each outfit. I loved my ponytail and it was the style for all little girls my age at that time. But Mom would pull and tug while fixing my hair and I’d wiggle around. She threatened me that if I continued to wiggle and squirm and yell “ouch” that the ponytail would be cut off.

Yes, sadly you see that I didn’t hold still and this was the result. Later, while going through the album with Mom, I would ask if she just whacked it off at the ribbon as my next hairstyle looked pretty raggedy to me, especially those bangs. She and my father would stand on either side of me to cut my bangs. They had tape, a string and a pair of scissors. They’d keep evening off the wet hair and when it dried, those bangs were up to my hairline.

Perhaps it was easier when she just twisted what little bit of hair I had into a curly-Q with a dab of spit (ew).

All I know is that I should never have rebelled and been so vocal when she did my ponytail, because not only was a slew of wacky hairstyles to follow, but I had to endure pin curls every night. I didn’t have dainty little ringlets either and when I got a “Toni” home perm, my hair frizzed out and I looked like I stuck my finger in a light socket.

There were “Momisms” like “you’ll never know when you’ll need these items.”

Some of Mom’s many words of wisdom live on and some resonate with me more today, than when she first uttered them.

Through the years I’ve written about Mom’s words of advice in a few blog posts, referring to them as “Momisms” and they were her practical suggestions for me to heed. I know I wrote a post about the time I was walking at Council Point Park and the string on my sweatpants waistband broke and my pants started to go south. I had to hike them up with one hand the rest of the perimeter path and all the way home. Now see, if I had only remembered her suggestion that I have a few safety pins on hand because “you never know when you’ll need a safety pin” and I would not have found myself in such a pants predicament.

For years I heard “take a sweater with you, as it’s easier to take it off, than put it on if it’s at home.” Maybe this is why I am still bundled up for my daily walk and it is nearly mid-May?

Some “Momisms” have become obsolete like “always carry two dimes with you, in case you need to call home and you fumble and drop one of the dimes.” Well cell phones have eliminated the need to tuck away those two dimes in your wallet – besides, I can’t remember the last pay phone I saw and one thin dime would not go too far anyway.

Sometimes Mom’s “suggestions” were not even from word of mouth. She would tear an article out of a magazine and put it where I’d see it, or she’d remove the teabag tag with its worldly advice and place the tag by my dinner plate.

And then there were more “Momisms” on what defines a “lady”.

As you might suspect by the length of this post, I have been thinking about and jotting down ideas for this special Mother’s Day blog post. However, I decided to do a little twist on Mom’s words of wisdom, since these remembrances have been bubbling around in my brain for a few weeks. I do realize so many of her suggestions, dispensed decades ago, smack of Emily Post and are outdated and really archaic now. But Mom’s aim was that her little girl should become the epitome of genteel.

Do you know when I was younger, that along with being told to respond with “thank you” or “you’re welcome” in an almost-automatic manner, I was even taught to curtsy. (It might have been being brought up in Canada and the British influence for that one.)

I could go on and on with Mom’s words of wisdom, but I do know that when I got a little older, the suggestions added the words “a lady doesn’t ___________”; for example “always carry a hanky or a couple of Kleenex because a lady doesn’t sniffle.”

Today, these ideas are all so prim and proper, but I am glad I grew up knowing manners and how to act and dress appropriately without the benefit of a fancy-schmancy finishing school. Here is a look demonstrating how “a lady should always look prim and proper.” Oh my – the folded hands encased in white gloves … I looked three times my actual age.

She’d tell me “a lady always wears a hat to church.” So I did.

Mom would admonish me big-time today because she said “a lady always carries a purse” …

… nowadays my purses are all packed away and I stuff my stuff into a polar fleece vest with zippered pockets in Winter, a fisherman’s vest in Summer and a fanny pack the rest of the time.

I was told early on that “a lady doesn’t slouch and always sits up straight in a chair and especially at the dinner table” but I guess that rule didn’t apply to babies.

When I began feeding myself, I got a Little Miss Muffet spoon and was told to pretend my dish was a clock and to “eat around the clock” and if I didn’t eat my first course, I got no dessert. So, I always finished my food. Oh yes, I was told “a lady never chews with her mouth open” though it was pretty difficult to finish off a corncob neatly, especially when you were likely missing half your baby teeth.

I guess this was before Mom suggested “a lady always sits with her ankles crossed” but then she sat the same way, so perhaps the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Did your mom tell you to always make sure you looked in the mirror before you left the house because “a lady always should always look neat and polished” … this was years ago at a family friend’s cottage – I guess I threw caution to the wind here?

And speaking of looking good when you’re dressed up, Mom said “a lady smooths down her dress, so she doesn’t have wrinkles when she stands up” … hmm, how does one smooth down a frilly dress with a stiff and scratchy net crinoline that is all poofed out underneath the dress?

Or this dress where Mom threaded a gizmo that looked like an embroidery hoop at the hem? I hope I wasn’t wearing patent leather shoes that day. Just thinking that it’s a wonder a stiff wind did not send me airborne à la Mary Poppins!

I’m sure there are loads more fun remembrances to share … I know I carry a ton of them in my head … and in my heart.

Yesterday I passed a nearby church on my way to the 5K event. That church has been there for decades and often has a sign with a message pertaining to a holiday or special event … I usually glance at it. I saw the message as I drove past and when I got home, I walked over and took a picture of the sign as I knew it fit today’s post to a “T” and I’m sure you will agree.

I am sure if Mom would have made all her words of wisdom into a song, it would have been similar to Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”.

This was a long post and if you’re still with me as I meandered through the memories and the years, I’ll say thank you and also will tell you “Happy Mother’s Day” if it applies.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged etiquette, Memories, Mom, Mother's Day, mothers | 109 Comments

Who let the dogs out?!

Posted on May 11, 2019 by Linda Schaub

(I dunno – do you?)

This morning I participated in the Mutt Strut 5K Run and Walk, the 14^th annual event for FAMD, the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, an agency dedicated to caring for and finding homes for adoptable animals.

There were actually two events held this morning: the first, my event, was the 5K Run/Walk at 8:00 a.m. and the second was the Mutt Strut, a 2.2 mile stroll which began at 9:30 a.m. For both events, participants were encouraged to bring their dogs and there were many vendors and activities which catered to the pooches. You may recall I scoped out this venue a couple of weeks ago as the event had an 8:00 a.m. start and I didn’t want to get lost and/or be late.

I had registered awhile ago, so I picked up my gear and swag bag (which doubled as a back pack and contained a bracelet that said “We Care”, beef jerkey treat, leash, poop bag and a pen). I’ll give all the doggy gear to my neighbor for “Woody” next time I see him.

The event started at 8:00 a.m. after we assembled near the start hoop and heard the national anthem. The speakers were loud and a husky, with eyes as blue as the sky, howled at the high notes. Everyone laughed at that.

We were told there would be no shotgun start as it would upset the dogs, so it was just “on your mark, get set, go” and this song blared on the speakers as the runners and walkers set off.

It was a gorgeous morning, but a bit on the chilly side (39 F/3.8 C), but that didn’t matter as it was so bright and sunny. This event is always held the second Saturday in May and I wanted to do it last year and register the day of the event, but it was a torrential rain that morning. The second event was cancelled due to thunderstorms.

The tee-shirts were bright yellow. Usually in an event of this type, you’d look out into the crowd and see a sea of yellow, but most people donned their shirts under their jackets or hoodies. The runners were a little braver and just sported the tee-shirt over their regular clothing.

I like walking in 5Ks and basically, I was there because it was a great fundraiser – last year the two events raised $100,000.00. Like with prior 5K events, I was not out to win any speed category, but just there to stroll in the wooded area, enjoy the ambiance and take some photos. Because I ambled along, I was the last one from the get-go, but that was okay, I enjoyed the scenery along the way and will return here to enjoy this trek again. I had worried the walk might be in a swampy area like I encountered a few weeks ago, but it was all on paved pathways, mostly away from Ford Field Park.

The long and winding road.

We left Ford Field Park, and after a short trek through the ‘hood, we headed for a more natural area. The path was woodsy and crossed a few wooden bridges.

A few of the runners were already on the return journey.

After arriving at the turnaround …

… I turned on my heel to head back. I could now take my time and savor the trip a little more – before I didn’t want to stray too far from the rest of the crowd and not know how to get back. This time I could enjoy the wooded path of the Rouge River Gateway Trail and I lingered at the Ford Estate grounds, admiring Fair Lane, the stately home of Henry Ford, (the founder of Ford Motor Company), and his wife Clara. The home and trees in blossom on the grounds were just exquisite. I hated to take the picture through the chain link fence, but couldn’t resist doing so as I couldn’t find an access point to gain entry to the grounds. The home is under restoration but the grounds are open. I think I would like to return and take a closer look.

It was back to the wooded area, retracing my steps to the starting point and just about the time I arrived, the awards ceremony for the Run/Walk were beginning. All of a sudden, the sun disappeared behind the clouds and it got downright dark – I was sure it was going to pour raining as we have rain in the forecast for later tonight and most of tomorrow and Monday.

The “stars” of this event.

Well, I guess the “stars” of the event could be perceived in many ways, i.e. kudos and awards were given to the first runners and walkers to return, as well as to fundraising groups and persons who had solicited donations for today’s walk. Essentially, each of us who paid a registration fee to participate in the event were “stars” as well. The mayor of Dearborn was there, as was Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. The ambassadors of the event were local TV celebrities Taryn Asher and Jason Carr, accompanied by their daughter and two fur kids.

But the real “stars” of the event, in my opinion, were these two pooches.

The first was this dog who was selling sloppy smooches for $1.00 a kiss. There was a line-up to get your face licked by this happy pup at the Kissing Booth. Your roving reporter passed because she wanted to remain “camera ready”. Unfortunately I caught her in a “smoochless” and rather disgruntled-looking pose.

And, there was this dog who seemed perpetually happy with everyone that stopped by to scratch an ear or pet him. This poor pooch had front legs that did not function, yet he got around with two wheels which propelled him forward. The tenacity of this fellow was amazing. I’ve seen pictures of such devices for dogs who are lame in the front or rear legs, but I’ve never have seen a dog using such a device. I tried to get over and speak with his owner/handler, but there was always a crowd around this pooch, so I had to settle for just a photo.

All shapes and sizes.

This is a 130-pound Bullmastiff. It’s the first time I saw this breed of dog. He was huge and drooling like crazy (and no he wasn’t near any of the food vendors). I wasn’t the only person that tried to take his picture and camera shutters were clicking and all of a sudden he shook that massive head. Drool went flying everywhere. (It would be the likes of an alpaca spitting at you.) Ew! I stepped back swiftly and checked the camera lens – whew, it was dry. All us would-be photographers just looked at one another and moved on to the next cute or unusual pooch. (Nice to see I captured the spittle dribbles in these photos.)

This pair of Giant Alaskan Malamutes looked like they were comfy and cozy with all that fur, especially when the sun dipped behind the clouds. You’ll note the sign on their collar they are service dogs in training. This was a good event to test their mettle when they see other dogs.

A few more pooches caught my attention and I noticed a lot of Pit Bull Terriers at this event today.

Considering all the dogs, of all breeds, as well as shapes and sizes, there was no fighting amongst them. Each owner had to show proof that shots were up to date, before getting into the event. I ended up with many photo bombs as the dogs’ heads were swiveling around to watch one another, or even to enjoy the savory smell of hot dogs cooking on a grill. (There were plenty of dachshunds, long-haired and smooth, at the event, so I hope these doxies didn’t get too upset by that hot dog vendor!)

Free sniffs (no, it’s not what you think).

Speaking of sniffing, this part of the post is not about tired jokes of how dogs get acquainted with each other. No, not at all. There were about 25 vendors set up on the Ford Field Park grounds. You could get a caricature of your dog or even a painting done of your fur kid. There were many doggie treat booths, most of them featuring healthy treats for your pet. Some treats were a little decadent like these:

As I approached this vendor, a hungry German Shepherd eyed a treat bag that balanced precariously on the end of a table. Just one nudge of his big nose, would have set it flying off the table and landing at his feet. The owner, holding her dog’s leash tightly, asked if there were samples and was told with a wink “sorry, no samples, but all sniffs are for free!”

So, I walked the 5K course which is 3.2 miles …

… but I still had some steps to rack up to get to six miles, which I try to achieve each weekend day. I walked around the vendor area and then headed back toward the first wooded area to revisit it again. The entire walk was lovely, but I never saw a single squirrel or bird and thought that was odd. Maybe they stayed up in their nests in their jammies on this chilly morning.

[Header image and logo from FAMD]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 5K Walk, Dogs, Mutt Strut 2019, nature, walk, walking | 54 Comments

Meet Mama and her brood.

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Linda Schaub

I picked a header image featuring their feathery backsides, but … this was the only close-up photo of Mom with her entire brood and the one gosling flapping its wings just gives me a smile.
(“Hey Mom – how about some flying lessons too?”)

The first glimpses of goslings at the Park come Spring is always such a joy for me. It’s not like the later families of Canada Geese, that share the perimeter path with us walkers over the next six weeks, will become old hat, but, believe me when I tell you I’m not the only one with a camera or phone snapping pictures while oohing and aahing over these fuzzy, feathered friends.

I got to the Park on Wednesday morning, happy that we did not get the anticipated rain, but instead had sunshine (yeah) and I was even happier when fellow walker Mike came over to tell me that he’d seen goslings along the path and gave me the family’s location. I told Mike I’d been down to Dingell Park to visit Mama Duck and he said he’d been there the day before and she was off the nest and strolling around the pavilion and he went to see if the ducklings had hatched and saw eight eggs … so, it’s not soup yet folks, as that old Lipton commercial goes.

I thanked Mike and headed yonder to where the park bench is just a few yards from the entrance to the water … there is a big tree nearby and the parents like to bring their offspring to graze, then go for a dip. I wanted a glimpse of the goslings to include their photos in a post close to Mother’s Day. Would I make it to the other side of the Park before they disappeared into the bushes or swam away? To get there timely, I cut across the grass, bypassing my usual steps on the perimeter path, and, of course completely forgetting two major things, i.e. 1) the primary reason why I go to the Park (to walk); and 2) the squirrels, who didn’t see me as I streaked past the usual “feeding spots” enroute to my destination. That was a big faux pas because I arrived at this corner, saw the parents and their offspring and while pulling the camera out of my zippered vest underneath my coat (yup, another cold morning), out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a trio of squirrels had gathered at my feet and were looking up at me. I was unable to tell if they wore a mystified look (as in “did you forget about us?), or an angry look (“wait a minute – the geese are more important than we are?”). Yikes – what was I thinking?! Quickly, I made my apologies, tossed down some peanuts and got ready to capture some cute shots.

I’m just going to caption the pictures below as there are so many, and admittedly, they are not the best photos. You never want to get too close to them, especially with the gander, ever-protective of his little family, and he will indeed hiss, flap his wings, or worse yet … charge at you if he deems you a threat to his goslings. I always stay a respectful distance away whether they are newborns or almost ready to fledge and depart the Park.

Good thing I arrived when I did because they did not graze long, then headed down to the water. The water level in this area is so high, Mama Goose merely walked right into the Creek with their little ones in tow, and Papa bringing up the rear. There were some hurried swimming lessons, and off they went, gliding down the middle of the Creek. The family didn’t go far because they veered off to the left near a dock at a residence across the Creek and toddled off into the homeowner’s backyard.

Please enjoy this dose of cuteness.

**When I arrived, the five goslings surrounded Mom – she is the feathered sentinel who is standing on one leg, while the gander grazes in the foreground.**

**Aren’t they sweet?**
**They have been tucked away somewhere because they were not all that tiny.**

**Getting all the goslings to look my way was a difficult task.**

**Mom was willing to pose with a trio of her offspring.**

**Breakfast is over, time for a swimming lesson.**

**Mom wants to go right, but some of the chicks prefer going the opposite way.**

**They clustered around Mom as Dad appears disinterested in swimming lessons.**

**Mom eyes me suspiciously as I stood between the reeds to get this shot of her and her baby.**

**Sippin’ AND swimmin’ … they are quick learners.**

**The goslings never stray too far from Mom.**

**Swimming lessons are done – time to eat!**

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Cute, geese, Goslings, nature, Spring, walk, walking | 60 Comments

Dandelions are dande, er … dandy.

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Linda Schaub

**PARKER IS SITTIN’ PRETTY IN A FIELD OF DANDELIONS**

Who has not clutched a “bouquet” of these sunny-looking “wildflowers” in a chubby fist, then presented them to Mom when you were a kid? I think we’ve all done that at some point. For me, it was dandelions in Springtime and buttercups later in the Summer.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, when I was two years old, my parents and I moved from an apartment in Toronto to Sandmere Place, a cul-de-sac in a new subdivision in Oakville, Ontario. The area around was still undeveloped and at the end of our street, there was a huge meadow where neighborhood children would play. There was a creek where we’d scoop up tadpoles which became pets until they grew legs, then they were put back into the creek again. We frolicked like young colts, thriving in nature, as we flew kites, played tag, sipped sweet clover blossom nectar and picked wildflowers. To us, dandelions, buttercups and even Queen Anne’s Lace were flowers, not weeds. My mom was ready to accommodate the “bouquet” with a wide, Red Rose sweet pickle jar, or a tall, skinny apple butter jar.

Every year when dandelions dot the lawns and Park grounds, I have fond memories of presenting a dandelion gift to Mom all those decades ago.

We’re having a week of gray, gloomy and rainy weather again, although this morning was an unexpected treat as it was sunny when I headed out. The wind has knocked the petals off many of the magnolias and flowering trees, and the pounding rain has left the daffodils and tulips less than perky. I sure am glad I sauntered out the door without a care in the world last Saturday and Sunday. The dust and disorderliness can wait … the older I am, the more I understand the phrase “Carpe Diem” or seize the day.

These are a few dandelion and fuzzy friends photos from Sunday. Looking at them reminds me that sunny days do exist in Michigan amidst all these soggy Spring days … sigh.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Dandelions, nature, Squirrels, walk, walking | 68 Comments

I’ve been on baby watch.

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Linda Schaub

Just like the Brits that awaited the newest Royal, who finally made his debut this morning, I’ve been on baby watch too, and what better time to write about it then during Mother’s Day week.

As you know, while walking at Council Point Park, I’ve been scoping out hidey holes for goslings, peering around reeds for ducklings and glancing up at tree branches for Mama Robins sitting on nests. Even in the neighborhoods, there are no egg-filled nests that will soon house hatchlings. Alas, no luck at glimpsing any of these fine-feathered friends’ offspring so far this Spring.

But … not to worry, as I have another venue to scout for babies – that is at Dingell Park down in Ecorse. Mike, one of the walkers at Council Point Park, told me last year that Mama Mute Swans like to swim with their cygnets in the cove that is just off the pavilion area at this park. Mike is retired and passes the time after walking by chitchatting every morning with the fishermen at Dingell Park. These anglers often stop at the café across from the pavilion for breakfast, then bring baked goods to toss out to the waterfowl. Nope, not the seagulls, but a Mama Mallard Duck who builds a nest in a planters box in the pavilion area every year. People bring Mama Duck treats so she does not need to leave the nest unattended and can incubate those eggs full time. One morning, just like this little chick pictured above, those babies will hatch and a stream of ducklings will hop to the ground, waddle across the pavilion, then plop right into the water. I wish I could be there to see that cute parade, don’t you?

So yesterday, I went to Dingell Park looking for Mama Duck. Mike told me the story about her last year, but the eggs had already hatched and all that remained was an empty nest with feathers and broken shells by the time I stopped by. This was because we had nine rainy weekends in a row, so getting to Dingell Park was dicey. This year I aimed to do better.

I saw Mama Mallard Duck and I spoke to her softly so I could approach and take some photos. I didn’t want to scare her by getting too close, so the pictures aren’t great. I took them from two angles.

I should have brought a treat for her, despite this brand-new sign I saw in the parking lot.

Visitors to Dingell Park, including the fishermen, will continue to feed the ducks, swans and geese that converge at the pavilion for handouts – it is the seagulls that are problematic. They invite themselves to every food fest.

Here is where the planter is located – the parking lot is on one side, and a scenic view of the cove area and Mud Island on the other side, so it is a somewhat secluded spot for the mallard nursery.

At a glance, you can barely see Mama as she is hunkered down amongst the plants in the cement planter. I’ll keep checking for ducklings, as well as swans and their babies which ride along on Mama’s back and of course I’ll share those photos if I’m lucky enough to witness this wonder of nature.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Birth, ducks, Mallards, nature, Spring, walk, walking | 40 Comments

SUNday Strollin’.

Posted on May 5, 2019 by Linda Schaub

It was an entire day of beautiful sunshine, and, like the TV anchor quipped yesterday … it was enough to make you giddy.

I decided to start my Sunday strollin’ down at the Detroit River … I figured if the runoff from the River was still evident, I’d just get back in the car and go somewhere else. I even parked about a block away and walked through lovely downtown Wyandotte to get to Bishop Park.

The Silver Bass are running.

The boardwalk was full of fisherman this morning. They lined up and down with fishing poles pressed up against the railing and waiting patiently for their dinner.

What anglers weren’t jammed along the boardwalk, or on the pier that juts out into the Detroit River, the rest were out in boats. They were all over this morning, with huge nets and big buckets, hoping to land enough fish to grill for Sunday dinner.

It didn’t matter that a huge hulking freighter was not too far off in the distance – they were fixated on fishing.

As I strolled along the River’s edge, I couldn’t help but notice the cement sidewalk near the kayak launch area was soaking wet.

Though the water has receded since the photos on Thursday which showed the Detroit River spilling over the seawall and onto the boardwalk with each successive wave, some water still lapped up and over.

There was no waterfowl at the River this morning, not even a single seagull or tern, so I returned to my car and drove to Dingell Park. The waterfowl were nil here as well, but the fishermen were out in full force. I stayed about five minutes and headed over to Council Point Park.

The dandelions were a’bloomin’.

Unbelievably, I left Council Point Park a mere 24 hours before, and stated that there was not a single dandelion. Well, it was like a different Park today! There was a sea of dandelions this morning – there must have been thousands of them!

I’d only walked about a mile and a half at Bishop Park and Dingell Park, so I knew I had some serious steps to get under my belt to reach my six-mile goal for today. So, off I went, sallying down the pathway, peanuts stuffed in my pocket and camera in hand.

I’ll sneak in just one squirrel photo below, but I must say that the sun brought not only the dandelions out – I think everyone and everything was happy to enjoy the sunshine.

I’ve got a worm and you don’t!

Last year I took some photos of a Robin redbreast and remarked on the “head tilt” … I remembered my pet birds through the years doing the head tilt, as if they tried to comprehend something; it always made me smile, thinking of the “gears turning” inside each of their little heads.

Fellow blogger and naturalist, Wayne, of Tofino Photography commented on that post that the robin tilts its head as it listens for worms or grubs underground. I didn’t know that factoid – so, how amazing is that?

Well, I watched this one robin who permitted me to get fairly close to him as he hopped around, listening and looking for his brunch. After a patient pursuit, he landed a plump worm. The sequence of photos is below.

Who or what else did I see?

A few violets mingled in with the dandelions along the Creek edge … I have got a ton of them at the house in the back and front yards as well and I think they complement the dandelions. 🙂

Some delicate white blossoms had opened since yesterday.

Mama Mallard was sunning on the cement landing that covers the storm drain … I zoomed in on her and you can still see some storm debris. Like yesterday, her mate was nearby, but was spiffing himself up like it was Saturday night date night, so, after five minutes, I decided I’d just take her picture due to his incessant preening.

I saw the Red-Winged Blackbird which swooped down for peanuts and he is this post’s header image. While their disposition may be nasty sometimes, their colors sure are striking, aren’t they?

I watched a squirrel with muddy paws eye me like I was an intruder in his space. He was King of this park bench until I coaxed him over to the perimeter path by luring him with a couple of peanuts. Afterward, it seemed like he trusted me a wee bit more but I decided he was not a regular at the Park and probably from the nearby neighborhood.

As I meandered around the Park, from my vantage point on the perimeter path, I was still scoping out the underbrush for goslings. There were only two geese grazing and I saw no youngsters, so I guess they have not hatched or are well hidden.

I saw Gil and Sam, two guys who usually walk in the 10:00 o’clock hour. I asked them if they’d seen goslings yet and they had not. I then asked if they’d heard the bullfrog or seen any turtles as I worried for their welfare after this brutally cold Winter and seeing all the dead shad that washed up near the cement landing. They didn’t mention the bullfrog, but said “sure, the turtles are sunning themselves right now – we just passed them.” They told me where to look and sure enough, on the log were a passel of turtles enjoying the sun just like me. The pictures are not very clear as I had to peer at them through the bushes, but they lived though the Polar Vortex, so that’s good news.

While clicking away to capture the images of the turtles, I saw movement in the water. Thinking it was a diving duck, I stood poised with the camera, only to catch a glimpse of a long tail streaming behind a brown body – a muskrat! The picture did not turn out as he was submerged just seconds after spotting him. Better luck next time.

I didn’t see the Great Blue Heron and his kids, but the highlight of the day was the furry critter I saw at the tail end of my trip.

Oh no! Please don’t hate me!

I was walking on the first loop, the area with the optimal critter and bird experience, and up ahead a large critter lumbered across the pathway. I got the camera out and took its photo before trying to zoom in.

It was a groundhog.

I know there are a few of them at either end of this Park. I don’t see them very often though. Last year, I was looking at some fish leaping high in the water while chasing one another, when out of the corner of my left eye, I saw something dark and furry on the branch next to me. I jumped back and wondered how I could have missed that huge groundhog that was happily munching on mulberries not even a foot away from me? The walkers here call them woodchucks or groundhogs interchangeably.

Well this groundhog streaked over to the grass once it caught sight of me and disappeared down into some tangled brush.

I edged closer to where it went and realized it could not have gone far and sure enough, it had dipped into its burrow to escape me. He (or she) wondered if the coast was clear and popped its head back out and saw me.

Down went the head again, but curiosity either got the best of this critter, or it figured I’d moved on, so its head popped out, this time for good. Too bad there was a shadow on its face.

Hmm – I’ll call the second picture a “Groundhog side eye”.

My camera was trained on his burrow opening and head, hoping that groundhog would scurry out again but it did not. I guess he figured I’d scold him for a lousy Winter and Spring, so he stayed put.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged nature, Parks, Spring, walk, walking | 108 Comments

It’s “Hike Like a Girl Weekend” so …

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Linda Schaub

… if the shoe, er … fins fit, why not go for it?

Well, actually the concept of hiking this weekend might be better said than done.

It was a dark and stormy night …

We’ve had a wicked week of weather here in my part of Michigan, especially, Wayne County, which got hit hard by torrential rain April 30^th into May 1^st. The rain fell fast and furiously, bringing a total of 3½ inches of rain in a seven-hour period. Our Governor declared a State of Emergency for Wayne County, after 3,000 homes and businesses were affected by both the rain and water damage from local rivers and streams. In my city alone, 400 people ended up with flooded basements and structural damage to their homes and three houses were declared uninhabitable. Our flooding woes made the national news, after 14 feet of water submerged a portion of a major expressway. As the water began to recede, it was not just debris discovered in the funky sewer water, but five vehicles flipped over on their side were uncovered as well – luckily they were empty.

The sun’s been on strike!

Thankfully today was dry – unbelievably, we had rain for nine days in a row! I was skimming through news on Twitter before I began this post, and a local TV anchor quipped: “Tomorrow it’s sunny from the beginning to the end of the day. Plan accordingly. I’m giddy.”

I am grateful that Mother Nature finally turned off the tap, but I was mindful that 5 ½ inches of rain in the course of one week meant this gal was not doing any hiking anytime soon, unless I felt like sloshing through water in all my favorite venues. You saw how it looked last Sunday when I tried out a new park with no paved walking path. Not so great, unless you’re a duck. Thus, a trip to Elizabeth Park, Bishop Park or Dingell Park would not happen, as they all run parallel to the Detroit River, which, after the storm, surpassed the seawall, spilling water onto the respective boardwalks. The photos on Facebook were amazing. Heritage Park was going to be my go-to spot today, but pictures of this park showed it waterlogged with ponds all over the walking paths as well. It was such a sloppy mess that they cancelled today’s annual Clean-up-the-Park Day.

This “new norm” for constant rainy weather already caused me to invest in waterproof shoes and now rubber boots as well. Both are not christened yet, but that’s okay too. At the rate we’re going, they are sure to be well used. This season is just as soggy as the Spring of 2018.

So, this morning I headed to my old standby, Council Point Park, to visit with my peanut pals who no doubt missed me as I didn’t venture past the neighborhood the last two days. I was able to walk, luckily just after the drizzle stopped, but the sky was such an ominous shade of dark gray, I decided not to stray too far from the ‘hood. Wednesday I never left the house due to the storm.

It was more like the first week in April, than May.

It may have been dry, but it was cold, not even chilly! It was just 42 degrees with a stiff north wind blowing. While I am ready to ditch the Winter coat, hat and gloves, I decided to be comfy and just wear them. As I walked down to Council Point Park, I was glad I was in my woolens and Winter coat. Just a handful of walkers were on the perimeter path and similarly attired – hey, it gets very windy down there in the open spaces!.

Actually, there were more squirrels than people, and, as soon as I got on the trail, the boys, a/k/a my furry little pals, appreciated my presence and came running over. I took a couple of cookies for Parker as a special treat for the second time around when I would pull out the camera.

Parker decided since he had sweets AND peanuts, it was wise to take a few peanuts to go, so off he went to bury some of his stash. So did he forget about last year’s cache of nuts or does he think it feels like Fall, therefore Winter is on the way? For sure that frozen ground that lingered through April made it impossible, even with his sharp claws, to retrieve those peanuts.

Spring continues to load slowly at this venue. Unbelievably many of the leaves have still not unfurled completely and I was dismayed to see how many trees don’t even have buds. I don’t think they are late bloomers – I believe they died after this very frigid Winter.

Mr. Sun – Where forth art thou?

I travelled sans umbrella as I wanted to get some shots of the Park, and the umbrella dangling from a strap off my wrist just gets in the way. Besides, the weather folks, (if they are to be believed), said no rain today after all.

However, I was ready to go out on a limb …

… and declare there would be no sun today.

The clouds were deep gray and so low slung, it appeared if you scrambled up a tree to reach the highest branch …

… you’d likely be able to pull one of those ugly-looking clouds down.

Where are the young ‘uns?

I decided to trek one entire loop around to feed my pals, then pay special attention for goslings toddling around. Before I left the house, I looked back in my blog for the first week of May last year to see when the goslings appeared. It was this very week. I generally have a few shots of them to use around Mother’s Day. But I saw no goslings at the Park today.

Speaking of offspring, the blue birdhouse, which was move-in ready a month ago, is still vacant. I peered into the dark hole but saw no sign of life inside.

Likewise, I checked low-hanging branches for any nest-building efforts by Robins, so I can begin to monitor eggs-to-hatchlings-to-fledglings just like last year, but not a single nest was found. It seems that everything associated with Spring is in slo-mo this year.

I caught a glimpse of a Black-Crowned Night Heron across the Creek. He was hunkered down, head and neck scrunched into his body. I wouldn’t have noticed him nestled in the trees, except he made a loud grunting noise to no one in particular and it startled me. He flew off before I could get a photo.

Fellow walker Mike came along just then and I mentioned the heron. We saw this type of bird several times last Summer. Mike said he’s seen the Great Blue Heron on the cement landing with a few offspring. I am truly sorry I missed that sight – hopefully when I return tomorrow the small family is there.

Finally, the sun put in an appearance.

At last, a pale yellow orb peeked out behind one of the clouds.

A couple of sleepy Mallards lazed on the grass near the storm drain. I didn’t take their picture as it was obvious the water had risen above the storm drain as the cement landing was covered with mud and debris and that would have showed up in the shot.

A Red-Winged Blackbird and a Cardinal both swooped down to swipe peanuts from the squirrels, as I stopped to feed them. The Cardinal was content to go back to its tree and await another opportunity to snatch a peanut … or two.

A Canada Goose had the catch-of-the-day and was finagling a way to slurp down that flailing fish.

I suggested he watch the Robins who have no trouble swallowing wiggling worms whole, though last year I captured some images of a Mama Robin slicing and dicing up a big worm on the perimeter path to take to her youngsters.

As for ambiance in the Park, well the squirrels were their usual fun-loving furry selves, but the landscape remains Winter weary and drab. Surprisingly I saw not a single dandelion, despite them peppering the lawns of most homes right now. When I looked back at posts from this time last year, the trees were leafed out, a few wildflowers were blooming and it was a sea of dandelions on the Park grounds. I do believe Mother Nature needs an attitude adjustment!

[Header image of “Hike Like A Girl Weekend” from Twitter]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged nature, Spring, walk, walking | 60 Comments

Only 1,000 more miles to reach my goal!

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Linda Schaub

Well, saying 1,000 more miles to go … put that way, it doesn’t seem like I’ve made much progress in my walking regimen in 2019, nor does it seem probable that I’ll reach my goal of 1,242 miles (or 2,000 kilometers) before year end.

As to walking, the weather has been horrid the past two months and in April we had 3.72 inches of rain and rain is still on the horizon. Happily, I got out yesterday and today because the rain held off until after I walked. That’s good because I had set a mini-goal for myself to reach 242 miles by April 30^th.

Meet Mike Posner.

So, I’ve been following the trek of Mike Posner, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who is a Michigan native. While in high school, he ran varsity track and cross-county and he has a degree in Sociology from Duke University.

Mike’s claim to fame is not just his music, but the fact that he is currently walking across America.

It took seven months for the 31-year-old to prepare for this journey, which began in Asbury Park, New Jersey on April 15^th .

He hopes to be in Venice Beach, California by year-end, where he plans to jump into the ocean and celebrate with his friends. He had originally counted on six months to accomplish this trek, but got a late start after injuring his foot earlier this year. Mike also concedes that his original time line goal will be delayed since he will now be crossing through mountainous regions and there will sometimes be snow to hamper his travel. He has a friend who drives a van and they sleep in it every night, unless folks he meets along the way offer the pair to stay at their home that night.

Hmm – I feel like a slacker!

As you see in this post from three days ago, Mike walks rain or shine …

… in the morning and evening, and is building his stamina to walk about 20 miles per day. (Yikes – I feel like I’ve accomplished something when I walk six miles in one day!) He begins as early as 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. and often stops at various venues (like parks) and grabs his guitar, sings and does impromptu pop-up concerts. Mike advises his daily progress on Twitter and Instagram – he uses the same handle at both sites: @MikePosner.

Mike is asking people to walk along with him when he is traveling through their city or state and by following his daily posts, you’ll know where to meet up with him to do so. If he is nearby, I think it will be fun to join him, don’t you?

I’ll leave you with this quote from Mike which is the reason for his journey:

“I hope my walk can remind myself and others that life is now. Life isn’t in five years or after I accomplish some goal. This is it. We have to enjoy each step.” ~Mike Posner

Those are good words to live by – maybe they should become my mantra as well.

[Header photo from Pinterest; Mike Posner photos/logo from Mike Posner’s Twitter page]