Walking Catchup

It has been just over two weeks since I've written some thoughts. I have been able to get 4 miles in most days - down "my country road", through the little town, and then to the bike path along the canal. I see so many neat "critters" on my walks, even the red winged blackbird who dive bombs me because there are babies nearby.Work has taken over for a little while, but the walks are keeping me focused.

It is very humid today, storms early this morning, but not too hot for a late morning walk. Now to wash and clear coat the Jeep - I've been going to do that for two weeks.

Exercising at Lakeside

Although I see some vigorous joggers and walkers, most of us here for vacation or the summer just get more exercise than usual because we don't use our cars. I might walk 10-12 blocks a day or ride my bike several miles and not even think about it. I think this is why our parents and grandparents didn't carry as much weight. During the day I might walk 3 blocks and back to the little grocery store, or 2-3 blocks to the little business district, or stroll a mile along the lakefront and not even notice it. It's a wonderful way to get around--when the weather's good--and for the most part it has been. Occasionally Joanne sends her storms from Illinois that she has been dodging.

Walking at sunrise along Lake Erie

Back from Italy

We got back from Italy in the wee morning hours of June 30, and I'd planned laundry, photo sorting, blogging, etc. and getting ready for Lakeside, but a virus overtook me and I landed in the hospital, dehydrated. A few others on the tour were also doing poorly, so either we ate or drank something that didn't agree. One gal spent the flight in the rest room--thank goodness mine waited until June 30! But I seem to be on the mend. My little one-mile-a-day walks around the condo grounds weren't up to cobblestone streets and Umbrian hills! Also we had a heat wave. I'm posting photos and stories at my regular blog, Collecting My Thoughts as the inspiration hits. So far, the brain isn't in gear. But Joanne is always an inspiration and I plan to go for a short walk now that the sun is out. It's like a rain forest here in central Ohio.

Happy Fourth of July!

Another month has come and gone. Weather has turned better. This was a great morning for walking. I've been able to walk 3 and 1/2 to 4 miles most mornings before work. Ive sloughed off at Nautilus so that is the next goal to get going on.

We are still Mississippi River flooded in an adjacent county and the local portion of Rock River is still higher in some places than normal. We have lots of mosquitoes and little gnats and I hate wearing bug repellent. But the alternative is worse.

Now that I'm finished with my morning walk, I tackling the weeds and tall grasses in the rose bed that lines the west border of our land. Tonight I'll be able to see some of the fireworks from my yard.