A Walk to the Store, Aug 15, ‘10

I haven’t taken a walk to the store since my last walk in early Spring -- 3 1/2 months, approximately,  until today,  the middle of August.  So, I’ve missed quite a few changes up and down the street.  I haven’t been walking to the store because I’ve joined a gym and get my exercise there.  I get more exercise for my body at the gym but not much to excite my mind and eyes as the walk to the store.  

As I walked and photographed I took note of how wonderfully effective the working out at the gym has been for me these past few months.  My knee and hip are much stronger and there’s barely any pain.  Walking is easier, less fatigue,  without the sense that my shin is on fire.  I’m able to bend down or kneel to take a shot, able to move much more fluidly than I have been.  I’m glad that I’m putting in the time at the gym and that it’s working so well for me.

The weather today is gray and overcast.  It’s been quite dry lately so some rain would be welcome, but so far, no rain, even with the dark skies.  The temp is 75 degrees and humidity is low, so comfortable.

It’s always interesting to me to see the photos that come out of my camera after a walk to the store.    The color of the light today is interesting and certain things stood out to me as a result.  The texture and color of flowers and leaves and Queen Anne’s Lace are the high points for me.  

I started with a few shots of my gardening effort this past summer.  Tending a garden has been a pleasure for me this summer.  I’ve grown mostly flowers but planted 7 tomato plants, basil and a few other herbs.  I ended my walk with a few shots of my house and the placement of symbols that tell me I’m Home.  Between Beginning and End, things on the street today that caught my eye, perked my interest.

The Queen, the beautiful house across the street I call Queen of the Street.  With the light today, even the shining white Queen seems gray.

Texture:

N

Almost every yard has some kind of flowers, trees, hedges or bushes.

This yard is very neat.

Signs

Two Friendly Dogs.

Dog Fence

Home

A beautiful early spring day here today.  I've been for my walk, returned with these photos.  The theme for me today seems to be buds and flowers.

March 21, '10

For the first time since I've moved here, almost 2 1/2 years ago, I walked to the store taking an entirely new route.  It was a beautiful day here, today.  Not as warm as the past 2 days, but still lovely.  People were out today; walking, walking the dog, playing with the kids, walking while talking on the phone....  It was a good day to be out.  I enjoyed the change of perspective and the 'new' scenery.

This is the back of my house, my apartment is on the 2nd floor, all that's really showing of mine is the porch and the pansies I planted today in pots that hang on the porch rail. 

What appealed to me in this photo was the wash hanging out to dry.  It looked bright and free inside a border of dark and cool.

Two women out for a walk with a kid in a little go-cart and a dog.  The dog peed on the leash which is why he's running free and the woman is holding the leash so carefully and away from her.

Looking through backyards to the next house down....

The old Rainbow Restaurant.  Always there....  Until last year when they surprisingly closed forever.  It was quite a shock.  They were an institution; the food was great.

Looking down Washington Street. 

First Daffodils....

The Store...

Blue and Orange...Love this combo.

 

March 1, '10 

March came in like a lion; it was windy all day.  The sky was beautiful all day.  The temp rose to 43, but with the high wind and wind-chill factor, it was difficult to tell that today is one of the warmest days we've had all year. 

I didn't get out for a walk today, just ran out to the street to take some photos of the sun setting over the houses up the street.

A day of sharp contrast, deep shadows.

Isn't that sky a lovely blue?

Saturday Feb 26, '10

Under this indistinguishable mound of snow, under a thick blanket of leaves and 6 inches into the soil,  lie 30 bulbs; 20 tulip, 10 daffodil.  I like to think of them sleeping there through all kinds of terrible cold and snow.  I like to think of them waking soon and can hardly wait to see signs that they're growing,  I'm most hopeful that there will be many blossoms.

 

 View to the West....

Today is characterized by Gray.  The store, which can't be seen from here,  is at the end of this street and then across the street that intersects this street.  Much of the sidewalk hasn't been cleared; I imagine that this is the snow that occurred during the night, as it wasn't deep.

Here's a puddle reflecting the sky.  Not a very colorful day.  But at least it's running water and not ice....

 

A dull puddle in a dark place.

f

View to the east

Steps to follow...

Various stages of snowmelt...

Shining Path

 

Puddle and Hedge

 

Grate and Reflection

Yesterday's Snowman