SHOES & FAMILIAR SIGHTS

With warmer mornings and promises of days full of sunshine, it’s past time putting away heavy winter coats and boots to usher in well worn athletic shoes and whimsical flip flops!

Toss in some cool water or hot sand to soothe tired achy feet and I’ve got a recipe for being in my spring/summer “happy place”! Sounds rather funny coming off winter and all my cheers for a good snow storm or two! I guess–if I’m being honest–I like EVERY season and what each has to offer….but, back to shoes and familiar sights.

This week the temperatures finally reached the high 60s by mid morning which is my favorite time to get outside. I actually own a pair of New Balance brand running shoes–no paid advertisement here–and these trusty ones keep my feet well supported during my walks that include a bit of running, too. I have a couple of routes that I use for getting in at least a mile or slightly more, depending on direction of the wind…my mood…a need for a change in scenery. 

We’ve lived in our current home for 36 years now. The “scenery” has changed…a sprawling hay field that could yield three cuttings in a good year is now home to a small subdivision…horses no longer graze next door…nor the goats that used to live with them. The empty lot across the road from us is still going through every season’s cycle of decay, new growth….continuing to offer safety for birds, squirrels and deer. Here and there in the undergrowth are wildflowers that poke out, enticing me to pick them, then remembering that’s a big “no-no”. Gone are pheasants….we’ve had wild turkeys come and go–much to our surprise.

As I walk and run along the road’s edge, I still see all the places the pavement has cracked and broken away…the shoulder’s gravel is full of ruts from the mail truck, cars and trucks that have passed by at speeds I consider a bit over the top, but wide enough for me to walk on when passing traffic comes along.

In the mile leading north up our road to a bridge, there are two new homes. One is yet to be completed. It’s tucked inside a beautiful wooded area that will offer its family some fantastic views of wildlife. With every new home built, our 36 year old neighborhood goes through a small cosmetic makeover…changing the landscape of empty lots or heavily treed spots…a new driveway adorned with a mailbox.

South of us is another area being cleared for a group of homes…if all the lots sell we should see 8 new houses…so far, only a paved road and property boundaries have appeared. One of the lots has a huge pile of logs from the big trees that have been removed, making way for a house I guess. I haven’t seen any activity there unless you count the deer who still cross the road making their way into the overgrowth of trees and tall grasses that come with late spring and summer. Theirs are about the only tracks in the dirt on both sides of the black pavement that winds its way to the back lots. 

Today, when I enjoyed my time outside I reminisced about the number of times I’ve walked our road…traffic has increased….familiar trucks still zoom by me and are still courteous moving over to make room for me. We exchange “waves” as a way to say good morning or acknowledge “I see you”. I note the homes where a family has moved, another taking up residence, acknowledging that I don’t know who they are….gone are the days when the school bus stopped at our house to pick up our own two children…the kids riding the bus are all strangers to me now…the mail carrier comes mid mornings now and I “think” I know her name…

I’m thankful for sturdy, familiar shoes made for walking. I’m giddy about being able to wear flip flops now without feeling I’m rushing the season. I’m thankful for our beautiful neighborhood that ebbs and flows with beauty and vitality through all four seasons. I’m excited to see where my New Balance shoes take me this spring and summer, until I have to put them away and drag out my faux fur lined hiking boots….oh. I guess I better go tuck those away…..