I walk every day, including Sundays and holidays :-). My 30 - 40 minute walk basically follows the same route every day. The only difference is when the kids are on their way to school. I try to change my route on these days so that I avoid being run over by bicycles, skateboards and scooters. Even this change is fairly minor and it might seem that this would be boring walking the same way every day.I find my walks anything but boring. There is always something different going on even in a small town. Each day I meet different people. I notice that there are a lot less people who walk in the winter. (And I thought Canadians were tough. Hah!) Most of the people I meet in the inclement weather have dogs. Obviously you have to walk the family pooch regardless of the weather. I have become very friendly with many dog owners and know their dogs' names even if I don't know the owner's name.
I also find it interesting noticing houses that go up for sale. In the past year, there have been several houses that have not been sold due to the poor economy. Still others have been for sale for many months. Only one or two have been sold although this is a good neighbourhood.
The other thing I enjoy on my walks is the landscaping of houses I pass. Aside from the mess that dandelions leave after their cheerful yellow flowers disappear, there are a lot of beautiful trees, plants and shrubs in town. The flowering trees - apple, crab and cherry - were particularly lovely. This spring has been cooler and wetter than many we have had lately and the colours of plants have been wonderful. We just finished with lilacs and now the bridal wreath shrubs are in full bloom. Some homes use these as hedges and the white blooms cascade all along the property line.
Many of my neighbours expect me to pass them on my walk and it's interesting when I miss a day or two to be asked if I was sick! Only in a small town would strangers care about your well-being.
I love living within walking distance of a grocery store, bank, garden centre and dollar store. I enjoy being able to make small purchases without getting in the car and using gas which is getting more and more expensive these days.
Walking is supposed to be good for your health. I sure hope so. I am at the very least getting some vitamin D!
What a fun post to read. The picture of the lilacs is divine. Don't they smell just glorious. I love to walk around our neighborhood and look at all the gardens. Isn't it funny how one persons idea of what good landscaping is compared to say, their neighbours. I am not a fan of the 'scarce' look. I like rose bushes, lilacs, irises, big trees with large leaves. I am now blogging in your comment section. sorry. I hope that you continue your fun walks. I live near an italian grocery market, walgreens, greek restaurant, gas station and a park.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to fit some of this in to my day, as well. So far, not so good!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love to walk as well. I walk to work every day so I get my share as well ;-). Back in the days we still lived in a village we used to walk a long walk almost every night. Loved that as well. And I agree it's never boring ;-) I guess I will be back to walking loads of steps in the coming chapter in life as well haha.
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