My Community

 Walking the Streets

Are you looking for something to pass the time while you're in self imposed lock down? After walking the dog around the block I decided to bring her home and go walking alone. I want to lose some weight and break up the boredom of spending a day alone with just me, the TV and the refrigerator. I've learned so much about my neighbors and my entire community. I know who are Republicans and who are Democrats. I know who are Gator fans and who support the Buckeyes. I've learned long walks on recycle days will show who to invite to a party. I passed one house with the recycling container over flowing with wine and beer bottles. That taught me that I'm not a wino, I'm just an upstanding member of my community.

They say walking is the best exercise, it's also a walk down memory lane. I passed a house with a couple taking a break from putting up Christmas decorations. They were in lawn chairs listening to Waylon and Willie singing, "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys." As I walked by they called out "Good Morning," about that time I smelled some sweet smelling smoke. I said, "Good Morning to you, I suspect you're going to have a great day." The woman said, "You aren't gonna narc on us are you?" Me: "Of course not, I know that snitches get stitches." The gentleman said, "If it weren't for Covid I'd offer you a toke." Me: "Thank you but I only get high from Robert Mondavi, or Kim Crawford." As I walked on I  remembered Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg that used to be a haven for hippies and Vietnam war protests. I wasn't allowed to go there but I may have broken the rules once or twice. Awwww, the good old days.

  

My neighborhood association can be tough, no flag poles or tv dishes without permission. They have to approve everything from painting to landscaping. I've been reprimanded because my street light pole didn't work, etc. I think they sneak out at night and evaluate all the houses. Anyway, imagine my surprise when I found porn in one of my neighbors yard. Not just any porn but DOLPHIN porn. Where is Homeowners Associations outrage? 

Walking tips:

Have a plan. A week ago I started walking, thinking, singing and mindlessly marching on until I realized I was 2 1/2 miles from home. By the time I got back to my house, I'd logged 5.4 miles and lost 15 pounds 😁. I crawled in the door, guzzled 3 glasses of water (gained back the 15 pounds) and laid on my bed. Since then I think about where I'm going and how to get home. 

Never walk any distance in jeans. Walking in the sunshine can be a wonderful thing, unless you start sweating and you're wearing jeans. I have a new meaning for the word "Rawhide" after walking the neighborhood in jeans. I was walking bow legged for a week. 

Be kind. Talk to the people that cut our grass, clean our pools, deliver our furniture and our packages. You never know when you'll get lost or walk to far and need a ride home.