What The Heck Are These?

Boy Howdy!  These are mushrooms!!

I found them on the other side of one of the streets I usually walk.

They are amazing ... yes?

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I haven't walked in quite a few days. 

I feel a little guilty about that.

Oh, I have some excuses ... but none are really any good!

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When I got to the pier, I decided to sit for a while and take in the bay.

I was surprised to find this bench.

Alan Becker lived in Soundview (my neighborhood) with his wife and two kids, one of whom was a good friend of Debra's.

He died suddenly when he was quite young.

The Alan Becker Bench.

It was my spot today. 

Why Did The Walker Cross (Shore) Road--(part deux)

To get a closer look at the swans of course.

I can't help it.  

I'm swan obsessed!

I was so close I could have touched them.

And they would have given me the what for!

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I also crossed the road so I could sit on a bench and enjoy the bay.

Busy Shore Road is on one side ... and the peaceful bay is on the other.

It's a good place to sit and think.

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I was supposed to have a "morning walk" but by the time I finally left it was afternoon.  I would rather walk in the morning but with all the excitement of the call from the New York Yankees, I lost track of time.

Before I Step Out For My Walk This Morning ...

Want to wish my training guru BURT (pictured above with my tent mate Lesley and me posing at "Eyes" last year) a great CHICAGO WALK!

Chicago has 1900 walkers.

Chicago has 400 crew.

Chicago has raised $5.1 million for Breast Cancer research.

This is Burt's first of two 3-day walks this year.

Next stop for him will be Dallas!

GOOD WALKING BURT!

Are You A Sister?

I was looking at some sculptures (maybe I should call them stone carvings) that were recently installed on the Bay Walk and this woman (pictured above) stopped to talk.  We talked about the carvings and how nice the Bay Walk is and how long it took to (almost) finish Mill Pond and how beautiful it is.  

Then she asked "Are you a sister?"  

At first I wasn't sure of what she meant, then I realized I was wearing my 3-day shirt. 

"A survivor?"  I responded.  "No ... I'm a walker.  I walk for my mom and for my friends who are all survivors.  Are you a survivor?"  

She told me, with a GIANT smile, "I am in remission 14 years."  

I shook her hand and told her ...  "I will walk for YOU!"

So Ellen, I dedicate this training walk to you ... and I will add your name to the growing list of those for whom I walk!

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Here is what we were looking at:

They are installed on two metal benches.
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My friend Terri wrote that I should be taking time to stop by the water ... listen to the birds ... meditate.  Here is a picture (or two) from the bay walk:

Sarge ... My goal today was to find a pair of mushrooms ... take a picture ... and ask you what they remind you of.  Sadly ... these are the only mushrooms I saw.  Boobies!

Berta's Got a New Pair of Shoes!

And here they are ladies and gents ... my new shoes!  Just like the old shoes! (And what an attractive photo of yours truly!)  Just to let you know ... or to remind you ... it is recommended we have 2 pair of shoes for the event. These are just as comfy as my other pair!

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If you follow me on Facebook you will see pictures of how I spent my morning at Haven Auto Care.  Someone (possibly me ... possibly Ronnie) ran over a screw that punctured the tire on my new car.  The tire was ruined (I was told by the professional ... Eddie) and he ordered a brand new tire to replace the brand new tire that was ruined.  $320! Duhr! 

So, I started my walk later than I would have liked.  About an hour into it my old friend Mitch (AKA Michelle) called and we decided to meet for lunch. We had a great time catching up.  She took the picture of me.  Thank you Mitch!

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The stupid geese were walking across Shore Road and stopping traffic!  I hate that.  Joan and I saw a car hit a goose one Sunday. Disturbing.

The swans are back in the bay.  They were swimming close to the walkway ... but I was on the other side of the road and this walker wasn't crossing ... not even for the swans.

I did stop for this, however!

Here is one of the neighbor bunnies.  I think there are four.

'Chelle ... This bun's for you!

Then I Started Walking Down Central Drive When I Slipped On Some Gravel and ...

No ... I didn't fall ... but it was a close one!  The part that hurt the most was the guy in the black car who watched the whole thing happen.  Embarrassing.  

So I felt good that I was able to get myself together ... but you know how after something like this happens, like a few minutes later, you get this funny feeling ... like a shock or something?  Well ... that started ruining the rest of the walk (which had been more of a stroll anyway) so I decided just to sit by Mill Pond and get myself together.

Brilliant!

I have to say ... the pond project might have taken MANY years to complete (and I think it's not completed yet) but it really is beautiful.  I enjoyed sitting on a bench in the "Slade Family Garden." (Thank you Slade Family)  The pictures I took don't do it justice.

Here's one of the flowers.

Pretty!

As I made my way home, I noticed something in my neighbor's yard ...

A chicken coop!!!!  With 2 chickens!!!!

And there are a couple of bunnies, too!

I love seeing something unexpected!

ATLANTA ... I'M WALKING IN ATLANTA!

There has been confusion among my cousins as to where I will be walking this year.

I love you all and I'm walking in Atlanta.

I guess my comments on Boston, Cleveland, and Chicago have confused my family.

I think I might confuse a lot of people.

Sometimes I confuse myself.

Endearing?

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Look who I had a little talk with this morning on my walk.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

He wasn't quite as noisy as the Three Amigulls were.

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I finally put the 3-day widget on my Facebook page and right away ... a friend from school made a donation!  Makes me wonder why I didn't do that sooner?  I still have a way to go ... but I know I'll make it to that $2300 mark.  It's just taking a little time!!!