The ocean

Barefoot walking. Mud. Seaweed. Salt  

Shoes

I've been walking a lot but mostly in my own neighrhood. I've met old friends and made new friends. I bundle trips together. I don't go for groceries or to a coffee shop and then come home and go out again. I get groceries after work on my way home. And Don is really the grocery guy now. No back and forth for me - to save steps. So far haven't had to use public transportation or even a bike. It's just over two weeks without a car and I don't grumble about having to walk. There is no other choice so it's easy. Choices can make me hesitate and there is a chance to "feel" tired when I'm not even tired and I often drove the car to work evenings because I might be tired later. 

Someone had a lovely pair of shoes in the hall one day and I inquired where they were from. Ah, Shoe Company. I'm going to get a pair. And then I thought it's quite a way to go. Long long walk, or a bike ride on busy streets or a bus ride. Hmmmm, don't want the shoes that much. I'm so fickle.

Tomorrow will be my first cab ride. I'm going to the airport.  I'm flying to Vancouver to visit my daughter and Don's daughter. 

Yoga classes are in summer mode. No more shoes waiting for feet to return for a while. 

Hidden treasure

On our walk to voting this afternoon we found a hidden treasure. 

I always knew it was there but I hadn't peaked in. Walking by we explored and thought how awesome! How unique!

The food was fabulous. 

Chicken and rice had the most interesting spice.  I don't know what it was. Very good 

Roasted beet salad with goat cheese. One of my favourite foods. It had surprises too.

Lincoln street eatery on yep, you're right, Lincoln street.

Opens at 11 am Wednesday to Friday 

Opens on Saturday at 4 pm 

Serves lunch and supper. 

Picnic tables and a little free library too 

Narain Ishaya on Living in the Present Moment

rainy days with no car

It's almost a week since I've had no car. I've walked to work and back numerous times. On these last few rainy days I carried a lot of stuff: umbrella; change of clothes in case I got soaked; rainproof backpack; potluck lunch today; and wore my rubber boots and rain jacket. Hoo boy, lots to carry. If I went multiple places I had water and bank deposit and sweater, etc.

I lump things together. I don't want to go back home in between things so I've rested and waited in coffee shops and a brick fence while waiting for places to open. None of this has been a hardship. It's actually been fun and is still an adventure.

Lots of folks have offered me rides. I only took one today as I had even more stuff to carry home. Just one :)

May you be having adventures today as well!

First car-less day adventure

I walked to work early this morning. The weather was perfect for walking. The birds chirping their songs. I spent most of the afternoon in the garden and planted all my plants and as usual still don't feel I have enough. I will have to do seeds now.

I was walking later in the day along McVicar Creek towards the marina. Men were fishing. Someone caught a huge steelhead today. A few folk were eating sandwiches along the stone wall, watching the fishermen. As I walked along Cumberland a young man fell off his bicycle right beside me. He lay on his back, stunned, not moving. His bicycle rested beside him. Traffic stopped. I went over and moved the bicycle off the road onto the sidewalk and helped the man up. He stumbled off the road. He was drunk as a skunk. The kind of drunk where you lose your legs. They just don't hold you up. Otherwise he seemed unhurt. He thanked me and asked me if this was the way to Fort William. I said it sure is but you better stay off the road. Walk your bike on the sidewalk, I said. I can be bossy. He asked me where I was going and I said just over there, less than a block away. He said I'll come with you. I said you can't. But come with me for part of the way. He held his bike with one hand and reached out and held my hand with the other. Oh wow, my heart softened. It was such a firm, solid grip. I was helping someone. Awwwww.  He stumbled on his shoelace which had undone. He was wobbly again. I said he should rest before he gets on his bike. Naw, I'll keep going. I said if the cops see you like this they might nab you. He nodded. He thanked me again and asked if he could give me a hug. Yes, I said. It was a beautiful hug. He let me help him into the shade under some bushes and trees near a chainlink fence. He was really concerned about his bike. I pushed the handlebar into the chainlink so it couldn't fall and it would be hard to steal quickly. I tied his shoelace. I told him that he'll make it. He's doing good. His arms revealed scars. Lots of them. I hope he does make it. Whatever that means. I was grateful to have been there.

No car

I sold Big Mama for parts. I just dropped her off and got a ride home with battered old plates in hand. 

I feel sad, excited, anticipatory at the same time. It's a beautiful evening to walk to work. I ran around frantically all day getting more beans and 2 gallons of paint for an outdoor project. And more flowers for the deck. Oh, yes, and I went to Tim's whole health for supplies. I should be good for a while now.

A new adventure begins!

Goodbye old friend.