New guys in the neighborhood…CHIPMUNKS!  I’m seeing them around in several areas along my walks.  Welcome, you cute little things.

For several days my internet connection has been wobbly so I haven’t been able to post about my walks.  I’ve noticed that without the structure of this personal commitment I soon lose what I have seen.  The nuance offered by each new day as I pass through the world, slips away and now a fews days later, nothing stands out in memory.

This is why it is important to write and to journal.  Attention to the world and the richness of its environs are a gift that I don’t want to waste.

I may have to revert to paper and pen waiting until later to post.  It will be worth it.

Today gave an uneventful walk as I went early and it is a Sunday.  Few people were out and all was quiet.  I noticed that the ant hills that had been active were dormant once again.  The flowering cactus has finished its showy stage and the grass flowers have completely disappeared.  Most of the roses are finished.  Flowers now are mostly in boxes on people’s decks.  It has been so hot and dry.  I wonder what will happen if it rains?  A rebirth?  I hope we get the opportunity to see soon.

Today the shocking discovery was a pile of hair lying on the sidewalk next to the split rail fence. The hair was about five inches long and chestnut in color. How did it happen to be there? I can’t imagine.

Today is supposed to be somewhere between 90 and 95 degrees F (30 to 35 degrees C), so I walked early when the temperature was about 65 degrees F. It is a great time of day to be outside…except for the sprinklers. With no warning, water will spray out, often in my direction. It presents an obstacle course of dousing spouts. I managed to evade several sprinklers but finally was soaked at leg level less than a block from the house. No matter: come afternoon, I’ll be looking for anything cool and refreshing.

This morning I stopped to pull a few weeds and water my flower bed before I headed out for my walk.  It was so pleasant out, cooler than usual.  As I toured my trail, I saw four colonies of ants in turmoil, massed on the sidewalks.  Is this the season for them to move house?  I also noticed that most of the yellow flowers I saw the other day on the grasses had disappeared; they must be short-lived.  Two small boys were out biking on the trail.  The larger one passed me several times eying me intently; I spoke but didn’t strike up a conversation.  The smaller one called to a toddler on his deck with his mom and baby sibling.  The toddler’s mom encouraged him to call back.  Learning to be a big kid, one act at a time.

Did you know that grasses make flowers? I didn’t until my walk today. I looked at the tall stalks of grass and hanging from the developing seeds, I saw small yellow flowers. Isn’t that amazing? Not exactly right for a bouquet, but beautiful nevertheless.

Here’s a picture:

It’s always a surprise to see what I find on my walks when I pay attention.

Today was action packed.  First, there were three skateboarders that came rolling down the hill behind me at a fast clip.  I stepped off the path to avoid being run over.  Second, the boulevard was diverted into one lane going the wrong way while some work was done on the opposite sidewalk.  I asked the road crewman what was going on and he said, “Don’t know.  They’re digging a hole and I’m just rerouting traffic.”  Third, I stopped in at the veterinarian’s office that had its backyard area covered in artificial turf then surrounded by a very tall fence.  I was curious what was being constructed.  I walked in and was met at the door by the vet (named Lee).  He explained it was a dog run with fancy turf that allows drainage, and then he took me back for a tour.  I was greeted by twenty dogs barking, yipping, and yapping; impressive.  Fourth, I met Betty who was sanding a bench that had been placed in memorial for a woman who died ten years ago.  It faces an impressive view along my walking route.  I wished her well and headed home.