Just a swingin'

I went for my walk today after church. I really don't know why. It was the hottest day yet but at least there was a breeze today. So many things to share. Actually I have to start with yesterday's walk. It was so fun (yes even in 95+ degrees weather). It was about 3 in the afternoon. I enjoyed it because the sun was out this time. It had been cloudy lately or if Gary is with me we have to walk on the shady trail. I just enjoyed soaking up the sun as I walked. Then I remembered that last week or so when I was walking with Gary I commented on how it seemed so quiet. Not that it is, it just seemed that way. I couldn't quite figure it out. I heard the cars on the highway and the birds and the VERY loud heat bugs (locusts, I think), and kids playing. But yesterday, I figured it out, it was the lack of wind that made it quiet. I didn't even know I missed it until I finally had it back. The wind makes the best sound as it rushes through the tall grasses on both sides of the bath. And the leaves in the trees sound like joyous applause.

So back to today. The nice thing about walking on days like this is that there is hardly anyone else out in the heat. I must be the only nut. Well....not really. There was this one guy walking the trail today that I wondered about. He had good walking shoes on but the rest of his attire made me wonder if there was a light on in the attic. He was only wearing a cowboy hat and short shorts (almost speedo looking). He did have ear buds in but there was no way anything was clipped to his shorts and so I'm thinking the ipod would have to have been tucked up under his hat. As we passed (going opposite directions) he said "hot enough for you?" I nodded and pretended he was normal.

Each time I walk I see something new (besides nuts). Yesterday it was this awesome turtle. Today it was a Praying Mantis. Now if you know me at all you know I'm not a bug person. Heat I can take, bugs...no way! But this is just the most amazing bug. I had to stop and just stare at it.



So after this short bug visit I was back on my walk. I went two miles and turned around for the two mile walk back. Gary did not go with today, although I'm sure he would have enjoyed the bug. He stayed at the playground to "shoot buckets". That means he shoots some basketball. It seems that in this area they don't say "shoot buckets" and somehow people think it has something to do with hitting golf balls. So now we say "play hoops". They know what that means. Gary is not a heat lover like me. I didn't know what I'd find when I got back. I figured he would be done long before I returned and expected to see him sitting in the shade somewhere.

As I walked up the path and got closer to the school yard, I had to look hard between trees to see if he is still there "playing hoops". I couldn't see him anywhere and so I walked toward the area where the picnic table that is in shade would be located. I saw it but no Gary. I started to worry that I would have to look for him passed out on the ground from heat exhaustion. I never expected to see him swinging on the swing. It was such a surprise that it made be smile from ear to ear. I don't think I ever remember seeing my husband playing on the swings, I know I've never seen playing on the swings by himself. Kelly and I used to do it all the time and so it was just the neatest picture that I will tuck away in the minds eye to recall when needed.

Oh yeah, I had my phone with me and so I did get three pictures of him too! As you walk wherever you are going in the next week be sure to look around you for something unusual or unexpected. You never know what you'll see.