DAILY OBSERVATIONS AND A NOTE ABOUT COVID

 POST # 472

On any given day around here, there are plenty of things to observe, if one just takes the time to do so.  In our busy, covid-distracted world, it's easy to miss out on some of the joys in life.  No matter what the weather is,  I make certain to go outside multiple times each and every day to enjoy being surrounded by nature.  Like most people these days, I spend part of my waking hours in front of a computer screen.  I don't own a smart phone, and have no plans on ever owning one, so at least that keeps my screen time low in comparison to most individuals.  Aside from having a magnificent location here in the country, I have the three wonderful furballs to spend time with as well.  

 A couple of days ago, I came across this little miracle growing on the forest floor.  The day before, it didn't exist , and as of today it is now history.  A short life indeed.

 Only meters from the start of my ride yesterday, this creature was relaxing on the roadside. I initially rode ride past it, and then decided that I should turn around and capture it in a photo. 

One never knows what I will see on my daily bike ride, and this turkey was no exception.  He seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see him.

In all of my travels, I have never come across a sign such as this.  But here in this part of Ontario, they are everywhere.  Plenty of signs, but no turtles.

And then out of the blue the other day, here was a lone turtle crossing a gravel road that I frequent on my daily journey.

Since the day I saw this one, I have seen at least a half dozen more.  Perhaps it has to do with the changing season.  That would be my guess, but I am certainly no expert when it comes to turtles.

Turtle crossing.

 

I mentioned the word Covid in my opening paragraph.  In recent communications with friends here in Canada, and also in Melbourne, Australia, I have stated my decision to not get the jab.  Needless to say, my decision confuses some, but not all.  I totally understand why I am in the  minority on this, and I think that a big part of that reason is because I don't follow the mainstream media version of what has been going on since about March, 2020.  From where I stand, there appears to be a plethora of information now out there, that makes me feel even more comfortable with my non-jab decision.  But I am certainly not going to change anyone's mind, and besides, that's none of my business.  Everyone has to follow their own path in life.  It's unfortunate though, that this one topic has caused so much division amongst people.  I think that that  is enough time spent on this topic for today.

 

I'll just keep on following my path, and try to be kind and helpful along the way if I can.  I'm just happy to be here.

 

grateful for every breath,

 

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

CONTINUING TO ENJOY MY TIME HERE IN THE ONTARIO COUNTRYSIDE

 POST # 471

WHERE ARE OUR TREATS?

I am occasionally asked whether or not I get lonely doing what I do these days.  It's not something that I suffer from, and I think it's primarily because I have an active mind.  My childhood curiosity has followed me all the way along, and that's a good thing.  I also have the three furballs at this sit, to keep me company, so the days just continue to roll on by at a rapid rate of knots.  All the more reason to appreciate the moments as much as is possible.

During one of those moments the other night, while out on my evening stroll, I came across this warty looking critter.  It seemed to be perfectly comfortable with me stooping down to take its photo.  One never knows quite what to expect as I roam around in the darkness.

Something that has been in my possession since I did a house sit at my friends Guy and Pauline's in Pleasantville New York, is this lacrosse ball.  I happened to be out on my daily walk, and there it was, just lying in the gutter.  For some crazy reason, it has been a companion of mine since that time.  The other day I managed to catch a photo of it in mid-air.  The crazy things we do to pass the time, but I get some enjoyment out of it. 

Last night at precisely 7:55pm EDT, the moon was full.  Night after night this past week, the sky has been cloudless, but last night it was not the case.  A blurry photo of the moon rise was captured just prior to it going into hiding behind a cloud. 

So it was full moon last night, and tomorrow at 3:20pm EDT the autumnal equinox arrives.  I've been keeping an eye on the various maple trees that are quite prevalent in this part of the country, and sure enough, they are beginning to let us all know that summer is now over, the days are getting shorter, and the maple trees will start to display some wonderful colours.  Not having spent any time at all in eastern Canada in the autumn, I am very much looking forward to this maple tree show.

I was going to end today's post with that photo of the maple tree, but I couldn't resist making a comment about politicians, because yesterday in Canada, there was another federal election.  I've stated my opinion on this blog on more than one occasion with regards to elections and politicians in particular.  However, I think that the quote below by Mark Twain aligns perfectly with my thinking.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

 

PS: And for all of the Earth Wind and Fire fans: SEPTEMBER

THE WEEK THAT WAS

 POST # 470

I've got to keep an eye on these furballs every minute of the day, otherwise they are up to no good, like smoking in the bathroom.  Other than this incident, they have all been very well behaved, and I count myself very fortunate to have them as company.

While relaxing on the back deck this past week, this lovely dragon fly came over for a visit.  It remained on my ankle for at least five minutes.  These are the kinds of events that I pay special attention to nowadays.

On a recent bike ride I came across this sign.  Good advice for daily life.

The furballs have this to look forward to each day.  They exit the house on the top floor through a cat door in the bathroom, and then they have all of these various levels to wander around upon.  Lucky furballs indeed.

One of the sunrises this past week.  I've been very fortunate with the weather since arriving here.  Most mornings, I am treated with this view, and each evening, there is a star studded sky to gaze up at.  Who could ask for more than that each day?

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

BICYCLE EXPLORATION

 POST #469

 In all my travels, I have never been to a location that offers so many different small communities to visit on a bicycle.  On average, all are located approximately 15 kilometers from my current "home" and thus provide an enjoyable bike ride to and from each one.  Yes, there are a few hills every now and again, but the terrain is flat for the most part. If you know anything about cycling, it's not the hills that are the biggest issue.  It's always, always, always whether or not there is a headwind.  A strategic look at the weather info each day prior to my ride, gives an indication of the wind direction and speed.  This allows me to plan my trip accordingly.  My outbound journey is taken against the wind, so that on my return home, I can have an easier ride.  Of course, the wind can always change, but so far this hasn't happened.  Even now, after thirty-four years, I can still remember a day on my bike ride from Vancouver to Los Angeles, when I encountered the headwind from hell. It was somewhere in northern California.  By that point along the journey, I was in very good shape, and yet, I had to stand up to exert enough energy on my pedals in order to travel downhill.  That's how strong the headwind was.  So if I ever needed a lesson about the wind direction, I learned it on that September day back in 1987.

My bicycle explorations have taken me to a variety of communities close by including, Campbellville, Acton, Aberfoyle, Eden Mills, Rockwood, and Guelph.  The trip to Guelph was one of my earlier forays and even though I may feel smarter having visited the Guelph University campus, it didn't take me long to decide that I don't want to do any more visits to Guelph.  I have nothing against this city, except for the fact that it is a city.  I do spend some of my time in urban areas, however I try to keep it to a bare minimum these days.  I much prefer the peace and quiet of the rural environment.  My current location fits the bill.

At this time, I've travelled all the points of the compass on my daily rides, so I am now faced with return journeys to the same places, or alternatively to venture somewhat farther afield than  15 kilometers.  Whatever I end up doing, it will be worthwhile, and good exercise to boot.  As has been mentioned before on this blog, I'm happiest when I am riding a bicycle.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer