Come Along on my Walk !

I've been trying to add more frequent neighborhood walks into my exercise schedule lately.  This morning was perfect for doing just that!

Today, I took my camera along with me. . . there are a couple of places on my route that I thought you would like to see!!

Folks in our area fly the American flag on a regular basis.   Old Glory looks splendid with that beautiful blue sky in the background!

Flowers are in abundance. . . wish I could grow petunias like this neighbor.  Mine just get leggy and die!  I will just have to enjoy the green thumbs of others!

  Flower gazing is something I love to do while walking.

I also like to challenge myself when I walk.  Here, I am on the grounds of a little elementary school that is nestled in the neighborhood.   I'm heading toward. . . .
 
THE STEPS!!! 

There are 38 steps leading to a lower playground area.  During the summer, I take advantage of this challenge.  I have now worked my endurance up to five trips down and. . .

and five trips UP these steps.  

I just recently added sprinting UP the steps to my routine. 

OK  SPRINTING may be a bit of a stretch, but I go pretty fast- - - especially for an Elder Exerciser!!  Today, it wasn't too hot, so I was able to do the "sprint" on my first four trips back up.....by number five, I just stepped as quickly as I could as  I was getting pretty winded by then.   It has taken me a couple of weeks to get to this point. 
 

This school, as do the other schools in our area, have recycling bins in the parking lot.
 
 

We don't have curb side recycling, so this makes that job a bit more convenient than just being able to recycle on the weekends at our city facility.

Today was also trash day for some in the neighborhood. 

Too bad these folks didn't take advantage of the recycling bins I just showed you. . . they are SO near to their home!!  However, as an avid MU fan, I was glad to see that someone in that house finally came to their senses and put that KU basketball where it needs to me. . . in the trashcan !!! :)  JUST KIDDING. . . . KU makes the Big 12 (or what's left of it) fun!  We love those Border Showdowns!

You never know what you will see while out walking. . . like this sweet message on someone's car !!!

Another great flag!
 

 Besides those steps, I love HILLS!  Hills are great exercise.  

Our subdivision is built on what used to be a dairy farm. . . so we have LOTS of little hills for me to enjoy on my walks!

At the top of that little hill are two more flags and. . .


 

a glimpse of the steeple that belongs to the church we attend!

OK, the next couple of pictures may surprise you.  You see, also in our neighborhood, is an old cemetery!!
 

There is a great plaque there that says it was used from 1833 to 1957.  The names of those buried here are also listed on it, along with their dates of birth and death.  There are about 40 graves.  Of course, it is fenced off, but houses are built on three sides of it!!  I must confess. . . I'm glad OURS isn't!!!

When I leave the cemetery part of my walk, I'm usually 10-15 minutes away from our home.  Today, my walk took an hour, because I was snapping pictures for you!  Typically, it's 45-55 minutes. . . depending on the heat and my endurance level.  It's around 3 miles long.
 

In our old neighborhood, my neighbor Mary and I walked together a lot.  In those days, after our walks, we'd enjoy long talks over coffee, if the walk took place in the morning OR long talks and wine if we walked in the evening.  I sure miss those times!

THE STONE RABBIT tries to have something refreshing for me once I return home from my walk.  Today, it was iced tea.  Unfortunately, he's not much of a talker, so we just sit and sip and enjoy the weather!!

DANA

Comments

[Cheryl Luckie]

I enjoyed your walk. Of course, I enjoy everything about your blog...it's one of my favorites. I also love rabbits and have many hidden throughout our large yard. Sure wish you lived next door then you could teach me all the blog tricks. I am trying to learn but haven't gotten too far yet other than the basics. You do a really great job! Thanks for letting me into your blog world.

[Pat]

I enjoyed going along on your walk very much, Dana! I enjoy walking and go to a local park every morning to walk the track with friends. We gab and gab and the miles disappear. I do wish there were steps and hills like your walking trail has!

I loved all your sights...the car window was so precious!
♥ Pat

[jeanne]

Hi Dana, I loved your walk today. We really can't walk in our mountain neighborhood because it is a real challenge with the mountain we call heart attack hill. we drive to the State Park and we have a 2 mile walk all mapped out. It is up and down but more gradual. The park is only one mile from here.

I really enjoyed your photos and I am very impressed with your stair step ritual. That is dedication. Smile. I love your neighborhood and the next time I am in town I will walk the walk with you. Except for the stairs!!! My knees still hate stairs. No pain, just less less able to bend. No pain is the best part. I love the flags and the Church steeple. The cemetery is interesting as well. I'm glad you had a break in the weather Dana. Now I am jonesing for a nice tall glass of iced tea.
I prefer to drink it with you and the Stone Rabbit!!!

I am cleaning the cabin as my brother and SIL are coming tomorrow to spend a few days. Since I never have photos of my brother I am going to take some to share with everyone. He is a darling man and so kind and loving. He was in the middle of all the sisters. Being the only boy, he was pretty special to my parents and always worthy of their love. His wife is the perfect woman for him and they will celebrate 50 years together in Sept. I am so happy they are coming to visit.

Have a wonderful evening.
Love, Jeanne

[Kirsty]

Fantastic! I love the walk... I do the same all the time! Today I just missed out on taking a photo of a wallaby... he was too quick for me!

[Beverly]

You go, Dana. I am impressed. That was a wonderful walk to share with you, and I am not one bit tired. ;-)

And, yes. Of course I will help you.

[doris]

Thanks for taking us on your walk, especially up those steps. I'm glad I could experience it from the comfort of my desk chair! BTW, why DO they put fences around cemeteries? It's not like anyone could get out...

[Sue]

Dana, My thumb is up to you for walking the hills and those steps! It's better to have a partner when exercising, I think. That's why I always liked teaching an exercise class. I got my workout AND got paid for doing it! Enjoyed my virtual walk with ya! ~ Sue

[Sally]

What an interesting area you have to take a walk, Dana.

We place out flag out on certain holidays, like Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the 4th.

Those stairs are a HUGE workout. Good for you that you take advantage of them.

Have a great holiday weekend!

[Nancy]

It's been forever since I've seen you! Don't you live in a beautiful neighborhood. No wonder you're looking so good - all those steps. I love poking around old cemeteries and yes it's really nice that you aren't there!!! Jeff thought he might be there this week but today he's on the mend and feeling right again...he's never sick...he's either "right", "not right", or "somethings not right" and occasionally "not well". lol When my brother is really nice it breaks my heart - he realizes that he'll never be "normal" again and I always say it's easier when he's being a horse's patoot. Boy - is he making it EASY right now! He demanded to be taken home from the hospital so he's home - ack.
xoxo Nancy

[Lynette Killam]

What a clever idea for a post! I so enjoyed the walk with you..a good reminder of how much beauty there is to be found in each day's journey. I will come back and visit again...

Lynette