Spring has finally sprung so it’s time to start walking outside and I wonder if your neighborhood is similar to mine here in Flagstaff. Walking is my primary form of exercise after spinal surgery and because I needed to start with multiple short walks each day I was out and about near home more than ever before. Who knew there was so much to see and learn about life in my neighborhood microcosm?
- I’m a counter so I now know we are the 10th house in from the east and the 12th house in from the west on our long street. Oh, and the street address numbers go up by four from house to house and I am wondering why?
- There is a reason the three long blocks in my neighborhood look so good; folks are out and about making it happen especially during springtime. It’s amazing how much rubbish and how many big bags of pine needles have accumulated in people’s front yards. I think folks are tidying up inside as well as evidenced by all manner of furniture, etc. making its way to the curb and I hear big refuse pick-up is happening this coming week.
- I have also identified several houses/yards that could use some work; unfortunately one is next door to us.
- Three houses in the neighborhood have gone up for sale and quickly sold which is good news for surrounding homeowners. One had a yard sale and what did I pick up but a box of canning jars.
- I now know where most of the dog’s reside in the neighborhood or at least those who hangout in the backyard during the day as they have noisily introduced themselves, numerous times. Oh, and this has been accompanied by greeting their owners when they are walked.
- I have gotten lots of good outdoor landscaping ideas for when Paul lets me pull the trigger on pulling out the grass we try to keep alive in May/June before the rains start in July/August.
- I now know who works outside the home during the day and who doesn’t or is retired.
- There are a lot more gardeners in the neighborhood than I realized or at least many have spent a considerable amount of time in their front yards as spring sprung here in Flagstaff.
- I know where the kids/teenagers live as evidenced by outdoor play and incessant vehicle use.
- I have also learned who is running small businesses by the comings and goings of their well-marked vehicles.
- People have a lot of vehicles; I counted 7 at one house and few folks have room for them in their garages that are chock full of stuff.
I started walking when there were still a few small patches of snow in shaded spots and since then spring has sprung. The daffodils and tulips have bloomed along with flowering trees and the delicate lime colored aspen leaves are just coming out. It was 78 degrees on Sunday and after a week of two 30 minute walks each day, I took my first 60 minute walk/hike this afternoon only four weeks and several days after my spine surgery. Cheers to finally walking outdoors!