Mar 31, 2020

Walk 90, me and my son take in a Sunset up in Clearwater. Morton Plant Hospital is just a couple of blocks away, and after a visit with Dad (who seems to be healing, but still confused and in a lot of pain), we walked down to the edge of the seawall, and waited for Mother Nature to grab her paintbrush.

We didn't have to wait long, and this is what we saw. EJ soaking it all in. This is a moment.






And the journey continues...

Mar 30, 2010

I've pretty much learned so far in this journey, that walks can happen anywhere, and at any time. Since my leg has been on the bum rap lately, I knew I had to follow the advice of family and friends and the 2 medical facilities I've had look at my calf, and take it easy. But I still had to get a walk and a picture or two in before the day was done. My walk tonight was a 2-parter. First, I walked the Target store tonight, taking all my volunteer gift cards in to get my new iPod. That was exciting. I actually had to go twice to the store, because the first iPod was an 8-gig, and I bought a 16-gig. That walk came later, after dark, when I had to return to the store to exchange the brand-new iPod.

Walk 89, part deux happened when I went to Morton Plant Hospital to see Dad tonight. After my visit, a most amazing sunset waited to be photographed. Arriving JUST in time to take advantage of the last day's glow, I got some good shots in during low tide.

This is a panoramic stretch looking out toward Clearwater Beach, over the Boca Ciega Bay. It's twilight, and the tide is WAY out creating some of the most interesting patterns in the sand.

The last of the day's light slithers down below the horizon and the warm glow suggests a tropical paradise. These are the moments that make me glad I live here. I love sunsets.

Still orange glow fills the evening sky, the water retreats and the sun continues it's journey to light the other part of the Earth. And the journey continues...

Mar 29, 2010

Walk 88 and I'm back in the Carillon Park at lunchtime! The calf is really strained and hurting today, so I did the best to keep up with the girls, Kelly and Kristin. Normally, this is an easy walk, about halfway through, I was really struggling to continue. I'm seeing someone for some alternative therapy tomorrow for it. Right now, it's Motrin and muscle creams!

Always have to have a picture of the tower.

A really cool bird, I wish you could see it. All I had today was my phone camera, and this is the best it could do. I'll be better prepared next time.

The gators were on high alert today for some reason, the were poised and looked ready to strike. They made us nervous because the tide was a little high, and these guys look like they could swim and jump right up on the walkways that go over the water. Nice day to walk, wish the calf would heal. Soon...

Mar 28, 2010

Today is walk 87 and I'm down at the St. Pete Grand Prix volunteering to help pass out freebies to people attending the race. I was handing out refrigerator magnets, and walking around the racetrack, putting in some quality steps today. The leg still hurting, but wrapped and managed. Miss St. Petersburg came our way, and seizing the opportunity, I made a photo op for a grand day of walking. Read on, there are more moments!

This is Tina and I work with her. She's energetic, and one of those people you just feel better about being around. We canvassed the route today and handed out plenty of freebies. If there's a vacant refrigerator in town in need of a magnet, it's not our fault.

I looked forward to working with T-Money for three weeks. T is just "Love" personified. She's pleasant, and giving and just a wonderful friend. She brought my buddy Jeff to the race too. Wish I had more time to hang out with him, he's just Good People.

There WAS racing today, some... although the main race had to be cancelled until tomorrow because of rain. BIG rain. Severe, lightning, take-cover NOW rain!

IT was an early day for the National Guard car. Maybe they can make a comeback for the race tomorrow.

Here's that rain I talked about. This is the first wave, a real downpour. Lightning and people scrambling to take shelter just about anywhere they can. We called it a day soon afterwords, the journey postponed, but still continues... always!

Mar 27, 2010

Walk 86 finds me down in St. Petersburg near one of my most-favorite places. Books at Park Place. I met a good friend who owns this wonderful new & used bookstore, and while making time to see a friend today, I made sure to get in my walk.

Despite a severely strained left calf muscle, I limped on for about a mile, taking in the sun and hobbling my way up 49th street in St. Pete. God I look awful from the back. Why did I let me get this out of shape?

Life-size horses outside this nursery in St. Pete, plus real Amish carriages. I just thought these were pretty cool!

I don't think that Biff Burger was built to look retro, I believe it is the real deal. This place still has open diner seating and car hops. It's a cool place.

Had to check my leg out in Emergency tonight @ Morton Plant Hospital. One of the nurses that was tending to my father suggested that I might want to have my leg ultra-sounded so I could be assured that I didn't have a clot or a deep vein thrombosis. Since I was already at the hospital, I dropped in and got that done. And a clean bill of health from the E.R. And the journey continues...

Mar 26, 2010

This was walk 85, and although I'm posting it a day late, I have to tell you that on this walk, the calf muscle was straining big time, so I only put in about a mile. But it was a good walk, I stayed with the program and didn't give up. The calf was in pain, and the journey continued!

I love neighborhood street signs that designate a community. They always seem to class up a neighborhood. This is my old neighborhood around Del Prado and it's a wonderful community, and these signs just add a splash of class to the whole area. Love it.

Along the walk, everything is Spring-green once again. The leaves on the trees are pushing out to look over the cypress fencing and everything wants to grow out and see the sunshine! It makes for a beautiful route.

This had nothing to do with my walk, but such a cool and unusual house I shot a picture of when we were over in South Tampa. I would love to see the inside. This is ultra modern and such an interesting home.

Okay... so I broke the diet for one day. The good news is, I'm back on the bandwagon, the bad news is... GOD are these burgers delicious. Mine had feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes on it and it was just amazing. If you're ever in Tampa, try Square 1 Burger. You won't regret it.

Mar 25, 2010

Today is walk 84 and I'm pretty proud of that. I haven't done ANYTHING for 84 days straight before or with the same amount of commitment, and no desire to screw it up. I think I'm gonna make this thing!

I always wanted to take a picture by this sign. It appeals to my morbid sense of humor!

Feeling good. Another one in the books. And the journey continues...

Mar 24, 2010

This is walk 83, and today we're having a little fun. Stopped by poolside at the hotel nearby to get a glimpse of the other wildlife around the lake. Ha! What a great day. Kristin and Kelly walked with me again today. Love their company, and Kristin get's the photo credit.

The girls walk the walk and talk the talk. Kristin and Kelly head toward The Dark Tower.

Crazy, close-up wildlife today. They were all out in full force. The turtles were hyper active today, the gators chillin' on the banks of the lake, and this guy just out stretchin' his legs.

Yeah, see? I put in the work. And the journey continues...

Mar 23, 2010

This is walk 82, and I'm out in Walsingham Park today. I decided to try to up my game this time. I believe this is my 3rd or 4th trip out here, and every time I walked, I wanted to walk from entrance to entrance. Today I made that happen. Probably put in over 3 miles, but it felt good and the usual pains are not where they've been. Walking a little bit farther really opened up the photo opportunities.

This spot was just so amazing and tucked away, that I almost missed it. As I walked by, the wheels of imagination started turning, and something told me that this could make an interesting shot. Well, I love this picture. It reminds me of something Bob Ross would make on Saturday mornings. "And this guy over here on the right is our little friend, Mr. Tree".

Yep, this is for Marcia. This little guy is one of three that came out of the woods and literally danced around my feet. I seriously think he would've crawled up my leg if I didn't shoo him away a little bit so I can take a picture. They were cute!

This reminded me of a childhood vacation to Covington, Ky. when my family went to Calumet farms to see where race horses are born and trained. It's actually the side grass area at the South entrance to Walsingham Park. A little imagination though, and I'm back with the family in Kentucky. Just add horses.

Mar 22, 2010

I had to get a quick walk in tonight for number 81, so I just headed out in the neighborhood to do my usual 2.5. The good news is, I made it in record time, because my mind was with my dad who's in the hospital tonight. He's doing okay, stable and making small improvements every day. Just like his son. This walk is for you Dad.

Check out this little sweetheart. Cruising by with her Grammie and Grampie in her little scooter sidecar. She was so cute, I couldn't resist snapping a shot. She waved like she thought she was in a parade.

This is how close I am to the beach. And this is the first year in about 30 that I've gotten out there more than a few times. What a waste of time, but I'm making up for it now. Love IRB. It's a beautiful beach.

And the journey continues...