When road tripping, I keep one eye on the road ahead and one on the rearview mirror. That’s so I know when it’s safe to slam on the brakes for fabulous sights like this one.
If you’re ever on Route 35 somewhere south of Muncie, Indiana, maybe you’ll slam on the brakes to see it too!
A wide front porch and some comfy chairs overlooking Main Street in a small town. Doesn’t this look like the very best place to pass an afternoon?
It was chilly yesterday but I still wanted to sit here and watch the world go by. I’ll tell you all about this town another day but, for now, the adventure continues!
Can you guess where I am?
My Facebook memories gave me something interesting yesterday. I had forgotten writing it but I do have a vague memory of this April day last year. I thought you might enjoy reading it as much as I did.
I made it to Lake Alma for a quick walk tonight. There were little turtles sunning in their usual spot on the log in the water’s edge and one Canada Goose splashing and playing not far away. All the little turtles jumped in when I got too close except one guy who had no fear and chose to stay put while his companions fled.
The goose? Lots of others looked on while he splashed around, embodying pure joy amidst what appeared to be harsh judgement from his companions. Do geese judge each other? I don’t know.
And then I noticed this gentleman (pictured). He was oblivious to the world. The sun sparkled in the water and life went on around him but he didn’t care. He just seemed to be enjoying the moment.
They all were enjoying the moment. Go do that, friends. Stay in the sunshine, splash like no one’s watching and just enjoy your life. It’s too short to do anything else.
Chillicothe, Ohio is home to a number of locally owned specialty shops. These businesses represent areas that are increasingly hard to find in mom and pop shops anywhere. There’s a terrific independent bookseller, a bike shop, a plant shop, a record store and a music store.
The fact this town has so many specialty shops is pretty rare. Most are downtown but BBB Music Center outgrew their downtown space and moved to another location. They sell instruments, music, lessons and all the other things a musician might need. I had the pleasure of interviewing the owner once so it is gratifying to see his business grow.
On the back of the store you’ll find this fun mural. It goes a long way to beautify the area and to bring a smile! I appreciate businesses that go the extra mile to improve the appearance of their corner of the world.
Happiness is a new box- even if it is three sizes too small. Scout laid claim to this little box one day a few months ago and hasn’t relinquished it since. He bats this box around in my office and doesn’t take kindly to my suggestion it should be moved.
So I live with a small cardboard box in the middle of the floor and Scout remains the happiest boy around.
Sunday was gorgeous but the day found me running errands. Before the errands though, I stopped by Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park for a stroll around the pond. This city park is a favorite spot for fishing, senior photos and reunions. There’s also a trail around the water’s edge that’s paved part of the way and natural ground part of the way.
First you cross the bridge.
Then you encounter a bunch of ducks along the path. These guys were so still they looked like statues.
There’s gorgeous scenery and lots of squirrels with a soundtrack of birdsong for good measure. This non-native species is called Muscovy but I just call them murder ducks. Don’t they look murderous?
Then there are the swans. They’re on the nest right now!
I was sad to realize they have marked some beautiful old trees for cutting. They look healthy to me but I assume that someone smarter than me about these things sees something I do not.
Either that or they’re just needlessly destroying some of my favorite trees so we’ll go with the first story and hope for the best.
This stroll preceded stops at two home supply stores and Kroger. It was exactly what I needed to prepare me for the work ahead!
Nature is amazing for our mental health and physical well being. Even just a few minutes of fresh air and birdsong can work wonders. Try it. I promise it will improve your day!!