Happy New Year

 January 1, 2022

We don't always have choices in this life, but when I am presented with one, I try for the optimistic path. Christmas was subdued by Omicron. The comedy show my friends and I looked forward to for months was postponed. The new year dawned dismal and gray. As I assessed the day and my options, one positive note was that the temperature was heading towards 50 degrees. In November I had set myself the challenge of biking every month for a year, and looking at the 10 day forecast, today seemed a perfect temperature to cross January off the list. I decided on a bike ride. After a quick yoga practice to stretch my aching back, I set off for the Mohawk Hudson Bike Trail. I just didn't feel like dodging death by car on this very dark day.

As I geared up at Lions Park, I realized only one jacket was needed and set off to the west toward Lock 7. A hiking trail I spied was calling so I took a short detour and a little hike in the woods. 

A pretty stream tumbling down a rock ledge was the highlight of the trail, so I was soon back to the bike trail. I was a little surprised  by all the wildlife taking advantage of the warm day: beaver, geese, a bald eagle, and of course seagulls.

                                   A new beaver dam and lodge.


This eagle grabbed a fish before flying off.



                          Lock 7 activity on pause.



I turned around and headed back east, thinking an hour on the bike would qualify as my January ride. However, the warmth of the day, the thought that I wouldn't be riding again for awhile, and a dash of gratitude kept me heading east toward the Cohoes Falls. I didn't think I'd go that far, but then, I did!


The twin bridges from the south side of the river.


Reflections


      Even a dismal, gray day has its beauty.

I ended up riding/hiking for three hours and just over 20 miles. Not a bad start to a new year.








Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Home Town Visit, There And Back Again

Image
 Friday was the loveliest day. I decided to go out for a walk and asked my oldest sister to join me. I mentioned that I wanted to get a coffee, as I've given it up as a daily habit and just have it as treat now and again. She suggested we go to the Corning Museum of Glass cafe, so I agreed. As children, we were marched to this museum each year as a fun field trip, but I have not visited it in over 30 years. I was a little bit amazed by the gift shop. The glass colors and shapes were beautiful.  A very pretty shop! It's hard to believe this is the same little Tommy Kelly who lived across the street from us so long ago. These pricey pieces were in the $10,000 to $30,000 range! Then we visited the Corelle section and there was a sale going on. While I don't need new dishes, I ended up getting a new set in the Timber Shadows design. I wonder why I was drawn to them. 😉 After shopping for a bit we got our coffees and had a nice chat in the cafe. I have to say I enjoyed the coffe
Read more

And Life Continues On

Image
 My heart is aching still, as I mourn the loss of my  Mom. When we got her home on 1/4/24, the Hospice nurse said Mom's  status was "Imminent", which meant she was within 2 weeks of death. That proved to be completely accurate. She died on Thursday 1/18/24, quite peacefully. We buried her yesterday 1/22/24. The three weeks I was away from home were the most stressful days of my life. While there was plenty of sibling comaraderie, laughter and tears, there was also quite a bit of conflict and drama. Totally unnecessary from my perspective but you can't dictate how people deal with stress and loss. Millie, who we co-opted to become our therapy dog. My little brother. who belongs to Millie, made us dinner one night and visited Mom daily. Older brother came over to be with mom so sister T and I could take a short hike in the frigid weather. The day she died I elected to sit next to Mom for most of my 'on duty' shift until 3:30 am when sister T took over. I just h
Read more

A Short But Sweet Visit

Image
 I picked up my daughter Glenn and her friend from the train station at 5 pm on Weds. and dropped them off at the Hartford CT airport about the same time on Saturday. It was a lovely visit, but very short, and I had to share her time with her father. I've forgotten how very weary I've grown of that necessity. I did manage to get a picture of my girl and her friend in the garden with me. That was a win as she hates pictures. My drone helped me out there. She spent a few days in Virginia as a bridesmaid at her best friend from High School's wedding. Then she and Candace spent a few days in NYC visiting with college friends. I got the tail end of the visit and plans were made for another visit soon. Me, Glenn, and Candace. The black shirt theme was a coincidence. I enjoyed lots of chatting time with her though, which is always delightful. She even threw in some unsolicited hugs for me and told me how much she misses me. My heart melted. The nonstop rain showers and thunderstor
Read more