I Can Do What I Want!

Monday began with a blank calendar, no plan, and beautiful 70 degree weather. My usual options bored me - walk in the neighborhood, bike on a local trail, or visit another preserve. I can do those any day of the week, but the ocean was calling me. The nearest nice beach is Hammonasset State Park in Connecticut, a mere 2.5 hrs away. After an hour long debate with myself about the logic of such a trip, I realized that I can do what I want, and I want to enjoy the beach! I packed a quick lunch, tossed the bike and a chair in the back of the car and set off. Not everything I do has to be practical, logical, or reasonable. It was a good day in any case!

The beach is 2 miles long and I walked all of it.

Violets in the rocks.

The east end of the park which I hadn't seen before.

I collected some rocks/pebbles for my own little garden art installation,
 but nothing this big!

I did spend some time doing absolutely nothing but staring at the ocean.


Then I biked for an hour on the Shoreline Greenway Trail.

The ride home at sunset on the Mass Pike. I really wanted to stop for a lobster roll but my stomach
was queasy from my lunch and I thought it best not to throw seafood on top of that. Next time.

Tuesday's plan was to meet a few friends for a bike ride on the Electric trail. It was fun to show them a few hidden sights (waterfalls) just a bit off trail. The wind started to pick up towards the end of the ride, but otherwise it was a fabulous 26 miles!

Ernie, Charlene, me, and Patty.

Beaver Falls at the site of an old mill.



Apparently Harry Houdini did a little work here.

A bike trail bonus! These two Earth Boxes were sitting next to a dumpster
looking for a new home. I now have six large and two small Earth Boxes 
which will make up my veg garden!

Wednesday and Thursday were garden days. I bought a couple of shrubs to finish off the deck bed - which had to be dug out first. Two lilacs and two mock oranges are the backbone of the bed. At the garden center I saw some tulips on sale and I realized I can probably grow them in the back yard, now that it's fenced in. No more deer to contend with! I bought some pink, red, and orange tulips to start things off.

Tomorrow has two hikes on offer, so I just have to decide which one to attend. Or maybe a third option will appear!


Comments

  1. MargaretMay 1, 2025 at 10:54 PM

    When I first retired, I rushed around everywhere, trying to get lots done--then I realized that I no longer had to do that. I could make my own schedule! I love the ocean and can sit by it and stare at the waves for a long time. It's peaceful and soothing. Since we're 60% water, I sometimes wonder if our bodies are in tune with the ocean, like she is our mother rocking us to sleep.

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