Another Saturday in June

I’ve decided on a summer format for these posts: a 3 minute read because I know most people are busy enjoying summer weather, bites of whatever I have ingested over the week (not limited to food), recommendations regarding what I have read, watched, or found inspiring, and fashion. How does that sound? I how You will find it refreshing.

As I sit here waiting for 3 days of extreme hot weather, I have no plans to be Nordic poling even for a short 2.5 miles. Yesterday I walked through or despite pain at 4pm on a paved rail-trail and by the end, was huffing and puffing. If you haven’t done this kind of walking you might be surprised to learn that much of the stress on your legs is shared by your back, shoulders and upper arms so for people such as I, it’s easier than regular walking. Aside from a few cyclers and walkers, I saw a bobcat cross the trail ahead. How excellent was that; it’s only the second time I’ve seen one tho probably not the last since I’m reading of significantly more sightings. I just don’t want to encounter a you-know-what, large, black and furry. Maybe with the 8 ounce poles, I might seem formidable. Do you think?

As much as I cook in the colder months, the opposite is true in the summer. I hardly need a stove. This is the time for gazpacho, cold cucumber soup with dill, chilled sweet potato and coconut milk soup and Vichessoise. And then the salads (more than lettuces with dressing). I sometimes buy rotisserie chicken all year round but more so in the summer for protein add-ins to those greens. What are you having?

Summer fruit is starting to come in. It astounds me that a pint of local strawberries for $8.99 is considered a bargin. And to show my age, I remember feeling extravagent paying $.79 for a pound of cherries. This week I thought I did well finding them for $5.99. I fantasize that in California fruit is less expensive but this could be a complete fallacy.

All right, enough moaning, it’s time to talk about clothes. Now that I report to physical therapy 1-2 times a week, when I have an appointment, it’s not the time for cool dresses. Looking for leggings has been an eye opener. More sticker shock, for sure. If you’re exercising, what do you wear? My trekking attire consists of covered arms and legs because of the tick situation everywhere. Spraying clothing with permethrin insecticide which I have is supposed to be the remedy but those little things can drop from low hanging branches onto one’s head. My fear is for them to take up residence in the house and I have found a few every once in awhile. Apparently they can live inside for up to a couple of months which is 2 months too long in my opinion. Do you recall when being in nature seemed so carefree?

The physical therapist I see was, like I an ex-pat for a number of years (she in Singapore, I in Brazil, Nigeria, Egypt, and Dubai). She recommended a series entitled “Expats” starring Nicole Kidman. I hadn’t been tempted to click onto it on Amazon Prime Video until she talked about how good it was. I went back and it turned out to be a binge-watch. Without giving away the many characters and plots, I’ll say the one most riveting involved Nicole Kidman whose young son was lost/taken at the night market. “Expats” Season I has little which is tied up and leaves room for more but I read that this is it. You’re left with not knowing. I think much of life is that way. If you can tolerate fiction being the same, I recommend this series.

For the next 3 days, I’ll be inside in the a/c reading. I have the remaining Daniel Silva- Gabriel Allon left and Sam Harris “Making Sense.” And you?

P.S. Happy Litha, Solstice, and Summer. Can you believe this year is nearly half over?