I am off work today and tomorrow. For some reason there is an internal battle to monitor and respond as if I was not off. Perhaps after 39 years this has become my condition. What's worse is everything is easily available on one's iPhone.
Situations like these are like a habit you are trying to break. Justification comes very easy to monitor work and step in and respond throughout the day. I don't want to be this person any longer, but it is a drug. A person should have the day off to recharge and clear up other items. So I am turning off my iPhone.
I made a list to fill my day. After the morning run the plan is to execute them. The items range from paying bills and yard work, to going to the Library and filling up the propane tank. There are 12 items. One is listed as the Donna project. This means I'll ask the wife what is the one chore she wants done.
There is a grand design behind this. From learning how to stay busy when retired to escaping from the clutches of the new rat race. I'm old enough to remember how things used to be. I'm not asking the world to change. I'm asking for me to change because this world is corrupt and I have a better hope.
Great morning to get out just before daybreak.
Chimney Swifts
Blue Heron
Sandhill Cranes
Crows
Great Egrets
Inhinga
Grackle
White Ibis'
Kingfisher
Little Blue Heron
Moorehens
Red Wing Blackbirds
Cardinals
Green Heron
Not a bad day. A couple I could not identify. The smaller birds sailing through the Sawgrass make it tough.
After falling asleep at 7:24pm I was able to pack in about 9.5 hours of sleep. That is a good 2 hours more than normal. After a refreshing 2.5 cups of black gold I ventured out for 3:07:39 enjoying the 48F temperature.
It is an area which is limited in running routes. Many neighborhood out and backs. One can cobble together some remote running, but it is always the same. No matter...twern't no grizz left anyway.
Early runs set off a lot cyclist dogs, better know as super heroes. Everyone wants to be the first on the block to know they saw me first. Always 1-2 that sound like they are going to crash through the window. It's 5am so sometimes I swing back several times so they can have full enjoyment. Surprisingly some see me so often that I don't do it for them anymore. Ode to you Max and Luna, Kaos and Aspen, Kimber and Simba, Rudy and Asher. Some of you hate me, but thanks to your owners yelling at you I know you by name. Can't we all get along?
In the pre-dawn hours I set out on the morning jaunt. Not expecting much in the way of limberness I settled early on an easy effort. The .31 jog and .19 walk was employed and after 2:13:28 I was back at the crib with 10.3 miles in the bank.
The morning was cool here at 58F. Quite pleasant. I now wear a headlamp so oncoming vehicles are sure to give me an extra 17" of space. It is not totally uncommon for someone to flash the high beams several times to get my attention. Maybe the gesture is indicating that they see me.
Expecting this will be my last attempt at 100 miles. I constantly remind myself this is unnecessary. There is nothing to be gained. So why do it? Because a handful of vets let me know if you think you can, do it now. After a half dozen years this is that period in time.
