Dog Hike

Another FUN day -- two in a row is shocking!  

The dog hike was nice.  Lots of loop options, not too hilly, very shaded.  It's also a mountain bike trail so we had to contend with that, but everyone was polite and announced their passing (we ended up seeing our neighbor so had another outdoor chat this weekend).  We took a 2.4 mile loop.  Perfect for our little Monti.  We're going back Saturday with our grand-dogs and kids.  Changing up the BBQ to a lunch so we can do something with the dogs (weather permitting).  We saw a baby snake on the trail -- no spiders though.  If the baby snake is poisonous, it's very dangerous -- more so than a full grown snake.  An adult snake will only give a warning bite, but a baby can't control the release and will inject way more venom.  I was too busy doing my snake avoidance dance to see the details.

This got me motivated to change things up, find something to do.  I googled and googled.  Lots of things closed or feel unsafe.  Our plans are apple picking up in the mountains on Thursday.  Dog friendly, shouldn't be crowded with school back and during the week.  Outside and we'll wear masks.  If it's too crowded, we'll leave.  I have a new recipe for apple quick bread and I'll make it for lunch on Saturday with our haul.

My local winery is doing it's harvest and lunch again.  I'm so tempted, but I can't bring myself to do this in a pandemic -- even though we're outside.  It's too long a day with the same people and I bet awfully hot with a mask (not required, but I'd wear one) and my back is still wonky.  Also, not so fun without a friend and I don't feel comfortable bringing anyone in the car.  Next year ... patience isn't easy or fun.

That said, I would be up for an afternoon at our local winery.  They are open during the week and it's usually empty.  You bring your own food, buy a bottle of wine and sit outside.  I think I'll ask a friend (or my aunt) in October when the afternoons are cooler.  Also dog friendly which is fun.

I'm on the hunt for more things to do.  This week hubby is on vacation, but usually he's working during the week.  That puts things on the weekend with possible crowds.  Maybe go do something with a friend if we can be outside, social distance and ride in separate cars.  Hmmmm.  Possibility.  I'll see how the logistics of apple picking turn out with people and bathrooms!!  (I swear finding "safe" BATHROOMS are my biggest hiccup.)

I'm caught up with Outlander.  I had to stream through STARZ for the 5th season.  I managed to get in under the 7 day free trial.  It was hard to figure out how to cancel (big pet peeve of mine), but eventually I found the correct google answer.  That was a fun binge series for quarantine.  I don't have any series waiting in the wings -- just a couple of documentaries.  More on those when I watch them.  Maybe I can get some more traction on my book pile.

Today doesn't have anything on the calendar.  We're taking a break from hiking to rest our old bodies.  I can't push my heel too much, too soon.  Some house chores and that's all.  Way too crowded to head out for anything today.

Have a happy holiday.  I love our country and its service women and men, but it feels hard to cheer on America right now.  We have a lot of broken parts that need immediate attention.  Also, locally, this day has become Trump rallies and boat parades on the lakes.  This day is NOT about Trump -- he's far from a "laborer".  I'll take him out of my mind and have a HAPPY day instead thinking about America when she is healed and whole.

Stay well.  Later gators.