Sat morning in the neighborhood

After many weeks of strictly indoor exercise thanks to rain and schedule conflicts, I finally got out for a walk this morning. I didn’t get moving until after 10:00, but it was nice to be lazy and putter first. After much indecision about what route to take and what to bring with me, I finally settled on the long circle around the nearby school and then looping out to the bank/pharmacy/Starbucks before heading back home. It always seems such a waste to use my car to run those kinds of errands when the shops are literally 2 blocks away. So I stepped outside and…holy sunshine batman! It was *hot*!! Back inside to re-do the wardrobe and then finally hit the pavement around 10:15.

I live in a very low key (translation, lower income) older area of a very upscale bedroom suburb which is surrounded by some very very wealthy rancho and beach communities. I love my little circle of houses. No HOA, but no need for it. Everyone keeps their places looking nice. Nothing fancy, just your basic, middle class stucco dominated rows of houses. The area is old for here (25).

First thing I notice is my next door neighbor out in her gardening clothes tending to her yard. I make a mental note to do the same thing tomorrow morning. My back yard needs some serious attention.

Another neighbor is washing his car. Then I see it. Flashback to the 60s. Two women talking over a fence! I didn’t think people did that anymore. Up at the corner, two small kids are riding their bikes in the circle as dad looks on. Turn the corner and there’s two more people talking in a driveway. Clearly the sunny/warm Saturday morning air has brought people out of their houses. As I transition to a busier street, I merge with a jogger. Turning another corner downhill towards the school, I see a couple pushing a stroller. There is someone out front of at least one house on every street I pass. Then I notice the smell. February in So Cal and all the yellow flowers are blooming:

I always refer to February as the yellow flower month. There are trees and these ubiquitous landscaping bushes all over which bloom profusely with these tiny puffs of yellow. Pollen count is high as my sinuses can tell you (yep, had to take a claritin after walking). But it smells so distinct and lets you know immediately that spring is around the corner. The yellow is just a preview.

As I made my way out of the neighborhood towards the shopping center, I came upon the little park and grassy area on one corner. Today it was filled with tiny soccer players. Not more than 5 years old for sure. Parents lined the perimeter of the rectangular playing area watching as two coaches demonstrated some maneuvers and tiny legs tried their best to copy. Ah, the early days of youth sports!  A lazy Saturday morning at the local park vs driving an hour for a high pressure tournament or kick ass football game. Enjoy these relaxing days in the park young parents!

At the shopping center I was encouraged to see I was not the only one walking to do my errands today. I passed a man I recognized who lives around the corner from me who walks every single day coming out of the grocery store. As I came out of the store I saw the couple from earlier with the stroller. I also saw some firemen doing their shopping – is there some rule that all firemen must be former GQ models?? Seriously!  Wow. Anyhow..I love that I could get my coffee, pick up a prescription and take out cash all in one store. Back out on the pavement I met up with another mom pushing a stroller as she was walking back home form her coffee run.

Just a glorious, warm Saturday in San Diego!