THE REST OF THE SUMMER

 

Courtesy flickr

 

As you know, I divide my year into larger segments of Summer (May-October) and Winter (November-April).  Naturally, that conflicts with a 4-season division, with no special place for Fall and Spring.  But I've gotten so flexible I can have Fall in both Summer and Winter, and Spring in both Winter and Summer!  What that means is with Fall just 10 days away, we're starting to head in to Summer-Fall weather and activities. 

First, Hurricane Season!   Hurricane Kay came in from the Pacific and made landfall in Baja, Mexico four days ago, and we've had several days of remnants giving us not-monsoon weather, though it has involved lightning, thunder and rain.  Kay will apparently push what was left of the monsoon out, as we're looking at sunny days starting Thursday.  

 

Courtesy cnn.com

The yard is still blooming, but we're starting to see a little yellow and red color change.

 

 

 

Activity-wise, Ron and I are revisiting a Finding Water Adventure we did a couple years ago.  It involves rural areas, maps, some driving, & more or less hiking, all of which we enjoy.  Besides the large lakes, AZ has more water than one would think in the form of tanks, ponds, and small lakes. We'll be visiting some more of them.  Here's a preview from our first foray a week ago.

 We're also in the talking stages of a couple of 2-3 day trips for fall colors, staying in AZ.

I have a couple of personal outdoor challenges lined up.  One is the 3rd Annual One-Woman Duathlon to mark Summer ->Fall.  I do sprint distances:  3 mile run, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run.   I'll choose September 23, 24, or 25 as the day gets closer. 

I'll also do the 3rd Annual One-Woman Fall Four Running Series.  Still TBD is the number of runs and the place(s).  I don't want it to be as intensive as the Summer Running Series.

 

 My last Downtown activity will be something I came across in the Visitor Center called Walk This Talk Tour.  You call a phone number for a pre-recorded audio tour of 10 historical sites and buildings.  It takes about an hour and should be a lot of fun.  I do have some more Street Art photos to share, but I've walked the whole of the pre-set tour and will need to design my own future tours. I'm saving that for next summer.

 

When I finished the Summer Running Series, I designated that day to work on Meditation Teacher Training, and have been making good progress.  However, I believe I'll use that day for our Finding Water Adventures for a while.

 

Tiny Bear Hikes are finished.  I didn't do many of them for various reasons, and now it's hunting season for a good long while and I don't like to be out alone, even wearing orange.

Biking, Tai Chi and hiking with Sue are on-going and will continue through November 1.

Mosquitoes have arrived in force. I'm naturally somewhat repellent to mosquitoes, though not entirely. I can't use the deck right now without having to swat, but I have been eating lunch on the gazebo unmolested.  Go figure.  

Courtesy rawpixel

The Voice starts September 19.  Oh yeah, I'll be there! 

 

 

 By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With Summer's best of weather

And Autumn's best of cheer.

-----Helen Hunt Jackson