wednesday

I thought this was a sightseeing bus at the Ridgewood bus station. I think it was a regular NY commuter bus- but not like any other I've ever seen in town. I'll ask the NY bus people tomorrow.

I have been reading this sign each morning, but today I hope I can increase my face value, and hope to smile. I already did once in the first 5 minutes of this day's walk- I love to say good morning to Mike as he passes me from the other direction.

It was a nice morning, I did not even need gloves or a hat. The sky was especially interesting.

tuesday

I catch Mr. Wall Street English hoofing it to the train. I realize he has a backpack! School or the law firm, it's the way to carry books!

I'm late, and I shouldn't be. I left on time.

the mailman looks almost alive in the morning light.

It's warmer this morning, and it's dark but not that dark. It's snowing ever so slightly. The town is awake already. Buses are zooming up and down the avenue.

monday snow

More people on the way back, but I find my own footprints still untouched. I go back another, quieter way. I want to enjoy more of the undisturbed pure snow. Some of my favorite houses are even more beautiful this morning.

By the time I get to Classic Look I smell bacon wafting down the avenue. Yummy, mouth watering bacon that must be frying up at the Pancake House. Yes, the aroma gets stronger as I get closer. The flags catch my eye this morning. The first has a circle of stars, the other is at the post office, the next at Van Neste.

Town is exceptionally beautiful. There is a softness to the buildings, the trees, even the street. Cars are gently mounded, white powder hiding steel. I see some footprints and shovelers, lots of snow plows. It's noisy with more activity than I like for this hour.

Buses are running, people are out.

I see Mike running toward me. I haven't seen him since last year, but I bet he has been out every day.

Snow changes everything. It's beautiful outside, and lighter. The kids are so lucky- they get an extra 2 hours before school opens.

I expect it to be pristine and quiet. The roads are already plowed. Last week it was deserted. Vacation is over, it's back to work.

sunday

Sunday, I did not walk because I was not here.

saturday

Frigid. This is the coldest I've been this year. I am warmly dressed. I pull the hat further down over my ears. I wrap the scarf around my neck, and then re-wrap it around my head.
It's 8 AM. I don't need to be there until 8:30 on Saturdays. I am deeply moved by the events of this week; tears roll down my cheeks as I sit there.
It's just as cold coming back. The stop in town is brief and warm. It's slightly downhill going home.
Today, it's wonderful to get back in the house.

friday

It's cold again. I get there as fast as I can, still careful of the ice. When I get back, I go out again to walk Trixie- she's vacationing with me this week. I'm liking her company more than I thought. The weather does not concern her at all. I have a good feeling just being outside. It's more than just getting out.

thursday

Somehow it's harder on the 2nd day. It's dark when I wake up, and dark when I get outside. It is still iced over in many spots. I can see the ice reflect in the breaking light- black, shiny, smooth- ready for a surprise skate as I start out. It's easier to see on the way home, but still as slick.

first day

Wednesday, it's hard to begin. It was a little easier last year- I had company.
It's dark when I start, and the ground is slick with ice. I go carefully down the stairs and pick my way over the glazed snow. The many frozen patches are treacherous, barely visible in the breaking dawn. To be safe I switch from sidewalk to street, neither choice a sure bet.
Even so, I am happy again to start my walking.