Lifestyle: evening stroll Sunday, December 8, 2024

Self-tutoring about habits: the tutor mentions one he should develop more.

Last Sunday, late afternoon, I started out for a walk. As I recall, my mission was to check out the creek level and general conditions in a woodsy area nearby. However, during the 10 minutes it took to get there, dusk overtook me: within the forest, it was practically dark when I entered. Nonetheless, taking careful stock of the scene, I ventured in a ways.

The creek was flowing loudly, dulling out other sounds. Given that, plus the darkness, I didn’t linger, but instead turned and exited by the route I’d entered. By then, it was dark everywhere.

I decided, once back on the sidewalk, to return by a different route, in order to check on a couple of landmarks. Turning up one street, I looked upon one of them, then continued.

By then, I’d passed a number of houses displaying festive Christmas lights. Perhaps, given the recent darkness, they were being plugged in as I walked. The number of displays, and the elaborateness of some of them, captured one’s attention: I can’t recall a year with so many Christmas lights.

It truly was beautiful outside, with a clear half-moon and gentle chill to the air – an authentically west coast December evening. Charmingly, a couple of houses sported both Halloween and Christmas decorations – once again, something one sees on the west coast.

No matter the time of year, I seldom regret an evening stroll. Lately, with the holiday lights and the gentle weather, it’s been particularly opportune.