September seems to beckon with new adventures. I suppose it’s because September gave a brazen wave telling us “Say farewell to lazy, sunny Summer, ‘cause here I come in all my blazing glory!” Little kids starting formal schooling for the first time AND adults trying new activities at the Senior Centre. New adventures for everyone. One of my neighbors was eager to try her skills at pickleball and signed up for classes. Another friend signed up for billiards while a third was determined to prove her bridge skills. Exercise classes and dance classes did not beckon to me yet, so I decided to go for a walk and see what new adventures awaited on whatever route I ambled along. Besides, I was testing out my new pedometer and was curious to see how far I really walk when I do my jaunts.
Tucked among some rocks, I found this treasure that set the mood for the early morning.
A person certainly couldn’t be gloomy seeing that! A few blocks along, I decided to explore a lane I had never noticed before, And just as I walked a few yards, a bright yellow house with the most cheerful garden came into view. I’m sure it was the colorful “cat” umbrellas providing shade to some of the more fragile flowers and foliage housed in colorful pottery set against the yellow—but it made me smile with delight.
Framed in a “window” of the hedge and foliage, was this tiny birdhouse, perched near one of the umbrellas. This was almost missed. . . .
Reluctantly leaving this show-stopping corner, I moved along to see what else awaited me down the lane and over the hill. . .
Near the end of the lane, another backyard showed a replica of a Chinese Terracotta Warrior. It looked as if he was peacefully meditating in a serene corner surrounded by Nature. I thought of it as his calm before the storm of war.
The fruit of this tree stumped me. Then I remembered my handy-dandy grown-up cellphone and used it. Wikipedia informed me that this was a species of a “Chinese Lantern” tree. I had never seen a real Chinese Lantern before that wasn’t a dried orangey husk used for Fall arrangements! You really do learn something new every day!
I knew there were loads of readers in my area because most streets had at least one ‘free library’ available to any passerby. I loved to photograph the colorful and unusual ones. This one caught my eyes because whoever built it continued the marine theme by using glass seahorse knobs for the doors. . . . .
I decided to turn right onto a major road that would take me through the Village and finally home. I had heard that the merchants were sponsoring local artists by having their works displayed in their front windows or on the street. I was curious to see what was chosen.
Initially, I had thought this ‘elegant’ lady was constructed of paper mache, but I was wrong. The owner of the ladies’ wear who sponsored this piece of art said it was strong enough to sit on. AND she did. The seat was surprisingly quite comfy. There were a lot of details artfully added to the gown, neckline and hair, but my eyes were caught by the sturdy black boots beneath the elegant gown. . .
A few windows beyond, this piece of art pulled my camera closer. . .
Does this remind you of fun school trips and the not-so-fun part of writing or drawing what you learned?
I’m not sure if this birdhouse builder meant this to be hung so low, but concluded these were meant to be decorative. They looked so cute and pretty.
Yes, Fairies are real. You just have to believe. . . .
The flowers and fruit trees are pushing out their colors–the fruit is definitely coming. AND those busy squirrels are scurrying to gather up the fallen nuts. .
The deer population has been growing with many twins and a set of triplets. This one was a lonely only. However, all the deer know exactly where to go for the best nibbleys and greens. . . .
Home at last! It was a fun walk and I did learn something along the way as well as enjoy all the things I saw on my rambling walk. I hope you enjoyed it too. Stay safe and well. . .always.
chocofigbee 
Sammee,
Another nice vicarious walk I had reading your post. You really find the treasures, but I’d snuff out the lantern fly stone. Around here, the lantern flies are extremely invasive and are causing all sorts of harm.
How well did your pedometer work, and being the (nosy) pedometer geek I am, how many steps did you take? ~Nan
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Thank you for joining me on my jaunt, Nan AND for your interesting comment on the lantern fly stone. I had to look it up and it’s nasty! Mine is truly a species of the Chinese Lantern plant, often seen in Fall floral arrangements as a papery thin dried orangey pod–definitely not an insect!
As for my pedometer–despite all the rambling about–I had only walked 5.66 kilometers which converted to 3.5 miles. I don’t count steps and my pedometer is very accurate.
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How fun to see all those amazing things. A Chinese Lantern tree–wow! I have only seen the dried orange husks and envy you seeing an actual tree. All the other finds are real treasures too. You are so lucky!
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I never ever seen a real Chinese Lantern tree either Emsch the Mensch. Like you I only saw the dry papery thin “lanterns” and always thought that’s how they appear! AND yes, I am fortunate to see such treasures in my walks. . .
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