Yes, I was signed up to show up at the Heights’ Kroger for a final day of signing my books. The birds started calling me early this morning, and as the sun rose, I could see cloudless blue sky, blue water rolling in, and temperatures rising into the 70’s. This was the perfect day to play “hooky”. I couldn’t bring myself to leave The Island today, of all days. Everyone and his dog (literally) would be on the seawall today. It was time to drag out the old “Panama Jack” beach cruiser to discover what this Sunday would bring to The Island.
There is a certain “Jamaican Mon” charm to the architecture, always in tones of pastel greens, aquas, yellows, and blues. My favorite, of course is “Rita’s” where bicyclists go for a pitstop and a hand-crafted ice cream. Such a nice name too:) While taking a break from the first leg of the ride, I noticed one of the new indigenous slingshots that so popular for the tourists to cruise the seawall in. They are a cool looking vehicle, until you realize if it starts to rain, there is virtually no protection. Something to attract the young tourists who haven’t learned to consider the weather.
Speaking of not considering the weather, I did notice that on the eastward leg of my journey, my bike seemed to float effortless toward 61st street. I found out when I turned around to head homeward, that was because there was a nice stiff west wind at my back. The leg back to Diamond Beach took considerably more leg power. Especially considering the “old hippie bike” as my friends call it, weighs a good deal more than the narrow aluminum bikes so popular today. That’s ok, I got a lot more exercise on “Panama Jack”.
My favorite resting bench was available for once. Most folks were staying home today, preparing for the Super Bowl. There’ll be a group of neighbors gathering in the Theater Room to watch, but I’m far more interested in the unusual commercials that are especially created for the event. They are always the best of the year, although normally I fast forward through them; today I’ll be looking especially for the best in show.
There are always a few extra-special fur babies taking a morning stroll, and today was no exception. This fur-baby’s mama proudly showed her miniature Chi-Poo off to an adoring crowd of tourists. These pictures don’t do her justice. Those long furry ears are too adorable when she moves them toward you. I’m a sucker for a cute puppy.
Old hippie bike and this old hippie did make it back in time for the first round of Super Bowl commercials. I will have to admit, there were several “water breaks” on the way back, in the face of a howling west wind. We are none the worse for wear, though. I did make the right decision to play “hooky” today.
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