Fiddling Around - Day 4 of 90

I took that walk around the block this morning, although not entirely around the block. I started from my house and went one way around the block and then before I got to the other end where I would have to walk along a busy route without much shoulder (actually none) I turned around and walked back.

I saw Monarda again today, but this time it was Monarda Didyma commonly called Bee Balm because the bees love the bright red flowers and the nectar. It makes a bold statement in the garden-especially a shady garden. The Monarda from yesterday is one you see along sunny roadsides. But both smell WONDERFUL and are in the mint family (if you get close you will note the square stem-always a hint).

Anyway, back to walking-yes I stopped to take photos today, although not as many. I listened to a LOT of birds waking up and a few dogs barking good morning.There were also two cat birds trying to trick me into thinking there was a kitten lost in the woods-but the one up in the tree was a bit more obvious than the one somewhere in the underbrush. I didn't go searching though-I knew who they were.

Still not fast as walks go, but I managed my 5 miles this morning before breakfast-it has been easy to keep at it in cooler weather without rain-tomorrow is supposed to rain-so it may be shorter-however, I have made a promise to myself to do this EVERY day for the duration, so that is what I will do. I find that when I 'plan' an every other day or some other pattern, it is too easy to miss one day saying to myself I'll do it the next day...and soon instead of 5 days during the week I've only done two or three. Hence the plan to do it EVERY day. No excuses. 86 to go.

Well, tomorrow is another day, but before I go, I wanted to mention one more thing I noted on my walk and that was an entire side yard filled with thyme. I have loved the idea of thyme instead of lawn for years. I love the smell of it underfoot, I particularly love the purple carpet in the lawns. There is a lot to recommend thyme as a lawn. It is drought resistant, it is low growing-so needs less mowing, it flowers and looks beautiful, and when it is mowed it smells heavenly! SO, I must find out if there is a way to get seeds or something. That sounds so much easier than getting plugs and planting little bits and pieces around the yard and waiting for it to take hold. Here is a photo of the thyme, and let me know if you agree, it is lovely, isn't it?