My life as an environmental activist

As we headed out for our walk this morning, bundled up against the cold--45 or so, not really cold--I could hear something. "Is that rain?" "I believe that is rain," said Ray. Never mind that the forecast was for 0% chance of rain! It was light. The dog didn't care. Ray carried a small bag of trash, lightweight and about the size of a basketball (mostly kleenex from his recent cold). Today is trash day and we hadn't put it out last night. We walked to a neighbor's to leave it in the bin. We share trash pickup, since we both have little waste. We try to make most of what we eat, and/or buy in bulk. When we do have containers (cans of beans, wine bottles, etc.), Ray washes them thoroughly for recycling. We thought about turning back and driving it over, but it seemed like almost more trouble than walking. Of course, it would not be as good for the environment--or us. We enjoyed the gray sky and colorful trees. When we got to Nancy's, she happened to be at the top of the drive and we had a chance to chat with her for a minute. Ray said he was heading back, but I was going on. "No," I said. "Yes," he said. Nancy was admiring of our bravery. And I continued on my walk, while Ray turned back to work on his notes for class. I am pretty steadfast in my commitment to walk a mile every morning. It is not very much, but seems to make a difference in my health--mental and physical. Sometimes I think of my mother and how she pushed herself to walk just this mile many times. I know it was much harder for her, and I can do it easily, so I do. It had pretty much stopped raining by the time we got home. 

self-portrait with hat and scarf

Andropogon!

Pinwheel cookies were a big success. Of course, they have chocolate.