Mild Winter Day

I am one of those people who come November, I usually stop doing fun things outside.  I hate the cold.  My toes always get cold first and then I feel miserable. And I am not that big of a fan of snow either.  Snow always manages to find its ways onto my bare skin, ya know, either up my pant leg or down my cuffs.  However it does it, it does.  I am also one of those people that hates wearing coats.  I don't like being all bundled up in a restricting jacket, add gloves, a hat and a scarf and I feel like I am suffocating. These are the many excuses I have for why I don't take my poor Diesel dog out for walks in the Winter. I am going to try and work on that this year. There is no reason I can't take him for a quick walk every now and again.

Thankfully, Mother Nature gave us one of those weird, random breaks from the cold this week. Yesterday, I believe temps where as high as 56° here in Metro Detroit.  Which for January, is warm.  The sun was out all day, and melted away all of the remaining snow from the past weekend.  The sky was blue and there wasn't much of a breeze, it actually looked as if it was welcoming everyone out to enjoy it. 

As soon as I got home from work, I located the leash, and walked around out back to find my puppy.  Diesel was overly excited! He's not one of those dogs that jumps up on you usually,or on to the fence even. But boy oh boy, was he excited! He was going for a walk and he was happy! Once I was able to finally get him to back away from the gate so I could open it, I clipped onto him and we were off. 

Clinton River Trail 1/6/12

The road of course was a muddy mess, and Diesel nearly dragged me all the way down it. He was walking so fast, we actually passed another dog walker.  I had to convince him to slow down for the sake of my shins once we got to Auburn.  I was hoping the trail wouldn't be too muddy either, considering that it sits on top of an embankment from where the old train tracks ran.  And sure enough, as we reached the trail, we stopped and waited for two joggers to pass us by.  It was a good day to be outside.

I don't know if it was the weather, or just the excitement of being out on a walk, but it seemed like we couldn't walk 50 feet without having to stop so Diesel could investigate some smell he had found.  That dog had his nose to the ground almost the entire way down the trail.  At one point he had stopped so dead in his tracks I nearly fell over.  Sometimes having a leash that connects at your waist isn't a good thing.

Diesel stalking a squirrel

We walked the trail to downtown, and crossed Auburn on to Grey like we usually do.   There weren't too many people out on this stretch but we did pass one other dog walker along the way.  I actually expected to see quite a bit more. What we did see however, were squirrels.  Lots and lots of squirrels. And Diesel knew it too.  It was a welcomed break from all the sniffing, now he was searching the trees and yards with a keen eye, looking for his favorite little creatures, hoping I would let him off his leash for a good chase.

It started getting cooler once the sun started going down a bit more.  We continued down Adams and crossed back over into the neighborhood.  We met a man on a bicycle who had just moved into the area.  We chatted for a bit about the nice system of trails in the area and all of the good neighborhoods to cut through.  He said we really had a good town here.

And that was it for our first walk of the year.  Sure is nice to go out on a January day wearing just a fleece and a scarf. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate some more this winter and Diesel and I will be able to go out again like this. And like this I mean without feeling like my ears and nose are going to fall off, or having soaking wet pants from all the brown icky slush.  Oh what can I say, I am just not a fan of Old Man Winter.

Happy New Year!

Hello Readers! I know it has been a long time since I last wrote, and for that I apologize.  When it started getting cold out and Diesel and I weren't taking as many walks (ok, any walks) I didn't have much to write about.  But with the new year upon us, I would like to write more.  I have made it a goal of mine to write every day in 2012.  I have the mobile app and there is no excuse for me not to get something written, and it also helps that I have 3 blogs.  So, with that being said, if you have stuck around this long, please keep reading.  2012 is going to be a good year and I can't wait to share it with you! I leave you with a pic of Diesel and I in the car on the way home from up state New Years Day.  (Yes, he has a funny smile thing going on, I think its from the car ride).

Happy New Year from Diesel and I!

A Warm October

It seems that for the past few years, it has been staying warmer come October.  At least it has here in Michigan.  For instance, this week we could see a high of 80° on Saturday. It has been sunny and nice out all week so far, which has been an amazing change from the cold and wet of the previous weeks.  

Just yesterday, when I got home from work, it was 70°, not a cloud in the sky and I just couldn't resist taking Diesel out for a walk.  And being that it was so nice, I decided to wing it and just walk for the pleasure of it with no real route in mind.  

Along the CRT - East of Adams Rd.

We had to start out on the Clinton River Trail like always, because I couldn't pass up the opportunity to escape from the asphalt and surround myself with the peacefulness of the trail.  As I was enjoying the many new fall colors to be seen, Diesel was busy searching the trees for squirrels.  The squirrels have been super busy lately, running in and out of the walnut trees, and barking at one another.  It didn't take long for him to spot a few black squirrels and we saw quite a few fox squirrels as well.  

Downtown Auburn Hills

Once downtown, I was happy to see that new flowers had been planted along the road way, really capturing the essence of autumn.  Downtown Auburn Hills sure has come a long way since I was a kid, but one thing I can count on is a quick soft serve cone at the Twist & Dip.  It may not be run by the same owners, or carry any fancy ice cream flavors, the Twist & Dip has always been a nice place to get a cold treat on a hot day.  Today wasn't exactly hot, but it sure was nice, and there aren't going to be many more days like this!  Diesel got his usual of a doggy dish; small bowl of vanilla with a doggy biscuit, and I just got a baby vanilla cone to satisfy the craving.  After all, we are out walking for our health.

And since our health is important, I thought maybe it would be a good idea to add a little to our route and see how a detour would be.  We first swung through Riverside Park, walking along the river bank.  One of my favorite places in Auburn Hills.  The park may be small, but it has a nice trail along the riverbank, a play area, a nice gazebo, a pavilion, and restrooms.  A great place to enjoy lunch, or an evening downtown.  They have hosted a few different events at the park, most recently the Clinton River Trail Fall Classic that I participated in, as well as an Annual Exchange in the spring, and concerts on Fridays during the summer. 

The Clinton River

Not ready to head home yet, I thought it would be nice for Diesel and I to head down Squirrel Rd, and make our way back to South Blvd, and then Adams going that route, I figured it would add at least a mile to our walk.  It's funny how the simplest things can have you reflecting back on fond memories.  And its not like I haven't been down these roads before, I have many times in fact, but there is just something about walking the sidewalks where I used to ride my bike as a kid, really can bring a smile to my face. Even after a not-so-good day of work. 

It started to cool down and Diesel and I made our way down South Blvd. and I was glad I had worn my hoodie.  Even though the temps have been nice during the day, as soon as the sun sets, you are reminded that it is October in Michigan.  One last picture I took along our walk really sums up what I love about this time of year.  And maybe it can be the motivation I need to hang the Halloween decorations. (Trust me, 80° this Saturday is not going to make it very easy.)  So I leave you with this, a beautiful shot from the corner of Adams & South Blvd. 

I just love the colors of the trees right now. :)

It Ain't That Easy

I have to admit I have been putting off this post all week.  It's the post where I have come to realize that I'm stumped for ideas.  With the other blogs I have tried to write, I get bored of the posts.  It's just a recap of my life in word form and I've already been there and done that.  I lack the motivation to write when I don't have any followers, or even page hits.  But if even I am bored with myself, surely my readers are too.

With Diesel Stomping it's been different, I have had neat and interesting things to write about. At least for a while.  I knew that I should be stocking up on posts for when nothing interesting happens, or I just don't have time to write, and need something up for the week.  The only problem being that I haven't quite figured out what to write about when Diesel and I aren't out walking.

This week has been sort of a recuperation from last weekends trip to Lansing.  Mikey and I traveled to our states capital so that he could be a judge for the Michigan Tree Climbing Competition hosted by the Arboriculture Society of Michigan.  Mikey got involved in tree climbing on a competitive level through work, and even though he has decided not to compete, the chair of the event still wanted him involved and asked him to judge/tech.  I thought it would be a great opportunity for Mikey to get out and meet a bunch of people who enjoyed climbing as much as he did, and for him to learn some new things. For me, it was simply a chance to get out of town and not just head up state. 

Friday while I was there, and Mikey was busy setting up the next days activities, I took the opportunity to stroll around the Potter Park Zoo.  It's not a very large zoo but I was impressed with is variety of animals.  While there I noticed a woman that was walking around on her own as well.  We must have arrived at about the same time as we were entering and exiting exhibits one right after the other.  When I stopped to grab a snack, there she was doing the same. So we started chatting. The next thing I know, she's invited me to walk to downtown with her along the Lansing River Walk Trail.  Why the heck not? I didn't have anything better going on, I like to walk, and she didn't look like an axe murderer.

We walked from the park, down one of the most beautiful city trails I have ever seen, to the state capital building, where we gave ourselves a tour.  Wandered back downtown, visited a few shops and walked back.  I think overall it was bout 5 miles on the trail and who knows how much else.  Plus around the zoo and up 4 stories in the capital building, I got my exercise for the day I know that.

Where was Diesel you ask? This was our first trip together where we had to leave Diesel at home.  The poor puppy was devastated.  We usually bring him everywhere and if we can't one of us is usually home with him. Or its for really short day trips.  My mom was nice enough to come over and check on him from time to time so we knew that wouldn't be an issue, but let me tell ya, he was so excited to see us when we got home Saturday night. And for all the days following, he was not going to let us get out that door without him.

So you would think that I would have more than made up for it by taking him out on walks this week. FAIL.  I have either been tired, its been way too muggy out still in the evening, or I have been away.  And today, when I woke up and Diesel was stretched out in Mikey's half of the bed, I was so very close to calling in to work and spending the day with him, but I knew I had stuff to get done. And here it is Friday evening and my chance was missed completely.  Mikey is making up for leaving him at home by taking him up state for the weekend.  I have things going on this weekend or I might have gone too.

I suppose all I really needed to do was to sit down and actually start writing.  Though I am still worried after a record number of hits to my blog last week if I can even come close.  So I pose a question to my fellow bloggers, what do you write about when you don't have anything to write about?

I am going to try and make a list of topics that are dog-walking/hometown related and see if I can just start writing once a day.  I don't have to post them I guess, but at least I can go back to them and tweak them post when I am having another one of those weeks.

Thanks again for stopping by, I appreciate all of the comments and the hits.  :)

Auburn Hills Farmer's Market

My apologies for not getting this posted sooner!  I had plans to rush home that night and blog, but a friend called and needed some talk time, and before I knew it, two more days had past.

Auburn Hills Farmer's Market

On Thursdays in Auburn Hills, there is a small but delightful Farmer's Market on the corner of Auburn and Squirrel.  It runs from 4pm to 7pm, weather permitting. They have a few farmer's that bring their produce of course, but they also provide booths for other local businesses.  There's the cookie lady and her friend who makes smoked meats.  Duffy's Irish Pub can always be found grilling hot dogs and selling sodas.  Auburn Oaks Nursery has a booth as well, and has specials on many of their plants. I have also seen booths selling organic dog treats, home made pasta & cannolis, pies, fresh breads, jewelery and woodworking.  Nana’s World Café has also had a small booth offering up samples of their gourmet marshmallows. And one of the other treats I love, is the live music! A different guest artist each week.

In the past I have always just driven up and browsed the market on my own, but this year I thought that it would be nicer just to walk up with Diesel.  I have done this once before, and Diesel was so well loved and welcomed (even getting a free hot dog) I had to bring him again, and post about our walk.

Well come Thursday wouldn't you know it, the weather was hot! And usually on hot days I like to wait until after dinner when the sun has started to hide behind the trees a little more.  If Diesel and I were going to make it to the market we'd have to be on our way no later than 6 and it would take some extra planning and supplies.  I got on my lightest weight cloths, my walking shoes and packed my little backpack.  Complete with Diesel's travel water dish and a bottle of water, and for bring the goodies home, my farmer's market bag I got last year.

Diesel and I headed on down the road about 6 o'clock, hit the Clinton River Trail as always, and then made it to downtown about 20 minutes later. It didn't take any time at all to meet up with my mother-in-law who had stopped up as well.  And wouldn't you know it, as soon as I turned around there was Mikey on my motorcycle.  He deemed it too hot to walk but wanted to take our new bike out for another test run. We  let Diesel get some water and we rested in the shade for a moment and then the four of us wandered amongst the merchants.  While Diesel was busy making friends, I picked up some tomatoes, some garlic bread and an ice cold Arnold Palmer. Mikey headed on down the road to our friends house, while I parted ways with Margaret.

Our Farmer's Market Goodies

Since the sun had started to set, the air was cooling off a little better now and Diesel and I weren't in much of a hurry to get home.  We headed on back towards our house, but stopped at our friends house for a bit.  He ran and played with his girlfriend, a blond lab named Daisy while Mikey and I chatted for a bit with our friends and their kids.  It was a nice walk home after that reflecting on how delightful the day had turned out.  Hopefully next week it won't be as hot, but the forecast isn't playing to my favor right now.  But it wouldn't be a Michigan summer if it wasn't 80 and humid.