u/FrustratedPlantMum

Tarantula season is kicking off on the mountain near my house, and so for the next 2 months or so I will try to take walks there to look for them. Not everybody's cup of tea I know, but they are much smaller than I expected, and not really interested in people, and I appreciate that they are just trying make a go of it like the rest of us. I didn't see any today, but I did see some bats, and some deer, and I heard an owl.

I am marking this post NSFW to be mindful of people who are afraid of spiders because there is a spood pic at the end.

I think it is a valley oak. I have a little baby valley oak in my back garden, and sometimes I show the sapling pictures of this one, to encourage it to grow big and strong.

I was going to take the bus today but then I realized - great opportunity to walk and get some steps in! It is a lovely afternoon, it was a nice walk. Thanks to this walk, I met my step goal for the week.

I have not been meeting my step goal the last few days. I did get it done one day, though, and had a nice walk in the canyon in the evening. It was so nice to be outside, even if it wasn't for very long. Fresh air makes everything feel better. Happy walking!

I had a lovely daily average of 11,000 steps per day from January to April of this year. And then I started a new job and now my time to get my steps in is just...gone. But I've recently been really trying (inspired by you all!) to get back to an average of at least 7,000 a day, and this morning I had 20 minutes so I thought I'd get out there for a quick one. It wasn't long, it wasn't hard, but I wouldn't have made my goal otherwise, and it was so cool and peaceful, what a lovely way to start the day.

It's time to head back to the US for good, or at least until next year. I managed to get one last walk in this morning before we left for the airport. Yes, mum, I know the suitcases don't pack themselves, but the footpaths don't walk themselves either...

I'm visiting my mum's and dad's house in the UK and they have a pair of wood pigeons that frequent the garden (especially the bird bath). They know my mum and dad but they don't trust me. Today one finally didn't fly away when I came outside. In fact, he or she started in the tree but then came down to the bird bath. I'm leaving tomorrow, this made my day!

One of my dogs is quite badly visually impaired, but he enjoys going out and about as long as his seeing eye bother is nearby. We are building up his stamina and continuing to get him used to walking in different places, and we look for wide trails because they are easier for him. I call them our adventure walks. Luckily, we have lots of great parks nearby. We tried a new one today and it was really nice and not busy at all.

Last summer I saw this one plant in my local park that stayed green and had nice flowers much later than everyone else. It turned out to be telegraph weed, and I am really lucky to live near Native Here Nursery in Oakland, where they had telegraph weed whose seeds had come from the park near my house. So I planted a couple, and I'm shocked how big they have gotten! At the park they stay much smaller. I have watered them three times, and they seem to noticeably grow after I do so. They'll going to flower soon, I think!

I was visiting my mum and dad in Essex, UK, and tried to get out for a walk every day (inspired by all of you!) Since there are a lot of cool places near where they live, we tried to explore. This day my daughter and I walked across a tidal causeway to Northey Island, which is owned by the National Trust and they are restoring the salt marshes and otherwise trying to help the ecosystem. This is also the site of the Battle of Maldon in 991, which despite being from half an hour away, I had never heard of until I listened to a Great Courses lectures series on Audible a couple of years ago

I'm visiting my mum and dad in my childhood home county of Essex, UK. I have been trying to get out walking much as possible, because are lots of good places to explore. Yesterday I went to Norsey Wood, one of our local ancient woodlands and a Special Site of Scientific Interest, which has been continuously wooded since at least 1600. I had a lovely, shady walk amongst the old trees and saw a lot of wildlife.

I'm visiting my mum and dad and trying to get a nice walk in everyday. They have lots of great footpaths near their house, which I have enjoyed exploring.

I've been seeing all the Ocado posts and whilst I'm visiting home I thought I'd give it a try. Most of the crisps are going straight into my suitcase to take back. Same with the brown sauce, Paxo stuffing, Nouja, and crumpets. Everything else has to be eaten by Saturday, when I fly back to California. It's going to be a challenge but I'm ready 💪 My mum is annoyed I'm taking up all the pantry and fridge space 🤣 £140

We met a cat named Louie, and his nickname is King Louie, because he is king of his house. He is a lovely cat, but I didn't get a picture. But here is a picture my daughter drew of him. Thanks for spending time with us, King Louie!

Breakfast of champions

Shout out to u/Jessica-Beth for posting about these so I could find out about them!

Wrap from Waitrose. Not pictured: bag of Hula Hoops.

Arrived in my beautiful home county of Essex, UK, yesterday to visit my mum and dad. My eight year old and I were up half the night, befuddled and unable to sleep due to the time difference. While she slept in this morning, my mum and I went for a nice, long walk. A great way to clear out the cobwebs in my brain! I never regret going for a walk.

ETA: country Essex is in :)