Today I dedicated the walk to my ,maternal grandmother, Dorothy W. Taylor, aka "Granny". Granny was born February 15, 1910 and passed from this life December 27, 2005. Although we never actually sat down to have a philosophical discussion about life she had a profound influence on my life. For a kid from the sticks, used to using an outhouse, throwing a bucket down a well to get drinking water and chopping wood to heat and cook visiting Granny was a real treat. I would sleep in a bed with matching, laundered and both top and bottom sheets. I eat in a breakfast nook, boxed cereal (Kellogg's Special K and Corn Flakes), using China bowls, matching silverware with milk that was delivered by a milk-man. I used an indoor bathroom complete with bathtub AND running water. And for a real treat there was television (The Friendly Giant) next to a fireplace. Trips to downtown Winnipeg, either on the bus or Granny's car, to Eaton's and Hudson's Bay with Granny wearing a proper hat and gloves. Riding the elevators in either store complete with elevator operators dressed in uniforms. Visits to Assiniboine Park, trips to the zoo and the very best, the conservatory complete with large goldfish and tropical plants. Later in life when Granny was no longer ambulatory I pushed her in a wheel chair through Bouchart Gardens, Van Dusen Gardens and various parks to watch fireworks. I was only happy to do so and wished I lived closer to do it more often. I bless those memories of her and how those experiences assisted in shaping my life. Bless you, Granny.
When The Walk was finished for the day the copious amounts of water consumed throughout the day built up and your favorite walker gave instructions to the driver, "next exit, PLEASE!!!". Not being in a mood to cook I asked the clerk where a good spot to eat would be. She gave us two options, Angels Buffet and Skins and Bubba's. Not being a fan of buffets I instructed my driver to head for Skins and Bubba's just down the road. ONLYS select a restaurant with a full parking lot and this one was packed. After a brief wait we were seated and not five minutes later who should walk in but L. B. Baggett (from yesterday's adventure) and his family.
So this walker, aka "narcissist" got a second chance at a photo op. L. B., Tuesday I will walk to honor your sweetheart, Dovie and your wonderful life together. After a delightful meal I was going to pay the tab and the hostess, Katie, says to me "it's taken care of", well knock me over with a feather, if the is one thing that will get the curmudgeon going it is the kindness of strangers. As it turns out Katie's husband is living with not only diabetes but cancer as well. I am not really sure how all this stuff works but I know that "what goes around, comes around", "cast your bread upon the waters" and "through my passion for living I create peace, love, harmony and joy, in my life and for all creations". Katie, thank you and best wishes to your husband and to his WONDERFUL wife!!! L. B., it was nice to see you again, you and Dovie are along for the ride, best wishes to you as you continue to touch lives. I trust that the experiences that you have in changing lives will somehow dull the pain of your loss, cheers!
When the day was over we had walked 20.5 miles (33.0645 km's) using 40,374 steps and picking up $0.14. Findings for the day: 1 #7 socket, 1 dime and 4 pennies.