Saturday, November 16, 2013

Kinda nice Saturday

Walking at Lake Padden
This morning it looked a lot like rain, so I bundled up before heading to Lake Padden to join the Fairhaven walkers. About a dozen women showed up, and as you can see from the way we are dressed in the picture, it wasn't warm. Yesterday it rained all day and the wind blew quite hard. Not so today: we didn't have any moisture, but the ground was pretty wet. Fortunately, the trail around Lake Padden is well maintained, so we only had a new puddles to navigate. We walked twice around, 5.2 miles.

It's almost been two years since my car was broken into at Lake Padden, and I think of it every time we walk there. Apparently it's still happening, since a friend of a friend was violated in the same manner. Now I have my credit cards and driver's license on my person instead of in my purse, and the purse is hidden in the trunk, placed there before I leave home. Women are targeted because we don't usually carry our valuables when we go out for a walk. The thieves know that and sit in cars with tinted windows, waiting to see someone drive up and leave for a short excursion around the lake. I refuse to stop visiting this beautiful spot because of them; I just take precautions.
Kale and chard
Then I headed over to the Farmers' Market for some greens. We are so incredibly fortunate to live in a place where these are locally grown right up through December. The Market will remain open until the last Saturday before Christmas, and reopen the first Saturday in April. Although the produce has fallen off, now many booths have beautiful handmade crafts, such as hand-knit items, pottery, and batik from one of my favorite artists, Margot Myers. She has an Etsy shop, if you are interested in purchasing from her. I simply love her work.
Margot's table runners
Even though I wasn't in the market for anything other than veggies, I had to stop by her table because she says I bring her luck, so after chatting for a few minutes, I headed home. It's so nice to walk into a warm and cozy place after being out and about, isn't it?
:-)

22 comments:

  1. a brisk walk, i'd imagine! glad you are careful about leaving items in your car. thieves are too dang crafty and observant.

    enjoy that glass of wine!

    ReplyDelete
  2. All bundled up and raring to go, fit as fiddles you ladies are !
    Such a beautiful place to walk, I wouldn't leave my purse in the trunk, I read they watch for such things when watching you leave your car. Maybe carry your license and credit cards in a waist belt and forget the rest.
    Everything looks so fresh at your Farmer's Market and gorgeous table runners, such pretty colors.
    Yes, nice to be gone, but always nicer to return home :)
    Have a wonderful evening my friend !
    ~Jo

    ReplyDelete
  3. We walked two miles this morning in our neighborhood during the "sun break". Stopped for a latte. Nice morning!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm glad you're not letting your bad experience 2 years ago spoil things for you any further. It would be a shame to miss out on all of this.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Its too bad that the thieves aren't caught...a sting operation by a bunch of walkers would look good in the news! I am glad you had a nice walk and those table runners are beautiful:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your kinda nice day looks truly impressive from here. And if your energy and drive can be transferred, I am sure that you do bring Margot luck - and pleasure too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I probably sound like a broken record, but it is extremely important to get out in all kinds of weather. we can get used to anything.
    Education has helped us to be safer , but there's much more to be done.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Glad you were out for a walk today. It was snowing and blowing up here, so we did a bit of shopping. Nothing as fancy as your adventure!

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  9. my wife and i are on a little vacation....we ate at a place this morning where all the food was locally grown...they even made their own juice...it is amazing food....everytime we come here we eat there....and it turned out to be quite the beautiful day...smiles.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Those table runners are lovely. And I remember that awful day when your car window was smashed and your valuables taken. How traumatic that was for you, DJan. I am so glad you are taking precautions now.

    ReplyDelete
  11. It is a total shame that you have to be so darn careful but great that you have found a way to still enjoy such a great place to walk. We must stay one step ahead of the crooks.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hate to say this, but its easier to pop a trunk than break the window of your car, or jimmy the locks either way. Sorry, DJan, but I know this - years of experience working with women incarcerated - through Elizabeth Fry Society. Thanks to those girls, I have become street smart. "A Brit in Tennessee" is right - how much do you need in your car when you hike or walk, or why do you even need your purse. Be safe kiddo and leave the purse at home - just take your necessary license and whatever credit card or cash and stow them on you - leave the rest at home - Be Safe DJan.
    You are so fortunate to still have your market up and running. I would love to have a year round market. Have a great day.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yup! I can totally see you as a luck bringer! :)
    Fun day with friends no matter the weather.

    ReplyDelete
  14. My spouse does the same put it in the trunk thing on our hikes. Like Lake Padden ours are always on the level. OK we don't have mountain like you do here in Gopherland...:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I do the same thing ... well, not exactly. My sports are golf and table tennis, but when I go I hide away my wallet and other valuables in the trunk. What they can't see they are less likely to steal.

    Uh, her ... having just given away my secret, I hope you don't have any car thieves who read your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I always think of you when I am tempted to leave my purse in the car and go for a walk. Instead, I try to plan ahead and take what I need and hide my purse before I get to the parking spot. We don't have a trunk in either of our cars, but the windows in one are tinted enough that one really can't see what is in the back.

    Your Thursday sounds perfect. Those greens are just magnificent looking! I wish we had such a farmer's market here.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ever since you told us what happened, I've been doubly careful when we leave our car. If any good can be said to have come for that terrible incident, it's the lesson you gave all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  18. The kale and chard look yummy. Our farmers market has closed but there is still on local market where I can find fresh.

    I do the same when I'm going to the park. I lock my purse in the trunk before going just to be safe.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Every artist needs someone to bring them luck!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Looks like a beautiful walk and what a perfect way to top it off, with a stop at the farmers' market!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Those greens are gorgeous. My Honey's favorite pasta is simple greens such as yours with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese over pasta. Fresh and delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh ya...I had that happen at a gas station in Tucson. Carrying a purse...in the front seat. Before I knew it they wanted money!! So, from that day on, I don't carry money...and my ID and card to purchase is in my cellphone carrier. With me around my waist at all times.

    I would love to go to the farmers' market.

    ReplyDelete

I really appreciate your comments! If you see a word verification box here, just ignore it. I don't use the darn thing and Blogger is trying to get us to use it, I guess. Ignore it and your comment will still appear.