Happy feet!

I walk in running shoes, in hiking shoes, in winter walking boots, and in (athletic) sandals. My choice of footwear usually depends on the weather and on my mood.

Lately my hiking shoes have been getting quite a workout. My running shoes needed replacement and for the first time in many years replacing them with a new pair of the same brand and model that I had been wearing didn't work. Someone at the shoe manufacturer (Mizuno) apparently decided that toes don't need room to move, changing the toe box of the shoes to be narrower and to have less height. Ouch! My feet said no, and the shoes went back.

It probably would have made sense for me to head to a store to try some shoes - but shopping in brick & mortar stores doesn't appeal to me (lately). I took time yesterday to check some running shoe reviews online, then I turned to Zappos to place an order. My "I hope they fit, I hope they work" new shoes were waiting for me when I arrived home today. I slipped them on and headed out for a long fast walk. Ah, happy feet!

Oh, your feet want to know which shoes my feet like? The model is the adidas Supernova Glide, very comfy.

Highlighted

Unneeding warning?

I always wonder when I see a sign like this. The water may look inviting, but the bridge is high above the water surface, water that ebbs and flows with the tides.

Sand sculptures, waves, reflections

I woke up this morning and turned my day upside down. I was planning to ride this morning and to head to the New Hampshire coast this afternoon, but wet roads and a predicted beach afternoon convinced me to head to the coast first. The annual Hampton Beach sand sculpture contest ended yesterday, and I needed to see the creations of some fabulous sand artists. Coastal visit first, ride second...

It was a morning of sand sculptures, a high tide walk watching the waves, seeking reflections.

More photos from today can be seen in the gallery Along the New Hampshire coast - 2011 starting with this photo and ending here.

Dripping

Listen...

It's early Saturday morning.

Listen to the sound of heavy rain, of thunder, of water pouring off of the roof, pounding into the ground. Listen...

Solstice

Do flowers have a front & a back?

Some flowers - like tulips - show what I would consider to be the underside of the petals. Others have a top and a bottom where the bottom is often hidden to the eye. Still others are oriented with the front and back on a vertical plane. I've found that the back can be as beautiful as the front.

Color behind color

More photos from this morning's visit to Stephens-Coolidge Place can be found in the gallery Summer days... 2011 starting with this photo and ending here.

Local strawberries

What a treat! I picked up a quart of local strawberries yesterday, fresh, sweet, perfect for eating without any additional toppings, nice touched with a bit of yogurt too. Yum!