My mood has been improving these past few weeks. I've climbed out of the hole that was my most recent battle with depression. I've been doing fairly well, while waiting for my energy and motivation to return. These last couple of days, I feel like I'm back with the living. One sure sign was the fact that I gave San Geraldo a pep talk the other night. At the end I thought, "Hmmm, I must be feeling better."
There are no cyclonic winds today; it's summer-like. So, after coffee, I threw in a load of laundry and then went out on the terrace to trim the wind-battered bougainvilleas. I snipped off the dead ends on the yuccas and placed the last two bags of stones to keep the dirt from blowing out of the pots. Then, I cleaned and polished the railings and furniture. The day is so beautiful that I actually took off my shirt while I worked in the sun. I'm looking forward to washing windows this afternoon. Yes, my energy and motivation have returned.
Yesterday — another beautiful day — I went for a 2-hour, 12-km (7.5-mile) walk. I headed south-southwest along this stretch of coast leaving Fuengirola behind and hitting a bit of the open road. Rugged cliffs. Empty beaches.
I had hoped to see some wildlife along the way. There are so many migrants from other places. But all I had was one sighting. I was at a little distance with the sun in the wrong direction, so I couldn't see all its markings. It was about 6-feet tall with what looked like a bushy, dark crest. I don't know where it came from, but it appeared to be doing some kind of mating dance. Check out the next-to-the-last photo to see what I saw.
(And, of course, click them all for a closer look.)
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| JUST ABOUT TO LEAVE TOWN. |
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| A SECLUDED SPOT FOR FISHING. |
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| IT'S A LONG WAY BACK. |
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| THE WILDLIFE AT THE FAR END OF MY TREK. |
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| A MAN'S HOME IS HIS CASTLE; THIS ISN'T MINE. HALF-WAY HOME. |
I got tired just reading about all your terrace work so I'll say your energy is back, and then some!
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that walk! What a glorious place to walk.
Bob:
DeleteThe walk was uplifting. I'll have to head as far in the other direction. The energy remains!
I guess the winter doldrums can get you down even if you're not snowed in! Glad you're doing better.
ReplyDeleteMs. Sparrow:
DeleteSo good to see you here! My doldrums are generic. Hot or cold. Rain or shine. Snow or sand. So glad they're gone again. Hope you're enjoying your mid-western winter!
My friends and I like to go walking and look for scenery. "Oh, look, scenery!" Now I will start to add, "Oh, look, wildlife!"
ReplyDeleteTravis:
DeleteOn our walk to have coffee this morning, I looked with a different eye. I saw scenery, too! Thanks for the heads up.
LOL! Your description of the wildlife was spot on - although I don't hold out much hope for him with that mating dance. I am impressed with your walking speed - over 3.5 miles per hour! I get 1.5 miles per hour - but I've got more baggage. Cheers on the return of your energy and motivation.
ReplyDeleteJo:
DeleteThe first hour was much faster, even with taking pictures along the way. I slowed down coming home. I was hungry! Thanks for the moral support. I'm doing great again today.
I might actually get into walking if I had as beautiful a place to stroll as you do.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteI love to walk and this location makes it even better.
Mitch, good to hear the cloud has lifted and the sun is shining brightly once again. Keep taking these walks and you will keep that endorphin level up.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that wildlife can be odd at times! How long did he hold that pose?
Jim:
DeleteThanks. I don't know how long that guy held the pose, but long enough to impress me. He held it while one friend took pictures and another climbed the rock with his camera. From my vantage point, it seemed effortless.
What a beautiful walk, and it looks SO warm!
ReplyDeleteJacquelineand....
DeleteWe've had three unbelievably beautiful days. It looks and feel like early summer. T-shirts, shorts... Ahhhh.
Glad that you're shaking the blues.... I really believe that walking helps a person feel better emotionally as well as physically.
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteLong, brisk walks are so good. But, when I'm down I can't get myself to move. So good to be back!
Ditto! (What everybody said :)
ReplyDeleteJudy:
DeleteAlways a joy to see your smiling face on these pages... and your ditto!
How very beautiful beats winter ice and snow any day.
ReplyDeleteLaurent:
DeleteI haven't seen ice and snow for quite a while... and I don't miss it.
Dear Mitchell,
ReplyDeleteWalking about with no fixed intent is a very nice way to spend a few hours. And may I add that you live in a lovely part of the world.
Kirk
PS
I do like Steve and Edie
Kirk:
DeleteI have always loved to walk, but I'm now learning that it's OK to have no other goal than the walk itself. (I have to admit, I've always loved Steve & Edie, too.)
I too am glad to hear you are feeling more chipper.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteThanks so much. It's good to be back to life.
I am glad to hear this! I think, for me and for many people, walking is both calming and stimulating at the same time, and fights depression.
ReplyDeleteKristi:
DeleteWalking is so good on so many levels. And today's sunshine and 70F/21C didn't hurt!