Suquamish, WA - 16 Mar 2024
The sun was out and the air was warm. The weather was not going to interfere with my morning walk today. I left early for the Costco run this morning and took advantage of the brilliance I was gifted. I had a new audiobook in my ears and traffic was low enough that I could hear it easily without turning up the volume or stuffing a finger in my ear. The stars were aligned in my favor.
For such a small city, Silverdale has a pretty bad problem with homeless residents. I am not sure what the cause of this is, but I do know that the trails I used to enjoy running and walking on have new tenants and the sanitation department hasn't been out in quite some time to take away the trash. I don't mean that in a mean way, I mean that these people are living in their own swill and probably don't have much control over their situation. It is unfortunate and I really don't know what the answer is.
While I am out and about I will often see piles of homeless possessions strewn here and there. I think sometimes they are scattered here and there more as a place to set aside a jacket that is not needed at the time, but expect it will get picked up later. While I was out I heard this strange squelching sound and I couldn't identify it. I turned down the volume on my audio book and turned my head in the direction of the noise. I was taken aback when I saw a man waving a metal detector over what seemed to be someone's coat. Was it a cast off or just set aside? Who knows? But, I found it interesting that this scavenger was checking for stray metal, I suspect in the form of coins or jewelry with every intention of taking what he could. I determined this because he had a set of long reach pickups in the other hand. Well, I guess even the scavengers have hygiene issues.
I stopped and took pause to watch this guy for a while and he returned my look with a look on his face of "What?" I suppose he saw no issue with pawing through someone else's stuff. Much like a hyena, he takes what he can when it is most advantageous.
O pinions aside, it makes me wonder where we are headed as a species. At some point our current economic and environmental situation will lead to an apocalyptic event that will have us all living in desperation. Even the one percenters may find themselves in a pickle. Hm! Hey metal detector guy, theres a prize waiting for you.
Okay, enough of that. I got home and was set to task building some more raised bed vessels to expand our garden. It was nice to be out in the sun and not the rain for a change. I got letters written and walked them down to the mailbox. The dirt road I live on was smooth from all the rain. When the ground is damp the stones and gravel seem to disappear. As the ground dries, they reemerge. Much like sprouts in spring. To celebrate and take advantage, the shoes came off and I enjoyed a long barefoot walk to and from the mailbox. Advantage of having the mailbox a quarter mile a way. I am not sure if Earthing is a valid thing or not, but being grounded usually makes me feel better and a sense of wellness washes over me.
Keep on truckin'
-Mike