Go, you chicken fat, go away!

Yesterday was my daughter Julianna's 21st birthday.  After lunch we all loaded up in the van to go see my daughter Mary, her husband, and my grandson.  We just stood outside her door making small talk while my grandson was inside sleeping.  So we didn't even get to see him.  I had Herbie with us, too.  After a while I walked over to the van to get ready to go.  But I didn't have they keys.  My wife did.  The rest of my family joined me, but my wife lagged behind.  There was a lady that had pulled up next to us a parking space over.  When she finally got out of her vehicle she had totally covered her mouth with a handkerchief.  She was taking this COVID thing seriously.  Either that or she has it. 

So this morning I wanted to go on a longer run, but I still am not feeling like I'm anywhere close to being in shape.  Everything is a struggle.  Everything is work.  I love when I can go out and just enjoy a nice long run, but I can't do that right now.  I decided to run up the RWCD Canal far as far as what felt good.  I ran up to Brown Rd. and I saw a runner coming towards me.  I realized it was Gary Prahl.  I've been following him on Strava.  I see him as a Flyby quite often.  He bought one of the new houses that were built in the old orange grove on the corner of Greenfield and Brown.  I've sent him a message before, but he's never responded.  It wasn't until recently that I actually started to "follow" him.  I thought, "This guy must think I'm a weirdo."  But oh well.  I've always had a fascination for getting to know my fellow runners.  That's why I like the blog so much.  Anyway, as we passed each other I saw a smile crack upon his face, and he said, "Burt?"  I was like, "Yep.  Nice to see you."  Ha!  He likes me!

I continued north and made it to McKellips.  I could see old man Hatch driving his stage coach.  He passed a lady walking her dog, and the dog started barking at the horses.  When I got to her, I said, "Just like my dog!  Thinks he can take on horses."  To my great surprise and delight, she stopped to talk to me.  It was just a quick conversation, but it's nice that some people will stop and talk, maintaining their six feet of separation, while others bury their faces in handkerchiefs and run away.

I ran to the half way point between McKellips and McDowell (a little over half a mile), and turned around.  After crossing McKellips I was running and I looked down and saw a $5 bill folded up.  Was it riddled in COVID?  I'll take my chances!  So, the title of this run became - "It pays to run the extra mile."