Spoiler alert: pretty photos do not necessarily make for an exciting blog post; however I work with what I’ve got, adding some attitude with my words.
THE BEGINNING
Saturday the weather was unusually clear and sunny and cool. It was a perfect day to do something, if there’d have been something social to do, which there wasn’t. So instead of having a nutty at home, we went for a car ride. Like old people.
Here is a park bench with no one sitting on it. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this particular bench without someone sitting on it. It kind of unnerved me, but ’tis a different world now, hey what?
This is a photo of a charming gazebo that suggests a refined gracious lifestyle and the patience to, or the bank account for hiring other people to, maintain such a folly in your yard. Cute, huh?
Here is a field as seen from the car window. To me, a non-farmer, it looks about the same as it usual does. I include it here because it is something I saw and the sky was a snazzy shade of blue, don’t you know? Pretty.
This is a photo of a horse doing her best to ignore me. I wanted to get a picture of her face, but she was having none of that. Not that I blame her, I don’t like having my picture taken either. Too personal.
Here is a soccer field without one person on it, near it, around it on a Saturday afternoon in the suburbs. If the first photo is one of amazement, this photo is a one of disbelief. In over 20 years of living around here I’ve never seen this field empty like this at this time of year. Just weird.
Its the way of the world for sure. When i was younger i uded to dream about an empty world. Empty streets, empty shops, empty schools. I didnt like it then, and i dont like it now. But I respect the reason and wait for the day when we all wake up from this sad dream.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Madeline2020, there was something odd about seeing everywhere so empty on a glorious spring day. We had a nice time driving around, but like you I look forward to seeing all the peoples doing the things.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me three
LikeLike
The air has been so clear since we have been quarantined. Less cars and manufacturing. Coincidence? Methinks not. How to achieve the best of both Worlds is the challenge. We start with less coal, and maybe electric cars, and go from there. Perhaps we are seeing a glimpse into out future – thanks Ally.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Zen-Den, I agree that if something good can come from this time history, the Great Pause, then I hope it is cleaner air everywhere. Fingers crossed you’re right that this is a glimpse into the skies of our future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Horses are so rude. And while we may not be enjoying the social distancing, by for the first time since the industrial revolution Mother Earth can breathe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rivergirl, yes horses are rude. I even got out of the car and walked over to the fence so I could take a better picture. You’re right about Mother Earth breathing better. The sky was soooo unexpectedly blue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks like a gorgeous day for a drive. I’d definitely put in some extra yard maintenance time for that gazebo. It would be a great spot to read or write. It’s gorgeous! Probably a lot less work than maintaining a pond or swimming pool. That photo would make a nice jigsaw puzzle too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jill, I bet you’re right that maintaining the gazebo would be less work than a pool. All I saw was all the detail on the trim and imagined myself painting it. I was swearing a lot in my imagination. 😐
LikeLiked by 2 people
If you go with a stainless steel or aluminum that looks like it’s wood, you’ll be maintenance free. You should get one! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh! I didn’t know about those. I figured it was all wood with the upkeep to go with it. But there are metal ones that look like wood? How wonderful. That I might like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! I see a trip to Home Depot in your future. Or you can shop online. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Just weird” pretty well describes everything these days.
After 2 months of painting, reading, yoga-ing, walking, I’m now saturated and ready to stretch my wings outdoors.
Ok Plague. It’s time to move on now. You’ve overstayed and not welcome. Move along, adios, au revoir, and auf wiedersehen.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Joanne, I agree with you, of course. I’m good at keeping myself entertained but even I’m getting bored sitting around at home. I understand and accept why we must socially distance ourselves so I’m doing it. That does not mean that I won’t snark about it from time-to-time. Our car ride was fun, in the context of the times, but not seeing people on the streets or at the soccer fields was trippy.
LikeLiked by 2 people
We are going to the “feed store” today. It’s almost an hour drive but past a lot of farms. There will be horses who are clueless about what’s going on. Maybe some cows too. This is chick time at the feed store so maybe I’ll get to see some. They sell all sorts of fancy breeds. Who knew there even were fancy chickens? It will be a much needed break from monotonous sameness (is that redundant? I used it to make sure my message of boredom came through). We should have great weather for the weekend with occasional spring showers. I’m wondering if people will come out of their hides holes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, I haven’t been to a feed store in years. None near where we live now. I envy you your adventure out in the wilds of the countryside. I only knew about the fancy breeds of chicks because friends used to raise them. Some of the breeds are most unique looking.
I like your phrase “monotonous sameness” because it encapsulates what I think we all are feeling. We are well beyond sameness, which can be soothing, into complete boredom, which is not so swell if’n you ask me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Today I am going to buy 300 lbs. of sunflower seed for the birds (and of course squirrels and chipmunks and any other creature who comes along!). It’s a different world at the feed store. Like stepping back to the 1800s.
LikeLiked by 3 people
300 lbs! You are a good person to care for the birds like that. I agree that feed stores are another century come to life before your eyes. Fascinating and fun. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sadly, that will only last until August! They are pigs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really? That’s an amazing amount of seed to be gone that quickly. Hope your critters appreciate your efforts.
LikeLike
Saturday here was gorgeous too. Like those last days of October where you spend every minute outside to soak it all in before November comes? MAN, that sounds like a perfect opening sentence to a book.
I love random posts, as you know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kari, I like your sentence and I like the meaning behind your sentence and I agree with you that last Saturday was a day to enjoy to the fullest. Normally that would have included a stop at a local bar or brew pub, but instead we went for a car ride. Like oldsters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like pretty photos….
LikeLike
LA, thank you. Make do with what you’ve got!
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least you got out of the house. Yay for you! The parks around here are sad. The only activity I’ve seen is the crew maintaining the fields that nobody plays on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan, you’re right. We got out of the house, had a nice time of it, but to NOT see people everywhere on a Saturday afternoon in May was odd. Good of course considering how easily this virus can be transmitted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos, Ally!
This pandemic seems like we are stepping back into time. The sky is clear, the rivers and streams are too, the roads are quiet and uncrowded…and the simple pleasure of going for a drive (Why not? Gas is cheap again) has returned.
Except I remember a Saturday or Sunday drive of my youth culminating by spontaneously calling in at a friend’s house along the way (WHO DOES THAT ANYMORE???), and being asked to stay for supper. That can never happen now, and possibly never again.
Deb
LikeLiked by 2 people
Deb, we had the same impressions that you mention. So few people, less traffic, no one speeding along. It was like the 1980s all over again. And the price of gas is certainly right for a leisurely car ride.
As a child I remember our afternoon drives ending with an ice cream cone. The ultimate treat! You’re right about friends/family not spontaneously showing up at the door any more. That kind of causal hospitality is a thing of the past.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The quiet in the mornings without all the traffic and people rushing off to work is what we noticed first.
Actually there were many many more people outside walking the subdivision walkway as they could only get out to walk dogs ( so many now adopted/fostered – yea!) or walk children. People were riding bikes again. It was a step back and rather nice as the birds could be hear – and seemed to sing more in appreciation.
Now that the beach and some things open, people are resuming life sort of…the kids especially – they were commandeering the golf carts and careening around out of boredom – outside, but not social distancing. I feel for those with kids right now.
It is weird to see places vacant.
It would be interesting to see the space images of pollution once China and India are back up and running.
Hang in there – it’s just getting so old isn’t it? (but prudence leave little choice for us)
LikeLiked by 1 person
philmouse, we’ve noticed the same thing around our neighborhood. So much calmer and quiet in the mornings. People are walking, and bike riding, all over the place. I like that to be truthful and hope it’s a permanent change.
It is getting old, but whatcha gonna do? I’d rather live bored for a few months than the alternative. And as an introvert I’m more relaxed with nothing on my calendar than having so much on my calendar. Do less, enjoy more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty is okay by me. Vacant benches, okay too.
Less pollution now, so we can take whiffs of clean air. Enjoy it while it lasts, I say!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marian, overall I am enjoying the calm and stillness of this moment in history. I cannot lie, but to not see people where they usually are was disconcerting. A new normal?
LikeLike
Pretty photos indeed. The horse one made me smile. A dedicated nibbler has no time for prettily posed face portraits. 🙂 I found a photo of my husband on a horse the other day, and all I can say is those babies are big. They look all pretty in a field, but if you have to get on one they morph into giants. It’s horse magic I’m sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deborah, thank you. Good point about that horse’s priorities. She was all about the grass and flicking a fly away from her. I know that horses up close are much larger than you realize. I bet your photo of your husband proves that. Still, would it have hurt her to pose for me for 15 seconds?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pretty sure I saw your bench sitters and soccer players on our beach . . . it’s still alive and well and packed with people!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy, I don’t know whether to cheer *yay* for your beachgoers or to sneer *boo* at them. I realize that social distancing is possible on a beach, but are they doing that? I can confirm that around here the people are not mixing it up with each other… yet.
LikeLike
Crowded beaches are probably less of a problem than extended stays in indoor spaces ~ the virus in workspaces, restaurants, bars, churches spreads rapidly through occupants who idle about, swimming in the virus, for hours. In contrast, outdoor spaces allow the virus to dissipate quickly to safe levels:
https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. For the most part, they are staying 6 feet apart from others in groups of less than 10, I’ve even heard parents reminding their kids to maintain social distance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nancy I just read that article yesterday and shared it on Twitter! Thanks for adding it here. EB knows how to explain things in a way that makes sense.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the article….it was very informative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome. I thought it made lots of sense.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh how lovely. I felt myself relaxing as I looked at each photo. That gazebo looks so inviting. I can picture someone sitting there with an ice cream cone, for some reason. (I think of gazebos when I think of holidays like the fourth of July.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
L. Marie, the gazebo is charming and I like your idea of having an ice cream cone while sitting there. I wonder if the owner decorates the gazebo in patriotic colors on the 4th? Our drive was relaxing, but without people it was odd.
LikeLike
We had that same, beautiful day here over the weekend, too but it was cold enough to snow. Glad you got out for a change of scenery. We could probably all benefit from your example of having a ‘good time’ during a pandemic.
LikeLike
Jean, we’ve had unseasonably cold weather this last week here, but no snow. Our drive was a refreshing change of pace, but the day really called for socializing around a little table outside of a bar, drinking an adult beverage, watching the people go by.
LikeLike
I think pretty photos make for a wonderful post. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, My Plaid Heart. That’s a kind thing to say.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know I like pretty photos just fine. It is a little creepy seeing all those empty scenes on a beautiful spring day. Like the Rapture occurred and you didn’t make the cut. Or perhaps all were abducted by aliens and whisked away to Alpha-Centauri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eilene, your take on these photos is great. I kept wondering if I’d see some zombies around a corner waiting to come at me for my brain! There was a surreal feel to the day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The empty field is unnerving. No soccer net in Southern California was ever empty until now.
Even the locked up schools are less eerie.
LikeLike
AutumnAshbough, I thought the field was the weirdest thing we saw. I drive by it often enough to know it is THE place for soccer games, but there it was. I agree that seeing a closed school doesn’t seem unbelievable, but that field…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had a real argument about whether to click the ‘like’ button or not. On one hand I liked the pictures. And I liked that you got out for a ride (I haven’t done that in awhile). On the other hand I felt sad that the bench and especially the soccer field were empty. In the end ‘like’ won because you got some lovely shots (even the field I liked!) and you were out and the sky was blue with little puffy white clouds and that makes it all good.
LikeLike
dawn, I appreciate your rationalization for hitting the like button. I sometimes find myself in a similar head space. We had a nice time on our drive and I enjoyed snapping the photos, but it was strange nonetheless. Without the blue sky above it would have been a sadder car drive.
LikeLike
One thing I’ve noticed here, aside from the empty places, is the emptiness of the skies. We are along the flight path of CLE airport for evening flights especially. They can often interrupt our antenna signal (we’re cord cutters). That has not been the case in many, many weeks. We also live quite near a hospital with a helipad, and it’s been silent. Apparently, no trauma cases have been going in or out.
Your photos, still serene and lovely, have now that odd and eerie stillness to them, thanks to the Times. Think–years later, you will look at them and, if you don’t know the time frame attached, they’ll just be pretty pictures of a road trip. Because that’s really all that they are.
LikeLike
nance, you’re right about how there is less action in the sky lately. I hadn’t thought about that, but without all the leisure travel flights and with fewer driving accidents, not so many machines flying overhead. I groove on quiet so maybe that’s why I’ve adapted to it without a thought about it.
I do wonder what I’ll make of this pics in a few years or a historian will make of them in a hundred years. At least the day was a good one to get clear pics. That makes me happy.
LikeLike
Love your pictures! The gazebo would be cool for a small wedding. It’s weird how every state is so different in dealing with this stupid virus. People here have been out and about the whole time. And we’ve seen our families the whole time, too. Of course our weather here is gorgeous most of the time. We’ve actually had a cooler spring than normal, which is great. I walk the grands to a pretty little memorial park to see the gardens and chickens. It’s a very popular place for all of us in the neighborhood. Of course we keep our distance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beth, you’re right. That gazebo would make a beautiful wedding venue. That whole property was very upscale and perfect.
I realize that different states are focused on different ways of handing this pandemic. Around here we are shut down, staying at home, no interaction with people outside of the people who you live with. Your state has a more relaxed approach, obviously.
I want to see a memorial park with gardens and chickens. Chickens? Roaming or fenced in? It sounds quirky and fun.
LikeLike
The chickens, Grace, Daisy and Left Foot, are in a really nice coop. Volunteers feed them and collect their eggs. The volunteers also take care of the garden and let us know on a big board what is available to harvest. Anyone in the community can come and take what they need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
THE CHICKENS HAVE NAMES! I’m in love with these chickens. And the rest of the garden sounds wonderful, too. But the chickens have names… 💕
LikeLike
I enjoyed your running commentary and the fact that everything is really green.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Swinged Cat, it’s been an exceptionally green spring here. Cooler than normal, but it looks great outside. So that’s good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is it sad that going to our little local store for some food items is an adventure?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Carol, it isn’t sad if you don’t think it’s sad. How’s that for being philosophical? I figure we take our fun where we can find it now. 🤷♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the pretty pictures Ally…..I liked the gazebo and the horse best because I always wanted both! I’ll be posting snow pictures tomorrow……ugh….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joni, oh no not snow! Say it is not so. [Now I’m rhyming, oh my.] I never wanted a horse, but if we had a flat lot I might go for a gazebo. They are charming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pretty pictures thanks Ally Bean, and charming to boot. Even the ill mannered horse. Each photo has got attitude, even the empty field, so green and white in the frame of the pale blue sky –
LikeLiked by 1 person
Susan, thanks for the compliment about the photos. I snapped what I saw without regard to much of anything. Sometimes when I take my camera with me, I have a plan or a purpose. This time was not one of those times.
LikeLike
You remind me of Sunday afternoon drives with my family. I think that our’s, also, often ended with a stop at the DQ or Baskin-Robbins. My mom could sense an ice cream shop from miles away. Beautiful pictures Ms Bean!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Zazzy, my mother had that ice cream shop sixth sense, too. I don’t have that gift, but I do remember how much I loved ice cream back then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Like old people” — !?!!? Clearly, you haven’t met the old people who take their drives with the windows down and the volume up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
shoreacres, I haven’t met the old people who you describe. I would like to! Around here if you get behind an oldster you’ll not be going anywhere quickly and it’ll be quiet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here I am, Ally. Does 73 years old qualify me? Want to see my road trip play list? Just for grins, we could start with this. It’s especially good for the 70-75 mph zones!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like it! Good choice of a tune for the road. I tell you, around here you could be the wild child cool kid of the senior set. You rock, they’d just be amazed.
LikeLike
We used to go for Sunday drives as a family when I was a kid. (It wasn’t old people, you’ll be happy to know.) One of the things we loved to see as we drove around was people. It is very strange to see all the empty places these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arlene, I enjoyed our drive but found it weird to see so few people on the streets. Usually there’d be a crowd around some of the places we drove by. The emptiness is odd, but I suppose it’ll change soon enough once the quarantine directives loosen up around here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love all the green and the blue sky. The horse…all they do is eat. 😀 I liked that long row of cat-o-nine tails- the marshy area. I would have wanted to stop and listen for wrens, and sparrows! Do you get Red-wing Blackbirds there? They love those reeds too!
I’d rather be outside with people than indoors any day!
Thank you for the arm-chair Sunday drive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deborah, green and blue call to me. The day was pretty, so clear. That silly old horse had a cute face but she was not going to stop eating for me. We occasionally get red-wing blackbirds around here, but rarely. Our birds are more plebeian, like robins and cardinals and sometimes a blue jay. It was fun to do something different.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, to be able to say, “Cardinals are plebeian!” We don’t have them at all here in the far west. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve searched for them when I’ve pasted the Rockies and gone to a state that has them and I have never seen one. Only pictures so far in my whole life!
Yes, to breaking up the SIP routine and going for a Sunday drive! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know that. I thought cardinals were everywhere. They aren’t the brightest birds. We often have one bashing its pointy head into one of our sliding glass doors. They see their reflection and go nuts trying to vanquish their perceived foe. Eventually they tire but so. not. smart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! I saw a Robin doing that with its reflection on a car’s side view mirror once. It was hilarious, but I did worry he’d hurt himself.
It’s on my Bucket Bird list to see a Cardinal Male preferably!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cardinals who’ve done the head bash thing look dazed but seem to fly away unharmed. They really are show-offs with very little brain.
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very pretty pictures. While my daughter and I could easily take a drive like that, my husband not so much. Love the coloring of the horse and that gazebo is in someone’s yard? Nice. Thanks for sharing your drive with us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Janet, it was fun to drive around with no particular place to go. Not our usual Saturday routine, but these are not usual times. The horse’s face was pretty, kindly, but I couldn’t get her to look at me long enough to snap a pic. Yes, the gazebo was in someone’s side yard. Fancy, huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful drive! Where I live, we’d have to drive pretty far to see a horse… even the seahorses at the aquarium are off limits right now. It’s lovely here today so maybe hubby and I will take a little top-down drive up the coast. Thanks for the inspiration!
LikeLike
Janis, the weather was picture perfect so it turned out to be a good use of our time. We live in what is sometimes called exurbia, so we can be out in the countryside in about 5 minutes or into a small town in about 5 minutes, depending which way we turn when we drive out of our subdivision. Enjoy your drive along the coast. That sounds exotic to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see the emptiness for now, although it’s also creepy. I live in the flight path to Seatac airport(and also the military base); I’m used to lots of planes flying overhead. It’s eerily quiet these days. The day looks beautiful! We’re back to rain here, but that’s OK. It will discourage people from misbehaving.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margaret, I agree with you. It’s creepy but necessary. I hadn’t thought about how quiet the skies have been lately until another commenter mentioned it. I imagine you notice quite a bit now. Rain is forecasted here for later in the week when we warm up, hopefully so we can have a *real* spring.
LikeLike
This made me laugh only because you actually went on a drive, while I only said I was going on one recently to get out of what I knew was going to be a draining phone conversation (which I later did have, and indeed it was draining!). Now I wish I had gone on the drive. 😉 When I see that Gazebo, my mind immediately goes to The Sound of Music and those two sixteen and seventeen year olds. – Marty
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marty, our car ride was a way to pass the time, so while your excuse was a good one– pity you didn’t go on a car ride. I’d forgotten about the gazebo in The Sound of Music and that annoying song. Perhaps it was beyond my ken, to remember that patronizing scene. 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
That empty soccer field, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, does say it all. Our world is suddenly different. And although there will be a new normal around the corner, it may never be exactly how it was before. This is still hard for me to wrap my mind around!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna, you said it. The soccer field was just not right, yet it had to be like it was. I, too, wonder what the new normal will be– and when we’ll get to it.
LikeLike
The landscape looks lovely and your humor had me laughing! We took a car ride the other day too…just to escape the everyday around the house existence. Crazy times! Thanks for sharing your car ride 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sue, it was a lovely day for a car ride. I had no idea what we’d see. Everywhere we drove the properties looked great but there were so few people. Crazy times, indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm, Ally. I choose NOT to be offended by your opening words: “Spoiler alert: pretty photos do not necessarily make for an exciting blog post.” Well shizzle my nizzle. I have a mostly photography blog so what are you telling me here? Huh? Just come out and say it and don’t let that horse kick you on the way out!! 🙂
Ok, disclaimer: JUST KIDDING. And oh, that old people thing. I like to go on drives, so…
Anyway, glad you didn’t go nutty, at least too much. Hopefully it won’t be long and you can mob a TJ Maxx like covidiots in one of the Carolinas. Just gotta be spending!!
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Janet, you are absolutely right. Mea culpa. I meant no disrespect toward photo bloggers such as yourself. I said what I said because usually I babble, babble, babble using my words, then toss in a photo. I wanted to let my regular readers know I wasn’t doing my usual thing.
I saw that video of the covidiots mobbing a TJ Maxx. As much as I like a deal, there’s no way I’d go bonkers for the opportunity to get a virus that has no known cure just to buy a discounted blouse. 😑
LikeLike
I do hope you know I was just funnin’ with you. I knew what you were doing. As for TJM, I’m with you. Nothin’ there I need that badly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I get that. And I loved it. But you did make a good point. I didn’t mean to insult anyone with my silliness. 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had the opposite experience this afternoon. After months of living in a ghost town, there were a lot of people and cars downtown. For the most part everyone was keeping their distance, etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan, that’s interesting. I imagine that once this state opens up again we’ll experience the same thing. Ghost town is a good way of explaining how things are around here now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The horse is beautiful. Te empty things, sadly not.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Betsy, the horse was completely indifferent to me, but I liked her anyhow. The empty places were odd to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice that the horse was content at least.
LikeLike
Good point. She was a mellow soul, just standoffish to looky-loos like me. I can’t blame her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She probably gets a lot of paparazzi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember going for car rides with my family as a child, especially on Sundays, after lunch. Haven’t done that in years, but we do live in strange times now.
LikeLike
Ann, I liked our car ride if only because it got us out of the house. I agree about strange times. Everything is different, but the same.
LikeLike
I loved going on your ride with you via photos. We took a ride yesterday and went over the border where we sat down to eat in a restaurant!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Anne, *gasp* You are a wild child. I cannot imagine what it’d be like to sit down in a restaurant. We don’t eat out often, but should we ever be allowed to dine-in again I will enjoy it. Trust me. In the meantime, I’ll live vicariously through you.
LikeLike
Eating inside a restaurant was different from last year. Many tables were cordoned off. They had stacked canned goods and bottles in the salad bar, and there were no salt and pepper shakers on tables.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting. Were you and/or the servers wearing masks? That’s the part I’m unclear about. If we are required to wear them in public places, then how do you eat with a mask on? 😷
LikeLike
Good question! Servers wore masks and gloves. We didn’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the answer. Just curious
LikeLike
We used to go for Sunday drives all the time when I was growing up – not unusual at all and especially in late Summer/early Fall, trips to the country for fresh veggies at their peak. It is amazing to me to see formerly bustling cities with no one outside. Wyandotte, such a hoppin’ place year ’round, was like a ghost town when I drove through it about two weeks ago, in contrast to how the main drag was bustling when I was there and took all the street shots in Winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Linda, we used to go for a car ride out into the countryside to see the leaves in the Fall, and to get apples. I do remember doing that and enjoying it. The emptiness in the towns we drove through was difficult to wrap my head around. I understood why but it seemed like I was seeing gloom on a sunny day. There should have been people mulling around in the towns, on the field, even riding the horses– but there weren’t. At least the sky was blue and we found something to do. But it was odd.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed my little trip to the country last Fall – it brought back nice memories of weekly trips with my parents. In those days, just like last Fall, it was nice to escape the city for a few hours.
It is sad what’s become the norm. I heard a news story that in NYC there is a site that people can go to and hear the sounds of bustling NYC, like the screech of the wheels of the subway cars, or trains, traffic, etc. People were longing for the noise of NYC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having visited NYC I’m happy to never hear those sounds again, but if that is what’s normal to you, then I get it. Weird as it is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree Ally. When I was in college I was in the National Model United Nations and our team of six went to NYC for a week for a NMUN national conference. We stayed a few days extra for vacation time. The expression of the “city that never sleeps” is true. I remember we went out a lot at night and came home in the wee hours of the morning – walked most of the time or did the subway as you could not grab a taxi – all on runs. And anytime you could look out the hotel window, at all hours of the day/night, and between the honking cars, people bustling around and noise, I don’t know how we slept (and I’m a sound sleeper). NYC was okay to visit, but I really don’t get the attraction of living there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Ally, Your post reminds me of Seinfeld. The show was a huge success when it was about “nothing.” Hmmmmm, maybe a future post idea. See, your post has already inspired me. “The End” made me extra smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erica/Erika, good analysis. I remember years ago a blogger [pre-Instagram] who was a teacher & professional photographer irl. She lamented the fact that bloggers didn’t just snap pics and share them, regardless of how interesting the photos might seem to be. She thought that history deserved, demanded even, photos of our daily life unadorned. Our nothing now, will be appreciated by people in the future, she reasoned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never thought about preserving history. I do love seeing people’s photos from the past. I suspect in future people will be curious about our “now.” Hmmm, food for thought. And this is all before I have had my coffee, Ally 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Drink your coffee and muse. I hadn’t thought of that blogger in years, but she did have a good point. She was a kind soul, but just faded into oblivion, like many bloggers do. Just gone one day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha Ally. Atleast you went for a drive. I enjoyed the photographs and the empty soccer field is no wonder these days! Hope we all get back to normal routine soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nanchi.blog, I’m glad we were able to get out of the house safely and that I was able to snap these pics. The empty soccer field was something I never would have thought that I’d see around here. 😕
LikeLike
On their own, these photos would be something I might see here every or any day, but in the context of this post, a ghost town. Glad you got out for a while and that people are complying with lock down restrictions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amanda, you summed it up. The photos don’t mean much other than it was a pretty day, but it was a day without people in the photos which was darned weird. Our stay-at-home orders are slowly being lifted so who knows what I’ll see next time we go for a Saturday car ride.
LikeLike
I did hope it is not too early for you guys…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. We’ll be staying away from people for as long as we can.
LikeLike
When we go out, we drive around town, but it is unnerving. The stores are all shuttered, and there are no people except at the grocery, liquor, hardware, and box stores. We have times when we look out the window and see as many people walking on the road as there are vehicles. Even with a face covering, this issue has made me wary of other humans, and I don’t like that feeling at all. If I’d had a lawn chair, I think I would have parked myself near that horse and just enjoyed watching him. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy, I understand your reaction to seeing the empty businesses. Without people around, everywhere we drove by looked strange. Everything was well-kept and tended which I figure is a good thing. I haven’t been to or driven by any big box businesses in weeks [except for the grocery, I guess], but I can imagine how weird it must look around them. I got out of the car to take the horse’s picture, but talk about an uncooperative model. 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
In one way, it’s all very sad. In another, it tells us that people are heeding the warnings right now.
Love seeing your part of the world though; with or without all the people.
And the horse; I get it too. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Busy Bee Suz, you’re right. What we saw was a good thing, but it was sad to see it. The day was soooo glorious and meant for socializing, normally. The horse was a character, but I respect her reserve. Such a pretty face though…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love your photos. My favorite might be the horse because you can tell she (??) knows you’re taking her picture but isn’t going to give you the satisfaction of doing anything but her horsey things.
AND everything looks so green where you are. Everything here is just a mess of pollen. I’m ready for green!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Katie, I liked the white horse despite her indifference to me and my camera. I wished her well as we drove away, but honestly… couldn’t she have cooperated for one fast portrait shot?
We’re through our pollen days. It’s been a cooler than normal spring so with the rain we. have. green. everywhere. It’s lovely to see after a dreary winter.
LikeLike
Great pictures. Serene, and strange to see with no people but at least no photo bombers, right? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ernie, yes! You’re right. Not a soul photobombed my photos, which would never have happened on a normal Saturday afternoon in May. Looking on the bright side, you are.
LikeLike
Okay, maybe the gazebo is a folly, but isn’t pretty? Kind of romantic, a place for lovers to meet on a summer’s night. You’re right, though. A useless bobble like this is best for people with a bank account big enough to hire someone else to keep it in good repair.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nicole, I thought the gazebo was exceptionally pretty, but I’m a pragmatist so I immediately saw dollar signs. Anything that fancy requires pricey upkeep. You just know it, don’t you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
My hay fever season has started, so I’m now taking the really really non-drowsy drugs, rather than the regular non-drowsy sort. I still yawn a fair bit, but at least I’m not in danger of falling asleep any time I sit down. That’s a very pretty gazebo, if a real work of labour to re-decorate. But a nice place for a quiet read – maybe not something people are exactly craving quite so much now as usually 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deb, you have my sympathies about hay fever season. It’s something to get through– as best you can. 🤧 The gazebo is beautiful and would be a great place to kick back. We could never have one on our property because there’s nothing flat here, but if you have the space then *yay* to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi allybean…
I like the pictures
From your ride – pandemic quiet for sure
–
And laughing at how the horse was not giving you the photo and how you connected that to how not everyone wants their photo taken – and how personal it is for some people
Reminded me how for other people this camera life is an everyday share – like my step daughter on Facebook used to share little
Videos of her playing with the dogs and just random – for
Some folks – it is just very natural to have pics and videos shared regularly
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yvette, it was a nice drive, but it was eerie, too. I so wanted to stop somewhere for a drink or a cone, but nowhere to do that.
Yes, I know that some people love being in front of the camera and consider it the most natural thing to do. I’m not one of those people. The way I shun being in front of a camera I think I must have been Amish in another life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha – to the Amish joke
And you know –
It is just down to
Preference and maybe upbringing because these digital natives have videos of them going from
A young age-
And it is eerie out there –
Such a weird time to be living through
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point about being a digital native. I’m not one and as such am reserved around cameras. Agreed that this is a weird time. Much to process, much to ponder.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes and wondering what the next phase will look like
– Six months from now
12 ?
18?
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤷♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you went out and saw that white horse. That tail is a beauty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dr. Junieper, getting out of the house was pleasant, especially with the blue sky above. That horse charmed me with her ability to be herself out there in that field.
LikeLike
Lol, that hosre looks like she has a “don’t mess with me” attitude! She’s probably spoiled ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d guess so. Considering where she lives.
LikeLike
It is a state of all those words you described – thank goodness for bright blue skies and things to look upward at! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shelley, I agree about the blue skies. Last weekend when we took our car ride it was clear but cool out. A week later it’s warm in the 80s and the blue sky makes the outdoors seem even more inviting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, indeed! And supposedly it’s safe to go outside and get fresh air 🙂 Is sharing a nice glass of wine on the patio on your schedule too?! Enjoy while you stay safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is eerie around here lately too. Playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball diamonds – all empty. The Amish don’t like their photos taken either. They say it is too prideful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laurie, I’ve often joked that I must have been Amish in another life because I don’t like having my photo taken. After our car ride I couldn’t stop thinking about the empty soccer field. When I think back on the pandemic and what I saw around here during it, that’ll be the image I think of first. No kids playing team games outside on a lovely afternoon. Eerie and sad.
LikeLike
The greens and blues of nature are so inviting. Pretty photos, indeed!! 🙂
LikeLike
Amy, I liked what we saw during our car ride. Well, in the sense of how pretty it was outside, not that no on was around. That was odd.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoa…that soccer field is spooky. Saturday afternoons are forever changed, but I have to say the thought of a time when a bunch of kids will be out there chasing a ball again makes me smile. We, too, are doing old people things like “going for a drive”. I’ll add “sitting on the front porch” and “taking an after dinner walk” to that list. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laura, the empty bench was unusual but the empty well-maintained field was sad. Kids are supposed to be on it on Saturday afternoons. Yet, no one. We need to add “taking an after dinner walk” to our list, too. I’m sure we have the time. 🙄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time, yes. Motivation? Not always. 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true. But I can dream…
LikeLike
The soccer field is so sad, especially at this time of year. My son (15) is really missing his favorite sport. Such a shame. But I have to admit, the grass on all the soccer fields I pass by has never looked nicer! lol
The horse is probably thinking “There goes another one with a camera. Don’t they have anything better to do?” 😉
LikeLike
Kate, you’re right about the grass. It was very green and lush, almost as if no one had been running on it. 🤔
I thought the horse was pretty, but the horse was not going to help me out by looking at me. Different priorities, I guess.
LikeLike
All photos are great. Some are just better than others. I love the picture of the gazebo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Geri, thank you. The gazebo was charming and I was pleased that we found it.
LikeLiked by 1 person