Come into my parlor!
And if you're thinking, said the spider to the fly, you would be correct - after all, this is the Web! <vbg>
My parlor is a salon of sorts - a place to exchange ideas, exercise the mind, and expand the horizon. I've decide that it's a good place to put another blog - they are great content management tools. I'll be putting entries here that are lighter than those found on my main and first blog - From the Treetops. Expect to find the kind of rambling stories that I like to tell, recommendations on products or services that I like, and a host of other random chat.
October 22, 2006
Wild Turkeys
A few years ago, I wrote a blog entry on my first blog, From the Treetop about my selection of a more relaxing route to work. At the time I was working in Ho Ho Kus and had about a 20 minute commute.
Now, I work in Whippany, which is a good 45 minute to 1 hour commute - not fun. At first, I took Route 80 to 287 to Route 10, then I tried Route 287 all the way. Route 287 is a bit longer mileage-wise, but more scenic. Also, the traffic is a little lighter.
A few months ago, I did some map research and discovered another way from Route 80 to Route 10, that avoids a daily traffic jam at the Route 10 exit from 287. Part of the way, I have to travel on Route 46, but it's only a short way and not bad traffic-wise. The rest of the way is along a winding road with some houses and some stretches of open land.
This new route cuts 10 minutes and about 20 miles off my commute. This is a good thing. The new route also has other advantages. It's scenic and relaxing, so I arrive at work in a peaceful frame of mind, instead of frazzled. There are several interesting houses, some kind of horse stable with an antique wagon in the yard, old stone walls and an old red schoolhouse.
The other morning as I was enjoying the scenery, something moving at the side of the road caught my eye. At first I thought it was a dog, or perhaps a Canada goose, but it was too big for a goose. I slowed down, partly to take a look (checking first in my rearview mirror to make sure I wasn't going to get hit from behind!) and partly so I wouldn't hit the animal as it appeared to be ready to cross the road. To my great surprise and delight it was a wild turkey - and there were 4 or 5 more right behind it. I couldn't believe it - my first wild turkeys. I stopped and waited for them to cross, then went on my way.
That made my whole day! I've been keeping an eye out for them, but they haven't made a second appearance, still I believe that we should always take time to "smell the roses" ... or brake for a flock of wild turkeys.