Search
It's All in the Sandals
Yesterday morning, with the temperature in the mid-40s around 7am, I tossed my seedy winter woolen socks aside, kicked my worn winter shoes into the closet, and grabbed my summer sandals.
This day my toes would be free, I thought. For me, a sign of the changing of the seasons. A rite of passage ... into the short spring and wonderful summers of the North Country. All day yesterday there was an extra spring in my walk. I smiled at strangers and waved to friends, and even to those who might someday be friends.
It felt good. In fact, it was the best I had felt in months. Maybe it's been the winter doldrums that got me down. Maybe it was the three-times-around battle with the flu bug, or bronchitis bug, or whatever bug. Maybe it was cabin fever.
No matter. Yesterday I felt young again. Yesterday I felt like working. Accomplishing. And socializing. I think it was all in the sandals. Sandals have a way of giving you a whole new attitude. And by the end of the day the temperature was in the 60s.
So that's why at the end of the day I visited a favorite pub for the first time in months. Even at four in the afternoon there was still a spring in the old Fox's step. Still a smile on my face. Even though my summer ponytail was a bit bedraggled.
And I'm so happy that I made a quick beverage stop before heading home. If ever there were a pub where friends gather, it's Meron's. It's definitely Plattsburgh's version of Cheers. During my short visit the conversations covered many topics: from life in Germany to the neighborhoods of Cohoes to the world of cigars.
It was a pleasure rubbing elbows with Sal and Gail, and Pete, and Ross, and, of course, the wonderful Grace. But the highlight was meeting John -- but I should call him "The Johnald." Based in Glens Falls, New York, he's the head of the Southern Theatre of Operations for the Blogoteers.
And he adds, "the quietest, most attractive and smartest" of his clan. I'm sure his brother "The Donald" would debate that one, and it sure sounds like that meeting of the minds would make a great "Fox on the Run" television show. Our ratings would soar!
I sure had a good time yesterday. It just goes to show you that winter does end and flu bugs do die. I've got my summer game face on now, everybody. But I think it's all in the sandals.
Comments
It's absolutely the sandals. But hear this, there's something even more spectacular about looking down and seeing lovely colorful nail polish. I think men need to hop on this train to happiness. Embrace the polish! :)
Posted by: liz king | April 29, 2008 11:18 AM
I was lucky enough to get 2 Springs this year. In February I visited Woody in New Smyrna Beach - along with Stan, Pam & D/Ray. I wore my sandals everyday for 10 days - Man did that feel great. I've been enjoying my 2nd Spring here in Virginia for the past several weeks. The cherry blossoms were spectacular this year as they always are & the Nationals opened their new ballpark by whupping the Braves & Phillies. What more could a guy ask for? Well, besides a little more hair on top and a smaller waistline.
Posted by: Miney Rowlson | April 14, 2008 11:53 AM
you know Fox, you pulled out the sandles Friday and now it's snowing on Sunday-me thinks you jinxed us!!!!
bruin
(Foxy's note: Me thinks you may be right, bruin. Sandals are back near the closet door.)
Posted by: bruin | April 13, 2008 9:59 AM
It's not time to break out the sandals here on the central MN/WI border. Winter is still hanging on with three big snowstorms in the last couple of weeks!! Hopefully soon we will let our toes see sunshine!!
(Foxy's note: Yes, sparcat, I have put the sandals back near the closet door. Snow flurries today here and there ... in the middle of April. Ugh!)
Posted by: sparcat | April 13, 2008 9:04 AM
Just want to say what a great job you did on the missing childrens tournament in AuSable Forks. I watched it on TV and enjoyed it so much maybe because my 2 grandsons, Mike and Nick were playing on Holy Name Roadrunners. It was an exciting game against the Peru Little Indians. Thank you for a job well done. I also had a bout 3 times with whatever was going around. Jan
Posted by: Jan McDonald | April 12, 2008 10:06 AM
My daughter is moving to North Carolina this summer and my son to Georgia in December so I will have 2 more reasons to escape from our seemingly endless winters, if only for a week at a time. It will be at least 11 years before I can think about moving anywhere on a more permanent basis.
(Foxy's note: That's what you get for being so young, UPS Dave!)
Posted by: UPS Dave | April 12, 2008 8:39 AM
Foxy,
Would this be a bad time to bring up the fact that we hit 78 degrees here yesterday? The seemingly endless cold weather is something that I definately don't miss about the North Country.
(Foxy's note: With a cousin and friends in Texas and my aunt and uncle and more cousins in California, the West is looking better every winter.)
Posted by: Kathy | April 12, 2008 2:54 AM
hey. i really like this blog. i love wearing sandals. although my mom yelled at me for wearing flip flops yesterday. grr. see u the 21st. in skewl.
(Foxy's note: Hey, this must be one of my students at Chazy Central ... but I don't know which one! Welcome to the Land of the Blogoteers!)
Posted by: Secret Bear (carebear) | April 11, 2008 9:22 PM
Oh boy, foxy, you may have opened a can of worms... comparing Johnald to Donald....apparently you have yet to meet Topher...the prize prince of the family! Thank God I had a small family!!!
Posted by: The Carver | April 11, 2008 8:53 PM
I agree wholeheartedly about the sandals. There is nothing like shedding the winter garb and allowing our skin to breathe in the fresh spring air. However, even though it's been better, I haven't had the true sense of spring yet. I am anxiously waiting for the day when I can go outside and rejoice in the warmth and comfort of the sun. There must be NO SNOW on the ground. I will let you know when that day officially arrives for me, and I hope it's before next week when we head south for a true winter break and a visit with the Chief and my sister-in-law. You'll have to stop by and join us on our front lawn swing this summer where all the neighbors gather after hibernation. Happy Spring!
Always, miss d
Posted by: miss d | April 11, 2008 8:22 PM
I hope you didn't push the winter socks/shoes too far toward the back of the closet as you needed them today and will for the rest of the weekend. I am glad that I had the day off today (surgery) and am off next week (vacation) but do hope that things will warm up next week (they are saying by Tuesday.)
Posted by: UPS Dave | April 11, 2008 6:07 PM