Sudden winter can mean sudden slips. So on Sunday I was thankful to make it, in tennis shoes and added cleats, to a special event at Schwartz on Oakland: the opening of a show of photographs taken by 13-year-old Ben Pagenkopf, who has high-functioning autism, and a unique, artist's eye. He notices the little details and relationships of forms that most people just walk on past as they chatter on their cells. And he automatically frames them in his mind before he presses the shutter. Several of his photos were of the spot where I tend to end up, Atwater Bluff. He, too, is lured by the array of native plants and graceful grasses (which might not be native).
And on Monday I made it to the Fitness Center. It did occur to me to take Joe Mangiamele's advice in his blog and walk back and forth in the business district, instead of risking my life on the High School sidewalk. Wouldn't it be ironic to meet my demise on my way to work out?
Actually what I met was some of the older residents who live at the south end of Shorewood balancing groceries and themselves on their way home. By Wednesday the walk was walkable for those who go on foot to fitness, or to Sendiks.
