It was a beautiful crisp morning, the temperature was in the low 40's but a stiff 15 mph wind made it feel in the low 30's. I still remember the freezing mid-west winters like a bad nightmare it stirs images of sub-zero and winds blowing the snow back in my face, tearing at my skin as I shovel the driveway. Hard to believe I find the 30's cold now, but your body adjusts to its environment. We had decided the night before to go for a run this  morning and we found the will and determination to bundle up in the cold weather gear for a run.
We live by the water, surrounded by wildlife and marsh and river settings so it's never an ordinary run. We saw a white crane, an egret or two, and the usual assortment of gulls, ducks and geese. We made our way into Hampton Park, which is a beautiful 60 acre park originally part of the Gibbes plantation. The park is so beautiful with an assortment of beautiful trees and local plants. My favorite tree is the live oaks which often are draped in spanish moss, and have great size and character. They are a treasure around Charleston and seem to come to life with their large branches some comparable to tree trunks. The park was busy this morning, it just had reopened after a brief closure to add a bike and walking lane.
We've heard some complaining around the neighborhood about people violating the new norms of proper direction on the lanes and even some malcontents violating the lane protocol altogether. It was nice to see all of the people out getting exercise and enjoying the beautiful park. We made our way around the road that circles the track which is about a mile and runs the same course as the horse race track that occupied the park area in the pre-civil-war 1800's. We headed out of the park and through the Citadel, which is still a military college. They are also the company that fired the first shots of the civil war on Fort Sumter.
We faced a stiff wind as we rounded the corner and headed toward the RiverDog's stadium.
Brittle-Bank park was breezy but the river was pretty with some geese and ducks fighting some choppy waters. Farther down by the marina we saw a marsh crabber picking up some oysters along the marsh banks, taking advantage of low tide. By that time I was warm enough to loosen the zipper a bit on the wind-breaker. It's a great feeling to run, after you get over the stubborn body part of wanting to quit, it becomes like a drug. The endorphin's bring a focus to your mind. I saw a report yesterday that physical exercise helps your slow wave sleep which could improve your memory. Time to exercise more! Today I was thinking how wonderful this world is, with all of it's flaws we are all blessed to be able to experience this time and this world. I am grateful to have someone who loves me, a wonderful family and truly extraordinary friends.
We ran down to the Battery on Charleston Harbor, the scene of many battles and legends, and even a few pirates. Then up Rutledge to truly one of the best bakeries we've ever experienced. If you get to Charleston you have to go to Wildflour and try one of their cinnamon buns, sticky buns or our favorite the strawberry jam scone. It is frequented by ordinary and celebrities alike. Happened to see Bill Murray in there one day. As always the scone was great, and we even picked up a few cookies for the Super Bowl dessert. It is a neat story two brothers facing off in the Super Bowl, imagine that experiencing the best and worst at the same time in the same family. Hopefully well see some good sportsmanship today, we really do need it. With all of the cheaters and liars popping up in the news due to enhancing drugs, I feel cheated for all of the seasons we didn't see. All of the athletes who would have shaped sports if we'd only had a chance to see them. It might had been completely different. Well, enjoy the game y'all and all y'all have a good day.