On Friday, I wore my ICP shirt, the first one I ever bought. I had to flaunt it on my first hike of the spring/summer. Once I exited my office, I saw a young man and his two dogs resting. I went over, pet the dogs, and the young man warned me of ticks. He found two on the dogs and a few on himself. I thanked him (and no, I didn’t find any ticks on myself).
Once I walked further down the trail, a middle aged man who was trimming weeds, stopped and chatted for 15 minutes. He was showing me the different weeds, how they are invasive species. He was fun to chat with and I learned a lot about Japanese vine.
After I crossed the tracks at Shawmont, I was trying to get a selfie of myself in front of the river. It did work, as I’m great with selfies, but two young men walked by. I asked them if they wouldn’t mind taking a photo of me. They gladly agreed and told me that a little ways down, there is a path that leads to the graffiti sections. Since I had my DSLR, they recommended it. I thought it would be neat, before they left I asked for a selfie with them.
I made my way down the trail and about 15 minutes later, I saw a path that led to the graffiti section. There was a path that wasn’t covered in water and I thought it would be safe. Nope! I slipped in the mud and half of the back of my leg was covered in mud, along with my left shoe, and bottom of my purse. I laughed, I was too comical. All in the name of photography! Needless to say, I didn’t continue on that path, and just took photos from the side. I needed to get a new pair of pants once I got into Philadelphia (I asked a jogger and he said there was nothing in Manayunk that sold clothes).
Before I exited the trail, I saw a mother and father goose protecting their little gosslings. I took several photos of their bundles of joy, after five minutes, the father must have felt intimidated and started walking over to me, hissing. I know, he wanted to protect his brood. The mother joined suit. I left after that.
I bought a new pair of jeans at Ross. I’ll donate them, they didn’t quite work, but they worked for my evening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As I was sitting on the bus to the art museum, I was telling the woman I was sitting next to about the mud incident. I simply laughed and said, “laughing, that’s all you can do.” She was an older woman, she smiled and said, “I like your attitude.”
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
I enjoyed reading about your first official hike of the spring and summer season. That man you came upon was right. You need to watch out for ticks. My friends in York are always complaining about discovering them on their clothing and even indoors in their bedding. Seems like it was another educational outing for you. I think weeds and vines are fascinating and I would have enjoyed that second man’s lecture on the subject. Those friendly, helpful young men happened by at just the right time to take those great pics of you at the river. I’m sorry you slipped in the mud and soiled your clothes. Glad you remained in good spirits and found a shop to buy new pants. That elderly woman on the bus is right. All you can do is laugh. Those colorful fish murals are beautiful! I know from experience that ducks and geese are fierce in protecting their territory and their young. We have many lakes in central Florida that are inhabited by ducks and geese. They sometimes charge at walkers and joggers that get to close. I’m happy to know you returned to another of your favorite places – the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Have a wonderful week, dear friend JM!
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