When:  Sunday–Late Morning – 2/25/2018
Weather: Sun, the glorious sun, 60’s
Observations/Thoughts

• Russians in a Microwave:  With the gloriously beautiful day, I was not looking for any trouble today.  I was not looking for any trouble.  As I looked ahead of me, I saw the Russians walking on the “wrong side” of the sidewalk.  (Based on the US definition.)  I look mostly down.  I didn’t want to make contact.  As the distance closed, I wondered if I should switch to the “other” side of the sidewalk.  Just as I seriously entertained this idea, the husband, wife (Not sure they are married.  If it is part of their cover, they are only responsible for looking married.  The dog would allow them to appear doting without really caring for each other beyond the purpose of their mission in the US.) and the dog broke slightly to my left.  As we passed each other, I mean we must have passed each other.  I think I said, “Hello”.  I don’t remember either them or their dog doing anything resembling acknowledgment.  They walked past me and quickly migrated back to walk on their left side.  (As Americans, we generally walk on the right side of the sidewalk.)  Just a little further up the path, I saw a microwave cast along the side of the path–it was partially covered in water.  I am sure was not there the day before.  Coincidence? I think not.  I am sure it was used in some way by my Russian “friends” to pass or receive a message from their coordinator.  I was fearful any effort I made to confirm would leave fingerprints.  I am a family man more than I am a cabal chaser.
• Kids Love me: Before I finished the first quarter of my walk today, I had passed a mom with an occupied baby carriage, dad, and a dog.  On the way back, I passed the same family.  The configuration this time had everyone moving under their own power. The early walking son was just being helped past one of the remaining puddles when our paths intersected.  I mentioned to the mother, “He should take a good nap.”  She agreed the odds were improved.  He waved at me when I passed.  I waved back at him.  I get turning to keep walk away.  He kept looking at me.  I didn’t want to leave him thinking I didn’t enjoy his attention.  (My kids are all older.  It is good to have a child look at me with even a little bit of  “awe” in their eyes.)  His mom encouraged him one last time to say goodbye.  He blew me a kiss.  I replied with some modified version of the same.  The mom was slightly embarrassed.  I was glad to have my kid credentials reestablished.
• Today’s Survey:  With the exception of the aforementioned child, the crowds were not too friendly.  It was a spectacular day.  I don’t blame others for not being open to friendly gestures when out on the path.  Despite that fact, the bikers did not come out as welcoming today.
  • One jogger passed me today.  I walk fast but not that fast.  Without any prompting, she said, “Good Morning.”  I am not sure of the “rules” of the sidewalk.  My interpretation has always been the responsibility of initiating a conversation is with the passer.  Of course, I replied back with an immediate reciprocation of the greeting.
  • Parents with Babies:  See story above.  Also 100% on this one.
  • Fellow walkers:  I intersected (I walk south; they walk north or any combination where the other person is walking the other direction.) with 5 or fewer walkers.  I believe 2 of the 5 were open to a head nod or a hello.  Okay, not perfect odds.
  • Bikers:  The bikers were horrible today.  The bikers included a couple groups of 8 or more.  There were also a few individuals.  I believe I intersected with 20+ bikers today.  Of the whole lot, I got one “hello” and one, “On your left.”  I realize they were engaged in conversations with the other bikers.  What does it cost to nod your head?  Since today was a “sunglasses” day, maybe they did not realize I was staring them down from the other side of the lenses.  My head was pointed in their general direction. There were clues.  If they choose not to be open to others, it is on them.  If we both were wearing sunglasses, we both have deniability.  So, from their point of view, I am the anti-social one.  Maybe that is the shoe I should be wearing.