Early Morning Ramble

I was up at 5:00AM today. Don't ask me why. It seems my body needs less rest these days so if I go to bed early, I'm also up early. My mistake was getting into bed at 9:00 last night to watch television. It wasn't long before the television was watching me. Anyway, by getting up so early, I had to wait two hours before I could embark on my morning walk. I don't like to go out when it's still dark lest I startle a skunk (we have many here). I'm finding it easier to get out and walk if I take my camera along. There are so many interesting things to see in Noank from the architecture to the lovely gardens and of course, the ocean. The house pictured above was always known as "the haunted house". For decades it was lacking paint and the wood siding was rotting away. The earliest inhabitant I can remember was an elderly lady by the name of Grace Knapp. She had two little pug dogs and they all resembled one another. I don't know the people who live there now, but they certainly have done an incredible job of restoring Mrs. Knapp's lovely home.
I have always felt that this was the finest view in all the world. On a clear day, you can see Fisher's Island, NY; Watch Hill, RI and the CT shoreline. I was happy to be snapping pictures early enough to capture this fisherman just setting out for the day.
This picture cracks me up. I had stopped at the church because I wanted to visit the memorial garden where my parents ashes are buried. As I left the garden and was passing by the front door of the church I was astounded to see this smoker's thingy right there by the steps. That's probably where my ashes will end up. But seriously, can't the good church-goers hold out for another fifteen minutes after the service before they light up? Evidently not.

The diet program is still going well. I had a late lunch meeting yesterday at which I had a grilled veggie salad. I was still not very hungry by dinner time, so I ate a yogurt and that was just enough. This morning, I drank coffee while waiting for the sun to come up, then I had my nice long walk and didn't have breakfast until I got back. Breakfast consisted of oatmeal and a side of fresh fruit chunks. I will probably eat another yogurt or perhaps a banana for lunch. I have an appointment at 3:00 this afternoon for a physical. There are many things I have neglected health-wise which I must now arrange for. I no longer can use the insurance excuse now that Medicare and AARP supplements are in place. Anyway, Dr. McDermott will keep me occupied until dinner time. I've taken chicken breasts from the freezer so I will probably bake them with a little dill seasoning and also bake a sweet potato. Exciting, huh?