You know, it’s funny what we remember from childhood.
Today, I started the day by going for a walk as it snowed. I kept waffling: writing/chores/walk…walk/chores/writing…sleeping in/writing/tax stuff….
Walking won out.
I love “bad” weather, love it when it snows, rains, or it’s windy. Love the good stuff, too, but am just saying, bad weather doesn’t necessarily deter me from doing things. Having to do other things deters me from doing things. What to do first. But, today, the early walk won out, It was cold, blustery, and, as I mentioned—snowing.
In short, it was beautiful out.
And hardly anyone did I pass, given the weather and the early morning hours—it was great. Passed some dog walkers and a Park and Rec guy cleaning graffiti off a sign (I thanked him for that).
But every time I go out on my walk/hikes, I always think back to a guy who took his daily constitutionals past our house when I was a kid, which was a couple miles down from his place—a local restaurant he owned, called The Lodge. His name was Mr. Hohmeyer, and he used to be a U-Boat commander. That’s all I remember of him—besides his daily walks and eating in his restaurant. But what really stuck with me all these years was how he walked every day (at least in my memory of him)—and I believe he had a cane and maybe even sported an “old world” rimmed hat of some kind from time to time (damn, how the memories are beginning to fade…)? In any event, I’d frequently see him briskly (and I do mean briskly) striding down Route 30, cane in hand, head held high, back ramrod straight, always a wave or a “hello” as we hailed each other. He always seemed to be in a good mood, and I think occasionally, would give that cane of his a little extra “panache” as he strode on by.
He was cool to me. Fascinating to watch.
So, every time I go out for my “constitutionals,” especially in inclement weather, I always think of Herr Hohmeyer. I give him honor and a mental nod. I think about his brisk stride, his smiling face, and that cane of his, and I always wave to him in my head.
Bis spater, Herr Hohmeyer!