The book 412 Journaling Exercises and Prompts for Personal Growth by Meredith Lane contains, in addition to a wealth of assorted journaling prompts, also a number of “list of twenty” prompts. One of these is outdoor activities you enjoy. Right now, the weather outside is frightful: cloudy, windy, rainy and even a bit snowy. It’s April though and the weather has to get better someday soon. For when it does, let me share some of my favorite outdoor activities.
1. Walking. This is a no-brainer to anyone who’s read some of my blog before. I love love love walking and will even go for some walks in light rain occasionally.
2. Sunbathing. Or rather, just sitting in the sun. I don’t really sunbathe that much, but I do love to sit in the sunshine sometimes.
3. Swinging. At the day center, there is a rocking lounger outside of the door of my pre-lockdown group. I’ve also heard there are sets of swings in front of some of the other homes. At my former day centers, I loved to sit on a swing outside and swing about.
4. Listening to birdsong. I really love to hear the birds sing and chirp when I’m walking or sitting outside. I have absolutely no birdsong recognition skill whatsoever, but the mere sound of the different birds is pure bliss.
5. Meeting people from other care homes. This is mostly due to lockdown, as I used to be able to speak to other clients at the day center. Now we have to meet outside. I love talking to my acquaintances from other homes.
6. Swimming. Mostly in the outdoor pool, that is. Oh, how I wish I would be allowed into them again. I’ve heard some outdoor swimming pools have opened to a limited number of swimmers, but then still I won’t be able to go yet. I don’t really like swimming in a lake as much.
7. Barbecueing. Oh, how I love all the barbecue meat. Truly, if you ask me, salads are just a necessary evil. No, not really, but I am a true carnivore when it comes to barbecueing.
8. Enjoying a picnic. Although I struggle not to make a mess when not seated at a table. I try to think that’s not a problem though.
9. Feeling the wind blow through my hair. I don’t really like windy weather like today, but I do love to feel a slight breeze on my face and through my hair.
10. Campfires. Mostly for the marshmallows, that is. I don’t particularly care for the smoky scent and feel of a campfire, but it definitely adds to a cozy atmosphere.
Okay, I’m not going to get to twenty, but this was definitely fun to try.
What are your favorite outdoor activities?
Also linking up with #SeniSal.
A Multitude of Musings 
My standard warning to people who do a lot outside in the sun: wear sunscreen. My stepfather died of melanoma, and I don’t want anyone else dying from it.
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Thank you so much for the warning! I forget to put on sunscreen a lot, especially in the spring when it seems the sun’s not too strong yet.
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That’s when you really have to be careful…
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Before the pandemic, I enjoyed swing and salsa dancing outside in New York City’s many parks. Since those are couples dances, they did not happen as they used to last year. But I discovered Zumba classes in a park near me — so that is my new favorite! https://mollyscanopy.com/2021/04/dion-the-dave-clark-five-and-dancing-to-dick-clark/
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Thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you discovered Zumba now that your couples dancing isn’t happening anymore.
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Those are all good ones but I have to limit sun time due to skin cancer problems.
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Oh, that’s sad. I understand though.
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Love all of these, especially going for picnics 🙂 #mischiefandmemories
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I am so glad you love all these. Glad in these times of pandemic-related restrictions we may still be able to enjoy picnics.
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A great effort to get to 20 with lots of good ideas. I like campfires and picnics. Out door activities and gatherings will be much easier when this pandemic is history. In the meantime, we are doing our best and it sounds as though you are too. Blessings, Michele
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Yes, I completely agree, though outdoor activities are generally easier pandemic-wise than indoor gatherings.
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Ohh I love all these things too. I particularly agree about the bbq’s! Haha #mischiefandmemories
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BBQ’ing is so much fun! I’m glad you like it too.
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We live near a river so a walk is always good for tree climbing and wildlife spotting as well as the exercise. I would love to sunbathe but never get a chance with 3 kids! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
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Thank you so much for commenting. I used to love tree climbing as a child too.
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it’s great to be reminded of simple pleasures. I like to play swingball, to spend time with pets and chickens, to go for long walks picking blackberries etc. So many great pleasures are free of charge too. #MischiefandMemories And yes, yes, yes to climbing trees!
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Oh yes, so true about so many activities being free! I wish I could still climb trees, LOL.
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