I used to live next to unspoiled woods, those and Box Elder Creek separating back door and Lake Zorinsky Preserve. Peace and quiet in the middle of West-O-Is-The-Best-O! Trudging au natural (sans shoes) preferred pastime. Foraging one day, coming upon a discarded marble slab, about a hundred pounds. Good Scout always prepared, fashioning a quick harness out of a couple yards of sturdy rope. Lashed stone to torso and began a pull that would leave its mark in the anals of Omaha Running history.
Genius often ridiculed when first presented. Hard sell by the “crazy guy in the woods”, pulling granite sled, blazing new trails, up the hills, around the lake.
Many years ago. The west side of Lake Zorinsky, before The Encroachment. Before they hewed the 200 stately pine trees lining West Center Road between 168th and 180th. Before Legacy. Before Walmart. Before the warrens housing the lemmings. 180th Street south of West Center a single lane road in 2001. Little between Oakview Mall and Lanoha’s, some 4 miles.
That was the beauty I considered my backyard. Dead Deer Trail, Duder’s Loop, Tall Grass Island, Meditation Lodge, Lover’s Hole (old letters found describing forbidden fruit!), all part of the unexplored, untainted playground. Hours every spring, me and mine cleaning the discarded excesses, always first sign of coming white man, testament to remoteness.
So many barefoot miles. For a lot of years I loved my old dojo. Had a Real Spiritual connection. Good memories.
Feeling it again out here on Our Little Slice, making Bar None memories. Linda and Jed and the chickens and the cats. With Real Love this time.
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