I don’t know why, but WordPress is not allowing me to insert current photos into the blog. That first one of my on the unicycle is from before. It tries to download the photo and then says, “Failed to write file to disk.”

You can go to my Facebook page and see all the photos there.
https://www.facebook.com/isityou/

(Do you wander or just wonder?)

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.

By writing this blog I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way and find joy how you can.

*** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
*** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

******************************************************************

INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

As I have written before, each week is like a new start in life, deciding where I will be going and what I will be doing.

For a few years, I’ve been putting out my blog, their many people who like my words. I get no money for doing this, do it out of the joy of my heart. But, I would love to find a way to be compensated for the time I put in.

Perhaps I could find a sponsor? Or somehow monetize my efforts? Do you have any ideas for me to make that come to be? I hope I have added to your life with entertainment, inspiration, humor, and an enjoyable read with my writings.

Right now the blog goes out to about 10,000 readers. This is increasing as I gain new friends.

All over the Everglades, I saw couples enjoining the place. Made me envious, I want so much to be in love and with someone. Age 62 now, will I ever meet her?

Kimberly, I hope to hear from you, there is still time.
Tina, you’ve destroyed me—once again.

Back on Route 41, going west, just don’t know where.
=========================
WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves. Inspirational quotes provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
At any age, you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determine everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

When you improve the quality of your thinking, you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control.

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule, next to impossible.

But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do – the higher you’ll want to reach! So, as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.

Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

I hope the words I pick do help you.
*************************
BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS>>
Never let your emotions overpower your intelligence.-Drake
Nothing lasts forever but at least we got these memories. – J. Cole
Don’t you know your imperfections are a blessing? – Kendrick Lamar
Reality is wrong, dreams are for real. – Tupac
To live will be an awfully big adventure. – Peter Pan
Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. – Maya Angelou
There is no substitute for hard work. – Thomas Edison
What consumes your mind controls your life- Unknown
Strive for greatness. – Lebron James
And still, I rise. – Maya Angelou
The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Now, it’s time to get out there and do
something incredible that you can rejoice in!
=================================

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

3/19—Just posted my blog. For some reason—I am incredibly happy right now—not sure what it is. In the last few days, I was in and around Miami. Not a nice place to visit, and I wouldn’t want to live there. But you know me, that goes for any city. I will take the country/wilderness over any city.

I’ve decided to head south to Flamingo, Florida, once again. To get there, you drive through the Everglades all the way. At this point, I plan to spend some days there, as the warmth returns up north.

I have plenty of food to last me, although, as I wrote before, I have been planning on not eating for two weeks straight sometime upcoming. And, I plan to do it really “fast”, if you know what I mean?

Planning to run out of current perishable food next by Friday and then I start? Will you join me and also stop your habit of eating for some days?

3/20—The last four days I have been in the Miami area. Toooooooooooo much city for me, I will be going into Everglades Park today.

I love being able to go when I want and where I want. For me, if I do not like something or somewhere I make changes to something so I like it more. A suggestion for you, if you don’t like something, make changes so that you do.

I didn’t go all the way down to for the Flamenco today, did about halfway and stopped at the Homestead Library. I will be sleeping in their parking lot tonight, seems like it will be safe and quiet.

I’m surprised that more people don’t live this lifestyle. There’s always somewhere to park and sleep and usually you’re out of your house all day anyway. Examine your life and see if you might be able to do the same. Not even full-time, do it for a week or a weekend.

Flamingo is part of Everglades Park. I’m about halfway down there. I pulled off at a pond/lake area. There are a few people here, I’ll be here for tonight.

Yet, it is only 3:13 in the afternoon and I’ll just find stuff to do. At the moment I am the only one here. I’m hoping that the rangers don’t come and check later tonight for people sleeping here. I will let you know.

The temperature gauge says 89f. Well, I love it here, up north it is in the 40s, 50s and below.

Last night I slept at a viewing area. No one came by to check on me, slept well. some big black birds came by to visit, I think they are crows. I had some chips and crackers that I wasn’t consuming, so these were for the birds, who loved them.

3/21—I knew I would be going to a campground, so I stopped a few places along the way to gather wood. And boy, did I get a lot! As I wrote before, all the wood around a campground is usually already found and burnt up, that’s why I gather wood outside the campground.

I moved down to Flamingo Campground. I made sure I came on a Sunday so there won’t be many people here. I asked for the best campsite she knew of and I got spot 41, which has a tree to shade me, and is a nice area. I’m happy.

For the fire, when I have a branch that will not break, I burn the middle of it, and then when the middle burns down, I take it out of the fire then I can break it, then put the two pieces back in. That’s why you see some long branches in photos, I couldn’t break them.

So comfy sitting in my chair watching the fire, knowing I will sleep in the van comfortably tonight with no light and sound. I’m am a happy boy!

I get half-off, so it was only 12 bucks to have a campsite to sleep and have a fire. I was here from 11 this morning and I will be here until 11 tomorrow. So it’s only about 50 cents an hour for this splendor. You’ve got to get out and do this if you can, find a way!

I discovered yesterday that alligators are nocturnal. And I thought they were just lazy, laying around all day. Perhaps I’ll go early AM when I awaken and see what they’re doing.

Miami is near, but I’m sure that most people in that city have not been to this park. So close it is, but people won’t take the time to find this magnificence.

When I was young, my mom would rent a motor home and take the whole family, I had two brothers (both died in auto accidents) and a sister, out for trips. We loved the outings, they were perfect for us.

Also, My sister Sandy and her husband Tommy would take Gary and I out to the Wilderness. We loved this, such a big part of our life.

Now I get to live that life full time, out here in the wilderness living in my vehicle. A lifestyle that I will never change.

I discovered that at the visitor center they have a wifi connection that you can get outside in the parking lot. And, they will charge up my power station when I need it. So, good on both ends.

I had the ingredients—healthy and tasty—had to again—TACO TIME! Good as usual.

There is always music out here in the wilderness; the rhythm of the earth. To perceive this, “music”, your heart and mind must be quiet to hear and comprehend it. I have discovered and that being alone is quite good for you.

By the way, that creature that had broken into my milk container, I have not heard him at all. Must have gotten out of the van and on his merry old way.

In the strong winds, overhead two big Hawks were looking for a meal, it was magnificent to see. They didn’t have to do a thing to sore in the wind. But, one was eyeing me as if I was a meal, but passed me up after all.

This evening I made a huge fire, it was brilliant. I did leave wood for a fire tomorrow morning, as well.

3/22—I like when there are embers and coals from the night before and all I have to do is bury some newspaper—then it’s flame on! Like last night, had a splendid fire this morning, too.

After my morning fire, They had showers available, so I did. Feels so very nice to be clean.

5:13 in the evening now. Still in the park, I moved into an area that has big lawns right next to the water, quite nice. I will let you know later how it turns out.

3/23—I parked and slept in an area for tent camping. This is a huge area covered in grass. Being a Tuesday, there are few people here. I found that in the bathrooms are showers, so for the future, I will.

Where I am now, I have shower, I have food and a way to cook it with my wood-stove, there is wifi available, there is electric when I need. A new home for Kit?

As you know, I have about 100 books on board the van to read. Currently, I am reading

‘Surprised by Joy” by CS Lewis. Hard to keep up, the writings are from years past. In fact a new kind of language for me. So, I’m taking on the challenge and will read through the book.

I loved the Narnia books that I read during Jr. High. CS Lewis is a master writer and I thought anything he wrote would be magnificent. It turns out I am not enjoying some of his books.

TODAY I HAD NO COSTS! I stayed in the van, read and worked on stuff. Juggled ln the grass, rode my bike, read books.

When I don’t travel, I have NO costs. When you live in a place, say you pay $1,000 a month in rent. That works out to be $33.33 you pay daily, along with your utility costs, no matter what; and that’s at the low end.

3/24—I moved back into the grassy area. It’s been about four days and I needed a shower. As I said before I’m not around anyone long enough to cause a stink, I take a shower when I get to itchy.

On the way over here, once again, I stopped and at a couple places and gathered a bunch of firewood. I bring it in large pieces to where I will have the fire. Then I break everything into smaller bits, each about one foot long.

From the photo, you see that I organized them into kindling, small, medium, and large.

Yikes! Had another bee in the van. When I do, I don’t kill them, I grab them really quick with my fingers and throw and then out the open side door. Bees are a good thing.

Here’s something of interest. I had wondered why people say, such as for 5pm, 5 “o’clock”. I found this —The expression “o’clock” comes from a time in which people were using various ways of telling the time… The expression “o’ clock” was used to distinguish the fact that someone was referring to the clock’s time (and not solar time). They would say “It’s nine of the clock” which later became “nine o’clock”.

Today at the Flamenco Visitor Center I met Matt Luminez, who in living in the town next to where I grew up in San Diego, Ocean Beach; he is next door in Pacific Beach. Matt is developing and growing a company which will make EpiPens (they are to help with people allergic to bees), at a low cost for people who need to use them. We had a short but a good talk.

3/25—I seldom a shower for two days in a row, I did today. It was available, and free—shower time. Feels quite nice to be a clean Kit in the sun.

The wind was blowing much again this morning. So, no fire for me, today. I hope the next people who have a fire there appreciate all the wood I left for them for their big fire.

I think I wrote already, tomorrow will start on my fast and I’ll so it really quick. No eating for two weeks for me! Last year I went for a week with no eating, didn’t affect me in the least. So this time, two weeks only drinking green tea and that consuming any food.

I like challenges, and this one will be healthy. I’ve read that it is good to stop eating for a time for your health. Next time, perhaps have a challenge of 40 days of no eating?

It’s also nice to clean out the van. I had some deli meats and 5 different kinds of chess. Also, crackers and cereal that I was not eating. I will put these out for the birds. I’m sure the turkey vultures will love the meat I left for them. Rather than just throw it away because it will eventually go bad, I get it to the animals because they like it and it is not wasted.

This morning I saw a couple out for a bike ride. For most people whom I see riding, their seat is too low. You will ride better and more comfortable with your seat higher. When you’re sitting on the seat, your leg on the lower pedal should be almost straight. Do you ride with your seat too low?

Now I’ve come over to the visitor center to get onto their wifi.

There are some things I want to do is the van. So I left the Everglades to head back to Miami– yuck (you know how I like cities.)

As I was getting out of the Everglades, there was a guy with a water truck who was watering the fields. Part of the water was falling onto the road so, quick-thinking me, I got the van wet and then wiped it off and cleaned off. Looks much better now.

I think I wrote, starting tomorrow I will not eat for two weeks. Only drink green tea. I’ll let you know daily how it’s turning out. I just went into medical place in weighed myself, 160 lb right now. Although, I’m feeling heavier than that for some reason.

Back to the Naranja Library, I’ve been here a few times before. A big place, there are many people here; a good thing. I can get the wifi in the parking lot. And, when the library is closed, these is an electrical outlet outside.

Spring is on the way! I’ve put my lettuce, spinach and cilantro seeds in soil to be grown in the van. They are starting to pop up already. I will soon be eating healthy plants grown in my van!

3/26—Went into Miami to check out some auto wrecking yards to see if they have what I need. Some time ago while driving at night, I hit a deer, you might remember. I broke my turn signal light and I need a new one, along with a couple of other items.

I went to one, they did not have, said it was too old (my van is from 2001.) I checked on another, no, there, too. In this mix I had to drive through the city, which I don’t like, as you know.

It was Friday and I knew that most wrecking yards would be closed for the weekend. I did not want to stay around until Monday, yikes. In my mind, I just said, “ENOUGH”, and had to get out of the city. I returned toward route 41, some areas I like. I can find the parts I need later, in smaller cities.

In Google Maps it has somewhere to click set a home location. I simply put in, “VAN”, it had no idea what I meant (some comedy for you.)

I am in no rush to be anywhere. Along route 41 is West Dade Library, where I am at now. I expect I will be here for the night. A quiet area this is, I’ve stayed here before.

And, by the way, this is the first day I have had nothing to eat. I only drank green tea. I am not hungry in any way and have full energy.

I’m lonely out here, I would love to hear from you.

Either through Facebook or email, kitsummers@gmail.com

*************************

MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

Spring is here soon! Have you started planting your vegetable garden yet? For over 30 years I have planted vegetables outside and have eaten well. You can even plant edible food indoors.

There is no excuse, you can find all the info you need on planting and growing on the internet. Jump into it, the growing of your plants will bring great satisfaction to you.
***********************

NEXT BLOG>>

As Spring is coming, time to head toward the north and then toward Texas, I think. Any ideas from you? And, if you are anywhere along my southern drive, I would love to visit. Let me know.

=========================

(Do you wander or just wonder?)

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.

By writing this blog I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way and find joy how you can.

*** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
*** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

************************* **********************************************

INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

You know I often write about joy and happiness. Finding it for yourself can add so much to your life. Happier people are healthier and often live a longer life. They are more productive at work and around the home. Are more creative and tolerant in hard times. Overall, they lead a happier and more productive life. This should be your aim!

If you build up your joy and happiness in the world, it will spill out and add to others, too.

For some reason, I had trouble downloading photos for this post. Go to my post on Facebook and you can see all the photos.  https://www.facebook.com/isityou

Through Facebook, I met Kimberly McCoy. She has also had to deal with the changes of brain injury. I hope our friendship keeps growing.

Another friend, Jessica Taylor, sent me these words after my last blog post. Good to hear that I am adding to someone’s life.

****
Hi Kit,

I have been feeling down in the dumps since finishing the writing and editorial work re ‘Jewels in the Mud: Science of Spirit’. I sent the work to ‘Llewellyn’ in hopes of a positive answer. Fortunately, they do not require agent representation. No idea what my change of mood is all about, especially as it led to feeling really depressed.

Perhaps this present bad feeling is due to not having a project to keep me occupied along with the problems related to Covid 19.

Anyway, when I read all your news, it helped me a great deal and made me want to get cracking on some project again. Your energy is fantastic and mine really low at present, so I am going to look at your post more than once in order to be livened up!!!

Thanks for being you,

Love and Light.

Jessica

Jessica E Taylor: Author and Activist: Vancouver Island.

Never limit yourself and never allow others to limit you.

http://www.jessicaetaylor.org

=========================

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves. Inspirational quotes provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
At any age you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determine everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

When you improve the quality of your thinking, you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed amusing quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control.

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule, next to impossible.

But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do – the higher you’ll want to reach! So, as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.

Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

I hope the words I pick do help you.
*************************
BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS>>
Happiness and joy are not just off the shelf.
This joy comes from your own actions.

A few times I have come face to face with mortality. At only 23 years of age, I got hit by a truck, the first time. At that point, before the collision, I felt my life was just beginning. A featured performer at Ballys in Atlantic City, I was taking off.

Every day we are faced with stories that remind us of our own mortality as human beings, but when you lose part of yourself to a brain injury, that is a huge change. 

The everyday drama we allow into our lives falls away and suddenly seems insignificant. We find ourselves reaching out and opening our hearts to let others in. We start to notice the simple pleasures.

We become acutely aware that we never really know when our time might be up, and we make a pledge to let joy into our life.

That was the pledge I made. To search for joy no matter what.

I can’t bring back my past life, but I can ensure that my journey is filled with people and experiences that make my heart sing; by letting my emotions and intuition guide me toward finding joy; by choosing freedom over fear; and by remembering that I am the only thing that can stop me from making those choices.

What dreams, desires, feelings, or needs of your own have you pushed aside? And if you follow your own dreams and bliss and joy, how would your life change for the better?

You are the driver of your own life, and as you journey through, you have choices about which paths to take. The people you pick up along the way can influence your life, but you still remain in control.

Now, it’s time to get out there and do
something incredible that you can rejoice in!
=================================

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

3/12—Spent most of the day at the Marco Island Library. Only a few people in there, quite comfortable. While I was there, earlier, I sent my blog out to you. I hope you enjoyed the read, please let me know.

I haven’t for a while, I found a Walmart parking lot to stay the night in. This company allows people to sleep in the vehicles in the parking lot, which is nice. I came here because I have a couple of things I needed from Walmart.

3/13—I returned to Collier Seminole State Park. Along with being a fantastic location, I have a lot of work to do.

Enjoy the video — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbNMTYq5Xdc

I’ll be building a new shelf for books, I will take everything out of the van to clean and organize, it is getting warmer so I will plant seeds in dirt in my containers, and some other work on the van, too.

It is Saturday the 13th and I’m at Collier Seminole State Park. The temperature in the van right now is 93, a comfortable Heat. There is a lake here in a while I will go for a swim, care to join me? But, I went down and looked into the lake, too dirty for me. I will just jump in the shower later.

Along the drive today is the smallest Post Office in the US. 

I came this morning at 10am, paid the five bucks to get in, I’ll be here until I have to leave at 6pm. That’s less than a buck an hour to be in this paradise.

3/14—I’ve returned to Marco Island library. Here I can get online and also plug-in outside. Tomorrow I’ll be going back to Everglade and Big Cypress parks. I’ve driven all over the US, now I’m getting bored with it, but National Parks always have new things to offer.

Here is about Marco Island, a fabulous place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBcJcxdrLzM

Where am I going, what am I doing, so many questions come up in my mind.

Certain questions on life again and what the hell I’m doing.

As I do every couple of weeks, I took everything out of the van, cleaned well and put everything back in and more organized way. When’s the last time you took everything out of your vehicle, cleaned, and then put everything back in a more organized way?

Spent the night at Marco Island Library. A big place, I like it here. There are no mask Nazis as there has been at other libraries. In the past I have been at libraries where they act like they are always watching; scary, yes.

3/15—Now it is getting on 1:10 and I will be heading out soon. As usual, not having an aim, I am just going to go. Kind of exciting it is, yes?

I’ve been pretty much all over southern Florida, I will look for new places to explore, though. I am glad you are with me.

Did my good deed for the day. It was a roadside Park next to Route 41 with picnic tables and look quite nice. After I pulled over I saw that a bear or animal got into one of the trash cans and made a mess of it.

Some of the trash where empty bags so I used these and cleaned everything up. Left it nice for the next people who will stop by. The grounds look much better.

No one would know I did this except myself and you. See all that trash was very upsetting for me and I knew other people we also be bothered. So I know, and now you know. Do you clean places up to leave them nice for other people?

Going Southeast on route 41, I passed by 10,000 islands National Wildlife Preserve. I never really looked around the area before. I had to, it was calling me.

Enjoy this great video >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qA9IegRGzw

Now, did someone actually count the 10000 Islands?

I took a turn-off for Marsh Trail that goes into the Preserve. The path was around four or five miles round trip and I started walking. But, after walking in about a mile I suddenly remembered the excellent bike I have on the back of the van. So, after I did a U-turn, I got my bike off the back and jumped on.

What did joy ride this bike, I love this two-wheeled transportation. In my ride, I saw many of the birds in this video. Watch this, it will tell you all >
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqm0oxTLmqc

Along with the large water birds, my ears picked up on the numerous songbirds in the area. What a delight.

This 35,000-acre refuge was established in 1996 to protect the refugees unique estuarine ecosystem.

Getting on dinner time now. At the last food bank I went to I got to package of two pounds of ground turkey. I just cooked up the whole thing, used some for tacos tonight. There is enough for spaghetti sauce for tomorrow and if I want tacos again, too.

As you can see, my free turkey meat went far.

The thing is, I seldom get hungry. I mainly eat because, as a human, I know I have to nourish myself to continue to get this blog to you. Yes, I live for you!

I parked and slept by some fishing docks kind of in the wilderness. Should be a good sleep tonight period hope you usually well.

3/16—My sleeping place turned out to be quiet and dark, nice. In the morning I did some reading in the van, then off I went to the library in Everglade City. I took the bike off and went for a fast ride; my legs and getting in better shape with my riding more often.

Then I let clubs fly into the air. My juggling is improving daily at this point, which feels really good, by the way.

By the way, it’s about 5 PM and I am parked on the side of the road with water on both sides of the road. This is in Everglades Park. Planning to sleep here tonight, hoping cops don’t come by later, I’ll let you know period.

Dinner tonight was—on top of Angel hair pasta, I had a topping that I devised myself. I had a little container of marinara sauce, I had a little container of Buffalo-style sauce dip. To this, I added fresh-cut red onion (fresh-cut red onion adds so much to spaghetti sauce—the crunch—the taste, you must try it.)

It is warm, and I will sleep here tonight. I have the windows open and I can hear the ocean currents lapping up on the shore. This will make for good sleep tonight, with that sound through the night.

3/17—A strange night last night. It seemed that I heard some chewing or gnawing (why is there a “g” in that word?) in the upper cabinet where I had put some milk recently. I get the kind of milk that you only refrigerate after it’s open.

This morning, I looked more carefully. I saw that something chewed off the corner of 3 of the milk containers. I cleaned everything up and that varmint is still on the loose.

I will have to reorganize my food so this creature cannot get to it. Eventually, my friend the varmint will die and, hopefully, the smell won’t be too drastic. Eventually, that smell will go away, too.

From Everglades city, I went further down to the town of Chokoloskee. Such a beautiful area this is.

I spent the night and morning at the Smallwood Store. Ted Smallwood lived here in the 1930s until 1941 when he died. He had this store, and also had a post office and an Indian Post.
Take a look >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPEhbI0iVmw

Then it was back to Everglade City and their very small library. Just a little room that is part of the government building. In fact, when I’ve been here I am the only one to use the library.

The one librarian takes a lunch break from noon to 1pm, so right now I am in the van working on this post to get it to you next Friday.

I find myself torn between research and reading on my laptop at a library, and being out in the wilderness. I’ve been mixing the two, which has worked out well for me. I do like being in the wilderness much much more, though.

Driving along Route 41 I saw a campground for big rig travel trailers. Then I saw they had a hose for these big rigs to fill their water tanks with drinking water.

I only had two containers that were empty, I carry seven gallons with me. Then I started to drive away. Suddenly I thought, I was going to shower later anyway, I could do it here with the hose.

With my shorts on, I do like I always do. I got myself wet, wash down with soap and using a scrub cloth thoroughly, and then rinse off completely. It leaves me as clean as any shower, as I’ve said before.

Moving down the road I saw a turn-off for HP Williams Roadside Park. A couple of alligators and a couple of turtles and then some fish, a nice stop for me. I actually spent a couple of hours at this Paradise. As you might know, on my woodstove, it has a little grill and they can fire up chicken or other delights.

In my cooler, I had chicken from a recent food bank. I have fried it up, which was kind of fun. Got a tortilla and made it taco with chicken, cheese, and red onions, it was quite delicious.

Down the road, I went, beyond the campground. I found a place deep in the woods where I won’t see any lights or hear any sounds of humans. As you would know, this is how I like it. I will sleep well tonight comma I hope you do too.

6:45 Now. Very quiet and very far away from everything here, quite nice.

7:30 The sun is just going down. I’m in a forest, I went to gather some wood for my wood stove. I can get fuel for my fire just about anywhere. I like my no-cost way to cook.

It’s been warm, so I’ve been sleeping with my windows open. I’ve heard of monkeys climbing in car windows, I hope it doesn’t happen to me.

3/18—My day started by returning to Shark Valley (where there are no sharks and there is no Valley) I arrived early; they open at 8 a.m. Right away I got on my bike and rode out on the road to see the early morning animals. Since I was the first one out to see them, there were more to be seen before the humans interrupted.

I saw a couple of alligators fairly quickly. Then the assortment of waterbirds was astonishing. I took a number of pictures, I hope you like them.

Also, this morning I had to go into Miami to take care of some business. Every few months I like to get my alignment checked. I paid for a lifetime alignment for the van, so here I am. I’ve waited here for about four hours, though.

Then Costco for a gas fill-up and some other business, then I found a library off the beaten path and worked on stuff while plugged in and on their wifi.

3/19—Slept at the library last night, nice and quiet. Now I am inside the library to get this blog off to you before I head to Flamingo to dance or look at big pink birds. 

I’m lonely out here, I would love to hear from you.

Either through Facebook or email, kitsummers@gmail.com

*************************
MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>
Bring joy to at least three people this week, as you are finding it for yourself.
***********************
NEXT BLOG>>
I decided to head back to Flamingo, Florida. This is in the Everglades National Park. It is still south, so that’s a good thing.
=========================

(Do you wander or just wonder?)

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.

By writing this blog I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way and find joy how you can.

*** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog

*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.

*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.

*** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!

*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.

*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.

*** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME
ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

 **********************************************

INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

As you know, I go to many libraries to get their wifi and plug-in. Always quiet and clean, I do like our libraries. That is why I think of myself as a library hopper, from one to another. When did you last go to a library?

Every week I feel like I have to make something happen, so I can add to the blog. What if you lived your life that way? You have to make things happen to add to your story. Wouldn’t that make life more meaningful for you?

This week I actually went to a beach where I could ride my bike (and unicycle) on the hard sand. I’m not sure if I ever rode a unicycle on a beach before, an interesting experience.

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire ourselves. Inspirational quotes provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.
Words have power.
At any age you can (and should) make changes to make your life better.

You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determine everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

When you improve the quality of your thinking, you change the quality of your life—sometimes instantly!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed humorous quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control.

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To keep your motivation, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule, next to impossible.

But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do – the higher you’ll want to reach! So, as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.

Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

I hope the words I pick do help you.
*************************
BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS>>
From my book series, Beyond Your Potential

YOUR POTENTIAL

I mention my 7 club juggling to underscore that in juggling, you can probe your own potentialities and grow in a special way as the reach of your talent stretches outward.

Along with juggling, this drive can be found in other areas of life. This stretching and knowing that you are constantly expanding in what you can do gives you a security all your own, a security that none can challenge because you, and you alone sometimes, know how far you have reached in perfecting this unique aspect of yourself.

START NOW TOWARD YOUR PASSIONS

Finding the passion can be hard at times. In fact, in writing this book I had put together some hundred pages of text and then waited years to get back to it—I couldn’t find the motivation to work on my motivational book!

I had to find the “passion”, which I eventually did, to really delve into finishing this collection of words. I had to attack it with the attitude that these books were written to help “you” in “your” life to have a better future. That’s the thing, once you just start at something the desire and passion will build and build—BUT YOU HAVE TO START!!

FINDING THE PASSION

I had to allow each of the things like: my juggling in the old days, authoring Juggling with Finesse and my other books, my salsa business – summerssalsa.com, and the writing of this book, and now this blog, to consume me.

That is what must occur for you to find your passion. All you think about, much of what you do, is geared toward your passion. Seems that so few people find and drive toward their passion in life, and they often go about living unfulfilled lives. This passion must develop to the point where it consumes you. The rewards are so great.

Now, it’s time to get out there and do
something incredible that you can rejoice in!
=================================

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

3/4-5—Not a lot happened these days.

3/6—My bike needed some work so today I went back to Jack for repair. He was quick and perfect and did not charge me. Thanks, Jack.

https://jackthebikeman.org/

3/7—Slept at a library last night. Always quiet, I like this for sleeping. Then, on to a McDonald’s to use their wifi and I could plugin. Nice to have things opening up once again.

Yesterday there was rain all day and night.

Today is a bright blue sky, much better.

Saw a turn-off for Jelks Preserve, so off I went. Trails go along the Myakka River. I found it to be a beautiful walk. Take a look – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaa3f4gfs3o

I talked with one guy on the trail who asked me where I was from. As I’ve been asked before, seems that I have somewhat of an accent when I speak? He thought it might be in German. I like that, keep ’em guessing. 

Passed another guy wearing a mouth covering out here in the wilderness, no one around. I had to ask him, “Are you scared of getting Covid-19 out here?” He acted like it was a sense of habit. I hope I never get that habit. I refuse to live my life in fear.

Perhaps I’m spoiled from being down south with the heat. Right now the temperature gauge says 75, it feels cold.

My friend Phyllis told me about Siesta Key on the west coast of Florida. She said with the hard sand you could ride your bike all over the large beach. Of course, I had to experience it.
Watch this for memories, Phyllis >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po0redTCkt4

There I was just south of Sarasota. My friend Phyllis suggested I go by Siesta Key. She said with the hard sand you could ride a bike all over the beach. I had to go . . .

It was kind of nice to ride my bike around on the beach.

Also, I rode my unicycle on the sand to add to the parade.

I had fun, as you can tell by the photos.

But, too many people, too many cars, I had to get away. I know that on the east coast of Florida there will be gobs of people and cars.

Being a Sunday about 1 pm, the beach was packed, along with the parking lots. I drove around for a bit until I finally found someone leaving from a handicap space, so I jumped on the chance and parked.

Some years ago my doctor, after I got hit by two different trucks, qualified me for handicapped parking. What is strange for people, I think, they see my unicycle on the back of the van.

I went out into the ocean, the water was quite warm. The temperature where I was living is around freezing to 40 degrees. Quite nice I don’t have that temp around here.

Now I’m back at the van where I’ll be there doing some reading and relaxing. Later another walk on the beach is called for. And I just might sleep here tonight right here in the parking lot. I will look for signs saying, “No overnight parking”. I will move on if they have those.

I see many cars having a hard time finding a sparking space.

I feel fortunate to have found one so quickly.

I had written that I might stay in the parking lot at the beach.

I’ve changed my mind, could be too noisy around here.

On GPS I see there is a library within 5 miles, looks kind of a remote, so I’ll be going in there to stay tonight. When I go to these libraries, they’re usually very quiet and I sleep well. Also, most have Wi-Fi available outside the building, an added plus.

At the library now. The wifi connection is not so good, but it works.

3/8—Yes, I slept well last night. Was going to ride my bike today and also juggle, but with the winds blowing strong could compromise things.

Last night I got cold. I had to get my sleepy bag down to get warmer in my sleep. I’ve decided to head down back south to find some more warmth.

3/9—Very quiet last night, I think I slept well. Went over to the library early and I guess they turn their wifi off at night; no connection. I will boil some water for tea and do what I can to improve the van until they open at 9am.

No wind today, I believe I will be throwing stuff in the air and also riding on my two-wheeled vehicle. Should be a fun day.

Toward the interior of Florida I went to a town I’ve been to before, Immokalee, was my next destination. But, it seems that there are no small towns in Florida, along both shores it is like non-stop cities.

As I went for the North the weather got colder, I was not ready for that. So I will be heading back down south for the warmth. That’s what is good about living in the van, I can travel to the warm weather.

It’s been awhile, only had one because I had 10 inch tortillas. The taco was scrumptious. I mix cheese in with the chicken. Makes for a good mix.

Slept last night at the Immokalee Library parking lot. Quiet and nice, seems that I hoop from one library to another.

I mainly came to Immokalee because of the cool name. Its name means “my home” in the Seminole language, a nod to one of two Indian tribes that had occupied the area – the ancient Calusa tribe were early occupants. Here is about Immokalee >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FKlytD0Aek

3/10—I needed the help of someone at Geek Squad with my website, so I went to the nearest, which was further north in Naples. Might be colder up north, but I can tell spring will be here in a month.

Living in the van I have the freedom to go wherever I want when I want, I like that. I had been planning to head to the north, still too cold, so I did a U (you?) turn and now the sun is on my left at sunset.

I had to go to Best Buy in Naples, I did accomplish a couple things there. But, too many people, too many cars, and too much traffic; I had to get away. Then I had to head south back toward Big Cypress and Everglades parks.

I carry in the van nail clippers and the file and about once a week I go after my four limbs – watch out fingers and toes! Keeping myself looking good, too bad females don’t notice.

I saw a road going off from the main road so tonight I took that road. I parked at the dead-end at about 3:30 in the afternoon and I will be here for the night. It’s sort of getting close to the park area, it looks all right.

3/11 – I have to remember, there is no rush for me to get anywhere. My only cost in life is buying fuel for the van, it is better for me to stay in one place as long as I can to keep that cost low.

Going to the South, I returned to the state park, which opens at 10am. I saw there was a food bank near me at Marco Island. The food bank also opens at 10, I ended up there for their opening first (I used “there” and “their” in the same sentence, I like that.)

The temperature is already warmer, I’m glad I’m going to the South once again.

All my life I’ve been – go go go. Always moving forward, always doing something, I don’t take the time to relax and settle down. That’s something I must learn, I guess. I will start today.

They are forecasting rain for this afternoon and evening. So, today won’t be good to go to the State Park after all. I will find things to do in the Marco Island area for the day.

I have 100 books to read.
I have my bike to ride.
I have my unicycle to ride.
I have things to throw in the air.
I will keep myself amused.

And, most important, I have to get these words off to you tomorrow in my blog post. Please get back to me and let me know what you think of my writings.

Here is Marco Island, a nice place to waste time >>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RKw1AeCv_k

In the library now, I’m surprised at how many are here. Not all are wearing their mouth covering (when and why did people start calling it a mask?)

A very nice town, I’ve stayed here before, as I will tonight.

3/12—As usual, very quiet sleeping at the library parking lot last night. I even slept until about 5am, that’s late for me.

I guess the library turns off their wifi at night; no connection. To work on the blog I can be offline, I use Libre Write to put my words together. I find this program the perfect writing tool, and it’s free, too.

I’m lonely out here, I would love to hear from you.

Either through Facebook or email, kitsummers@gmail.com

*************************

MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

People who ask me, right away, “How are you”? usually mean nothing with the words; a waste of breath. My usual answer to this “question” is simply, “Yes I am”. If you say these words to people, I suggest you get away from that “habit”. 

Every new conversation, when you see someone, right away say something nice about the person, ENTHUSIASTICALLY! This will usually lead to a better conversation. Make it a habit with each person you see, and then see again.
***********************
NEXT BLOG>>
Staying south for the warmth.
Just don’t know where to currently.
=========================

(Do you wander or just wonder?)

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.

By writing this blog I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way and find joy how you can.

*** Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/
*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.
*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.
*** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!
*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.
*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.
*** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH ME

ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

************************* **********************************************

INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

As you might be able to tell, I greatly enjoy my travels. I hope my weekly blog writings are adding to your life. As I am trying to add to your life, you must help others as you can.

Yes, as I have and continue to do, you can overcome life’s challenges and always keep moving forward. You must enjoy each day to the fullest — no matter what might happen. Joy is your main aim in life for a joyful existence.

I found out this week that Tina no longer wants me to communicate with her. We had a great love for about eight years, and now it is just gone forever. For me, once you left someone, there should always be that love there somewhere. What do you think?

I’ve been thinking about some of the girls and women I’ve been with in my life. Carol and Karen and Tina and others. We had a strong bond and love between us, now they want nothing to do with me. It just seems so strange to me that any love or caring just goes away.

Mary Ellen and I were together for about 30 years, 23 of those years married. We will always have a connection because of our lovely daughters, Jasmine and April. I will always care about my family.

WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>
Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on our path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire yourself. Inspirational quotes provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion.

I hope to inspire you with my words.

To the right, I am relearning how to juggle after
my first accident. I could not stand or walk at this point. 

Words have power.

You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determine everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

When you improve the quality of your thinking, you change the quality of your life—sometim0es instantly!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed humorous quote can make someone laugh, your own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control.

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To be successful, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule, next to impossible.

But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do, the higher you’ll want to reach. So as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.

Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!
Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.
But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

I hope the words I pick do help you.
*************************
BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS>>

1. Nothing lasts forever but at least we got these memories. – J. Cole
2. Don’t you know your imperfections is a blessing? – Kendrick Lamar
3. Reality is wrong, dreams are for real. – Tupac
4. To live will be an awfully big adventure. – Peter Pan
5. Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. – Maya Angelou
6. There is no substitute for hard work. – Thomas Edison
7. What consumes your mind controls your life – Unknown
8. Strive for greatness. – Lebron James
9. Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are. – Kurt Cobain
10. And still, I rise. – Maya Angelou
11. The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King Jr.
12. Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. – Rumi
13. May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. – Nelson Mandela

Now, it’s time to get out there and do
something incredible that you can rejoice in! =================================

MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

2/27—Back at the Naranja Library. At this library, I can get wifi outside and they have an electrical outlet outside, which I am plugged into now.

I wrote before, every Saturday it is like my life is just starting out again; this time even more. I have my computer back and there is nothing to hold me back from going anywhere, I just don’t know where I want to go. And, I went to the laundromat yesterday and all clothes are clean.

In the last month, I have had too much city, too many people. I had to get away, off I went back to The Everglades. Back to nature, how I like it.

I arrived in the afternoon at Shark Valley (where there are no sharks and there is no valley.) This is where, when I was here last, I grabbed an Alligator by the tail and held him for a time. I parked in a nice spot, opened a beer, and I am writing to you.

Here is about Shark Valley, enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-m_cvCtkw8

Did you know there is nowhere anywhere in the world like The Everglades?

This unique landscape is beautiful, mysterious, and wild; a joy to see. You will see tropical and temperate species flourish side-by-side in these beauteous lands.

Since the beginning, humans have imposed on the Everglades, much. Dredging, killing, changing, which has done much harm. Now they are reconstructing, and, hopefully, things will settle in in a better way.

Made my way down Burns Road, where I had seen a sign for a campground at Burns Lake. A very nice area. Huge mobile homes that seemed to be permanent residents were all around. Found a campsite, but, because of so much swamp around here, I could not find wood for a fire. And, you know how I like my fires.

Made a big salad (and you know how I like my daily salad), poured a glass of wine, and now I am sitting in comfort.

I expect it will be very quiet and dark tonight, just how I like it. I’ll take this over any big city in the world.

2/28—YES—today is my birthday! I heard from many, it was a great day for me.

I found another campground and drove in. Seemed to be many long-term people set up and staying here, too, in their huge motor homes. It was a big open grass-covered area. I found a spot and parked, I thought for the night.

In looking for firewood it seemed that there was not much. A lot of swamp land around. That is the main reason I get a site at a campground, to build a big fire.

It ended up that a guy chased me off, he wanted me to go to a pay site. Yes, I can understand, but, if I’m not going to have a fire, I’m not going to pay for a site. So I just moved down the road and found an even better place in which to park and sleep. All alone.

On my way down Route 41, I stopped by Shark Valley once again. Like I wrote before, there are no sharks and there is no valley. Did a shorter bike ride today.

As I was exiting, I stopped by the place where I held that alligator by the tail briefly. I looked and there was another one in the water right next to the one-foot embankment.

I sat down, stuck my foot out, and touched his back solidly. He didn’t like that much at all. At least I got him to move. It was quick, not harassing for the gator.

Driving down Route 41, I turned it off at a Visitor Center. This place had Wi-Fi available and somewhere I can plug in. So I spent a couple of hours and worked on stuff. I was also able to fill my water containers with safe drinking water. This stop made me happy.

Then I went to Everglades City, where I am now. I am at the library where I can get on their wifi. Also, I’ll be sleeping here tonight.

Earlier, I saw the temperature in the van is over 38c (100 degreesf). And now at 7 p.m., it is around 94f. As the night comes it will get cooler and more comfortable. Hope you sleep well tonight, I will.

It is Sunday night. I am parked at the library in Everglades City. I will sleep here tonight. Spoke with my daughters, April and Jasmine, today on the phone, always nice.

I heard from over 200 Facebook friends. That was a nice surprise, so many wishing me happy birthday.

I had a great day today, alone, but you were with me.

3/1-2—Something I don’t love are mosquitoes! A few had gotten into the van. You might know that I don’t like to kill anything. But These blood-sucking little vampires are too much. I already itch all over my body, can’t take much more. So when I hear one near my head I kill it. There are still a few in here, though.

No idea where I’m going, but I’ll get there.

The van was making sounds like before. I decided to go back to Alan and ET auto repair to have them check it out. Also, I had to have the air conditioning fixed (it’s not worked for months, I get very hot) and got an oil change. So, only 100 bucks later and I’m driving with a smile.

My computer is working superbly.
The van—Excellent.
My bike—Fabulous.
The unicycle—Great.
Nothing to hold me back, I just don’t know where to go next.

I’ve done both coasts of Florida, I’ve also done the middle. I decided to go back to Big Cypress national park. I do like it here. It will be north from here tomorrow. So close to Miami, but I am sure there are many who grew up in Miami who never have seen Big Cypress Park, that is a sad thing.

I stopped by Shark Valley to ride the bike again. I really love that bike, it really gets me there. Then further down Route 41, then turned down Country Road 94. Driving along, I saw a turn-off for a campground and then went to take a look.

I have not seen them very often, alligators that were about 1 foot long, – little guys. I was thinking about picking one up by the tail and just holding them there, but I didn’t after all. I really don’t want to harass the animals.

I could tell there is not much wood for the fire around So I went down the road with to look for more wood. It is so swampy in the whole area it’s hard to find dry dead wood. I continued down the road and saw a turnoff, so I took it.

This area is way away from everyone. I may be here for the night. I will get wood and have a fire. There is no fire-ring, of course, I will just do my fire on the ground.

I went a gathering wood and came up with much for the fire. There’s a lot out there to obtain when I need more. So, a happy boy am I.

It’s so interesting how watching a fire is so hypnotic. You don’t really focus anywhere you just see you through the fire, fascinating.

While looking forward, I took a walk to see what was down the road. I got to the end of the road just a little way down and found it locked and chained up. It looks as though no one will be on the road tonight except for me. And that’s how I like it. Alone out in the wilderness!

When I park I always try and leave my vehicle pointed in the way I will be exiting. So, after turning around, I’m all lined up to leave in the morning. I do like it here, could stay here forever?

Seemed that the mosquitoes thought the open door was an invitation to come in. So I closed up the doors and I’m currently killing the ones that I can. I’ve been bit up too much – I itch, much. Interesting when you smack a mosquito you know the red is your blood.

In my little hidden away place in the forest, I was hoping to see some animals. At least, perhaps, an orangutan or a zebra or a Cheeta (I know, wrong spelling for the cat. I had dated someone with that name back in high school. I looked her up on Facebook and we reconnected.) But no such luck for any animals, though. Wouldn’t that had been nice!

I was going to wait till morning, but I felt dirty and hot. So I did the shower outside the van as I do. Yes, Kit, naked to the world. I do I feel much better now.

My whole time out here in big cypress Wilderness I saw no vehicles and no people. Very pleasant, nice.

3/3—Moved out of the wilderness into a library in Naples. I was connected for a while working on stuff. Then I went to get some food from a couple of different food banks, both were closed. I will go again tomorrow. But, I keep enough food on board to last me a couple of weeks, so I will be alright.

As you might remember, last year I did not eat, at all, for a full week. I only drank green tea. I am thinking about doing the same thing again, this time for two weeks.

What do you think about the idea?

Will you do it with me?

I found a resort area, golf course, that is completely shutdown. The greens are looking shabby. I went gathering wood for my wood stove and did some juggling, I think I will be here for the night. But, it is only 2 in the afternoon, so a little early to settle in.

There is a McDonald’s within a mile from here, perhaps I will go there and get online, I will let you know.

3/4—I was at a McDonald’s on their wi-fi around dinner time. But I didn’t fall for it and get a meal at McDonald’s. I went out to the van I made up my dinner which is actually quite good.

I decided to go into the town of Naples to look for a food bank or two. I found one that was open on the day I was there. This place gave me so much food, all good, have enough to last me at least one or two weeks.

Two loaves of good bread.
Two containers with cut-up fresh fruit.
Meats, four different kinds.
6 different kinds of cheese.
Bagels.
Cookies.
Some fresh fruit some fresh veggies.
All in excellent condition at no cost to me.
Good food I get from the banks.

Parked in an empty lot, a guy came up and told me I could not park there. He even threatened to call the cops on me. I said to him, what harm am I causing? Then I just drove away.

It took me a while, but I finally found another place where I could park and sleep. Should not be bothered here, hopefully.

Driving along Route 41, the Tamiami Trail, I thought I’d turn off for the Collier Seminole State Park. I found out it was four bucks for you then and at first I thought naa. But I paid the fee and I am loving it here.

I went for a bike ride, a unicycle ride, a walk. Boy, I’m really giving my money’s worth. I think I’ll stay where I am and sleep overnight here, too. There is a campground, but I’m going to see if I can slip in and just parked. Also, showers were available, so I did. So clean and fresh now.

On the grill, I cooked up a chicken burger and two ears of corn. Have you ever cooked corn directly on the coals? It makes the best-tasting corn you will ever have! You’ve got to try it sometime.

Spent all day Here at Collier Seminole State Park. Well worth the 4 bucks to get in.

Take a look, it’s fabulous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxSeZvp6eHI

3/5—On to Costco for a gas fill-up as I am heading toward the north. My friend, Phyllis told me about Siesta Key, up near Sarasota. I will be heading up to check it out. Stopped by a fantastic library in Ft. Myers Beach, where I am currently getting my blog out to you.

I’m lonely out here, I would love to hear from you.

Either through Facebook or email, kitsummers@gmail.com

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MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

Remember when you used to love reading books? This week, pick a book and start reading.My favorite book is, “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. I love this book, it can change your life.

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NEXT BLOG>>

Will be heading toward the north and Fiesta Key. I think I, and you, will like that place.

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(Do you wander or just wonder?)

Please let me know what you think of this read.

Make this a fantastic week for yourself.

With my words, I hope to throw some oblique light upon your life.

By writing this blog I want to inspire you to see life in a different and/or better way and find joy how you can.

Remember, to read past blog posts, go to kitsummers.com/blog/

*** If you are reading this through Facebook, check out my blog on my website.

*** Have you seen – kitsummers.com ?

*** If you are not my Facebook friend, yet, please befriend me.

*** The freedom I am experiencing in my travels is a marvelous thing!

*** Going where I want, when I want, and seeing wonderful places and people.

*** I will have places to show you and tales to tell.

*** I will have secrets to unfold and good news!

I WANT TO TAKE YOU AWAY WITH

ME ON WONDERFUL ADVENTURES!

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INTRO TO THIS WEEK >>

Are you hungry? I seldom get hungry. Last year, as I wrote in the past, I went an entire week eating nothing, only drinking green tea. By doing that I have no fear of being unable to eat for a time. It was good for my mind to go through that, you might try it.

Still do not have my own computer, should be repaired soon. Using a computer I bought (and will return when mine is back) and this computer does not have a place to put in my photo card, so enjoy some more photos from past travels.

That brings up sleep, something I get little of. Come to think of it, I sleep in a different location every night. Only twice I’ve awoken and forgotten details of the area where I was. That’s out of hundreds of times. Seems that my mind is functioning well?

Hannah is doing the same as me in her van in the same state. See is alone, like me, I would love to team up, but she does like her independence, as I do, this might be a problem. You will see some of what I see in my travels >>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvJy8ZJjQck

I itch to get back on the road, but where to go?

Much of the country is just sooo cold.

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WORDS TO INSPIRE YOU! >>

Inspirational quotes and motivational sayings have an amazing ability to change the way we feel about life and can change our thinking.

This is why I find them so interesting, challenging, and important on the path to joy and happiness and finding ways to inspire yourself.

Inspiration >> The process of being mentally stimulated to do a certain thing.

I hope to inspire you with my words.

Words have power!

You see, the way you think and feel about yourself, including your beliefs and expectations about what is possible for you, determine everything that happens in your life. It all derives from your quality of thinking.

When you change the quality of your thinking,

you change the quality of your life,

sometimes instantly!

Just as positive words can make someone smile, and/or, a well-timed humorous quote can make someone laugh, our own thoughts react to the world in real-time. You have this control.

You have complete control over only one thing in the universe — your thinking — and that’s where motivational quotes come in!

To be successful, you have to use each day as an opportunity for improvement, to be better, to get a little bit closer to your goals. It might sound like a lot of work—and with your busy schedule, next to impossible.

But the best part is, the more you accomplish, the more you’ll want to do, the higher you’ll want to reach. So as long as you have the hunger for success, you will always have the power within you to achieve it.

Self-talk is so important—THINK RIGHT!

Motivational words, yes, they’re just words.

But they’re positive words; they will keep you on track.

I hope the words I pick do help you.

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BE INSPIRED BY THESE WORDS>>

From my book series,

“Beyond Your Potential”

Dropping
After my big change and 37-day coma, I had a choice – to work hard and get back to my juggling, or, take a different path in my life – this provided my challenge. I wanted to work toward the top level of juggling that I had before the accident, and, because I had the knowledge, I thought I would easily get right back. In learning to juggle again I dropped, got frustrated, dropped, got sad, dropped, got angry, then dropped again.

The Pain
In one practice session I was working on juggling 4 tennis rackets, something I used to do with no problem. I would throw them up, my hands were not fast enough, I would drop, but keep trying. I was so persistent in everything and wouldn’t give up with anything that I did. I was getting frustrated because I wanted so much to be back to where I was in my juggling before the accident.

In this video, you will see me do my 4 tennis racket routine >>

Boom 

Then, as I was throwing the four rackets in the air, one came down and hit me on the head right in the place where the scare from my brain surgery is. This was a sensitive area and hurt very much. I not sure if it was the pain, or the reminder of the accident, facing the change or from the frustration – but I started to cry – much. The loss and frustration were so in my mind.

Moving On

Yet, I saw at that point that I didn’t have to get back to where I was in my juggling. I had accomplished excellence in juggling before and I didn’t have to prove to anyone, especially myself, that I could juggle again. I knew that I could positively affect the course of my life after I had the accident by going a different direction. I knew it was up to me.

Change for You?

It’s never too late to affect your life. It may be the most important thing we ever do as we move forward through life. We change the way things are, and/or, things change us, we must get used to change. Of course, there are exceptions to almost every rule (except that rule?) You must go forward with finesse to a better future.

The Anger
So many frustrations. So many disappointments. So many difficulties. There were times when I didn’t handle this life-change very well. At times, when by myself, tears flowed as I got angry at myself.

Onward ho!
I learned that we cannot go back, therefore we must press onward toward new experiences. Every challenging experience carries an opportunity to influence things into an even better situation than before the experience occurred.

Possibilities

Every personal loss brings our attention to resources we didn’t know we had; we can do more then we think we can. The secret is to focus on the possibilities, not obsess about the problem and/or the change. This knowledge helped me on my way back from the abbess I saw myself in. I was in the rehab hospital for a time before I figured this out. But, of course, the frustrations and depressions continued on now and then, as they will for everyone.

Changing Thoughts
Yes, there were times as I was coming back to life again that I got frustrated and depressed. There were even times when I thought that it would have been better if I had gotten a spinal cord injury and had been paralyzed. I wouldn’t have had the use of my legs, but I would have still been able to juggle; strange thoughts going through my head. At these times I learned to change my thought patterns from negative thoughts into ones that were positive. Many great innovations are made by people who could change their thought patterns and change problems into forward advancement.

Your Mind is it!
In learning to walk again I miss-stepped, and miss-stepped again. With juggling I dropped, and then dropped again. Each time I learned something new about what I was doing wrong. This same thing happens in our lives and relationships. Each setback is a learning experience, if we see it that way and keep our self away from depression.

Change Your Mind?

The more rejection and frustration you get, the closer you are to your goal. Yes, my goals had changed, from using my body with juggling to using my mind to help other people. My body might be kaput, but my mind, my mind is where it’s at now. This was becoming clearer and clearer while getting rehab to improve.

Think Yourself Healthy
I never even knew about rehabilitation centers before the accident. And I never ever thought that I might end up in one, or in a hospital; I’m sure that you don’t yourself. No one plans on being disabled, yet 1 out of 3 of us will get disabled. Just remember that your mind and thoughts have much to do with your healing and progress. If we think sickness—we are going to make ourselves ill. Forget about expectations that your health is not controlled by you, with your mind you have more control then you know.

Now, it’s time to get out there and do

something incredible that you can rejoice in!

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MY DAILY JOTTINGS >>

2/19—As you know, I want to visit all the national parks in the US. Off of Key West is Dry Tortugas National Park; containing Fort Jefferson. I care nothing about the Fort. The photos I have seen are quite nice of the waters around the Park, very clear water I see.

There is only one boat that makes the day-long trip. I found out that the boat is out for repairs today, no one will make the trip. Being an all day affair, I am told that the boat is sold out for weeks down the line.

Not aware of the cost, I was ready to spend upwards of sixty bucks for the ride. I discovered the cost is $190! To fly over in a plane add a hundred bucks to that price.

For what? Definitely not worth it for me. It would be nice to be there in person, but YouTube videos will take me (and you!) there, too.

I’ve returned to Mallory Square, which was only about a mile away. I can park in handicapped parking all day at no cost, so I will. I will bike out and walk out to see the sites. Right now it is 9:14, I’ve been reading and will some more. This place really doesn’t get going until around when the sun is setting.

Read again for awhile. But, shouldn’t that be “readed”? It’s pronounced like “red”, but spelled with read? It’s not a color, it’s looking at a group of letters. English is a strange language, indeed.

Temp gauge says it’s a comfortable 97 degrees in the van right now, early afternoon.

At 4:27 the gauge is registering 102 degrees, but it doesn’t feel that hot. Sorry if you are in ten degrees up north right now.

2/20—What a change overnight. A windy storm came through and the weather has changed, much. This morning the temp is only 75 (but, that might be warm for you?)

Last night I stayed at motel, well, I parked at in the back of the motel and slept in the van. I’ve found that motels are very quiet and no one bothers you (please don’t let them know.)

I was getting itchy, time for a shower. I headed down to the beach to use the outdoor beach showers. But, of course, first I had to jump into the ocean. Both were quite warm and wonderful.

2/22/21—I like those numbers. Next year it will be 2/22/22.

Remember reading this at that time.

Where do you expect you will be?

What do you anticipate you will be doing?

Today, rain, most of the day. I discovered that they have free WiFi connection at Mallory Square that reaches me in the van, so I am here now.

The chickens like me—I feed them. I’ve found that their favorite if rice. It must be hard to only be able to eat one grain of rice at a time. Yet, I have never seen a fat chicken, have you?

2/23—Last night, I saw Tobin Renwick perform at Mallory Square once again, such a great act he does. He shows the love he has for performing, something I used to do in my show. The audience can’t get enough of his show. Normally performing with a partner, he is performing alone right now in Key West.

Enjoy his show >>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50cgJgahbeY

And, John Stork is in town! I last saw my friend John in Boulder performing on the mall there. Such a great act, take a look >>

Went for a bike ride again today. Key West is not the place to ride. As I wrote before, the streets are too narrow and there are too many vehicles. But, they do have bike paths that go all down the keys. I think I will do some riding when I go further toward the mainland.

Speaking of travels. I am still waiting for my replacement phone to arrive. I miss the adventure of being on the road. Being confined to Key West is nice for the weather, but I might be able to take some cold to be back traveling.

Last night I wanted to park and sleep somewhat near Mallory Square, I was already planning to go there the next day. Any parking near by they had paint saying, “Residential Parking Only”. Hmm, if I were to park and sleep in one of those spacing I would be a resident, too? Well, I wasn’t disturbed through the night.

2/24—At McDonald’s again this morning on their wifi.

Awoken to a clear blue sky ski, should be a fantastic day!

My replacement phone arrived today, so it will be off to Miami with me to Best Buy to have them replace the screen.

2/25—Looks to be another superb day, weather-wise. Last night I simply pulled into an apartment complex and slept there. I made sure it was away from the main drag, Route 1, that goes down all through the keys; much noise from that road.

Around 10am I found a place to park that has grass and also bushes all around so no one could see. This is where I showered outside the van like I do and also cut/clipped my hair and beard. So now I am already for the dance, will it be with Bill and Denise?

Around lunchtime I went to visit Bill and Denise. Bill has been a pastor for some time. Upon retirement he how goes to Mallory Square to preach. I am looking forward to talking with him. I brought everything I need to make delicious tacos for us, lunch soon!

2/26—I arrived at Best Buy and they will need to keep my computer for sure four days. So, what’s a boy to do for that time? first, I must get out of the city, back to the beach I think. You will find out, with time.

Hmm, I wonder who’s birthday is on Sunday the 28^th?

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MY CHALLENGE FOR YOU THIS WEEK >>

Have you ever learned to juggle? If not, this is the week to learn.

There is a multitude of videos on YouTube to help you learn, search there.

If you can already juggle, work on three new tricks that you have never done and keep working on these as you add more tricks.

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NEXT BLOG>>

To the north and the cold?

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