Mr C and I have been planning for weeks to get a rental vehicle reserved for the trip to get the twins. On a number of occasions, we have gone so far as to compare prices and features. We came quite close to actually booking the vehicle a couple of weeks ago, when a discount club I belong to through Staffmark offered triple the number of bonus points going through their site. *We* couldn't decide on whether or not to go ahead and book or wait. The sale was over the next day... so once more the decision was put off. Looking yesterday, Mr C and I just ALMOST booked again. The phone rang, we got distracted...
SHINY!
And forgot again. Today, the discount club couldn't find ANY rentals in ANY parameters I set. As if, in the past 24 hours, ALL the vehicles in Northwestern Arkansas were suddenly booked at the same time we needed one. Thinking just MAYBE one had to book "more than" a month ahead through the discount club- I went to the websites of a couple of the car agencies I know serve NWA.
One of the agencies (Enterprise!) was set up to search a bit differently than the other sites I had been on. I got the base price of exactly the vehicle Mr C said I should look at: A full sized car. Then I went up and down the grades of vehicles, just to see the difference in cost between a mini-van, a full sized SUV, and a full sized car. Tom and I had eliminated "Luxury Car" from our previous search parameters. Who can afford a luxury car?
It appears- WE CAN!
In a strange twist- the dates we need a vehicle for have all the full-sized, mid-sized, and economy cars within $20 total cost of one another... a dollar or two per day. But the "Premium/ Chrysler 300 or similar" was more than $250 LESS than even the smallest economy car, total cost. Wow!
Car rental- Booked! Camp Site- Reserved! Tent- selected, set up/tested/ packed.
Camp gear- gathered, stationed for packing. House/ garden sitters- asked!
**************
The twins are back on the Trail after have FOUR zero/ Near-0 in one week. They are now traversing the beginnings of the most difficult sections of the trail- and it only gets harder from now on out. Two of their zero days were from being sick, and another two waiting for a package containing a replacement stove to arrive. It turned out, AFTER their wait, the package had been delivered and signed for in another town down the trail. It was NOT forwarded- in essence- it "disappeared". So they had to order ANOTHER stove... to be sent farther on up the trail. Their packs are full of meals, and no way to cook them.
They got a few aluminum cans and watched some tutorials on YouTube on how to build a pop can alcohol stove. They are hoping their macgyvered stove will work until they catch up to the new one.
In order for our plans to mesh- they now have to travel an average of 16.3 miles per day for the rest of their hike. Some places, that will be nearly impossible... so they will be needing to make up for it on other days. (Due to the forced zero/ near0 days, their average for their 106 days on the trail so far is now 15.1 miles per day.) As of last night- they have done 1600 miles!
*************
I am continuing to try to get conditioned. Our scale is annoying and highly inaccurate. I don't say that because it weighs light by a good 8-10 lbs. But one can step on it three times in succession, and get a weigh variance of more than 5 lbs. For instance- I was down six lbs. from my best weigh yesterday, when I stepped on the scale this morning. In disbelief, I shifted slightly... and was up two lbs. from yesterday. That's an eight lb. variance just by slightly shifting my weight on the scale. Stepping off and back on- I am less than a lb. under yesterday. I would like to have a GOOD scale! (And, for the record- I KNOW ones weight varies from hour to hour during the day, AND to avoid disappointment/ discouragement, I should only weigh once a week or so.)
Today I walked 5.7992 miles. I wrote it down as 5.8! (Yesterday I walked 3.5167 and just claimed the 3.5, so I don't always round UP). My cumulative total is up to 67.5 miles since the 31st of May. Still not enough to burn an extra lb. per week- but tomorrow I should hit enough distance to equal two lbs. worth of calories burned. I am sure my distance will fall off next week when I have two of the granddaughters here. I'm pushing myself as it is. When I start out every morning, I am ready to turn back before I have gone 300 yards. It takes a mile or more before I have the endorphins kick in!
My cumulative weight loss is six lbs. in the past 3 weeks. We are headed into THM Diet week 4.
*******************
Tom's hobby of looking for houses turned up possibly the BEST address I have ever seen. A house on Buzzard Glory Rd., in Crooksville, Ohio. While it isn't the best house I've ever seen- isn't that an awesome address? Another interesting street name in Crooksville : Portie Flamingo Rd.. I misread it as "Portly" Flamingo Rd. We actually aren't looking for houses in Crooksville, OH... but the Buzzard Glory Rd. came up in a search Tom was doing... and with a name like that, we HAD to look.
******************
That's all for now! Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Friday, June 19, 2015
Another Day...
Time is just relentless, isn't it?
All the times I have wanted to just stop the clock and enjoy whatever was going on- absorb every detail of the moment- could be outweighed by the times I wanted to hurry time along. "I can hardly wait until______!"
One day when I was 11, my brother Ricky and I were talking in my Granny's kitchen. We were talking about how grown-ups didn't seem to remember every single day that had happened to them with the complete clarity we remembered things. We thought it was weird. At the time, you could of probably asked us minute details about something that had happened to us when we were babies, and we could of told you. It was vividly remembered ... not occasions we had heard adults talking about.
Ricky and I discussed the idea that someday, we too might forget what each day had been like in its own detail. That day, and others since, I deliberately committed a moment in time to my memory. We were living with my Granny and PawPaw in their rental house... 1008 Brown Trail. It was on the Bedford side of the street- Brown Trail being the dividing line between the two suburban towns. Ricky and I were cleaning up the kitchen after supper. The floor was tiled in the black and white checkerboard pattern that was fashionable when the house had been built... the white now aged yellow-beige. The sink didn't look out the window- it shared a wall with the bathroom. It was bracketed by high cabinets on either side. It smelled of hamburger patties, fried potatoes, and ketchup. I stared at the floor and told Ricky I was "saving" this moment to remember... and I do.
I have done this from time to time through the years.
We were right- as people get older, they lose the bright clarity of detail they had as babies. Memories of places and events seem all to run together, or get lost or crowded out. We think differently than we did as children.
Instead of savoring each day, we gulp it down without thought, like a medicine pill.
I have been missing my "star time". I need to go out and just sit under the stars, even if it is only for a few minutes. The vastness of creation above- so unimaginable in magnitude. How many thousands of years since the stars were set into their places? How long have the constellations been named? Their titles passed along from generation to generation sitting below them in the nights.
I remember my Uncle Doug taking me outside of my Great Granny's house in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was pointing out the various constellations and telling me their names. He and Dad had gone out the kitchen door and around the corner of the house- as I recall, Dad was having a cigarette. (Perhaps I am mistaken about that- but my memory has the scent of cigarette smoke attached to it.) (This was well over 50 years ago!)
I don't remember ever being afraid of the dark. Maybe I was when I was really small. I do remember Dad telling me there was nothing out there in the dark that wasn't there in the day time. Night has always seemed a time of peacefulness.
Today I woke up to face the morning. My body aches, my right arm especially HURTS. I am going to have to see a doctor as soon as we can afford to, about fixing the carpal tunnel. The brace helps- it helps a lot. But there are days like yesterday when I don't even know WHAT I did to make it ache so much- and I know I have to work tonight. Chicken Fried Chicken night- so twice as busy for me!
Yesterday I got only 1.6 miles in on my walk... just over the 3/4 mile mark, the rain started. Tropical Storm Bill has been circling overhead, a steady downpour for hours on end. Even though it was a short walk, it adds to my "conditioning". I am up to 52.6 miles since May 31st. The diet continues- the weight loss is slow and microscopic thus far. (Yesterday, I stepped on the scale to WOW! FIVE POUNDS gone!... and then realized I was seeing the SHADOW of the indicator line... NOT the indicator itself. So I haven't lost five lbs. overnight. Sigh. Reminder to self- it took time to put on, it takes time to come off!)
I am coming up on my 1000th blog post here- this is #997 or so. Trying to think of some sort of 'giveaway' or prize for comments on the 1000th post. Since I generally have all of 14 or so readers... there is a better chance of getting a prize from me than of winning the lottery!
Be blessed. Thanks for reading!
All the times I have wanted to just stop the clock and enjoy whatever was going on- absorb every detail of the moment- could be outweighed by the times I wanted to hurry time along. "I can hardly wait until______!"
One day when I was 11, my brother Ricky and I were talking in my Granny's kitchen. We were talking about how grown-ups didn't seem to remember every single day that had happened to them with the complete clarity we remembered things. We thought it was weird. At the time, you could of probably asked us minute details about something that had happened to us when we were babies, and we could of told you. It was vividly remembered ... not occasions we had heard adults talking about.
Ricky and I discussed the idea that someday, we too might forget what each day had been like in its own detail. That day, and others since, I deliberately committed a moment in time to my memory. We were living with my Granny and PawPaw in their rental house... 1008 Brown Trail. It was on the Bedford side of the street- Brown Trail being the dividing line between the two suburban towns. Ricky and I were cleaning up the kitchen after supper. The floor was tiled in the black and white checkerboard pattern that was fashionable when the house had been built... the white now aged yellow-beige. The sink didn't look out the window- it shared a wall with the bathroom. It was bracketed by high cabinets on either side. It smelled of hamburger patties, fried potatoes, and ketchup. I stared at the floor and told Ricky I was "saving" this moment to remember... and I do.
I have done this from time to time through the years.
We were right- as people get older, they lose the bright clarity of detail they had as babies. Memories of places and events seem all to run together, or get lost or crowded out. We think differently than we did as children.
Instead of savoring each day, we gulp it down without thought, like a medicine pill.
I have been missing my "star time". I need to go out and just sit under the stars, even if it is only for a few minutes. The vastness of creation above- so unimaginable in magnitude. How many thousands of years since the stars were set into their places? How long have the constellations been named? Their titles passed along from generation to generation sitting below them in the nights.
I remember my Uncle Doug taking me outside of my Great Granny's house in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was pointing out the various constellations and telling me their names. He and Dad had gone out the kitchen door and around the corner of the house- as I recall, Dad was having a cigarette. (Perhaps I am mistaken about that- but my memory has the scent of cigarette smoke attached to it.) (This was well over 50 years ago!)
I don't remember ever being afraid of the dark. Maybe I was when I was really small. I do remember Dad telling me there was nothing out there in the dark that wasn't there in the day time. Night has always seemed a time of peacefulness.
Today I woke up to face the morning. My body aches, my right arm especially HURTS. I am going to have to see a doctor as soon as we can afford to, about fixing the carpal tunnel. The brace helps- it helps a lot. But there are days like yesterday when I don't even know WHAT I did to make it ache so much- and I know I have to work tonight. Chicken Fried Chicken night- so twice as busy for me!
Yesterday I got only 1.6 miles in on my walk... just over the 3/4 mile mark, the rain started. Tropical Storm Bill has been circling overhead, a steady downpour for hours on end. Even though it was a short walk, it adds to my "conditioning". I am up to 52.6 miles since May 31st. The diet continues- the weight loss is slow and microscopic thus far. (Yesterday, I stepped on the scale to WOW! FIVE POUNDS gone!... and then realized I was seeing the SHADOW of the indicator line... NOT the indicator itself. So I haven't lost five lbs. overnight. Sigh. Reminder to self- it took time to put on, it takes time to come off!)
I am coming up on my 1000th blog post here- this is #997 or so. Trying to think of some sort of 'giveaway' or prize for comments on the 1000th post. Since I generally have all of 14 or so readers... there is a better chance of getting a prize from me than of winning the lottery!
Be blessed. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Rambles and brambles
It's been more than 10 days since my last post... and here I am ragging on the boys for not posting more on their blog!
Tomorrow, Daniel and Samuel will be 19 years old. I urge you to text them Happy Birthday wishes (and let them know who you are) at 479 426 4386
They are in a motel for their second day in a row... Sam came down with a norovirus overnight Sunday. Monday, Dan and a trail friend "Werewolf" got him to a motel in town for the night. Sam began to feel better, when Dan was struck down. So a second night in the motel was called for. Reminds me of their first birthday, 18 years ago... both boys were covered in chickenpox. That bout was due to an outbreak from the local public school during its final week of classes, brought home from the older kids.
* They are currently in Massachusetts!*
*Clicking on the enlarged words will take you to more information on the word indicated*
I got their most recent batch of Appalachian Trail pictures last night. These are only between Damascus, and McAfee Knob. They got a brand new photo card for their birthday, so I can add to the pictures as they fill up more cards.
Tom and I got our end of the "pick up the twins in Maine" details worked out... at least the high points are worked out. Some of the details have yet to be decided. One detail is food.... We want to have fajitas one night as we camp. What the second night? What about lunches? We have to carry EVERYTHING we need in... there is no electricity, no potable water, no happy little grocery store up the road. (Nearest town is 30 miles away.) Anyway... the detaily details still are under consideration. We grabbed the very LAST campsite available at the campground that the AT passes through in Baxter State Park for the week the twins HOPE to be there. We took the only two days it was available. I believe God knows the perfect timing- and with that being the only days available anywhere NEAR their anticipated arrival time... we took it. We have been TOLD that this park holds 1/3 of all its campsites in reserve for Maine residents, up to the week before any given date, and then opens them to out of staters. So perhaps we can change plans if it comes down to it.
Meanwhile, back here in Arkansas... I have continued to walk. I am up to 43 miles cumulative total since the 31st of May. I have gained almost back to my starting point on the diet... I sure hope it is muscle gain!
I've had some lovely walks. Have you ever noticed, each variety of tree has its own sound when the wind blows through it? Squirrels and blackbirds are the most likely critters I have found that scold me. The poor, poor killdeer has shown me its "broken" wing nearly daily. (If you are unfamiliar with them, a killdeer builds its nest on the ground, in short grass or gravel. If you get too close to the nest (which is VERY hard to see), the parent birds will land near you and try to entice you to catch them instead, as they flap in convincing helplessness just ahead of you. When you are suitably far from their nest, the bird is "miraculously" healed and flies away! This morning I saw a doe and fawn drinking from a catch pond. Earlier in the week, a snapping turtle and a black snake shared the road with me. I am not freaky about snakes. Just keep June bugs away from me!
Here are a few of my shots from this month. Have a blessed day!
Tomorrow, Daniel and Samuel will be 19 years old. I urge you to text them Happy Birthday wishes (and let them know who you are) at 479 426 4386
They are in a motel for their second day in a row... Sam came down with a norovirus overnight Sunday. Monday, Dan and a trail friend "Werewolf" got him to a motel in town for the night. Sam began to feel better, when Dan was struck down. So a second night in the motel was called for. Reminds me of their first birthday, 18 years ago... both boys were covered in chickenpox. That bout was due to an outbreak from the local public school during its final week of classes, brought home from the older kids.
* They are currently in Massachusetts!*
*Clicking on the enlarged words will take you to more information on the word indicated*
I got their most recent batch of Appalachian Trail pictures last night. These are only between Damascus, and McAfee Knob. They got a brand new photo card for their birthday, so I can add to the pictures as they fill up more cards.
Tom and I got our end of the "pick up the twins in Maine" details worked out... at least the high points are worked out. Some of the details have yet to be decided. One detail is food.... We want to have fajitas one night as we camp. What the second night? What about lunches? We have to carry EVERYTHING we need in... there is no electricity, no potable water, no happy little grocery store up the road. (Nearest town is 30 miles away.) Anyway... the detaily details still are under consideration. We grabbed the very LAST campsite available at the campground that the AT passes through in Baxter State Park for the week the twins HOPE to be there. We took the only two days it was available. I believe God knows the perfect timing- and with that being the only days available anywhere NEAR their anticipated arrival time... we took it. We have been TOLD that this park holds 1/3 of all its campsites in reserve for Maine residents, up to the week before any given date, and then opens them to out of staters. So perhaps we can change plans if it comes down to it.
Meanwhile, back here in Arkansas... I have continued to walk. I am up to 43 miles cumulative total since the 31st of May. I have gained almost back to my starting point on the diet... I sure hope it is muscle gain!
I've had some lovely walks. Have you ever noticed, each variety of tree has its own sound when the wind blows through it? Squirrels and blackbirds are the most likely critters I have found that scold me. The poor, poor killdeer has shown me its "broken" wing nearly daily. (If you are unfamiliar with them, a killdeer builds its nest on the ground, in short grass or gravel. If you get too close to the nest (which is VERY hard to see), the parent birds will land near you and try to entice you to catch them instead, as they flap in convincing helplessness just ahead of you. When you are suitably far from their nest, the bird is "miraculously" healed and flies away! This morning I saw a doe and fawn drinking from a catch pond. Earlier in the week, a snapping turtle and a black snake shared the road with me. I am not freaky about snakes. Just keep June bugs away from me!
Here are a few of my shots from this month. Have a blessed day!
 |
| Garden, mid-May |
 |
| Tom in the Garden, early June |
 |
| The pond is full and overflowing |
 |
| South Pleasant Valley Rd, walking north |
 |
| Someone tell me what kind of flower this is. |
 |
| Rustic Barn |
 |
| BUNNY in the road |
 |
| Doe and fawn |
Friday, June 5, 2015
Going in to the weekend....
One of those weeks where I feel like I have accomplished almost nothing. I did get 19 miles of walking in... but opted to NOT walk today, as I work tonight. As hot as it has been, I have not been consistently wearing the arm brace for the carpal tunnel. I awoke last night to pains that told me wearing the brace should be a priority, even when it is hot!
I should of expected a bum week this week, after the way it started out. Sunday afternoon, Tom and I headed to the Jane, MO., Wal-Mart to get our passport pictures printed. Using a program provided by the passport application site, I carefully pre-sized our pictures and saved on my camera card. We ran out of ink in printing the applications, so also needed ink for the printer. We were less than a mile down the highway, when some IDIOT woman pulled out in front of us from a dirt side-road. She was looking RIGHT for traffic as she pulled directly into our 55 MPH path. Tom locked up the brakes and steered for the ditch. Hearing our tires squealing, she looked our way and gunned it. We missed her driver side rear quarter panel by inches.
Sheeesh! We got to WalMart, and their "instant" picture machine refused to read my camera card. Finally got a one-hour machine to accept it... and found out this Wal-mart didn't offer the ID/Passport sized pictures. I tried resizing and choosing the wallet sized pictures anyway.
So for an hour we wandered Wal-Marts and did our grocery shopping. At length, the pictures were done. It was apparent at once they were too large, even trimmed to the correct size.
Being near to Bella Vista, we headed down the road to CVS pharmacy, where they actually advertise doing instant passport photos. Once again, their machine failed to read my camera card. (I clearly need a new card!) We gave in and had CVS take our photos and print them... $11.99 each! (The Post Office charges $15.00) As we prepared to leave CVS, we remembered we were out of printer ink! ARGH! CVS didn't sell our brand. I found this very ironic... their photo kiosk is Kodak. Their photos printed out on Kodak film paper. yet they don't carry Kodak printer ink...
The CVS was closer to the Bentonville, AR, Wal-Mart than Jane, MO. So we headed to Bentonville. (Bella Vista, AR is sandwiched between Jane and Bentonville.) A quick in- and-out with the ink! As we left the store, I asked Tom if he had the postage stamps we had paid for when we bought groceries in Jane.
Sigh. He thought I had them. Back to Jane we went.
We eventually got home. I got the passport applications printed, and started gathering documents. Tom's freshly arrived birth certificate was right there, as I had made the appointment for the passport as soon as I got his document from the State of Ohio. My birth certificate was supposed to be in the important paper file. I looked THREE times... and in a panic of tears and frustration, started going through random piles of miscellaneous paperwork scattered through the house. This was even more upsetting, because I have been cleaning and there were only a couple of places to look! As I hyperventilated, Tom went to look in the thrice searched important paper file. He was back in moments with the document. Huge sigh of relief!
We got to the Post Office right on time for our appointment Monday. You'll not believe it... Tom's CVS passport photos were mis-sized. Unacceptable. He had to have the Post Office take his after all.
Yesterday necessitated a return trip to the Bella Vista CVS for a refund, which they did with very little aggravation. (Fortunately, Tom hadn't burned the receipt yet and we had been able to retrieve it from the trash!)
The weather is warming up... it IS June! We haven't yet had to turn on the AC, but I am sure the days without it will be short lived.
Dan and Sam are approaching 1400 miles and still going strong!
Some of the family missed my earlier blog post notice: No Camp CowGranny at this time. I just can't afford it. Sad Face :(
Have a blessed day. Time for me to get ready to fry some fish!
I should of expected a bum week this week, after the way it started out. Sunday afternoon, Tom and I headed to the Jane, MO., Wal-Mart to get our passport pictures printed. Using a program provided by the passport application site, I carefully pre-sized our pictures and saved on my camera card. We ran out of ink in printing the applications, so also needed ink for the printer. We were less than a mile down the highway, when some IDIOT woman pulled out in front of us from a dirt side-road. She was looking RIGHT for traffic as she pulled directly into our 55 MPH path. Tom locked up the brakes and steered for the ditch. Hearing our tires squealing, she looked our way and gunned it. We missed her driver side rear quarter panel by inches.
Sheeesh! We got to WalMart, and their "instant" picture machine refused to read my camera card. Finally got a one-hour machine to accept it... and found out this Wal-mart didn't offer the ID/Passport sized pictures. I tried resizing and choosing the wallet sized pictures anyway.
So for an hour we wandered Wal-Marts and did our grocery shopping. At length, the pictures were done. It was apparent at once they were too large, even trimmed to the correct size.
Being near to Bella Vista, we headed down the road to CVS pharmacy, where they actually advertise doing instant passport photos. Once again, their machine failed to read my camera card. (I clearly need a new card!) We gave in and had CVS take our photos and print them... $11.99 each! (The Post Office charges $15.00) As we prepared to leave CVS, we remembered we were out of printer ink! ARGH! CVS didn't sell our brand. I found this very ironic... their photo kiosk is Kodak. Their photos printed out on Kodak film paper. yet they don't carry Kodak printer ink...
The CVS was closer to the Bentonville, AR, Wal-Mart than Jane, MO. So we headed to Bentonville. (Bella Vista, AR is sandwiched between Jane and Bentonville.) A quick in- and-out with the ink! As we left the store, I asked Tom if he had the postage stamps we had paid for when we bought groceries in Jane.
Sigh. He thought I had them. Back to Jane we went.
We eventually got home. I got the passport applications printed, and started gathering documents. Tom's freshly arrived birth certificate was right there, as I had made the appointment for the passport as soon as I got his document from the State of Ohio. My birth certificate was supposed to be in the important paper file. I looked THREE times... and in a panic of tears and frustration, started going through random piles of miscellaneous paperwork scattered through the house. This was even more upsetting, because I have been cleaning and there were only a couple of places to look! As I hyperventilated, Tom went to look in the thrice searched important paper file. He was back in moments with the document. Huge sigh of relief!
We got to the Post Office right on time for our appointment Monday. You'll not believe it... Tom's CVS passport photos were mis-sized. Unacceptable. He had to have the Post Office take his after all.
Yesterday necessitated a return trip to the Bella Vista CVS for a refund, which they did with very little aggravation. (Fortunately, Tom hadn't burned the receipt yet and we had been able to retrieve it from the trash!)
The weather is warming up... it IS June! We haven't yet had to turn on the AC, but I am sure the days without it will be short lived.
Dan and Sam are approaching 1400 miles and still going strong!
Some of the family missed my earlier blog post notice: No Camp CowGranny at this time. I just can't afford it. Sad Face :(
Have a blessed day. Time for me to get ready to fry some fish!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Diet and Exercise...
Mr. C and I have been trying to eat the Trim Healthy Mama (THM) style diet for the past week. Mr. C has been faithfully doing a morning exercise regime. I have been trying to do some walking. (I am just under 14 miles for this week, so far.)
THM says you should lose only 1-2 lbs. per week on their diet. I remind myself- I put it on slowly, don't expect to take it off quickly.
Me, wanting to rush things just a bit, read that walking 5 miles a day will burn 1 lb. in 7 days. I won't make that extra lb. go away THIS week, but maybe in two weeks I will be down 3 lbs. instead of 2! After 9 days on THM, I can see the scale has budged... ever so slightly. Yay! (Still no way I will be below 140 by the end of June. Maybe by the end of September....)
My "goal weight" will eventually be 130 lbs. According to the guidelines, even THAT is a few lbs. over the "ideal" weight for someone my height. But there is NO WAY to make me think I need or want to be under 120 lbs. I am losing weight FOR ME... so I lessen the risk of developing diabetes. So that I can someday, maybe, finally! get to go and hike the Grand Canyon.
Friday nights are automatic "failure" for me on THM. I am the fry cook. I make the hush puppies. I fry the fish. I fry the chicken fingers. All that breading + fat is bad! I try to balance the requisite samples with a salad for my meal. (I need to remember to take WATER to drink- standing over the hot fryer, I may drink 3 or 4 large lemonades, or lemonade+Mt. Dew mix, over the shift.)
I was going to look at getting some new shorts/ shirts for our trip. Guess I better wait to see if I have lost 10-12 lbs. by the end of July. Hit up the thrift stores and clearance racks THEN.
Daniel and Sam entered into New York State today. They are trudging right along. If they don't slow down a bit, they will be hiked PAST the AT and clear into Canada before we catch up with them! Currently at about 1345 miles from where we dropped them off. Here they are, kicking out 20+ mile days, carrying 30+ lbs. on their backs... and I don't manage a simple 5 miles carrying only water, cell phone, and house keys. (My longest walk thus far was today, 4.3 miles).
I am trying to be in good enough shape I can take some short hikes while we are gone to get the boys. As much as I have enjoyed the twins Appalachian Trail hike stories, and the stories of those other souls whose blogs we have been reading, I have searched my heart and found NO DESIRE to hike the AT myself. (Maybe do a "slack packer" support for others who want to hike. But I would rather drive and camp and cook than hike all those miles myself! Take a day hike, a section maybe... but NOT the whole AT.)
Guess that's all for today. Be blessed!
THM says you should lose only 1-2 lbs. per week on their diet. I remind myself- I put it on slowly, don't expect to take it off quickly.
Me, wanting to rush things just a bit, read that walking 5 miles a day will burn 1 lb. in 7 days. I won't make that extra lb. go away THIS week, but maybe in two weeks I will be down 3 lbs. instead of 2! After 9 days on THM, I can see the scale has budged... ever so slightly. Yay! (Still no way I will be below 140 by the end of June. Maybe by the end of September....)
My "goal weight" will eventually be 130 lbs. According to the guidelines, even THAT is a few lbs. over the "ideal" weight for someone my height. But there is NO WAY to make me think I need or want to be under 120 lbs. I am losing weight FOR ME... so I lessen the risk of developing diabetes. So that I can someday, maybe, finally! get to go and hike the Grand Canyon.
Friday nights are automatic "failure" for me on THM. I am the fry cook. I make the hush puppies. I fry the fish. I fry the chicken fingers. All that breading + fat is bad! I try to balance the requisite samples with a salad for my meal. (I need to remember to take WATER to drink- standing over the hot fryer, I may drink 3 or 4 large lemonades, or lemonade+Mt. Dew mix, over the shift.)
I was going to look at getting some new shorts/ shirts for our trip. Guess I better wait to see if I have lost 10-12 lbs. by the end of July. Hit up the thrift stores and clearance racks THEN.
Daniel and Sam entered into New York State today. They are trudging right along. If they don't slow down a bit, they will be hiked PAST the AT and clear into Canada before we catch up with them! Currently at about 1345 miles from where we dropped them off. Here they are, kicking out 20+ mile days, carrying 30+ lbs. on their backs... and I don't manage a simple 5 miles carrying only water, cell phone, and house keys. (My longest walk thus far was today, 4.3 miles).
I am trying to be in good enough shape I can take some short hikes while we are gone to get the boys. As much as I have enjoyed the twins Appalachian Trail hike stories, and the stories of those other souls whose blogs we have been reading, I have searched my heart and found NO DESIRE to hike the AT myself. (Maybe do a "slack packer" support for others who want to hike. But I would rather drive and camp and cook than hike all those miles myself! Take a day hike, a section maybe... but NOT the whole AT.)
Guess that's all for today. Be blessed!
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Five and a half weeks?
That's about how long I have before my original proposition of Camp CowGranny would be starting. However, I haven't been able to "make it happen". Just so much other stuff going on this summer- especially in July.
I am reluctantly saying I can't do it this year.
I still want to have all my Grandkids together... I just can't do it in the next couple of months.
This is not to say that if any of my kids/ kids -in- laws/ former kids-in-laws want to contact me about visiting or having the grands visit, we won't try to work something out... anyone, any time we are home!
(I just referred to house as 'home'. What's wrong with me?)
Lynn/ Glynna... I can try to meet at the half-way point some time if Nickole wants to visit. Bear in mind, I work Friday nights, so it might be a Sat to Thursday sort of thing, or maybe fewer days.
Same for Connor and Alana!
I can't promise to meet halfway for Gavin, at least at the moment. This makes me really sad. The halfway point for that is actually Omaha, TX... which is not too far from my Dad's home. But I can't just take off down there any time.
The idea of meeting at the WMWR was "washed out". Much of the WMWR is closed off due to the flooding and a tornado doing a considerable amount of damage there.
We WILL be at my Dad's, Lord willing and the river don't rise... July 18th-19th.
Which reminds me... FAMILY... mark the date (July 18) and plan to attend Kathie's birthday party. I don't know that the time is yet fixed, but "Saturday afternoon". Simple cake and punch, we aren't planning a buffet this time.
Since I have to work Friday night and it's a 7 hour drive for me, I hope it will be after 2:00 pm! Those of you with just the weekend off may appreciate it being Saturday afternoon as well.
Want to camp? http://www.wattsrvpark.com/ is probably where Gma Rose and Gpa Ralph will set up. NICE PLACE! (Fishing, swimming pool, bathrooms and showers, lots of fun stuff) They will probably be there by Friday- if not sooner.
Those of you who can't attend... sending a card is a nice gesture. But I do hope you will try to be there.
Beyond MY plans and busyness for the Summer- There is the Taylor Family reunion in Broken Bow, very last Saturday in September, I believe. (Grandma Rose's family)
In October, My GRANNY's family (Arretta Gibson Beard) is planning a Gibson Family reunion at the home of Granny's brother Frosty (Forrest)'s daughter in/ near Las Vegas. It was decided it is beyond time for the far flung cousins and kin to get to know one another.
Daniel and Sam are down to about 8 or 9 weeks left in their adventure. We are counting on the increasingly rough terrain slowing them down as they grow closer to the end of the AT.
Prayers for all are appreciated!
I am reluctantly saying I can't do it this year.
I still want to have all my Grandkids together... I just can't do it in the next couple of months.
This is not to say that if any of my kids/ kids -in- laws/ former kids-in-laws want to contact me about visiting or having the grands visit, we won't try to work something out... anyone, any time we are home!
(I just referred to house as 'home'. What's wrong with me?)
Lynn/ Glynna... I can try to meet at the half-way point some time if Nickole wants to visit. Bear in mind, I work Friday nights, so it might be a Sat to Thursday sort of thing, or maybe fewer days.
Same for Connor and Alana!
I can't promise to meet halfway for Gavin, at least at the moment. This makes me really sad. The halfway point for that is actually Omaha, TX... which is not too far from my Dad's home. But I can't just take off down there any time.
The idea of meeting at the WMWR was "washed out". Much of the WMWR is closed off due to the flooding and a tornado doing a considerable amount of damage there.
We WILL be at my Dad's, Lord willing and the river don't rise... July 18th-19th.
Which reminds me... FAMILY... mark the date (July 18) and plan to attend Kathie's birthday party. I don't know that the time is yet fixed, but "Saturday afternoon". Simple cake and punch, we aren't planning a buffet this time.
Since I have to work Friday night and it's a 7 hour drive for me, I hope it will be after 2:00 pm! Those of you with just the weekend off may appreciate it being Saturday afternoon as well.
Want to camp? http://www.wattsrvpark.com/ is probably where Gma Rose and Gpa Ralph will set up. NICE PLACE! (Fishing, swimming pool, bathrooms and showers, lots of fun stuff) They will probably be there by Friday- if not sooner.
Those of you who can't attend... sending a card is a nice gesture. But I do hope you will try to be there.
Beyond MY plans and busyness for the Summer- There is the Taylor Family reunion in Broken Bow, very last Saturday in September, I believe. (Grandma Rose's family)
In October, My GRANNY's family (Arretta Gibson Beard) is planning a Gibson Family reunion at the home of Granny's brother Frosty (Forrest)'s daughter in/ near Las Vegas. It was decided it is beyond time for the far flung cousins and kin to get to know one another.
Daniel and Sam are down to about 8 or 9 weeks left in their adventure. We are counting on the increasingly rough terrain slowing them down as they grow closer to the end of the AT.
Prayers for all are appreciated!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
What to do?
I have a matter I ask you all to pray with me about.
I haven't got to see Grandson 1.3 in six years. Neither have grandchildren 1.1 and 1.2 seen their brother in this time.
Opportunity knocks- he is supposed to be a mere 6 hours away the second weekend in July. Plans were laid for Camp CowGranny to be the 10-17 of July... getting to have at least 8 of the grands together at that time. Returning the more far flung grands the weekend of July 18, when we were all to meet up in East Texas on another family matter... Kathie's birthday. Yes, the cat has been let out of the bag. Ultimately it was I who loosed the kitty. More on that later...
Anyway, finances have been REALLY tight, and we have a major cross country trip we MUST make- to pick up the twins in Maine.
Mr C says I can't afford to have Camp CowGranny this year... especially with needing to go to East Texas on the 18th.
I want to see my grandkids... together! I want them to have the opportunity to play with their cousins.
I am wondering if maybe an alternate plan can be made... me taking 1.1 and 1.2 and 2.1, and camping at the wildlife refuge the weekend of the 11/12th. Meeting 1.3, and all the 3.X's there. It would be just a couple of nights... and much depends on 1.3 actually showing up.
I ask prayers for what to do, and that SOMETHING be worked out.
About Kathie's birthday. She had realized Dad was likely to be planning something- but she really didn't know. She had suggested a venue... which led several of us to believe she knew about the party. Since Dad wasn't keen on the venue... I thought it best to come right out and clear things up. I am sorry I spoiled the surprise...
And I am hoping that I will be able to attend at all... any of the events planned/ hoped for in July.
Thoughts, anyone?
I haven't got to see Grandson 1.3 in six years. Neither have grandchildren 1.1 and 1.2 seen their brother in this time.
Opportunity knocks- he is supposed to be a mere 6 hours away the second weekend in July. Plans were laid for Camp CowGranny to be the 10-17 of July... getting to have at least 8 of the grands together at that time. Returning the more far flung grands the weekend of July 18, when we were all to meet up in East Texas on another family matter... Kathie's birthday. Yes, the cat has been let out of the bag. Ultimately it was I who loosed the kitty. More on that later...
Anyway, finances have been REALLY tight, and we have a major cross country trip we MUST make- to pick up the twins in Maine.
Mr C says I can't afford to have Camp CowGranny this year... especially with needing to go to East Texas on the 18th.
I want to see my grandkids... together! I want them to have the opportunity to play with their cousins.
I am wondering if maybe an alternate plan can be made... me taking 1.1 and 1.2 and 2.1, and camping at the wildlife refuge the weekend of the 11/12th. Meeting 1.3, and all the 3.X's there. It would be just a couple of nights... and much depends on 1.3 actually showing up.
I ask prayers for what to do, and that SOMETHING be worked out.
About Kathie's birthday. She had realized Dad was likely to be planning something- but she really didn't know. She had suggested a venue... which led several of us to believe she knew about the party. Since Dad wasn't keen on the venue... I thought it best to come right out and clear things up. I am sorry I spoiled the surprise...
And I am hoping that I will be able to attend at all... any of the events planned/ hoped for in July.
Thoughts, anyone?
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Appalachian Trail... Metaphor of Life
Our lives here have been centered around the Appalachian Trail for the last few months, and for a few more months to come.
So I tend to think about it, quite a lot.
It struck me that the AT is a metaphor of life.
We start the trail at given point. In life, this is birth!
As a person starts the long hike, they may not have their "hiking legs" yet. As days go by, stamina is gained. You learn what you really need to carry, and what to let go.
Like a child, every day brings new sights and wonders.
You are on a grand journey!
The Appalachian Trail goes up and down hill after hill. You climb mountain after mountain. Some people say it is full of pointless ups and downs!
Like life, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
There are side trails... some you feel compelled to explore, and others you are content to pass by.
You meet people. Some you grow close to, and journey with as long as you will. Others you leave behind as quickly as your legs can carry you. There may be some you would just as soon not see again, yet you are bound to them by the journey itself.
The end of The Trail is your goal... Mt. Katahdin, if your journey began at the Southern end of The Trail, Mt. Springer if you began at the Northern point.
Some people don't make it... for whatever reason, they leave The Trail. Friends are left behind to trudge on.
Some folks make it the entire distance. Finishing The Trail, achieving their goal.
While starting The Trail is likened to birth, finishing it is not likened to death. There are more trails out there.
We just keep walking.
So I tend to think about it, quite a lot.
It struck me that the AT is a metaphor of life.
We start the trail at given point. In life, this is birth!
As a person starts the long hike, they may not have their "hiking legs" yet. As days go by, stamina is gained. You learn what you really need to carry, and what to let go.
Like a child, every day brings new sights and wonders.
You are on a grand journey!
The Appalachian Trail goes up and down hill after hill. You climb mountain after mountain. Some people say it is full of pointless ups and downs!
Like life, you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
There are side trails... some you feel compelled to explore, and others you are content to pass by.
You meet people. Some you grow close to, and journey with as long as you will. Others you leave behind as quickly as your legs can carry you. There may be some you would just as soon not see again, yet you are bound to them by the journey itself.
The end of The Trail is your goal... Mt. Katahdin, if your journey began at the Southern end of The Trail, Mt. Springer if you began at the Northern point.
Some people don't make it... for whatever reason, they leave The Trail. Friends are left behind to trudge on.
Some folks make it the entire distance. Finishing The Trail, achieving their goal.
While starting The Trail is likened to birth, finishing it is not likened to death. There are more trails out there.
We just keep walking.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
May, May, May
Here it is just past the middle of May. My 'goal' for the year was to be under 140 lbs. by the end of June. Instead, I gained significantly. I made a good start walking during a spate of good weather back in February, but quickly fell off when the snow, ice, sleet, and muck seemed never ending.
I got started again this week... Sunday I got in about 3 miles; and Monday, just over 4 miles. Today, I hobbled from the bed wondering if I can make it to the mailbox. (Over-do much?) (I did eventually make it 2 miles.)
Yesterday's long walk was not for walking's sake, or even the thought of exercise. It was one of those days where I just had to "get away". So I started walking. I took a bottle of water with me, and figured I would head back to the house when the water was half gone. I discovered that nearby Daniels Road is a lovely walk. It is an unpaved lane, with flowered walls of honeysuckle, blackberry, and trees almost meeting overhead. Daisies, bindweed, wild hemp, Queen Anne's lace, and coreopsis are in bloom. There is a flowering shrub that I have never learned the name of, covered in tiny, tiny white flowers... the scent takes me back to being a small child. This is the smell of summertime. (Looking through google pictures, it may be "Ligustrum")
It was a very nice walk, even if I did go too far after being sedentary for so long.
Tom added stakes and fencing sections to the garden yesterday, giving the peas and beans something to climb. The corn and squash just don't seem to want to sprout this year. He planted four hills of squashwhich is about three hills too many! but only three hills have had any sprout at all. When our abundance of squash starts rolling in, I remind myself.. "$ 1.69 a lb!, $1.69 a lb! We are growing money!". Not that we sell the squash, but we aren't BUYING it. (I am still working on using last year's squash from the deep freeze.)
I am reading my way through Trim, Healthy Mama , the book Becky got me for Mother's Day. Once I have the basics down, Tom and I shall try this way of eating and see how we do. Daniel had mentioned wanting to try it once he and Sam return from the Trail... Out there, you are burning mega amounts of calories. It changes your metabolism, and once off the trail, your body tries to hold on to every calorie. This can cause post trail weight gain. (See, Daniel so thoroughly researched this hike that he even considered post trail pitfalls!) THM seems like a sensible way of eating. Even Mr. C is willing to get on board with it.
It is less than a month before the twins turn 19. My brother Ricky will have a birthday before then, and Becky and Stephen will celebrate their 10th anniversary. This seems to be a big year all the way around... so much to celebrate! Becky and Tom both have milestone birthdays (30 and 60). Tommy turned 25. Benjamin graduated the Firefighter Academy. Connor graduated 8th grade. Grace and Althea will be one before the year is out. Kathie has a milestone birthday. We hope to have an "End of the Trail" party for the twins... Camp CowGranny... LOTS going on!
Remember us all in your prayers, thank you for reading!
I got started again this week... Sunday I got in about 3 miles; and Monday, just over 4 miles. Today, I hobbled from the bed wondering if I can make it to the mailbox. (Over-do much?) (I did eventually make it 2 miles.)
Yesterday's long walk was not for walking's sake, or even the thought of exercise. It was one of those days where I just had to "get away". So I started walking. I took a bottle of water with me, and figured I would head back to the house when the water was half gone. I discovered that nearby Daniels Road is a lovely walk. It is an unpaved lane, with flowered walls of honeysuckle, blackberry, and trees almost meeting overhead. Daisies, bindweed, wild hemp, Queen Anne's lace, and coreopsis are in bloom. There is a flowering shrub that I have never learned the name of, covered in tiny, tiny white flowers... the scent takes me back to being a small child. This is the smell of summertime. (Looking through google pictures, it may be "Ligustrum")
It was a very nice walk, even if I did go too far after being sedentary for so long.
Tom added stakes and fencing sections to the garden yesterday, giving the peas and beans something to climb. The corn and squash just don't seem to want to sprout this year. He planted four hills of squash
I am reading my way through Trim, Healthy Mama , the book Becky got me for Mother's Day. Once I have the basics down, Tom and I shall try this way of eating and see how we do. Daniel had mentioned wanting to try it once he and Sam return from the Trail... Out there, you are burning mega amounts of calories. It changes your metabolism, and once off the trail, your body tries to hold on to every calorie. This can cause post trail weight gain. (See, Daniel so thoroughly researched this hike that he even considered post trail pitfalls!) THM seems like a sensible way of eating. Even Mr. C is willing to get on board with it.
It is less than a month before the twins turn 19. My brother Ricky will have a birthday before then, and Becky and Stephen will celebrate their 10th anniversary. This seems to be a big year all the way around... so much to celebrate! Becky and Tom both have milestone birthdays (30 and 60). Tommy turned 25. Benjamin graduated the Firefighter Academy. Connor graduated 8th grade. Grace and Althea will be one before the year is out. Kathie has a milestone birthday. We hope to have an "End of the Trail" party for the twins... Camp CowGranny... LOTS going on!
Remember us all in your prayers, thank you for reading!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Where would 1000 miles take you?
1000 miles is quite a way to walk. Daniel and Sam passed the 1000 mile mark on the Appalachian trail yesterday.
Guess what? It isn't even half the halfway mark on their hike. Many people call it the psychological halfway point. They still have more than 1100 trail miles ahead- not counting re-supply trips off trail, and their side trip to Washington, DC.
For Mother's Day this year, I got some sweet gifts from the kids. A heartfelt card from Chris, a book I have been interested in from Becky, a jar of kisses from Connor and Alana. I got calls or Skyped with all of the kids on Sunday. Sam had told me he and Daniel had found me a fancy rock as they were hiking along the trail, and that he had carried it for 50 miles before he was able to ship it to me. Today the package came!
Tommy brought me some rocks from Brazil when he traveled there. The twins have given me some cool rocks in the past for Mother's Day. So I really thought I was getting a rock. I laughed out loud when I saw the beautiful stoneware mug.
Monday afternoon, Tom was helping me trim up my miniature rose bush. It had a lot of dead wood on it. It has grown from the little teacup sized potted rosebush the kids went together and got me for Mother's day more than 11 years ago.
Mr C accidentally lopped off one of the beautiful clusters of buds in the new growth/ living part of the bush. I am trying to root it using the "potato method" I have seen touted the last couple of years. I hope it works, so I will have a new start from this bush.
(I am certainly sentimental about flowers, aren't I?)
Tomorrow, I head to Claremore to see Connor (Grandson 1.1) graduate from 8th grade. It hardly seems that long ago I was headed to Claremore to witness his birth. A few decades ago, 8th grade was a common dropping out point. Young men left school and went to work. Young women married and had families; unless they went on through high school with college in mind.
I was looking for a baby picture of Connor, but got sucked down the drain of memories that I am still too close to be stirred. Maybe later!
Have a blessed day and thanks for reading.
Guess what? It isn't even half the halfway mark on their hike. Many people call it the psychological halfway point. They still have more than 1100 trail miles ahead- not counting re-supply trips off trail, and their side trip to Washington, DC.
For Mother's Day this year, I got some sweet gifts from the kids. A heartfelt card from Chris, a book I have been interested in from Becky, a jar of kisses from Connor and Alana. I got calls or Skyped with all of the kids on Sunday. Sam had told me he and Daniel had found me a fancy rock as they were hiking along the trail, and that he had carried it for 50 miles before he was able to ship it to me. Today the package came!
 |
| Fancy "rock" |
Monday afternoon, Tom was helping me trim up my miniature rose bush. It had a lot of dead wood on it. It has grown from the little teacup sized potted rosebush the kids went together and got me for Mother's day more than 11 years ago.
 |
| My miniature rose bush, given to me by the kids for Mother's day about 11 years ago.
|
(I am certainly sentimental about flowers, aren't I?)
Tomorrow, I head to Claremore to see Connor (Grandson 1.1) graduate from 8th grade. It hardly seems that long ago I was headed to Claremore to witness his birth. A few decades ago, 8th grade was a common dropping out point. Young men left school and went to work. Young women married and had families; unless they went on through high school with college in mind.
I was looking for a baby picture of Connor, but got sucked down the drain of memories that I am still too close to be stirred. Maybe later!
Have a blessed day and thanks for reading.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Small Things
I have several purple iris that have bloomed for me in this rental place over the years- some from my Mom from Granny's house, where Mom's DH has done his best to eradicate the roses, canna, and iris stands that Granny loved so much. Mom brought me a bucket full of irises last year- the last ones she was able to salvage from the place. Last year, they didn't bloom.
This year- Not only have the purple ones come out, but this bronzed gold that was always my favorite at Granny's place.
I never expected to see one this color again.
God is faithful in the small desires as well as the large.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Sometimes
On occasion, God brings certain people into our lives. People with whom we may never have had occasion to interact if not for God's intervention.
One family that we have come to know is the Zesch family.
Three of my children and the attached spouses attend a home based church in the Zesch home.
Through visits to this home church, through social interactions involving my children, Through attending a Motherhood retreat, and through an annual hiking event sponsored by the Senior Zesch (Roy)... our families have come to know one another over the past eight or nine years.
For the past few days, Roy Z has conspired with me. Today that conspiracy bore fruit. He surprised Daniel and Sam at an intersection along the Appalachian Trail.
I certainly wish I could of been there to see the looks on the faces of the twins!
To make this meeting, Roy had to fly to Virginia. Whether he had other business there or not, I cannot say. He had to rent a car and deliberately seek the boys out. It involved determination, no small amount of finance, and the physical effort of hiking.
Sometimes blessings and encouragement come when we need it most, and least expect it. The Zesch Family is one such source, through God our Father.
One family that we have come to know is the Zesch family.
Three of my children and the attached spouses attend a home based church in the Zesch home.
Through visits to this home church, through social interactions involving my children, Through attending a Motherhood retreat, and through an annual hiking event sponsored by the Senior Zesch (Roy)... our families have come to know one another over the past eight or nine years.
For the past few days, Roy Z has conspired with me. Today that conspiracy bore fruit. He surprised Daniel and Sam at an intersection along the Appalachian Trail.
I certainly wish I could of been there to see the looks on the faces of the twins!
To make this meeting, Roy had to fly to Virginia. Whether he had other business there or not, I cannot say. He had to rent a car and deliberately seek the boys out. It involved determination, no small amount of finance, and the physical effort of hiking.
Sometimes blessings and encouragement come when we need it most, and least expect it. The Zesch Family is one such source, through God our Father.
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Accomplished!
The "popcorn" peeling down.
I scraped the "popcorn" down,and washed down the walls. Then Mr C primed with KILZ, and painted.
I am so thrilled.... I have detested the muddy, baby poop gold it had been since we moved in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The garden is planted. This year we have 12 tomato plants and five pepper plants. Four hills of squash- yellow and zucchini. We have both pole beans and peas, as well as bush beans. We put lettuce, spinach, carrots, and leeks into containers. This is much later planting than normal for us, by several weeks.
Here is a cute little bunny who took refuge behind a board in the shed lean-to. Jaffa could smell bunny, and worried at the board for days before he knocked it over. Bunny wasn't caught... but hasn't returned to his compromised hideout.
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