A Snowy Minneapolis Christmas

Spend all day Sunday at Airport, plane was to leave at 11 AM, we were in the air at 8:40 PM. My brother and wife had to stop about an 1 and 1/2 hours drive from my niece's home. But we all made it safe and sound and by 10 AM Christmas Eve Morning were together to celebrate a very snowy Christmas. Even walked 2 miles in white fluffy snow Christmas afternoon.

Was to leave today at 9:15 AM, in the air at 1:40 PM. Am home now with the 3 kit cats finishing up preparations for a second Christmas here in Illinois with friends.

Merry Christmas from Ohio

We were in Indiana this morning, but with a brisk tail wind (gas was $2.84) we were home in Columbus by 10 a.m. Very windy today, but I did get a mile walk, and a mile on Friday. I have a friend recovering from major, major abdominal surgery, and each time I get an e-mail from her telling me that she has gone outside to walk, I put on my coat and go out!

An Early Merry Christmas in Illinois

Early post for Christmas. Weather is still not copperating for outside walking so 3 more miles on the treadmill. Off to Minneapolis tomorrow - have boarding pass and ride to airport. There may be flight delays, but I won't be missing the plane.

Back in Illinois on December 26th and will do more on treadmill then. Until then:

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND ALL and GOD BLESS EVERYONE!

What Goal?

My goal has fallen by the way. The weather has been so nasty that I have only managed to walk a mile on the treadmill each day. Besides, Christmas is coming and I have been cleaning and enjoying decorating. I'm flying up to Minneapolis on Sunday to be with my niece over Christmas. My brother and his wife are driving in from Lincoln NE. Today I have heard at least 4 different weather forecasts so I'm not sure whether I'll be in Minneapolis or sitting on the tarmack in Moline.

The challenge

I'm glad I didn't set this any higher than 5000 steps a day, because I'm barely scraping by.

Wintery Mixes

Walking has now become the treadmill - until the weather lightens up some. So I may not make my goal - 4 miles on the treadmill is not near as much fun as walking outside. I had hoped to get the snow shoes ordered, but I'll wait til after Christmas. Then I'll have more time to explore what is available in snow shoes and also may need to get new walking sticks (I think I'm wearing one stick out). I used to walk on all kinds of wintery surfaces, but I don't want to mess up what the Drs. fixed last year.

I almost blew off going to the gym tonight, but thought better of it. Good thing too - I had the best workout I have had in a very long time. Stress level is better, maybe I'm mellowing out.

We have had some really snowy slippery days, with more on the way for the weekend and on through Tuesday. I love the winter season, but hate driving in the snow and ice. I even love to shovel my walk - I like to do that very early with starlight and moonlight making the my little corner of the world glisten. It is so quiet and peaceful.

My treadmill (not motorized) needs oiling - first thing tomorrow.

My pedometer goal

In November I wrote about the advantages of wearing a pedometer. During this high calorie Christmas season when it is cold and drippy outside, I'm setting a goal of 5,000 steps a day through January 5, 2008. If I can do more, I will, but if I set it too high, I'll get discouraged. My computer download is a bit slow, so as it creeps on screen, I get up, walk through the living room and kitchen and return to my office, adding valuable steps instead of fuming at my CRT.




Update: Because the ticker will forward each day, I'll note here that my first day was 2527 steps, so I didn't meet the 5000 goal--maybe if I'd gone to the supermarket, but it was too nasty to leave the house.

December Afternoon

Really have done well for the last three days -4 miles each day. This afternoon silly orange cat met me on the bicycle path, rolling over on her belly to be petted. I really like walking in this weather, but just wait until it is snowing and sleeting. I do try to get even a half mile in then. No walk outside from tomorrow through Friday - back to work. I will do a mile on the treadmill at Nautilus tomorrow and Friday - no more than that, hate that treadmill.

My neighbor (1/2 mile away) has his front yard filled with Christmas. These last two afternoons, as I was walking up the hill, he was just finishing inflating the last figure.

I'm seeing what I can get done for outside Christmas lights. I only do lights on the trees and greenery sprays and wreaths for the doors, not figures.

New Month, New Season, New Goal

The best laid plans of mice and men: no walk today - a little snow,more sleet and ice. The grass next to the driveway is icy and my mailbox is frozen shut, so I'm waiting for the rain to melt the ice.

I'm going to try the outside walking on days that are good - it will depend a lot on the weather. I haven't bought equipment to showshoe yet. I haven't been on skis since college and with no place close to cross country, I think learning to use snow shoes would be good. Other years, from December 1 through December 31, I have been able to get at least 4 days each week of 3 - 4 miles of good brisk walks in.

This change of plans started me on Christmas gift wrapping - since I have packages to mail off Monday, today is dedicated to making one pick mess and one time cleaning up

End of Autumn Ramblings

I did not quite meet my goal, 35 miles short. I think I could have if I had not been so focused on work related "stuff". Now it is time to set a short goal. See post tonight.

Yesterday I walked five miles

Yes, but before I break my arm patting myself on the back, let me tell you I was wearing a step pedometer, and only one mile was "exercise" done outside. The rest was my normal activities at home, and going out twice to shop. This week I read, "Using pedometers to increase physical activity and improve health" (a review article) in the Nov 21, 2007 issue of JAMA (many public libraries have a subscription). The researchers had reviewed 26 published studies that reported on pedometers among outpatients, 8 randomized controlled trials, and 18 observational. The conclusion was that use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and significant decreases in body mass index and blood pressure. This was across all ages, races, gender, and state of health.

Some guidelines specifically recommend 10,000 steps a day, although I don't know that this goal would change the outcome. So, ladies, clip on that pedometer. I'm not sure why it works, but people, me included, seem to increase their activity level when using a pedometer.

Thanksgiving Blessings

What a difference in a year! So many things to be thankful for - God's beauty in the world around us, walking, seeing, hearing, touching, feeling, health, family, friends, letting my brother and niece persuade me that Blue kit cat was not a bad cat, just a misguided one - among a few! I am sure that I won't make my goal of 300 miles, but that is okay. I have tried to cram two years of projects into one year with the house and yardwork and my job. It is true what they say" Thank God for everything". My walks are filled with so many wonderful treasures to remember and acquaintances that I have met along my route.

My niece is here for Thanksgiving and my brother and his wife are driving in from Nebraska. Dinner will be shared with my sister-in-law's family. What a Glorious Day!
I think my niece and I will probably walk the route this morning.

I still have 9 days left before November 30, if the weather holds. Hope it does, want to walk more and work in the yard.

November Thanks

This November is truly a time of reflection and renewal for me. The weather has been fairly mild, but windy. The walks have been my usual route, but with the changing colors of the leaves. No more turtles, but I do see the blue heron. I have so much to be thankful for and enjoy looking over the beautiful sights of the walks, meeting town neighbors and the critters and listening for the sounds of fall.

I've had quite a few vacation days to work in the yard, but have really procrastinated. Now I need to get on the job of preparing for winter!

Catching Up on Autumn Days

It has been a really great day! Two walks - 4 miles each with another mile on the treadmill at the gym. I really should be doing yardwork but just not today. I'll work on the yard tomorrow afternoon. It is really strange leaf turning color time here in western Illinois - some leaves are totally changed and trees like the black oak in my yard are barely showing any reds or browns. We haven't even had a slight frost yet. Still, I see so many squirrels hiding away lots of nuts - who knows what the weather will be in a month!

I'm planning on walking lots this week. Friday I'm headed to Nebraska to visit my brother and his wife for a few days - making up for the trips Im missed last year (two out of state trips in one month).

Two Weeks of Walks

Walking here and there. Last weekend Minneapolis, this week home. The weather is so changeable, but I think now autumn has really started to settle in. The trees are just starting to turn color in some places and are in full color in other places. I have seen a couple of deer early in the morning and the squirrels are bustling about with burying walnuts. The weather is great for walking and hopefully for the next four days I'll be able to get 2 treks a day since I am off from work until Wednesday. I did not get 2 treks in today but did manage another mile on the treadmill besides my AM walk.

This is a glorious day - another birthday and right on the day of the week I was born. At this time last year I was just starting my bout with the hip thing - how great it is to be able to enjoy walks and exercise.

Cool weather walking

I'm just shy of 400 miles logged on my iPod. Next week is fall break and my goal is to walk the final 8 miles before I go up to spend a couple of days in silence and see my spiritual director.

Now it is Beginning to Feel Like Fall

Almost two weeks since posting - busy as a beaver building a dam. Yardwork, cleaning house, work at work, enjoying the kit cats, and a visit from my brother. Yet I can still do very well a procrastinating.

My walks are mostly after work so it will be 4 milers except the days at the gymn when I may be lucky to get 2 miles in outside and 1 on the treadmill during my workout. I need to get started on my treadmill at home in the AM. I'll start that next Wednesday. I'm only in to work one day next week - the remaining days I'm off with yardwork and then getting ready to visit my niece in Minneapolis on the 6th thru the 8th.

Much different weather now - cooler. Today was warm walking. Saw the geese overhead and could smell someone burning leaves. The squirrels are truly gathering the feast for winter. Every once in a while I am able to catch a glimpse of a fish feeding. The canal is really shallow, but somewhat murky and muddy. Still, I have seen quite a few fish top feeding.

I only see the blue heron in the early morning so will be watching for him tomorrow at 6:30AM. Two more days and it will be "October's Bright Blue Weather"!

Home from Ireland

We had a wonderful time in Ireland, a trip I'd recommend for anyone. I logged the trip here. Stop by and take a look. I did quite a bit of walking, but not the distances or efforts I anticipated. Now trying to get out in the mornings before the heat sets in.

A September Saturday

I had to lower my goal - forgot to consider the decreasing hours of sunlight, travels to visit brother and niece, and bad weather days. I'm working on my aversion to the treadmill - so maybe I'll have a few more hours using the treadmill. I'll be doing a mile on the treadmill at the gymn (that treadmill is motorized) every other day.

Chilly in the mornings this week, but the temperature during the days warmed quite nicely. It is supposed to be warm this week.

This morning was very quiet - I think everyone was sleeping in. The Canal was so still this morning, not ripple in the water. I came upon a flock of geese and some twittering goldfinches and enjoyed the last blooms of summer. Weekends will give a double dose of walking - 4 miles in the morning and 4 miles in the late afternoon.

Beginning New Goals for Autumn

Having made a new ticker with new goals - we'll see what happens. No sure if I'll meet my goal - am hoping for beautiful fall weather and not working overtime. Counting today, I have made an 15 mile dent in my goal since Tuesday morning.

The weather is wonderful today. As I walked out of the house this morning, I saw 2 eagles overhead. Down the road I traveled with my walking sticks click clacking - the rhythm helps increase my pace. Along my normal route, I encountered busy squirrels both eating some nuts and burying some food away for winter. Turtles were sitting on a log in the middle of the canal and then rook a dive in the water.

A fast paced walk this morning and hopefully a second this evening. I'll be working in the yard this afternoon and beginning to clean the garage - I have put the garage thing off long enough!

A Goal Completed

I made it and with a few extra miles! With the wonderful weather we had this weekend I was able to accomplish 2 walks a day. Today was special with seeing the blue heron this morning - very early. Then this evening I saw 4 squirrels and a groundhog, all gathering food. The squirrels were burying the nuts, but the groundhog was chowing down. I saw some really tall sunflowers and some goldenrod. Very appropriate for September.

Tomorrow is a new goal to set - I think 400 miles by November 30.

Almost there!

I may just manage to meet my goal. With the sun rising later, I lose about a mile in the morning and haven't been able to walk after work - too late getting home. But only 19 miles from my goal - I can surely do that in 5 days. Especially since I am on vacation tomorrow with Labor Holiday on Monday. Home over the holiday weekend with lots of yardwork to accomplish. Then wash, wax, clean up the Jeep, and clean the garage. I really need that kind of work right now. Physical, not mental - my brain needs a rest from budgets and accounting.

The Morning Walks have been so filled with God's creation - even saw a muskrat. All the lovely flowers, shrubs, and trees are doing so well this year because of the rain. This summer has flown by - it has been 5 months and 2 weeks since I was in the hospital. How wonderful it is to be able to do things on my own again! :-)

Ready to return

We're getting ready to return to Columbus, and then in September we'll be flying off to Ireland. I don't think I'll reach my goal of 250 miles before Labor Day, but it's been fun trying. Here are some of the sights from my walk yesterday.



Meeting friends along the lakefront.

A gull resting on a rock.

Families gathering to chat.

Early Sunday Morning

A week of walking added 15 miles. Rain and work took a big part of my walking time and since I don't do the "dreadmill", I only have myself to blame. All in all, I met three new puppies and two new acquaintances that live along my routes. I also see that the squirrels are really starting to gather food and hide it away for the winter - and it is only August!

We have had such a wet summer that some of the yards are being mowed twice a week. The lilies and daylilies bloomed so beautifully this year. And I found a garden devoted to zinnias, so bright and colorful. I just made it back to the house before it started raining really hard.

Beach walking

Last week I had a few days off and managed to do some longer walks, on Friday we walked the length of Blakeney Point on the North Norfolk Coast- a walk of 7 miles there and back! The sea was beautiful, the air fresh, with a cooling breeze...bliss!

Sultry Sunday

A sultry morning, but not as bad as afternoons. It is walk early and then work inside in the afternoon. Haven't done much walking in the afternoon because of the heat and humidity.

My route is basically the same - down the 1/2 mile road, into the little town of Colona, then along the Canal bicycle path, and then back to my home. I always encounter new "critters" and fellow walkers, bicyclists, and some trying their luck at fishing.

The turtles are really active and growing and if I'm lucky, I'll see some fish surface feeding. The dragon flies are zipping through the tall grasses along the banks of the canal.

Three hundred and counting

I made 300 miles...whew. Now I'm trying for 200 miles over the next 100 days.

Walking the lakefront

It has finally stopped raining and feeling like a steam bath, so today I got out and walked 2 miles. I think I'm at about 125 in my 250 mile goal to meet by Labor Day. I'll certainly have to hustle, won't I? We are going to Ireland in September, and I think I'll be doing some walking while on tour. Despite all the fabulous ice cream stores here, and eating out more, I think I'm sticking with my weight loss which was reached in February. Took a writing class and watercolor workshop this past week, and attended some lectures on Asia. You can catch my Lakeside entries at http://collectingmythoughts.blogspot.com/search/label/Lakeside

Busy Weekend

Another 26 miles. Busy week and totally stressed out about having to go to workshop. Seems like everytime a workshop is planned, all the problems start the workday before. Would rather be fixing the problems.

Missed my walk this morning - raining.Then, it was too hot and humid and I was busy getting my act together for the next week. My Jeep decided to have a problem with the back door latch and dome light so I'll be leaving at the dealer to fix while I'm gone.

The walks this week were early in the AM. Saw lots of baby turtles and baby rabbits. One squirrel was hauling off a big walnut. Almost every walk I stopped to pet a big orange cat that lives near the canal.

More next Sunday.

Friendly Sunday

Another week as gone with an additional 29.5 miles. All week has been good walking weather. But it will be warmer this week. My walk today was filled with meeting friends and talking so I really was not very speedy. The walk down my country road was filled the gold finches sitting on the fence, singing and chattering. By the canal, I came across a ground hog just heading to his burrow, met up with the rabbits and squirrels, and spotted some turtles diving for a meal. On the way back, stopped by friends to see their puppy and stopped at another friend's garden to discuss tomatoes and peppers. Then back home. I did a little work outside, but way too humid for much more than about an hour. Taking a few days off this week to work in the yard in the morning and clean house in the afternoon. Next week I'll be in at a Dept of Labor training session. Hopefully the hotel will have a treadmill so I can at least get a mile or two in.

Beach walking

3 miles today- it was beautiful!

More photos here

Twelve more miles

I'm twelve miles short of 300 this morning - having walked more than 30 miles while on retreat 10 days ago. My goal is to finish the 300 miles by the weekend - then commit to another 300 before the new Church year begins!

I told my spiritual director that I think I pray with my feet...and have some serious discerning to do in the next days and months, which I hope I can walk and pray through!

Rethinking A Goal

Time to rethink my original goal. Since I've added 2 - 1/2 hr exercise sessions to my program and on August 1 am adding every other day at the gymn for weight training, I've reset my miles to 230 miles. I need to build up my stamina and endurance, hence the weight machines. Plus the hours at work have slowed me down since I am working later than I had planned.

Still my walks are joyous. This week it was rainy and I couldn't walk for two days - no treadmill (dreadmill) for me. I'm trying to get out by 5:30 to 6AM - beautiful sounds. There are families of bobwhites, meadowlarks, and whip-poor-wills living in the fenceline. The whip-poor-wills usually sing in the evening, but I hear soft songs at sunrise. The whole 3 and 1/2 miles are filled with bird songs.

Monday, Monday!

Aonther week has passed. I wasn't able to walk last Monday, but have every day since. The secret for me is up and out just before dawn. I see so many creatures in the early morning. The blue heron was hanging out over the canal - waiting for breakfast maybe. Two squirrels, a black and a grayish red, were having a game of tag. A turtle was catching his breakfast. There are so many dragonflies and butterflies this year - I did not know they were such early risers.

Finished the walk with watering the potted plants and then off to get ready for work.

Technology failure!

My laptop failed to bootup yesterday, so I'm in the hotel lobby. Won't be doing much blogging until I can get it fixed back in Columbus. It was too hot on Monday and Tuesday to do much walking, but I have been riding my bike. That keeps the air moving. Yesterday a lovely cool front moved in, so today I'll have no excuse.

Walking, swimming and gardening

Well I haven't done much walking apart from last Friday about 4 miles at the beach, but on Saturday I did lots of lifting and carrying, on Sunday I swam 3 miles, and today I've spent a few hours in the garden.... lots of excercise one way or another and I'm feeling good!!!

HOT! HOT! HOT!

That is what it was today. Still did another 3 and 3/4 miles, but really was lazy afterward. I really did do just as I pleased this week, must now pay the piper for a while.

We're enjoying the lake. It is supposed to be quite hot today, so I'd better start early. I've got 84 of my proposed 250 by Labor Day (September 3).

Freedom Walking

It has been a week of walking for freedom. I cherish these walks during the week of our nation's birthday. Mom was first generation born in the United States and Dad came through Ellis Island in 1920. Both were ardent lovers of American history, with Dad putting a Scottish twist on the American Revolution.

I have had some vacation time during this week and have taken full advantage of just doing what I want. The walks have been filled with the sounds, smells, and sights of summer - baby birds learning to feed themselves, bunnies nibbling at purple and white clover, and young squirrels with not so thick tails seeming to play tag in the trees. Schools of small fish are darting about in the canal and the turtles sun themselves on the floating branches. I haven't seen the blue heron - I don't suppose I was out early enough.




So it is back to work on Monday with a renewed spirit!

small steps

The weather in the UK has been foul so to walk it is a case of grabbing the opportunity between frequent storms- I have done a bit of tai-chi though, just to get my body moving, and managed a couple of beach walks- so all will be well- small steps.....

Saturday Wanderings

3 and 1/2 miles each morning since last Sunday so I've conquered another 21 miles.
I may walk again this afternoon after weeding by the patio - we'll see what I get done. Tonight I'm off to see "High School Musical" cast with our local high schools' students - best friend's daughter has a part. So it is an early off work outside day for me.

The mornings have been cool, but not without humidity. Yesterday and today were just perfect - very little humidity. The day lilies in the yards are just gorgeous - mine are yet to bloom and I think the moles decided the bulbs were good to eat.

Monday a small plane crashed in a soybean field, about a 1/4 mile from my home. No survivors with the crash being under investigation - it was very foggy at the time, visibility on my road was about a 1/4 of a mile.

walking at last

Only about a mile as I am suffering from terrible backache, but it was good to be moving! I went to the beach, and though it threatened to rain, it was quite lovely, I even saw seals close to the shore!

I need to get back to walking

I need to get back to walking, having spent the last few months studying, I now find I have thyroid problems, and recurring bouts of depression- and though I know walking would help I find I am motivationally at a low ebb. The weather here is not helping....so I guess this post is a request for prayer and a statement to myself...I need to get back to walking; it might even help my bad back!!!


(poppies on the sea wall at Snettisham)

Catching Up on Sunday

It has been rainy and cloudy since Thursday, but this week I managed 3 and 1/2 miles each day on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and then 3 and 1/2 miles today - 45.5 miles to my goal. God is gracious and has made my life so good. I realize now that even though I have a full load at work there is time for me to enjoy the Lord's Creation. The walk today was pretty brisk, but I stopped to talk to some teens fishing and to an acquaintance walking a daschund. The walking sticks are helping me to lengthen my stride - maybe I'll be close to a 13.5 minute mile by September.

Home is mostly now a peaceable kingdom, with the three Kit Cats really doing well together (only with a few spit spats). Lots of yardwork and housework to catch up on, but I am able now to do most things on my own (except for lifting real heavy stuff). I think that was the hardest part of this whole hip infection thing was not being able to do just simple things, like putting on socks and shoes. Especially when you are a "Thank you very much, I can do it myself person."

Walking the vineyards

I've walked almost 10 miles since we arrived at my dad's farm in the central California foothills. I've been walking down the dirt road that winds through fallow fields and lush vineyards. The wild artichokes are in bloom, and the violet spikes against the golden dried grass makes a rich contrast. Nearly the whole family is assembled now, and getting the 30 minutes alone is keeping me sane. Even on 10 acres, it's hard to hide. My introverted oldest was trying to find a few minutes peace, which I finally enforced by telling his brother and various cousins to beat it up the hill to their aunt's. They left, spitting out "introvert!" as if it were an epithet.

Watch out for ticks

It started to rain just as I readied for a walk, but we really, really needed it. If you're walking this summer check out my entry on ticks. There's a new tick disease (i.e., about 15 years old) in the southern states. I've got 56 miles of my 250 mile goal. We leave for the lake tomorrow, so hope to do a bit more up there.

Walking along the river

Two rivers go through Columbus--the Scioto and the Olentangy. Our condo streets are filled up with trucks resurfacing our asphalt, so while out on an errand today I stopped at the park along the Scioto and walked a very plesant mile along the river. I'm at 52 miles into my 250 miles by Labor Day.

Monday Miles

Today was another 3 and 1/2 miles, so with my Saturday and Sun day walks, I'm at 31.5 miles to my goal. The morning was cloudy and not so warm. I was walking earlier than the last two mornings - my route was filled with the early morning outside sounds. I met a groundhog who didn't quite know whether to stay or wander off. The rabbits were munching on new clover.

This afternoon we got some much needed rain - we could use more. The ground is so dry and the little flowers that were planted wilt fast in the hot weather.

We'll see what tomorrow morning brings with a little cooler temp.

Does this happen to you?

Usually I change my clothes when I go out for a walk. When I return, they've been taken over by Prettiest Kitty in the World who seems to think I've created a new bed for her.

Friday Follies

And here it is my new goal - hopefully by Labor Day - another 5K is on.
I have walked 3 and 1/2 miles each morning since Sunday. Still need to get it together to walk in the evening after work.




I also have plans of hitting the Nautilus machines on July 1. I need to fax my surgeons the name of the machines I use to see which ones I can still use after hip replacement.

The days really are hot by 10 AM, but walking in the real early AM is neat. I see the Blue Heron almost every morning and enjoy watching God's little creatures having their breakfast feasts - bunnies and squirrels all over the place. We could use less heat and some good gentle rains. The yards and flowers are not doing so well.

Walking hi tech style

I thought you all would find this interesting. this person has built a desk to fit on the treadmill and is "walking across American" while he works. Check it out at:

http://walking-desk.blogspot.com/

I walked 1.7 miles on the treadmill today - I'm a little frustrated because it is so hot here and I am using the treadmill inside. I think I enjoy walking outside more! I need to get my ticker to readjust also as I thought I might want to do minutes, but I like the mileage better.

You walkers are really inspiring me!

Sticking to the shady spots

I think I'm at 41 miles in my 250 mile walk. It got a little warmer than I expected, so I walked in the shade near the creek. Watched a family of 13 ducks.



It was at least 10 degrees cooler under the trees.

Walking and Praying

I'm delighted to find more walkers, thanks for asking me Cathy! I've been trying for 2 miles a day -- the exercise is one goal, more important is finding 30 minutes a day to be "off duty": not Mom, not the department chair, not the research advisor or teacher. Some days I end up going in circles around the block at 9:30 at night, but I go!

I've been walking with the British Jesuits' daily meditations. Calm music, one of the daily readings, an invitation to prayer and reflection.

Saturday and Sunday Walks

Race for the Cure 5K - 3.11 miles. I managed to knock 2 minutes a mile off my pace per mile - now am at 17.84 minutes per mile. Then home to work on flower planting. Worked so long that I just had time for one mile before it got dark so - I missed my goal for this time by a 1/2 mile.

Sunday after Church, I finished 3 and 1/2 miles and am out again to plant flowers. This flower planting takes longer than it used to since I am really slow and careful at kneeling down to plant and getting up to water what I just planted.

Time to re-up, set new goal through Labor Day, and make a brand new ticker.

Golden Friday

On Wednesday, 3 and 1/2 miles in the morning and 2 and 1/2 miles in the evening with a chocolate Dairy Queen cone as a reward. Thursday, too windy to walk in the morning. I moved the potted plants to a sheltered place - straight line winds of 30 mph with higher gusts were predicted. In the evening, stayed later at work and then stopped to pick up our Race for the Cure packets, so no walk.

This morning was beautiful - a day off and it just seemed golden outside. I walked a leisurely route and stopped to talk to some friends I hadn't seen since early last fall. God's creatures were certainly busy along the canal. I heard cardinals, orioles, blue jays, robins, wrens, and red-winged blackbirds. The fish are still jumping and there were squirrels scampering along eating their breakfast. The 3 and 1/2 miles went so fast. So, I'm at 95.5 miles. With the 5K tomorrow and a quick walk tomorrow evening, I will just meet my downsized goal of 100 miles and finsh planting my flowers tomorrow.

93 degrees predicted for today

So I got 3 miles in--2 at the park and 1 around the condo sticking to the shady areas. I'll have to check the ticker but I think I'm at about 30 miles on my 250 mile walk to Lakeside and back.

A Rethink of Goals

Have managed 3 and 1/2 miles Sunday, 7 miles on Monday, and 3 and 1/2 miles this morning bringing miles to 86. Kind of overdid last weekend and Monday and still have much yard work to do, as well as some work related crises to handle through the end of June. Would rather have flowers planted and shrubs trimmed, so I'm revising goal for Saturday to 100 miles total and having the flowers planted and some trimming and weeding done. Will re-up goal on Sunday. Saturday is the 5K Race for the Cure and I want to be able to complete that.

Saturday Times Two

I finally quit procrastinating about the second 3 miles - even did 3 and 1/2 this afternoon! I really need to do this everyday I can - increases my energy level instead of just loafing around.




This morning's walk was filled with squirrels, rabbits, and robins everywhere. When I was returning around my driveway - I heard several parent birds calling to their young and was just in time to see a red tailed hawk fly out of the corner evergreens and across the field. I don't think he managed to catch any baby birds.

This afternoon's walk was at a faster pace. I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish this June. On the way back - I was able to hear and see the Air Force Thunderbirds streak accross the sky several times. The Quad City Airshow is on this weekend and is performed about 20 miles from my house.

Working it in

I helped with my daughter's garage sale yesterday, but got there early and walked about 1.5 miles in her neighborhood and a near-by park. I walked past a house we had looked at when for sale in 1998. Still cute--backs up to a woods, which was the attraction for me. But we love where we are now. Then I walked another mile around the condo grounds when I got home. Check my regular site for my great garage sale finds. So that puts me at 16 for my 250 mile walk by Labor Day. It's back to the lake today so I should get some walking done there. I wonder what has happened to the feral kittens.

Frivelous Friday

Another 3 miles this morning. The canal was very quiet today, but the birds were truly singing. Lots of baby birds wanting to be fed. Some of the babies are now almost as big as mama bird.

I was going to do another 3 later today. We had storms move through this afternoon and then I procrastinated about the second walk. There was quite a bit of damage in southeastern Iowa. I am fortunate that we had the rain, but no tornadoes.




I had ordered a garden scooter to make the yard work easier. Of course there is some assembly required. I am challenged on"assembly required" because I don't want to take the time to assemble. But it arrived today so I am in the middle of assemblage. This added to the procrastination for the second walk. I will have to put a hustle on to meet my goal.

Trotting Along on Thursday

Thought I would not be able to walk this morning, because of rain. But the rain quit just in time for me go the "3" before I got ready for work.

The trees were still dripping with the new rain. The air smelled so fresh and all around was glistening with the sunlight on the leftover raindrops. My neighbors down my road passed me on their way to work and gave a wave. I really missed the walks last fall, winter, and earlier this spring.




I have tomorrow and Monday off - so 4 glorious days of digging in the dirt, planting flowers, and walking.

My ticker

My ticker with the sailboat is also set at my regular blog, and my Thursday Thirteen is about this imaginary walk. I'm at 14 miles now for the walk to Lakeside (250 miles). I walked in the park today at 7:45--supposed to get to 93, so I didn't do the outside trails, but stayed in the shade.

A Windy Wednesday

Another 3 miles this morning. The Blue Heron was checking out the food line in the Canal. The fish are very active right now - not sure if he was able to snag one as he swooped down over the water. Many baby rabbits and squirrels are running about along the path. At the edge of the water, I saw the blossom of a spiderwort and along the other side of the path, the crownvetch is just starting to bloom.




Met the other Malamute-Siberian Husky on my route. He barks more than his sister - she howls. They live across and down the block from each other. This weekend, he had made himself some trouble by tearing up the lawn cushions - snowy stuff all over the yard.

Pentecost to Labor Day

Mixing my religious and secular holidays, but I'm saying 250 miles of walking by Labor Day! I'm calling it Walk to Lakeside and back. Lakeside is our summer home on Lake Erie, and my husband says it is 244 miles round trip, but he's a bit anal (he also knows the number of minutes with pit stops and if the cat doesn't get sick), so I'm going to call it 250 miles. I did 5 on Sunday, 2 on Monday, 1 on Tuesday and 2.5 today, so I'm setting up my little ticker at 10.5 miles toward my Labor Day goal. I don't set goals for just anybody, so you ladies are very SPECIAL! This Thursday I'll do a Thursday Thirteen on the plan.

Tuesday was Monday Today

Monday holidays are always hard to come back from. Tuesday has double the work.
Managed 3 miles yesterday and 2 and 1/2 this AM before work. After seeing the weather forecast through next Monday - rain on and off, I may have overset my goal. I wanted to complete 3 miles in the AM and 2 in the PM. We'll see what happens - Either way it is good for me to walk, keeps me focused on when I should be thinking about work and when I should be thinking about play.

I met up with my Malamute-Siberian Husky friend and her owner this AM. We had quite a talk about our pets and how they light up our lives.

Finish the season at 89

I walked a mile on Friday and on Saturday. It was a bit rainy at the lake, but that brings the season to 89. I guess I'll start Pentecost still walking, but setting a goal doesn't work well for me. I walked 5 miles on Sunday and 2 today, so I'm at 7 for this new season. Walking is about the only exercise that works for me, so I'll stay with it.

Saturday morning when I left our cottage at Lakeside about 5:30 it was still dark. I heard some strange squeals, so I went back inside and got a flash light. Six kittens between the steps and the foundation. I'm afraid they are getting so big she won't be able to get them out. It's one thing to drop down with the little blob of fur in your mouth, quite another to jump straight up. After talking to the neighbors I think this is the 3rd location.