Finish Line

An entire year of my daily observations written in under a minute has ended. You may not know me any better but I feel like I know more about myself.

I can live fairly well on less, I am stronger both mentally and physically than I thought and I need to make choices regarding where I expend my energies. I try to decide which problem, relationship or activity will benefit from my attention and which will just be draining.

Staying true to my authentic self and engaging life with an open heart.

Post Bocce Pains

It may be a small ball, but it's not light. Do I call a chiropractor or my massage therapist on Monday?

Can't Alway Get What You Want

Less money, one less cell phone, a firm 10 hrs a day, no more dental insurance, paying for gas to FF and back but we get to spend Fridays together. Today, new tires to keep him safe on the commute.

Better

Late nights and lots of driving or sitting left me disjointed, literally. Today is the first day I feel good again in my skin.

Dislike

Karen Garmin had a couple of TIA's during the road trip which caused some anxiety on Stephen's part. I guess skyscrapers act like canyons to block satellite signals. Although she sent me down the wrong exit in Mpls, I think my first workout last night with Jillian Michaels was more distasteful.

Back to Work

Hard to rise and shine but needed to jump back into the routine.

Let's Go

Up, out the door and back on the road. Looking forward to lunch with Kathy. Glad Glenn made arrangements to work from home so he will be there to greet me.

Making the Grade

chicago skyline at night. fireworks over navy pier. last train of the night. talking until you drop. successful trip.

Guess

treated 2 mussels and loud surf music in the western suburbs of chicago last night. one was better than the other.

YAWN

Not normally a night owl. Two late nights on little sleep.

Crusing the Coulee

Funny word. G8t 4 getting ur heart rate elevated.

Spoiled

Defines the hubby and dog in this house. Hope to spoil myself a little this weekend.

Unknown

Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.

Take It Easy

After spending the weekend on my "to do" list, I wonder if I can take it easy today? Probably not. How is it that there is still so much to do?

AARGH

So tired but can't sleep. Glad (he who shall not be named) can.

Sleep Eating

Glenn's nighttime worries had us up at 3 a.m. Knowing I was too awake and then too hungry to fall back asleep, we make yogurt parfaits. This has got to stop.

Veg Out

Had salads yesterday for lunch and supper. Tasty, fiber packed and filling.

Cap'n, We Need More Power

So, after much research on juicers/extractors v.s. blenders and cleaning up after our leaking Hamilton Beach, I ordered a reconditioned Vitamix.

"It juices, it grinds beans/grain into flour, it makes nut butters and alternative milks, kneads dough and makes soups and sorbets."

quiet

Not the definition of glenn in the morning. Even with all of last nights preparation, the process to leave for a day out in the field was frantic...and loud.

Sore Throat

No wonder she was miserable. Fever, sore throat and sore back. But did she have to scare the crap out of me yesterday? I thought she was having a stroke. A dazed and confused Patiencebug became bright eyed and hungry this morning.

Ready To Run

Clean car. New undies. (Don't ask) Making restaurant reservations. Researching childrens books. Thinking about what to pack. And about road snacks. Fly, time, fly.

Call Me

Brinkmann customer service! I need that part because there's food to grill.

Oh Man, It's Dark

Athletes foot itching, Glenn calling out in his sleep, a back ache from less air in the bed, heat lightning filling the sky, cat prowling the dark and hunger. It's been a long time since I ate anything at night but hey, I am taking a pill....

24

What that number means to me. Hours in a day. Show I used to watch. Age I was the year before we got married. Blog post left before I stop.

Two Weeks Away

Thinking of all things Chicago today. Still need Debbie and Gerry's address/directions and to make further plans with Patrick and Jess. Forgot all about toll booths until Glenn's reminder. Quarters, we'll need quarters. And snacks!

Prune

Thanks to the family of deer, the specimen pagoda dogwood on the East side of the house needed a haircut. I had to do what I had to do and now it reminds me of a cut that a small child would give itself.

We All Scream

Shouldn't have bought that ice cream. It keeps calling me.

Hot

Eating spicy foods is supposed to cool you down. So tonight, Caribbean green beans and rice should do the trick.

WTF

Two hours of assembling. New grill doesn't work. $%*@

When It Works

My replacement steamer parts arrived and I was able to try them this morning. So far, so good.

Nite Nite

It is eerily quiet tonight as we turn in. Not a peep, whine or whistle.

Change Your Mind

Working on 5 hours I was going to sleep walk through class, letting the participants choose their exercises. But a strong cup of coffee and an internal pep talk turned me right around.

Mo-Grass

The Monroe Crossing concert at St. Ben's combined traditional, Motown and rock in an eclectic mix.

Over Grown

Meatless Monday's menu featured my SW take on zucchini casserole.

Casserole Ingredients

1 large zucchini, halved, seeded and sliced in half moons
1 onion, halved and sliced
1 jalapeno, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
chipotle powder
Mexican oregano
kosher salt
fresh cracked black pepper
olive oil

Cornmeal Topping
1 box cornmeal mix
1 egg
1/3 C buttermilk
dash hot sauce
1 small banana pepper, minced
1/4 C pepper jack cheese, cubed

Toss the sliced zucchini, jalapeno and onions in the olive oil/spices then saute until they slightly soften. Add minced garlic during the last minute until it releases it's aroma. Combine this mixture with black beans and tomatoes. Pour into casserole and bake 30 min. at 375 degrees, mixing once or twice. Meanwhile, mix the cornmeal topping ingredients in a bowl. After mixture has cooked to desired consistency, raise the heat to 400 degrees, top with cornmeal mixture. Bake an additional 25 minute or until brown/bubbly. Serve with sour cream.

It'll Be OK

Just dance. I'm all gaga. The dog feels better. Just dance. We got a little rain. Just dance. Dinner's in the oven. Just dance. Had a good class today. Just dance.

Concerned

Arlene seemed so much more confused this weekend, Patience hurt herself or suffered from heat stroke and Sophie Olson is a non stop whirling dervish.

Here She Comes

Sophie Olson is coming for a four legged sleepover.

futile

fun? frenzied? finding fish?

In An Instant

Watching the sky between casts, Glenn thought he could make it back to the dock if it started to rain. Unfortunately, Mother Nature was quicker. Caught in a downpour and high winds, unable to raise the boat under the life, drenched and chilled, he had to wait it out.

Volumes Of Vegetables

Great CSA produce, local seasonal market, twice weekly farmers market and a fruit/veggie sale at on of the grocery stores means an overload fridge.

Fitter Fifties

This is going to be a good decade.

Keep It To Yourself

Feeling negative? Crabby? Itching for an argument? Have some gossip?

Life Lessons

I'm not sure what I am supposed to learn from my phone call this morning. Maybe, to count to 10... or 1000.

Wake Up

Not very noiselessly, Glenn bounded from the bed to go fishing. Even after the disappointment of seeing a fish follow his lure and turn from the boat, this is how he wants to spend his free time. I would have liked to sleep in. Oh well.

No Expert

I had to escape to the boat last night and this morning. Lately, I have been asked to give my opinion/advice on everything from insect bites to drain cleaners. The in-laws need more friends they can call.

I'm Not Foolin'

Setting boundaries with family is difficult. But necessary.

Seeing Red

Three weeks of beets from our CSA. Help! I need some recipe ideas.

Not Now

Hot, humid days during peri-menopause are not the time to find out your new floor steam cleaner is defective.

When I Grow Up

I'm not sure if it's back to school sale ads or the cooler day, but I'm itching to try something new.

Munching Munchkins

Along with two other fawns, these beauties have nibbled many greens, plants, shrubs and trees. With the biting flies in the woods, I understand their desire to feed in the open but am not so happy to wake up to the results.

Change It Up

One thing leads to another. Furniture moving shows the wall that needs painting. Ad nauseum.

Gratitude Adjustment

My wish is that we could all come to accept where we are, at this moment in time. Mourn briefly for what we've lost and then celebrate. No one and nothing is like "what it used to be."

tick tock

not enough hours in this day

No Rest

It may be Glenn's day off to fish but I'm up early too. Spray his head, make the bed and get ready for lunch company. Hope they like BBQ's and moving furniture!

Insomnia

Great. Another symptom.

lazy day in summer

still in bed at 7 a.m. must be my day off. checking in on my kindle. gearing up for the insect attack on my walk.

Chew On This

What we choose to put into our mouths is a conscious choice. I'm not sure my heavy set joint action ladies understand that concept. I need to find a chart showing the time/level of exercise they need to expend for all the choices they have and are making.

Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat

this is a test. kindle blogging from the boat. this is only a test.

Last night, after working out and eating dinner, we decided to watch the Lobster Lake fireworks from our boat. Dick and Arlene had planned to go into town but chose to join us instead. All went well until we pulled up to the neighbor's dock for my first hand pyrotechnics. Patience just couldn't handle the noise at that distance and started panting/getting anxious. It took all my strength to keep her in the boat and when on land, she was frantic to get away.

Nevermore...

Stating Point Of View

"When I get older, losing my hair, many years from now
Will you still be sending me a valentine, birthday greetings, bottle of wine?
If I'd been out 'til quarter to three, would you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm sixty-four?

You'll be older too
Ah, and if you say the word, I could stay with you"

Only 64 Minnesota minute entries left.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

I have been following Gretchen Rubin, the author of "The Happiness Project." It is good to be reminded that it is a choice to be happy.

Box of Color

Haircut. Check. Highlights. Purchased. Longer arms. Needed. Help! I need somebody.

The Return

After only a month at the "Y" some of my senior ladies returned to my joint action class today. What a nice surprise.

Oh No, They Didn't

Concerned about Arlene's lack of motivation, I got a frantic phone call from Dick wanting to quit her medications. I just asked them to call and talk to their doctor before making that decision. It is ultimately theirs to make but seriously...

Agreed

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity." ~ Lindley Karstens

It's Not The Heat

It was the humidity that had us turning on the air conditioner this weekend. Last night, a front shifted cool, dry air our way and the windows were open wide. Nothing like birdsong and a deer "snort" at the crack of dawn.

Turn In and Tune Out

We were so tired from a late Friday night gathering and an early morning out on the boat that it was lights out early last night. Now, I just wished our rest could be pain free for Glenn and hot flash free for me!

Last Minute

At 5:30 last night, we got a call from a member of our wine group, looking for a ride. Having never received an e-mail or call that we were meeting, it caught me off guard. Glenn was out in the boat, fishing, while I was curled up in a chair reading. Half an hour latter, we were showered and on the road to a beer tasting that lasted long into the night. Spontaneous summer gathering.

Feel That?

For the first time in forever, last night, Glenn shaved his face down to the bare skin. This may not seem like a big deal, but with all his skin issues, he normally just "trims" his face. It felt smooth as a baby's bottom and he looks so young. When asked why he decided to "get naked", he said it was because he loved me.

The world doesn't stop. just don't let it stop you.

Hurdle Over The Hump

Middle of the week blues? Shake it up, now and again. I went to Deb's class today to support my co-worker.

Yes You Can

Today, I asked my participants to fill out a fitness questionnaire. They could list their goals/health concerns in private and we could use it to assist them. Hope it helps them to re-energize and re-focus.

Hard Hit, Near Miss

After leaving for work at 4:30 a.m., Glenn just called to tell me that while on the way to a job, the work truck struck a deer. Luckily, other than the deer, no one was hurt. That added to his long, humid, bug biting day.

No Nap

Mr. Energizer Bunny couldn't sleep this morning but is napping now. Me, I would have loved some extra zzzzz's a bit earlier.

Summer Cocktail

Hedricks gin + fresh mint+ fresh blackberry puree + limeade over ice = :-)

Black and White

If we don't hear from the radiologist, Glenn's shoulder x-ray looked okay. Next step, a sports medicine osteopath.

Bar Food

The name says it all. YUCK!!! After spending a few hours going through Arlene's clothes, I was beat and ready to eat. We ended up going into Garfield for a burger. Now, I am wishing I had taken something out for supper.

Hot Flashes

Finally, after days of gray, gloomy weather with just a little rain, the hot summer weather is back. Funny how this day mimics the surges I'm getting at night. Peri...nothing. It feels like the real deal.

Just For Today

Let our lives flow smoothly.

Blow Up

Too many emotional issues the past few weeks. Too little money and estrogen. Not the right time to talk finances.

Same Old, Same Old

Another weekend. Nothing much fun was done.

I'm Back

And, for only $26.

Stupid computer.

It's usually windy when the delphinums bloom. :(

Round 3

This will be the third trip to the Dr. with Arlene. I hope we can agree to a maintenance dose of both her new medications. Then, after Glenn's x-ray next week, please let there be a break from clinic visits.

Go Nuts

Need protein. Brain foggy. Almonds or soynuts?

Today Is The Perfect... Present

Although I am alone again, I can appreciate this "me" time without getting a case of the "poor me's."

Price of Peace

Walking away from drama may be cowardly but that is the price I chose to pay for peace. Still, I woke up feeling like I went 10 rounds with a heavyweight.

Runnin' The Show

The years have not mellowed "the force" that is my sister Rita. She had an agenda yesterday and pushed her way through the day. God, I'm tired of drama.

Bright Lights, Big Boom

Woke to the first thunderstorm of the year. Of the year. Now, to turn off my brain which lists all my middle of the night fears.

Proud of myself for not buying ice cream.

Just Do It

Have got to get Glenn to agree to finding out what is causing this shoulder pain. It's been nearly a year and the dose of steroids was ineffective. Time to shed some "rays" on this issue.

MRI or CT

Which would be best to diagnose shoulder pain? Could it be a metastasized lesion?

So Tired

Doesn't seem like we had a long weekend. Too many projects left too little free time.

It's Still Safe For Me To Dance.. Julie + Flash Mob

Just A Little Bit

We are encouraging the folks to take this weekend and all their concerns, one bite at a time.

Turbo Fuel

Sample pack of Dunkin Donuts coffee ingested. Read to rock.

I'm In A Hurry To Get Things Done...

I rush and rush until life's no fun.
All I really got to do is live and die.
I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

No time for left you.
On my way to better things.
I found myself some wings.
Distant roads are calling me.

Honesty. The Best Policy?

Blood is thicker than marriage. Family gatherings are just like Norman Rockwell paintings. Which one of these statements are true?

Getting in a screaming argument just for being honest. It's still better than being silent and resentful.

No Where To Run

Yesterday there was no where to run from the heat, humidity or insects. The old saying holds true, however, in MN you just need to wait 5 minutes for the weather to change. Now, back to pulling up sod.

Ya'll Come

I was so grateful to know that my in-law's were more excited than anxious to learn they were getting a house full of family next weekend. What a change the medication has made.

Blowing In The Wind

Lots of sound and fury in the middle of the night, but it signified nothing. Come on, rain!

Wait, Watch....Worry?

The results are in but nothing has changed. It wasn't a lab error.

Dracula would have loved the last two days. Both of us have had blood drawn.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Worked hard in the garden. Taking mother-in-law to Dr. and helping hubby remain calm for court. Heading to Fargo for PSA testing and urologist visit. Fingers crossed.

Through The Glass Darkly

Time to wash windows. Keep it on the QT or the phone will ring with a request to do the folks. That will require help from hubby.

All The Leaves Are Brown

Oaks and basswood trees are bare. Worms and drought make a deadly combination.

Stage Fright

Some folks thrive on drama. I'm not one of them.

How Green Is Your Valley?

Nothing beats the smell of freshly cut grass.

Full Of Ideas

Long morning walks give Glenn ideas. Now, he thinks I should go back to cooking/cleaning for his folks. AARGH!!!

Thomas Keller's Chicken

Rinse bird. Dry bird. Truss bird. Salt bird. Roast bird. 1 hr. 450 degrees. Crisp bird.

Toss It

Will we ever eat three gallon sized bags of freezer coleslaw, that leftover chili with ice crystals clinging to the top or make gravy for just one from those drippings? The garbage people won't know what to do as we had more than one bag for the week.

Mid Week

Gearing up for my first day of work this week. Switching schedules sucks. Especially when Friday looks like a nice day to be home.

Now What

Phone calls from in-laws first thing in the morning. They have some ideas and need to stop over.

No Rain, Just Wind

Really need the moisture, not sucking air.

Yo Mama!

Don't know what lessons and memories you have of your Mother but mine are varied. The underlying message was in how she treated others. By example, she showed me that we all matter.

The Big Chill

Time to cover the lettuce, et al.

All Steamed Up

Nope.

Green Cleaning

I have wanted to try a steam mop to clean without chemicals and with Mother's Day sales, I brought one home today. Time to release my inner neat freak. (This might take awhile as she's been hiding a long time.)

Say, "Cinco"

Maybe shrimp veracruz?

Itchy, Scratchy

Here it comes. Today I saw the first poison ivy bumps.

Never Enough

Doesn't seem to matter how much we do for the folks, there is always something more. Time to talk about getting some daily care?

Put Me In Coach

Tried to talk Glenn through preparing supper but he gets easily distracted by sports, txt msgs.....

Take Them As Prescribed

It wasn't billed as a surprise birthday dinner. While Glenn was home grilling burgers, I found out that his mother had taken her anti-anxiety medication less than 4 hours apart, instead of 12.

Bring on the mango margaritas.

AARGH

You have to not only buy the pills, but take them as prescribed.

Anti-Anxiety

Please let this visit with Arlene to her Dr. for anti-anxiety medication be helpful. It was sure a difficult half hour for all of us.

My guts are in a bunch so how can I trust them?

Timing Is Everything

Thinking back, timing and finances have always been an issue for us. We would leave a job or a town too early over concerns for money, only to find that we could have waited for the tides to turn.

Lately, my classes are off by 5 minutes. Either I am running the first long or more often, shortening the second class. Time to get my timing back.

Staying On Task

A nice clean garage floor made a grey Sunday afternoon fly by but Monday, Mondays... can't trust that day.

What Day Is It?

Today, my father-in-law thought he was the same age as my mother-in-law. Her birthday is on the 30th. So much for "the Aricept is working for him " theory.

No You Didn't

Spill the liquid all over the stove, making a mess, setting back dinner....AARGH!! Next time, simple grilled cheese over making couscous stuffed sun-dried tomato/feta chicken.

Declining

Just got off the phone with my mother-in-law. Arlene's mental health/memory/cofidence/mood is rapidly changing. It is so scary and sad. Glenn had a similar experience/talk on Wednesday night and is very concerned. It may be a vunerable adult situation soon.

Rush, rush, rush...Not talking about the band, although they are on my car's radio.

Kennel Up

For the first time in nearly forever, I put Patience in her outdoor kennel. This would allow me to run a couple of errands after class without fear of indoor accidents. Then, life intervened and no one showed for my second class. Such freedom comes with a price.

It's Hard

The drought has us hauling hoses to our struggling trees, shrubs and gardens. Although the plumber was supposed to bypass our softener for our outdoor faucets, we've noticed that there is a lot of recharging taking place. The lack of rain is hard enough without adding this extra expense. Grumble, grumble...

Weekend Off

Took my Minnesota minutes offline and outside for the weekend.

Coffee

How can I give up coffee when I get an invitation from a friend to stop by for a cup and a chat?

Night Walk

Out after dark with Glenn and Patience. The woods are quiet, all the animals must be sleeping or mating.

Teardrops from Heaven

Just a few raindrops makes the woods explode. Now, we are waiting for those few inches.

Give Me A Sign

Why, Y? Sigh.

Insurance Issues

Concerns over Glenn's persistant shoulder issues has me phone his insurance company. Oh, that's right, it's a single policy and they can't release ANY information to me. Not even the estimate for an MRI.

Ready,Set....

First cruise on the lake under sunny skies.

Come Saturday Morning

Non emergency phone calls from in-laws should be outlawed until after noon.

Thought I'd Lost It

Dug up some hosta chunks, hauled hoses and revamped the folks' flower bed. I thought I would be unable to move today.

I Want A Beagle.

Found a male beagle on a country road. Very friendly. So cute! No collar. Brought him home to meet Patience and Keyes who were very tolerant. Called the radio stations and humane society, took a short walk and witnessed a cute puppy fit. Then I loaded the small crate in the car to canvas the houses along that road. Eureka! Found his "grandpa" who was grateful for his return.

Why Water

Once again, the rain passes us by and another drought seems likely. I broke down and started watering the ornamental trees as well as the gardens to give life a fighting chance.

YUCK

Grey day, no rain and crabby in-laws make me reach for cookies.

Seeds of Hope

Every spring when I plant seeds in the ground, my heart if full with possibilities.

Peaceful

My Easter wish is that this dinner/day will be calm. Lift me up. Set me free.

Quality Time

Since we started exercising together, our daily communications have improved. Another heart healthy benefit.

Love Language

I respond to "Words of Affirmation." Instead of guessing, I will have Glenn first read the book to determine his language.

Allergies

Still no rain or green anywhere and Glenn is suffering. The trees have not even broken bud yet. What should have been a free day for me is turning into symptom management.

Rain

The east coast is washing away while we are in a dust bowl. Leaves are off the flower beds and from around trees, time for water "pleas."

It's Nice To Share

A pool full of kids on a break from school makes you practice your cool.

Symphony

Nature, the great conductor, has been assembling players from near and far. With each warm day, more flock to the site. The baton is raised...

Achy, Breaky Body

Bad body posture during exercise caused injury. So sore lately.....

Bazinga

I just knew there was something on my mother-in-law's mind this week. She again wants me to start helping her around the house. My Sunday mornings just became busier.

Snow tires off. Fingers crossed.

BRRR

It's nice to walk on crusty, not muddy roads in the mornings but I was really getting used to warmer weather. Come on, sun! Do your stuff.

Time, Is On My Side

Yes, it is! Free for the rest of the week until switching out the snow tires and wine club martini night on Friday.

Soaking Up The Sun

Blue sky, sunshine and nearly 50 degrees. Thanks, nature for the wonderous birthday present.

Another Cookbook?

I REALLY enjoyed eating Indian food on the cruise but do I need another cookbook?

Level Two

If I hurt my knee doing level one, should we be thinking about switching?

Naps

Not one to sleep during the day, the luxury of a nap is usually lost on me. Except the last two Saturdays. Warm hubby beside me and warm pets at our feet. Bliss.

Freeze and Thaw

It was cold and blustery walking this morning but the Fargo flood victims are grateful.

Not My Knees

Hurt myself doing a video and have had swollen tissue/less range of motion ever since. Did I also mention PAIN?

Yes, I Am

Today, I relish my gift of gab and the taste of green Guiness.

Night Owl

Waking up during the night, then trying to not think so I can get back to sleep, makes me very "owl-y" in the morning.

Mud Monster

Soon, there will be no piles of snow for Patience to roll in and the dreaded mop sink will be used to wash her off. Oh, how she hates the mop sink.

Uncover

Snow melting
Mystery piles appear

Less clothing
No place to hide

PJ Day

Today, for the first time since my lumpectomy in 1999, I spent the day in flannel. The sun BETTER come out tomorrow or it's time for some happy pills.

Rain, Rain, Don't Go Away

Wash all our snow away.

Should I or Shouldn't I?

Apply at the Y?

Yes You Can

Start the conversation in your home.

Jonathan Safran Foer Talks About Our Health with Ellen

I am hoping to score a lot of blue and save a lot of green at the spring wine dot sale.

Labels

Just because it's a familiar name, beware. Grenada grinds roots of turmeric (a member of the ginger family) and labels it saffron. The claimed health benefits of this herb range from help with arthritis to prevention of Alzheimer's. Now, that's the kind of mis-labeling I can accept.

Spinning

We never suffered any motion sickness on our cruise but last night, after getting home after a 19 hr travel day, both Glenn and I felt the floor spin.

Minnesota v.s. Puerto Rico. Quick trip. 1=1. Long term. 1 to 0.

Permission To Come Aboard

We had trouble printing our e-tickets last night. Since we booked our trip, NWA has merged with Delta. Thank you customer service employees at Delta, Cruise Now and Royal Caribbean.

Don't Go There

Glenn says he wants me to make the decisions on the trip as he makes wrong choices. Is there such a thing as a wrong choice? It could just be the path you were meant to take.

No walks with Patience from me. Not today. Too cold, too tired. So glad for Glenn.

Run Away

Enough preparation. I'm ready.

Worry Wort

I told a friend last week that Glenn is acting like he sees ghosts in corners lately. With vacation less than a week away, he says his stomach hurts with all the "what ifs." This early onset of little old man behavior is not comforting.

Out Of The Blue

Late last night, I received a message from a friend/neighbor coming into Alex from D.L. Her two oldest girls play hockey and one has a game here today. We made plans to meet and maybe eat. The girls may not remember me but I think Kristin and I will pick up like we spoke yesterday. That is my hope at least.

So Many Books, So Little Time

I think my eyes are bigger than my stomach. Vacation is a week away and there are 5 books by my bed. Is it too late to learn speed reading?

Clicking Right Along

Since we were headed into town for numerous meetings today, we also scheduled an Adequan shot for Patience, an oil change for Glenn and a haircut for myself. Things went quite smoothly with Dick's appointments and thankfully, there are more answers now than questions.

Day Off

Tomorrow, instead of a day off from teaching, cooking or household chores, Glenn and I are once again dealing with in-law issues. After our family pow wow on Saturday, meetings were set up with the attorney, investment representative and local bank. Glenn did some advance preparation by speaking with an attorney with which his firm has an established relationship. Wish life came with a crystal ball so we knew what the next best move should be and when we should take that step.

Do The Locomotion

It's a beautiful sunny day for a walk. Just wishing my companion talked instead of barked.

Black ice has me taking the road most traveled. Life lesson: take the high road till things blow over.

Marital or Martial

You can choose where to put the "I" in your marriage.

Heart To Heart

Share some love with everyone you meet today. You'll be touched.

Talk It Out

"The Talk" is often dreaded by parents. Giving the straight information to their kids in loving language, a challenge. The reverse is also sometimes difficult.

TED

If you have never visited the TED talks website, I encourage you to do so. It can be accessed from the links under "You Live, You Learn" on the left hand side of this blog.

This morning, I watched Jamie Oliver's talk on his food revolution. Here is a link to sign his petition.

http://tinyurl.com/ya94lby

Heartburn

Food can be friend or foe
Love can be yes or no

United by law
Feeling can get raw

First do no harm
Soothe with wit or charm

Give It A Try

Once again, a few snowy days have cancelled classes and it will be difficult to motivate the participants. Making a habit of exercise or healthy eating takes consistency and these breaks are disruptive in many ways.

But instead of thinking can't and won't, just try.

Snow Days

Lots of white around.
Driveway can't be found.

Plow and shovel busy
In-laws in a tizzy

Packing for a cruise
Lifting winter's blues

Lucid Food

After indulging in a mixture of healthy snacks and downright unhealthy ones yesterday, it's time to get clear about my food choices.

Whiteout

Preparing for the 10" of snow, I am firing up the grocery list and heading out.

WOW Wine

We opened a special bottle last night, just because. (That's my favorite reason) It was a 2004 Iris Hill Pinot Noir from Oregon.

The first glass seemed a little thin and very smooth but the second glass resulted in more spice, cherry and vanilla with fine tannins. It could have aged longer. Sigh. Now it's gone.

Cook Your Goose

Skin on goose breasts
3T grated onion
4 tsp. grated carrots
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp marjoram
1 tsp sage
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
2 C. white wine

Marinate 8 hours in a zip bag. Remove and pat dry. Grill 10 min on each side.

Guilty

Hi, my name is Julie. I enable my husband. I wonder if he could run the washer, dishwasher, stove, oven ...ad nauseum. And as for emptying the cat box, don't make me laugh.

We All Need Somebody

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's
Always tomorrow

Dog Walker

It is next to impossible finding someone to come out and walk Patience a couple of times while we are on vacation. The hazards of living in the sticks combined with a small social circle.

Tighten Up

How many more pay cuts before the final cut? Next year, instead of a 50% cut we may be taking a couple months off without pay.

Committed

Elizabeth Gilbert's new book on marriage has received mixed reviews. I am enjoying reading and hearing her "voice" again.

Defrosting chest freezers on a Saturday night. I know how to party!

Quitters

Glenn and I postponed our workout until later today as last night, neither of us could bend very well. Got to get past this pain. I understand from Seth's Marine motto that it is just fear leaving your body but I think it is youth leaving our bodies.

How do I give Glenn a speech about the state of our union?

It's Too Late

Apple iPad looks cool but my Kindle is still downloading free book samples and doing basic web searches. The next best thing is just a few months away. Might as well save my money for that.

Girls Rule

Glenn and I started working out together to Jillian Michael's 30 day shred DVD last night. For 20 minutes at Level One, I kicked his butt!

Is It Just Women?

A blowing, snowy Monday finds me cleaning the house with a little more care. That and the fact that we are hosting wine club this Friday night. The wife of one of our members is Alexandria's version of Martha Stewart, which is not a "good thing." Although it shouldn't matter to me what she thinks, it does produce increased fits of scrubbing.

Glenn tells me that men could care less about another man's clean home or decorating style. I sorta figured that but asked if men compared themselves to other man by some other means. It's nice to know he doesn't judge people in that way but he did say that tools and toys are admired by men and boys. Duh!

Rise and Shine

It's been awhile since I made yeast bread. The BOGO free flour was the incentive. This morning, the pecan caramel rolls were worth all the work.

Roll With It

Making homemade sweet rolls today reminds me of shaping a friendship. Like live yeast that magically transforms flour, time spent with a friend can reshape your day. I am so glad the weather cooperated and Lynne and I were able to be together yesterday.

Get Real

Platitudes give me attitude.

Happiness is a good haircut.

One and Done

The last two days, I have been able to keep my first class focused for a full 15-20 minutes. Now if I could just get the second class to start coming regularly so I could get paid for two hours.

Every Dog Has It's Day

Yesterday, Patience became unglued upon seeing two people stopped along the road and off their snowmobiles. I am not sure if it was the sleds or just new people to greet but the leash screamed out of my hand. Luckily, the person she "took out" was a young man in a padded suit or we could be facing a lawsuit.

Be Mindful

While walking, while sitting still, while talking, while listening and while eating, to get your fill.

What's That Smell?

Even houses get funky in the winter. Opening the door to clean at the folks' this morning, I was assaulted by some old dirt, old textiles and old people smells. It made me hurry through the task, empty all the garbage and use an aerosol spray.

Thankfully we have an air exchanger.

AARGH

Yesterday, after loading the four wheeler, bringing it to Fergus Falls, getting an estimate to repair what may be the starter and finding out the repair would come off our trade-in value, Glenn looked with fresh eyes at the 2010 model. It had all the bells and whistles but no box in back for the "Bugs" and would have been nearly $9000 with the the plow/chains extra. The discussion was to wait and see if they make one in 2011 that better suits our needs and spend the $1000 or so to fix our current model.

Last night, when I asked how he felt about the decision to wait, he said he knows it is the right decision. But, this morning, he is up and already talking about a major house renovation.

Instant or Delayed

Gratification comes in two forms. Today, Glenn discovered reasons for waiting.

New isn't always necessary.

Big girls do cry.

Taxing

Trying to decide if we should do our taxes and save $150 or more but with Glenn working a few days from home, will I know how to deduct business expenses. Turbo text me with the answers.

No News

Still no word on the pump for the pool. Extra time = a lot less money.

Score

While Glenn watched some playoff football, I checked out a touchdown of my own. The free table at the library had tons of great magazines. Vegetarian, Organic, Real Simple...free, free, free.

Cooking With Gas

When I woke up this morning, I had so much energy and ambition that I....

Made a big breakfast
Made a double batch of Pheasant Italian Sausage Wedding Soup
Called and wished Auntie Jo a Happy 86th Birthday and made plans to bring her soup/cake/card to celebrate.
Called in-laws to remind them about birthday as last week, neither could remember their own or when they were married or their children's birthdays.... :(
Organized a route to drop off some soup and pieced/ground/Italian sausage pheasants to Clayton and Julie to thank them for letting Glenn hunt his property... then on to the library, store and Auntie Jo's.

All before noon. Gosh, I love sunny days, even in the winter. I am solar powered.

Retire

With this recent cold snap, we have again begun to discuss where we want to retire. The top city for 2009 was in Colorado but, Glenn would like to hunt pheasants & fish muskies. If unable to do both, he would schedule trips during the year. During the winter, it would be nice to be somewhere warmer although we would like four seasons. Maybe the answer is to travel in the winter and enjoy our nearly paid for home in the summer. Decisions, decisions....

Lazy

This forced day off is making me lazy. Yesterday afternoon was productive but seriously, I need to make a new routine.

Class Closed

The resort closed the pool today as the pump had broken. Unfortunately, I had already driven to work. I was left with the fun of turning angry people away, calling both the office and the other instructor, dealing with maintenance staff, etc... Should have stayed in bed.

Saddle Sore

After a long break from teaching water fitness, I am back in the saddle today. It seems that no matter how much walking or stretching I did, there is no substitute.

Be Kind, Don't Rewind

No matter what life changes you resolve to make, I think it is important to be patient with yourself and not look backwards.

Never open PSA results on an empty stomach.

Hit The Road, Jack

Heading out to the Kilands after running errands in St. Cloud. Freezing cold temps so pets are at parents.

Piece of Cake

Start the new year/new decade off with new resolutions...sounds familiar. But, having a piece of pie for breakfast was way too easy.

Glenn and I rationalized that it was either pancakes with syrup or fruit pie made without sugar.