Hustle, Bustle, and Tussle

Lots of hurrying to do lots of things...it is all around us, this atmosphere of hustle and bustle. Everyone talks about the economy, the cutting back, the worry over jobs, but I found no evidence of those things at the Montgomery Mall in North Wales, PA yesterday. I did find fantastic buys, and from driving up here I know that this time the gas was the least amount it has been in many years. So, maybe there is a bit less being made by the retailers and the oil companies. So the shoppers are spending less, but maybe the prices have been over-inflated for quite some time now?

No tussle in the hustle and bustle for me. I am looking forward to the birth of the Lord, and a New Year ahead full of possibility, hope, and loving kindness. I wish loving kindness for you today. "Love is the answer," says Todd Rundgren - and I agree.

Is It REALLY Only TWELVE Days til Christmas???

It's hard to believe where the days are flying to lately, my classes are finished (yes, two A's, thank you for asking) and I am leaving for Philly shortly so I can be there for Daddy's defibrillator replacement. Ay yi yi!!! I am still in the mode of wanting to write more about the 2008 3Day but it is looking like I will be writing that in early 2009!!!

My thoughts tonight are thankful and I want to tell you why -

My children are all with fantastic partners: people who are vibrant, intelligent, caring, funny, and full of life. If you are a parent, you know where I'm coming from on this one.

I'm thankful my Dad is getting this procedure. He deserves to feel well and starting Thursday he will. I'm thankful my Mother is in such excellent health and that both my parents are only a phone call away from talking to my children, which all enjoy.

I'm thankful for my extended family: my sisters and their families are great to see and spend time with and our phone talks are a great link for continuous sharing.

I'm thankful for my friends: from the oldest to the newest each is special to me and sometimes they even help me to breathe (if you know what I mean, you can count yourself a friend).

BUT I'm most thankful for three people who have made me who I am today: Katie, Jenny Anne, and Nicky. Without the blessing of their souls in my life I would not be me. As they each journeyed from infant to toddler, from toddler to kindergartner, from kindergartner to preteen, from preteen to teen, from teen to young adult, and from young adult to adult they taught me through their kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, ingenuity, creativity, loyalty, understanding, compassion, hope, faith, and love. I am triply blessed because they are my friends as well as my family. They are my heart.

Where Did November Go?

I have been away from the blog and immersed in catching up after a wonderful time in Wilmington and the Outer Banks of NC. I have more 3Day photos to come, I promise. I just have to get through a paper due in hours, a take home essay, and two finals by December 4th along with Jenny's TWENTY - FIFTH birthday and Thanksgiving...other than that, not much happening with me, how about you??? Hugs and thankful for children, family, and friends (old and new)...love, me

Atlanta 3Day 2008 - A Few Photos

Top Left: We ran into Richard at the Barnes and Noble, so he became a part of our first picture. Here are Karyn, Maureen, her husband, Richard, and I after we have changed socks before going 2 miles. We had been dropped off by Nick at 6:30 a.m. and it was almost 8:30 til we started walking after the very moving Opening Ceremonies.

Top Right: Finding your bag at the end of Day One at the Relocation Spot. It is organized - though I know it doesn't appear so.

< Early start to Day Two - chilly but DRY!



< Cheerleaders welcoming us into a Day Two Pit Stop. Pit Stops offer snacks including fruit, peanuts, string cheese, animal crackers to name a few things to keep you going while walking. Also drinks of water or gatorade. Additionally, medical folk are at Pit Stops to patch you up if you need patching. And of course, you can see the porta potties!

$8.3 Million from Atlanta for Susan G. Komen Foundation

Thank you to all my supporters - with your help the Atlanta 3Day 2008 raised over $8.3 MILLION!!! You are fantastic!

I wanted to throw a few sentences on here, but give me time - I have pictures coming! And lots of stories! But for those of you who have been with me in heart and in spirit every step of those miles I want to tell you that I made it without a blister - without much sleep - but without a blister!

We had a rainy start on Friday, our sleeping was relocated to an abandoned set of offices and it was rough - but we finished on Sunday. Maureen suffered with a blister, but we all three made it with clasped hands over our heads as we went over the finish!

Thank you, and I love you. Good night. Sleep tight! XXOOXX

Tomorrow Atlanta, Next Year - Philadelphia!

I am almost packed - waiting for the final shirt to come out of the dryer. One of my friends from the Noon Mass, Kathleen, has given me a fantastic grey shirt with a pink shoelace transfer and words that say "Breast Foot Forward" - is that not the best? I'm going to wear it tomorrow, under my rain jacket, unfortunately.

Please keep praying that the rain passes through swiftly - there have been two good changes so far - the chance of thundershowers has disappeared and the total rainfall has dropped to an inch at most. So the prayers are working!

So, at work today I got another check from a parishioner, and online Laurie and Tom sent more monies. Maureen told me to hold my checks from the mail, and go sign up over the weekend to do Philadelphia in 2009 - after two minutes of thought, I agreed. I talked to my friend in NY, Jody, who will be a five year survivor next year - and she is thinking she will walk with us - and maybe her sister, too. Anybody else up for it? We will have a great time and make money for a great cause - a full lifetime for our daughters, nieces, cousins, grandcousins, and granddaughters!

Don't forget to look for me on the webcam - it's on the 3Day in Three Days post. Off to bed...next post will be post walk! Love you all!

$2620 Closer to Finding a Cure to Breast Cancer!

I have some more checks to send in - thanks to Jody and Al, Jen and Paul, Nick and Teresa - and I have to say thank you so much to my supporters - I just know when we unlock one of these cancers we will unlock so many more.

Tink and I did our final training walk today - Tink was not in as meditative a mood as I was. This morning I received an email from one of our Training Leaders. This year Karyn, Maureen, and I did our own walking but in 2006 we did many walks with this woman, Karin Thomas, and she is very special. She walks every year in Atlanta and crewed in Washington, DC this year.

Karin's email contained snippets from emails she had received. In between complaints about the impending rain and folks not wanting to use a porta-potty for a weekend were profound messages from women who were grateful for those same things. Know why? Because they were post chemo - or are in chemo and allowed to walk part of each of the three upcoming days. And they are grateful to be able to put one foot in front of the other among thousands of us who are walking to find the cure. This Friday marks the 34th anniversary of the day we lost my Aunt Marge. You better believe she is on my mind and in my heart.

Atlanta 3Day 2008 in 3 DAYS!

The weatherman is calling for a 70% chance of rain on Friday! Pray for a very windy Wednesday night into Thursday that blows the rain through here as fast as possible! I tried every which way to post the route map here, even scanned the darned thing, but it refuses to cooperate. It's either too big or too small. I do have one goodie for you ~

Check This Out:
For the most up-to-date information while I'm walking check here: Supporter Info webpage there is even a webcam!

Now I'm off to pack up all my stuff in ziplock bags inside garbage bags inside my duffle bag. Oh joy - not!

Thank you again, you are awesome!!!

Palin Watches the FlyBoys Lose Opener

The boys lost 4-3 to the Rangers, but it sounds as though Palin did a bit better than expected. You can go here to read the story. Sounds as though Biron had a shaky start, and was pulled after two weak goals, and then the Flyers shared in some of the booing Palin received until they woke up midway through the second. Ah, well, better luck next time.

I watched the online video from the Flyers site and you can see an Obama sign but you can also see people cheering. The Hockey Mom who won is there to drop the puck with Sarah Palin, and Piper and Willow are with her, too. Oh, and if you go watch, Gomez is from Alaska, I'm sure that's why she kissed his cheek and not our Mike Richards.

3DAY update: The weather here is beautiful for walking. We did 15 yesterday with a breakfast and an extra potty stop in under 5 hours. Yay, US! Today Tink and I already have 5.5 in before Mass, we'll finish later.

Hockey Starts Tonight!

GO FLYERSSS!!!

Flyers open the season tonight against the Rangers with their new captain, Mike Richards. The Flyers ran a contest for the Ultimate Hockey Mom culminating this evening with the top Mom winning spa treatments and gift certificates worth about $5,000. In conjunction with this, Mr. Snider invited Sarah Palin to drop the first ceremonial puck.

Jen sent me this article on Yahoo about how they think the Philly fans will handle Governor Palin. I hope they disappoint the writer and bloggers in the article. Philly is known for - shall we say - vociferous fans (to put it mildly), and I hope they do the classy thing and realize that she IS a Hockey Mom from Alaska tonight. I know, I can dream!

3Day and Moldable Insoles

I'm now past my goal! We are $2300 closer to finding the cure so that no other girl or boy has to grow up without a mom due to this insidious disease - cancer. Thank you to all my donors!

I said in a previous blog that I would share my insoles with you - and what I wear are the Dean Karnazes Signature Insoles. You heat them in a 200 degree oven until the sensor turns black, put them in your sneakers, and stand still for two minutes. At 15 days to go to the 3Day I am still blister free. Yay! P.S. they are cheaper at REI than they are on the website.

One last 15/10 weekend coming up. That means I walk 15 miles on Saturday and 10 on Sunday, do homework, go to Mass, and not much else!

Life is not so stress free in America at the moment. Take deep breaths, make time to thank the Lord for your blessings, and hug your partner, your children, and don't forget the dog! (Tink typed that last part - I swear!)

Twelfth Night after walking and running...

Jen and I went to see Twelfth Night last evening at the Shakespeare Tavern here in Atlanta. I wish I had taken my camera with me so you could see the outside of the building. Take a run over to the link and check the place out - it is modeled after the Globe, but on a much smaller scale. The ambience, the actors, the stage direction, the music interwoven seamlessly all combined for a terrific evening and one where I found myself constantly smiling. It was a faithful performance even to the point where you felt you were a part of a production that was probably put on much as envisioned in Shakespeare's day. And the food was good, too!

Earlier that same day, much earlier, Jen ran a 10k here in Atlanta in order to have a qualifying time for next year's Peachtree. I'm proud to say she broke 54 minutes!! Woo Hoo, Jen!

For our part, Karyn and I did 15 miles in 5 hours. We stopped more often for stretching, and sat for breakfast, and a fruit purchase at Kroger's. We were most happy with our time and though we could feel our legs and the last three miles felt more like ten, we did well. We are ready.

Today, Tink and I did ten miles with a few stretch breaks, and a stop at home after the 5.5 mile point. I definitely had pain in my left arch, but I am planning on getting the better orthotics ( I will post a link after I pick them up at REI, can not remember the name of them right now) for my second set of sneakers this week.

I have raised the $2200 I needed to walk - thank you to all my supporters and to those who are helping to clothe and sneaker me for the 3Day - you all rock!

Trout

Nick and Teresa came over Tuesday night with Jameson so we could all watch the premiere of Heroes together which I had dvr'd from the previous evening. Nick made us a delicious dinner of mushroom risotto and grilled chicken breast. Teres and I were only allowed to watch. Thanks, Nick!

Anyhow, Nick told me that they are calling Jameson "Trout" as a nickname because he can not pass up a worm outside - alive, dead, crusty, squished - you get the idea. Nick says, "If Jameson had been a fish he would have been caught immediately because he can't pass up a worm!" I think that is so funny - I guess I'm just that kind of doggie Grandma.

Karyn and I did 15 miles today - we were definitely feeling our legs at the end. Achy, but in a good way. Hoping to do 10 tomorrow. Jen and I are going out on the town tonight - next blog will tell the details...

Mad Men gets the Emmy!

First season finished and their first best drama series Emmy won...what a fantastic ensemble show. The brainchild of Matt Weiner, late of Sopranos fame, this classy(and classic) well written, well acted, well developed smart show is a must see. If you have not started watching, I suggest you rent season one and start from the beginning. I promise you will be hooked. It's a peek into my childhood but it relates to the present, too. Have we come as far as we think we have?

Check out Mad Men. You won't be sorry. (If you know me, you know I mostly am a TCM kinda girla, so not much for the tv. Besides Heroes, which is a totally different direction, Mad Men is all I watch.)

Training: Totally pooped Girla here on Sunday - no mileage. My body wanted rest and my brain needed to be able to concentrate on study, so the school needs won out.

Daddy's HOME! (Plus 3Day Musings)

Daddy is back home from the hospital - yay. He sounds good on the phone, wish I could be there in person. Thanks to everyone who said a prayer - prayer works!

Tonight I got the front yard cut then Tink and I headed out for our long neighborhood route - we had a beautiful sunset to walk by and I don't think the temperature is above 77.

The Atlanta 3Day is five weeks away - I can hardly believe it. Now's the time to start making up my list and making sure I have a headlamp for night time trips to the potty from the tent, and I still am not sure about my pillow situation. I may hit REI this weekend to look for a travel/camp pillow that will fit better in my duffel. If anyone has a suggestion either email me or leave me an idea here, ok?

My kids and Gene were very generous in buying all my sneakers. I am still doing well with my feet - thank goodness. My fanny pack (which I've had since Arizona) is on its last legs -I'm praying it lasts through the walk, the water bottle stretchy material is really starting to give. I need a few more pair of socks, and I have to get my shirts made up. I will be contacting my supporters to see who they want me to walk in honor or in memory of so I can get all the names on my shirts. I was thinking of fuschia shirts with gold writing - if I can get something that looks just right.

What else? Well, I have my shorts, sleeping bag, sweats/hoody for pjs and campwear, and I know I am missing something - oh, I have a hat this year - I wore it last weekend for the 15 miles and I really liked it. It's one made by UnderArmor so it has very breathable material on the cap and the brim will be perfect. And it feels ok on for me - which is good since I am so not a hat person.

Thank you all for reading and keeping up with me and my training - I really appreciate it.

15 Miles Today

Maureen and I met at 0645 and did 13 miles by 11 a.m. with a McDonald's stop for coffee/biscuit and a potty stop on the way back. We saw a few other 3Day folk training and ran into two people from our parish. Very fun. I picked up Tink and did 2 more so I have got 15 under my belt today - finished by noontime so that was good with the stops. We also stretched more than we have been doing. I have to tell you I can feel my feet big time right now, but still BLISTERLESS!!!! HOORAY!!! Keep those good vibes and prayers coming - they are working. Tomorrow I am going to do 10 but will have to break it into 2 five milers with Mass in the middle.

Headed to the tv to check out Ike's damage to the Galveston and Houston areas now, but you could not believe all the people at the gas stations this morning. It reminded me of the Jimmy Carter gas rationing days. When will we learn?

Augie Doggies

To the left you see Kate, Ky, Tink, and I before we head off on a neighborhood walk. I think this one was 4.5 miles; I would like to finish off August here by posting a few more photos. Be patient with me! Not everyone gets such a spectacular birthday month as I had.


This next one is of Amicalola Falls - I think we had
completed over 175 stair steps when we reached the bridge
that you can see in the middle. The bridge brings you to the next stairs - 425 steps!




This last one is Mana, Kate, Ky, Tink, and I after we completed the final upward trek. Kyla was so good walking so many stairs: she did the first 175. We gave her a break on the bridge and took turns doing the final 425.

Training by the Numbers

January 36.7 miles
February 30.5 miles
March 22.1 miles
April 31.1 miles
May 33.5 miles
June 48.0 miles
July 54.5 miles
August 99.6 miles and there is still one day left, so you know I'm doing something tomorrow!


It all adds up to 356 miles so far in preparation - today we did our first 15 mile walk, and our legs felt tons heavier those last three miles. We felt we did well since we did 15 miles in 4.5 hours with one break to eat yogurt and one additional potty stop. We tend to stay at 3.5 miles per hour which will be a great pace for the 3Day. The worst today was the sun, it was almost 90 when I got in the car at 11:30 a.m. to head home. We are looking forward to a little bit cooler temps in September.

Personal Postscript: Kate and Ky just hopped in the car...the fastest August on record this year. Sad Mama here.

Whirlwind Catching Up to Do

The weekend Mana arrived we headed up to Ellijay...the birthday started when we returned...

First, brave Kyla walking the metal grid steps up Amicalola Falls. She did the first 175 steps and we decided it was too hard on the girl so Kate and Mana took turns with her so each of us could go up the additional 425 steps to the top. Yes, I carried Tink to the top and back down again. I know, I'm pathetic.

After we returned from Amicalola Mana started my birthday off 11 days before with a dinner out at a terrific Thai place. All the kids were there but Paul as it was a weeknight. Jen and Nick and Teresa were very brave trying new things.

Jen made my cake! Since Nick had vacation the kids decided to do my actual celebration on the Sunday before, and did they ever treat me. A feast of crabcakes, homemade pasta, delicious marinated portabellos, grilled chicken, spinach stuffed mushrooms, and homemade chocolate cake! And roses! And a new faucet! And all kinds of other goodies (See Tink in her Flyers collar from my sister, Krisie, on the right)! My kids outdid themselves! And then the shoes and flowers arrived...and lots of cards - my Goddaughter Beth sent her card to work! What a great surprise, Bethie!

Thank you all so much for the best birthday ever...my kids then took me out on my birthday eve (sushi and hibachi with Kate, Nick, and Teresa) and then a great surprise by Jenny on my birthday - a trip to Houston's and my friend, Patty, was there to surprise me. Nick had to work so that was Jen and Paul, Kate, Patty, and I. Sorry so wordy here but then I got phone calls...from friends and family and singing with the piano from the Fitz's and singing with lots of cha cha chas from Zach and David.

I am a blessed daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, friend, niece, Goddaughter, and Godmother.

As to the training - it is going fantastic. I have my two new sets of Brooks sneakers - one set is a Christmas gift from my kids. The pair I trained with up to now was a gift from Gene. We had terrific rain this week so I missed out on one planned walk, but the dogs and I did 4.5 tonight. Work is closing early tomorrow so Ky, Tink and I are going to climb Kennesaw twice for 6 miles. On Saturday Karyn and I will do 15, and probably at least another 7 on Monday.

I have another $325 I am mailing off to the 3Day tomorrow. If you haven't made the decision to walk with me yet through your donation, well, now is the time!

WHEW!

I am having such fun spending time with all my kids and doggies...this is the best August ever, but it will probably be September before I get all the pictures here.

Amicalola Falls and Ellijay were beauteous and over 650 steps! Crazy.

Kate, Ky, Tink, and I did Kennesaw Mountain this morning. Running about is the order of the afternoon. Tomorrow is another family day since Nick is on vacation. Yay! I promise, pictures are coming!

Sorry so short...

Ellijay, Georgia

Here's Kate, Ky, Tink, and I after this morning's walk. Karyn and I did seven starting at seven a.m., then Kate, Ky and Tink and I did three more. It's impossible that Katie is here seven days! They have flown by! Today Mana arrives and after lunch with our Anniversary couple, Jen and Paul, we head up to a cabin in Ellijay, whose name comes from the Native American, probably Cherokee, meaning "earth green there" for two nights.

I am looking forward to hiking up there, we will be just a bit away from Amicalola Falls, where the Appalachian Trail starts. THE BEST HIKING!

Walking: I didn't get as much mileage this week as I hoped - too much fun at my house - but after Kate leaves I'm heading up to 15/12 weekends in mileage. So, that is my next goal.

Fundraising: I have gotten some fabulous notes from my donors - you know who you are. I want you to know I'm going to be keeping them forever. It lifts me to know you are all walking with me. I have the most amazing family and family of friends. Truly blessed.

Fundraising Part B (aka the part I hate): I am not quite half way there, so if you are surfing blogs and you've happened upon this one, and you know or love someone with boobies - please click on that widget there on the sidebar and walk with me through your donation. And then come back and visit here. You will be a part of my walk. Thank you in advance!

Pictures - Happy Anniversary, Jenny and Paul

Here's my new Grand-dog, Jameson. Nick and Teresa adopted him from an older lady who could no longer keep him. He's adorable and so well behaved!

The picture on the right is our dinner table after Nick and Paul's latest cooking contest - meatballs! I felt they were both winners - Paul's had sausage in it and his sauce was deeper and denser with sundried tomatoes. Nick's meatballs were all beef and his sauce was lighter - onions and bits of tomatoes throughout. Next will be a collaboration while Kate is here - chicken and fish. Yum!

Speaking of Katie - I made my Gram's Dobosh recipe to celebrate her birthday. I think it was a winner - Paul licked his plate! We put it back in the freezer so we can share some with Mana when he arrives Saturday.



Jen and Paul celebrate their first anniversary today. I know a Mom up in heaven who is just as happy they found one another as the Mom here on earth. They are truly a wonderful couple.

The Heat, Kate's Visit, and Life

The heat is horrendous. Had a scary storm last night early so did my mileage tonight. Tink and I waited until 7 p.m. but it was still 94 with the heat index. Walking 60 miles in October weather will be sweet after all this heat!

Kate arrives on Friday! Very excited Mom here, out to Harry's Market today to get in some stuff that will be yummy for Kate. Got some doggy treats for Ky and Tink, too.

I did a blog on thankfulness a few weeks ago, and when I looked back at it about a week ago I realized I missed some important folks who helped me become the person I am today - my aunts and uncles. On both sides of my family I am blessed to have loving aunts, considerate uncles, and they all amazingly managed to marry people who may as well be my blood, too.

Actually, my aunt Marge is the reason I did the 3Day originally. I remember her the best of all the nieces and nephews, simply because I am the oldest. If you knew her, you could not help love her. She ALWAYS smiled. ALWAYS. One quick memory: she and my uncle Al took me out ice skating with my cousin Joey my first ever time at the age of seven. I can still feel the ice gliding beneath those double runner strap-on skates. Another vivid memory was when she and my Dad did the polka around the living room on Fourth Street and were so much fun to watch. She always had time to talk no matter how many people she was expecting for dinner. To lose her to breast cancer has been a tremendous family loss. Still.

And now Harry, her youngest brother and my uncle, is on all of our minds. He suffered a freak fall at the steel mill where he works and is now recovering with a plate holding his pelvis together. He also broke his hip, sacrum, and a vertebra. So, say a prayer or send a loving vibe that Har heals quickly. What can I say about Harry? Harry is Harry. To know him is to love him. He is a stand up guy. You can't help but love him and all my other family.

Live each day on your feet and with your good health thankfully.

Class Over!

I am free until August 19th! I took my Brit Lit final two hours ago. My professor, Dr. Norris, recently received his doctorate in Medieval English and it was such a pleasure learning with him. He has a very dry sense of humor which I appreciated. And, like most of the professors I have had at Kennesaw State, his range of knowledge as related to his subject is vast and awe inspiring.

Quick Story: I turned in my paper two days ago - wrote a literary analysis on an aspect of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and I have to admit I was a bit nervous. I know, I always am when it comes to school. He had brought up that ratemyprofessor.com site at our last class, so I went and looked him up AFTER I turned in the paper (oh, and he gave everyone an extension til today and I was sitting there thinking, "No way. I am not doing anything else with this, I'm handing mine in tonight." Which I did.) and then I almost had a heart attack. Some of the reviews said how tough he was grading. UGH! I should have waited and handed it in later. Now I'm doomed. Ok, you're right. I did ok. Got an A! : )

Katie will be here a week from tomorrow - Jen and Paul celebrate their first wedding anniversary that weekend- much happiness and excitement at my nest. Here's a random photo for the ending of this random blog...if anyone wants to know what a bean bag box looks like. Here it is.

Take time to meditate. Or as Todd says, "love is the answer...I've been from shore to shore to shore, if there's a short cut I'd have found it, but there's no easy way around it...love is the answer."

Tony Snow

I don't have the words. Read Tony's.

Swallow At the Hollow, Etc.

After walking 10.2 miles on Saturday, I went to Swallow at the Hollow that night to see a great show and have some good salad and bbq. My foot is the one directly to the left of the date. I'm so proud of my feets - they are doing great! The pain in the left arch is about gone, I think Kate's addition of Joint Support from Banyan Botanicals (I have been taking two times a day since I got it Mother's Day) has helped. Thanks Kate!

Now - the other feets: my friend, Patty, and her daughter Tricia, her niece Erin, Tricia's boyfriend, Will, and a few other friends of theirs joined us along with another friend of Patty's called Patty! Swallow is located in a small cabin and all the food is cooked on the premises. The owner is there and thanks everyone for coming - individually - after the show. Check out the link. It is very cool. The performers are country/bluegrass/gospel writers who tell you the stories behind the music - quite a few were hits. I'm not a country music fan but a trip to the Swallow is always an event.

Katie's birthday is coming! And she is coming here August 1st! Teresa got a 12 week contract teaching - yay! She has her foot in the door. Mana is coming, too! Nick is taking vacation while Katie is here - can you tell I am one excited Goosie??? 8 >

Oh, and two days to Batman! Zounds!

Thunder, Tink, Sydney and Tony

We've had horrific storms this week; a parishioner lost their home to a lightning strike. At class one night, we lost the electricity. Thankful for all the accompanying rain we desperately need, I still missed out on some mileage this week.

Last night Tink and I got 3.6 in before I went to a beautiful wedding at our church. The reception was fun, too.

This morning, I took Tink for another 3.6 from our house, then I dropped her off at home and headed to Costco for new tires. I walked from the Costco to Kennesaw Mountain. It was so hard for me NOT to walk the mountain - but only in my mind. My dogs were tired! I was walking by time, not by distance, which I knew I could measure when I got home. Love that Gmaps pedometer - the link is on the side bar. Anyhow, I did another 6.6 without my girl.

I was whipped. Came home, ate, and fell asleep after watching a interesting (and what turned out to be final) interview on TCM of the late Sydney Pollack by Elvis Mitchell. And now Nick calls to tell me Tony Snow has passed away. Snow died at 53, one year older than me. Snow and Pollack both died of cancer. So as much as my feet hurt, I will keep training. We have to find a cure.

Aloha from Kauai and Maui

Since I had such an outstanding picture of Mana's foot in Kauai, Katie sent one of hers in Maui. Katie okayed sharing an excerpt from her email:


Mana's pic was taken on Kauai's Na Pali Coast at the beginning of the Kalalau trail, a world famous 11 mile hike, of which we did 2, 4 round trip.

[My picture] was taken at Turtle Town of Maui. At another black lava beach, La Perouse, about 5 miles down we swam with dolphins for about 45 minutes; then we got in the car, went to turtle town for INCREDIBLE snorkeling which included turtles and two manarays!!! The most beautiful, graceful things I have ever seen! It was a GREAT day.

Aloha nui loa
Katie

4th of July, the Peachtree Race, & Bean Bag

Jen and Paul ran in the Peachtree, a race that has been run in Atlanta every year for the last 39 years. There are over 50,000 people who run (and walk and wheelchair) and some of the runners win monies. They each did their own time (unofficially) and Jen came in at 55 min, 20 sec and Paul did 72 minutes and I think 10 sec. They both were almost at the goals they had set for themselves. Brian was in town, so he and I went and met up with them; it was a proud moment for us and our kids. They are pictured here in their shirts - I tripped up, I should have gotten feet pictures of them! Afterwards we went out for breakfast and some folks clapped for them - yay!

Nick and Teresa both had to work - blech. Anyhow, we cooked out and Jen and I took on Brian and Paul in bean bag. It took a phone call to Pop up in Philly for a judging on a rule - and Jen checked the internet - but we kicked the boys good the first two games. After dinner, they wanted a rematch, but the mosquitoes were feasting on Jen and I so well that we lost the first rematch then forfeited the second because the bites were making us miserable. So, in my mind, we won! : )

Nick and Teresa came late and we had some good laughs and all too soon it was after midnight.

Kate and Mana return from Maui later this week - but we will not see Kate here in Dixie until August.

Tink and I walked this morning with Karyn for our 3Day training, and we did 6 miles in 1 hour and 45 minutes with one potty break. Good going!

Lung Cancer Vaccine

I saw a headline about this but finally had the chance to check it out. Turns out Fidel Castro has pioneered biotechnology since the 1980's. This vaccine will not cure lung cancer but will ease symptoms, and also will extend life from four months to a longer period. It is a start. It is on trial here in the U.S., but will not be available for two years. If only we could have had it for Rita.


3Day: Did my first official training walk with Karyn, a teammate, as well as other 3Day folk. All the others are newbies so it was quite fun to see their excitement. I did well, my left arch let me know it was there, but after the 7 miles I went home, got Tink, and did 1.5 more so she could get her exercise.

How is your meditation going? Oh, and got the cutest pic from Kauai - check out Mana's shoe!

Ocean City, NJ

Ally, Matt, Zach, David, Kris, Kevin, Mom, Daddy, and me...we are missing Tim and Patti here who had to go to the city to work...but we made the most out of the days I had with all of them.

We celebrated Kevin's birthday, saved the sand castles from the ocean, walked to church, walked to ice cream; we cycled in a surrey with the fringe on top, we gin and tonicked on the beach, we played rummikube, watched the kids (and MomMom) play Wii, we did the blankety blanks and then an 'a' and then two blankety blanks and then a 'c' and then a 'd' of the NY times on the beach ( we finished Sunday's NY Times crossword!) and we laughed and laughed.

On the walking front I did about 5.5 miles on Saturday and then 1.5 each on Sunday and Monday. Mostly I had fun with the kiddos and family. That is what it is all about!!!

Hot, Dry and 82

What a perfectly gorgeous late June afternoon! Tink and I walked 3.6 miles and the weather is perfect - low 80's with a slight breeze here in North Georgia.

I'm looking forward to purple lips (yes, stealing from your sister is not nice, but what a great visual) at the beach - the New Jersey shore will be chilly this time of year - your ankles will get slightly numb at first - but what a refreshing feeling! Sipping, shelling, sandcastles, sun, and silliness!

And if you were worried - I did unlock that final level on Link's Crossbow Training! Now I'm after my silver medals. But not until after I read about the Green Knight!

6 Miles Today!

Whew! Tink is a little bit tired after her six mile jaunt - she had to pull me up the hills. Just kidding - but it was wicked at the end. Can definitely feel the left arch. : ( Have you donated to the 3Day cause yet? You will spur me on when you do - I want to walk with you, too!

Headed out to get a little something to eat with Jenny, then shopping. Ally, my niece, has graduated from eighth grade! Where did the time go? Anyway, heading out to get her a little something I have in mind for her High School years. Also have other shopping to do - yuck. Then home to King Arthur, Gawain, and the rest of the gang. And I have to unlock that last level on Link's Crossbow Training! I love my Wii!

Tim Russert and Thankfulness

What sad news today - Tim Russert dies of a heart attack. Only 58. As Tink and I walked tonight I thought about thankfulness.

Thankfulness for the little girl I was who lived for the day we went to the library, so I could find another adventure with Cherry Ames, read another part of the world of Louisa May Alcott, or discover something new.

Thankfulness for the love of daughters and a son. Thankfulness for my children's partners - all people I'd be proud to claim as my own.

Thankfulness for tears and heartaches.

Thankfulness for friends. Within the past week I have talked to or emailed with or both with friends in Cape Cod, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, here in Marietta, and as far as India.

Thankfulness for herons, hawks, and butterflies.

Thankfulness for my birth family. Thankfulness for nieces and nephews - those I'm related to by heart and those I'm related to by heart and blood. Thankfulness for all my cousins.

Thankfulness for Addie and George, Art and Mil.

Thankfulness for the health of mind and body that allows me to walk the 3Day and pursue my studies.

Thankfulness for the stars and the ocean and dogs and life.

Fireflies, the Moon, & the Ocean

Tink and I split today's walk into two parts - before and after my church meeting on the Building Fund.

Our first 1.5 was brutal heat - I think it had to be upper 90's with whatever indexes they use. At 9:00 p.m. Part II blessed us with the shining moon, the shimmery dusk, and frolicking fireflies!
: ) I love fireflies!!

I am heading to OCNJ in a bit and am really looking forward to walking and the ocean.

Kate heads to Kauai in a shorter bit - lucky ducky our Katie!

Butterflies, Goldfinches, an Old Friend, and a Hawk

Tink and I started walking at 9:30 this morning, a balmy 82 degrees wafting over us. We had a tremendous booming storm last night - hard rain, good lightning - perfect. It created a few puddles for the Tink. Most doxies do not like water - not the Tinker! She likes to stand in it and wade through it - I have to get her to the ocean!

We did 5 miles - a route through the neighborhood. First we came upon two bright copper pennies within a half mile of one another - face up. Then we stopped in the dog park, and the other gentleman there had two adorable Welsh terriers, Lucy and Sammy. While there and just after getting out of the dog park two butterflies flew around us. Towards the end of our walk, a male and female goldfinch pair alighted on a nearby tree to say hello, then flew down the street ahead of us. Lastly, a beautiful smallish hawk (not good on my hawk names, sorry) sprinted overhead low enough to share his beautiful markings with us. Ah, a little slice of heaven.

Along the way we ran into a fellow Hockey parent from Nick's travel hockey days here in Georgia. A great family man and wonderful hockey parent - we caught up on life. When the kids started playing together, their youngest child, a girl, was in maybe first grade. She starts high school in the fall! Their son, who played with Nick, is doing study abroad this summer with UGA. I shared the news of my kids, too, including our wedding last summer and what a great addition Paul is to our family. Time passes so fast. And that hockey dad gets a gold star - he says every time he sees me I look younger. Gotta like a man who knows the right thing to say!

Back to Arthurian Myth in the History of Britain...see y'all later!

I Wish I Was In Wilmington!

I dropped Statistics today - not because the class was intimidating - but because I could not get our KSU website to stop freezing when I needed it~! Argh!

The weather here has turned hot and hot. Tink and I walked 1.5 miles yesterday while trying to be patient waiting for the screen to unfreeze. It did not work. No walk today. Hot. Wicked hot, as my friend Jody says.

I have to admit I am bummed about the dropped class, but I'm trying to be philosophical about it. I will have time to train for the 3Day now. I will enjoy my weekend up in OCNJ with family much more. Ay yi yi... hey, if you have not made a contribution yet, please do it. Tink and I will thank you.

Weather, Walking, Back to Class

We got a little bit of rain, but the temperature was much cooler today, I think the high was only 79. Tink and I did 2 miles after my first summer Brit Lit class. I am going to work on Statistics as soon as I post this. I can do statistics - I know I can!

Nick and I went to see the new Indiana Jones last Friday night. We both felt it to be Dvd material. Blech. But don't get me started on Heroes! Ay yi yi! Start watching it from season one - what a winner! Adrian Pasdar is from Boothwyn near Philly - and he is one of many in an excellent cast. Go - now- rent Heroes!

Have you taken time to breathe today? I am doing a new meditation exercise from Thich Nhat Hanh's The Energy of Prayer. It is so beautiful. Here are a few lines from it:

Breathing in, I feel joyful.
Breathing out, I taste the source of peace and joy.

Breathing in, I dwell in the present moment.
Breathing out, it is a wonderful moment.


I wish you present moments.

Weekend Walking in Wilmington, Etc.

As you can tell, the foot on the right spends more time in the sun than the foot on the left! Laurie and I had a blast. We did not walk on the beach. We rested and watched the ocean. It was our duty. And, yes, we hoisted a few beers.

We did do quite a bit of walking around Wilmington. We walked every day along the Cape Fear for one reason or another. Usually involving food, alcohol, music, or any combination thereof. And of course, we played Peanuts! Of course! And I got to talk to all three of her kiddos - even the one across the pond - and Tommy was there for some of the fun, too.

The Flyers: The boys will be back next year - and we are in for a fantastic season. We went from the basement to the Eastern Finals! We have talent, youth, age, and a phenomenal goalie in Biron. Love my boys!

3Day Update: I am a bit off track with the walking. Among my many wondrous Mother's Day gifts (luckiest mom in the whole world here) Kate added joint support to my supplements. It is better; I mowed today and no throbbing. I'll be doing Kennesaw Mountain this weekend, so we will see.

I have contributions! I am on my way! Thanks to Vicki, Bill and Regina, Mom and Dad, Jeanne, and Uncle T. Not all the money is at the site yet, but soon. Please go to my site via the widget on the right column and contribute. And pass it forward. We need a cure now.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

	Countdown: 24 Weeks Your Training Schedule for This Week: Monday Rest Tuesday 3 miles Easy walking Wednesday Rest Thursday 3 miles Moderate walking Friday 30 minutes Easy cross-training Saturday 3 miles Easy walking Sunday 3 miles Easy walking

I am having some difficulty with my left arch, due to wearing a shoe without any absorption for an entire day, so that is why my numbers are lower. But I did two hours of yardwork today and it did not start to hurt til the end. I am planning on the Mountain tomorrow afternoon so I iced it tonight. Anyhow, it is time to get to the fundraising now that I have got the trainer! Donate - and pass it on!

God Bless America & Edelweiss

Personal rambling about to occur, so consider yourself warned. My sister hosted a Cousin Sing-A-Long today up at her home in Lansdale, PA. My parents, sisters, their families, some aunts, uncles, and cousins, and extended cousins (my Dad's cousins, so second cousins for me) all got together and sang around the piano. I was so homesick and wished I was there. But I am here, studying and writing for my final.

Well, instead of studying I'm thinking about the sing-a-long and my Flyers so I called my sister before everyone got there and put in a request. When the Flyers won the Cup in 1974 & in 1975 they had a secret weapon - Kate Smith. Truly. Hey, if you want to feel the love, check out this from her appearance before the 1974 Stanley Cup win. The Flyers would fly Miss Smith in to the Spectrum to sing before big games. Their original announcer, Gene Hart (deceased), has a daughter, Lauren Hart, who now sings on the Jumbotron with Kate. They even have her record somewhere about how many wins when she sings God Bless America. So of course, that was my request.

My sister called when the whole gang was there, and between Georgia and Pennsylvania we all sang. It was wonderful. Then I yelled, "PLAY HOCKEY!" and we all had a good laugh. I'm not sure who it was, but it sounded like a cousin named after my Gram who asked me to start them on Edelweiss. This song is a beloved one for our family. We are American of German/Austrian/Hungarian descent and we love to sing. So it is a natural fit. It was so lovely to be there with all of them, even if for five minutes. Thanks, Family!

Back to Woolf and Yeats and the Gang...

WE BEAT THE CAPS IN OT!!!!

Here we come MONTREAL!!!!


Marty Biron had an assist tonight - now he's a true Flyer - a goalie with some points! Marty! Marty!

Beautiful OT goal by Lupul!

3Day2006 ~ Day Two Memories

I hear voices from the other tents but it still seems really early to me, so I don't get up. I figure Penny (my tentmate) isn't up yet, then I think, well, maybe I better check the cell phone and see what time it is. Well, there's no Penny, I turn on the cell, it's 7 am, and there's a message from Penny saying they're all eating breakfast! I slept 11 hours! The rest of my team was upset because it got down to 30 degrees overnight (I learned later); they were cold. I'm a true northerner!

Today we start walking from our home base(camp). I forgot to tell you that each day you are scanned out to start walking and scanned back into home base. The credential you wear around your neck is your ID, etc. The ladies sing you out and dance you in that volunteer at check in. The music is incredible.

Our lunch stop today has all the crew dressed like Pirates of the Caribbean: we have Jack Sparrow welcoming us into the stop, and we eat our lunches of chicken wrap, pasta salad, fruit cup, and cookies. They were peanut butter so I turned down the cookies! And the route markers have written Johnny Depp Loves 3Day Walkers in chalk over by the potties. They are so good to us.

The first day the lunch crew was dressed as the 4077th MASH complete with a Colonel Klinger! The same crew dresses up each day of the walk in different costumes. It's incredible.

By lunch, my left foot is pretty bad, so I go get some self-med stuff and tape up my left heel with moleskin. It feels good for the first few miles after lunch, but because of where the spur is, the moleskin starts moving, and after awhile I'm in agony. I stop, tell my team to go ahead, and pull off the moleskin, wind up reversing it (the moleskin), walk slowly, and my team is waiting for me at the next pit stop. I'm afraid to stop walking at the pit stop so I just keep putting one foot in front of the other - I just keep on walking. And I made it. Not easily, but I made it. We walk back into camp, and I manage to smile and even to dance my way home - but only with my arms!

Off to the medical tent, the triage nurse looks at it, but says the blister may reabsorb, wait until morning. Then we hear about the weather - 60% chance of rain. A group of walkers start heading to their homes in the area, and will head back in the morning.

We head off to a dinner of chicken marsala, wild rice, salad, broccoli, and cheesecake. Yum. Inspiring stories of people among us, and then a disco band of four guys and lots of walkers are up dancing. Not me, but I'm happy to be there, and know that I've walked. The guys in the band wear huge 70's afro wigs. It's a riot. We stay up late tonight. We didn't go to bed until 8:35!

The rain starts around 2 a.m. Karyn has her alarm set in the next tent, and she's going to wake me at 6 so I can get right to the medical tent as it opens. Penny and I hear her alarm go off before she even says anything. Penny says she'll pack her duffel, then as soon as I get back from medical, I can pack mine, and she'll take down the tent so we can both get breakfast. I hobble over to medical after changing to my clothes for the day and putting my jammies back on over top for warmth from the drizzly rain. The medical tent is dark. Hmmmm...head back to our tent, Penny is waiting for me, I tell her something's wrong - medical isn't open. She says no, nothing's wrong, after I packed I turned on my cell, it's only 5:20 a.m.! Ay Yi Yi! I say let's lay down anyhow. She doesn't want to unpack so she goes to breakfast. But we all know how much I love to sleep, so I lay back down.

FLYERS WIN IN DOUBLE OVERTIME!

We are up three games to one against the Caps! YAY!

Double overtime never looked so good as when Biron made the saves and Knuble scored a workingman's goal 6 minutes into the second overtime! Here we come, Washington!

Tink is ecstatic - she is not sure how fast she will be able to get her snout between her paws to dream about squirrels and flying pucks!

Flyers Up 2-1 in the Series & Walking !

<--Tink is wondering how many hours until the Flyers take to the ice again!

Last night's win, 6-3, over the Caps was so exciting to watch! The team has coalesced - you can watch it in their discipline, and even when they have a few shenanigans going on! : ) Mike Richards' penalty shot was flawless and fun. Instead of going for the flamboyant trick shot he made Huet feel foolish with the flick that trickled through the five hole - brilliant!

Today was a perfect day weather-wise here in northern Georgia. Sunny and seventy-two. Tink and I did our three mile stretch. We go through a part of our local streets and Tink was so excited she was running and dragging me along in a demented looking jog - and I'm being kind to myself calling it demented! Tink was exasperated at my lame attempts to keep up with her bunny-hopping, ears-flopping trot. Anyone who has ever had a doxie knows what I am talking about - they have the cutest way of running. It's a cross between a dog and a rabbit. I can not explain it better than that.

Maureen (one of my 3Day teammates) asked me when we were going to start training. I sadly told her they have already started without us! We have to get moving! The April walks are usually three miles. We then move into the road alongside Kennesaw Mountain which is a three mile round trip that just happens to include a mountain. Hopefully that will not start until May. I am planning on getting my second set of sneaks the beginning of May. I am also planning on training (and possibly doing some of the 3Day) in my Chaco's. They are fabulous.

Ok, y'all. Did you meditate today??? You didn't??? Open up your heart by opening up your mind to meditation.

3Day 2008 & YAY FLYERS!!!

My boys made the playoffs! They went from ninth and almost missing the playoffs to sixth - yay! Here we come, Washington! Go FLYERS!

Okay, I got that off my chest. And speaking of chests ; ) I finally came up with my tagline for my fundraising letters. I'll be sharing that with you all in a minute.

It has been crazy lately for me. The weather has not made it easy to walk, but I am thankful for the rain. I did my new yoga cd from Katie and I have been in more wonderful weariness than I remember in a long time. Gotta get that cd to be a part of my training for the 3Day. And I have been crazy working on making a website for my Computer Writing and English class. Ok, that is it for housekeeping and where I have been.

Try this on for size: If you've got some boobies that you love, or you know someone who has - please pass this email (letter, link) along and make a difference in many boobies lives! I love it! Do you? I have my letter just about ready to go, knew what I wanted to say; I could not get the tagline just right. I think I've got it.


Here's the important part of the press release for 2008 from www.3day.org :

Taking place in 14 cities nationwide, the Breast Cancer 3-Day is a three-day, 60-mile walk that provides an opportunity to educate tens of thousands of people about breast health, including the importance of early detection. Breast Cancer 3-Day participants commit to raising a minimum of $2,200 and walking an average of 20 miles a day during each three-day event. Proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day are used for breast cancer research, education, and community outreach programs. As the primary beneficiary of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure receives 85 percent of net proceeds and the remaining 15 percent goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Please visit www.The3Day.org, or call 800.996.3DAY for more information.

My thoughts on the 3Day:
The 3Day will be here in Atlanta October 24 - 26, 2008. Two of my Simply Blessed team members are walking with me. One is a survivor - they are both joyful people. Actually, the entire three days is a joyful time. You laugh, you cry, you nurse blisters. Doctors and nurses give their time to patch you up. There are literally hundreds of volunteers who do everything from helping to set up your tent, move your luggage, feed you, clean the bathrooms, etc., etc., etc.


There are a few fantastic groups I have to mention. The motorcycle guys! And the trolling van people! They dress up, they keep the route clear, they dance across intersections with you. They give you lollipops, they make you smile, they make you feel like a queen. There's nothing like a motorcycle guy revving past you in his pink plaid kilt! : )

There are volunteers along the way at the pit stops and lunch stops who leave chalk messages on the sidewalk, dress up like the characters from MASH while serving you a sandwich, or beckon you to a rest dressed like Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow (and that was a woman!). I could go on and on. You become part of a family. Everyone is in it to assist each walker walk those 60 miles.

My link is along the sidebar. Make a donation. And then pass the link along. You know some boobies that you love...give them a long time to live. Make a difference.

Walking and Meditation on Easter

Happy Easter Monday! Yesterday was cool, sunny, and a perfect family and walking day. By the time this photo was taken we had changed from our church shoes: here you see my son-in-law, my middle daughter, and myself. And Tink in her Easter necklace! She loves to dress up. She missed the first 2.8 miles as the others in our group had walked to and from church. Tink led us through our final 1.7 loop in the neighborhood. My son is in the restaurant business so he was busy and not able to share in this time with us.

It was my first 4.5 day in quite awhile; I definitely 'felt' it in my feet by the end of the day. So, after the kids left I did the simple yoga stretch of getting vertical on a good wall. I do not know the name of the pose - only that it works! You lay on the ground and 'rest' your legs at a 90 degree angle up the nearest wall. This causes the blood to recirculate and as you practice this move, you can take longer stretches. If you want, you can also meditate in this position. I prefer to rest in this position awhile, then meditate in a sitting pose.

A superb place to find positive and life-filling information on this is the Sacred Forms site. Go to the Meditate link to learn more about meditating, and how it is highly personal for each of us. The Gallery link will give you endless possibilities of sacred forms for your meditations.

Your Cell Phone Doesn't Make You Safe

I have something serious to share today. I've spent more time than usual lately gazing at TV because of being ill. I am back to work/school but have still been laying on the sofa and watching the news because my energy was zip. The good news there is that I get to add some mileage today. Finally.

Living here in Georgia and being the mom of two intelligent, beautiful women sure made me feel the murders of Lauren Burk and Eve Carson deeply. I started to think about them; two women who were excelling in school, working hard, and making a difference in their respective communities. How did they each find themselves victims of murder within a week of one another? I don't know why, but a thought which haunts me is that each probably had a cell phone on their person or in their purse as they were attacked and killed.

Cell phones make women feel safe. They make me feel safe. I think that as long as I have my cell phone, no one can 'get' me. Or my girls. But that isn't true. I know that myself. And so do you. Cell phones are not mace. And they are not pepper spray. Cell phones don't know anything about self defense.

I am in NO WAY suggesting that either Lauren or Eve would still be alive - for all I know they may have had mace or pepper spray with them and known self defense. Sometimes the perpetrator is just that much bigger, stronger, whatever. But as women we need to take care of ourselves all the time. And look out for each other. What are your thoughts? And would you consider carrying a taser?

Sick Bay Report

I'm stealing one of my Uncle Tony's email subject lines for my subject today. My Great-Uncle Tony keeps our extended family together; since 1963 he and my Aunt Polly, who we lost a few years ago, have hosted our annual family reunion on the Fourth of July. Some years there would be over 80 of us, as my Pop was one of Uncle Tony's nine siblings.

I think Uncle Tony is almost 80 now, but he is online and computer savvy. We are scattered from Pennsylvania to California, from Maine to Florida, but he keeps us all updated and sometimes his email subject is Sick Bay Report.

So here is my report - my sneakers are gathering dust! I'm on a second round of a different antibiotic for another ten days, taking more of the narcotic cough medicine, and I feel blech! And yes, blech is the technical term. ; ) The good news is that my chest xray yesterday was clear, so no pneumonia. The bad news - it looks absolutely beautiful outside and I am stuck inside. Blech blech blech! BUT - I'm taking my vitamins, and you should be, too!

Blech! Sad Sneakers

Is there anything sadder than unlaced sneakers sitting unused by the front door? Yes, if those same sad sneaks have medicines for their sick owner! Blech! I'm infected! I have respiratory flu - the cough, the fever, the ache. And the physician's assistant told me this strain killed all the folks in the early 1900's - loverly - not!

No mileage logged this week, and now you know the reason why.


I have a theory on why the bug bit me. Besides the other supplements I shared with you earlier, I take Garden of Life's women's multivitamin, vitamins C & E, and fish oil. Oh, and a baby aspirin. About two weeks ago I ran out of my daily vitamin C supplement. I was busy and kept forgetting to buy it - now I'm sick. Take your vitamins~!

Happy Valentine's Day to Your Heart

Happy Valentine's Day, Everyone! Great walking afternoon in northern Georgia - sunny and a balmy 59! Thought I'd share my beautiful flowers with you all.

On a day when we think of all those near and dear to our heart, I thought I'd share something I found in my January/February 2008 issue of WeightWatchers magazine. In an interview with Noel Nairey Merz, M.D., medical director of the Women's Heart Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Dr. Merz shares this about possible benefits for normal range cholesterol: "If it stays within the normal range for 2 years, you could reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 75 percent."

Wow! I don't know about you, but the thought of that much of a reduction will keep me walking - and watching my food intake choices - with an eye on seeing many more Octobers at the Outer Banks in the coming years with my gal pals.

Here's a heart happy recipe that is super easy to make, and is a great choice for a fast breakfast or an any time snack. If you are a WeightWatcher, it counts as a vegetable, and is two points per muffin. I also know people who love these but don't do WW so they add a frosting. Also yummy, but when I'm feeling decadent I add some fat free Cool Whip. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

1 Spice Cake Mix
1 15 oz. can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, plain old pumpkin)
1 egg
1 cup water

Mix all together. Pour into cupcake tins and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Makes about 15 muffins.

3Day Readiness

Here's how Tink and I normally look when we take our daily walks which were not so daily this past week. With 5pm classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the middle of winter, we are lucky to get 5 walks a week. We are both pretty happy with that right now. This photo is from yesterday - we did 3.6 miles each yesterday and today. Weather perfect for walking - sunny and in the 50's to low 60's.

In 2006 when I did the 3Day I learned something about my left foot 4 weeks before the walk - I have a heel spur! At the time we were doing between 10-15 miles on one weekend day, and 7 miles on the second weekend day. I'd do great on Saturdays, but Sundays I'd be aching on my left foot. I tried a heel guard and was rewarded with a blister the size of Ohio on my heel! So, I headed to a podiatrist to drain my giant blister and he did xrays and surprise - heel spur. I had problems walking the 3Day, visited the fantastic medical tent at our camp and along the way, and I am proud to say I finished thanks to terrific nurses and doctors.

This time I signed up for the six month training schedule which means early April will find my schedule appearing in my email, and my team and I will start walking. I started early because of my heel. What I am doing is using some natural herbs which work well for my pitta dosha. I started before Christmas and so far I've been averaging almost twelve miles per week walking without any pain in that foot. Additionally, I am stretching daily.

I did research on ayurvedic healing on the internet, and talked to my daughter who teaches yoga and lives the ayurvedic lifestyle. One of my meanderings links is to Banyan Botanicals. I was already taking their triphala regularly for my digestion so it was a matter of seeing if Banyan had what I needed.

And they do - I am currently taking two guggulus - yogaraj and kaishore. Both are anti-inflammatories. If you click on the word guggulu above, you will go to the order page; you can click on the two types and read more about them, if you are interested.

Speaking of my meanderings links - my web page for the 3Day is up - very rough but it is there. Take a look, join up, or make a donation!

Walk Down Your Triglycerides!

I'm having technical difficulties with my digital camera - the batteries went dead! - so no photo of the sunny tramp Tink and I took this afternoon through our neighborhood. It was clear and crisp but much colder than I thought it would be today.

In the Jan/Feb '08 issue of Health magazine there is some fantastic information about walking and your cholesterol. In referring to a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology the findings affirmed: "Walk[ing] 12 miles per week at a moderate intensity (around 4mph)...showed double the improvement in...triglyceride levels, compared with the other groups" (66). The two other groups included one which jogged at 6 mph for either 12 or 20 miles per week, and the other did nothing. Additionally, "only the moderate exercisers' levels stayed low for more than two weeks after their last walk" (66).

I walk between sixteen and eighteen minute miles, depending how chatty I am on the cell phone, so it looks like I won't be strolling and talking much anymore. Happy walking!

Philly Windchill of NINE!

Last Friday my walking was from the economy lot at Hartsfield to my gate in the C terminal. I spent the weekend up in Philadelphia, PA with family. On Sunday, as you can see from the photo, there were three walkers - my daughter, my grand-dog, and myself. We knew it was cold and there was quite a wind, but it wasn't until we returned from our almost three mile hike through a section of Wissahickon Park that we learned it had been below 22 degrees and the windchill was nine! Click here to see our route.

Philadelphia was planned by William Penn, who favored green areas throughout the city. Today's walkers, mountain bikers, runners, dogs, and horses have easily accessible well maintained park trails. As a Weight Watcher, I know it is important to get thirty minutes of exercise, five times per week. A great walk invigorates me. Walking daily mileage helps me focus when I am reading or studying, and it definitely helps me get a better night's sleep.

Being out in the sun adds to your stores of Vitamin D. I found this NY Times article interesting reading; we need to get natural Vitamin D as well as taking a daily supplement for our bones and organs. Walking in the winter sunshine - what could be better? No sweating and no bugs!

Finally, here is a waterfall we encountered at the park on Sunday - Enjoy!

Walking Through the Flakes

Welcome! I am so excited by the prospect of sharing my love of walking and talking about health - particularly women's health. I have walked all my life, and remember talking my friends into walking to the mall (we lived in the city, so that took some persuasion), and my first 25 mile walking marathon in the '70s in order to make life easier for the poor of my city of brotherly love, Philadelphia.

As for women's health, in October of 2006 I completed the 60 mile walk in the Susan G. Komen Foundation 3Day Walk for breast cancer. I hope to talk more about my training for that event in 2006 and my early preparations for this year's walk in October of 2008.

Tink, my four year old dachshund, may have some things to report on as we are clicking away the mileage. We did three and a half miles today, and it was glorious being out there with crystalline flakes streaming all about us. We did the last half mile tonight; Tink was not so enamored of the whiteness all about us as you can see.

When you come for a visit my hope is that you will leave having either picked up a new tip on a trail, a new thought on health, or maybe even want more information on how you can be a part of the Atlanta 3Day.