Almost Perfect

As soon as I arrived home and walked through the front door, my phone was ringing. "Hi Lisa, do you wanna go for a walk?" Her voice was so excited, and I couldn't blame her with sunny skies and 65 glorious degrees! Ohhhhh, how could I turn Joanie down with her down-to-earth nature. "Sure Joan, I'll go for a walk with you." Really however, I wanted to hop on Ruby and go for a spin, but sometimes friend relationships are more important. I did give her a plug for bicycle riding, since she understands my passion for summer riding. Joan promised she would take her mountain bike off her trainer and bring it over to our house for annual maintenance. I'm really hopeful I can talk her into cycling with Kim and me on a regular basis, but we'll see. Just a beautiful day today, however, things may change, so I've been told by the weatherman....what???? Give me a break! That four-letter word is in the forecast again, seriously I'm not kidding! Old man winter just keeps hanging on and on. Only in the Midwest.....

Someone Forgot To Tell Me

So I arrived on time this morning with my goodie bag filled with libray items, and this 80 year-old woman said, "oh, didn't you know we have exercise class between 10:30 - 11:00 am! Ohhhh geez....no one told me about the exercise class when I agreed to book a library talk at the local Senior Center. So she says, "you can come back at 11:00 am, or you can surely join us for morning exercise." Hummm, what should I do. Well, I opted to join the seniors in their 1/2 hour exercise class.

I had a blast following along with this 1980's video workout meant for seniors. As we raised our legs, did side stretches, sat in our chairs and performed a chest press (hee, hee) I suddenly felt HOT. Remember, seniors like their environment set at 80 degrees and I just happened to be wearing a sweater today!

The priceless moment came, when I casually mentioned that whooo I felt that leg stretch in my hip. This other 80 something year-old woman looked at me and said, "well, I've been doing these stretches for a long time now and I DON'T FEEL SORE AT ALL" as she kicked her leg as high as possible!!!! What a trooper she was. I hope I can have that gusto and attitude when I'm in my 80's!

After exercise class, I kindly asked for a glass of water.....I was dying of thirst. Parched was all I could think of! I was able to present my 25 minute library talk to the seniors explaining why they should use their local public library. I have a heart for seniors and love to listen to their stories of their younger years.

Before I left to go back to my workplace, I was asked to come back again and attend Monday morning exercise class.....I think they liked me!

Late Day Walk

Just enough evening light to let us enjoy a great snowshoe walk after work. It was a joy to spend a long walk through the snow with my friend Kim. We were already talking bike rides in the spring....planning and plotting!!!

Bike man has begun his cardiac rehab therapy. It's become a joke around our house since he thinks of his rehab as a curse like the celebrities that do rehab for drug addiction and so on!

So again today, the therapy counselor was not comfortable with the level that Bike man wanted to work at on the cardio equipment. You see, they aren't use to people like Bike man who expect their heart rate to be working at a certain level during a workout. The counselor kept telling Bike man to tone it down......she just doesn't understand who she's working with. She doesn't realize that this cardiac patient is use to biking 80 miles a day on his bicycle trips.....she doesn't know what to do with a person like Bike man. Bike man does not fit the normal cardiac patient!!! We both laugh because Bike man is so out-of-place in the therapy room. Even with block artieries, he still was more fit than most people. I just shake my head.

I have a feeling Bike man will be back to his old self sooner than later. I kinda feel sorry for that therapy counselor, because she'll never meet another person like Bike man and she's wasting her time on trying to tone him down. Slowing down is not in his future!

Marine's Are Tough Ya Know.....

I didn't verbally say it, but I thought it in my head....."aren't you going to be cold walking in those shorts?" What the heck was I thinking. Should I even question the presence of bare legs? Of course not.....this is a man that survived the Vietnam war, one heart attack (1980), one divorce, a cigarette habit in his younger days, 20 years as a postal clerk, and Tuesday's angioplasty procedure, in which the doctors repaired blocked arteries. Bare legs on a 45 minutes walk in 28 degree weather today......no sweat. You just keep on wearing those shorts for the remaining winter months Bike man. With in no time you'll be running, biking and tromping around in the rivers and streams looking for invasive plants, and algae!

Still giving thanks cuz everyday is a new day.

Cold Sky

What can I say, it was cold today....windy kind of cold. When I left for work it was 18 degrees. When I stopped by the fitness center today the temperature had already dropped to 6 degrees. One of the things I noticed later this afternoon was the sun still hovering above the horizon around 5 pm. Kind of deceiving since I really wanted to go for a nice long walk out on the lake, but the windchill kept me indoors.

On a brighter note, much more enjoyable temperatures towards the end of the week. Hey, it's still winter!

Measure of Toughness

There's something about transitioning into February that always makes me feel hopeful.....hopeful that winter is halfway over. When you live in the Midwest, winter becomes annoying....like a pain or ache that keeps coming back to irritate you!

With the winds blowing and the snow drifting late this afternoon, I chose to stop by the fitness center after work for an elliptical workout. My physical body was there, but not my mind, or should I say not my heart. I love the outdoors and I look forward to the elements as much as possible. I think I need to work on my "toughness" and not let myself get too soft!!!! Single digit temperatures over the next few days so it's certainly a challenge to one's toughness.

Summer Memories

I couldn't help but think about the many trails we bike this summer & fall. This particular trail started out easy, but gradually became more dense with tall grass and thick heavy mud. I thought about all these trails tonight on my drive home from work and realized how much I really missed my summer rides, especially my Monday & Thursday rides. As my mind was wondering thinking about summer riding, I suddenly realized I recognized the person walking along the highway near my home.....it was Joan, my long lost friend.

Being a flexible person that I am, I ended up ditching my plans of snowshoeing tonight after work and ended up going on a nice 3 mile walk with Joan. We were like two chatty women just talking and catching up with each other and discussing our activities. Thank goodness for friends! After struggling in a bad mood today, my cold brisk walk with my friend helped put my mood in prospective.

A good friend is like a pair of cozy sweat pants.....warm, fuzzy and extremely comfortable!!!!

He Means Business

These are the mother of all snowshoes....really! Bike man decided to take the plunge and buy himself snowshoes. I have a feeling they will be put to good use over the next few months.

After our daughter left to drive back home, I headed out on the lake with my snowshoes before dark. As I was walking along my already made trail from last week, I discovered the deer also found my snowshoe trail.....wow, can you believe that? Whitetail deer are so smart. The deer followed my trail for at least one half a mile. When I came to the turnaround spot in my trail, the deer just wondered off to the lake's edge and headed up the hill. One of these days, I just want to be on the lake to watch these deer as they walk my trail back and forth.

Felt good to be outdoors in the cool temperatures. Fresh air, a little exercise and a peaceful end to the day is all I need. I hope you found your peace today.

Starting All Over Again

I spent last weekend catching up on my photo taking, especially since I lost ALL my pictures from the last two years. In a previous post, I mentioned how I unfortunately didn't back up any of my photos on my laptop, so when my laptop crashed, I lost it all. Yup, really dump, I know! Guess that just makes me motivated to start taking more photos all over again.

Headed over to the fitness center tonight for an elliptical workout and then some weight training. I find that the weight training during the winter months really helps me when I'm ready to hop back on the bike in the spring.

I sure miss my bike rides, especially the solitude of quietness and the sounds of nature. Tonight at the fitness center the usual women on the equipment were talking loud, laughing, screeching etc. Personally, that's what I hate about a fitness center.....all the artificial noise. Oh spring, please come back quickly!

You Gotta Have Fun

One thing I love about the holidays is that you can take some time to have a little fun with your your staff. Exchanging cookies and conversation is what the season is all about.

Speaking of the season, it briefly warmed up today, but a snow storm and cold temperatures are heading this way. We are all bracing for a cold, windy and snowy weekend. Tonight, the weather man is forecasting a storm that will dump about 10-11 inches of snow, yikes! Blizzard conditions by Saturday afternoon! Yes, this is December for sure.

Third night at the fitness center working out on the elliptical and now starting back on weight training. All of this is just to get me through the winter months and keep me strong and happy. Return to spring cycling isn't too far off.....at least that's what I'm telling myself. HA!

Stinging Nettles

Stinging Nettles

I never thought I would try eating stinging nettles, but guess again! Several months ago, we featured a program at the library about medicinal herbs. I was surprised to learn that nettles are loaded with nutrients........calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, vitamin C and B. Nettles are also high in protein and amino acids. One of the ladies that attended the program that night told us that she's been cooking with nettles for nearly 40 years, and started using them back in college as a way to up her protein intake. I was astounded. For years, I've been looking for a way to up my calcium intake, but couldn't handle calcium tablets are chews.....they give me intestinal upset!!! Now I've found my answer, besides chewing on Tums.

So tonight, I steamed a large pot of cauliflower and broccoli and sprinkled the nettles over the top. The nettles have a particular greeny taste, which is very similar to parsley, but still different. I was told to use a tablespoon or two in casseroles, salads, salad dressings, and whatever you would like. It will take me sometime to get use to the green herbal taste, but I am happy to finally find something that is rich in calcium.

When I arrived back to work today, I found a jar of dried nettles sitting on my desk. Thanks to the woman who graciously gave me this gift......and she even picked the stinging nettles herself. She told me she's learned a certain trick to picking the leaves without getting stung. As for me? I'll just buy nettles at the health food store for now.

One hour at the fitness center tonight working out on the elliptical. I needed to sweat!!!

The Weather is Finally Changing

The weather is finally changing and acting more like November. That pink and blue on the radar is wet snow and sleet, as the temperatures hovers around 32-35 degrees. We haven't seen the snow yet, but that will change over night.

I finally gave in tonight after work and headed over the the fitness center for a workout. Very disappointed to find the virtual bikes were totally gone.....no where in sight. I loved those bikes since you could ride a variety of trail routes, all while watching the monitor. The virtual bikes felt real and kept my mind occupied. Where the heck did they go? I opted to use the elliptical machine instead. Being inside the fitness center gave me that familiar closed-in feeling.

Our road bikes are now hooked up to the trainer, so I'll have to get into a routine of spinning indoors. Did I tell you I decided not to teach spinning class this winter season? After two years of teaching, my heart just wasn't in it. Probably a good thing since I'll be heading south from time-to-time to help my dad with his cancer issues.

Next Week..........

My Dad

Got the low-down on my dad last night.  Plans are I will drive south to my parents house on Monday afternoon, and Tuesday morning I will drive my folks to Madison so my dad can have an Angiogram procedure at the hospital.  I'm feeling positive that the procedure will work and dad can come home later on Tuesday.  If things are a little more complicated, I will stay longer until my parents are situated.

Can you believe it was only 39 degrees today?  Lots of rain all day long.  It was one of those days where you didn't even want to be outside.  Headed to the fitness center after work for my weight training workout.  The gym was dead....only one other person working out.  I think everyone else just wanted to stay home too.

Just looking forward to sunshine tomorrow.

I Think Spring Took a Time Out.....Seriously!

The Son made a quick cedar birdhouse over the weekend.  Of course I had to add the little birdie touch for the photo!  Hopefully he will make more birdhouses so I can put them all around the yard.  The Wren"s love those houses.

What a cold & windy day.  I actually saw people wearing winter coats today.  One lady walked into the libray this afternoon wearing her winter coat and ear muffs!  When I left work this afternoon it began to rain, so I ended up just going to the fitness center for a weight training workout.  The weather seems to be going backwards, but that's how it goes when you live in the midwest.  So can you believe the weatherman is calling for rain and snow on Friday night?  Would you believe I talked to my other sister that lives in Jacksonville Florida and they are dealing with 80-90's?  Crazy, that's all I can say.

Lots of Hard Work & Dedication

I've never seen someone so determined to achieve a goal.  My friend S has been seriously weight lifting since late last fall.  After coming to my spin classes all winter long and working on her own fitness schedule, she is ready to compete next Saturday in a physique contest. I promised to take her picture when she was at her peak.  Just by chance S was at the fitness center tonight when I stopped in for a quick one-hour workout.

This is what 4% body fat looks after a strict diet.  Yikes, I'm not sure I could do that since I love food and I love to cook.

S is definitely ready to compete and I'm proud of her efforts.  As for me, Bike man already has a weight loss plan for me.  He says we're biking to Alaska.  So if I arrive in the State of Alaska emaciated, will I have achieved my weight loss plan?                              

This Was My Day

                                          This is Annabelle's sister!


Today was election day.  I did my duty and voted by 9 am this morning.  Then I took kitty to her veterinary appointment by 9:45 am.  Kitty made it back home via Bike Man who met me at the veterinary office.  Worked all day, then headed to the fitness center for weight training and kickboxing class at 6 pm.  Killer workout tonight.  Came home tonight to a new homemade batch of bean soup from the leftover ham bone from Easter.  I guess it's bean soup for the next few months.  Yeahhhhhhh for fiber in my diet.

Jucy Lucy

courtesy of flickr.com

After 2 hours of working out tonight at the gym, I’m hungry. Really hungry. I’ve been thinking about the Jucy Lucy, a famous cheeseburger from the 5.8 Club in Minneapolis. Actually, the 5.8 Club is not that far from our daughter’s house and I remember driving by the Club last month. One of these days I want to try the famous Jucy Lucy……well-known for the oozing cheese between the beef patties. Juicy burgers are my all-time favorite food, throw in some sautee onions and cheese. Yesssssssssss!

The Devil Made Me Do It

These pretty babies kept calling out my name today......Lisa, Lisa, come eat me. Now don't worry, I didn't gorge myself on sweet rolls, however, I did eat half of a pecan carmel roll as soon as I got home. I just felt like treating myself to a little bit of joy since I made myself get out of bed at 6 am this morning to attend another cardio class. I worked those legs, arms and abs, so now I gotta work those taste buds. Tomorrow will be another Sunday bike ride. I wonder what my treat will be tomorrow. Any thoughts, suggestions or comments on that?

It's All About the Hatch

I was so excited tonight. I got home by 6:40 pm Wow! Went to work today, then spent one hour weight training after work. Headed home to cook my all-time favorite meal.

I love to cook chicken enchiladas, especially when I use a can of Hatch green chili enchilada sauce. Hatch in my opinion makes the best green chili enchiladas. It's thick and chunky and very flavorful. My dream is to attend the Hatch, New Mexico chili pepper festival in the fall when they roast chili peppers for weeks. My motto:

work hard

eat good!

I Need To Go To Bed Early

Summer flowers....won't be long

Just another day scheduled with an early morning workshop (which I was late for), work, taught spin class (again) and suffered through Cardio Blast class for one hour. Never a dull moment. Yup.....I hurt.....all over!