Mindful Consumption

Your diet is not only what you eat; it’s what you watch, listen to, read, purchase, and the company you keep.  
All these things feed your mind, body and soul.  

Just as unhealthy food can weaken your body; gossip, toxic conversations, negative media, and draining relationships can poison your thoughts and spirit.  What you consume, in every form; shapes how you think, feel, and behave.














Diet is a fundamental, daily, and highly significant component of good health, acting as a primary driver of physical well-being, disease prevention, and energy levels.  A healthy diet consists of nutrient-dense whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Saturday 3/7 -  I was out at the ranch just after 7am to get the three Pasos in for their vet visit.  Bonnie was already there and Jan soon arrived.  Dr. Perry does do a lot of talking, but has a plethora of information.  We talked about weight management with the Pasos, all of whom are too fat, even now coming out of winter.  Hay is very helpful to them... like why we need whole grains; it allows for controlled caloric intake, reducing obesity and laminitis risks; compared to lush, high-sugar pasture.  Whole grains are highly beneficial to humans, offering a nutrient-dense source of fiber, that improves digestive health and aids in weight management.  




Once everyone had left, it was 9am.  I decided to take Amiga for a ride.  I took her up to a slow gait a few times, but mostly just walked the two miles we went.  Seen above, I also let her eat some of the time.  

Just after Amiga and I got back to the barn, Karen arrived, and then we went out.  This time I was on Rico, and we went 3½ miles.  







Going past the construction site, it appears all the siding is finished.  Neither Karen or I care for the color.  There is still a lot to be finished in the yard and around the house, but hopefully most of the work with heavy or noisy equipment is over.  



Miss Kitty didn't get her morning feeding until just after noon, and then I picked up more top soil on my way home from Shirley's.  

I opted to eat lunch and not change clothes to go to the gym, but rather work out in the yard.  I transplanted three small Crepe Myrtle and planted them in a cluster in this spot.  


Some of the topsoil I hauled home was used for planting and some was put in the three holes where the Crepe Myrtle had been, seen by the rock in this second photo.  Also notice the daffodils are in bloom.

I got cleaned up and picked up at 6:30 by Micki and Johnny, to go to Club 1660 for a good band and some dancing. 






The band ended up being a one-man show, but he played with recorded back-up music and he had a great voice.  Unfortunately, there were not a lot of great dancing songs, and I didn't care for the psychedelic rock or Texas blues he played.  But he did play several of  Pink Floyd and The Doors which I enjoyed.  I was mindful of my consumption and had a glass of water after each of my three beers.  It was 1am when I climbed into bed, and in an hour, the time would jump forward an hour.

Sunday 3/8 - I was up at 7:30, after 5½ hours of sleep, because the dog needed to go for a walk and to be fed.  I knew it was going to be a 'sleepy day,' but I actually didn't feel too tired.  It had rained much of the night and remained gloomy all day.  Shirley was still out of town, so I hadn't planned on church.  I did listen to some Christian music.  This beautiful worship song (Breathe), sung by Hillsong, includes the lyrics "This is my daily bread / Your very word, spoken to me."  It signifies total dependence on God for spiritual sustenance, equating His presence and Word to essential nourishment, similar to breathing.  God's Word (the Bible) is enriching feasting.  You are what you eat, watch, listen to, and read.  

 
I started this blog, took a 90 minute nap, did some housekeeping things, and played games here at my computer.  I looked around the yard while taking Maggie on our after dinner walk.  My Lenten rose is blooming.  

As I mentioned back in mid February, I have given up sweets for Lent.  I am surprised at how easy it has been so far.  I have been eating more fruit than usual, which satisfies my sweet tooth.  
 

Natural sugar is much healthier than added sugars.  According to this (Diabetes Guide), added sugar intake is strongly linked to chronic health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease.  High consumption causes blood sugar spikes, chronic inflammation, high blood pressure, and increased LDL cholesterol.  It also contributes to tooth decay, premature skin aging, and cognitive decline.  Check this out, those who drink soda/pop, you ought to consider cutting back.  
Besides exercise, another healthy thing we all should try, is to reduce our processed sugar intake.  Be mindful of your consumption. 

Monday 3/9 - After the gym and Food City, I had a late lunch and then went to the ranch.  I had just a little cleaning to do in the corral, after two overnight horses.  

Jan arrived and we went for a later than usual ride.  It was a bit busy at the construction site when we rode by, but Cash and Rico did great.  Temperatures had climbed into the 70s with sunshine peeking through some of the time, but with a nice breeze, which made for a very pleasant ride.  

 


I had chores, having switched with Karen.  Above, Maggie and Wanda escorted me as I cleaned up manure and hauled it behind the dam.  

Just as I was finishing up at the barn, Debra and Puglsey came down.  

The two dogs get along very well.   🐶  
They went up to the house with Debra and I did chores in the upper paddock and chicken coop.  









While hauling hay up from the round bale in the lower paddock (in an effort to get it all eaten), Rico decided to have a sampling.   Num, num, num.  

We all need to be mindful of what our horses and pets consume.  We try to encourage hay eating (good for their digestion) which is easy this time of year when there isn't much grass.  Thankfully the new hay Joe just got is much better than what we have been feeding over the winter, so the horses will be more likely to eat it.  

Is was after 6pm when I got home and Joe had dinner ready and waiting (steak, eggs, potatoes and corn).  

I did some last minute preparations for our Co-op meeting tomorrow, but had problems staying awake, even though the new 'bed time' is an hour earlier.

Tuesday 3/10 - I was woken at 5am by lightening from an approaching storm.  I quickly got Maggie out to do her morning business while thunder rumbled and she trembled.  After her quick breakfast, she retired back to our closet and I computerized while watching the rain and lightening beyond my window.
My three kitties often keep me company.  I had to lower my laptop screen window for this photo, so Mama Styx could be seen behind it.  

 

I was at the ranch by 9:30 to give Amiga her pill and set up for our little gathering of us six horse caregivers.  We had a little social time and then our co-op boarder's meeting.  Afterwards, we all ended up being 'fair-weather riders' today.  None of us saddled up our horses.  The problem was two-fold, 1- the horses were a wet, muddy mess, virtually impossible to clean up; and that’s because of number 2- it was a cloudy, and kind of a misty rainy day, all day.  

Looking out the shed window at Zorro.  

I worked the puzzle while kind of waiting on the weather.  I also delivered more hay from the round bale to the Pasos, before giving up on the plan of riding.  

I went to the gym out of disappointment with the weather and frustration with Joe for pressing onward with something not up to my specifications.  I burned off some steam with nearly 90 minutes of aerobics after a full circuit of leg weights.

Mindful consumption, or take what you need - a break, a hug, a walk, a do over, a day off, a bout with a punching bag, a nap, etc.

Wednesday 3/11 - Today I was back out at the ranch at 8:30 to corral the horses for the farrier.  Bonnie and Patty also helped with this process.  Patty took this photo of Zorro, in his stall, falling asleep.  He looks bright eyed here, because her movement caught his eyes, which he opened.  But look at his relaxed lower lip.  

After finishing up down at the barn, I went up to the house to work on cleaning out the front flower bed.  







Debra (and Pugsley our project supervisor) helped me rake up sticks and leaves and then trim the hydrangea.  I ended up hauling three wagon loads away.  




It was difficult to decide how far back to cut the hydrangea because they have already started sprouting.  We then planted iris bulbs a friend had given Debra.  






We stopped at this point, because it was nearly 1:00.  I had lunch while working on the puzzle, then fetched Rico to go for a ride.

Rico did very well for me and I am feeling more and more relaxed out on the trail alone with him.  He is also much more forward moving when there aren't other horses to distract him.  Also, he would prefer to be behind another horse, so pokes along, trying to get in back.

Joe and I watched Survivor on this rainy night.
 

Thursday 3/12 - We had a 40 degree drop in temperature from a high of 76° yesterday to a low of 36° this morning.  There were also some snow flurries (video) for a little while.  

I was later than usual (10:30) getting to the gym, but it was much less crowded from 11-1:00.  I got in a complete (rowing warm up, all weights, elliptical, and stretch and balance) workout by 1:30.  




The rest of my afternoon entailed a shopping trip to town.  I watched (video) baby ducks at Rural King for awhile, contemplating how I could possibly raise some at our ranch.  They would so love the ponds we have.  But it would be quite difficult to keep them safe from predators.
I got this next photo while driving home.

You can better see the big concrete wall I am hoping they will be able to dress up or block the view of with landscaping.  Actually, once it is all complete, I hope that the beautiful new clubhouse can be seen as you approach from the west on Lakeview.  
Joe and I started Season 7 of Virgin River.  It took a bit to recall the end of Season 6.

Friday 3/13 - Well, I didn't realize it was another Friday the 13th until the days was over.  I am not superstitious so the date is insignificant.  

While raking muck from the creek, I spotted this big snapper.  I realize the importance of swamp land to wildlife, so an not opposed to it, but I like 'water front,' or to see the running water from our house.

It was rather late by the time I got to the ranch to go for a ride.  I had been waiting for the wind to die down.  It finally did by the time I had Rico saddled and ready to go.  He did very well for me again, out by ourselves.  










Back at the ranch, Zorro and Amiga were 'napping' in the partial shade that this tree will soon provide plenty of.

Joanne had arrived and started chores.  I stowed away some purchases I made yesterday, chatted with Debra a bit, and then went home.

After dinner for all, Maggie and I went on a long walk.  I wore my weighted vest to build strength and bone density while enhancing my core stability.  Here is a view of Druid club house from the 9th green.  I hate to belabor the point, but this wall is ugly and blocks the view of the beautiful clubhouse.

Give It A Go

Having my degree in Physical Education, my learnings have stuck with me and are still a huge part of how I think.  It is why I continue to encourage everyone to exercise (and eat healthy).  If you currently do no get much physical activity, I urge you to give it a go.  And if you do exercise, keep it up or even ramp it up some.  

It’s never too late to start an exercise program.  With today's medical technology and scientific advances, more people are living longer.  And with longer lives, people are looking for a higher quality of life.  Greater importance is placed on independent, healthy living.  Exercise is a great way to keep older people active.  

Exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous to be helpful.  Even a walk around the park can be positive for any age body and mind.  And so can 30 minutes of working in the garden.  Also, you don't have to do 30 minutes of exercise all at one time.  Research now suggests it’s just as effective to do 3, 10-minute periods of exercise spread out over the day.  Just give it a go.

There are tons of  websites that talk about the benefits of exercise and how to get started.  I encourage you to find something physical you can and would like to do. 

Once you give it a go, it's important to stick with it (video).  And here is a funny (video) reason why pull-ups might come in handy. 

Saturday 2/28 - Wow, last day of February.

I had a great weight workout at the gym this morning.  With every workout I do a warmup to begin with and stretch at the end.  In my weekly exercise regiment I include weights, aerobics, and balance work; but not with every workout.  This is mostly due to time constraints.  If I am feeling 'puny' on a certain day, I just train to maintain, not pushing myself.  But today, I was feeling extremely energetic, so gave it my all and felt really 'pumped up' by the end.




I arrived at the ranch early to do a few things before going for a ride with Karen.  She rode Zorro and I was on Rico.  Both boys were slow (Rico too sluggish actually) and relaxed and we had a lovely 2½ mile ride.  







The woodland trails are drying up, as are the dirt roads.  We rode by the construction site and stopped to chat a minute and let Zorro look at it while there was nothing going on... no scary noisy things.  





Joe had come out to put out a round bale, take the top boards off the back side of the corral shed, and drive a T-post for me.  We needed the post at the newly installed red gate to prevent it from swinging (or getting pushed by horses) into the electric fence.  There is such a grade change, that we need the concrete block to support the weight of the 'hanging' end of the gate when it is open.

When closed, the wheel helps support the end of the gate and allows you to easily roll it over the higher ground.

I helped Bonnie and Dave with chores in the upper paddock as we work to get Rico used to his new feeding routine.  

I chatted with Debra for a bit, and noticed the three Pasos down at the pond when I left.   

Joe and I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Stonehenge.  
 

Sunday 3/1 - Wow, February went fast.  
With Shirley gone on a cruise with Patty, I opted out of Church and spent extra time here getting this blog started.  







I worked down at the pond, raking debris out and away from 'our' shoreline so I can see water rather than weeds from my office desk viewing position.  Brian came down to chat for a bit, and like Joe, wondered about the futility of my mission.
 

It had reached the upper 60's, t-shirt weather.  Shortly before noon I met Jan and Karen at the ranch.  Jan was already saddled and ready to ride.  So Karen and I met her out on the trail a little later.  In this photo, Rico is stopped, looking down Marmaduke at Jan and Cash approaching us.  
We three continued on our ride together, which went much like yesterday's.

The horses have started shedding, and get kind of sweaty, even though we don't ride long or hard.  They always enjoy a good roll once unsaddled and returned to the paddock.  This is Rico in the corral.

With the boards off the top, back of the corral shed, Amiga is now able to enjoy the view while standing in the shade.

After our ride, I got to work, using the mower and wagon to pick up sticks in the field, corral, and barnyard; then hauled them into the woods.  





My next mission was to take some dirt/gravel mix from the pile near the shop and put it in the big foot holes on each side of the cavaletti logs in the woods.  While 'rounding up' buckets, I found one with a bunch of bulbs in it.  So first I planted some of these daffodils, and then spread the rest under leaves in the woods.

We have been leaving Maggie home most days because she just isn't able to go like she used to and often ends up 'lame' from over doing it.  But since Joe was golfing and I was going to be at the ranch all afternoon, I had brought Maggie with me.  Wanda was very glad to see her old dog friend.  

I helped Bonnie with feeding the Pasos, which went very well.  Rico has caught on quickly.  

After dinner, Joe and I watched 'After The Hunt,' a gripping psychological drama.

Monday 3/2 - A three hour morning rain got me started in a relaxed, lazy mode to begin with.

At the gym I did 30 minutes rowing and 60 minutes elliptical, followed by a good stretching session.  







I got dirt on my way to Shirley's (to feed Miss Kitty) and returned home for a very quick, late lunch.  





Karen picked me up at 2:00 and I helped her with chores at the ranch.

Once home, I used the nice soil to fill in low spots where heavy rain water has washed out parts of my flower bed out front.  Then I called it a day.

Tuesday 3/3 - Jem had given me the code to his house (Next door to us at the ranch) since he has moved out, so I could show it to Tracy, an interested buyer.  Jem will be putting it on the market the end of this month.  I worked at trimming trees along the drive while waiting for Tracy to arrive.  

We looked at both the houses and the property.  It is too bad the modular home (which is the same square footage as the house) was put on the property, especially so close to the house.  





After dumping my wagon load of branches, I followed Joe (who was hauling manure) into the paddock to get hay off the round bale, to take up to the Pasos.  

These photos were taken around lunch time when I went up to the house to take a break.  The silly Pasos were watching Cash and Cowboy eating hay.  

I had a cup of tea and a power bar while working the puzzle and watching the horses.





I got Amiga and took her for a nice, relaxing, slow and easy two mile ride (video).  It was an overcast day and quite windy at the ranch, but seemed calm in the woods.

After completing all the chores, I showed Debra around Jem's two houses because I had mentioned that Tracy talked about renting the modular, and Debra was interested.  She would really like a larger (un-shared) space of her own, with room for all her stuff.

When taking Maggie for her after dinner walk, I saw the full moon as we sauntered down Flossmoor.  I had gone out at 4am this morning in hopes of seeing the fully eclipsed Blood Moon, but it was too cloudy.  





 



Rounding the church block for home I took some photos of the moon rising up above the columbarium.


Stepping to the side, this photo shows the whole, full moon.

I stayed up much later than usual, trying to finish my book, but by 10:30, was just to sleepy to complete the last 16 pages.

Wednesday 3/4 - I ran errands on my way to and from the gym, getting more top soil, feeding Miss Kitty, and checking out the next James Patterson book in the series, from the library.  I had Glen (video) me trying to complete five pull-ups, to share with Britney, who had started this 'challenge' several years ago.  

Home to change, eat lunch, and dump dirt; I then went to the ranch to go for a ride.  This time, Bonnie joined Jan and I.  

With Cowboy's lameness issues not improving, Bonnie is now in the market for another horse.  It's a similar situation as I, when I bought Rico and retired Amiga.  

Bonnie had a nice ride on Zorro, who was well behaved.  

We went 3½ miles at a mostly slow, leisurely pace.    






The weather was perfect.  If anything, it was a little too warm for the horses with their winter fur coats.
 

While Jan started chores down at the lower barn, I took Debra back into Jem's houses so that she could get videos of them to send to her brother, who might also be an interested buyer.  

↑ This is the view from Jem's house of their front pasture with our fence, trees and side pasture beyond.  Going out to his driveway, you get this second view. → 

Jan came up to feed the Pasos and I joined her, just to make sure each horse would go where they needed to, for their meal.  All three were very cooperative.  Rico seen here waiting for his dinner as Jan fills all the feed buckets.  

With it staying lighter out longer, I tend to come in for my and the pets dinner time later than usual.  Before I even got up the hill after putting out some cracked corn, a herd came to eat.  Here are three at one of the two rocks I put the corn on.

Joe and I watched Survivor, which is now a 90 minute show.  There have been some additional twists thrown in to keep it interesting.

Thursday 3/5 - Today's exercise was not at the gym, but in the backyard, down by the pond/creek.  I worked for over 90 minutes, raking/pulling decomposing leaves/mud out of the pond.  









I continued making a deeper and wider water pathway (route for the creek) so that it flows right in front of 'our' yard, giving me a 'shoreline' view.

I was out at the ranch from 11:30 to 4:30, getting fresh air, some sunshine, and more exercise.  



I took another load of sticks, brier, and vines from along the drive, down into the back woods.  Then when I went to get hay from the round bale in the lower paddock, I ran out of gas right here.  So I had to go in search of a gas can that had some in it.  

The Spectrum internet guy came down to the barnyard to finish stringing the line.  We aren't buying their service, nor do we need it in the barnyard, but whatever.  

Once I got the hay up to the front pasture for the Pasos, I took Rico for a solo ride, the first in a long time.  He stood very quietly for tacking (and un-tacking), but at first did not want to leave the barnyard.  I used the crop once, for a bit of a wack on his rump, and then he proceeded out onto the trail.  After that, he did stop a few times, and wouldn't go when I lifted my reins, so I merely had to tap his butt with the crop and he continued on.  


I let Rico stop to look around before asking him to move on, and pretty soon, lifting my reins was all it took to get him to go.  Then he was very forward moving the rest of the ride and only startled once (at a squirrel).  I was so pleased with his efforts.  These two photos are from this (video) I took.
 

Once untacked, Rico was 'rewarded' with some grazing time on the grass in the barnyard.  

I had chores, so got those started at 3:00.  The three Pasos went right into their 'feeding' spots in the upper paddock, so I don't feel the need to help out with that transition any longer.  

During my shower, I took another tick off of me, third day in a row I have had one.  Uggh! 
Action shots of Styx playing while I ate dinner and finished reading my James Patterson novel... then started the next one.  

Poker Joe came home early, disgruntled by the good luck that a not so savvy poker player had, and who beat him.  He beat Joe with a straight, getting a 10 on the the river (or the fifth and final community card placed face-up on the board).

Friday 3/6 - This meme came up on my Facebook feed last night.  Jack LaLanne, an American fitness and nutrition guru, was the biggest name in the world of fitness and nutrition by the 1950's and 60's.  He probably influenced me at some point, but so did Jane Fonda.  And even though exercise can feel like punishment, if you find a good workout, stick with it, it gets easier and even becomes kind of fun.  The benefits far outweigh the 'suffering.'

My leg workout at the gym was quick so I could get to the ranch to meet and work with Joe by 11am.  

When I went to get Amiga to give her a Previcox, she was down at the pond getting a drink and then cooling off (video). 






I 'manned' gates while Joe moved some hay up from the lower paddock.  Then we put two bucket loads of dirt on both sides of the round pen gate, after raising it up a few inches.  We have been getting a puddle here after rain because a big indentation has occurred due to the high traffic. 

Joanne arrived and helped us finish up.  We got Rico and Zorro to ride and I then I had to help move Cash out of Joe's way so he could park the trailer near the lower shed to unload shavings.  








This project manager was more in the way, than helping.  

Finally I finished tacking Rico while Joanne and Zorro, who had been waiting, were ready to go.  


We had a lovely 3½ mile ride.  



The little bit of 'grief' the horses gave us was quite manageable, and we had an enjoyable time.  Both horses were actually very good boys.  

Joanne stayed to do chores, but fairly quickly I hit the road.  She later sent this photo of the Pasos.  

I fed Miss Kitty, got more topsoil, and dumped and spread it once home.  

Poker Joe was gone, hoping for a more successful night. 

I got a kick out of this Dick Van Dike quote.