Back In Shape

After two weeks of vacationing with our houseguests, I really needed to get things back in shape... the house, yard, and my body.  I had neglected daily watering, and with the heat, the new grass and potted plants were dry and stressed.  Dishes, cupboards, refrigerator, furniture, and my blog were in as bad disarray as my body.  A lot needed to get done to get things back in shape.  This week started the effort to do so.
Post vacation depression made it tough to get going.  Several times I had to tell myself to just do it.  It was toughest to get myself back to the gym.

Saturday morning I was still in vacation mode.  It involved the usual tea drinking, chatting with Mom, and computer time.  Patty took this photo of Maggie and Stevie lounging.  The girls went antiquing early, and I went to the barn at 9:00 to check on Zorro.  He came right to me and showed no issues of foot tenderness.  I had worried about his feet being sore after our long ride Friday.

Coming home, I made a quick trip to the store.  Mom helped me fix (snap) fresh green beans and I got them cooked with sauteed sweet onions.  She would have them later, for her early dinner.

Once the Iowan's got home, Therese and Joe went to the pool and Patty and I went for another ride.  This time I borrowed Gerry's big quarter horse Badger, seen upper left.  We had planned to go on the long ride that goes along Daddy's creek, which is too rocky for Zorro, because he doesn't have shoes.  Patty rode Amiga again.


Both horses did great and so did us two girls, I must say.  I took this video on our way back to the barn.  We finally got a little rain once we were in the car headed home.


Therese fixed rice when she got home from Mass and Joe grilled the chicken I had marinating.  Just before 7:00, when Patty and I got home from the barn, we warmed up the already cooked green beans, and dinner was ready.  We had one last night of puzzle working, but it was to bed early for everybody.

Sunday morning Joe left for work and Patty and Therese hit the road for Iowa (at 7 am!).  I turned off the air-conditioner and quickly realized I needed to get my body back in heat (humidity) tolerance shape.  But I love that I can hear the birds singing and the wind in the trees again.  The cat and dog are glad to be able to come and go on both screened porches.  I did five loads of laundry throughout the day, getting all the sheets and towels back in shape, ready for when more houseguests come.  Stevie loves the bag and box Therese left, and plays hide and seek with Maggie.





Mom and I watched a little of the Summer Olympics... viewing many athletes in top physical and mental shape.  Just before Joe got home from work, I cleaned out the refrigerator, putting some stuff in the cooler to go home with Mom.  I hated to have to throw some things out, but there was stuff we just won't eat.  (Maggie has been enjoying a small spoonful of Ricotta cheese on her food each night.)  I re-organized the food onto its usual shelves and was glad to finally have the fridge back in shape.

Joe left with Mom at 1:15, to take her home by way of a stopover in Macon GA.  I continued with laundry and tried to make a dent in my blog post for the past week.  We had a lot of leftover ice cream, and I felt the need to get rid of it and the whip cream, so indulged myself in quite a large bowl.  Then feeling guilty about all the extra calories, thrown on top of an already fattening body, I took Maggie for a nice long walk.  I was feeling sad that everyone was gone, but phew... glad I could finally relax and have quiet time in my own neat and clean space.

At bed time, with no one to distract me or need me to turn the lights out, I started back up my habit of nightly (a lesson a day) Bible readings.  And I did two days worth, each night this week, because I had gotten so far behind.


Monday I was basically a slob all day.  During morning computer time, I heard lots of chatter between two Pileated woodpeckers.  Seen right, it appeared the adult was instructing a smaller one, teaching it the ins and outs of feeder feeding.  At one point, the smaller one was flying up against the picture window, not hitting it hard, but seeming to want to fly through it to our front yard.

After the rental guy came and got Mom's bed, I got busy vacuuming, and moved all our furniture to where it usually goes, getting things back in shape.  Folding chairs and table leaves were also stored away.  Again I worked on my Blog, but I was still feeling lonely and depressed.














The majority of my day was spent at the computer, drinking three cups of tea.  I ate cookies, candy, more ice cream, and muffins.  I was in such a funk... everybody was gone and I missed their presence.  I did take Maggie for a long, scenic walk on part of Druid golf course, (several photos from this included). Meanwhile, Joe had successfully dropped Mom off and then spent the night at Daytona Beech winning enough $ to pay for his trip.


Early Tuesday morning I finally got my blog posted.  I spent two hours out in the yard, mostly watering (with fertilizer) all the new transplants and grass.  I worked the 2-7 shift at Dorchester pool, even though there had been a schedule change I wasn't told about and Mary Jo also arrived for the same shift.  I hadn't worked for eight days, and her daughter was visiting so we both preferred that I stay and do the shift.  I got home exhausted at 7:30.  After walking Maggie, I ended the evening with popcorn and an adult beverage.

I met Jan at the barn before 8 am Wednesday.  We took our time getting tacked up to hit the trail. 

The temperature, humidity and flies weren't bad and there was often a nice breeze.

This interesting looking flower was all along the trail under the power lines.  

We rode to Terry's where we hung out and explored for quite awhile.  Below, Amiga meets Donkey.  We arrived back at the barn at 11:30, a 2 1/2 hour ride.  Both of us were a little saddle sore.
 

After lunch I concentrated my efforts in the front yard, trimming bushes and weeding.  (Before left and after below)  Joe got home from his Florida trek, took a nap, and then headed out to his weekly card game.






Meanwhile, I kept working in front.  I finished the trimming, but only got the front bed weeded, with others still to do.  One more load of mulch still needs to be spread.  Another before and after photo below.












The front entry sidewalk (below) also looks much nicer.  I just wish I had gotten this all done before company came... but oh well.


I finished up in the yard with more watering before coming in for a late dinner, if you call a big bowl of ice-cream and Cool Whip dinner.
But the cool whip is gone now,
so that is one less thing I have to eat to clean out the fridge.

While my tea was steeping Thursday morning, I took Maggie for an hour walk.  To get my body back in shape, I am re-committing to walking first thing when I get up.  This sets the tone (speed) for one's metabolic rate for the day and helps you burn more calories even while sitting.








I got a good start on this blog while enjoying tea and breakfast.  But then I was just so sleepy, I had to take a nap.  Hum... the effects of morning exercise?
Or, am I still recovering from houseguests.

Joe worked all morning and I did a lot of watering before going to work a 2-7 shift.  Shirley dropped by the pool to chat and bring me a packing list for our Alaskan Cruise.  I have less than two weeks to get house, potted plants, pet care, and packing in shape for our departure.  Seen right, glad this branch didn't fall while I was out there working.  It even broke the flat stone on the right of the bottom.

When doing my nightly feeding of the fish, I noticed that Charlie, a catfish I have had for easily 15 years, had died.  I remember moving this fish from classroom to classroom, and home for the summer to Heritage Rd., the farm on US 150, and then here to TN.  Joe and I watched Olympic swimming and gymnastics to end the day.


I noticed this slime mold in the back when putting corn out Friday morning after my one hour walk.  I am not sure how it can grow when it has been so dry.


Once I was done computerizing for a few hours I went out to continue weeding in the front beds, in preparation to eventually finish mulching them.

Mid-day I went to the barn to ride Amiga.  Oscar, seen right, is such a stately barn cat.  I didn't have long to ride and Amiga has a saddle sore, so I just went bareback.  

Then, I finally got my sorry sack of flesh to the gym.  I had to back off on some of my normal weight amounts or number of reps, but it was a redeeming workout.  I knew I was going to be sore from it... the cost of getting back into shape.
Joe and I had dinner together (a rare occurrence these days) and watched more Olympic events.  Fast forward is such a nice option when you have taped TV shows.

So Long

"Goodbye" sounds so much more permanent than "so long."  But "so long" sounds like "It'll be so long before I see you again!"  What ever parting words loved ones speak, it's hard to say sayonara.

Saturday was our typical vacation morning, until after lunch, when everyone started to depart.  Chris and Travis hit the road (auf wiedersehen, which translates, until we see again) after having a late breakfast and hanging around here for a little more puzzle building and chatting.  Carol headed out (see ya later alligator) with her dogs after we went on a nice long walk.  I reminded myself not to be sad about all those departing, but to be happy about the fun we had had.  I said "goodbye,
until we meet again." 


When Joe got home from work, us remaining folk (Mom, Courtney, Britney and I) went with him to the outdoor Dorchester pool.  We enjoyed the cooling water and tanning sun.


Once back from the pool, mid-afternoon, Courtney took off for home.  Catch you later.  We also got word that Daniel was being released from the hospital.  Good riddance, I am sure he thought.

I tended to a little yard work, rebuilding the landscape timber edging between the heat pumps and watering the straw/grass seed that the gas guys had planted.


Dinner was every man for himself- leftovers.  Britney and I took a fairly long walk and we were all in bed before 9 pm.


Joe went to work Sunday morning and Britney, Mom and I were just lazy heads, for way too long.





Now that Carol's dogs were gone, the deer deem it safe to return to the back yard.  Britney took this video of me taking food down to the doe.






After lunch I finally decided to go ride Amiga.  She was hanging out with Cash when I went to get her.






It was so nice to be out on the trail alone with her.  She was relaxed the whole time and we mostly just walked, going to Daddy's Creek and the swimming hole (video).





Patty and her friend Therese arrived at 6 pm, after Mom had gone to bed.  Once getting unpacked and settled in, we chatted while we worked on a jigsaw puzzle.

I spent Monday morning finishing last week's blog with interruptions from Mom, chatting off and on, and needing help to change TV stations.  Britney and Joe had gotten up early to go hiking.  Meanwhile, Patty and Therese got a leisurely start to the Route 127 yard sale.

At noon when I went out to start some work in the yard, we got a rain shower.  I waited for a bit, but decided it was going to be too wet and I wouldn't have time to do much before going to work.  So I was back on my computer goofing off.  Joe sent this photo of their eight mile Virgin Falls hike.








Joe, Britney, Patty and Therese came to the pool during my 2-7 shift.  They left in time to get to Mirror Lake Blast.



I started cleaning up the pool area early so I could get out of work right at closing time.  I ran to the Conference Center to drop off the bank and accounting bags, and then went to Mirror Lake Blast where I met my clan.  
  




I got a hamburger right away and ate while the band was playing a few good dancing songs.  No one was up dancing but there were plenty boogeying in their seats.  Once I was ready to dance, the band went back to slower, non-dancing songs.  :-(





The evening ended around the puzzle table and with some reading, internet, and TV watching.





Tuesday morning I decided to go for an early morning ride while the girls shopped and Joe, Britney, and Mom hung around here.

I horsed around from 9-12, and had a wonderful nearly two hour ride.  Seen left, crossing a creek as I rode towards Daddy's creek.  Seen right, ferns growing in an old logging trail.

It was threatening to rain, but never did.  The clouds made for an interesting sky however. 

We four ladies, and Joe, went to the Dorchester pool after a late lunch.  I think Britney took the photo below, of Mom and I.  Mary Eva is a resident who also got in the shot.






Patty and Therese cooked dinner, making a beautiful and wonderfully delicious fruit pizza for desert.














We worked a puzzle, read, watched TV, and computerized the rest of the evening (Britney's last night here).  


Wednesday I hung around all morning while Britney did laundry and packed.  We also spent two hours watching TV (The finale of Bacholorete, with JoJo)  The show was kind of dumb, but I just enjoyed being with Britney for her last day here.  We took Maggie on one last walk together and then at 2:30, Britney was off for Nashville airport with Joe.  Ciao or adios.

Patty and Terese had just gotten back from the Route127 yard sales so we (including Mom) went to Dorchester Pool to cool off.

I ran to the store for some necessities and then we put together dinner, a combo of leftovers and salads.  There was more puzzle working and I took Maggie on a long walk (just us two).  It gave me a chance to reflect on the past two weeks having Britney here and the week with my family, and I started feeling a little sentimental.  I really love all my family and friends.

Thursday at 2:20am, Britney sent a photo of her and Francis, and a message that she had gotten home safely.  This was just after Joe got home from his weekly card game.  I could then sleep more peacefully.  The left photo Britney sent, later in the day, when Francis was helping her unpack.






Patty and Therese planned to spend the whole day antique shopping along Route 127.  I chatted with Mom and eventually went outside and worked on moving the landscape timber.  First I staked string in a straight line where I wanted to move the boards.  Then I started on the stepping stones, spacing them 8" apart instead of 3".  This involved moving sod from in between them.  I also moved all the sod (to where I needed it) from where mulch was going to go, so the timbers would make a straight path along the stepping stones.  I never actually got the boards moved, but they were ready to go.

Joe had gotten up for work at 6 am, so took a nap once he got home.  He then watched TV with Mom while I continued work outside till dark.  The girls got home after Joe and Mom had gone to bed.  We were all tired and soon in bed too.

Friday was a day of rest (from shopping) for the girls.  Patty and I went to the barn for an early morning ride.  Seen left, she is brushing Zorro while I went out to get Amiga.









Patty brushed and tacked Amiga while I got Zorro tacked up.  Seen right, she is leading Amiga around to the mounting block.

And then we were off, Patty on Amiga and I on Zorro. 

We took the trail up to the power lines.  Both horses were doing great, so we decided to ride into the Glade.

I took this video of us going down one of the roads.


Since we were close to Terry's we decided to drop in on her.  As we rode up her pasture fence, Baheim and Smurf came running over to see their old pasture buddy Zorro, all the while they were neighing back and forth to each other.  It was so sweet.








Zorro really did great on this long ride.  We were out for an hour and 45 minutes.  This is the farthest Zorro has been ridden in a long time.


Patty did a great job on Amiga, and Amiga did pretty well, other than trying to turn back to the barn several times.

Zorro had been acting a little tender footed the last 15 minutes back to the barn, so I was a little worried it had been too far for him.  Both horses were hot and sweaty so we hosed them off before turning them back out in their pastures.

After lunch, the girls hit the 127 sale route and I got Joe to help me outside, cutting the landscape timbers so they would fit in their new spot.  Only two cuts were necessary.  The boards still wouldn't fit straight, even after I planed and filed them, so I had to get Joe to shave off (with the saw) a fraction of an inch from one end.  But then it wasn't angled correctly any more.  Ugh.

Joe left with the girls to go for a quick swim but I stayed here to finish up what I was doing and help Mom get her dinner.  Once I got all the timber in place as best as possible, I nailed them into the ground and filled in with dirt and mulch.



We went to Red's for dinner and then Karaoke. Mom stayed home but Shirley and Brian joined us.  Patty and Therese sang two different times but there weren't many songs to dance to, but I still managed to get a little dancing in (video).

As this second week of "vacation" comes to an end, it will be time to say farewell to Patty and Therese and then Mom, and even Joe who will take Mom home to Florida.