A Lazy Rainy Day

It's rare that I take a day off-usually I'm rushing around trying to get more done in one day than I can possibly do. However, today I turned over a new leaf! And that isn't even on my bucket list. I will have to confess that I did several loads of laundry and ironing; but the rest of the day I just "piddled".

Another Christmas gift was speaking to me. I received this very neat puzzle:

What a neat gift for a horse lover!

So, today I cleaned off my bar (so that is what it looks like)  and began. Whew--difficult--lots of tiny pieces. I'm still missing one outside piece, but am making progress. What fun--and how nice to just take it easy on a rainy day. Thanks, Laurie. Try it sometime yourself!! I think I will again. Let's see how long it takes me to finish!

Stay tuned!

The Bench

My wonderful bench!

One of the items on my bucket list was to learn to meditate. I've discovered the perfect place! My bench by the pond. The special man I know gave it to me last summer. I went there yesterday to sort through some feelings.Sometimes I just get way too bogged down in thoughts.  Rufus joined me, as well as my cat, George. George seems to sense even more than Rufus when I need a little affection. After finally getting Rufus settled down and relaxed (he first had to do a lot of sniffing), I did try focusing on nothing. Didn't quite make it, but did do some heavy thinking! Ponds are wonderful for just sitting and appreciating nature--watching the little minnows swimming around, seeing the fish jump, checking out the frogs and, listening to the birds. 

As the weather warms, I plan to spend a lot of time down there--hopefully I can quiet my turbulent mind! Wish me luck!!

The Christmas Gift That Keeps On Giving

Look out bucket list! Here I come!!

For Christmas my older son gave me a treadmill. I had been complaining that since I stopped riding my horses, I had gotten way out of shape and was losing my stamina. Now I had no excuse. So I began my exercise plan--at first I walked 30 minutes at 1.5 mph every day. Uh, oh, lost a couple of pounds--not good. I am one of the few people who cannot keep their weight up. So I changed to every other day at 1 mph. That seems to work fine. And it is working!!

My new treadmill

Yesterday, I donned my new rain boots  (it was quite muddy with lots of standing water),  and Rufus, George and I walked the entire perimeter of the pasture--the horses even  joined in for a while.

Another Gift That Keeps on Giving

Quite a menagerie I have--it must have been a funny sight--Rufus and I joined by a cat and two horses. I did walk slowly, but made it just fine!! Success! Now I'm inspired to do better. Now that spring is on the way, I hope to get out and walk that route more often. Rufus certainly liked it also--lots of sniffing. Maybe Mama Cat and Lucky will join us next time!

 As an added bonus, I did  notice more from afoot rather than from the golf cart. The only negative thing is that today Rufus keeps going to the boots and whining to go for another walk--and it is cold today!

Stay tuned!

A Favorite Photograph

I came across this photograph while watching the screen saver on my computer. Thought I would share it--I miss the cactus of Central Texas!

All for now--stay tuned for two very different posts.

Bucket List Revisited-A Plan

Remember the item "visit the redwood forest"?

I have faint memories of visiting the redwoods as a child. I remember going into a store that was inside one of the giant trees-as I child, that must have seemed immense (it would now also, I believe). For years now I have been wanting to experience the wonder of those trees again. I seem to be drawn to them--I can sense the peace felt from just being among them. It may seem silly, but I feel "called" to them.

I

Wow!

Synchronicity at work? The library where I work purchased a book entitled Redwoods.  Reading it was enough to start my engine!! The quest was on--to learn more!!

I have a two year plan--between family health issues, animals,  a driving route, a safe vehicle, etc.it may take two years to get it all arranged. Time is marching on, though, and I'm not getting any younger.  I need to get busy.

One thing I need to check out is the level of mold and humidity in the forest. I also need to locate the shortest walks. There seem to be many trails to choose and sights to see. Since I will be driving from Texas, I want a scenic route with great stops along the way.

If anyone reading this has visited the redwoods, please share your experiences with me!! Any tips will be appreciated.  Meanwhile, I'll have fun just reading, watching videos, and gathering information. Sometimes the planning is half the fun of a vacation. I'll keep you posted on my progress. I have already found a book and video I plan to order.

Stay tuned!!