Thursday, January 31, 2008
Walk -a Walk-a Walk-a
The 2007 new years resolution is still going strong in month 13. My treadmill friend and I logged 23.05 miles in January. How are you doing?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Of All Things...Vinegar?
For the last few weeks I've suffered/enjoyed an unusual food craving, vinegar. What could possibly be the explanation?
To satisfy the craving I'll pigged out of junk food, salt and vinegar flavored potato chips. When that was not enough I started making heavy-on-the vinegar dressing for sliced cucumbers and things like that.
Finally, I think I kicked the habit. I made a batch of good old German potato salad. My recipe called for, can you believe it?, one half cup of vinegar to go with one pound of potatoes. I was making a triple recipe. Even with the craving I could not bring myself to pour a cup and one half of vinegar into the salad.
I added about a cup of vinegar and mixed it all up. Then I enjoyed the salad for several meals over the next few days. Since then I have not had the hankering.
That's probably a good thing!
To satisfy the craving I'll pigged out of junk food, salt and vinegar flavored potato chips. When that was not enough I started making heavy-on-the vinegar dressing for sliced cucumbers and things like that.
Finally, I think I kicked the habit. I made a batch of good old German potato salad. My recipe called for, can you believe it?, one half cup of vinegar to go with one pound of potatoes. I was making a triple recipe. Even with the craving I could not bring myself to pour a cup and one half of vinegar into the salad.
I added about a cup of vinegar and mixed it all up. Then I enjoyed the salad for several meals over the next few days. Since then I have not had the hankering.
That's probably a good thing!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tournament
Once again I did not get to attend the Artist's Tae Kwon Do tournament because the Engineer was ill. But once again she brought home some attractive hardware. This weekend's tournament was held in the community room of one of the local Masonic lodges, for anyone wondering about the decor.
Rick snapped this photo of her placing first in forms (poomse, in Korean).
Later in the day she earned a bronze medal in sparring. Board breaking did not go so well, and she came home with a participant medal and a resolve to do better next time.
With the Engineer having two bouts of illness already this year and January not even being complete I'm more thankful than ever that I have him home schooled. I can make up his work pretty quickly, and I don't mind doing it on the weekends most of the time.
Unfortunately he passed his bug to his sister and her work is not so easily made up. Thankfully, she shakes things off faster than the little guy.
Rick snapped this photo of her placing first in forms (poomse, in Korean).
Later in the day she earned a bronze medal in sparring. Board breaking did not go so well, and she came home with a participant medal and a resolve to do better next time. With the Engineer having two bouts of illness already this year and January not even being complete I'm more thankful than ever that I have him home schooled. I can make up his work pretty quickly, and I don't mind doing it on the weekends most of the time.
Unfortunately he passed his bug to his sister and her work is not so easily made up. Thankfully, she shakes things off faster than the little guy.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Enchanting Reading
I have found a treasure! A treasure in the shape of a book. And this book is called A Turtle and a Loon and other fables, by Diane Redfield Massie.
This book is one my mother collected from a library sale some 12-15 years ago. I find the poems delightful and the illustrations whimsical as the words. As an extra bonus, each poem has a moral. The perfect jumping off point for getting into reading comprehension with a young reader.
The Engineer is using this book as his reader this week. It is perfect for him, with some words being completely new vocabulary, some being quite easy, and some presenting a challenge. And I was charmed from the beginning, with the poem giving the book its title, "A Turtle and a Loon."
This book is one my mother collected from a library sale some 12-15 years ago. I find the poems delightful and the illustrations whimsical as the words. As an extra bonus, each poem has a moral. The perfect jumping off point for getting into reading comprehension with a young reader.The Engineer is using this book as his reader this week. It is perfect for him, with some words being completely new vocabulary, some being quite easy, and some presenting a challenge. And I was charmed from the beginning, with the poem giving the book its title, "A Turtle and a Loon."
A TURTLE AND A LOON
A turtle and a loon,
in the early afternoon,
had a cookie and a prune
for tea.
"How delicious!" said the loon,
as she swallowed up the prune,
while the turtle held the spoon.
"Ah me.
There is nothing like a prune,
but I love a macaroon,
in the morning or at noon,"
said she.
Then she ate the macaroon,
and she sang a little tune,
while the turtle licked the spoon,
to see,
if a tiny bit of prune,
or a piece of macaroon,
should be sitting in the spoon,
maybe.
"There is nothing," sang the loon,
"half as pleasant as a prune,
in the early afternoon
for me.
Though I think I'd just as soon
have another macaroon,
if we'd only," said the loon,
"had three."
A turtle and a loon,
in the early afternoon,
had a cookie and a prune
for tea.
"How delicious!" said the loon,
as she swallowed up the prune,
while the turtle held the spoon.
"Ah me.
There is nothing like a prune,
but I love a macaroon,
in the morning or at noon,"
said she.
Then she ate the macaroon,
and she sang a little tune,
while the turtle licked the spoon,
to see,
if a tiny bit of prune,
or a piece of macaroon,
should be sitting in the spoon,
maybe.
"There is nothing," sang the loon,
"half as pleasant as a prune,
in the early afternoon
for me.
Though I think I'd just as soon
have another macaroon,
if we'd only," said the loon,
"had three."
Moral: Don't invite loons to tea.
Diane Redfield Massie
In other news...my construction worker was ill yesterday and did not come over. I hope he does not have what the Engineer has. We're fighting our third day of high fevers. Again. Just like he did at the beginning of the new year.
And 30 years ago we had the blizzard of '78. I lived in Van Wert, Ohio. I remember hearing instructions on the radio about tethering yourself to the door of your house if you had to go outdoors. Many people in the community would have had barn chores to do every day and the whiteouts were disorienting.
I recall hearing ads for tee shirt sales after it was over. They read "I survived the blizzard of '78.
But most impressive to a ten-year-old were the alps in the back yard. Well, not exactly the back yard,
(and not exactly the alps) but the church parking lot next to our garage. The snow plows had built up the most terrific snow mountains, nearly as tall as the garage. Picture the large snow piles in mall parking lots. Then picture them lining an entire edge of the parking lot. Take away all the traffic six days a week and add two kids and a dog. They served as a playground for the next several months.
And 30 years ago we had the blizzard of '78. I lived in Van Wert, Ohio. I remember hearing instructions on the radio about tethering yourself to the door of your house if you had to go outdoors. Many people in the community would have had barn chores to do every day and the whiteouts were disorienting.
I recall hearing ads for tee shirt sales after it was over. They read "I survived the blizzard of '78.
But most impressive to a ten-year-old were the alps in the back yard. Well, not exactly the back yard,
(and not exactly the alps) but the church parking lot next to our garage. The snow plows had built up the most terrific snow mountains, nearly as tall as the garage. Picture the large snow piles in mall parking lots. Then picture them lining an entire edge of the parking lot. Take away all the traffic six days a week and add two kids and a dog. They served as a playground for the next several months.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Half Way There
I have some progress to show on the kitchen and on the sweater I'm making.
The kitchen floor is in! And some of the stairs and finished.
The counter tops will be ready Thursday or Friday. (Good-by Orange!) The sink and new kitchen faucet are here. Our contractor gave us the name of a scratch and dent dealer who sells new appliances with factory warranties so we can shop for a replacement for my dear friend the dishwasher. My old friend leaks on the floor and her top shelf will fall down if I am not most careful with it. I hope I am very impressed with the promised savings compared to the list prices.
Sunday's knitting was rather frustrating. I kept making errors in the pattern. I had some trouble with the first six inches of the meandering cable pattern making it necessary to knit the first six inches of the pattern three times before I got it right. After that things took off. Tonight I expect to be finishing the pack piece and casting on for the next piece.
As I watched this piece take shape I'm getting the idea that it might not fit. Isn't that a nice feeling? I have never made a cardigan larger than toddler-size before and I'm having trouble seeing in my mind how this will fit me when it is done. Also, it is supposed to be a fitted garment -- something else I have not much experience with. I'm allowing the doubt to continue in my mind, so that should it not fit me well, I can rip it and begin again making the next size up.
The kitchen floor is in! And some of the stairs and finished.
The counter tops will be ready Thursday or Friday. (Good-by Orange!) The sink and new kitchen faucet are here. Our contractor gave us the name of a scratch and dent dealer who sells new appliances with factory warranties so we can shop for a replacement for my dear friend the dishwasher. My old friend leaks on the floor and her top shelf will fall down if I am not most careful with it. I hope I am very impressed with the promised savings compared to the list prices.
Sunday's knitting was rather frustrating. I kept making errors in the pattern. I had some trouble with the first six inches of the meandering cable pattern making it necessary to knit the first six inches of the pattern three times before I got it right. After that things took off. Tonight I expect to be finishing the pack piece and casting on for the next piece.
As I watched this piece take shape I'm getting the idea that it might not fit. Isn't that a nice feeling? I have never made a cardigan larger than toddler-size before and I'm having trouble seeing in my mind how this will fit me when it is done. Also, it is supposed to be a fitted garment -- something else I have not much experience with. I'm allowing the doubt to continue in my mind, so that should it not fit me well, I can rip it and begin again making the next size up.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Today? (I Hope)
Since the second of January I have been expecting a construction crew to come to my door to begin work in my kitchen. The floor had needed to be redone for the ten years that we have lived here.
Once again, I'm hoping today will finally be the day. It helps that the contractor stopped by Saturday to tell me they would be here Monday, but I'm still not completely trusting they will show up.
When they finally do arrive we will not be able to use the kitchen for a while. But since I've had most of the kitchen contents sitting on tables and shelves in the living room for the past 19 days we are almost used to it.
I'm hoping the time that the stove and refrigerator need to squeeze into the dining room and the time we need to use the front door instead of the back door is short.
This roll of linoleum flooring will be much more pleasing in the kitchen than in front of the living room fireplace!
Once again, I'm hoping today will finally be the day. It helps that the contractor stopped by Saturday to tell me they would be here Monday, but I'm still not completely trusting they will show up.
When they finally do arrive we will not be able to use the kitchen for a while. But since I've had most of the kitchen contents sitting on tables and shelves in the living room for the past 19 days we are almost used to it.
I'm hoping the time that the stove and refrigerator need to squeeze into the dining room and the time we need to use the front door instead of the back door is short.
This roll of linoleum flooring will be much more pleasing in the kitchen than in front of the living room fireplace!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Nostalgia
Thank you, thank you, to Everyone who left me comments on my knitting dilemma. Last night I spent my time making a larger swatch to be sure I got the most accurate measurement possible. I used a US 10.5 needle, (6.5mm) needle and got the magic number, 13 stitches per four inches, that I was looking for. At 17 rows per four inches the row gauge is coming up a little short, but I'm going with it, I can take frequent measurements to make up the difference.
Last night I also cast on for the hem on the first piece of the cardigan. But then I had to stop. The only US 10.5 needles I have are only about nine inches long. Not nearly long enough to hold the number of stitches I need. So I might be on hold here, right from the beginning. I'll need to see who has US 10.5 long needles in stock. If I have trouble finding them, I'll probably order some and cast on for one of the front panels first. The front panels might be narrow enough to squeeze onto the smaller length needles.
While I was doing this knitting last night I was getting nostalgic for the Sunday Evenings of my childhood. It all started when the Artist's library request for Little House on the Prairie, season one, came available.
Last night I picked it up. We watched just a little bit of it together before bedtime, but it was enough to hook me again. After she went to bed I watched the entire first DVD.
When I was little this was a Sunday night family ritual. Mom would sit on a high chair behind her ironing board and press clothes while we watched. The rest of us would enjoy the show. Mom and Dad took the occasion of the commercials to discuss with us anything they thought was warranted.
I must say I cannot abide ironing and much prefer knitting while watching the shows. (I guess all the Thomas Hardy I've been reading lately is seeping out my fingertips. I don't recall ever hearing myself say the words "I cannot abide" about anything before.)
Last night I also cast on for the hem on the first piece of the cardigan. But then I had to stop. The only US 10.5 needles I have are only about nine inches long. Not nearly long enough to hold the number of stitches I need. So I might be on hold here, right from the beginning. I'll need to see who has US 10.5 long needles in stock. If I have trouble finding them, I'll probably order some and cast on for one of the front panels first. The front panels might be narrow enough to squeeze onto the smaller length needles.
While I was doing this knitting last night I was getting nostalgic for the Sunday Evenings of my childhood. It all started when the Artist's library request for Little House on the Prairie, season one, came available.
Last night I picked it up. We watched just a little bit of it together before bedtime, but it was enough to hook me again. After she went to bed I watched the entire first DVD.When I was little this was a Sunday night family ritual. Mom would sit on a high chair behind her ironing board and press clothes while we watched. The rest of us would enjoy the show. Mom and Dad took the occasion of the commercials to discuss with us anything they thought was warranted.
I must say I cannot abide ironing and much prefer knitting while watching the shows. (I guess all the Thomas Hardy I've been reading lately is seeping out my fingertips. I don't recall ever hearing myself say the words "I cannot abide" about anything before.)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Soliciting Advice
Hello Readers! Last night I could not hold back any longer from the luxurious Cadena yarn Rick and the kids gave me for Christmas. I have the pattern choices narrowed down to one, a fitted, button front cardigan. (To see it click "look inside this book". Direct it to search for Audrey.) I need to buy more yellow yarn before I can move forward on the sweater I wrote about last week. So there was no better time to get out some needles and begin making gauge swatches with the new yarn.
The fabric of the swatch looks and feels wonderful. This will be such a nice garment when it is done! But alas, I am at a loss as to what to do about my swatches. The gauge required is 13 stitches and 20 rows per 4-inch (10 cm) square.
I achieved exactly 13 stitches using a size 11 needle. But that only gave me 16 rows. A size 10 needle yields exactly 20 rows for me, but has me over shooting the stitches per inch, at 14. Going down to a size 9 needle gave me 19.5 rows and 14 stitches. How in the world do I get the same stitch-per-inch count on 9s and 10s? I have given up on solving that mystery, because it happens to me so frequently. In the past, I have always been able to find some needle that gives me the gauge I’m looking for.
I suppose I have conflicting desires of wanting this sweater to be perfect and to be easy; a great fit without having to do the math. Go ahead and laugh, you are laughing with me!
The part where I need advice is here. As it seems I’ll have to do some calculating, which way should I calculate? Should I work with the needles that give the number of stitches per inch needed and leave me guessing on the rows? Or is it easier, better, more convenient, (I’m not even sure what to ask) to go with the needle size that gives me the rows per inch required and make adjustments for the number of stitches per inch?
What have your experiences been with this dilemma?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Making Six
Saturday was the Engineer's birthday party. We began the celebration of his sixth birthday with homemade waffles for breakfast.
After a pizza lunch, grandparents and an uncle came over to spend the afternoon with the birthday boy. He received several new games to enjoy. I'm sure we will be playing them during upcoming family game nights.
The it was off to the bowling alley. The children shared a bumper lane and had a blast. Sometimes Dad guided the Engineer's ball a little, but mostly he did it himself. The Artist practiced controlling the ball as she brought it back before rolling it forward.
After a pizza lunch, grandparents and an uncle came over to spend the afternoon with the birthday boy. He received several new games to enjoy. I'm sure we will be playing them during upcoming family game nights.
Friday, January 11, 2008
New Chopper
Over the weekend when everyone was ill, Rick helped the Engineer with a diversion. The Engineer had been given a helicopter model in his stocking. And this was a great time to build it.
The craft begins with checking to be sure all the pieces are there. Then his Dad helped the Engineer see if any pieces needed to be sanded. I really don't remember if they had to do any spot sanding this time or not.
The longest part of the craft is probably the most fun for the Engineer, painting the pieces. Some are easier to hold and paint than others. Once the first surfaces were dry, the pieces could be handled so the remaining surfaces could be painted. And I must say he did a great job and got relatively little paint on his fingers!
Once the paint is dry assembly can begin. Then we let the glue dry a good long time before we handle the chopper. Finally, I was able to attach some string and a wire to suspend it from some overhead cupboards built into the Engineer's room.
Now it hangs above his bed.
The craft begins with checking to be sure all the pieces are there. Then his Dad helped the Engineer see if any pieces needed to be sanded. I really don't remember if they had to do any spot sanding this time or not.
The longest part of the craft is probably the most fun for the Engineer, painting the pieces. Some are easier to hold and paint than others. Once the first surfaces were dry, the pieces could be handled so the remaining surfaces could be painted. And I must say he did a great job and got relatively little paint on his fingers!
Once the paint is dry assembly can begin. Then we let the glue dry a good long time before we handle the chopper. Finally, I was able to attach some string and a wire to suspend it from some overhead cupboards built into the Engineer's room.
Now it hangs above his bed.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Revisiting a Project from the Past
Back in September of 2006 I thought I'd use an old favorite sweater as a pattern to fashion a new sweater. I have some pictures here.
After carefully measuring and calculating how many stitches and rows I'd need in each of the strips joined to make this sweater, I started knitting away, a happy fool!
After completing three strips of the same counts I realized they were giving me three different measurements and I resolved to come back to the sweater when I had more experience and more gumption.
Last week I began ripping back and rewinding those separate strips. I began again, starting back and the measuring and calculating stage.
This time I decided it would be less risky to make the four front strips and the four back strips
together in two panels. It is less convenient to knit with four colors, but it makes me happier than I'd be if I had to abandon this project. So far I have the back panel completed and I have just begun work on the front.
I have tried something else new, and so far I am quite happy with it. I have added a hem to the sweater. In the past, all my work has had either a lace edging or ribbing at the hem. This is another finished look that I like. I need to thank the writers at Pickin' and Throwin' for their wonderfully clear instructions and great photos. I first saw this technique there, and now I've finally had a chance to use it. 
Along the way (about 13 inches along the way) I figured out that the way I wrap the yarn to change colors was not exactly right, as this photo also shows. At that time I was too invested to rip out the 13 inches. After the front is complete I'll see how I like the back again. If I cannot live with it I will have had the distance needed to rip it and begin again.
For now, the front panel is coming along, and I am doing the wraps correctly this time.
So far I have the pattern worked out up to the point where I need to shape the shoulders and neck front. I enjoy the knitting much more than the pencil and paper part, but it is good for me to learn how all the pieces need to fit together.
If it all works, I'd like to make another one going back to the original colors from the pattern sweater.
After carefully measuring and calculating how many stitches and rows I'd need in each of the strips joined to make this sweater, I started knitting away, a happy fool!
After completing three strips of the same counts I realized they were giving me three different measurements and I resolved to come back to the sweater when I had more experience and more gumption.
Last week I began ripping back and rewinding those separate strips. I began again, starting back and the measuring and calculating stage.
This time I decided it would be less risky to make the four front strips and the four back strips
together in two panels. It is less convenient to knit with four colors, but it makes me happier than I'd be if I had to abandon this project. So far I have the back panel completed and I have just begun work on the front.
I have tried something else new, and so far I am quite happy with it. I have added a hem to the sweater. In the past, all my work has had either a lace edging or ribbing at the hem. This is another finished look that I like. I need to thank the writers at Pickin' and Throwin' for their wonderfully clear instructions and great photos. I first saw this technique there, and now I've finally had a chance to use it. 
Along the way (about 13 inches along the way) I figured out that the way I wrap the yarn to change colors was not exactly right, as this photo also shows. At that time I was too invested to rip out the 13 inches. After the front is complete I'll see how I like the back again. If I cannot live with it I will have had the distance needed to rip it and begin again. For now, the front panel is coming along, and I am doing the wraps correctly this time.
So far I have the pattern worked out up to the point where I need to shape the shoulders and neck front. I enjoy the knitting much more than the pencil and paper part, but it is good for me to learn how all the pieces need to fit together.If it all works, I'd like to make another one going back to the original colors from the pattern sweater.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop
This morning Rick is missing his third day of work and he was down all weekend with this bad bug. The children have followed the same path. A week plus of a constant light cough, followed by a thick throat in the mornings, followed by fevers and all over aches, soon joined by nausea.
The thermometer is being used so often by so many people that it is pointless to put it, the alcohol, or the cotton pads away for the time being.
Rats -- we got back to school so nicely last week and now we will lose momentum again. Until a few minutes ago I was the only one up and about and its already mid-morning.
So instead of having school I'm spending my morning washing my hands (again) and washing the hand towels and the blankets I keep on the couch.
And my antibacterial, antiviral disinfectant spray is my friend. I was able to use it liberally this morning as it is nearly sixty degrees F and all the windows are open.
My periodic prayers, while I wash my hands, have been a mix of thanks to God for sparing me thus far and a humble albeit pleading petition that he will continue to spare me this time.
For the last week the Engineer has been reminding me how many more days we have until the Ohio State game. Today is the big day, and he is feeling so miserable. But I'm willing to bet he will be watching at least the first quarter anyway.
, The Super Dome looks like a giant king cake, doesn't it? Go Bucks! (Sorry Dad, I like LSU too, almost as much).
The thermometer is being used so often by so many people that it is pointless to put it, the alcohol, or the cotton pads away for the time being.Rats -- we got back to school so nicely last week and now we will lose momentum again. Until a few minutes ago I was the only one up and about and its already mid-morning.
So instead of having school I'm spending my morning washing my hands (again) and washing the hand towels and the blankets I keep on the couch.
And my antibacterial, antiviral disinfectant spray is my friend. I was able to use it liberally this morning as it is nearly sixty degrees F and all the windows are open.
My periodic prayers, while I wash my hands, have been a mix of thanks to God for sparing me thus far and a humble albeit pleading petition that he will continue to spare me this time.
For the last week the Engineer has been reminding me how many more days we have until the Ohio State game. Today is the big day, and he is feeling so miserable. But I'm willing to bet he will be watching at least the first quarter anyway.
, The Super Dome looks like a giant king cake, doesn't it? Go Bucks! (Sorry Dad, I like LSU too, almost as much).
Friday, January 04, 2008
Presents
I can just see King Neptune's sweeping sea-weedy tresses filtered through blue ocean light when I look at the beautiful new yarn Rick and the kids gave me for Christmas. It is KnitPicks's Neptune Cadena. 
The color is more true on this close up.
Rick had logged on to one of my yarn store accounts and purchased the yarn from their My Stash feature, which works like a wish list. He placed the skeins of yarn side by side in a sweater box and wrapped them up and put them under the tree. I was so tickled to open that box!
It is exactly what I wanted. I'm looking forward to using this yarn for several reasons. First, it is a bulky weight yarn. I have never worked with any yarns heavier than worsted weight before. I have passed up some attractive sweater patterns that I can now re-visit when I select a pattern.
Second, the yarn is a 70% wool 30 % alpaca blend. Whatever garment I make, it will be warm!!!
Finally, I surprised myself at being more excited to receive yarn than a completed garment in this case. I will thoroughly enjoy the process of creating the garment. And when it is completed, it will represent victory over all the design complications I've conquered thus far in my knitting career.
My brother also gave me a treasured gift. Lots of dreaming and scheming will go into using my gift card to Soft n Sassy, the closest LYS to my house. The prospects are endless as I do not have a project in mind. I will take my time exploring the store and come home with the yarn that inspires me most. I feel even luckier than the kid in the candy store.
Santa got into the knit gift act too. He put a U-shaped cable needle in my stocking. It is so much easier to use than that large uncoiled paper clip I happily tossed in the trash.
The color is more true on this close up.
Rick had logged on to one of my yarn store accounts and purchased the yarn from their My Stash feature, which works like a wish list. He placed the skeins of yarn side by side in a sweater box and wrapped them up and put them under the tree. I was so tickled to open that box!It is exactly what I wanted. I'm looking forward to using this yarn for several reasons. First, it is a bulky weight yarn. I have never worked with any yarns heavier than worsted weight before. I have passed up some attractive sweater patterns that I can now re-visit when I select a pattern.
Second, the yarn is a 70% wool 30 % alpaca blend. Whatever garment I make, it will be warm!!!
Finally, I surprised myself at being more excited to receive yarn than a completed garment in this case. I will thoroughly enjoy the process of creating the garment. And when it is completed, it will represent victory over all the design complications I've conquered thus far in my knitting career.
My brother also gave me a treasured gift. Lots of dreaming and scheming will go into using my gift card to Soft n Sassy, the closest LYS to my house. The prospects are endless as I do not have a project in mind. I will take my time exploring the store and come home with the yarn that inspires me most. I feel even luckier than the kid in the candy store.
Santa got into the knit gift act too. He put a U-shaped cable needle in my stocking. It is so much easier to use than that large uncoiled paper clip I happily tossed in the trash.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
More Walking & Some Drinking
Last year I was successful in adding walking on the treadmill to my routine. In November I added 20.10 miles to my log, and in December, 18.95 miles. It did result in lowering, albeit slightly, my LDL and increasing my HDL cholesterol levels. So this year I'll keep the new routine and make a go of adding more drinking to my daily life.
We have, for the most part, changed our mealtime habits so that we have water with our meals instead of juice, milk, or other beverages. Now I'd like to add more glasses of water to my day outside of meal time.
Rick and I were able to start the new year off with some less welcome exercise -- we cleared the drive way of snow when the storm was only about half over, so there are now another four inches of the stuff in the driveway.
But I think the kids will enjoy their last day of Christmas vacation. When Rick cleared the back of the driveway he built up a snow mountain for them to play with.
We have, for the most part, changed our mealtime habits so that we have water with our meals instead of juice, milk, or other beverages. Now I'd like to add more glasses of water to my day outside of meal time.
Rick and I were able to start the new year off with some less welcome exercise -- we cleared the drive way of snow when the storm was only about half over, so there are now another four inches of the stuff in the driveway.But I think the kids will enjoy their last day of Christmas vacation. When Rick cleared the back of the driveway he built up a snow mountain for them to play with.
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