Sunday July 2

Weight 116.25. I ate completely on plan yesterday, but am going to a cookout today so I suspect there will be some wine if nothing else. I am bringing shrimp as an appetizer which I'm finding is always welcome and I can enjoy it safely. We may go to the beach at our pond around the corner for a while first if weather permits (between church and cookout).

We are slowly getting our house into summer shape: the outdoor shower is on and the deck furniture is clean and we can eat outside on it. Next up: finish unpacking and get the screen porch cleaned up.

Have an enjoyable Sunday!

Good morning!

Devon, I'm going to look up a few of those exercises so I can see exactly what you are doing. I bet your trainer loves working with you. I have a thing (can't remember what it is called) that I want DH to hang in the garage so I can work on my back/upper body.

Yesterday's hike was 14 miles. It wasn't as steep as recent hikes tho I was constantly stepping up or down. I was full of hubris at mile 12 and I was thinking I didn't have adequate strength training for the day. But, by mile 14, I was a humbled quivering pile of mush.

On tap for today.....purchase pepper spray for bad people/black bears for my day hikes. We already have full on bear spray for my rare forays into the back country. I missed a black bear on the trail yesterday by less than an hour. (The trail was the only easy way to get from one spot to another, if I was a bear I would want to use it, too) On another recent hike, there was a man who gave me the willies for some reason and I was greatly relieved that another couple came around the corner when they did. My walking sticks are strong and sharp but I don't always have them out. I need something on my belt. (My husband actually suggested a gun. I am not the person who should be carrying a gun.)

Also on tap.....the start of paddle board yoga! Paula, come on over!!!

One of my favorite parts of hike was where I had to take off my boots, put on water shoes, then ford across an inlet. Of course, everyone was doing the same thing and it felt like a TSA security check point, complete with dogs sniffing the back packs. I didn't fall in thanks to my walking sticks. 3 lakes yesterday so you have to look at each one! Also, a pic of a backcountry roadblock. Eventually, a volunteer trail maintenance organization, will get that cleared away.

Have a great day, all!

Dorothy Lake with (I think) Snow Mountain in the background.

Bear Lake

Deer Lake

Road block! I climbed up and around it and lost my sun glasses in the debris. That's why I can't have nice things. Or, a gun.

Oh, Shel !!!! I've got chill bumps from so much beauty. You're a fortunate woman.

Such stunning views Shel and paddle board yoga sounds super fun though I'm sure i would fall off!

OMG - amazingly breathtaking!

Revel in what that healthy body can do !!!!! I'd love to do paddle board yoga, but my core needs more, serious attention first. Oh, how your adventures inspire me !!

Diane, I truly do revel! I love hearing about everyone's post VSG life, too. And I envy your retirement!!!! What freedom! I would probably be paralyzed with indecision of what to do next.

I'm excited about your move. I spent a few seconds looking up the lake you live close to and it looks like wine country. Sounds like a wonderful place. So glad that you have found a path back to your soul mate! Why do relationships have to be so complicated? I felt comforted by a comment Dave made, once, about how he and is wife have been together since kids and they still have work at it.

I bet your core is aok for whatever you want to do! Like a regular yoga class, lots of modifications are offered. So much fun to practice with wildlife. Ducks with with butts up in the air, an occasional heron flying in or out, gaggles of geese traveling in packs across the water.

Enjoy the holiday in your new place!

Greetings Intrepid Ones

Sounds like we are all settling into summer. Liz enjoy the cookout and shrimp. A good thing to offer indeed. I always take what I can eat to pot luck events. No macaroni salad for me. This year we are on our own for the 4th as our friends that usually host a holiday event are in Wales. Not sure what we will do, maybe go to the festival on the town square.

Shel those views are fabulous. By all means get the pepper spray. You can't be too careful out there. Black bear attacks on the news last night! DH takes a walking stick on his neighborhood jaunts but its mainly to ward off nasty dogs. Wouldn't do much for creepy people.

When nearing the discount grocery store yesterday, I managed to spill about a pint of icy water in my lap. It looked like I wet my pants. At a stop light I managed to sort of diaper myself with a sweatshirt I had in the car. The delima was do I drive 17 miles home to change or just suck it up and go to the store. I chose option two and bravely did the grocery shopping in my wet pants. Quite the experience in the freezer aisle. The place was packed and no one seemed to notice. This store has a sort of sloping parking lot so it was an uphill push with a load of stuff plus holding on to the cart while loading the car so it wouldn't roll away. Who knew grocery shopping was a workout - I don't do big runs like that anymore. Anyway, mission accomplished.

135.5 today but its pre poo. The guest room and bath are ready but there is still work to do de-junking the living room. Guests don't arrive until nearly 5 pm so it works.

Everyone have a great holiday long weekend. At leas****ching fireworks has no calories. Diane S

Company sure is a lot of work, isn't it? It sure is for me. Have a great visit and holiday, Diane.

143 OTD.

Church today and grilling out tonight. May take a Sunday nap with my favorite puppy.

Work tomorrow and it will be my only day this week. Looking forward to talking with surgeon on Wednesday and leave for our long weekend away on Thursday!