Happy Hour Chatter

We are, if we are very lucky in life, to have a group of people with whom we have forged tight bonds and friendships.    These bonds - connections - are forged through shared experiences, similarities, and affection.  Trust is earned, and these people have earned our trust.   They know your dirt - and they still like you.   We are fortunate to have these people as support systems, to help us navigate through the mine field of life.  We call upon them in troubling times to listen, offer advice, to laugh with or to shoot straight from the hip with the "what were you thinking!".    Those of us fortunate enough to have such people in our life, cannot fathom life without them.    I have many acquaintances in life, but a very VERY tight circle of friends with whom I have this trust, connection.    They are my tribe.   Each has a significant role in my life; each brings with them their own particular stren...

T and I had the most marvelous time in Minneapolis....Owatana...this weekend.   Thanks to an understanding and gracious supervisor, I was able to take the entire day (Friday) off from work so that we could leave a bit earlier and make the trek.   The roads were a bit frightful for the first 30 miles, but after that they were fine.   Of course, the brutal cold and the wind were another thing.   Despite that, we had a great time.    We've been going to the Gopher  State Archeological Society's annual show for the last 15 years or so.  It had been a  time to get away from the farm for at least 24 hours (when we were ranching/farming) and to show off part of T's collection of artifacts.   It was probably our only time away from the farm.   He looks forward to it every year - and so do I.  We've met so many wonderful people through the years; there's always a comradery amongst collectors and like-minded people.  ...

I should be further along in my my health/fitness goals than I am.  I keep seeing the scale yo-yo between five pounds lost/gained.   In truth, I'm not as concerned about the scale as I am my over all health and fitness.  I can blame a host of things - like weather, depression, schedule, age - but it all boils down to determination, willpower and the desire to stay healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. So, now that I made the declaration yesterday (on my Instagram account), what am I going to do to achieve my goals?) Well, it all starts with a plan, right?   Here's mine. Food Portion Control More vegetables/limited fruits Less processed (white sugar, white flour) foods More protein, fish, nuts, legumes Exercise Trainer 2x per week Weekend workouts (Sat, Sun) After May 19th (when yoga ends), add in 1 or 2 fitness classes at the gym  Cycling. - lots and lots of cycling Mind/Soul  Believe everything happens for a reaso...