Monthly Archives: November 2018

Christmas in Chillicothe

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46488294_1878394232279497_879721555486048256_nLast weekend, a good friend from work invited me to go with her to Chillicothe’s downtown Christmas event. They had a tree lighting with fireworks, sales, wagon rides and other fun things around downtown.

We heard some lovely acoustic guitar music at a business owned by Stef’s friend, took a wagon ride, shopped a little and had a great dinner at The Pour House. For the record, when in doubt, always take the wagon ride. And when the wait is long for a table, absolutely say yes to a seat at the bar. The people watching is fabulous!

It was cold out and dark early, creating a festive atmosphere. Even though it wasn’t even Thanksgiving yet, it was nice to see Santa help with the tree lighting. It was also fun to see downtown Chillicothe brimming with so many people and new businesses.

Speaking of small businesses, Saturday is Small Business Saturday. Be sure to support a small business or two if you can. Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities, typically provide the best customer service, and they appreciate every dollar you spend!

Faux Turkey And A Happy Thanksgiving!

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FAUX TURKEYI love a good adventure but sometimes the best adventures are found as close as our own kitchen. I’m trying something new this Thanksgiving. This meatless, soy and gluten free Turk’y Roast will be my entree while the rest of the family eats their traditional turkey today. I haven’t been brave enough to read the ingredients but the picture looks nice enough…

I’m pescetarian and normally my Thanksgiving entree is salmon or shrimp. I’m hoping this faux turkey will be a nice change!

Whatever you eat and wherever you are, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Blink And You’ll Miss It

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It feels like I somehow missed fall. While summer and winter both seem to last a lifetime in Ohio, spring and fall are very much blink-and-you-miss-it seasons. Since fall evidently is over again (it’s windy and cold here right now) it seems like a good time to share a few pictures to prove it really did happen!

Have a great day!

 

 

Gratitude

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This is the time of year that most of us count our blessings even if we don’t do it often enough the rest of the year. There was a time not so long ago that I would have struggled with this so I guess the first thing I’m grateful for is that I’ve healed enough to make this list.

I’m grateful to have both my parents and that they are still married after 46 years. I’m grateful for my job and for my office mate who is a wonderful roomie. I’m grateful for  good health and for strong shoulders to carry whatever life throws my way. I’m grateful for friends – both old and new – particularly one quirky new friend who makes me laugh and who I share a lot of common ground with.

I’m grateful for the places I’ve been and for all that I hope to see someday – and also that I have the ability to sometimes go out and explore the world.

I’m grateful for my nice home, for good books, inspiring music, sturdy walking shoes, cute hats, for adventure days with my camera and for regular days just spent doing what needs to be done. I’m grateful to live in a rural area that is beautiful and that has ample state parks designed for getting people outdoors. And I’m grateful that my body still takes me everywhere I want to go.

This year I am especially grateful that I had the grit and determination to push past heartache and that today I am healthy, strong and better than I’ve been in years. I’m grateful to be who I am and hopeful that I will continue to grow, improve and learn.

Last but not least, dear reader, I am grateful for you because your support gives me an outlet for telling stories. Happy Thanksgiving to you and thank you for reading.  I would love if you would leave a comment and tell me what you’re grateful for today. And if we haven’t met, be sure to introduce yourself!

 

Seeking A New Look

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I’ve been looking for a new personal style. What do you think? Any of these?

 

Personally, I kind of prefer the chainmail but it might be too drastically different.

I guess a Viking Festival isn’t the place to go for fashion advice when you typically wear loafers and cardigans. I’ll keep looking.

Have a great day, friends!

Go Take A Hike

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Yesterday was Take A Hike Day. I have long enjoyed hiking but since last December this has been my favorite outlet and activity.

Feeling blue? Take a hike.
Having a good day? Take a hike.
Need some exercise? Take a hike.
Have something on your mind? Take. A. Hike. 

It’s the answer for all of life’s problems and a complement to much of the good stuff.

This summer provided ample opportunities to get out on the trail, sometimes on the weekend but frequently evenings after work. The weather this fall has been terrible and it gets dark so early now that my hiking days have been limited and I can really feel it both mentally and physically.

So I hit the trail early yesterday morning and got in four miles. It was a little muddy in places but it was a perfect hiking day. The temperature was in the low thirties, a nice day for layering, and since I love my hats and scarves I was pretty happy.

The day felt muted. There were few noises in the woods and the light was subdued, casting a grayish tone across the autumn sky. Most of the trees are bare now and the ground is carpeted with dying leaves, but those still clinging to the trees looked stunning.

I took a few pictures with my phone but they aren’t especially pretty and certainly aren’t anything to write home about. Nonetheless, I will remember it as a beautiful day.

I love getting my shoes dirty and working through my mental clutter while getting some exercise. It’s the ultimate form of multitasking.

If you’ve never hiked, you should give it a whirl. You don’t need anything but your own two legs and a sturdy pair of shoes. Take some water and a little snack. Dress for the weather. Start out with a short distance and see how you like it. You may be surprised what you get out of it.