Monthly Archives: June 2022

A Morning Walk

Posted on by
4

Yesterday brought a rare weekday morning off from work. We have been under a heat advisory for the last several days so I took advantage of this found time and headed to the lake for an early walk. Lots of other people seemed to have the same idea as it was busier than normal with walkers and joggers.

Walking here is nice because it’s a paved path close to home where I can measure exactly how far I have walked. There is often a little breeze and that breeze yesterday felt divine.

The light was pretty so I stopped to snap a picture of these boats that are available for rent. if you look closely, you’ll see the bridge to the island in the background. That bridge has appeared on this blog a few times over the years and is a favorite subject of mine.

This swing looked so inviting that I paused for a picture. For a split second, I considered how nice it would be to sit there with a cold lemonade and watch the day go by.

Then I remembered that the heat index would soon be 110 and that once the shade was gone the sun would burn me to a painful shade of lobster red.

So I kept moving. That’s more my speed anyway. Movement makes me happier than sitting around any day.

When it comes to the seasons, summer is my least favorite because the heat and humidity here tend to keep me indoors or strategizing how to accomplish things with the precision and control of an Army General. Keep moving, soldier. The heat is the enemy and it will soon be upon us!

We are supposed to have a reprieve from the heat this weekend before it comes raging back again next week. I’m going to head outside for a while today and breathe air that doesn’t hurt my lungs. Wherever you are, stay safe and enjoy your day!

Overlook The Wrinkles

Posted on by
3

The owner of this 1960 Thunderbird has a sense of humor. Can you read the sign?

The car is sharp and I didn’t notice any wrinkles. It was one of many beautiful and sometimes unusual vehicles entered in the Feast of the Flowering Moon car show last month. I’ll show you more pictures from that Chillicothe, Ohio event soon.

Thyroid Update

Posted on by
10

Back in April, I shared with you that I had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and gave an overview of what that has meant to me. You can read that confession here. Two months later and I am sick of thinking about it but understand that an update could help someone else.

I made this picture on a hike in the Hocking Hills last year. This picture of emerging from the darkness and climbing worn, uneven stairs toward the light is the perfect imagery to illustrate where I am right now.

It is notoriously difficult to adjust thyroid medicine. My circumstances are improving but it has been a slow climb. My energy is improving but I can still sleep ten hours and wake up feeling like I didn’t sleep at all.

Hair loss, joint pain, and sudden raspiness of voice persist. Fatigue in the afternoon is a pain and brain fog is still sometimes an issue. Finding the rights words is hard work some days. I had been combatting this with a bit of Diet Coke in the afternoon but have discovered that pop and sugar make things worse.

Reducing gluten has been a game changer and eating a banana most days has helped too. My medical provider advised me to listen to my body but to push myself to do more. So I’m trying to get back into hiking or at least walking the local bike path as much as possible. I have been trying to get to sleep early in hopes that someday I will awake rested.

Thankfully, many of my symptoms like weight gain and occasional dizziness seem to have leveled off and that is encouraging.

So I take my medicine religiously and try to walk that tight rope between rest and pushing.

I’m far behind in chores and work around the house because all my energy seems to be used up by my job and by trying to have some quality of life through an occasional adventure day.

I have a big trip on the books later this summer so I’m trying to do some training on the hiking trails. I will need more energy and more muscle power if I intend to enjoy that trip.

So things are improving even if it does feel like a slow climb out of the dark. If you have a thyroid problem, give yourself some grace. Personally, it feels like my body hates me and I hate my body. It’s a toxic relationship but I still choose to believe there is hope.

Rapid City Memories

Posted on by
7

Plans are underway for my 2022 Western Adventure so I have been thinking a lot about past western trips. Of all the places I’ve been, Rapid City, South Dakota is one of the most visually pleasing small cities and one I wouldn’t mind revisiting someday.

It is packed with things to to do, cute shops, amazing restaurants and public art galore.

We had some terrific meals, including dinner at Firehouse Brewing Company which is located in a 1915 era firehouse. Today it has the distinction of being the city’s first brew pub and it exists because a group of investors saw an opportunity, formed a partnership and went for it.

There are great old buildings and terrific vintage signage still in use today.

Plus, there’s an alley where local artists can apply for permits to practice their graffiti art. Some of the work is fun or cute while others deliver a message.

When it comes to public art, the city is actually best known for its trail of life sized bronze statues that represent each of our nation’s former presidents. There’s a reason why their nickname is “City of Presidents” and it isn’t just because Mount Rushmore is down the road.

Most of these statues are impressive and some are surprisingly moving like this one of John F. Kennedy with his toddler son.

They are all privately funded and it’s a non-partisan project all the way around.

Rapid City is close to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, the Badlands and a host of other regional attractions. That area is well worth your time whether you stop on your way somewhere else or are spending a chunk of time.

If you’re interested, type South Dakota into the search box here and you’ll find several pieces from my visit a few years ago!

Tree Down After A Storm

Posted on by
Reply

My favorite tree at Lake Alma didn’t survive the storm last week. It was there just before the storm began Thursday as I scurried around the island before thunderstorms and possible tornadoes moved into the area.

Sadly, it was down yesterday morning, literally pulled up by the roots and lying in the water.

It was a sad sight.

I have favorite things in lots of places I visit regularly. Favorite trees, rocks, patches of trillium and vistas top the list of things I look forward to with each visit to familiar places. This tree was like an old friend, one that provided shade and comfort and had great character.

It’s probably silly to mourn a tree but it brought me great joy over the years. I feel like it deserves a moment of silence and gratitude for its contribution to my life.

Just Bloom

Posted on by
3

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”– Zen Shin

Let’s all learn from the flowers, shall we? Now go. Bloom and be happy and without worry.

Have a happy Sunday, friends!