Training, Part 1

I decided to join fellow nonprofit directors on a 5-day hike at the end of May.  Once committed, training needed to start right away.  We have to be able to carry a 15lb pack and cover 15-16 miles per day.

Besides my daily 2-mile walk around the neighborhood, my regimen includes a long walk/hike on the weekends.  I began with an easy, road walk of 10 miles with a half-way destination point.

My treat for making it the first 5 miles was a Bojangles biscuit, fries, and tea.  Plus, a quick text to the family that I made it. 

I couldn't help but noticed all the trash on the side of the road.  (Littering is NOT cool, by the way.)  So on the walk home when one of the littered items was an empty trash bag, I had to take action.  This large 13-gallon bag was stuffed to the brim after only 300 yards.  I think I'll start carrying trash bags on all my walks from now on.  

Colonoscopy

Up until just a few months ago, medical experts recommended your first colonoscopy screening at the age of 50.  Now, they say 45 years old.  Regardless which age you go with, I'm there.  It's time.

The week-long prep was difficult.  Seven days prior, I had to give up my vitamins because they contained iron.  Five days prior, I had to give up nuts, granola, seeds, fruits with seeds  (blackberries, strawberries), popcorn, and cracked or red pepper.  These are my staple foods!! But my motivation for wanting to be "clean" for the procedure won the fight.  So, I treated myself to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Three days out, I had to give up meats, raw veggies, salads, corn, beans, and anything with dyes (like red or purple gatorade).  Urrggh!   I settled instead for delicious tomato soup.

Two days out, I had to eat smaller meals in anticipation of a complete fast.  Here's my last meal of mac & cheese.

One day prior, only clear liquids ALL DAY LONG!  Breakfast was apple juice, morning snack was plain coffee (no dairy), lunch was iced tea, and my afternoon snack was carbonated water.  Dinner was a nasty concoction of grape-flavored salt water, followed by two huge glasses of plain water.  Then the girgling begins.  And trust me, when you have to pass gas, it's not gas.  Take a seat.

The next morning at 4am I had the honor to repeat the previous medicine.  It worked quick and I was miserable for two hours!   But by 9am, I was ready, clean, and at the hospital.

The hard part was over, and I did it!  My preventative screening was complete and it was a great report.  Now I'm good for another 10 years!  

Irish Kilt

With Covid precautions still preventing public events, Eric decided to run in his own St. Patrick's day race wearing his kilt.

The girls and I wanted to enjoy the outdoors, so we joined him on the Swamp Rabbit Trail.  They had fun doing the "Leprechan" in a photo.

While they took off jogging, I went for a nice walk.  Here's our Irishman finishing his last stretch.  He received several comliments along the way!

Winter Garden

My husband is still dedicated to his winter garden project (see earlier post on 12/18/2020).  He reviews the forecast every day, sets the bins outside when it's warm and sunny, then brings them in at night when it's cold.

If you want to follow him on YouTube and watch his progress, you can view his video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgAjJLrB_d4.

Half-Century

It was now my turn to hit the half-century mark.  All the kiddos came home for a nice meal out the weekend prior (forgot to take a picture), and we celebrated with my favorite cake - Chocolate Godiva Cheesecake.  

When the older two had to get back to their schools, we continued to celebrate with our youngest throughout the week.  We enjoyed pretzels and beer cheese at a brewery...

Bowling...

And even getting our Shingrix shots.  

Reality sunk in when this arrived in the mail.  I guess I need to pick up my first pair of reading glasses, too.  Ha ha!

Flight Lesson

Our youngest asked to pilot an airplane once she turned 14.  So as a combined birthday/Christmas gift, we scheduled her discovery flight.

The instructor was a young and very sweet lady named Alora.  She was perfect for our daughter!  She explained everything really well during pre-flight, allowed the little one to touch all the controls and buttons, and even steer the plane down the taxiways to the runway.

Although a bit windy on the ground, the air was calm at 3000 ft.  Our little one flew the plane on her own for about 45 minutes across Greenville, Easley, Pickens, and Clemson.

Alora took our picture in the back.  Eric and I enjoyed the late afternoon flight watching our daughter soak it all in.

On our approach back to Greenville, the sun was starting to set.  Just gorgeous!

So proud of her first flight!  Now, if she could only come up with about $10,000 and a free day off from school each week, she'd be able to get her private license at 16 years old.  

COVID Holiday

Our family decided to get away for the Christmas holiday at the farm in Texas.  With extremely low air fares, we ditched the plan to drive and decided to fly instead.

While at the farm, our youngest practiced a little time behind the wheel.  Dirt roads are perfect for teaching new drivers!  We did a bit of night driving, too.  Luke was a wonderful and very patient teacher.

Ashlyn showed off a bit of fishing fashion!  She didn't catch anything, but her look was priceless.

She quickly realized the stand-up paddle board was designed for a small child.  An adult board is much longer and provides better balance.

We took a ride down to the barn and walked the fields.  The weather was gorgeous!  Since our phones were with us, we took the opportunity to capture some nice pics for social posts.

Back at the house, we piddled with a few projects, enjoyed cooking, and created a make-shift disc golf course.

We also made time to exercise.  The girls were creative in utilizing their surroundings.

The warm weather allowed us to wear short sleeves for Christmas Mass. Here's a cute selfie of the kiddos.

And before long, our 5-day retreat was over.  Our drive through the country-side was so peaceful!  One of the towns we passed through is famous for their watermelon festival, Ashlyn's favorite fruit.  

Once safely home, it was time for COVID tests before heading back to work/school.  Thankfully, everyone was healthy. 😊