This past week we began the process of packing up our daughter’s house to get ready for the move in October. I was so proud of us. We managed to get 10 boxes packed in a couple of hours. By now, after I don’t remember how many moves, we are pretty efficient about the process. John found the packing paper, I am so over using newspaper, and tape and Katie had brought home a load or two of boxes. It felt good to get it going. That first box is always the hardest. Once it was done then we got into the swing of things and before you knew it we had 10 of them stacked up on the side of the diningroom. We won’t be able to get to do much more until the middle of September so it was good to get a head start. It was a quick trip down to New Hampshire but I did manage to get in a wonderful walk with the dogs on the Northern Rail Trail. We all loved it and look forward to more such walks in the months ahead.
Traveling is Not for the Faint of Heart
We are in California for a family wedding. I was surprised to discover, to my dismay, that it is quite cool here. Prior to leaving for this trip I was organizing myself for the trip to California as well as the upcoming trip to Newfoundland and Labrador. I had two piles of clothes, one set for California that consisted of sleeveless shirts, dresses, a couple of nice outfits for dinners and events and always some walking clothes. The other pile was for the Newfoundland trip that included along with jeans and long sleeved shirts, my favorite fleece, warm socks, warm up pants and gloves. Well I got out here and other than one sweater I had nothing that I could wear in the cool weather. The fog had rolled in and I gather when it does that out here the temperature plumets and out come the warm sweaters and jackets. Luckily, after I berated myself for not even bringing a fleece, my cousin offered a trip to Target so I went along to get something to wear. Now I have a nice new sweatshirt and pants to wear and being Target, didn’t spend a lot of money. Nothing more fun than that. Nice store here in Berkeley and we all found a few goodies to get us through the next few days. Rule #1 – never travel without your walking shoes, Rule #2 – never travel without your fleece and a pair of warm pants.
Walking while Traveling
We did find a wonderful but a bit short walk that went out from the hotel and around the marina. It is rather fun to see all the sailboats and the dragon boats practicing. Lots of family activities in the parks as well. The sad part for me is to see all the homeless camps that are in the area. While so many around them are living a good life they are in their tent cities living in piles of garbage. It is not something you see a lot of back east and certainly not much in Canada. Humbling to say the least.
Managing the Food Factor
I am trying very hard to clean up my food routine while keeping up with my walking routine. I have discovered that carbohydrates really make me very slow and logie and I need all the energy I can muster for the next few months. So I am picking up the protein, cutting out the carbs like bread and pasta, keeping the fresh fruit and already am feeling more energetic. Won’t give up the wine either. So fun to be here in wine country and the family that lives here are very knowledgeable. The first night we were here we had a late supper in the pub and sat next to a family doctor who was here for a conference. Her name was Kathy and she was giving a presentation at the conference the next day. We started chatting in the way that you do when you don’t have your face in your phone, and discovered that her backyard neighbor is the Kendall-Jackson winery. We hit it off and by the time we said good night I was ready to commute here to her practice from the other side of the country. Love those chance encounters.
Food for Thought
Here is a simple, easy to make muffin recipe that will give you a good boost in the morning. Enjoy!
Ingredients •¾ cup of whole wheat flour •½ cup white flour •½ cup soy flour •1 cup of whole wheat cereal, ( grapenuts, flax seed cereal, bran flakes etc) •½ cup brown sugar •1 tsp baking powder •1 tsp baking soda •¾ tsp ground cinnamon •1/8 tsp ground cloves •2 slightly beaten eggs •2/3 cup soymilk •¼ cup soy oil •½ cup grated or chopped carrots
Directions 1.Preheat oven to 400°F 2.Spray a 12 cup muffin pan with cooking spray or using paper liners. 3.In a large bowl stir together all dry ingredients. 4.In a medium bowl, combine eggs, soymilk, and soy oil. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, stir until moistened. 5.Fold in carrots. 6.Fill muffins tins 2/3 full and bake for 15-20 minutes
Stay tuned. We return from California late Tuesday and depart for Newfoundland (about as far from California as you can get and still be in North America) on Thursday. Talk about a quick turn around. Life is full and busy and we are enjoying every minute of it. We love being with family (John’s side) and with friends and celebrating a wonderful couple as they begin their lives together.
Congratulations to my sister on the arrival of her new grand daughter Sofia Margot.
