Excited!

Still not feeling well at all!  I've been in and out of doctors offices and getting tests done. Sick and tired of STILL feeling so sick and tired! I'm still hopeful that it's just my ulcer that has kicked in again and seasonal allergies.  I'd rather be safe then sorry. 

I took a nice hike with Monty up at the park.  On the drive home I decided to take a side road and check to see if there were any hatchlings on the road....guess what?  I have my head start little snapper!  He was sitting right in the middle of the road, I couldn't believe my luck.  I should listen to my inner voice more often! 

Challenges

Another summer has come and gone.  Once again I didn't fulfill the promises I made to myself.  The 30 day challenges fell by the wayside.  I did have 4 wonderful excuses.  For the last month, my sons have all been living home. It is most likely the very last time that they will all be living here all at the same time.  Today son number three heads back to college.  For me this month has been blissful.  Messy for sure....but a feeling of such contentment for my soul to see each one of them every day.  Last night they all slept here....and I slept like a baby.  Living in the moment has taught me to just slow down and just be. Just enjoy each moment I have with them.

Monty and I got out on our first long hike in quite a few weeks if not months!  It was simply gorgeous in the forest. We had a lot of rain last night and tons of amphibians were on all the trails.  I even saw a Wood Frog.  I picked up a Salamander and he crawled over my ring and the saying "do what you love" was facing him.  That struck me....at that moment there was nothing else that I would have wanted to be doing.  Birds singing and calling completed my amazing meditative walk.   I had lots of time to think.  I've decided to no longer do anymore 30 day challenges. Instead I am going to implement a "Live to be 100 Challenge".  ☺ I want to keep my body healthy and fit, so if I am one of the lucky humans and I get to grow old I will be healthy enough to enjoy my time here on this awesome planet.

My Live to be 100 Years Old Challenge:

Eat: Veggies, Fruit, Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Seafood & Healthy Meats 

Drink lots of water

Exercise by daily hikes and weight lifting

Get enough sunshine

Practice grounding

Meditate by sitting still in nature and observing

No more negative thoughts or talk, spin it all to the positive~ always!

Stop spending your precious life online

Stop worrying

~LIVE IN THE MOMENT~

Day 2

Today we were told to journal our sit spot challenge.  For my spot I chose to sit at my pond.  It's the one place I know that I will be able to get to.  The bird of the day is the Grackle.  They are already flocking together.  Their calls make me think Fall.  I'm not ready for that yet....I need another month of Summer. This challenge couldn't have come at a better time, it helps me to slow down and absorb what is going on around me.  I watched the House Wrens feed their brood, noticed there are small amphibian eggs in the pond and enjoyed the call of the cicadas.  Life is still unfolding all around me, it isn't too late to catch a little of the Summer miracle. 

YES!

The Hummingbirds continue in a HUGE way!  I'm so enjoying being out in my yard, and even standing at the kitchen sink cleaning up....who wouldn't if this was your view?  Now I've had up to 4 on the feeder at one time, including a male.  I can only venture a guess that it was a family. 

This is Rachael the Osprey who nests at my dream camp Hog Island, Maine.  Her two chicks fledged in the last 24 hours and she was calling them.  They should return soon and will hang around the nest for a couple more weeks before they begin their Southward migration journey.

A couple of days ago, I got an email from the women who runs the NYS Master Naturalist classes. They are offering another naturalist weekend up at the Arnot Forest.  We can get more credits towards our Master Naturalist and spend time with other like minded people who are also taking the class to become a certified naturalist and others going on to become a Master Naturalist. The email started me thinking about why I still haven't completed my Master Naturalist. Although I have been dealing with a lot of serious personal issues over the last year, if I'm honest, I could have completed the requirements. I think the reason is, because I couldn't quite figure out what I would use the title for.  I woke up in the other night and knew why I need to complete the requirements.  It leads me perfectly in to what I want to be doing for volunteer work for the rest of my life. This past Wildlife rehab season I decided because of everything that was going on in my life to only take turtles~period. I gathered up a list of all the local rehabbers and what animals they would take. I referred all callers who needed a rehabber to someone else.  After doing that for the past few months and fielding a ton of phone calls since my article appeared in the paper, I have found that I totally enjoy helping the public co-exist with their local wildlife.  I find it hugely rewarding to teach others about nature and their local animals.  I have finally found my niche.  This makes my heart sing. I can do a presentation at my local library, write my articles and continue to do volunteer work with the local parks.  It's all very doable!  I am again excited!

Tomorrow and for the next 30 days....date with myself.....Sit Spot Challenge! 

Going fast

Once again I feel as though I missed another Spring and Summer.  So distracted with my hubbies health, that I barely notice what is going on around me. Today there are dozens of Grackles at my feeder, the Southward migration has begun again, like clock work.

  The past few days the weather has been glorious.  The record temperatures have finally dropped and we can actually enjoy being outside.  My hummingbird feeders have never in the past had so much activity.  So much activity that I actually went out yesterday and bought another feeder. I filling the feeders about once a day. We have the hummingbird wars going on in our front and rear yards.

I'm looking forward to my Sit Spot Challenge, it starts on August 1, 2013. What a wonderful daily mediation it's going to be. Nature is the balm that heals my weary soul.  Here are some pictures from this week in my yard.  We have an amazing number of butterflies and birds.  There is always something to watch.

Soul Meets Body

I went to the Park this morning for a *Woods Work-out* I wore my barefoots, did some trunk walking, fast hills,  a bit of running,  push-ups, arm-raises and hiking.  I felt like a million bucks.   I got into the car this song came on the radio.  How very perfect for that moment.  I realized that while I'm out in the woods.....that's exactly what happens to me, My Soul Meets Body! 

"Soul Meets Body" By Death Cab For Cutie

I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what its like to be new

Cause in my head there’s a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
So they may have a chance of finding a place
where they’re far more suited than here

And I cannot guess what we'll discover
When we turn the dirt with our palms cupped like shovels
But I know our filthy hands can wash one another’s
And not one speck will remain

And I do believe it’s true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body

And I do believe it’s true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

It's extremely hot and humid here in the east coast.  Today it's expected to be 97 with a heat index of 105, unheard of for this part of the country.  

More on my dog.  The other night I slept on my LR floor near my son who had surgery earlier in the day.  I put Monty's bed next to me, and both of us fell asleep.  A little while later I was dreaming that someone had driven up to the front of the house and was getting out of their car, I woke thinking...I better stop Monty from barking so he doesn't wake my son.  Well....Monty was already getting up to bark at the window.  No one was there, it was a dream.  Is it possible that dogs are so in-tune to us they know what's going on in our heads?    It was a bizarre moment that I can't stop thinking about.  Very strange how my friends behavior is doing a 190 degree change as I'm changing how I look and think about him.  He's actually smiling.  Something else I thought about this morning, how would I feel if the person I loved most, thought about their last love and planned their next love for after I'm gone? I can't imagine that Monty doesn't pick up on that.  I'm totally ashamed of myself, and promise him that will never happen again. 

He's my friend, my partner, my defender, my dog. I am his life, his love, his leader. He will be mine, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. I owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.

This is my dog

Unfortunately for him, the person he loves most in this entire world, has wasted two precious years of his life pining for her last dog.  How pathetic is that?  This beautiful dog is awesome, this dog deserves to have his owner love him with out any reservations, love him like he will live forever and never break her heart like all those who have gone before him.  The time to be with him 100% is now, not tomorrow, not when I get over the loss of Petey, Uno, Mason.....or even all the way back to Khan and Bigelow, the time for him is NOW. TODAY.   The years are whizzing by, and I'm missing another opportunity to be a part of a great human/dog team. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, if you just love the dog you are with. Not think about the prior dog who isn't coming back.   I've been very blessed to have a lot of good dogs in my life, and Monty is one of them, if not the best trained of them all. He is that good and if I gave him my all.....he will be great, one of those once in a lifetime dogs.  Time for me to recognize that and give him the love and devotion he deserves. Currently I'm reading a book called: Your Dog Is Your Mirror by Kevin Behan. Sure is making me look at my dog differently.  I also loved this persons Blog Post; http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-photos-advice-to-humans  it really opened my eyes to my responsibility towards my best friend.

A Hike

Today as I entered the woods I felt my entire being relax.  It felt so good.  There is no doubt in my mind that if people took to the forest and spent time there, many of our human ills will cease to exist.

Another 30 day challenge

I'm a few days into my Whole 30 challenge, and I'm doing great. Eating only meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, small amounts of fruit and that's it.  No dairy for the month.  As always just trying to feel better. I noticed while I was away, all my aches and pains were gone, because I only ate healthy foods and no grains.  I came home and with in a week after all the stress I was eating all the foods that cause me such horrible issues.  I'm also trying to stay off the wine too, not sure if I will be 100% successful with that. ;-0.

Anyway, aside from that challenge, I just signed up for another 30 day challenge. This challenge is really awesome and enjoyable.  I'm doing the Kamana Sit Spot Challenge, starting August 1st.  I'm committing to sitting in one spot in nature for 20 minute each day, for 30 days.  A pure nature meditation.  Information can be found on their FB page. https://www.facebook.com/KamanaProgram I'm not sure yet where I will sit, maybe just by my pond in the backyard, which I don't do often enough. This way I will have the time no matter what life throws at me.

I spent the last two days caring for my son who had a Rhinoplasty for a deviated septum.  Horrible surgery and recovery. I love having the chance to nurture my adult child again. I miss being a mom to my young children.

Same message as always......

Starting tomorrow! GO!

Committing to this plan for 30 days.  It's just a Paleo plan, that does not allow chocolate or dairy. 

Again!

Next week I begin again,  enough of the self pity party, time to turn off and turn on my life again!  There is so much out there to do! 

Poor Babies!

See the faces of what feeding bears can cause.  Their mom was euthanized because she broke into a house.  Thankfully they are in the care of the best rehabber in all of NYS. 

Wake up and live

No truer message....the time is now!  What are you waiting for? 

Very happy my hubby crossed a very large adult male turtle onto our land yesterday.  That is a great animal message for him!  He has crossed more turtles this year then anyone I know. 

My hubby

For the last 32 years I've been blessed to spend my life with the most amazing human being.  He is the kindest most generous person I know. He embodies what it really means to be a *real man*.  He is the best husband, father, brother, son, cousin, son in law, brother in law. and friend that anyone could have.  He always thinks the best of everyone, and is willing to help anyone in any situation. I love him from the very core of my being.  We have had a life so full of fun and adventure that I've always felt like I've won the lottery.  For our first 30 years together we used to pinch ourselves with disbelief that our lives were so awesome.  Our relationship after the first three years of marriage has been effortless. We have always felt so blessed and grateful for everything. We knew at some point there would be  trials, and then there were.  They start a year ago with his cancer diagnosis, and the closing of our company.  The closing of the company was scarey but has ended up been a blessing.  Hubby's blood pressure is the lowest it's ever been and his state of happiness is contagious.  He is in amazing shape.  Unfortunately he is having his 2nd battle with Cancer .  I'm struggling to stay in the moment and enjoy our lives, each and every precious day we are given together.   I'm worried sick over him and what the future holds for his health.  He on the other hand continues to live each day and is happy and looking forward.  He is someone that I wish that I could emulate.  He doesn't dwell in the past and doesn't worry about the future.  He lives for today.   Lesson learned from my awesome side kick, now to put it in practice.  Each and every single day we have together is a gift, and one that I refuse to ever take for granted ever again. 

After writing this I feel better, I'm not sure why? But I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, first time in over a month.  I've spent the afternoon thinking about all of the stories of our life, and being so thankful for all the fun and happiness I've had.  I was thinking about how 13 years ago when he decided to get back on the motocross bike how many people gave me such grief over it.  That only got worse as he was hurt in several crashes.  I was told to be a real women and make him stop! Even at my dads funeral, my Uncle as he eulogized my dad,  scolded him, saying how much my dad hated his riding.   I've never wavered, have always supported him, he loves his motocross.  Even though we have never had a ton of money.....we have lived our lives together to the fullest.  Instead of spending money on things or our home....we decided it was much more fun to go on trips.  Those memories for us and our boys is irreplaceable.  Right now I have a very full heart, so so grateful for the life I've been living.  So grateful to have this wonderful man by my side. 

2013 Trip out West

I kept my promise to myself and stayed completely off the internet for my entire trip. It's now been 16 days since I've been on FB.  I've very proud that I was finally able to take a break. I feel so good, I may continue for a while longer. I also stayed away from the TV, unless of cause I could catch a little of the Stanley Cup play-offs.  Our trip out West was truly a dream come true for me. We all had an amazing time.  Each place we stayed was so completely different from the previous, that none of us ever got bored.

June 8th, 9th & 10th  Gardiner, MT~Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone was once again the highlight of my trip.  We spent 3 glorious days in Yellowstone National Park.  I can't wait to go back.  Next time I'm going to spend an entire week there.   The house we rented was located a few miles from town, right on the Yellowstone river with the most awesome view of the mountains imaginable.  The weather was cold at night so we were able to leave the windows open and listen to the river flow by.  We cooked all our meals because there isn't a restaurant with in the park that have better views then the house we rented.  Drives into the park were exciting as usual, lots of Buffalo, Elk and Pronghorns. The morning we headed into the Lamar Valley very early was handsomely rewarded.  First off, I stopped and talked to the wolf people and they were not too encouraging about our quest to see a wolf.  Seems the once large Lamar Valley Pack had been broken up after the Alpha female was shot and killed by a rancher.  The pack currently has only 3 members.  Alpha female, male and a Beta female.  The wolf people told me that the day before they had gotten a good look at some of the members who were trying to feed on a dead Bison calf that the herd was continuing to protect. We headed further into the Valley and went onto a dirt road that was full of people with bins and scopes.  We soon had my spotting scope focused in on a Grizzly sow and her cub.  We turned around and there was a large boar Grizzly up on a hill.  We watched both bears for more then an hour.  The female eventually came towards us and ended up swimming across the river with her cub on her back!  What a awesome, awesome sighting!  Listened to a man who volunteers for the Yellowstone association and continued down the road to find a Golden Eagle nest.  We found it, plus a parent, and later heard that there are 3 chicks in the nest.  Next tip was where to find a sow with 3 cubs that were laying down near the river.  I didn't quite catch where they said, so we ended up pulling over at another area, and immediately heard a young boy saying....it looks canine?!  I put my bins up and there were 3 wolves running down a path right across the river from where we stood!  So close you could see them with  your naked eyes!  They continued down the path and soon the Alpha and Beta females crossed the river, while the Alpha male watched for a bit and then made his way as well.  They watched for cars, crossed the road and headed up to the den site.  I was told that yesterday wolf watchers heard the pups howling.  Amazing once in a lifetime sighting.  We did stop to see the sow grizzly and her 3 cubs.  Again....amazing sight!  We continued up to the North East entrance and pulled over to try and find Mountain Goats, which we did!  They were a little harder to spot due to there still being a bit of snow on the rocks.  We saw a couple of goats and babies.  On the way out of the valley right before we came into Mammoth Hot Springs there was a herd of 5 Big Horn Sheep grazing right on the side of the road. 

June 11th Lake Yellowstone, WY 

Wonderful day wondering around all the various guiser areas, including Old Faithful.  We spent the night in a cabin and had a wonderful dinner at the Lodge. 

June 12th & 13th Grand Teton Park, WY

After a amazing drive through the park, we arrived at the Snake River Lodge.  For me it was kind of anticlimactic, very commercial and far from the immersion in nature I was so craving. The place was chosen by my mom and her hubby, and they seemed to enjoy it, and it was important that everyone had a good time.   We did a gondola ride to the top of the mountain at the Jackson Hole Ski lodge, just beautiful scenery.  I don't think that I could snowboard on a mountain that big. 

June 14th Lander, WY

Spent the day with friends of my step-dads.  A delightful older women who has traveled widely and lived a very interesting life.  Her deceased husband was a famous artist.  We went out for the best meal of the entire trip.  Her two wonderful granddaughters went with us.  They are so adorable.  The next day we went out to their family home.  A brand new contemporary home with such interesting details.  Their dad had put fossilized ammonites in several different places, like floors, a water feature.  Just the coolest home.  Really enjoyed our visit with this family. 

June 15th, 16th & 17th Moab, UT

The highlight of my hubby's trip.  I have to agree with him, Moab is stunning. He had taken a trip out there last year and wanted me to see it.  There is no place else on earth that is anything like the mountains of Moab.  It is a Geologist dream scape. Incredible rock formations everywhere, and not just in the two parks.  On the drive down from Lander we were able to see lots of Prairie Dogs just before we arrived at the red rocks.  The house we rented for 3 nights was amazing.  It backed up to a great wildlife area and was just down the street from a Nature Conservancy area.  We rented a 4x4 jeep and my hubby took us for a whole day wild ride out in the desert.  I think that was the highlight of my moms trip.  It was pure adrenaline and FUN!  We also were able to get out and see some petrogliphs, and native ruins.  Such a spiritual area.  I can't wait to return. 

June 18th & 19th Grand Canyon, North Rim, AZ

Long drive through Navaho Reservation areas. So many beautiful rock formations though out the dessert.  Sad how our native Americans have to live.  The Grand Canyon north lodge is just STUNNING!  I don't think that I've ever been in a restaurant with a better view.  The food was not good, but you couldn't beat that the lodge is perched on the edge of the Grand Canyon.  We had a lovely 2 days stay and lots of sight seeing.  My favorite part was when we arrived in the dark, and on the drive in I could see some dark figures on the side of the road, Bison's!  We also saw an owl and lots of mule deer.  Oh and I forgot.....a CALIFORNIA CONDOR!  The first morning I was in the visitor center getting a free brochure and he was gliding over the lodge multiple times.  My mom and her hubby were also watching him! 

June 20th & 21st Gold Canyon, AZ

After many more miles of the Navaho Reservation area, we met up with my cousin in Flagstaff AZ.  Flagstaff is located in the mountains, and has much cooler weather then the rest of AZ.  They get more then 100 inches of snow each year.  We totally enjoyed the trip down from the mountains into the desert. We headed to Sodona first to have lunch.  We had been told by several people not to miss seeing the area,  they all said it was one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Hubby and I found it to be one big shopping, artist area, with views that aren't even close to what you can see in Moab!  What floats one boat sinks another.  Gratefully the house we had rented in Gold Canyon backed right up to the desert.  The house had a great room with huge windows over looking the view.  There were tons of birds to watch. More birds in that backyard then on the entire trip.  I had a nice visit with my cousins and two aunts.  My hubby got in a couple mt bike rides. 

Now that the trip is over.....can I go back on vacation?  I think that I'm going to have to figure out a way to get away a lot more often.  There is nothing I enjoy more then going on an adventure.  Hubby would very much like to start backpacking.....maybe its time I got into good enough shape to do it.  That is one cheap way to see beautiful less traveled places.  My new goal, be able to carry a heavy pack and sleep on the ground!