Life Lately

 

Life is busy, but good busy.  I have been quite social with breakfasts, lunches and dinners. I have also been getting my hands dirty, which I love; both in my volunteer role and still working hard in my neighborhood to get things back to normal after the hurricane damage.  There has been a lot of mulch spread this past week, including in my role as a captain for Make A Difference Day in Venice.  

I ventured out to a park that is very close to me, but is known for having a lot of alligators since it is adjacent to a river.  It really is a nice, peaceful walk with old Florida ambience.  And, I am definitely much braver and more nonchalant about gators than when I first moved to Florida.  Don’t bother them and they won’t bother you.  But, the warning signs you see are just a little different here lol

Finally, I have been making a point to read more lately.  I finished The Henna Artist and it is exactly the kind of book that makes me appreciate being in a book club. I can’t say I would have picked if up on my own volition, but I throughly enjoyed it and found it is the kind of book that immerses you in the culture and characters so much, that when you are done it stays in your thoughts.  

Have a wonderful weekend!

On Turning 60

So, I have some thoughts on turning 60.

 First, it’s not so bad!  60 is the new 40, right.  But, in all seriousness a few years ago, I was dreading leaving my fifties and 60 sounded like a really big number.  After moving to Florida and totally reinventing my lifestyle, I am in better shape than I have been in many years, my heath is good and life here is really like living in paradise everyday.  There is a lot to celebrate.

I wrote about my health journey after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes here, and how that was really the catalyst for me to make changes.  There are so many health issues associated with Diabetes and I was determined to overcome all those challenges.  Along the way, I reclaimed the active younger me who I had lost.  Who was that person that drank a can of Coke for breakfast ?! Walking and yoga, along with healthier eating will be what keeps me young and enjoying retirement with my husband.  We retired young and are determined enjoy every minute of it.

Age really is just a number and that is so evident here in Florida.  I tend to be one of the younger ones
around and I am so inspired by those who are twenty years older than me, but still active every day.  It’s all about keeping moving, keeping flexible and staying strong.  I recommend yoga to everyone
for that very reason.  At 60, I am stronger and more flexible than ever and am proud of those 2
(working on 3) minute planks.  And when I golf, my drives are longer than ever.

So, I’m looking at 60 as the beginning of a new chapter.  A chapter of life that I am excited about, without looking back and worrying about getter older.  It’s a cliche, but if you are as young as you feel, I am ready to live my life with energy and new experiences for as long as possible.  There is so much to look forward to.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Slow and Steady

Yesterday held a significant milestone in my journey towards better health.

Over the past nine years, since my diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes, I have been all in on changing my
lifestyle and becoming more healthy.  It's been a slow and steady process that includes diet, exercise
and stress reduction. Along with improved A1c numbers, (3 month blood glucose average) I have
continued to lose weight over the nine years.  Yesterday, I hit my goal weight.  I have never gone up more than a couple of pounds in that time and I might hit a plateau here and there, but the weight has continued to fall off.   I think now that I have reached this goal, I may even work at losing another 5 pounds.

How did I do it?

Diet and Medication

It's important to ask your doctor to prescribe weight lowering diabetic medication, rather than weight
gaining if possible.  They might not tell you, but there is a difference.

My diet is one that has evolved over the years and I do not deprive myself of anything.  I eat
breakfast, a small snack, a later lunch that has the majority of my daily carbs and a light dinner or
protein/carb snack.  I count carb servings all day.  If I want dessert, I have it.  But, it will be a small piece of cake, one cookie or maybe even just a few bites.  Low carb ice cream, Bai coconut water and Truvia for baking are my secret weapons.

Wine does not really effect my blood sugar, but bananas send it soaring.  You learn what works for you.  I rarely snack and having given up caffeine a few years ago, do not drink much soda.  I used to drink regular coke and can't even imagine drinking one now.

Exercise

Immediately after my diagnosis, I started to walk at least 5 days every week.  I also stared yoga
which I love and has helped me build strength.  Since moving to Florida, there is no excuse not to get
outside.  Year around golf is a wonderful perk. I will never be one to go to the gym, but the important
thing is to move each day.  I also exercise later in the day to help my overnight blood sugar spikes.
My goal for this year is to try some new kind of exercise, like a Barre class.

Stress Reduction

This is probably the hardest to acheive, because life happens to us all.  But, I have learned to distance myself from things that cause stress, sometimes taking a step back if needed.  I quit my job when I could see what it was doing to my blood sugar levels and while not realistic for all, reduce that stress any way you can.

Yoga is a great way to acheive peace for the hour during the practice, as well as the way that peace stays with you.

 I hate the words self care, but it works.

There are no quick fixes to good health, but I am here to tell you it can be done if you are willing to make even some small changes.

Happy Thursday!

Looking for Shells

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a beach in Venice that is so different than the white sand beaches we tend to frequent for our beach days. It's secluded, almost private, and can only be found by driving down a long sand covered road that hugs the shoreline. It's rustic, natural, quite narrow and the sand is volcanic, rather than quartz, so dark in color. It's also known as the best spot to find shark's teeth (prehistoric) and people line the water using sand sifters of all sorts.

The shark's teeth are elusive and we haven't put in the time to find any, but it's a great beach for a long walk along the water's edge. There are so many shells and not just the little ones you find on many beaches, but the bigger ones I like to collect. Because I live here and there is always another beach walk around the corner, I can be quite selective in my shell hunting. I usually find just enough to easily carry and always look for unique colors, shapes and patterns. I'm in the process of filling a couple of large jars, but taking my time and making the finds memorable.

It's a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Happy Monday!

 

Weekend in Photos

 

 

Saturday night walk with Cooper

 

Sunday morning view

 

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas

 

Margaritas just go with a Mexican menu

 

It was just my husband and I this Father's Day weekend and we stuck around the house for the most part. We are getting into the hottest part of summer here in Florida and if it is not early morning or near sunset, it's best to stay in the air conditioning. Or the pool.

When I asked my hubby what he wanted to do on Father's Day, his only request was to stay home and watch the U.S. Open. So we did that and I cooked fajitas and made margaritas. He received phone calls from the girls and I gave him a gift card to Top Golf in Tampa, so there is a fun outing in our future.

If the blog is quiet this week, it's because I am flying to Michigan tomorrow and will be busy, busy. The good: at the end of the week, Megan and I have appointments at the florist, the venue, the cake baker and for the final fitting of her wedding gown. And, I get to see the venue and the church, in person, for the first time. On Saturday and Sunday there are back to back wedding showers in her honor, in two different cities and we are so excited. The not so good: I'm flying back a few days early to help with my parents. My mother has had a bit of a set back, with a broken hip and the resulting surgery. Luckily, they are in assisted living now, and it wasn't quite the panic it could have been if they were still at home.

Happy Monday from the airport - I'll have a lot to post when I return!

 

An Active Monday

 

 

 

 

 

It's a lifestyle at this point. Yes, being active is good for my health, but it has become something I love. I love the way I feel and I love exploring new places.

Mondays are my yoga days, right here in my neighborhood. I only have to walk the three blocks to the clubhouse, yoga mat in hand and I'm ready to begin. We are a small, but committed group (I'm the one with the green mat) and the instructor is really good. I really feel it, in all my muscles, usually the next day. We do a lot of core work and I believe it is so important for someone my age to stay strong and flexible. I'm slowly, but surely, building up my time on planks. I also go to yoga on the beach, but that is really more about the beautiful location, than getting much benefit from the practice.

It was such a beautiful night, still warm and breezy, so I grabbed my puppy, jumped in the car and drove the short distance to the beach. We walked on a path around a small lake on one side and the gulf on the other, shimmering in the pre sunset light. So peaceful.

A good day for both body and mind.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Sunshine State of Mind

 

 

 

This weekend, I went for a walk with my puppy on my favorite walking trail that starts in downtown Venice and ends at the beach. It was close to sunset on Saturday, so dinner time downtown, with a lot of people strolling the avenue, eating at outside tables and just a generaly happy, vacation vibe. At the beach, there was live music playing in the pavilion, couples dancing and many people arriving with their beach chairs to watch the sunset. Again, happy people everywhere.

Since I have lived here, I have noticed that people are active and out and about, everywhere I go. There are walkers and bikers galore. People embrace this endless summer and the happiness is contagious. Yes, I live here and life for me has settled somewhat, but when you are around others who are on vacation, it puts you in that frame of mind too. Walking becomes more of a stroll, rather than purposeful. There are no heads down, tucked away from the cold, but faces turned towards the sun and smiles.

I get asked a lot, by my friends and family in Michigan how I like the heat in Florida, especially in the summer months. It really is not a problem, because every place is air conditioned. Otherwise you adjust your outdoor activities to the cooler times of day. Shade and ceiling fans mean you can still sit outside too. A dip in the pool or at the beach feel that much better when the temperature rises. Blue sky and sunshine when I wake up in the morning, blooming flowers year around and seeing green all the time is good for my health and good for my mood. It really is a sunshine state of mind.

Happy Monday!

 

A Healthy Lifestyle

 

 

 

I mention my diabetes now and then, usually in the context of substituting Splenda for sugar in recipes I post. But, today I felt compelled to post an update on how living in Florida for the past six months has been such a help in my daily diabetes journey.

For those not familar, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2010 with a combination of unhealthy eating, lack of structured exercise and genetics all contributing to a diagnosis at a fairly young age (49). I also had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies, so that was a predisposition as well. The diagnosis was scary, but I am a positive person and immediately started to count carbs and walk at least six times a week. I was determined to bring my A1C down and with medication was successful, but still not where I wanted to be.

Over the last eight years, I have slowly and steadily lost around 35 pounds, which I take as proof I am doing something right. But, as a nurse told me, my pancreas is tired and the most frustrating thing about diabetes is that what worked last year, may not work this year. So, I see an endrocronologist who constantly monitors my medication and lifestyle.

Some of the things that have helped me are adjusting my walking time to as late in the day as possible to combat my tendency to dump glucose at night and limiting my carbs later in the day. This means a bigger lunch and a small dinner. Also, stress is an enemy to me and I left my last job for that reason. You can't totally get away from stress, but I have learned to limit it as much as possible and do what is necessary for my peace of mind.

Florida is the perfect place for this lifestyle. I can walk nearly every day, with no worries about the weather. The locations to walk are varied and always scenic. Since we are "retired" we can adhere to any schedule we choose, so often, we go out for a late lunch or early dinner and skip unhealthy late eating. I have rediscovered yoga with a vengeance and enjoy the calm it brings, especially the practices on the beach. And, year around golf is now part of our lifestyle too.

My last A1C was my lowest since my diagnosis, so I would say that Florida and an active healthy lifestyle here definitely agrees with me.

Happy Thursday!

 

New Places to Walk

 

 

 

 

 

Walking is definitely different in Florida. I have needed to make some adjustments, but all in all, it has been fun discovering new places. Usually I walk in my neighborhood, because I like seeing all the houses, landscaping and seeing the new construction that changes daily. I'm hoping it is also a good way to meet new people. In Michigan, I usually tried to walk between 5 and 6 pm and it was rarely too hot at that time. Here, I need to wait until closer to 8 pm and it usually is quite comfortable. The sun sets earlier here, on the east coast of the USA, so that's pretty close to sunset and I'm always mindful of finishing my walk before dark to avoid any unwelcome surprises from alligators.

While I prefer to walk in the evening, rather than the morning (it's better for my blood sugar), today I drove to downtown Venice and took a lovely walk from downtown to the beach. There is a shaded path that runs through the middle of a boulevard and shade is definitely my friend here, even fairly early in the morning. The gulf was beautiful and even though dogs aren't allowed on the beach, my puppy and I sat on a bench in the pavilion for a few minutes and enjoyed the shade and the view.

There is another walking path I will try soon, but need to get there fairly early since it follows the intercostal waterway and there is no shade at all. I'm hoping to spot a few dolphins on that walk.

It's all very different than my former walking paths through the woods, but new sights are always interesting. As long as I have water, a hat and most importantly my favorite walking buddy, my walks will be part of my new life here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

3 Fall Things

 

 

 

 

Walking right now on the trails in my neighborhood is a favorite fall thing. We are almost to peak color, the air is crisp and cool, requiring a light jacket and the swirling leaves both in the air and underfoot have that delightful crunch under my shoes. I am really trying to be in the moment, since this will be my last fall in this neighborhood and I will miss my walking trails through the woods in all their seasonal glory, probably more than anything.

 

 

Cozy is the operative word lately. Turning on soft and seasonal lights, a warm sweater and a hot mug of tea or coffee is another favorite fall thing right now. Yesterday I baked some pumpkin bread and a slice was a perfect treat on a rainy, cold afternoon.

 

 

I finally went through and brought out some fall decor. I was quite ruthless in getting rid of much of my decor that I didn't have any attachment to. All my Halloween decor went, since I prefer autumn themed decor now, rather than spooky. Since I am hosting Thanksgiving I used quite a bit throughout my house, but once Thanksgiving is over, another trip to Goodwill will happen as my goal is to go from four bins to one.

One of my decor favorites is this glass block light I made a few years ago. It's really easy to make and I love the soft orange glow it gives my kitchen on gloomy fall mornings. If you would like to try making one, the simple directions can be found here.

Happy Thursday!

 

A Case of the Mondays

 

 

 

After a pretty quiet weekend, I'm afraid I have a case of the Mondays this morning. I'm just trying to get myself going and hoping that some coffee will help. Also, having the sun rise later and later these days and waking up in the dark, does nothing to get one going in the morning. I think it's a good day to turn on some cozy lights, maybe light a candle and embrace the quiet of the morning.

There was a lot of football watching around here this weekend, and I possibly have somewhat of a football hangover, after MSU's big win over Notre Dame on Saturday night. As you all know, I live and die for my Spartans during football season and before Saturday, there was really no way to know how good the team would be this year. After that game I am more than a little excited for the rest of the season.

I did a lot of walking this weekend and am starting to enjoy the slow change from summer to autumn, just starting to be visible as I walk through the woods. It's not so much that the leaves are changing yet, but the change can be seen in the late afternoon and early evening light. Rather than the harshness of bright sunshine, there starts to be a softness in the light, combining with a slight chill in the air, that gives more than a hint that fall in coming. It's about to be my favorite time of year to walk.

 

 

 

I read two really good books last week that I want to recommend. They are lovely books, written by blogger Molly Wizenberg about her life. The first, A Homemade Life, is all about her relationship with food, her family and the impact of the death of her father. At the end of each chapter are family recipes, each with a story of its own. The second book, Delancey continues where the first book ends, with her marriage and the whirlwind that follows, as her husband fulfills his dream of opening a restaurant. It may not be her dream, but it's a story of how she came to support him, while keeping her own dreams intact. There are recipes too and you feel like you are taste testing for the restaurant right along with them.

Happy Monday!

 

Early Spring

 

 

 

 

 

The skies were bright blue, the sun was bright and it was a beautiful early spring day; perfect for a late afternoon walk. Walking in the spring, when the grass suddenly turns green and the trees start to bud, is something I look forward to every year. With sunglasses on and only a light jacket, there is a lightness in my step and hope and change all around.

The wild daffodils I planted are also up and a bright splash of color against the edge of the woods. I can see them from my bedroom window and especially on a sunny day, they symbolize the new season and the beautiful weather to come. It's the season of sunshine and flowers. Of open windows and putting your face to the sun. Of finally planting something, getting my gardener's hands in the dirt and the miracle of watching things grow.

Happy spring!

 

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Walking in All Seasons

 

 

 

I am in the midst of winter walking at the moment, but as I was out the other day, I was thinking how walking in all the different seasons does keep things interesting. I envy those who can walk on the beach, but otherwise, I am perfectly content and appreciative of my walking paths that go through the woods in my neighborhood. In all kinds of weather and in all seasons, I can walk out the door and in minutes am in touch with nature and can see first hand what is happening outside.

 

 

 

Winter walking is so peaceful, especially if I am lucky enough to time my walk to coincide with lightly falling snow. The low light of winter gives everything a hazy quality and the only sound you hear is the crunch of snow under your boots. Plus, a hot drink always tastes better after being out in the cold.

 

 

The snowy paths now will soon change to the welcome sight of green grass coming up and flowers appearing on the trees and bushes in the spring.

 

 

 

Summer is filled with sunlight and green canopies of trees. There are wildflowers that carpet the woods and bloom in a continuous wave throughout the season.

 

 

 

Fall brings a welcome coolness to the air and stunning color above. The sound of leaves crunching under my feet is one of my favorite sounds.

Happy walking and Happy Monday!

 

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A Winter Weekend

 

 

 

It was a very cold winter weekend here in Michigan, so we did all kinds of cozy winter things both indoors and even outside for a bit. There was no new snow to make things pretty, beyond a light dusting, but we did see the sunshine on Sunday, so that was a welcome change to our gloomy gray skies.

Saturday seemed a perfect day to see a movie in the afternoon and we went to see 13 Hours. We both liked it very much, but the political undertones were both disturbing and thought provoking. If you are aware of politics and what has happened with the Bengazi investigations so far, you will walk away somewhat infuriated, but with a better understanding of what occurred on that fateful night and of the heroes who defended their fellow Americans against terrible odds.

 

 

Sunday morning seemed a good morning for pancakes (isn't every morning?) and I tried a low carb recipe that I will share soon. These three pancakes only have three tablespoons of flour, but are still delicious.

 

 

I couldn't resist the sunshine in the afternoon and bundled up for a quick walk through the woods. As you can see, we still have a little snow, but the paths are all ice and quite treacherous when walking. I stuck to the sides and made it safely, but we could use some fresh snow to make things a little safer. My cheeks were definately rosy when I came inside, since in was only 8 degrees when I set out.

 

 

It felt cozy to turn on the fire and make some hot tea in anticipation of watching Downton Abbey. Last night's episode was a feel good episode all around and I had tears in my eyes by the end. And, don't you just love seeing a happy and strong Edith? Right now, I would rather have her life than Lady Mary's.

Happy Monday!

 

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Walking in the Leaves

 

 

 

 

Am I ever happy I took a long walk earlier this week, since we are now dealing with the remnants of the southern tropical storm. I am always amazed that the wind and rain we receive sometimes has its roots from so far away and can reach this far north, but such is nature. We are just past our peak of color, with leaves starting to fall like crazy, but it is still very pretty. The wind and rain will scatter and bring down much of what is left on the trees and all this fall beauty will be just a memory.

 

 

 

 

As you know, I try to walk every day that I can. It is a good routine to have and it gets me out, so even on days I may not feel like it, I am always very glad I did, once out walking. As I walk along the paths; and especially this time of year, with so much beauty to see, any worries melt away and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet becomes the only thing I am aware of. It's almost meditative and exactly what I need on many days.

 

 

Cooper, my favorite walking buddy, is always happy to go as far as I want to and on this walk, we experienced every bit of autumn beauty that we could find. We go where the paths take us and enjoy the feeling of being far away from civilization, even though we are in the middle of a neighborhood. It's all about perspective and being in tune with what is around you. The sights, the smells and the constant way that nature changes. It's good for the soul.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Linking with Savvy Southern Style

 

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