Okay. Where do I start? TMI would be boring for all of you, yet not enough details would leave you hanging like the episode of Dallas...Who Shot J.R.? Whatever. The big cliffhanger in my life today was whether or not I was going to make it up the mountain without falling in to the creek bed breaking a hip or arm. Seriously, though, if every day of the rest of our life was like today then I think we'll be just fine.
Got up early...for me that's a shock in itself but Jack and I both were up fairly early. I looked out the window and saw that it had snowed. I crawled back in to bed under our toasty, wonderfully, warm down comforter and wanted more than anything to curl up in a ball and sleep for another hour or so. Sydney, though, had different plans. While Tanner, Jack and I tried to pretend sleep, Sydney did her morning Cardio on our bodies. I kept my eyes closed praying she'd think I was asleep and watched, through clinched eyes, as she walked up and down Jack's body several times. He, too, was trying to fake her out but she wasn't buying any of it. She rooted down under the comforter to give him his good morning greeting; aka...that nasty doggy morning breath lick on the cheek, or forehead, or chin, or God forbid the lips. Jack was quick. Me, on the other hand, not so much. Before I could cover my face, that slobbery kiss was all over my face. Satisfied she walked down my body (this is no joke....she actually walks up and down our bodies...I suppose because she can) to where poor Tanner was still sound asleep. I think. I heard him snort once or twice, so he too was most likely awake but just trying to show Sydney he was a little ticked off at her. Heck, she doesn't care. It's all about Sydney. She licked him on the ear, jumped down and the day began. For all of us. Tanner's like, "I'm going to strangle that little bi-otch one day." He's eleven years old; in dog years that 77 years old. I'd want to strangle the little bi-otch too.
I put my sweats on, my Uggs, my hat, scarf, gloves, two sweatshirts (since I did not bring a winter coat.....my son asked me if I was taking a coat and me, being all smug remarked, "If I have to wear a winter coat then we might as well stay home." Can you say "Eat your words?"
I wrapped the dogs in their sweaters and took them for their morning walk. I can't remember a more peaceful time in my life. Honestly. Fresh fallen snow, undisturbed by humans, and a freshness in the air that I haven't noticed in a long time. We walked for probably a 1/2 mile before heading back. Even though it was cold, the quietness of nature kept me warm. One thing I'd like to say before ending this...I know Ugg boots are a bit pricey but Jack has bought me a couple of pair and there is nothing that I have ever found that will keep your feet warmer. You are not supposed to wear socks, which to me was somewhat gross at first, but not wearing socks keeps your feet as warm as if the boots had an electric heater.
We came back to the warm air of the RV and Jack preparing breakfast of fresh fruit and oatmeal. We are trying our best to stick to a newer, healthier lifestyle; no processed food or at least not as much as we once consumed. Okay, so it's only been two days. For those who know me, you know that I'll be all over Chicken Alfredo in a week or so. No. No. I won't. Yes, I will. No. I wish I could take a pill to stop the cravings of McDoubles and Fazoli's Chicken Alfredo like Chantix did for me when it came to quitting smoking.
But we are going to do our very best to change our lifestyle. We met a wonderful couple yesterday; Gail and Allan from Maine. They are on their way to Texas. They stay in Texas for two months; head back North in March. Anyway, Gail is an RN and noticed my limp when I got up and asked me what was wrong; I told her I thought it was my medication causing the soreness in my muscles: Tricore. To make a long story short Jack and I both have decided to go the homoeopathic way to reduce our cholesterol, along with diet and exercise. I had already decided to drop my Tricore, even before talking to Gail, as I haven't had so much muscle pain in my whole life since starting that medication. Living with muscle pain on a daily basis as if you are 100 years old is no way to live. So I had been reducing the Tricore even before some very good advice from Gail. I will continue to ween myself off of Tricore over a period of time but I am going to stop taking it. Jack, though, totally stopped taking his cholesterol medication today and went the homeopathic way. So, we'll see. But the way we feel, it is our life and living it to the fullest and in the best health we can should be our decision. We made the decision to quit smoking after 40 years. I think we should be able to change other aspects of our lives if we so desire. I don't think doctor's should have the right to tell you how you should feel. The doctor I was with for almost 17 years kept saying to me, "Well, Janet, you know you are getting older." What the heck? No kidding, doc? And life is a bi-0tch. So what's the answer? More medication? Okay. Enough of this crap. I'm getting depressed and it's really been a great day.
We hiked up the snowy mountain to the beautiful lodge here at General Butler. Without the help of the walking sticks our sons gave us at Christmas I know I wouldn't have made it. Too many holes, tree roots, logs, etc. crossed our path. And with the snow we really couldn't get a clear picture of the path. But being who we are Jack and I had to stop several times to cover up sewer or water pipes that had broken open. Huge gaps in the pipes could have caused severe injury to the deer as they ran through the woods. So, we collected huge logs, stones and whatever we could find to cover the holes. A deer could have been severly injured in one of those holes. I really can't explain the peaceful atmostphere on that mountain. Just Jack and I, walking, noticing every sound around us; every chirping bird, every crackle of a limb made by a squirrel. And then there before us stood two white tailed deer. They didn't move; we didn't move. Not but a few feet away from us we stood eye to eye, watching the other. There is a God. Look in to the eye of a deer and see their soul, their trusting nature and you have to know that God made these pure, innocent, trusting animals. And then my cell phone rings and scares the heck out of me and the deer.
The hike was great. Refreshing and excillerating. Though as I write this my thighs burn as if I've run a marathon. But this is only day three of our new life. I already have our hike route planned for tomorrow. Love it. Thank you Lord for hiking sticks and sons who think of us, Uggs, and ugly warm fuzzy hats that keep you warm in 15 degree weather. Thanks Gabe and Jason. We love you. I love you all; my family. Miss you.
A journal written about life, retirement and our journey throughout the United States in a 5th wheel, along with our two Shih Tzus, Tanner and Syndey. Written not for notoriety but for our sons, family and friends, so they know where we are at any given time. And particularly for ourselves. Finally, we get to slow down and smell the roses and we don't want to forget any of it. You are welcome to join us as we go 'Down the Road a Piece'.
