Barack Obama is our new President elect and I am thrilled!  What a historical election to be a part of.  It was so amazing to see the record numbers of voters turn out to let their voices and their choices count.  I know it won’t always be a smooth road ahead, but I feel hope, optimism, and promise in the future of our country again - those are things we’ve been missing for a long, long time.  Congratulation to Barack Obama on his election to the position of President of the United States; and congratulations to the Americans who came out to vote and let it be cearly known who they wanted as their new President.  This election, Americans can say with pride - “We rocked the vote!!!”

I was walking one day a couple weeks ago during my lunch hour at work, listening to country music on my walkman  - I can hear you groan now - a walkman!?!?  Hasn’t she heard of ipods?  Actually the walkman radio works just fine for the most part.  I get quite a bit of static when walking past the metal industrial buildings and I lose my signal altogether at one corner, but other than that it provides me fairly consistent entertainment when I’m walking alone.  But, I digress . . .

Back to my shadow.  This particular day my shadow was in incredible shape!  I was impressed with it actually.  Tall, slim, walking in rhythm with a perky bounce in her step.  A shadow that would turn heads.

My fitness goal has now become to attain the body that my shadow portrays.  Specifically, to attain the body that my shadow portrayed on that particular day, at that particular time, with that particular slant of the sun.

I have been watching carefully since my shadow caught my eye that day and I have to tell you that shadows are pretty fickle (at least mine is).  Yesterday, for instance, my shadow was pretty repulsive - kind of like Jabba the Hut with short stubby legs. I tell you this in case you decide to strive to achieve a shadow body.  You must be very, very careful which shadow you select to mirror!

I actually tried to see if my sexy, skinny shadow was with me today when I was outside raking up pine needles in the yard but, alas, the sky was cloudy and my shadow was nowhere to be found.  She was probably somewhere working out to keep her thin, trim physique.  My Jabba shadow was probably hiding under a bush somewhere eating fried chicken, country gravy, and chocolate peanut butter cups.

I’ll be walking again soon and hope to see my inspirational shadow often.  Me, my walkman, and my shadow strolling along, singing a song, side by side . . .

My sister, Lisa, and I spent September 8th through 12th in a cabin at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  We had a most awesome time and I thought I’d share a little bit of it with you.

Day 1: We left Cottonwood, AZ (near Sedona) in the morning and headed for the Grand Canyon.  We talked and laughed and just had a great time as we drove along.  Actually, Lisa did all the driving which I was very happy about.    As we neared our destination, we saw a family of deer grazing at the side of the road and stopped to gaze at them and take pictures.  There was a small fawn and three or four adult deer.  They are such quiet, comforting, peaceful animals. 

We continued on and checked in at the lodge, got our keys to the cabin, and lugged our substantial amount of stuff out of the car and down to the cabin.  We had to make two trips and the air was so thin up there, we immediately felt oxygen deprived.  I’m pretty sure I turned blue.  Lisa is in much better shape than I am, so she merely panted a bit and carried on as if she was used to breathing no air at all.

After settling in, we had dinner in the deli, looked at the view of the Canyon from the lodge, and retired to the cabin to play “It’s a Pickle.”  I have to admit that Lisa whipped my butt in this game.  After she won the first round, I asked to go two out of three, after she won the second round, I asked to go three out of five.  She was so darn good at this game, she won five out of five.  We had so much fun though (I’m an excellent loser) - and we laughed so hard we cried.  An excellent first day!

Day 2:  We arose fairly early and went to the Lodge to have breakfast.  After breakfast, we loaded our backpacks with plenty of water and some snacks, and drove to the Widforss Trailhead.  On arrival, we donned our backpacks, locked up the car, and headed out on our 10-mile (round-trip) hike.

This particular trail runs along the top of the rim and we saw some absolutely awesome views along the way.  Parts of the trail were uphill, parts were downhill, and parts were level meadowland.  We stopped often along the way to take photos.  It took us nearly four hours to get to Widforss Point (5-miles in).

We stopped at the Point to take more photos, rest a little bit, eat some lunch, and soak up the incredible view.  While we were having lunch, clouds began moving in and building up fast.  The normal time of day for thunderstorms there is around 3 o’clock in the afternoon.  As it was just around noon, we weren’t worrying about getting caught in a thunderstorm.  However, we soon discovered that mother nature does not run on a schedule.

We spent about a half hour relaxing and having lunch and then headed out for our five mile trek back to the trailhead.  We weren’t even a half-hour out when the sky turned black with clouds and the temperature dropped noticeably.  Lisa wisely had her jacket on.  I, however, had my jacket in my backpack because my hot flashes keep me eternally warm.

We heard a couple of distant thunder claps, then a couple of louder ones, and the skies opened up.  Rain was coming down in buckets!  Lisa, ever ready for any occasion, whipped out her umbrella.  I actually love walking in the rain, so I opted for getting wet.  Thankfully, both of us had already stashed our cameras safely (and dryly) away in our backpacks.  The rain was great and the thunder added to the feel of adventure.  Very shorty, however, the rain turned to hail.

I must tell you that walking in a hail storm with no jacket on is a tad uncomfortable.  I attempted to tough it out, but it was like being pelted with stones.  So, I decided to stop and dig my jacket out of my backpack.  Lisa provided cover with her umbrella while I very clumsily retrieved my jacket.  Warning: in case you’ve never shared an umbrella with someone else - be aware that if you don’t get under it entirely, it will act like a rain gutter and allow the rain and hail run off to flow right down your neck in a torrent.

I got my jacket on over my totally soaked bod finally and we trekked on.  Now, when I had a hot flash, I felt like I was in my own personal steamy sauna.  The rain and hail lasted 20-30 minutes.  When we reached the trailhead a bit over two hours later, the skies were mostly clear again.  This was the longest hike I’d ever taken and the most fun.  Spending time with my sister, beautiful views, rain, hail, meadows, flowers, thunderclouds . . . what more could I ask for. 

We had dinner at the Lodge, retired to our cabin and played Yahtzee.  Lisa won three out of three games; and we had a blast.

Day 3:  Happy Birthday, dear Lisa, Happy Birthday to you!  Yes, this day was Lisa’s birthday; and we drove to Kanab, Utah to tour the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary - a place she has wanted to visit for a long time.  If you aren’t familiar with Best Friends, it is a “no kill” animal sanctuary which is fairly well known.  They took in many animals who survived Hurricane Katrina, a multitude of cats that were rescued from a horder in Pahrump, NV, and the “fighting” dogs abused by Michael Vic.

The animal sanctuary is huge and they care for a variety of animals which include horses, birds, cats, dogs, pigs, and rabbits.  They have a very large pet cemetary which is just wonderful to walk through.  It’s hard to describe - but you walk through and read the memorials to the beloved pets buried there, and you hear the soft ringing of the chimes that hang from the trees as the breeze stirs them . . . it’s a very soothing and peaceful place.

Lisa and I went on the tour van and saw the many cat shelters - huge indoor/outdoor shelters filled with cat trees, comfy beds, and places to climb and hide for the many kitties living there.  The one cat shelter we actually went into was for kitties with feline leukemia.  It was filled with happy, contented, well cared for cats that we got to pet and play with.

After the tour, we drove up the road a bit, still on sanctuary grounds; and we had lunch in a beautiful natural ampitheater with luxuriantly green grass and a visiting rabbit.  Then we headed back to the North Rim.

On our way back, still in Utah, we saw a sign for the “Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park”  and decided to tour on through there as we still had a couple hours of daylight left.  This place was also beautiful.  We spent some time walking a “trail” in the dunes and checking out the sights before heading back to the North Rim and turning in.

There’s more, but I think this blog is more than long enough.  If you want to see the some of the sights we saw on our trip - the Grand Canyon, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the Navajo Bridge, Lee’s Ferry, Dead Horse Ranch, and several critters we met along the way, just click here.  I hope the photos will allow you to feel just a small bit of the fun, adventure, and joy I felt on this vacation.  To my dear sister, Lisa - it was wonderful to be able to spend some quality time with you . . . the opportunity doesn’t arise often enough.  I love you and I’m looking forward to sharing more adventures with you in the future.

Thom and I went to Primm, Nevada (used to be called “Stateline”) last weekend to see Ringo Starr and his All Star Band Tour 2008.  He was playing at the Star of the Desert Arena in Buffalo Bill’s Hotel/Casino.  I was really looking forward to this concert and thought it would be fun.  In fact, it turned out to be awesome!

Ringo was very personable and engaging with the audience; and just all around fun!  We flashed peace signs, clapped, stomped our feet, and sang “I get by with a little help from my friends” and “Yellow Submarine.”  It was a blast!!

Ringo’s all star band consisted of:

 Gregg Bissonette on drums who has played with David Lee Roth, Linda Ronstadt, Spinal Tap, and James Taylor (to name a few) - a terrifically talented drummer.  He and Ringo did a drum challenge type deal and it was great!

Colin Hay on guitar who used to be lead singer for Men at Work.  He played guitar while other people performed and when it was his turn center stage he sang “Land Down Under” or, as I call it, The Vegemite Sandwich Song; and “Who Can It Be Now.”

Billy Squier on guitar who was a solo performer who has toured with Alice Cooper, Journey, and Foreigner.  He did some great guitar solos.

Hamish Stuart on guitar and bass; who was the lead guitarist of the Average White Band.  He performed “Pick Up the Pieces” at our concert - and the audience loved it.

Edgar Winter on saxaphone, keyboards, and drums - a multi-talented guy.  He performed “Free Ride” and “Frankenstein” and the crowd went wild!

Then the final member of the band was Gary Wright who played keyboard and was a solo performer in his day.  He performed “Dream Weaver” (I love that song) and “Love is Alive.”

This concert was like seeing six concerts at once.  It lasted 2 hours 15 minutes; and it was non-stop fun!!!  If they are ever in your area (no matter what your age) - give this concert a try.  I guarantee, you will enjoy it immensely.

Ringo closed the show performing and having the audience join in on “Give Peace A Chance.”  It may sound corny, but it was just the perfect ending to a wonderfully fun concert.  Ringo, you rock!!!!!!!

I’ve never been one to wear makeup, get my nails done, go to the beauty shop, etc.  I’ve never been one to spend too much time in front of the mirror either.  I’ll flash a smile into the mirror to ensure my teeth are shiny after I brush them, I’ll cast a quick look to see that my hair is properly brushed and lying down neatly, and I’ll glance at my outfit for the day once I’m in it to ensure that all my fastenings are properly closed and my bras strap isn’t showing.  That’s my normal relationship with  a mirror.

Recently though, I glanced in the mirror a little longer than usual and was shocked to find that I barely recognized the image looking back at me.  When did those wrinkles all appear?  All those scraggly grey hairs?  That beginning of a turkey neck?  Good grief,  was that me?!?!?  It was . . . it is . . .

I’ve pondered on this revelation of the newly discovered me.  Should I be depressed?  Should I run out and get my hair cut and colored (cover that grey)?  Other options floating through my head like commercials on television were Botox, face lift, liposuction. . .  Those were just fleeting thoughts because, regardless of what my outside might look like now; my inside is still the same old practical me.

There is a song with the words “Those are wrinkles, they ain’t nothing to be scared of.  They’re just the product of time and true love.  Some are going to come and go, some are going to come and stay. . . “  I love that song. 

I will embrace my wrinkles, my turkey neck, and my grey hair.  I believe that most of my wrinkles were caused by an overwhelming amount of joy and laughter over the years.  My grey hair . . . just a product of time passing and God allowing me to live a long and full life.

Soooo, I won’t waste any extra time in front of the mirror pondering my wrinkles and age spots.  I’ll continue to check my teeth are clean, my hair is brushed, and my clothes are on properly; then I’ll head out the door and get on with the business of living life fully and happily, thanking God for the multitude of blessings He has already sent my way over the years, and looking forward to the blessings that are yet to come.

Thom and I went on a week-long vacation to Arizona the first week of July.  We spent two days in Yuma, two days in Laughlin, and three days in Cornville.  We had a great time.

We visited my folks in Yuma and their new cat, Sammy.  It was 117 degrees outside, so we spent quality time indoors visiting and enjoying each others company.  Sammy is the most mellow cat on earth and a welcome addition to the family as Mom and Dad recently lost their long-time pet cat Max.  Sammy was abandoned by his owners when they moved out of the area.  It’s hard to determine if Sammy adopted my folks or if they adopted him; but I think Max had a hand (paw) in seeing they got together somehow.

After leaving Yuma, we went to Laughlin for two days and donated to the casinos there.  It was still rather toasty at 113 degrees, so we didn’t spend too much time outside.  We did take a gambling break to go to the movies to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  It was a very enjoyable movie - rather corny, but packed with action, fun, and adventure.

We left Laughlin and drove on to my sister’s house in Cornville where it was noticeably cooler at 102 degrees.  My sister, Lisa, is one of my favorite people on earth and we had a terrific visit.  Talking, laughing, and just generally goofing around with Lisa always rejuvenates me.  I am so very blessed to have her for a sister.

We (Thom, Lisa, and I) went on a hike down the West Fork Trail in Sedona.  A beautiful hike down the bottom of a canyon where we crossed the river several times - carefully navigating across on boulders, rocks, and fallen logs.  Not being the most graceful person, I was a bit leery at first about getting across without falling in, but after the first few crossings I gained more confidence and managed to stay dry the whole hike.

The sights along the trail were awesome - great canyon walls, beautiful flowers, eyecatching bugs and butterflies, the river flowing.  A most enjoyable hike.  Sedona is a beautiful place to visit and there are many trails to hike and explore.  I’m looking forward to exploring other trails there on future visits.

If you’d like to see the photos I took of family, bugs, butterflies, and flowers during our week in Arizona just click here.  Maybe you’ll feel just a bit of the joy I found in spending time with Thom, Mom, Dad, Lisa, and the great outdoors.

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted because my husband and I went on a two week vacation; and it has taken me a week to get semi caught up at work.  Now, I’ve found a peaceful moment to post an update. 

Vacation was wonderful.  We toured the California Mining Museum which was very interesting - all sorts of gold, minerals, and gems. 

We then went further north and spent quite a bit of time enjoying Columbia State Park where there were some great rock formations and old gold rush days buildings. 

Further north on our trip we saw some metal sculptures and a sign for “Mine Tours” that caught our eye and we pulled in on impulse.  If you ever pass by Sutter Creek, CA, I highly recommend the Mine Tour - we really enjoyed it. 

Then came the part of the trip I was most looking forward to . . . seeing my son, daughter-in-law, and grandkids!  My son and his friends dubbed our final group camping destination as Camp Awesome and that describes the place perfectly.  On the way there, we all stopped at Cape Meares to check out the lighthouse and have a picnic lunch.  We also stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory and watched the workers make cheese - quite a fascinating process to watch the processing and packaging. 

We arrived at Cape Lookout in the afternoon and set up our Camp Awesome.  This place was literally right on the ocean - just several yards across a road and over a short berm.  I so enjoyed meeting Jim and Rebecca’s friends - this is just a wonderful group of people and we had such a good time camping, hiking, and visiting with them.  If you ever want the perfect s’more, just ask Megan to make you one - delicious! 

We played on the beach with the grandkids (actually we gained two more grandchildren as Kaylee and Chase adopted us as their grandparents for the duration), hiked with them, and just had a ball.  I was in grandma heaven!  As always, it was tough to leave to head back home to the desert - not only missing the kids, but oh how I loved the cool weather, clouds, and even rain! 

On the way back home, we stayed in Gold Beach, OR and went on a mail boat ride down the Rogue River.  It was raining when we left port, but stopped about an hour into the trip.  We saw deer, wild turkies, eagles, and mud swallows - it was terrific. 

When we left Gold Beach, we stopped over in Calistoga, CA, for two nights to see the “California Old Faithful Geyser” and the “California Petrified Forest.”  The petrified red wood trees were huge!  Much larger pieces of petrified wood than I saw when visiting the Petrified Forest in Arizona. 

Our final stop before coming back home was in Cambria, CA.  The weather was beautiful, we saw tons (literally) of elephant seals on the beach near San Simeon, and we walked the board walk along Moonstone Beach. 

So, vacation was absolutely wonderful.  Now, it’s back to work and back to the heat of the desert.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh, I’m longing for the clouds and coolness of Oregon . . . and most of all for the hugs and kisses of my grandkids.

Thom and I attended Davey’s t-ball game in Barstow a couple of nights ago.  I didn’t realize how much fun I would have.  The kids were just adorable.  Davey is on the Cardinal’s team and they played against the Dodgers.  Very enthusiastic and happy playing.  I thought the game rules were kind of neat - you get up to bat and if you miss 5 or 6 pitches, you then put up the t-ball holder deal and get another 5 or 6 chances to hit the ball again.  If you actually hit the ball, you take off and head for first as fast as you can.  It’s best to be as dramatic as possible and dive onto first base.  Even if the first base kid gets you out, you laugh together, stay on base, and carry on until a teammate hits the ball and you can take off for second base.  The ultimate important thing is to dive face first to home plate, getting as dirty as is humanly possible and kicking up a duststorm that would make Pigpen proud.  You certainly couldn’t beat the enthusiasm and the good will among all the players.  This was playing ball at its very best!  Total fun for the kids to participate in and total fun for the parents, grandparents, and other fans to watch.  That is Davey in the photo sliding in to home - the happiest kid in the world at that moment.

As you may know, I’m in the process of changing my eating and exercise habits (for life); and losing weight.  The weight loss challenge I participate in at work is nearing an end and what are we doing to celebrate and announce the winning team you may ask.  We are going to eat!  Everyone is supposed to bring their favorite breakfast item. 

I’ve been pondering the logic of this for a few days now.  Wouldn’t it make more sense for all of the participants go on a group walk?  go bowling?  do something physical yet fun?

If I brought my actual favorite breakfast items, I’d bring bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and white toast with lots of butter.  That’s what I’m teaching myself NOT to indulge in.  So, I’m going to be a bit dishonest and bring things I like but would never say (at least at this point) are my favorites.  I’m bringing fruit - bananas, apples, and oranges.  I may end up bringing the most of it back home; but that’s okay.  I’ll eat a piece of fruit when I get a craving for bacon.   :-)

Food is historically such a treat for us humans.  We go out to eat to celebrate (anniversaries, graduations, etc.); to entertain family/friends/guests, to comfort ourselves. . .  I think it is engrained in us to use food for so many things other than for plain old nourishment.

I’m not offering a solution to any of this.  Like I said, I’ve just been pondering the logic.  Maybe some of you out in blog land (I’m certain that’s not appropriate terminology - but I like it anyway) have some thoughts of your own.  I’d be interested to hear them.

Have a happy, healthy weekend.

Luann

Today, I was so proud of myself because I figured out how to replace my photo on my “about” page with one I liked a bit better.  Why do I like it better?  Because, quite honestly, it shows far fewer wrinkles than the other one.  I’m not too awfully vain, but I do have a shred of it in me.

At any rate, I got the new photo posted and was all ready to brag to Jim about how smart I really am, when I found that the words don’t go around the photo like they did the old one.  There is a huge white blank space to the right of the photo, instead of words.  So, I can’t really brag after all.  I did send off an email to Jim asking him to fix it for me when he gets a chance.  It’s a real benefit having a son who is a computer guru.