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Another week has flown by and I am only saddened at the thought that summer is slowly coming to a close.

I did add more to my workout this week, but it wasn’t weight training. I did two 3k runs, walked the 2k to Farm Boy twice and went for two bike rides. Yes, bike rides.

I haven’t ridden my bike since the summer before I was pregnant with J, which means 7 years ago, at least. Since I got the bike trailer we have only used it for jogging and trips to school, so this weekend I asked Hubby if he wanted to go for a bike ride and he was out in the garage before I had a chance to finish my sentence. Of course, my bike is the only one with real pedals so I was pulling 100lbs of kids behind me but, I had lots of fun. Apple was laughing and J was cheering me on, “Faster Mommy, Faster.” and “Wooot Wooot!!”. Hubby has those clip pedals that you need special shoes for and that I can’t stand so he was off jumping curbs and bouncing his bike up and down the pathways, but it truly felt great to be out there on the bike and even though J was in the trailer, he had a great time too (don’t worry, we made him go around the block on his bike after our ride).

And to add to all of that, I worked with my Dad today, a first in twenty years. So, not only was I breaking a sweat while pole sanding the walls, but I was up and down the ladder goodness knows how many times and then rolling the walls. It felt good to hold a paint brush again, and I had lots of fun working with Dad again too. It is hard to believe that my Dad will be 72 this year and still is working like his is 42. I guess working hard all your life leaves you young enough to keep on working. “Just don’t stop,” says my Dad, “you won’t want to start up again.”. Two of my Sisters were there today as well, which made it double the fun because we have never all worked together before. Now to tell you how my Mom stays fit at 62, that will be next weeks installment.

And don’t forget to enter the Poster Giveaway, contest closes tonight at midnight, I will draw the winner in the morning.

**disclaimer: I am in no way a Doctor or Physical Trainer. I am going to share with you my thoughts and ideas about how to get into shape again. I strongly advise consulting a medical professional prior to starting any workout routine as well as a professional trainer. I am in no way responsible for any injury you may sustain from trying any of my suggestions.

Categories: Workout Wednesday
1 comment

Dearest Uncle

It has only been a year since you left us, but what a year it has been.

You have been missed more and more with each passing day.

We know now, that you endured our family with more Grace than one person should ever have to show.

You were the rock, you were the middle, you were Switzerland.

And for all that you did for us, again, I just want to say Thank You.

As always, you will be in my Heart.

Categories: About Me, Family
2 comments

A Fun Beach Read

On the last night of our beach vacation we strolled through one of our favourite bookshops, Browseabout Books, Hubby went one way with Apple and I went the other with J. I was browsing the wonderful paper products and home decor section (all beachy) and Hubby went straight for the books. Not a few minutes into our visit, Hubby was at my side. “Honey, there is an Author over on the book side, signing books, they look like those number ones you love, come and see she is packing up to go.”

When Hubby makes a statement like that, I am off and running. I got to the table and thought I was looking at Ann Douglas and almost hugged the poor woman, only to take a double take and realize that I had never met her before. Nor, had I heard of her books before, but just looking at the covers I knew I was in for a treat.

Standing beside me was Mary Kay Andrews. Mary Kay was there for her new release, The Fixer Upper. Having never read her books before, I asked if I should be starting with a certain book or not. Mary Kay was so sweet, instead of saying of course not and put her new book in my hand, she asked me a few questions and let me handle a couple of the books and recommended, Little Bitty Lies.

ETA:  Just a note about how sweet Mary Kay was, J was left at my side to pick out a toy to buy with money his Great Aunt gave him and he was doing the “this one Mommy??” dance.  Mary Kay just went with the flow and started chatting with J, noticing his blue eyes and blonde hair and did he have fun at the beach.  All the good stuff, yes she is just that sweet.

Perfect. From the minute I started reading, I just didn’t want to put it down. For a whole week while I read each night before bedtime, Hubby was begging me to put down my book and turn off the light. Usually I read for a half an hour to an hour, but going on two hours and approaching 11pm, Hubby was seriously having his sleep disturbed. But, it was so worth it. Without giving anything away, I want to say that Little Bitty Lies was the perfect summer read. I was able to really get into the characters and I even found myself trying to figure out the plot twists before they happened. I just loved it and am looking forward to starting another book this week.

I also want to share with you a little recipe that kept my mouth watering all week long, until I finally caved and made it. My girlfriends and I polished off half of it at a picnic on Friday and Hubby and I polished off the other half for supper. Oh so delicious.

Let me know if you decide to make it, it is just that good.

Beyond the Grave Chicken Salad – found on Mary Kay Andrews site.

5 lbs. chicken breasts
2 quarts water
parsley sprigs
1 large onion, quartered
1 tsp. seasoned salt
2 chicken bouillion cubes

In large pot, bring water and seasoning to boil, add chicken, lower heat and simmer 40 min. Remove from heat, cool. Shred chicken and refrigerate.Dressing:

1/2 cup bottled Italian salad dressing
1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1-1/2 tsp. celery seed
2 Tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
dash paprika

Blend well together.For salad:

Toss shredded chicken with one cup of dressing and let stand at least one hour to marinate.
Combine remaining dressing with:
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. honey
Add to chicken and mix well. May add canned water chestnuts, blanched almonds or chopped pecans.

Categories: Authors, Books, Food, Recipes
4 comments