"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."-Shakespeare

Saturday morning I found out I lost 2.4 pounds. So I didn't lose the three I thought I had at the beginning of the week. Actually I did lose it last Monday, I just found some of it back. Three would have been nice, but I am grateful I lost 2.4.

In less than two weeks I have to see the DR & I would love to be 4 more pounds lighter when I see her. I am going to have to up the ante a bit I think.

Last week I committed to exercising everyday, juicing & joining the gym. I actually didn't exercise until Wednesday which only left me three days of that week to exercise. So Wednesday & Thursday I ran 3.2 miles & Friday I walked for 50 minutes. I never juiced, but I do have the organic celery, carrots, parsley and apples waiting in the fridge. I also didn't join the gym. I know I can juice and exercise today. I also may be able to check out the gym. I guess it is always good to set goals because inevitably I will wind up doing something and something is always better than nothing. I have to focus on my progress. It's OK to be honest with myself seeing what I didn't do, but I can't let that cloud my thinking. I don't seem to get very far thinking like the perfectionist I once was.

I like to volunteer to bring either the fruit salad or the green salad whenever I am invited to a food gathering. This way I get to use as many organic ingredients that I can. Consuming organic ingredients is a small step all of us can take to insure better health for ourselves as well as the planet. Besides, those organic strawberries here in this salad tasted far superior than any I have tasted this season by far! Go here if you would like to know more about the consequences of pesticide use. I can't imagine how boring life would be without birds in my yard.

We do not use any toxic substances on our property. We can't control other people's actions, but we can start with ourselves and in doing so I believe each of us can make a difference to help ourselves and our beloved planet.

I like to think my family and I are providing a sanctuary for all of the animals that come to visit here or make it their home. Sometimes when I am outside in my garden I feel like I'm in a jungle as I listen to nature's music. I also welcome the busy flying back and forth of the birds across the lawn from one tree to the next. I find my garden a complete respite for my mind.

Sunny blue sky Sunday

What is it with boys & their climbing trees?

I love this trail because there are so many different parts to it that are interesting to look at.

Boys seem to like carrying sticks too.

I like moss in general but I especially love the way God put this moss in with these pretty white rocks. I recreated this nature scene in my garden at home.

These roots cutting across this path seem like steps made by mother nature to accommodate us humanoids.

A row of trees along this ridge serve as a canopy au naturale.

Every time I get to this part I feel like this is where the fairies live. These small trees are low & twisted to the ground. They are on either side of the trail almost like a fence type barrier- where the elves live too...

Peaceful, isn't it?

Part of the old farm.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.-Anne Frank

Earth Hour

If you could do just one thing for one hour one day a week that would help sustain human life on this planet, would you do it?

So last night at 7:55 I realized I wouldn't be finished making dinner until about 8:10 which posed a big problem since I cook on an electric oven! Oh no! & Ian was just finishing watching the classic movie Aliens. We decided to shut everything off in the house except the oven & the TV. Lame I know, but then everything was officially shut off by 8:20 PM.

I asked Ian to look out the front window to see if we were the only people on our block doing this. It actually looked like there were a few houses completely dark!

We ate dinner by candlelight which was pretty cool. It was definitely a fun thing to do with our son. I can tell he really enjoyed it. Kids are like that you know, they are so easily up for anything seeing new experiences as a big adventure. I kind of liked the idea. How cool it would be if people could make a big difference just by making a small change together.

I have been noticing other changes too, like our supermarket recycles plastic bags now. I actually bought a special shopping bag but I forget to use it a lot. Last week I felt better when I brought about 100 plastic bags back to the supermarket to be recycled. I noticed Sears recycles their hangers now too. I remember watching them get thrown out at other stores.

By 8:46 we were counting the minutes while finishing our candle lit dinner when my husband inquired, "Now what is this supposed to be showing us?, oh I know, how we should stretch our arms out in front of us when we walk around the house in the dark."- as my son piped in," yeah while we stub our toes trying to navigate around the furniture." Funny guys those two they are.

This is one of my most favorite things to do- is hike around this old farm with people I love. When I think about the earth I worry that we are doing irreparable harm to it & ourselves. What a pity it would be if future generations wouldn't get to spend a Sunday doing something so simple like this.