Since we had nothing important on our calendar today, we snoozed late this morning, and took the day as it came. By the time I'd done a session on the treadmill and got ready for the day, it was already approaching 11 a.m.
Mother came over about that time, and we went for a walk at the college lake. What a beautiful, sunny day for a stroll. Only a few people were there. A young couple and their preschool boy left the path and went up to a flat area on the lawn where the father tossed a plastic ball to the youngster, who attempted to hit it with a green plastic bat.
A young Hispanic man pushed a baby stroller with a toddler boy in it, while his other child, another preschool boy, pedaled ahead on a four-wheeler toy vehicle.
On our second turn around the path, I spied a cottonmouth snake stretched out in the sun along the bank, head raised. I pointed it out to the Hispanic man, but it slithered into the lake when it sensed the vibrations of the little boy on his pedal toy.
The rest of our day was quiet. For our "fun food" Saturday supper, we fixed bagel pizzas and salad. My pizza recipe uses slices of provolone cheese as a base on bagel halves, each topped with sodium free canned diced tomatoes, a tiny bit of minced garlic from a jar, onions/bell pepper/fresh mushrooms sauteed in Pam, salt-free seasoning blend, dried crushed oregano and basil leaves, pepper, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. It takes about 20 minutes to bake these yummy treats in a 350 degree oven.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Mixed Bag Day
We've stayed busy all day without really accomplishing much. The morning began with a session on my home treadmill, which is equipped with ski arms. I did 30 minutes of warm-up, aerobic walking, and then cool-down, plus stretching exercises.
After that, I occupied myself with household tasks before fixing one of my everything-but-the-kitchen-sink salads. By the time I finished making it, there was enough to feed two people, and I shared it with Hubbie. Today's concoction, on a bed of garden lettuce and green onions, included sliced strawberries, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, sliced raw summer squash, leftover cooked green beans, leftover cooked rice, Craisins, leftover cold slaw, a couple of pecans, some slivered almonds, a couple of tablespoons of cottage cheese, and Raspberry Spritzer dressing. It was delicious.
After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands that ended up taking us down that dreaded thoroughfare under construction. We sat and crawled, sat and crawled, and sat and crawled some more in traffic before finally arriving at the everything's-a-dollar store and then crossing over to the worldwide discount chain store.
Back home, Mother and I decided to go walk at the college lake, since she has not, due to inclement weather, had the opportunity to do so in several days. Today, though, was balmy and pleasant.
Others thought so, too. A middle-aged couple was walking, while a child, about eight years old and presumably their grandson, played nearby. Several young adults played volleyball on a court just up a hill from the lake. At one point, their ball bounced down the embankment and into the lake. The bravest among the players...a young man...cautiously waded up to his knees into the murky water and stretched forward to retrieve the ball. The child, who found this procedure fascinating, was invited to join in the volleyball game. As we walked, we could hear the young people praising and encouraging the boy as he attempted to get the ball over the net.
As for wildlife, we only saw the three large carp lazily floating near the bank, and ducks comically upending themselves in the water, feet peddling furiously and curled tails waggling, as they hunted goodies in the silt.
We got back home about 4:30 p.m., in time to prepare a 5 p.m. supper of tuna fish sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. As with the salad at lunch, the tuna salad (tuna rinsed to remove as much salt as possible) was "loaded" with diced apples, Craisins, onions, boiled egg whites, and pecans, and sprinkled with dill weed (dill pickles are too high in sodium), then tossed in light salad dressing. The baked macaroni and cheese dish was made from a low-fat, low-sodium recipe.
Later, Hubbie and I attended ballroom dancing. There were only six of us there tonight, due to other events around town, including high school graduation, and a dance recital. I hope more folks will be able to come next week. The six of us had an absolutely great time, though, and we got in a lot of practice doing Latin and Swing dances. We ended, as usual, with the Heavenly Waltz.
A treadmill workout, a walk around the worldwide discount chain store, a stroll around the college lake, and two hours of vigorous dancing should certainly qualify as sufficient exercise for the day! By the time we got home last evening, I was hot and sweaty enough to indulge in a bowl of fat-free chocolate ice cream. Yum.
After that, I occupied myself with household tasks before fixing one of my everything-but-the-kitchen-sink salads. By the time I finished making it, there was enough to feed two people, and I shared it with Hubbie. Today's concoction, on a bed of garden lettuce and green onions, included sliced strawberries, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, sliced raw summer squash, leftover cooked green beans, leftover cooked rice, Craisins, leftover cold slaw, a couple of pecans, some slivered almonds, a couple of tablespoons of cottage cheese, and Raspberry Spritzer dressing. It was delicious.
After lunch, Hubbie and I ran errands that ended up taking us down that dreaded thoroughfare under construction. We sat and crawled, sat and crawled, and sat and crawled some more in traffic before finally arriving at the everything's-a-dollar store and then crossing over to the worldwide discount chain store.
Back home, Mother and I decided to go walk at the college lake, since she has not, due to inclement weather, had the opportunity to do so in several days. Today, though, was balmy and pleasant.
Others thought so, too. A middle-aged couple was walking, while a child, about eight years old and presumably their grandson, played nearby. Several young adults played volleyball on a court just up a hill from the lake. At one point, their ball bounced down the embankment and into the lake. The bravest among the players...a young man...cautiously waded up to his knees into the murky water and stretched forward to retrieve the ball. The child, who found this procedure fascinating, was invited to join in the volleyball game. As we walked, we could hear the young people praising and encouraging the boy as he attempted to get the ball over the net.
As for wildlife, we only saw the three large carp lazily floating near the bank, and ducks comically upending themselves in the water, feet peddling furiously and curled tails waggling, as they hunted goodies in the silt.
We got back home about 4:30 p.m., in time to prepare a 5 p.m. supper of tuna fish sandwiches and macaroni and cheese. As with the salad at lunch, the tuna salad (tuna rinsed to remove as much salt as possible) was "loaded" with diced apples, Craisins, onions, boiled egg whites, and pecans, and sprinkled with dill weed (dill pickles are too high in sodium), then tossed in light salad dressing. The baked macaroni and cheese dish was made from a low-fat, low-sodium recipe.
Later, Hubbie and I attended ballroom dancing. There were only six of us there tonight, due to other events around town, including high school graduation, and a dance recital. I hope more folks will be able to come next week. The six of us had an absolutely great time, though, and we got in a lot of practice doing Latin and Swing dances. We ended, as usual, with the Heavenly Waltz.
A treadmill workout, a walk around the worldwide discount chain store, a stroll around the college lake, and two hours of vigorous dancing should certainly qualify as sufficient exercise for the day! By the time we got home last evening, I was hot and sweaty enough to indulge in a bowl of fat-free chocolate ice cream. Yum.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Scrapbooking and Art Exhibit
This afternoon, Mother and I attended a scrapbook club meeting at the Extension Office. Only one other lady was able to come. Of the other members, one expected a visit from in-laws today, one was busy sorting through her recently deceased mother's home to make it ready to put on the market, and another was ill.
The three of us who showed up, though, enjoyed each other's company and the opportunity to design a few scrapbook pages. Mother and I worked on Granddaughter's recent baby shower. We'd prepared for the meeting yesterday by choosing which photos and background papers we'd use today. Now, all we need to do is add elements and journaling to complete the six pages we worked on this afternoon.
After the meeting, we stopped by the art gallery downtown to see a young artists exhibit. I love kids' art. They are so creative and uninhibited. Today, we saw the works of children ranging in age from kindergarten to twelfth grade, who had used a variety of mediums, such as batik, watercolors, pencil, graphite, paper mosaic, and embossed metal.
We came away with smiles on our faces that should last well into the evening.
The three of us who showed up, though, enjoyed each other's company and the opportunity to design a few scrapbook pages. Mother and I worked on Granddaughter's recent baby shower. We'd prepared for the meeting yesterday by choosing which photos and background papers we'd use today. Now, all we need to do is add elements and journaling to complete the six pages we worked on this afternoon.
After the meeting, we stopped by the art gallery downtown to see a young artists exhibit. I love kids' art. They are so creative and uninhibited. Today, we saw the works of children ranging in age from kindergarten to twelfth grade, who had used a variety of mediums, such as batik, watercolors, pencil, graphite, paper mosaic, and embossed metal.
We came away with smiles on our faces that should last well into the evening.
Atrial Fibrillation
I broke a sweat today at Cardiac Rehab for the first time since I began the workouts. The workout room is kept very cool...cool enough that the nurses and exercise physiologists wear fleece jackets to stay comfortable. I'm still working at level 5 on the cardio-stepper, but the exercise physiologist moved the incline to level 2 today, so I was feeling it in the fronts of my legs. My blood pressure was low when I arrived, and by the end of the workout was only 88/56. Amazingly, I didn't feel lightheaded.
Our educational material today addressed atrial fibrillation, which is abnormal heart rhythm. I have all three risk factors for this condition: age, heart disease, and thyroid disease. Having AF makes a person five times more likely to have a stroke. So it is important that I be aware of the symptoms of AF, which are: palpitations, or fast, "fluttery" heartbeats; shortness of breath; a fast, uneven pulse; chest pain or tightness; fatigue or weakness; confusion; and dizziness. Treatment of AF can include drugs and pacemaker implantation.
I hope I never develop AF, but if I do, it's good that I'm well-informed so I can seek medical treatment right away.
Our educational material today addressed atrial fibrillation, which is abnormal heart rhythm. I have all three risk factors for this condition: age, heart disease, and thyroid disease. Having AF makes a person five times more likely to have a stroke. So it is important that I be aware of the symptoms of AF, which are: palpitations, or fast, "fluttery" heartbeats; shortness of breath; a fast, uneven pulse; chest pain or tightness; fatigue or weakness; confusion; and dizziness. Treatment of AF can include drugs and pacemaker implantation.
I hope I never develop AF, but if I do, it's good that I'm well-informed so I can seek medical treatment right away.
Yard Visitors
For a brief time this week, we enjoyed an orange-breasted Northern Oriole visitor to the bird feeders, especially the hummingbird feeder, before it continued its trip north. We are disappointed, though, that we've not seen a single hummingbird, yet. We don't understand it, since we keep fresh nectar in the feeder, and grow the birds' favorite flowering plants in our gardens.
Another visitor, who has perhaps taken up residence on our back porch, is a tortoise shell mama cat, with three half-grown kittens. We don't know if the cat belongs to someone close by and has opted on her own to move her kittens to our house, or if she was dropped in our yard by someone wanting to get rid of her. From time to time, we've acquired cats that way, though most of them have either moved on in a few days, or have met their end on the highway out front.
We're not really in the market for a cat, since they notoriously hunt the songbirds, but since she's here, we've bought cat food for her and set out dishes of milk for her and the kittens. We hope that if we keep her well-fed, she'll leave the birds alone. Probably not, though, since hunting is so deeply ingrained in her feline soul.
Another visitor, who has perhaps taken up residence on our back porch, is a tortoise shell mama cat, with three half-grown kittens. We don't know if the cat belongs to someone close by and has opted on her own to move her kittens to our house, or if she was dropped in our yard by someone wanting to get rid of her. From time to time, we've acquired cats that way, though most of them have either moved on in a few days, or have met their end on the highway out front.
We're not really in the market for a cat, since they notoriously hunt the songbirds, but since she's here, we've bought cat food for her and set out dishes of milk for her and the kittens. We hope that if we keep her well-fed, she'll leave the birds alone. Probably not, though, since hunting is so deeply ingrained in her feline soul.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Cardiac Rehab and a Play
My new alternate route to Cardiac Rehab worked very well this morning, so I'll stick with it for a while. Hopefully road crews won't move to that area and block my way.
I'm at level 5 on the cardio-stepper, and am walking 3.5 mph on an incline, so I worked hard. Today was education day...subject: salt in our diets. I'm ahead of the game on that one, since I've been researching the subject online and gathering recipes.
A friend from water aerobics accompanied her husband to the session this morning. He had a serious heart attack requiring bypass surgery a few months ago. I'm sure she was there to get information on lifestyle changes.
I spent the rest of the day in routine household duties. And then yesterday evening, Hubbie and I went to a dessert and one-man-show event at a local restaurant. The performer, one of our state's poet laureates, was testing a play he'd written on the small audience in attendance. As a member of our local arts council, my job was to get snapshots of folks attending, as well as of the poet as he performed.
The play, about the lifetime trials and tribulations of a man who returns home for the funeral of a family member, was well written and believably performed. I've seen this performer before, but some others who had not offered very positive comments about him.
I'm a huge fan of good live theater and wish there were more opportunities locally to indulge in it.
I'm at level 5 on the cardio-stepper, and am walking 3.5 mph on an incline, so I worked hard. Today was education day...subject: salt in our diets. I'm ahead of the game on that one, since I've been researching the subject online and gathering recipes.
A friend from water aerobics accompanied her husband to the session this morning. He had a serious heart attack requiring bypass surgery a few months ago. I'm sure she was there to get information on lifestyle changes.
I spent the rest of the day in routine household duties. And then yesterday evening, Hubbie and I went to a dessert and one-man-show event at a local restaurant. The performer, one of our state's poet laureates, was testing a play he'd written on the small audience in attendance. As a member of our local arts council, my job was to get snapshots of folks attending, as well as of the poet as he performed.
The play, about the lifetime trials and tribulations of a man who returns home for the funeral of a family member, was well written and believably performed. I've seen this performer before, but some others who had not offered very positive comments about him.
I'm a huge fan of good live theater and wish there were more opportunities locally to indulge in it.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Good and the Bad of the Day
This morning, the Cardiac Rehab exercise physiologist increased my treadmill speed to 3.5 mph, which was fine, but it was a workout. Tomorrow, he'll increase the resistance on the cardo-stepper.
Today, we were shown an educational video and given a handout on the benefits of exercise for cardiac patients. I definitely feel more energized after exercising, and I'm glad I'm getting assistance in pushing my limits. I feel secure knowing registered nurses and exercise physiologists are there to monitor my progress, as well as my vital signs.
While the workout session went well, getting to Cardiac Rehab did not. Due to road construction going on all up and down the main thoroughfare leading to the hospital, I'd mapped out an alternate and more direct route last week. But drat it, this morning I found a street on my route blocked by heavy equipment and had to go down the dreaded orange-barrels-orange-cones thoroughfare after all. I found another alternate route home, however, and will use this detour again in the morning.
When I got home, I saw that Hubbie had one of those frustrated looks on his face. When I asked what was wrong, he told me the pre-pay price for propane gas for the winter has increased significantly, which has required a chunk-of-change outlay for the amount we anticipate needing. We knew that propane would take a sharp hike, just as other fuels have, but the increase sort of hit Hubbie in the solar plexis, anyway, I guess.
And then this afternoon, Hubbie was forced to make a dental appointment, because one of his caps was loose. He came home with another of those things-didn't-go-as-I-expected looks. Seems the affected tooth was too far gone to save, and he had to have an extraction...another major expense for the day.
Since his dentist has instructed that he eat light, easy-to-chew food, we've changed our supper menu from bagel pizzas and salad to egg omelets and muffins.
Mama told me there'd be days like this.
Today, we were shown an educational video and given a handout on the benefits of exercise for cardiac patients. I definitely feel more energized after exercising, and I'm glad I'm getting assistance in pushing my limits. I feel secure knowing registered nurses and exercise physiologists are there to monitor my progress, as well as my vital signs.
While the workout session went well, getting to Cardiac Rehab did not. Due to road construction going on all up and down the main thoroughfare leading to the hospital, I'd mapped out an alternate and more direct route last week. But drat it, this morning I found a street on my route blocked by heavy equipment and had to go down the dreaded orange-barrels-orange-cones thoroughfare after all. I found another alternate route home, however, and will use this detour again in the morning.
When I got home, I saw that Hubbie had one of those frustrated looks on his face. When I asked what was wrong, he told me the pre-pay price for propane gas for the winter has increased significantly, which has required a chunk-of-change outlay for the amount we anticipate needing. We knew that propane would take a sharp hike, just as other fuels have, but the increase sort of hit Hubbie in the solar plexis, anyway, I guess.
And then this afternoon, Hubbie was forced to make a dental appointment, because one of his caps was loose. He came home with another of those things-didn't-go-as-I-expected looks. Seems the affected tooth was too far gone to save, and he had to have an extraction...another major expense for the day.
Since his dentist has instructed that he eat light, easy-to-chew food, we've changed our supper menu from bagel pizzas and salad to egg omelets and muffins.
Mama told me there'd be days like this.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Nice Mother's Day
A stormy Saturday has been followed by a sunny, though cool and windy, Mother's Day.
Yesterday's mail brought sweet cards from my kids. Daughter sent an unusual one to Mother...a greeting designed on handmade paper embedded with wildflower seeds. The back of the card instructs the recipient to tear it up and thoroughly moisten the pieces and plant them for a colorful wildflower garden. Mother wants to admire the card for a few days before she "plants" it.
Of course, Mother and I exchanged cards, too, today. And this morning, Hubbie presented me with the perfect choice of Hallmark musical cards. The front says, "My feelings for you on this Mother's Day can be expressed in one word." Inside, the card reads, "Va-va-va-voom!" A Latin couple is shown dancing as the card plays a Tango.
Hubbie also treated Mother and me to a buffet lunch at our town's popular restaurant at the river, where I was able to choose a salad, veggies, and baked chicken. We skipped dessert, because Mother said she had made a surprise yummy at home (shown above)...heart-healthy Jell-o parfaits, with sliced fresh strawberries, and fat-free topping, served with small slices of sponge cake.
Phone calls from Daughter and Son, put the finishing touch on Mother's Day 2008.
Harrowing Saturday
Once again, violent weather took center stage in our state and others on Saturday evening. Because we were in the warning area for severe thunderstorms with the possibility of tornadoes, we gathered essentials into our designated safe room, the kitchen pantry, and then stayed glued to the television for weather reports.
We got only a brief thunderstorm before the front moved east toward towns where Hubbie's family live. He phoned his daughter to make sure everyone over there was aware of the warnings. They were. So we sat on the edges of our seats until the storms passed further east and out of the state.
In the meantime, tornado warnings cropped up south of us, near towns where my family live. We remained glued to the TV until the storms eased in that part of the state, and we could breathe a sigh of relief.
Unfortunately, a town way south of us did get hit with a tornado and suffered power outages and a lot of property damage, but, thank God, no casualties.
Finally, at 9 p.m., the storms abated and began moving out of the state, so we could relax and watch a couple of one-hour shows on DVD to de-stress before bedtime.
Our state is very storm-weary, but we are already hearing that more of the severe stuff may be headed our way mid-week. That's several days off, so hopefully things will change for the better by that time.
We got only a brief thunderstorm before the front moved east toward towns where Hubbie's family live. He phoned his daughter to make sure everyone over there was aware of the warnings. They were. So we sat on the edges of our seats until the storms passed further east and out of the state.
In the meantime, tornado warnings cropped up south of us, near towns where my family live. We remained glued to the TV until the storms eased in that part of the state, and we could breathe a sigh of relief.
Unfortunately, a town way south of us did get hit with a tornado and suffered power outages and a lot of property damage, but, thank God, no casualties.
Finally, at 9 p.m., the storms abated and began moving out of the state, so we could relax and watch a couple of one-hour shows on DVD to de-stress before bedtime.
Our state is very storm-weary, but we are already hearing that more of the severe stuff may be headed our way mid-week. That's several days off, so hopefully things will change for the better by that time.
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