One of my favorite natural events during the year is seeing the first groundhog emerge from its underground den. Usually in mid-winter just after New Year’s, Alan and I will make bets when we will see the first groundhog. I know, I know, groundhogs are rodents – mere pests. Who can really say that their little round-shaped ears, small button noses and obscenely bucked teeth are not cute? To my eyes they look like living teddy bears with a killer overbite.
I’m not sure when it first started but it was a few years into dating when Alan and I became hog chasers. If we were driving around and would happen to see one in a meadow or empty lot, we would drive in and park as close as possible without disturbing it. Then I would convince Alan to do the leg work; have him quietly walk up to them and get close as he could before they ran away. Even today we know where groundhogs can be consistently found and look for them as we drive by.
The first time I remember doing this was on a church’s property. The large cathedral loomed in the background, dwarfing the lower meadow area where the groundhog was feeding on grass and weeds. I slowly drove up the driveway and Alan got out. He got within thirty feet before the occupied animal looked up and realized it wasn’t alone. At first, it froze in a pointer-type position. I’m not sure if it was immobilized with fear or of curiosity about this strange “animal” walking towards it. It stayed that way for five seconds and decided it wasn’t curious anymore. It bolted, looking a lot like an undulating shaggy brown carpet, towards the high wild hedge where its burrow probably was.
The laugh we (mostly me) got from the groundhogs' reactions to our meddlesome intrusions become like an addictive high. Unfortunately, we abused our visiting rights too much and after the fourth and fifth time, the groundhogs would immediately run when it heard the car driving up the long driveway. It was time to look for another location to visit.
The best confrontation was at a small office building situated on a lot that was quite steep behind it. We were driving home and saw a very large one on the slope. I pulled into the parking lot expecting the groundhog to take off after hearing the car’s engine but it remained chewing happily away on clover. When Alan got out of the car, I told him not to shut the door in case it scared the groundhog away. It was so close to the wall of brush and climbing vines, although it would have to run uphill to get to it. Alan started to climb the hill, and yet, the groundhog remained in its own world of culinary bliss of clover.
Alan approached it laterally; however the animal had its back to him and couldn't see him. Fifteen feet and closing. I could barely contain the laughter building up inside me that tears began to run down my cheeks. Ten feet and closing! The groundhog’s head bobbed up and down chomping and ripping the clover from its roots. Then Alan froze. The disbelief that he could be closer than ten feet from a wild animal that was unrestrained was unusual and unexpected.
Alan uttered a gentle “hello” which broke the spell of clover smorgasbord for the groundhog. It turned its head quickly, with green stems jutting out of his mouth in all directions, to see a five foot ten human smiling down at him. We could almost see the groundhog take assessment of his situation; calculating the distance between itself and the safety of the brush while considering its own speed going up the steep slope to get there. It made a move directly for the brush but the slope was too challenging and its movements were as if in slow motion. Alan made a slight move to block it from getting away. The groundhog stopped, recalculated and attempted a new path – only a few inches from the first one. At this point, Alan felt bad for the poor animal and let him pass.
When Alan got back to the car, I needed a few minutes to recover from the abdominal pain I was experiencing from laughing so hard. It may not sound funny to you but to have seen it in person is a different story. In fact, this moment we shared with that groundhog without getting it recorded goes in my book as a gigantic regret. I am very thankful, though, that something as simple as a mere rodent could give us that much happiness and laughter.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A Living Room Picnic
This winter has been especially frigid. I don’t know if it is because I’m getting older but I feel the cold more keenly than ever. Alan turns into a human popsicle once winter sets in. Our kitchen also experiences changes during the winter season. As if over-wrought with envy, it tries to mimic the outdoors by treating us with it’s version of winter temperatures. In the ten years that we’ve lived in this house, every winter we complain how cold the kitchen is and retreat to the warmth of the living room under the glow of the tv.
After Nate was born, our routine was switched up a bit once he was old enough to sit in a high chair. I’m not sure if it was the excitement of watching our baby begin to eat solid foods or the extra fifteen pounds gained during pregnancy that insulated me, but I didn’t feel the cold as much. Somewhere in my vague memory, Alan was standing by wearing several layers of shirts and sweaters while shivering and admiring the purple color of his nail beds.
In the past three years of eating dinners in the kitchen, Alan and I had brief discussions as to how to make the room warmer. The first attempt was to seal the large crack between the back door and the door jam with foam insulation. At first this helped a little but the arctic chill remained. Then I noticed the blast of cold air coming through the bathroom vent in the ceiling. Alan disconnected the power to the vent and stuffed it with insulation since the shower in that bathroom is used only by visiting guests who stay over. Unfortunately, that didn’t help much either.
Befuddled by this mystery, we sat in cold that should not have been in our house that we spent good money to keep warm. I tried to take the positive from this frustrating situation. My thought was with all the calories I was burning from shivering, I could eat calorie laded food like cookies, cake and even ice cream. One evening after a week of high temperatures in the 20’s, Alan and I agreed that it was just too cold to eat dinner in the kitchen. I turned to Nate and asked, “How ‘bout a picnic in the living room?” The joy on my little boy’s face could not have been greater if I gave him the keys to a toy store and said it was all his. With pizza on our plates and our attention turned to the movie that Nate picked out, Toy Story 2, we ate in comfort and full contentment.
Then one day as I was doing chores and putting dishes away, I felt a sharpness of cold at my hand. I put my hand near a small space between the wall and the cabinets. I discovered the secret entrance where the cold was sneaking its way in. I had some of the foam strip insulation left over from the door and used that to block the air from coming in. It was almost like magic and the kitchen began to warm up. When Alan got home from work, I exuded pride as I led him to the kitchen and showed him my handiwork. I couldn’t have been more proud when he said he noticed a difference in the temperature.
Although it is warmer in the kitchen, it is relative to the previous conditions. The fact that we have to completely remodel the kitchen is a moot point. It is still cold in there when the outside temperature is below 30 degrees. When that happens, there is no argument all around when I announce, “Picnic in the living room!”
After Nate was born, our routine was switched up a bit once he was old enough to sit in a high chair. I’m not sure if it was the excitement of watching our baby begin to eat solid foods or the extra fifteen pounds gained during pregnancy that insulated me, but I didn’t feel the cold as much. Somewhere in my vague memory, Alan was standing by wearing several layers of shirts and sweaters while shivering and admiring the purple color of his nail beds.
In the past three years of eating dinners in the kitchen, Alan and I had brief discussions as to how to make the room warmer. The first attempt was to seal the large crack between the back door and the door jam with foam insulation. At first this helped a little but the arctic chill remained. Then I noticed the blast of cold air coming through the bathroom vent in the ceiling. Alan disconnected the power to the vent and stuffed it with insulation since the shower in that bathroom is used only by visiting guests who stay over. Unfortunately, that didn’t help much either.
Befuddled by this mystery, we sat in cold that should not have been in our house that we spent good money to keep warm. I tried to take the positive from this frustrating situation. My thought was with all the calories I was burning from shivering, I could eat calorie laded food like cookies, cake and even ice cream. One evening after a week of high temperatures in the 20’s, Alan and I agreed that it was just too cold to eat dinner in the kitchen. I turned to Nate and asked, “How ‘bout a picnic in the living room?” The joy on my little boy’s face could not have been greater if I gave him the keys to a toy store and said it was all his. With pizza on our plates and our attention turned to the movie that Nate picked out, Toy Story 2, we ate in comfort and full contentment.
Then one day as I was doing chores and putting dishes away, I felt a sharpness of cold at my hand. I put my hand near a small space between the wall and the cabinets. I discovered the secret entrance where the cold was sneaking its way in. I had some of the foam strip insulation left over from the door and used that to block the air from coming in. It was almost like magic and the kitchen began to warm up. When Alan got home from work, I exuded pride as I led him to the kitchen and showed him my handiwork. I couldn’t have been more proud when he said he noticed a difference in the temperature.
Although it is warmer in the kitchen, it is relative to the previous conditions. The fact that we have to completely remodel the kitchen is a moot point. It is still cold in there when the outside temperature is below 30 degrees. When that happens, there is no argument all around when I announce, “Picnic in the living room!”
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Few Of My Favorite Things
Just like Julie Andrews sang in the movie "The Sound of Music", when I'm feeling sad I think of my favorite things. Let me preface that the things I'm listing here are material which means they only bring me temporary happiness. True happiness comes from within but I'm digressing. I'll tantalize you with my beliefs on that later. When the doldrums of winter begin to overwhelm my psyche, I simply reach for these little things and then I don't feel so bad. So here is my list of favorite things, in no particular order:
Speaking of moisturizing my two favorite moisturizers are Avon Skin So Soft & Sensual Replenishing Hand Cream and Gold Bond Restoring CoQ-10 Lotion. One reason why I dislike moisturizing my skin is the greasy feeling I get from most lotions and creams. Avon's hand cream will remedy those parched hands without the greasiness. Around Christmas time, they come in convenient 1.5 fl oz tubes and are super cheap. If you don't have an Avon representative, click HERE.
If my whole body feels dry, I don't realize it right away but my grouchiness for no apparent reason is usually the signal. Also, Alan looks at me as if I were Mr. Hyde. Gold Bond Restoring CoQ-10 lotion provides immediate relief; it's like putting on a skin of moisturizer. This stuff is the real deal and won't fade even after a full twenty four hours! It stays on me until I shower it off the following morning. I also like that it has a nice clean scent. http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid30830.aspx
Blistex Lip Medex has been a staple for years in healing my Angelina Jolie-esque lips. The dry winter air takes all the moisture out of my lips. They feel more like Brillo pads - not good for when I want to snuggle and get kisses from Alan. As soon as I apply the balm, my lips change from dish scrubbers to soothing lovers. Ooo la la! http://www.blistex.com/products/lip-medex
Speaking of moisturizing my two favorite moisturizers are Avon Skin So Soft & Sensual Replenishing Hand Cream and Gold Bond Restoring CoQ-10 Lotion. One reason why I dislike moisturizing my skin is the greasy feeling I get from most lotions and creams. Avon's hand cream will remedy those parched hands without the greasiness. Around Christmas time, they come in convenient 1.5 fl oz tubes and are super cheap. If you don't have an Avon representative, click HERE.
If my whole body feels dry, I don't realize it right away but my grouchiness for no apparent reason is usually the signal. Also, Alan looks at me as if I were Mr. Hyde. Gold Bond Restoring CoQ-10 lotion provides immediate relief; it's like putting on a skin of moisturizer. This stuff is the real deal and won't fade even after a full twenty four hours! It stays on me until I shower it off the following morning. I also like that it has a nice clean scent. http://instoresnow.walmart.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid30830.aspx
At the end of a long day, I would love nothing more than to indulge in an hour long spa treatment. Unfortunately, that is not my reality but I may have found something on a much smaller, more affordable scale. Physicians Formula Organic wear Eye Makeup Remover Pads are terrific at removing stubborn mascara without drying out my skin. They come pre-soaked in a resealable packet which makes them easy to use and convenient. The most amazing feature about these little guys is the amazing lavendar scent aromatherapy. Sometimes during the day I open the packet just to take a whiff for a little pick-me-up. Hey, it's legal! http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/organic-wear-product/07222.html
I drink hot tea almost every hour of the day during winter. As well as keeping my hand warm wrapped around the steaming mug, it's good hydration and I also get exercise by walking to the bathroom several times a day. I know, TMI. In any case, I like to drink green or white tea as it's beneficial to my health. Stash's Fusion Green & White Tea is the best I have tasted so far. Unlike some green teas that leave a sharp flavor on my tongue, Stash's tea is smooth and mild. http://www.amazon.com/Stash-Fusion-Green-White-Teabags/dp/B002L797Q8
That concludes my little list. As Alan knows and appreciates, I am a low maintenance kind of a girl. Sure I can list my favorite things that are non-beauty products and there are several. I shared these with you so that you can try them and see if they become some of your favorites. Perhaps I should end by saying I am very thankful for what I have in life. I am not materially wealthy but the portion given to me serves me well.
Websites given are for product information only. Websites given may not be the least expensive place to purchase the products I mentioned.
I drink hot tea almost every hour of the day during winter. As well as keeping my hand warm wrapped around the steaming mug, it's good hydration and I also get exercise by walking to the bathroom several times a day. I know, TMI. In any case, I like to drink green or white tea as it's beneficial to my health. Stash's Fusion Green & White Tea is the best I have tasted so far. Unlike some green teas that leave a sharp flavor on my tongue, Stash's tea is smooth and mild. http://www.amazon.com/Stash-Fusion-Green-White-Teabags/dp/B002L797Q8
That concludes my little list. As Alan knows and appreciates, I am a low maintenance kind of a girl. Sure I can list my favorite things that are non-beauty products and there are several. I shared these with you so that you can try them and see if they become some of your favorites. Perhaps I should end by saying I am very thankful for what I have in life. I am not materially wealthy but the portion given to me serves me well.
Websites given are for product information only. Websites given may not be the least expensive place to purchase the products I mentioned.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Resolution, More Like Revolution
Happy New Year and welcome, 2011! Even though Christmas and New Year's can make one's schedule quite full and hectic, I am grateful they are celebrated in winter. I am not one who likes cold weather (aka anything below 70 degrees F) and the lack of greenery outside is a huge downer. Christmas, although overly commercial, is my favorite holiday. What's not to like? We celebrate the birth of a baby, the music is awesome and the decorations are by far the best of any other holiday. All the yummy, tummy stretching vittles may even supersede the decorations. The jury is still out on that one for me. I also like the classic Christmas shows like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Last but not least, I have cause to spend time with loved ones.
But all that is over now and I don't think I'm alone in feeling a sharp drop from riding the wave of that high. For me, January is not only about taking time and thinking about what I will accomplish in the future eleven months but considering what I've learned from the past twelve months as well.
The most important thing I learned last year was that having love for others is the highest, most honorable characteristic we humans can possess. I'm not talking about physical attraction. The kind I mean is like the love a parent has for their child. When I studied the book of John in the Bible, I learned even parental love pales in comparison to the love that Jesus has for us. Although I have heard this many times throughout my life, I did not fully understand or experience it until now because I carried pride for myself in the form of doing whatever I wanted to do. Then a revolution began stirring within; my pride versus God's plan for me.
Once my heart was opened after humbling and deeply convicting experiences, I delved into the only book I know to be consistently true and is the only life manual that will truly help – the Bible. The truths in it have made me a changed person from the inside out; more than any flimsy New Year's resolution could do. Once the truth is known, it is difficult to unknow it.
When the dignitaries in Jesus’ day asked him what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40) I was very surprised to learn that love surpasses everything!
I don't think I'm a perfect person or that I'm better than anyone else. I wonder, though, if those who know me well see the change that has taken place. Do they notice that it takes a little longer for me to get angry, that I refrain from participating in gossip and that I do not want to judge others? Admittedly, I slip and catch myself doing these things but as I said, I'm not perfect.
That is my heart revolution that has turned into a resolution going forward in my life. I can never be a perfect loving person at all times but I can always look to Christ as a perfect example by reading His word. That is a resolution I can keep. Quite frankly, it’s much more difficult for me to make excuses for not reading as opposed to finding time to workout.
But all that is over now and I don't think I'm alone in feeling a sharp drop from riding the wave of that high. For me, January is not only about taking time and thinking about what I will accomplish in the future eleven months but considering what I've learned from the past twelve months as well.
The most important thing I learned last year was that having love for others is the highest, most honorable characteristic we humans can possess. I'm not talking about physical attraction. The kind I mean is like the love a parent has for their child. When I studied the book of John in the Bible, I learned even parental love pales in comparison to the love that Jesus has for us. Although I have heard this many times throughout my life, I did not fully understand or experience it until now because I carried pride for myself in the form of doing whatever I wanted to do. Then a revolution began stirring within; my pride versus God's plan for me.
Once my heart was opened after humbling and deeply convicting experiences, I delved into the only book I know to be consistently true and is the only life manual that will truly help – the Bible. The truths in it have made me a changed person from the inside out; more than any flimsy New Year's resolution could do. Once the truth is known, it is difficult to unknow it.
When the dignitaries in Jesus’ day asked him what the greatest commandment was, Jesus replied, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the law and prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40) I was very surprised to learn that love surpasses everything!
I don't think I'm a perfect person or that I'm better than anyone else. I wonder, though, if those who know me well see the change that has taken place. Do they notice that it takes a little longer for me to get angry, that I refrain from participating in gossip and that I do not want to judge others? Admittedly, I slip and catch myself doing these things but as I said, I'm not perfect.
That is my heart revolution that has turned into a resolution going forward in my life. I can never be a perfect loving person at all times but I can always look to Christ as a perfect example by reading His word. That is a resolution I can keep. Quite frankly, it’s much more difficult for me to make excuses for not reading as opposed to finding time to workout.
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