SNOW for Christmas!!!

How exciting to wake up to a couple of inches of snow on Christmas morning!  This is only the 14th time in the 112 years since they've been recording the weather here in the Denver area that it has snowed on Christmas Eve!  Light and fluffy...so pretty!

Sara, Zach, and Sophia came up on Monday afternoon to spend two nights with us.  We went to the early Christmas Eve service for the children at the United Methodist Church and that was definitely the right service for Sophia.  She wasn't quite ready to sit down and enjoyed walking around just outside the sanctuary.  She came back in and enjoyed the singing of "Silent Night" and the lighting of the candles.

Sophia enjoyed opening her presents on Christmas morning, but I think next year she'll be old enough to understand it more and it will be more exciting to her.  We had a nice Christmas dinner with everyone including Zach's Mom, Ellen later that evening.  (His Dad wasn't able to make it since had to work.)

We came up with new sleeping arrangements for Sophia since she had outgrown the travel crib; we set up a futon for her to sleep on.  She did really well the first night despite waking up at about 5:30 a.m.  Christmas night was another story!  Since she'd gotten up earlier than normal that morning, she really should have had her nap during the day.  But, with all the excitement and everyone around, she was having no part of a nap that day!  She went to bed about 7 p.m. and we all thought she'd be sleeping in until at least 7 a.m.  Wrong, try 1 a.m.!  Poor Sara walked her around for two hours and she wouldn't go back to sleep!  Both she and Zach had enough, so Zach drove her home at about 3:30 a.m.!  (I know for sure that when we babysit her in February for a few days, we'll be doing so at her house so she's used to her bed! )  :)

It was a very nice Christmas...but what would have made it even better is to have had Holly, Erich, Zoe and Ezra out here, too!  We really do miss them!!!  We are certainly looking forward to our visit with them in a couple of months!

Where Have I Been?

Time has definitely gotten away from me these past few months!  Ever since Mark and I finished up our hikes for the year, band rehearsals have started up again, along with our music lessons, almost daily trumpet (Mark) and drum (me) practices, band camp planning, daily exercise workouts, and lots of social activities with our friends.  This has left us with little "free" time, but I'm not complaining!  I love everything I'm doing!  One thing is for sure...I'm never bored...life stays quite interesting!

We managed to fit in a trip to the East Coast to visit with Mom and Gene (PA), Julie, Alex, and Zachary (NJ), and Larry, Stephanie, Lucas, and Samantha (DE) during Thanksgiving.  We just missed seeing Ray as the only place he could find "union" work was in Florida!  After 7 1/2 weeks working down there, the "travellers" were laid off...again!   

We are so glad we took the trip back East because it was so good seeing everyone again!    Gene celebrated his 87th birthday while we were there.  He's had a lot of health issues over the past year, so this was pretty special that we got to be there for his birthday get-together!  

I'm also happy that we were able to fix (renovate) Mom and Gene's bathroom while we were out there.  It was a disaster for over a year, but not anymore.  Mark did a fantastic job and worked quite hard!  It really looks nice now!  It took a little pushing to get Mom moving on it, but we managed to get it done in a week.

Christmas is just 5 days away and we are really looking forward to having Sara, Zach, and Sophia stay with us a couple of nights.  We are bummed, though, that Holly, Erich, Zoe and Ezra aren't able to join us, too for the holiday this year.  :(

Mark and I are having West Coast grandchildren withdrawals so we've planned a trip to visit them in California the latter part of February.  We'll be there to celebrate Ezra's 5th birthday with him!!!  We plan to see Tommy and Mona in Merced for a couple of days, too.  And, we also hope to take in a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on our way back to Colorado.

Despite all the things planned on the horizon, I will try to be more timely with my blog entries...promise! ;) 

  

Another Great Hike

This past Monday, Mark and I hiked a 13'er, specifically Mount Chiquita (13,069') in Rocky Mountain National Park.  It was about a 5 mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet in just 2.4 miles!  Pretty tough, although the guidebooks don't rate it as difficult.  (They need to have hiking ratings based on age--for these 59 year old legs and lungs, it was tough!) 

Once again, it was a beautiful view at the summit!  We did see some dark clouds forming in the distance so we ate our lunch and only spent 20 minutes on the mountain top.  There were only a handful of people on this trail (which was kind of nice); we didn't have to keep moving over to let someone pass by us.

So, click on our self-portrait on the right to see a lot more pictures of the hike.

Hiked Our First 14'er (A 14,270' Mountain)

Tuesday, August 21st was the culmination of all our training hikes this year (15 in total) as we successfully hiked to the summit of our first 14'er, Grays Peak making this our 16th hike of the year!  (Check one off the bucket list!)  The hike was a total of 8.5 miles round trip and had an elevation gain of 3,000'.  This was by far, the most difficult hike yet but was the most rewarding when it comes to scenic beauty!  It was probably the second most difficult thing I've ever done, second only to childbirth!

We were supposed to do the hike on Monday with our usual hiking group but the weather wasn't good, so it was postponed until late in the week (Friday).  We checked the weather late in the afternoon on Monday for the upcoming week and saw that Tuesday was the best day for the rest of the week.  So, in a spur of the moment decision, Mark and I decided that we needed to try to do the hike on Tuesday in the event next week's weather didn't cooperate either.  Besides, our schedule changed for next week and it didn't look like we'd even have an opportunity to do it!  And, after training all spring and summer for this hike, we didn't want to lose the chance to hike it before the snow starts falling!

We should have sent an email as a courtesy to tell our hiking group, but it just didn't cross my mind.  I thought they would be happy if we accomplished it.  Instead, there were hurt feelings that they weren't there, too.  I'm sorry for that; it certainly wasn't our intention to slight them.  Looking back on it, I think it was nice to have that special moment--that special accomplishment with just the two of us...makes it even more meaningful!  

It took us 4.5 hours to get to the summit and 3.5 hours to descend and get back to the trailhead.  I had no problem with my legs or anything going up, but, by the time we hit (I'm guessing) 13,500', I had difficulty getting big breaths of air into my lungs.  So, I started taking smaller steps and stopped after about 100 feet to rest briefly and to breathe deeply.  I did this the rest of the way to the summit.  (I noticed almost all of the other hikers were doing the same!)

It was funny, when I walked onto the summit, I was so surprised we were there!  It just came upon us suddenly!  Boy, it was such a relief to make it and I found I had no problems breathing just standing on the summit!  And, what amazing views!!!  I wish everyone had the opportunity and ability to see what we've seen!  What a special sight!  I can see why John Denver wrote "Rocky Mountain High"...all the summits are so awesome!  Looking out as far as you can see, mountain top after mountain top, mountain lakes and meadows...simply amazing!!!  The beauty, the peacefulness...truly a gift from God!

Going down the mountain was very difficult, much harder than the ascent!  It was so steep and rocky that by the time we had about a mile left to go, I couldn't stop walking because if I did, my quads shook uncontrollably!

Check out the link to the pictures on the right.  It was such a rocky, steep trail that at times I could imagine that I was walking on the moon or Mars!

Immediately after completing the hike, I had thought that would be my first and last 14'er.  But, I don't think so now.  There is too much beauty out there to not do it again!  We are planning on doing a 13'er (13,000+ feet) on Monday (and may do two in a row if we have the energy and weather continues to look good).  Chiquita Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park is 13,069' and from there is a saddle to Ypsilon Mountain (13,514').  We'll see how it goes!

Where Did Summer Go?

It's been a very busy summer since my last post...two camping trips (Dowdy Lake up by Red Feather Lakes & Moraine Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park), two more big hikes (Lily Mountain and Finch Lake) and went to Red Rocks to see Chicago and the Doobie Brothers.  

Holly, Zoe and Ezra visited with us for three weeks and during that time we went to the Denver Aquarium, played mini golf, went hiking at Lily Lake and Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park, camped with them, went to Martinez Farm, went swimming at the clubhouse pool and really enjoyed having them here!  We also babysat Sophia at our house for 5 days so she would have an opportunity to be with her cousins!  I'm so glad we did that, too!

The day after Holly and the kids returned to California, we made a quick trip to Minnesota for our niece, Carrie's bridal shower.  Came home and had to do some more planning for next year's New Horizons Band band camp that our group is hosting.  

In addition to leading the band camp planning effort, I'm starting to get articles together for the New Horizons International Music Association's fall newsletter.  All of this in between working out 6 days a week and practicing drums most days...whew!

I sure don't see things slowing down anytime soon either!  Band rehearsals start back up in a little over two weeks and Carrie and Dann's wedding is in a month.  And, before I know it, it'll be Thanksgiving!  We'll be traveling back East to visit with my family for that holiday and we are really looking forward to it!

So, my life is full and busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way right now!  Keeps me challenged which is great for my brain!

First Hike for Just the Two of Us

After 12 hikes with different groups, the first of which was in March, Mark and I finally decided to venture out on our own and do a mountain hike.  This past Thursday we hiked Twin Sisters.  There are two peaks almost the same height (11,248') with a saddle in between.  We went up the one and ate lunch at the summit of the first.  


It took us 3 hours to hike the fairly steep 3.7 mile rocky trail with a 2,500' elevation gain.  Once we broke out of the trees and got out on the tundra, it became even rockier but was manageable.  We came across several big horn sheep and the big guy was staring straight at us.  I was glad he didn't think we were a threat because we would be no match for those horns!


We spent about 20 minutes eating our lunch and I was contemplating doing the saddle and going up the other peak but it looked even rockier than the one we just hiked.  Also, there was an ominous cloud forming right overhead so we decided to get our backpacks on and head back down the mountain.  Within a few minutes, we heard the first rumble of thunder and I started going as quickly as possible to get off the tundra and to the tree line. I had no intention of becoming a lightning rod!


It took us 2 hours to get down the mountain which is the fastest I've ever done a descent! As a matter of fact, Mark could barely keep up with me!  There was lightning near by and I was not enjoying that part of the hike!


I can tell I've gotten so much stronger with each hike and my recovery time following a hike is quicker, too. As a matter of fact, I did over an hour power walk this morning and my legs and knees weren't bothered a bit!  I have my trainer, Mark Warburton to thank for helping me get physically ready to be able to do the long hikes, particularly the mountain hikes.  He works with me on leg, core, and arm strength twice a week and it's working!

This and That

Is it really July 1st today?  Where did June go?  I've been filling a lot into my days so I guess that's the reason the time is flying by...that and the fact that time really does go quickly the older you get!


Since we got back from our mini-vacation to Wyoming, we've done two big hikes...Mount Chapin (12,454') and up the Longs Peak trail to Chasm Junction (11,518').  Still training to hopefully hike a 14,000' mountain in mid-August.  We're shooting for Greys and Torrey Mountains...it depends on the weather and everyone's schedule.


We had a wonderful visit with good friends from our Minot days...Kevin and Heidi Conrad!  We met them up in Estes Park and spent the afternoon with them.  We're looking forward to seeing them again in Estes Park in January, too!  They may be Coloradans before too long, too!


We went to our first Colorado Rockies baseball game versus the Washington Nationals a few days ago and they managed to beat the Nationals in 11 innings, 11 to 10!  We had a lot of fun with some of our friends and look forward to another game.


We've also seen Sara and Sophia a few times and really enjoying visiting with them!!!  Sophia is such a little charmer, too!  She has 8 teeth now and looks almost identical to Sara when she was that age!  The only difference is Sophia has brown eyes and Sara has steely blue eyes!


And finally, I continue to workout 6 days a week to stay as fit as I can.  I was hoping that by doing the cardio, I would boost my HDL and lower my LDL and total cholesterol and thus allow me to stay off my cholesterol medicine; but I don't think that is the case.  After 3 months of being off of the medicine, I had my first re-check and the numbers weren't very good.  I may see if they'll stabilize after 3 more months and then determine if I need to go back on the medicine.  I have to admit, I was pretty discouraged when I saw the latest numbers...I now know that my cholesterol numbers are definitely a result of genetics and not due to bad diet or non-exercise.  I've even dropped 26 pounds and that didn't make one bit of difference!  Oh well...I feel better anyway and am enjoying a smaller clothing size so it's worth the effort!


So, with June behind me, we are now looking forward to a visit from Holly, Zoe, and Ezra in just 17 more days!!!  We have lots of fun things planned and are so excited to see them again.  (Wish Erich could be here, too, but he has to work.)  Sophia is going to LOVE playing with her cousins, too!    

On Vacation From Our Everyday Vacation

Last Sunday, we decided to take a few days and travel to Jackson, Wyoming and Yellowstone.  The drive was pleasant although we had a headwind most of the time which really cut down on our mpg.  It was snowing a little when we arrived.  We stayed at the Inn at Jackson...it was rated "3 stars" but should have been a "2 star".  The room was clean but no view and no amenities.  But, we were on the go the whole three days and spent little time there.


On Monday, we drove to Yellowstone National Park; it had been probably over 30 years since we were there last.  I'd forgotten just how long the drive was and how long it took to get around the entire park.  In 1988, there was a huge forest fire in the park and it was amazing to see how long it is taking to for the forest to come back.


We took in three of our favorite sites:  Old Faithful, the mud pots, and the painted springs.  Click on the picture on the right to see some of the photos we took.


We spent Tuesday walking around the town of Jackson and checking out the different shops.  In the evening, we went to the Bar J Chuckwagon and ate a classic cowboy meal and then watched a performance by the Bar J Wranglers.  They were awesome performing classic cowboy tunes like, "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and others!  Great harmonies!


Our last day was fantastic!  We did a 9.5 mile hike in the Grand Teton National Park and walked the Cascade Canyon Trail.  We had the most beautiful setting for our lunch...at the base of the Grand Teton Mountain overlooking a small river lake.  Absolutely gorgeous!

More Updates

Had another nice hike last week, but unfortunately, I'm going to have to miss this week's hike because my knee needs a rest.  It's just not healing fast enough!  We hiked Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park and were we surprised to find it had snowed the night before at the 8,500' level which is where the trail head starts.  In fact, we had some light snow off and on throughout the hike!


We had planned on doing a 5 mile hike up to Ouzel Lake and back again for a total of 10 miles and a 1,500' elevation gain to 10,000' (our highest training hike for Mark and me).  The trail was snowy, wet and difficult in some areas, particularly the last 1/2 mile or so.  (There was no path so it had to be broken in and it was on a downhill part of the trail.)  Because I'd slipped a little earlier in the day and hurt my knee again, I chose NOT to do the last 1/2 mile and instead had the rest of the group finish while Mark and I hiked back.  I wanted to take my time and be extra cautious and I didn't want to feel like I was holding anyone up.


We ended up getting back about 15 minutes before the rest of the group.  It was a very beautiful hike and this one has been my favorite so far.  I want to go back and do it again when there isn't any snow on the ground.  I'm sure it will look so different and be just as spectacular!  Plus, I want to make it down to the lake, too!  Click on Mark's photo on the right to get to other pictures during the hike.


So, with hiking aside for a week or so, I'm still working on on my spin bike and/or elliptical as best I can; I'm just not doing the intensity that I used to.  But whatever I'm doing is working as I've dropped more weight!  I made it to my first goal weight and want to lose about 2 more pounds.  (I need a little buffer, plus I need to figure out what I have to do to maintain the weight loss, which always seems to be the trickier part.)  I turned over my new leaf starting on Dec 14, 2011 and 24 weeks later, I've lost 26 pounds and dropped 3 sizes; and in certain clothes, 4 sizes!  Whew!  It's definitely been worth it.  


It's funny, but this is the first time in all my years of "dieting", that I haven't been concerned with the pounds coming off.  I think that's because I've finally realized that I'm going to always workout and always eat this way!  I still go out to dinner, I still have a glass or two of wine each week. And, if I want dessert, I'll have it!  The key for me is to track my calories and my workouts...it's as simple as that.  If I snack too much, I'm not afraid to include it...I track it...period!  And since I use the application "Myfitnesspal.com" it's accessible via computer and on my Android phone so I can always enter something.


My plan all along was to lose weight so that I could come off of my cholesterol medicine and so far, I've successfully been able to do that!  I go for a cholesterol check next month which will be 3 full months that I've been off the medicine and during that time, I have worked out 6 days a week, almost every week.  I'm hoping that I'll be able to stay off the medicine...I don't want to lose my memory!


One last thing I'd like to mention is:  hand, foot and mouth disease...yeah, what's up with this disease going around in children?  This isn't something that I remember as a common childhood disease when I was growing up or when our children were growing up.  But, it seems to be a fairly common occurrence these days.  Poor Sophia has it now and last year Zoe and Ezra had it!  Thankfully, Sophia seems to be getting better now!  (Glad she didn't get it on her birthday!)


Well, we are anxiously awaiting when we get to see Holly, Zoe and Ezra again!  They will be visiting in July!!!  (Wish Erich could be here, too!)  Hope to have lots of fun times while they are here!  We have several things planned...more on that later.  :)

Still Hiking and Sophia's 1st Birthday Party

Well, I've managed to accomplish another hike since my knee injury although it's still not healed. (Luckily, this particular hike, though rather steep, did not involve any high stepping or rock scrambles.)  I had xrays done yesterday to determine if I had any bone issues but everything looks fine there.  I have a sneaky suspicion that it's a tendon that's acting up.  I'll just continue to try and take it easy and to ice it regularly (even though there hasn't been any swelling that I can tell).


I'll put up a picture with a link to the last hike's pictures.  As always, the scenery is so beautiful along these trails and it's just breathtaking at the summits!  It's amazing to me that the only way to see these beautiful landscapes is to hike to them since there are no roads there!  I'm thankful and quite fortunate to be able to do that!  


Thursday's hike is supposed to be up to 10,020 feet but we may have some bad weather that day.  If so, the hike will be canceled for this week and we'll try again next week.


This past Sunday, Mark and I had the pleasure of going to Sophia's 1st birthday party at Sara and Zach's house!  (Sure wish we could go to all of Zoe's and Ezra's birthdays, too!)  I think she was on sensory overload with all the family, friends, and presents!  She seemed to enjoy the day!  Sara did a great job on the decorations especially with the birthday banner which chronicled Sophia's first year with monthly photos!  The cake lollipops were exceptionally tasty, too!  (I need that recipe!  Would like to experiment and see if we can get a vegan version so Zoe can enjoy them, too!)  Check out the birthday party pictures by clicking on the banner picture.


More updates later...need to research and write an article now for the New Horizons International Music Association.

Training Set Back

I have been doing really well on all my training hikes since returning from California but last Friday's hike of the Fern Canyon Trail down by the Boulder Flat Irons proved a bit disastrous for my left knee!  


It was a beautiful hike on all three trails (Bear Canyon, Fern Canyon, and Mesa)!  I wore my rain gear as showers were predicted for later in the afternoon.  At the start of the hike, we passed a runner coming down who told us there were two bears at the summit.  Pretty exciting, although I certainly didn't want to get close to them.


Once we got on Fern Canyon trail, there was a very steep rise (mostly on a rocks) all the way up to the 8,400' summit.  Each step of the way was about a 2 foot rise and required constant use of the leg and butt muscles.  No problem going up.  At about the 8,100' level, it started snowing--this wasn't predicted!  Mark and I were ready to continue as we probably only had about another 15 minutes to go to get to the summit; but, a couple of the ladies wanted to turn around.  The hike leader used caution and said we needed to turn around.


By now it's snowing harder and the trail is starting to get covered.  I managed to place my left foot on some slippery rocks and jerked my knee in my attempt to not fall.  I didn't fall, however the damage had already been done to my knee.  It was rather painful the rest of the way down but not excruciating or anything like that.  


I got home and iced it a lot.  That was Friday and I'm still icing it.  I canceled going on a high altitude hike tomorrow to Twin Sisters in the hopes of doing another high altitude hike to Croser Mountain this Friday.  Croser (the Glen Haven trail) is starts at 7,700' and is 9,250' at the summit.  It rises about 2,000' in 4 miles (shouldn't be as bad as last Friday's hike, but I don't really know since I haven't done that one yet).  I heard there is a rock scramble just before you get to the summit.  (That's what I'm worried about!  I think I'll do fine on straight walking, it's the lifting of my knee high that concerns me.)  The total hike mileage is 8.2 miles.   

So, I guess I'll just have to see how my knee feels when I get up on Thursday morning!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed it'll be okay!

Fun Time in Ventura

It's hard to believe we are back home in Colorado and our trip to California is now just a memory.  We had a fantastic time visiting with Holly, Erich, Zoe and Ezra!!!  It was quite nice to spend Easter with them this year!  I loved seeing the excitement in Zoe's and Ezra's eyes when they colored eggs the night before--and also on Easter as they searched for eggs inside and outside!


I was so glad we fit in a visit to the beach to just walk around.  At Carpinteria Beach, luck was with us...the tide was out so we got to check out the tide pools...lots of interesting creatures, shells, etc.


Took a drive to Lake Casitas...another beautiful, relaxing place!  Poor Ezra took a spill and landed on his face; a bit bumped up and two teeth slightly loose, but okay.  Quite an end to an otherwise nice day!


The Ventura Charter School's biggest fundraiser, the Ventura Eco Festival turned out to be a bust (for the vendors) due to the high winds which kept the crowds down.  It was a beautiful sunny day, in the mid-60s and despite the lack of "business", I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with everyone there!  I was very happy that Greg and Michelle stopped by, too, to wish me a Happy Birthday!  (Yes, the Eco Festival was on my birthday!)  And, speaking of my birthday, I was trying to remember when was the last time that Holly was able to celebrate with me; I think it's been at least 12 years!  So, I definitely enjoyed this one!


I also had fun going on the Wheeler Springs hike with Holly, Ezra and Zoe, too!  We had to be careful to avoid the new growth of poison oak, particularly at the start of the hike.  But it was so pretty walking among the trees.


And just doing the everyday things was extra special...fixing Zoe's hair as she gets ready for school, taking Ezra out for ice cream, playing a game of Scrabble with Holly, Erich, and Mark, dinner at Ferraro's, lunch at In-N-Out Burger...the list goes on and on!  


Now we get to look forward to July when they will come out to Colorado for a visit!  (Erich has to work, though...we'll miss him.)  I'll be counting the days until then!  Can't wait for them to see Sophia, too!  They last saw her as a newborn almost a year ago!  She'll love playing with Ezra and Zoe!

Fun in California

It seems like we've waited so long for our visit to California and now it's here!  We had a (too short) two day visit with my brother, Tom and sister-in-law, Mona before we made it to Ventura to visit Holly, Erich, Zoe and Ezra.  It was so great to see them again as well as Jack, Joleen, Maelee, and Earky!  We hope to stay longer on the next visit!


We are now having lots of fun seeing Zoe and Ezra every day and love spending time with them and Holly and Erich!  (Too bad Erich has a business trip next week to Tuscon.)  


I've managed to get in a couple of exercise classes at the YMCA thanks to Holly and Erich's guest passes and hope to have a few more opportunities before we leave here to return home.  (I'm trying hard just to maintain the weight I've lost these past 3 1/2 months...21 pounds!)  


The weather has been quite nice during the day...sunny and in the mid 60s!  I'm hoping it stays this way for most of the time we are here!  I especially hope it's sunny and warm on April 14th, my birthday and the day of the Earth Day Festival here in Ventura.  We will be vendors along with Holly and some of her friends at this festival.


More on our Ventura adventures a bit later...

Another Great Hike!

Mark and I went on our second training hike yesterday and again, it was a fun hike!  (Click on the photo at the right to see pictures from the hike.)  We started at Horsetooth Mtn trail head and finished at Arthur's Rock trail head in Fort Collins.  It was a 7 mile hike with about a 1,000 feet gain in elevation; we got up to about 6,800 feet.  It took us 5 hours and 45 minutes (those 45 mins were our breaks).


This hike was more difficult than our first as the trail was more rocky and we had a lot of uphill climbs.  But despite the greater difficulty, I actually felt better after this one than the first one!  Must be getting in better shape.  Saw a few hikers and joggers on the trail until Horsetooth Falls. After that, hardly anyone!  Very nice!


During the last 30 minutes of our hike, the wind kicked up and blew sustained 20 to 30 mph with wind gusts above that!  We really lucked out on our timing because it got a lot worse shortly after we finished!


Our next hike is scheduled for Monday, March 26th and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will be good.  I want to get one more hike in before we leave to go visit Tom and Mona and Holly, Erich and the kids.

Fitness Progress Update

Today marks 3 months since I decided to refine my eating plan and begin in earnest working out 6 days a week.  Thanks to my trainer, I've come a long way in just 12 weeks!  I know over the past year, there have been multiple reports, TV shows, etc. stating that we should work out 5 to 6 days a week (for the rest of our lives).  And my trainer gave me the tools as well as the accountability to get me on the right track.  As a result, so far I've dropped almost 2 pants sizes!


I've lost 18 pounds and lost 18 1/4 inches overall.  That's 6 1/2 inches in my waist, 4 inches in my hips, about 3 inches in each thigh, and dropped a bra size!  It's no miracle, that's for sure.  It's the result of a lot of hard work but it's well worth it;  I was able to come off of my cholesterol medicine for the first time in 4 years!  


I will continue my workouts forever, and will modify my workouts the days I'm on vacation.  It can be done as I proved it to myself in January when I was back East.  It's working for me because I finally changed my mindset.  I was tired of my (excuse the expression) "half-assed" efforts.  Diet, lose weight, inconsistent exercise, gain it back.  


There is no easy solution.  I have to put in the effort, 6 days a week.  And, I proved to myself that even in menopause, I can lose weight!

Updates

Gene's hernia operation went well although not everything is back to normal yet.  He has an appointment on March 12th to see a urologist.  Hopefully, things will be better by then.  He is quite weak still and on pain medication.  Mom says he seems a bit better today.  More prayers needed for his recovery.


We spent yesterday with Sara and Sophia.  Sophia was so cheery and having fun with a new walker toy that her Mommy got her at the store.  She seemed to be doing much better!  Still some sniffles but not bad.


I continue to have success at my weight loss and fitness plan.  I'm feeling stronger every day.  I really hope I can get off the statin drug so that I don't experience any of the side effects.  I'm concerned about the recent warnings about memory loss, high blood sugar levels, and muscle pain!  I'm taking a blood test on Tuesday to see how my cholesterol levels are since I've been working out 6 days a week for 3 months now.  The numbers should be much better now.


So, here's a quick recap on my progress...I've lost 17 pounds, and just over 14.5 inches overall. This includes 5.5 inches in the waist and 3 inches in my hips and about 2.5 inches in each thigh. I've dropped one whole pants size and the size I'm in are loose now.  Hope to lose another 8 pounds so that I can fit comfortably into size 12s.  

Operations

Little Sophia came through her ear procedure fine this morning, thank God!  She had to have tubes put in her ears.  My brother, Larry had a knee replacement operation about a week ago and seems to be progressing quite well with his rehab!  And now my step dad is having a hernia operation tomorrow morning.  I pray all goes well for him.

We've Selected the 14'er

Grays Peak (14,270 feet) and Torreys Peak (14,267 feet)...these will be our first 14'er challenge this summer!  We (Mark and I) will start our training with high altitude hikes on March 5th (if the weather is good).  One of our friends (Paulette) hikes with a lady (Eileen) who is an expert hiker and she is willing to train us, too.


We need to get some really comfortable hiking shoes along with some other gear.  So, I'm researching what we need to get now.  


When I first started working out with my personal trainer this past December, he asked me if I had any specific goals that I wanted to achieve.  And, along with losing weight and dropping a couple of sizes, I said it would be nice to hike a 14'er.  He keeps asking me if I've selected one yet.  He'll be pleasantly surprised when I see him tomorrow morning to know that I now have a plan!


I'm excited about this!  The mountains are so beautiful and breathtaking and to think that I may be able to HIKE up a mountain (or two) that size is incredible!  These two mountains are rated "moderate" difficulty.  The round trip is 8 to 9 miles and the elevation gain is 3,000 to 3,600 feet.  It should take 6 to 8 hours to accomplish.  


This is an interesting and fun challenge for us!  I'll write more updates on our training progress once we begin.

Band Plays for Elementary School Students

Our New Horizons Band played two sets today for students at Bauder Elementary School in Fort Collins.  The kids are so cute and they love it when we show off all the instruments in the band.  They seem to love the really big instruments (tuba and euphonium) as well as the loud instruments...percussion (bass drum and timpani).  They also got a kick out of the smallest instrument (piccolo).


It's a shame that here in the Poudre School District, they can't start band until 6th grade which is middle school.  I don't think they have a strings program either until then.  The kids in Fairfax County, Virginia sure are lucky to be able to start early...4th grade!


We're playing again tomorrow for Lopez Elementary School in Fort Collins.   And, we found out today that next Friday, we'll play for Johnson Elementary School in town, too.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

The sun is about to come up and despite the little bit of remaining snow on the ground and the cold chill in the air, it's another great day in Colorado!  The cloudless sky will bring abundant sunshine today, a perfect backdrop for Valentine's Day!


I'm about to head downstairs to do an hour of my cardio workout before I have to get ready for band rehearsal this morning.  I'll finish the rest of the workout later this afternoon.  I'm still doing quite well on the weight loss (13 lbs. so far), although I have plateaued the past two weeks.  But, the inches are still coming off!  I've lost 5.5 inches in my waist and over 2 inches in my hips and thighs in just 8 weeks.  Yay!  It sure hasn't been easy, but it's become a habit and will stick with me the rest of my life...I'm sure of that!  


I took a big step yesterday and got rid of ALL my big pants, even the practically new ones!  Yes, rather than boxing them up, I gave them away!  I will never go back to that size again!


Well, the spinning bike is calling so I must be off!  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Snow and Music...Interesting Night Ahead

Tonight at 7 p.m. is our band's winter concert in Fort Collins and, unfortunately, the weather folks are predicting heavy snow to start around 6 p.m.!  If that holds true, it will undoubtedly affect the size of the audience.  Tonight's performance is extra special because the band (New Horizons Band of Northern Colorado) is celebrating it's 15 year anniversary!  And, we will be recognizing 7 charter members who are still with the band followed by a reception with cake and coffee.


I've got my fingers crossed that the snow will hold off until about 9:30 p.m.!

Busy January

This was a whirlwind month that kept me so busy I didn't even have time to blog!  The month started off with a Sara's 30th birthday celebration followed by spending a night at Sara and Zach's to babysit Sophia.  It was the first time both Mom and Dad were away for the whole night!  Sophia did quite well, too!  


We loaded up the car and headed for the East Coast on January 9th and didn't get home until January 25th.  During that time we stayed with Mom and Gene, my sister, Julie and her husband Ray, and my brother, Larry and his wife, Stephanie.  We were so excited to meet our new niece, Samantha Solimini and to see our other nephews, Lucas, Alex, and Zachary!  As always, it's GREAT whenever I get to see family!  And, we also got to have lunch with an old college (and AF) buddy of mine, Louie Botta while we were at my Mom's.  He lives just a town over from her!


Our main purpose for the trip was to photograph Stephanie's sister, Melanie's wedding in Wilmington, Delaware.  Mark and I shot the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding day preparations, the ceremony, formals, and reception.  It was a lot of fun, but admittedly quite stressful and tiresome.  We were on our feet most of 12 hours and had some restrictions on photographing during the ceremony.  When we awoke the next day, both of us felt like we were hit by a Mack truck!  Our feet were sore and my arm and hand muscles ached from holding the cameras so long!  We did get a lot of nice pictures...took about 2,000!  We're in the editing mode now.  Check out the beautiful bride and groom on the right!


Mark had a New Horizons Band swing band gig this past Friday night and now we're preparing for a concert band performance this Thursday!  (Because we missed a lot of rehearsals, I'm not playing on 3 of the songs because the parts were handed out after we left.)  


Sara and Sophia visited with us yesterday and I can't believe how much Sophia has grown!  She's 8 1/2 months now and is always pulling herself up to a standing position!  I think she is going to be an early walker!  Her two bottom teeth look like they are completely in now.  I imagine we'll be seeing some others pop through soon!  Thankfully for her parents, she is now sleeping through the night!


I updated our white board "to do" list and it's completely full!  We have wine tasting events to plan, a newsletter for the New Horizons International Organization to prepare, upload photos to sell in my Etsy shop, lots of photography tasks to do for my business, in addition to drum practice and band rehearsals!  And, this month is Mark's birthday, my brother, Larry's 40th birthday, Ezra's 4th birthday, and Valentine's Day!  Whew...lots to prepare for!  


And, certainly not last on my list...I'm still working out with a trainer twice a week and working out additionally on my own a total of 6 days a week!  I started with my trainer on Dec 14th.  In addition to working out with him, I use the online program, myfitnesspal.com, to track my daily calories and workouts.  (Thanks, Michelle for the suggestion on this app!)  This program is available on a smart phone, too and automatically syncs.  So far, I've dropped a size and almost 12 pounds!  I've also lost 5 inches in my waist, 1.5 inches in my hips and 2 inches in each thigh!  IT WORKS!!!  There is absolutely no mystery as to how to lose the weight...you must be dedicated to watching what you eat AND workout 6 days a week!  That's it!  There are NO shortcuts!  My goal is to lose another 10 pounds and then to MAINTAIN.  I know the 6 days a week of workouts will need to continue forever.  That's what it takes to be healthy.  (And, that's what the medical community recommends for exercise.)  When I was on our trip back East, I couldn't always do a cardio workout but for many of the days, I found ways to do strength training in the house.  And, I used the hotel fitness rooms when we were traveling.  You can check on my weight loss progress at the bottom of this blog...you'll see "myfitnesspal" tracker there. 


As busy as the month of January was, February is starting out to be even more so!  I'll check in as I can.  

Exceptionally Beautiful Colorado Sunrise

Yesterday morning, I was up before dawn getting ready to workout when I was treated to a fantastic site...the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen!  Check out the picture on the right and be sure to click on the picture to see others.

Happy 30th Birthday, Sara

I can't believe my baby turned 30 today!  I remember the day of her birth so vividly as if it happened just yesterday!  She was the New Year's baby born in Okinawa, Japan on Jan 2nd at 12:35 a.m. (No babies were born on the 1st there.)  And, she decided to make her entrance in the labor room with only two nurses present!  Mark was busy admitting me to the hospital when Sara decided she didn't want to wait any longer!  She has been a true joy for us all these years!


Mark and I celebrated her birthday at Jax restaurant for dinner in Denver with her, Zach, Sophia, Howard and Ellen, too!  Delicious meal!  We are looking forward to babysitting Sophia next weekend so she and Zach can go out with their friends to celebrate, too!

2012...Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!  I can't believe it's 2012!  I remember when we were all worried about what would happen when we entered into the year 2000!  Y2K frenzy! (And, nothing adversely happened.)  The past few years have been tough on most people due to the poor economy, the housing market debacle and major job losses.  I hope and pray that 2012 is the year where everything turns around for the average American!  


It will get better if we all become more involved in our communities this year and realize that it's our neighbors and local communities that have the capability to resolve local issues.  We don't have to wait or depend on the Federal government to come up with solutions. It's clear that our politicians in both major parties don't plan on working with each other.  So, our communities need to depend upon each other.


We can tackle the issues ourselves.  Let's get involved in what impacts us and our neighbors and let's not hesitate to voice concerns and come up with possible solutions.  We need new ideas and we need to care for each other.  We can't afford to be complacent.  We can better our communities, whether it be as a volunteer, by attending city council or neighborhood meetings, partnering with friends to help keep our communities safe and clean, by working with the elderly (for example, a simple ride to a doctor's appointment means so much to a Senior who can no longer drive), or by mentoring a child. 


We can make 2012 the turn-around year for the average American.  Let's all get involved in our communities.  Start by getting to know the neighbors, read the minutes from the school board and town council meetings, and check into local volunteering opportunities.  2012 can be our best year yet!  Happy New Year!