December 31, 2008, January 1, 2009

The other day I heard all this birdsong outside the window and looked out in time to see a small flock of birds fly by.  But, I kept hearing it and then the whole flock landed in this apple tree outside the side window.  They would fly around all as one, and then land in the tree the same way.  I don't know what they are, but they were beautiful to watch and listen to.

Today, when I went to start the car I didn't know what would happen.  I only let one day go by since the last time I drove it.  But, it started up right away.  Cool!

When I drove to the pizza place to pick up my pizza, I noticed that the streets weren't snow packed anymore.  So, after lunch, I took a walk . . . I haven't taken a walk in over a week.  And I've been eating sugar and other fattening stuff (sunflower and pumpkin seeds) like mad.  My lined jeans that I had to buy one size bigger than usual, were actually fitting me almost snug.  That's scary!  Anyway, the walk was so nice.  I love looking at the mountains as I walk.  I only made it a couple miles, though.  Last time I walked, I think it was about three miles.  I still have a ways to go before I can keep up with the seniors club, though!!

Thursday, January 1st, 2009!!

Happy New Year!!

I went for another walk today, and got the whole two and a half miles in, so that's good.  On the way back, I got to see the train again.  I get such a kick out of the train . . . and it always blows it's whistle as it goes by.  It's usually not just "choo choo", it's usually some other fancier whistle.  I wonder if I like trains because of country music, or if I like country music because of trains?  It's a mystery.

I also saw a pair of mourning doves today.  I haven't seen them here before.  Isn't it cool how you always see mourning doves in pairs?  It was that way in Maine, and that way here.  Then, I saw the little flock of birds from the above picture.  They were in another apple tree today.  When I got close they flew away into a nearby tall tree.  They are very vocal birds!

I wanted to go to the movies today, but everyone else in town had the same idea, so I skipped it.  I went shopping instead, just to kill some time.  I found a cool pair of cords for $10 on sale at Pennys!  I have to hem them, but they will be perfect to wear for my first dance this Saturday night . . . if it doesn't snow.

December 28, 29, 2008

Sunday

Enjoying the last few days of 2008.  Yesterday, I went out to the car so I could go to the movies.  It wouldn't start!  I haven't driven it for days, and it's been in the single digits at night.  Thad offered to jump it, but I declined his offer. I decided it wasn't meant to be and I came back in.  

And, man, did I ever get a lot done!  Since my self-publishing disaster, I have discovered that Amazon will publish your book, one book at a time, for essentially nothing.  So, I loaded up my yoga book and will see if the pictures come out any better there.  If not, I will replace the pictures and try again.  At least I don't have to put out an arm and leg for reprinting two hundred books.  But, then!  I found out they are having a "special."  They have two choices . . . standard and pro.  Pro costs $40, but you make more money and when you buy your own books, (yes, you have to buy your own books when you do it this way), that's cheaper, also.  And Pro is free until the end of the month.  But, I didn't know exactly what you had to do to get it free.  I got it free for the yoga book, but I had several others (some half written, some almost finished, and my India book still in the major editing stages) that I could put up there, too.  It turns out that all you need was an ISBN number, and when I got the ISBN number for my yoga book, I bought ten!  So, I had ISBN numbers for all of them!  Is that cool or what?!  It shows that I got the Pro on all of them (six all together!), so hopefully, that's true.

Thad introduced me to his dog, Diesel.  Diesel is a very friendly and beautiful pit bull.  He has one of those never ending smiles on his face - - a great, big grin.  He was good to hug, too.  I wanted to take a picture of him, but big, tough pit bull, Diesel, is a little camera shy!

Monday

It took me ten minutes, but I finally got the car started today.  Luckily, the battery is strong.  It was really bad of me not to drive it or at least start it on those really cold days.  I won't do that again.

And being in town was a pleasure again.  There is something about Durango that just makes me smile.  Perhaps it is that everywhere I look, 360 degrees around, is a beautiful, snowy, white mountain.    I am surrounded by beauty!  How could I not smile at that?!

I went out this evening to take the trash out, since Pam isn't here.  I looked up and there shone Orion down at me!  How cool is that!?  

That's Abby and Spencer playing in the snow.

December 24th and 25th, 2008

Snowy Colorado

Wednesday night

Last night I went to an "orphans" Christmas eve dinner with the Durango Seniors Outdoors Singles group.  I joined a few weeks ago, but I had never gone to any of their outings, and so I didn't know anyone.  The other day I called the person giving the dinner and asked if it would be appropriate if I went.  She said they'd be glad to have me.  So, then, I had to go!

If you know me, and you do (!), you know that I am not a party girl.  I'm not even comfortable at parties where I know everyone.  So, this was an incredible stretch for me.  But . . . this is the new me, and I'm not the same person as I used to be.  I had to do this, and I knew it would be fine.

It was.  I did myself proud, honestly!  I went from wallflower to . . . well, almost comfortable.  Everyone welcomed me in, and I had a great time.  I talked to a lot of people and felt pretty comfortable doing it.  What a great experience it was for me.  I was the youngest, but oh well.

It reminded me of another time in my life.  I was living in Lake Tahoe and had just broken up with my long time boyfriend, Ed.  Like now, I wanted to meet some new people . . . and, well, some new men!  So, I joined the rock and mineral club, since I'm into that.  I went to the first meeting, and there, too, I was the youngest . . . but at that club, I was the youngest by at least twenty years!  I didn't stay long with that group!  But, my new group, I think will benefit me with a lot of new, good friends.

Thursday, Christmas Day

More snow.

I love when it snows on Christmas day.  What a wonderful gift that is.  I wanted to go to the movies today, but, oh well!  I had pizza and coke and too much pie and ice cream.  Way too much.  

I sat by the window watching the snow and working on my computer.  I thought about how grateful I am to have such incredibly wonderful friends in my life.  I am so lucky!  The joy just bubbled up inside of me.

The last few years my Mom was in Los Angeles, after my brothers all left town, I always felt bad when my Mom had to spend Christmas alone.  She always said, "It's just another day," and I never believed her.  But, now, I see.  She was right.  It's true.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends, and I wasn't really alone at all . . . I had their love and support to keep me company.

Life is sweet.

Sunday, Dec 21

Pam and Thad went to Denver for the weekend, so I watched Christmas and other movies all weekend, starting with Friday night.  I totally televisioned myself out!  But, it was great.  Seeing old and new movies and enjoying the joy of the season.

I went for a walk one of the days, and sang myself Christmas songs.  I'm really getting into the season!  On my way back, I saw a deer a little bit ahead of me.  He saw me too, and bounded off, doing that deer-hop that they do.  He hopped, hopped, hopped, and then stopped, and looked back at me.  Still too close for him, so he hopped, hopped, hopped again, stopped, and looked back again.  He did it three or four times, until he felt safe.  But, it was so cool watching him.

Pam really gets into decorating, and I love all her stuff.  Check out the moose in the manger!

Tues, Wed

Tuesday

Snow and more snow!  There was a bout a foot of it out there.  It took me almost all morning shoveling out.  I met the woman next door.  Her name is Cathy, and she is a teacher.  Today is a snow day!  I was going to quit shoveling and go in for a rest ten times, but I saw here working away and not quitting, so I couldn't.  I'm too competitive, you know?!  She's my age and I couldn't give in.  The berm was over a foot high and heavy with compacted ice.  I kept going between the "regular" snow and the berm.  The berm was just too heavy to do it non-stop.  I felt really good when everything was finished, though.  A foot!  Bummer!  Remind me why I didn't move to Florida . . ..  In the picture with the chair, look at the little doggie foot prints in front of it.

Wednesday

We were supposed to get more snow last night and today, but it only fluttered a little for a little while.  I think we'll get hit tonight, though.  But, the coolest thing just happened as I sat at my desk in front of the window.  It's dark, and there is a little bit of light from the Christmas lights.  Suddenly, a dark shadow moved in front of my window . . . remember the yard in front of my window has about a foot of snow on it.  I thought it was a dog or something, so I pressed my face closer to the glass so I could see what was out there.  Antlers!  I saw antlers!  It was a deer walking across the lawn RIGHT in front of my window.  If the window would've been open I could've almost touched him!  How cool is that!  That's awesome, is what it is!!  Simply awesome.

Monday, December 16, 2008

A week ago Sunday I went to a holiday music festival at Fort Lewis College.  It was great.  Kids and adults in the Durango choral society singing ethnic holiday music and old favorites.  It was wonderful.  I had a great time.

I've been walking almost every day trying to get up to speed!  I started taking a different route, and the other day I was out and about when the Durango-Silverton train went by.  I've been trying to get a glimpse of it, but haven't had any luck.  But, this day I got to see it!  I just happened to be walking by a clearing when it went by.  I love trains!  This was so cool, I was so excited to be able to see it!

The picture is what the nearby mountain looks like after a little snowfall.   It snowed again today, and when Pam got home tonight, she and I both went out and shoveled.  I enjoyed the shoveling . . . for now!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Yesterday my books came!  Yea!  I opened the box and saw my first (self-) published book, _Bathroom Yoga_.  I know it sounds silly, but all it really is is chair yoga.  There are silly photographs inside of the different poses.  Unfortunately, the pictures came out looking very poor quality.  I'm disappointed, because they didn't look that way on the pdf proof that I got from the printer.  Oh, well, nothing I can do now.  Aside from that, the book looks pretty good.

I took it to a local consignment shop and I'll see how it does there.  I also put it on Amazon and eBay and half.com.  Hopefully, I'll get some sales!

I took a walk the other day and found another wonderful area that I could live in a second.  It was beautiful, and there was this one house in particular, with horses I might add, that was right by a gurgling stream.  What a wonderful place.

I'm still trying to get my walking up to four miles so I can go on the walk with the Durango Seniors Outdoors.  It is so embarrassing not being able to keep up with "seniors"!!!!  On one of my walks, I stopped at a garage sale and bought a small bike.  It's more a kids' size bike, but I'll raise the seat and it should be fine.  I'm not really a bike rider, but I think it will help with my fitness level!  So, I will become a bike rider!

December 2, 2008

The puppies left last week.  I miss them, their energy, their cuteness, their enthusiasm, and of course, their puppy breath!  Hopefully, they will each get adopted to a loving home.

I've been taking walks around here and discovered some horses close by.  I can't figure out how to get to the place where I can actually hike.  It looks close, but I can't find a way to get there.  "Ya can't get there from here!"  I think ya can, I just haven't found it yet.

Last Wednesday, I went to Albertson's Market to meet up with "Durango Seniors Outdoors" to go on a four mile walk by the river.  I must have been in the wrong place, cause I never found them.  But, I decided to go by myself.  It's a very nice paved walkway that follows the Animas River.  I walked and walked and walked, and finally decided to turn around, thankfully.  I didn't get that much farther when I discovered blisters on both heels!  Bummer!  It was hard getting the rest of the way back, but I managed.  I passed some seniors on the way out, and I think that was them.  But, they were walking very fast, and I was glad that I didn't find them!  Especially because of the blisters!

I've been trying to work my way up to the four miles, so I can go the next time, but tomorrow is Wednesday, and I'm not quite ready, so I'll wait another week.  Whatever.

I received an email listing the upcoming outings.  Would you believe they are mostly too much for me?  Snowshoeing five miles?  I don't think so.  Hopefully, I'll find some activities that I can do!  Boy, I'm in a seniors group and still can't keep up!  That is just totally embarrassing.

Yesterday, I went on an adventure.  When I lived here before, thirty years ago, there was a road that I named "Epitome Road."  I went on it first with my Mom, when she drove out here with me.  It was all farms and ranches.  While we were driving, we had to stop for a herd of sheep to cross the road.  The reason I named it "Epitome Road" is because it was the epitome of why I moved to Durango.  That was thirty years ago.

Back to yesterday . . . I had no idea what I would find on the road.  Condominiums?  Malls?  Housing complexes?  I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.  It was the best.  I saw so many horses just in the first couple miles of the road.  The farms and ranches are mostly still there.  I saw some new/newer houses, but there weren't that many, and they were far apart.  Toward the end of the road, where it connects to a major highway, it was a little more populated than it used to be, but all in all, it was still a wonderful road, and will keep its name, "Epitome Road."

I know I need to take some pictures.  I'll do that soon.