tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22131245639426695302024-03-09T05:27:42.965-08:00our grand adventureTammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.comBlogger636125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-61634867452673774542024-03-01T17:31:00.000-08:002024-03-01T17:35:10.112-08:00Lifestyle of Learning 2024 Edition: Volume 2<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">February 1-29</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I read The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanne Cannon, The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf, I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl by Joyce Hansen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K0zqiVnJYNgdPArgmWqGQ6mXevQ3lj6jqaCQXFpdysQmZ9lJuIHx8-htLa_Z2zzeuYE_FwmjnIE_GiAhRnxECrGBAwVZp2q8Ler70LcmuXLJXg7SXz21iRM3D38fPT-3PUUL4oR0-nuUIVhyphenhyphen-Fjce1mkgOfdSsJVvZNKMwwcQbA6cpS_vjcKsMX-kHM/s4032/20240207_064114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K0zqiVnJYNgdPArgmWqGQ6mXevQ3lj6jqaCQXFpdysQmZ9lJuIHx8-htLa_Z2zzeuYE_FwmjnIE_GiAhRnxECrGBAwVZp2q8Ler70LcmuXLJXg7SXz21iRM3D38fPT-3PUUL4oR0-nuUIVhyphenhyphen-Fjce1mkgOfdSsJVvZNKMwwcQbA6cpS_vjcKsMX-kHM/s320/20240207_064114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am reading Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor by Kathryn Lasky and Heroes of the City of Man by Peter Leithert.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVgv3XIa64uPLJrwDXwucQ0BXmrc697Rq1ntgvxzvctZDaZL0NDppAXeNAK2w37EJtNasVgm1nhyy3kRR5am8owtHFtQdQbn1Ypy-axHqIvkv9K1vtwNMRv1yjwWVndk7P4ZkQtOAj_vFCSTvOi20oWxjSQ0bnE1q-N0eBv9bYMOQ5qZb_aHbp2Of_yA/s4032/20240207_065954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVgv3XIa64uPLJrwDXwucQ0BXmrc697Rq1ntgvxzvctZDaZL0NDppAXeNAK2w37EJtNasVgm1nhyy3kRR5am8owtHFtQdQbn1Ypy-axHqIvkv9K1vtwNMRv1yjwWVndk7P4ZkQtOAj_vFCSTvOi20oWxjSQ0bnE1q-N0eBv9bYMOQ5qZb_aHbp2Of_yA/s320/20240207_065954.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I learned about the roto-sphere and saw one of the nine that remain on public display. <a href="https://www.roadarch.com/sca/roto.html">Read more about roto-spheres at this site.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLUCkDTTFT1JrvTQkpCYseTnH-Lfu6IIEwPftQ9lxtBtwiL3bWoFjyWovgE5FBuxwTzuQJgDaPWcZc7Q5tJN5rp8xA-ys0XCAULMlzkVIL4TLkFLe-Y9PLJcaWT7lGFivASknHJ2PwnXkejHl1vdPV3kh5jgUFDLnJWT8NSqAgJdnz0q7yWPCOCFIRvw/s4032/20240218_093322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLUCkDTTFT1JrvTQkpCYseTnH-Lfu6IIEwPftQ9lxtBtwiL3bWoFjyWovgE5FBuxwTzuQJgDaPWcZc7Q5tJN5rp8xA-ys0XCAULMlzkVIL4TLkFLe-Y9PLJcaWT7lGFivASknHJ2PwnXkejHl1vdPV3kh5jgUFDLnJWT8NSqAgJdnz0q7yWPCOCFIRvw/s320/20240218_093322.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have been making some red winged blackbird observations. I have been wondering if they migrate during the winter or if they hunker down during these cold months. I have noted that on the warmer days this month a couple of male blackbirds have made an appearance and then they are not to be seen when the cold descends again. I believe that they stay for the winter hunkered down in cozy homes nestled at the base of the cattails and reeds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTHo-odzCveL6zTDm9ctboAQb_3jT0ew6B6Nl3_kSSaupfuGYOmqXRkFvXt6N8qawVlkDtJ8h4zk3yjcY24e1C_12dqrDMA_wcnEgyKm4HcDKSbwdnt4kiwkjIWdIpChvj2xFrZnjl_xfWM_fet22AABKQxyQS6cuu86HttjJDiSQCqIJbTRb5gL50CY/s3051/20240225_170949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3051" data-original-width="2288" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTHo-odzCveL6zTDm9ctboAQb_3jT0ew6B6Nl3_kSSaupfuGYOmqXRkFvXt6N8qawVlkDtJ8h4zk3yjcY24e1C_12dqrDMA_wcnEgyKm4HcDKSbwdnt4kiwkjIWdIpChvj2xFrZnjl_xfWM_fet22AABKQxyQS6cuu86HttjJDiSQCqIJbTRb5gL50CY/s320/20240225_170949.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I observed a great horned owl at Mama's. Two days in a row it has roosted in a tree outside the house. I knew that great horned owls were large but to see just how large it is... breathtaking! Wow!!! Do you see it?!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv9e9XyhyphenhyphenT2Ri-9lg85YdtYnHQjVPKyiPWJLlKZ1_Iq-HKVpND8cKdu8Mo0Dxu3TjaP9qEGNP2RIedmbG5TOQ_-uSVqaHul1Kf7bwrovUyfcpQ8efsVcrxnUbcLNy-fRiCAzpqSajo3PWKiojj-0RXnPyBby9SpQcoZgDZg3d-QccjeypZmYJXubyp8w/s4032/20240219_075516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv9e9XyhyphenhyphenT2Ri-9lg85YdtYnHQjVPKyiPWJLlKZ1_Iq-HKVpND8cKdu8Mo0Dxu3TjaP9qEGNP2RIedmbG5TOQ_-uSVqaHul1Kf7bwrovUyfcpQ8efsVcrxnUbcLNy-fRiCAzpqSajo3PWKiojj-0RXnPyBby9SpQcoZgDZg3d-QccjeypZmYJXubyp8w/s320/20240219_075516.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- On a beautiful day, Herb and I took a walk at the nature center. The view, with it's trees stripped down, was starkly stunning. We observed some ducks and the birds were quite active.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2juMZPi9T_J7Xt75ZIWN3r08hoHBRiaz80HpLorkmGEJ4_yxcQ5Qx5YjKJ801ymyy4kUDdh3UOB4cNSomkyVxdLYVt9mJvKUo7tEUXS2FFxHTnm9HO0EYmv6POAgTJpV8gm-kTVLgH0K_YPckDF1v_cV3C44LNrGjYLmJPMon30gM6yBJKk7BnAmDFyk/s4032/20240219_075446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2juMZPi9T_J7Xt75ZIWN3r08hoHBRiaz80HpLorkmGEJ4_yxcQ5Qx5YjKJ801ymyy4kUDdh3UOB4cNSomkyVxdLYVt9mJvKUo7tEUXS2FFxHTnm9HO0EYmv6POAgTJpV8gm-kTVLgH0K_YPckDF1v_cV3C44LNrGjYLmJPMon30gM6yBJKk7BnAmDFyk/s320/20240219_075446.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I did some ax throwing! This was a first for me and it was a good time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZmkBVhuYQxwzPolZEUaOqeDGrMbCdhxiU5s89oYiNtNIwGJ-MhvOcFe3FdaDcdowoE0tz9samc4s_ytfTtJpcNjYqA6vXA2Wua9kVQCmDKKb5zr-1mR5KuRS8p7Ff5tpBEieJPf72KF7kJFbrUR1ujfZ951cj1tjpDSnyuGuHVc6cO8pkdRjp4HoW_s/s4032/20240207_115933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZmkBVhuYQxwzPolZEUaOqeDGrMbCdhxiU5s89oYiNtNIwGJ-MhvOcFe3FdaDcdowoE0tz9samc4s_ytfTtJpcNjYqA6vXA2Wua9kVQCmDKKb5zr-1mR5KuRS8p7Ff5tpBEieJPf72KF7kJFbrUR1ujfZ951cj1tjpDSnyuGuHVc6cO8pkdRjp4HoW_s/s320/20240207_115933.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I made another trip to New Mexico. I made this trip alone and it was centered around Torrance County. I went to church and heard a sermon related to a chapter in 1 Samuel. I played lots of games with the family, had great conversations with friends and family, and ate some delish food.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x24QcrtOIXLA7130320S2SjgEvYmAkk1spSlM5aulAUjrF-mWpQqjdRjM92yJ0oya7g5-VFnBMLvyeb5jplg0N_btojZMEGwIU6e0tKmCVYjszRXgaUPcbU7Eqqzjiu2TOXVwVcKce6vWLKfjxwSQ8_budvamUd6la61D7CEUP5OCgwKvHXgXae6Vyc/s4032/20240218_094405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5x24QcrtOIXLA7130320S2SjgEvYmAkk1spSlM5aulAUjrF-mWpQqjdRjM92yJ0oya7g5-VFnBMLvyeb5jplg0N_btojZMEGwIU6e0tKmCVYjszRXgaUPcbU7Eqqzjiu2TOXVwVcKce6vWLKfjxwSQ8_budvamUd6la61D7CEUP5OCgwKvHXgXae6Vyc/s320/20240218_094405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I saw a performance of In the Heights. Twice!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vmSfHjKZ_yrFNZmxLuZg3gyT_HbzpYIg-Q1_yhRhi8I3Inr9GFTpImSjQ5a3K7a9fgs9SrJvx3y0ZK91N1xpzx0dlr2453OraSCUUMiWRf75DNbwHrWW0fdMlG81zy3syAuYh3ETDBq1MlmVx_bSwaWdC4uGziZpaQuaMRCiXL4saqYDVW3mTVsyQyM/s4032/20240203_220204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vmSfHjKZ_yrFNZmxLuZg3gyT_HbzpYIg-Q1_yhRhi8I3Inr9GFTpImSjQ5a3K7a9fgs9SrJvx3y0ZK91N1xpzx0dlr2453OraSCUUMiWRf75DNbwHrWW0fdMlG81zy3syAuYh3ETDBq1MlmVx_bSwaWdC4uGziZpaQuaMRCiXL4saqYDVW3mTVsyQyM/s320/20240203_220204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I have been continuing to journal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I watched journaling related videos by February and June. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj71ovsr_wSih1MqOadU1ZxinBkcFnq9z0uyC4fM8TiZ4VGt8MdeGnWBnmOcq2nMDxS9i2EnoEVj-gaH54fw6HIFWyZZqZc_jW4bBYIDkP8gr5RiBBrL2sVDqu0i9UOO-19oQem0DIP665cz187EI4Gfir8Q0wkMlL4yjZBtukjX8PpH67EMqjHyuDpg/s4032/20240212_092431.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHj71ovsr_wSih1MqOadU1ZxinBkcFnq9z0uyC4fM8TiZ4VGt8MdeGnWBnmOcq2nMDxS9i2EnoEVj-gaH54fw6HIFWyZZqZc_jW4bBYIDkP8gr5RiBBrL2sVDqu0i9UOO-19oQem0DIP665cz187EI4Gfir8Q0wkMlL4yjZBtukjX8PpH67EMqjHyuDpg/s320/20240212_092431.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to the following podcasts: X22 Report; The Snake River Killer; Zone 7; The Case; Unspeakable Crime: The Case of Jessica Chambers; Mind of a Monster; Life Without: The Untold Story of Heath Stocks; Bone Valley and The Snake River Killer and am presently listening to Counter Clock.</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-36076204039849970162024-01-02T12:30:00.000-08:002024-02-26T12:38:46.116-08:00My 24 Hard Things for 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eoKOkelJI0JWcK9KdXsxqZ0-G6ALy8ygwSxr3cNiHscGI45pXgM5ESIKq3C9rKKwLWuA3C9iC6ZMrFdJR9GXCK3TZc7S26c8l1ql8rtIQk4XplpsdWQWA5mYxckpNzpydBL9m-WjXS2AsI1c205tuIcmqYmmSi-NAc1NWQHpXulNQGZx6S1ZkxQVi0c/s4032/20240103_074849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eoKOkelJI0JWcK9KdXsxqZ0-G6ALy8ygwSxr3cNiHscGI45pXgM5ESIKq3C9rKKwLWuA3C9iC6ZMrFdJR9GXCK3TZc7S26c8l1ql8rtIQk4XplpsdWQWA5mYxckpNzpydBL9m-WjXS2AsI1c205tuIcmqYmmSi-NAc1NWQHpXulNQGZx6S1ZkxQVi0c/s320/20240103_074849.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">In 2023, I declared 23 Hard Things that I aspired to do and committed to focusing on. As a whole, it was successful. I'm going to give it another try in this new year. Here are my 24 Hard Things for 2024 </p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Read 48 books, in addition to books of the Bible that get read. Reading 48 books was one of my hard things in 2023 and, given the fact that I read soooo many more than that, it may seem that it is not quite right to still consider this to be a hard thing for this next year. However, I intend on devoting significantly more time writing in 2024 which will make it more difficult to devote time to reading. Additionally, 12 of the 48 books need to come from my personal library and 12 of the 48 need to be memoir, biography or autobiography. </p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Replace gutters.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Trim trees.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Get rid of the van.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) Edit and curate the attic quarters.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Have at least one adventure per month.</p><p style="text-align: center;">7) Use or purge extra scrapbooks.</p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Purge a minimum of 1800 items.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Lift weights a minimum of 48 times.</p><p style="text-align: center;">10) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">11) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">12) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">13) Write at least 12 letters.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14) Graph monthly spending by category for at least 6 months.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15) Learn 12 songs on the mandolin.</p><p style="text-align: center;">16)Write 60 blog entries, can be any combination of my blogs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">17) Dance.</p><p style="text-align: center;">18) Do 100% of Balancing the Sword Volume 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">19) Take at least 12 spectacular photographs.</p><p style="text-align: center;">20) Learn a new skill.</p><p style="text-align: center;">21) Get the boys mending completed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">22) Have the big trash hauled off.</p><p style="text-align: center;">23) Reorganize the Christmas ornaments.</p><p style="text-align: center;">24) Try 25 new recipes. </p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-15577658866002561812023-12-16T17:48:00.000-08:002023-12-16T17:48:04.563-08:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 13<p style="text-align: center;"> December 1 - 15</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">"Leave the earth dry and live with no regrets." -Mariah Johnson</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3cgja_oa5OVqx9h6wvr7eYG5ePACYKUlraqAQD1xG78lhZobyMeZmfS6T7gUFgQCTsw0tq8N4R8HV8DqEqLqGXnJ5-o0g5iojBJDnCPzB2jN-RShbikwcsyVqPQsJcdG-HOQm5mShm_h5O0rmHGYwhfZrx0bI-Ebkj3K7fQVjL4bXHqxQB4ooxr7QQ8/s4032/20231202_141918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3cgja_oa5OVqx9h6wvr7eYG5ePACYKUlraqAQD1xG78lhZobyMeZmfS6T7gUFgQCTsw0tq8N4R8HV8DqEqLqGXnJ5-o0g5iojBJDnCPzB2jN-RShbikwcsyVqPQsJcdG-HOQm5mShm_h5O0rmHGYwhfZrx0bI-Ebkj3K7fQVjL4bXHqxQB4ooxr7QQ8/s320/20231202_141918.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-I have read above quoted book, Relentless Melt by Jeremy Bushnell, and In Time of Harvest by John Sinclair.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxQl0p6i6UelaFPas0QWfVcAxoF7dCp0MnCX_Up_N3XtJ_xaZdKM3V3JkcP4iSg7qYmx1asIsVOfjmeNA4FIBFVG6GYAIKqlvUGfZkzzNkDciD-fUzOcUxICd-tI5UORQn4mW-DqTpm_i-mE8EJLxLDseT-PyXWL8Kov395XURVZ_6kO_LxOmGzstlik/s4032/20231203_200827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxQl0p6i6UelaFPas0QWfVcAxoF7dCp0MnCX_Up_N3XtJ_xaZdKM3V3JkcP4iSg7qYmx1asIsVOfjmeNA4FIBFVG6GYAIKqlvUGfZkzzNkDciD-fUzOcUxICd-tI5UORQn4mW-DqTpm_i-mE8EJLxLDseT-PyXWL8Kov395XURVZ_6kO_LxOmGzstlik/s320/20231203_200827.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I attended Cocoa Chronicles, a live radio show performance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL3xkIiRMGtscumaPdJUCAmLeuXdtXkHL226_BFVDStBE0BhNcpaDX8EuIk8PulTXE82H1vkN65eYdf_pVIQTcnVAYaq9ueapXPTZ_ZbC3eJusE0DaAqXVMc6JBI47nfTbjFVO09Ygq3f9mz9OyzNPpvk1qF7r53Qt7okqhZVYYVm-AWU8EnG_xhlnoc/s4032/20231207_184625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKL3xkIiRMGtscumaPdJUCAmLeuXdtXkHL226_BFVDStBE0BhNcpaDX8EuIk8PulTXE82H1vkN65eYdf_pVIQTcnVAYaq9ueapXPTZ_ZbC3eJusE0DaAqXVMc6JBI47nfTbjFVO09Ygq3f9mz9OyzNPpvk1qF7r53Qt7okqhZVYYVm-AWU8EnG_xhlnoc/s320/20231207_184625.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am reading The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUAAdq_1tJkzG8cHPgaP1E-bLEu4MJE8iOMXfS7V711-0KsHqkiINX662LGRsZ6KFTTQXcoMj0Pp736pmC56syDOJliSeavbGWsK6ur-kcmmvbLsN5mN4PdevNzsgTKnWyAIl0h0JyttkbBJJNysLrvh3T-KxX_y5eN0td5u3_5fztiptZRzdKHI4WTw/s4032/20231212_142935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUAAdq_1tJkzG8cHPgaP1E-bLEu4MJE8iOMXfS7V711-0KsHqkiINX662LGRsZ6KFTTQXcoMj0Pp736pmC56syDOJliSeavbGWsK6ur-kcmmvbLsN5mN4PdevNzsgTKnWyAIl0h0JyttkbBJJNysLrvh3T-KxX_y5eN0td5u3_5fztiptZRzdKHI4WTw/s320/20231212_142935.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I managed to get to the gym twice (still recovering) and went for a walk at the park to see the Christmas lights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhYsHfaoq0ELzt6I59b89L85NGdzTlDwRPS_BgIUyCcJJcYHn1Dd3Remrq6OY46LQtgoyr84401S9IflikOIGre0vtku_s5VliIhoSKGJu3aDLe30tnPgV7SC8iljBWtc4s22Ypg1vx0AfJ1TC00EAGxSzK7nm7L-CMgxbbLzCKc-vWIUXjDwyXx7Q0I/s4032/20231207_184840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhYsHfaoq0ELzt6I59b89L85NGdzTlDwRPS_BgIUyCcJJcYHn1Dd3Remrq6OY46LQtgoyr84401S9IflikOIGre0vtku_s5VliIhoSKGJu3aDLe30tnPgV7SC8iljBWtc4s22Ypg1vx0AfJ1TC00EAGxSzK7nm7L-CMgxbbLzCKc-vWIUXjDwyXx7Q0I/s320/20231207_184840.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am doing a lot of journaling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc6MILz7rYcF916okRwUGSnIKBzmKLnByIX56zc95sLEezqxXFTO699uM0vDRV4aTbxUckOkkzLu6o8JAhi2A5hLOxxp22Lz4xo6oEm7xvvElZRgZkPO_3UGCBPCU4esIybEBzK1ODtrEBa_2cn1H_JFAZqfVgcNFdTwxVg5TZRhlnhQW7BzTBfp4QJo/s4032/20231202_145522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglc6MILz7rYcF916okRwUGSnIKBzmKLnByIX56zc95sLEezqxXFTO699uM0vDRV4aTbxUckOkkzLu6o8JAhi2A5hLOxxp22Lz4xo6oEm7xvvElZRgZkPO_3UGCBPCU4esIybEBzK1ODtrEBa_2cn1H_JFAZqfVgcNFdTwxVg5TZRhlnhQW7BzTBfp4QJo/s320/20231202_145522.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I am listening to the following podcasts: The Piketon Massacre, Zone 7, Shallow Graves</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhwqUXTjg8BHQ_SduuepLLGh4jflKU3O_IaQq5ArI6OCCAqFEFDm21Mf6wkTQkoF7rBpb2HfIxSZBtvnDPFdBinAJg8LyfXGquEwpabrSFjzLD4Cs2-iQKbMKX0_-tKAe1taxUvEZoFipn-r0bMoClBErqcczqmVSo-TmvB2ebbM5r5aHrfaPtxDgUKw/s4032/20231212_152821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhwqUXTjg8BHQ_SduuepLLGh4jflKU3O_IaQq5ArI6OCCAqFEFDm21Mf6wkTQkoF7rBpb2HfIxSZBtvnDPFdBinAJg8LyfXGquEwpabrSFjzLD4Cs2-iQKbMKX0_-tKAe1taxUvEZoFipn-r0bMoClBErqcczqmVSo-TmvB2ebbM5r5aHrfaPtxDgUKw/s320/20231212_152821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am researching and have begun doing exercises to improve foot, ankle, and knee health. Did you know that there are 33 joints in each foot?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaz1NiP3YeJiW2qfpeRE6KmpNL6z_gOznZ6OwnMZh6zVoP-wCN6DUlzl1wDnbKWCGHRC0ah3grk1s1RBJ3UJe_b1KSxEOU5OD7SAqwCTYISRoSA5UH8XYHjCQTxWiSgL4buDFyhRbVMhEx543OsmrYqWF6obFdGkInG8rf7bvjeC6CPOsaCC5htiKfzI/s4032/20231208_160944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaz1NiP3YeJiW2qfpeRE6KmpNL6z_gOznZ6OwnMZh6zVoP-wCN6DUlzl1wDnbKWCGHRC0ah3grk1s1RBJ3UJe_b1KSxEOU5OD7SAqwCTYISRoSA5UH8XYHjCQTxWiSgL4buDFyhRbVMhEx543OsmrYqWF6obFdGkInG8rf7bvjeC6CPOsaCC5htiKfzI/s320/20231208_160944.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I learned to play Ono99.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-42407001359417847002023-12-01T18:26:00.000-08:002023-12-01T18:26:17.864-08:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 12<p style="text-align: center;"> November 16-30</p><p style="text-align: center;">"The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions, the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss or a smile, a kind of look, a heartfelt compliment, and the countless infinitesimal of pleasurable thought and genial feeling." -Coleridge</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I read Nevada: Off the Beaten Path by Donna Peck, Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills, Home-Making by J.R. Miller, Return to Abo by Sharon Niederman, The Case of the Runaway Corpse by Erle Stanley Gardner, and Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred Taylor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tyaSSfIOEqrsJgFOOIoVO0qJ5dJnIp4JQvZYkhibFsc5iG-B-drNPcpg9AAd03PuGz3lrgYyRcthH4dUQR4dPxPx5tkJmo6CUlE205LDNVN5iuoQo0TJmxQuuYG_i__08e_PTUzjMSzFxVQHMvd5-LgFLoAdg0AuGP34bRgzkTdNsa2hprz-52JUkC0/s4032/20231117_190617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tyaSSfIOEqrsJgFOOIoVO0qJ5dJnIp4JQvZYkhibFsc5iG-B-drNPcpg9AAd03PuGz3lrgYyRcthH4dUQR4dPxPx5tkJmo6CUlE205LDNVN5iuoQo0TJmxQuuYG_i__08e_PTUzjMSzFxVQHMvd5-LgFLoAdg0AuGP34bRgzkTdNsa2hprz-52JUkC0/s320/20231117_190617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I saw an original theatrical production, At Risk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMM9U9Xnh8jrNDOML93t_1xiBObgeTekmASFLLzJhpy67Nmp0DPxUIBe00RH3FbAkhFsfTbN-ctjPuCFFVxhnusvlJt5wQ_Ddb36SnEr94D4fDcZHr4YhvUcxfyZYsWwvww0XFqHLRTYmKSKG57cVKZ2lPmA7KQDl_prRxgYuRhDC94tzQGEDtGh2tng/s4032/20231123_084151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMM9U9Xnh8jrNDOML93t_1xiBObgeTekmASFLLzJhpy67Nmp0DPxUIBe00RH3FbAkhFsfTbN-ctjPuCFFVxhnusvlJt5wQ_Ddb36SnEr94D4fDcZHr4YhvUcxfyZYsWwvww0XFqHLRTYmKSKG57cVKZ2lPmA7KQDl_prRxgYuRhDC94tzQGEDtGh2tng/s320/20231123_084151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I am listening to these podcasts: Zone 7, The Fall Line, Gone South, Dark Valley, Witnessed: Fade to Black, X22, LISK, Citizen Detective, Shallow Graves, Why Can't We Talk About Amanda's Mom?, The A to Z of David Bowie, and The History of Rock Music in 500 Songs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFFYD8hWAaV06VP3AmN2St0-J8s2NnR5pw2TelQFtFG018T-EQVjmh2EwU_P7jvMreJWxUvlqFBv80lTExyb9Ai18mGZ_cYwiOv5ny9qu-FzjSaaP0C_vbCWAGwDaWPDNV6NWfwR677sgZ3p4ksWum1vI70LoIco0vUoEw-6yL5Lqnhds_ze0vcfyi8M/s4032/20231120_072902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSFFYD8hWAaV06VP3AmN2St0-J8s2NnR5pw2TelQFtFG018T-EQVjmh2EwU_P7jvMreJWxUvlqFBv80lTExyb9Ai18mGZ_cYwiOv5ny9qu-FzjSaaP0C_vbCWAGwDaWPDNV6NWfwR677sgZ3p4ksWum1vI70LoIco0vUoEw-6yL5Lqnhds_ze0vcfyi8M/s320/20231120_072902.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I am reading The Autobiography and Other Writings by Benjamin Franklin, Human Property Hanging in the Family Tree Yields a Harvest by Ann Lee, and The Invention of Nature: Alexander Von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea9pQbgKz4Sv4DuriukqJMWOt9fxv6CEO776FHzWIusHb5M7zCCpTkF3uAYXNm6mD4TZVx31-GOkS5AOTrl-KZ2qUoeNjeGyT3zY6StNGE7UEqKY3QQzVf5hYae9FHHzaTKD-rS2o7JWtnGHxInfMPqQXks00QhXgEyyjQMHAq4l7O3U201w1WedUdVE/s3104/20231124_225240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3104" data-original-width="2367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea9pQbgKz4Sv4DuriukqJMWOt9fxv6CEO776FHzWIusHb5M7zCCpTkF3uAYXNm6mD4TZVx31-GOkS5AOTrl-KZ2qUoeNjeGyT3zY6StNGE7UEqKY3QQzVf5hYae9FHHzaTKD-rS2o7JWtnGHxInfMPqQXks00QhXgEyyjQMHAq4l7O3U201w1WedUdVE/s320/20231124_225240.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I am researching the history of and what to see and do while traveling on Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xs9MJBPgkNTYYS_Ol61h7Oev2sa8Hs1MF6rCTDMYOsx7i4lPntxkMI6w8wS31SxAOwit6DhkF9FwPVsT0xInHLXf7qxjVm_Dl_zZbQiZ4pyIhNbBPphYx17_L8y7MbIQaJq7fyMLOxtsg0tyVsrgyObx96SlVcnf0xhhIsUa3iUtJSjCuGDx3IDxV54/s2724/20231124_225751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2724" data-original-width="2368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xs9MJBPgkNTYYS_Ol61h7Oev2sa8Hs1MF6rCTDMYOsx7i4lPntxkMI6w8wS31SxAOwit6DhkF9FwPVsT0xInHLXf7qxjVm_Dl_zZbQiZ4pyIhNbBPphYx17_L8y7MbIQaJq7fyMLOxtsg0tyVsrgyObx96SlVcnf0xhhIsUa3iUtJSjCuGDx3IDxV54/s320/20231124_225751.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I am exploring the Preservation Acts albums by The Kinks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tXupjmI-bq35UI9ySJL3fF7Y5YhUrgk7dPuwA4S1cUPXGjCgY7C14kfP-gI4jTMbKJWSPzyV_U1E8gk1lfixTPEPb1DNPLSVZGkFcn4E3T70nEpDFASCo6a_2A4xpxqKoSNgXWXmYrGa4eZU1RB7qcv2s2ctblvYO-P3wyx__hLm2J5xf5WyN4F_mQs/s4032/20231123_143457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tXupjmI-bq35UI9ySJL3fF7Y5YhUrgk7dPuwA4S1cUPXGjCgY7C14kfP-gI4jTMbKJWSPzyV_U1E8gk1lfixTPEPb1DNPLSVZGkFcn4E3T70nEpDFASCo6a_2A4xpxqKoSNgXWXmYrGa4eZU1RB7qcv2s2ctblvYO-P3wyx__hLm2J5xf5WyN4F_mQs/s320/20231123_143457.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I researched recipes and tried several new ones.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8qxqL0ninyQVF0xmujpXkM-h9uBoR_z8m0XvyxX1xB4bNpibP4z51wIA3x2qF_tVeaivF72bZJteZI1XXDuPGKFi3N12aq55qxJK0D-NEs6QFpylLQL5YNoStAPdJlHQtNJsxHFRUoO_2rwljMBdiTwy-gwjWoUPCXFmv96V3PNZElzCRDczWWPjRos/s4032/20231125_181135.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8qxqL0ninyQVF0xmujpXkM-h9uBoR_z8m0XvyxX1xB4bNpibP4z51wIA3x2qF_tVeaivF72bZJteZI1XXDuPGKFi3N12aq55qxJK0D-NEs6QFpylLQL5YNoStAPdJlHQtNJsxHFRUoO_2rwljMBdiTwy-gwjWoUPCXFmv96V3PNZElzCRDczWWPjRos/s320/20231125_181135.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey pot pies by Bishop</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;">I saw a stage production of Elf the Musical.</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-21315761543735823342023-11-15T16:56:00.000-08:002023-11-26T07:16:53.440-08:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 11<p style="text-align: center;"> November 1 - 15</p><p style="text-align: center;">"To conclude, therefore, let no man out of weak conceit of sobriety, or in ill applied moderation, think or maintain, that a man can search too far or be too well studied in the book of God's word, or in the book of God's works." - Francis Bacon</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXj9HSM_i4m2gLsQ7NRJJoHvmHeyztbCsJhDZvrtbjNQxFDJXl59fGCLz5CFwB2-co2_blR50z6uNv8Nb3OGvXuatgqB4hOUxIpn7ti9f2uItjqy0wCWKGPu7Hjtpoa1wSmlHJqUQbbLDKmyV5f7FMlX42cWnikl33iEAoOsny2lHYYq5Bu8F6HNnMKk/s4032/20231022_100406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXj9HSM_i4m2gLsQ7NRJJoHvmHeyztbCsJhDZvrtbjNQxFDJXl59fGCLz5CFwB2-co2_blR50z6uNv8Nb3OGvXuatgqB4hOUxIpn7ti9f2uItjqy0wCWKGPu7Hjtpoa1wSmlHJqUQbbLDKmyV5f7FMlX42cWnikl33iEAoOsny2lHYYq5Bu8F6HNnMKk/s320/20231022_100406.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have read Beyond the Limelight: Some Pioneer Recollections of Missouri and Oklahoma, Johnston's Shut -Ins State Park by Harry H. Johnston; How Should We Then Live by Francis Schaeffer; and The Raven and Other Favorite Poems by Edgar Allan Poe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafcM7T2h0BoddnCKOr9WRUh1g36u4Y2BXmgnErWPeDwK_QG-X7O3XKZHttG_-WvraZzOeCA4GM1z9QHMDATnr7MI-DTuhYhpe54cOd42I1SQXF_A9xR_JYx7Tz11T9E8YLBIzTCQ30lxRWtxqZi5xO8FmnmoZ8AEVIHb0WXNwxmiETy0iY2ocXrYLN50/s4032/20231022_100436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafcM7T2h0BoddnCKOr9WRUh1g36u4Y2BXmgnErWPeDwK_QG-X7O3XKZHttG_-WvraZzOeCA4GM1z9QHMDATnr7MI-DTuhYhpe54cOd42I1SQXF_A9xR_JYx7Tz11T9E8YLBIzTCQ30lxRWtxqZi5xO8FmnmoZ8AEVIHb0WXNwxmiETy0iY2ocXrYLN50/s320/20231022_100436.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am listening to these podcasts: Let's Talk Memoir, X22, Zone 7, The Hillside Strangler, Devil Town, The Fall Line, Witnessed: Fade to Black, Dark Valley, The Snake River Killer, and Gone South.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfMcBByyQjN5rlh-ptIn9A_bchbn33g9aMV4QbWmzW4IF6NDX6C1df8aoegFuR2oyls-J6PBCko_QS6pMfgG0AxafLYVvYlYx3ZDxu4QR_A1JpaoIfwUOu4qJVvOqfwBRa90VS4HXj9wQWuOVDIRO-7niOeWl8Fs9uFulAOkCpKhlNbw3xQG-187Vqn4/s4032/20231022_101013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfMcBByyQjN5rlh-ptIn9A_bchbn33g9aMV4QbWmzW4IF6NDX6C1df8aoegFuR2oyls-J6PBCko_QS6pMfgG0AxafLYVvYlYx3ZDxu4QR_A1JpaoIfwUOu4qJVvOqfwBRa90VS4HXj9wQWuOVDIRO-7niOeWl8Fs9uFulAOkCpKhlNbw3xQG-187Vqn4/s320/20231022_101013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have continued to do some weightlifting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I've been dancing!</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFntFs5VhR0EaTAlxn8wtiUZdR7yOA0QkJZmIopE_B71xUQFwKTH15qBiPZooArh_czCr3lhuwJkLpx1BOqtOAGqTqhtR7O76xrOR2WmRuLFvhVcUSyRGC59KoFxtWfGOz0_Q7UyZAMWz1dOd1z_eh-hSljxdaEBOLbDsiM6E6j4PGHyU2iveIg6GNxIU/s4032/20231022_101239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFntFs5VhR0EaTAlxn8wtiUZdR7yOA0QkJZmIopE_B71xUQFwKTH15qBiPZooArh_czCr3lhuwJkLpx1BOqtOAGqTqhtR7O76xrOR2WmRuLFvhVcUSyRGC59KoFxtWfGOz0_Q7UyZAMWz1dOd1z_eh-hSljxdaEBOLbDsiM6E6j4PGHyU2iveIg6GNxIU/s320/20231022_101239.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am taking Hillsdale's online course The Genesis Story: Reading Biblical Narratives.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytBpkbaBS-vuPRpduKI-NCViaUXVSHva4MHGsBB2DuS_PmGZckuAVpfGXKLSpa_78mRUxi_Wq81EhFRg3X_7lQ_1KWctBgHkZ9LuPu3R0Mk2W6o9usRAKZE64E8a1WClklKPGMjzVzxzOocR9qR7RNVXs0m0zuwRhWtyUo-cZ9rnAlHf73ABeOXNrS54/s4032/20231022_101526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytBpkbaBS-vuPRpduKI-NCViaUXVSHva4MHGsBB2DuS_PmGZckuAVpfGXKLSpa_78mRUxi_Wq81EhFRg3X_7lQ_1KWctBgHkZ9LuPu3R0Mk2W6o9usRAKZE64E8a1WClklKPGMjzVzxzOocR9qR7RNVXs0m0zuwRhWtyUo-cZ9rnAlHf73ABeOXNrS54/s320/20231022_101526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I went for a walk at the botanical gardens. I got some exercise and made some seasonal natural observations.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXEOZX3Msuc9700Zz1YKldLeZ8g48ZF6dqqETiRb-1fw8oGJzUOXRY4MoIf80OfTDwAF1IQZRHUlZmUR7R6VPMzbAFSTNFJi7iDRDt4l8gQ7hKz-CBKNdnYp0A5npKV1aLQ84P8EZS2_-2ueu8uPh-CcG6IL6-ewaDt5SCiQzAMYz9LJpKvfkkQcXeTo/s4032/20231022_102711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXEOZX3Msuc9700Zz1YKldLeZ8g48ZF6dqqETiRb-1fw8oGJzUOXRY4MoIf80OfTDwAF1IQZRHUlZmUR7R6VPMzbAFSTNFJi7iDRDt4l8gQ7hKz-CBKNdnYp0A5npKV1aLQ84P8EZS2_-2ueu8uPh-CcG6IL6-ewaDt5SCiQzAMYz9LJpKvfkkQcXeTo/s320/20231022_102711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I did more public speaking. It does get easier the more I do it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV2oUWg2XTUjqataLdcr_Ye0WERSXeG6xFY8t8o0DZ28o3JJ__HdwDP_xkz_E23-k1WKsrGm2tbbr66Bzsf6t76ioC-XZVTLOKTCxtVRLrIPIE-XFsL3jF2-dC5F6NtNss_2so1tDgoaJW_6KWBrScwfS8BWw_HG3i5hlt8e37GjZq-uCId9-GPzx1Ik/s4032/20231022_103905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglV2oUWg2XTUjqataLdcr_Ye0WERSXeG6xFY8t8o0DZ28o3JJ__HdwDP_xkz_E23-k1WKsrGm2tbbr66Bzsf6t76ioC-XZVTLOKTCxtVRLrIPIE-XFsL3jF2-dC5F6NtNss_2so1tDgoaJW_6KWBrScwfS8BWw_HG3i5hlt8e37GjZq-uCId9-GPzx1Ik/s320/20231022_103905.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am reading Home-Making by J.R. Miller, Heroes of the City of Man by Peter Leithart, The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and the Tales of Troy by Padraic Colum, Off the Beaten Path: Nevada, Roll of Thunder, and Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qDi3rqyaR00aEH8ib_FdoYoct7r2QU8hat28zWWZW9cY-rsEbfpar4NSAXRValsB2lSq9lajGTTQdrULil3sxEP5ZTTwUVTaVwMl34DDaWJa4Ln1WGE5z26ZaiYieJiqsRUl_Fyyjpfn_tDNydsnryTFkm_GKfbPriwqotnD0ajefI45xoAswOcdvk0/s4032/20231022_104707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qDi3rqyaR00aEH8ib_FdoYoct7r2QU8hat28zWWZW9cY-rsEbfpar4NSAXRValsB2lSq9lajGTTQdrULil3sxEP5ZTTwUVTaVwMl34DDaWJa4Ln1WGE5z26ZaiYieJiqsRUl_Fyyjpfn_tDNydsnryTFkm_GKfbPriwqotnD0ajefI45xoAswOcdvk0/s320/20231022_104707.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-35046702887894825752023-11-11T09:05:00.002-08:002023-11-11T09:05:20.062-08:00An Update on My 23 Hard Things in 2023<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_RzDGMTei5rPHkZ3aC2yf0Z-5fYHQtoPcm491KQj57NJaKBuUNJqvUf-t0Kla9ZcXW7boomAvxg5shrTXMA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1) Write 12 snail mail letters. DONE. I completed this goal in June but have continued to write letters. In October I wrote a letter to my friend Sara and Aunt Carol. 18/12.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">2) Initiate three dates with hubby. DONE. I continue to invite him on hiking ventures. This has been a pleasant way to connect.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3) Purge 1200 items. DONE. I reached my goal in July but still attempt to purge 100 items per month. In October, I purged 231 items. 2121/1200.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4) Read 48 books. DONE. In October, I read 28 books! Including books of the Bible, I have read 146/48 books. Excluding books of the Bible, i have read 80/48. I have absolutely slammed this goal!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">5) 12 of the 48 books read are to be books that I own. DONE. I read 26 books from my personal library in October! 52/12.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">6) Have one adventure per month. I hiked at a new location, hubby and I had a picnic (that may have been a first), I did some public speaking, and I helped a committee at work pull off a celebration, our ESOPtober celebration. I'm doing new things and stepping into new roles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">7) Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals. DONE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">8) Make 36 blog entries. I made three blog entries in October. 28/36.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">9) Repair camera. DONE. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">10) Repair mandolin and learn to play one song. DONE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">11) Dance. Doing it and loving it! I am really making progress on this goal. Dancing is becoming more natural. One evening I was caught by my youngest following a new dance tutorial. "Are you dancing?" "Um</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">12) Learn to tiptoe (move like a child). DONE. Still can do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">13) Learn to skip (move like a child). DONE. Still can do but not smoothly and, dang it, my foot keeps acting up. Ugh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">14) Do one cartwheel, although a round off will do (move like a child). Nope. I havent even tried yet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">15) Remove tree from front yard. DONE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">16) Repair front porch stairs. DONE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">17) Write a letter to Carole's mother. Written but not sent, still uncertain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">18) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days this year. 258/275, need 17/61.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">19) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days this year. 231/275, need 44/61.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">20) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days this year. DONE. 283/275.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">21) Do not go to Andy's alone. Still a fail. I went three times in October! Ugh!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">22) Try 15 new smoothie, salad and vegetarian recipes. I tried two new recipes - roasted parmesan broccoli and a vegetarian chili with sweet potatoes. Both are soooo good! 12/15.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">23) Complete at least 75% of Balancing the Sword Volume 1. DONE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." -Madam C.J. Walker</div><p></p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-91944623146065963922023-10-31T14:33:00.002-07:002023-11-01T14:49:37.303-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 10<p style="text-align: center;"> October 16 - 31</p><p style="text-align: center;">"We need intimate knowledge of the past. Not that the past has any magic about it, but because we ... need something to set against the present, to remind us that the basic assumptions have been quite different in different periods and that much which seems certain to the uneducated is merely temporary fashion. A man who has lived in many places is not likely to be deceived by the local errors of his native village; the scholar has lived in many times and is therefore in some degree immune from the greatest cataract of nonsense that pours from the press and microphone of his own age." -C.S. Lewis</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbbQr5VB5ubr8cXpMyt05bqIykAtCKfYDrPHUGqfdkB__goBfmaQane6L7xuKVTIBAwmDbtX2TrImNzJ6aWySXMJys3N68VLuWUda12oZqR6y0IFgucm4ajQ3sDBtIZno9spLa2gq_TYzFsEfmbXRmjzeXtXRlpRME-RQQMGb5XbEPSV8Y04OGhlVoqs/s4032/20231016_111947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbbQr5VB5ubr8cXpMyt05bqIykAtCKfYDrPHUGqfdkB__goBfmaQane6L7xuKVTIBAwmDbtX2TrImNzJ6aWySXMJys3N68VLuWUda12oZqR6y0IFgucm4ajQ3sDBtIZno9spLa2gq_TYzFsEfmbXRmjzeXtXRlpRME-RQQMGb5XbEPSV8Y04OGhlVoqs/s320/20231016_111947.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I went for a walk at a botanical center. I made natural observations while moving my body and I made note of how the various gardens were presenting at this time of year vs. earlier in the year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ2DdxnPCSVMV06_zIh2f4IBCWaSR_5tSSyOscgoaEUQdeuqQ5fqzaCEewXiaeZDp85FObTbdj9kYOcS2d1dZfHdwI4HYKgr_BIIije2L9nf9fOCCGUPnuv2g-fmIrSusCCruioHLhlsD6RiO1sZA47zcWTSPL-e8_Fl6n_9MIawB35lKECAzo-2uTO4/s4032/20231016_110122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZ2DdxnPCSVMV06_zIh2f4IBCWaSR_5tSSyOscgoaEUQdeuqQ5fqzaCEewXiaeZDp85FObTbdj9kYOcS2d1dZfHdwI4HYKgr_BIIije2L9nf9fOCCGUPnuv2g-fmIrSusCCruioHLhlsD6RiO1sZA47zcWTSPL-e8_Fl6n_9MIawB35lKECAzo-2uTO4/s320/20231016_110122.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have been doing some journaling and continue to experiment with styles and approaches.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have resumed watching YouTube videos related to journaling. I really enjoy February and June and Suzi's Tiny Desk. Their work resonates with me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQocGflc9TmKt-f3l0inDe4M1QY-Rx5hAzaMpBKa3Fxng2-EVWKVFTB2SceyvAizqM2Hswyr9KF0Dpngk6J9PsktOJ4qYizaEOAwn9XwDopKcH7mSIEyH_zOM6W8CUm558XtWX7v_Ih2Ph34jUk2DmkFl0Nvu5kDNl7153qmeMqoR0LioOrgHcMhARIc/s4032/20231016_111856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQocGflc9TmKt-f3l0inDe4M1QY-Rx5hAzaMpBKa3Fxng2-EVWKVFTB2SceyvAizqM2Hswyr9KF0Dpngk6J9PsktOJ4qYizaEOAwn9XwDopKcH7mSIEyH_zOM6W8CUm558XtWX7v_Ih2Ph34jUk2DmkFl0Nvu5kDNl7153qmeMqoR0LioOrgHcMhARIc/s320/20231016_111856.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I read Battle Cry for My Generation by Ron Luce, Sacred Rhythms by Christine Sine, Mountainair N.M. Centennial History 1903-2003 by Bert Herrman, Tell Me Everything by Erika Krouse, Footprints in the Ash by John Morris and Steven Austin, Scopes: Creation on Trial by R.M. Cornelius and John D. Morris, Land of Burning Heat by Judith Van Gieson, Ribsy by Beverly Cleary, Our Little Macedonian Cousin of Long Ago by Julia Darrow Cowles, The Legacy of Lord Baden Powell by Eleanor Clark, The Search for Christina by Eleanor Lattimore, Winter Pony by Jean Doty, The Official Guide to America's National Parks, and Unfit for Command by John O'Neill and Jerome Corsi.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I listened to these podcasts: LISK, X22, and Gone South. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRGrDGH0mqFR5047X3WZIEXqBYvaFqY7OVn0obN3vVKN_9ThFZIxRAZVLLXQZijg0lAS9Ww7RUZZJ37It1mhPuDD4UcZR0pyJ0ngKNcmiiKhSfaTm9znehQGFmK4rvN7_NfVMnYxVl2OKwnBEl9kx7OBpRtbN5yiWR1ZYYVl6NH3xrW0xdrrUSRUkiic/s4032/20231016_112525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRGrDGH0mqFR5047X3WZIEXqBYvaFqY7OVn0obN3vVKN_9ThFZIxRAZVLLXQZijg0lAS9Ww7RUZZJ37It1mhPuDD4UcZR0pyJ0ngKNcmiiKhSfaTm9znehQGFmK4rvN7_NfVMnYxVl2OKwnBEl9kx7OBpRtbN5yiWR1ZYYVl6NH3xrW0xdrrUSRUkiic/s320/20231016_112525.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I have resumed working on my disco routine and I learned the Wobble. I have also found another dance tutorial that is going to be a blast. Imma dancin'!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I hiked the nature center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT5QCxivQ_APdy6lu71n11J5pp7uA1AWm501sZk40cnfplVd-YKXViYGrulpagaaI1WgfN1frWrCeHoaDHwQhRwCS8pBHBSID0QMpqq4WLkdirl2gmC5YzeR3TParIhN2HnA0lGGKzAGjVk0ML3YvY_C3zUlb3H6kB0-fb3G9faFC8UqflRgLn6F3zvs/s4032/20231016_111837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT5QCxivQ_APdy6lu71n11J5pp7uA1AWm501sZk40cnfplVd-YKXViYGrulpagaaI1WgfN1frWrCeHoaDHwQhRwCS8pBHBSID0QMpqq4WLkdirl2gmC5YzeR3TParIhN2HnA0lGGKzAGjVk0ML3YvY_C3zUlb3H6kB0-fb3G9faFC8UqflRgLn6F3zvs/s320/20231016_111837.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />- I am reading Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor, In Time of Harvest by John Sinclair, Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington, Eat Your Way Across the U.S.A. by Jane and Michael Stern, and How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I watched The Shining Code 2.0.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvNpJWk8x3_81GsqmfrTv9NBP5sBmf6lISq9hgLRqwEq8ejTNONVU03imOVP5ba2lL9BNDjej6mfZX4oMtyZALwIIjVdSnc_DoNJ1wOydn2p20L6sqnEYES1o7NDUGKaVnmPORvCbtBWqjqVBg41ROPcggjZC-rQYSHv42rfzapJb5VXh1C8QZhy1zmE/s4032/20231016_110324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvNpJWk8x3_81GsqmfrTv9NBP5sBmf6lISq9hgLRqwEq8ejTNONVU03imOVP5ba2lL9BNDjej6mfZX4oMtyZALwIIjVdSnc_DoNJ1wOydn2p20L6sqnEYES1o7NDUGKaVnmPORvCbtBWqjqVBg41ROPcggjZC-rQYSHv42rfzapJb5VXh1C8QZhy1zmE/s320/20231016_110324.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have picked up the mandolin again. It felt good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I completed Hillsdale's online courses Introduction to the Constitution and Constitution 101 and am taking American Heritage From Colonial Settlement to the Current Day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-bNX2gCZT0RZezKKAOMYoAgteNO-BNtig3aYszGrPdQsqIPoRlfW9dP3R4316wvBOMeIm7otxofOlwzOAGCQMiQMjw36-WzzjC_jXG_698aSKfz2keNcbs-pnyRzrKSDmfi2P71Woks64H2yfDeQ12ZnZ_8XmjcteczQaoKYQhwOE2Fo1z8GGkTmkOY/s4032/20231016_112010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-bNX2gCZT0RZezKKAOMYoAgteNO-BNtig3aYszGrPdQsqIPoRlfW9dP3R4316wvBOMeIm7otxofOlwzOAGCQMiQMjw36-WzzjC_jXG_698aSKfz2keNcbs-pnyRzrKSDmfi2P71Woks64H2yfDeQ12ZnZ_8XmjcteczQaoKYQhwOE2Fo1z8GGkTmkOY/s320/20231016_112010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I survived... I mean, did... some public speaking.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- l have written two letters this month and am working on the art of letter writing. My mom and older sister are gifted letter writers. I am not but am trying and am making progress.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIPQSDa96_oYkeU9JI1LwgFlHdGM59EEaRDl3Os8_OeI8HTQmyDEc5rnwueKyBroOti9kbvPHS0dWeaAwwlrJtxyq9FBVQ_bCHARM5OQ5_6nUw77chta_dtyanqkAXY6sW37yvD46mPaxBwGNGaH-_CEFofG3-I7zMb4uv9M8JFDdeFQ88IX7Y2dD8bg/s4032/20231016_112510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIPQSDa96_oYkeU9JI1LwgFlHdGM59EEaRDl3Os8_OeI8HTQmyDEc5rnwueKyBroOti9kbvPHS0dWeaAwwlrJtxyq9FBVQ_bCHARM5OQ5_6nUw77chta_dtyanqkAXY6sW37yvD46mPaxBwGNGaH-_CEFofG3-I7zMb4uv9M8JFDdeFQ88IX7Y2dD8bg/s320/20231016_112510.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I did some weightlifting and I have started utilizing the rowing machine.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am researching kettlebell techniques. Kettlebells will be a great way for me to get resistance training in when I am on the road and away from a gym.</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-1516609846491037872023-10-16T12:53:00.002-07:002023-10-16T12:53:32.780-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 9<p style="text-align: center;"> October 1 - 15</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Nothing is too small to be noticed, and once noticed, there is nothing that can't also be extraordinary." -Elizabeth Spencer</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW9U7aYPZ44JnJk9ycSOu1OzFiXCcgAyuO_a1Yd_7F_kBG7fZpcGXpo-HTavKTx6iIwfOLIXcCxzVICnGpB1py0ih6LA0QkHNtjxXT-AWGXIcFmuaq5mexNhXrbDvOWV8VU01PMwJtUfKX8TNS0HIuON1dIqSQyw49nmpcTm2JZrwdVA4ybAbifTA8JM/s4032/20231001_111734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNW9U7aYPZ44JnJk9ycSOu1OzFiXCcgAyuO_a1Yd_7F_kBG7fZpcGXpo-HTavKTx6iIwfOLIXcCxzVICnGpB1py0ih6LA0QkHNtjxXT-AWGXIcFmuaq5mexNhXrbDvOWV8VU01PMwJtUfKX8TNS0HIuON1dIqSQyw49nmpcTm2JZrwdVA4ybAbifTA8JM/s320/20231001_111734.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-I went for a hike at a nature center. I saw several different types of caterpillars, a snake, an eastern chipmunk, a tufted titmouse, and a red bellied woodpecker. I researched the sounds that a red bellied woodpecker makes. I was then able to identify that woodpeckers call. There was a lot of bird activity, although I didn't clearly see very many of them. I do need to learn more about identifying birds via their call.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTjkca46U_oE4n-WqFcYOssXSYQh8msCdj7kcn2RfgixrkMudCT5Gxz7zcKwQpSjZKbKrouKA3pq-2_kYtBZgafmBHMfKhfmwjBg43i2z_k59mXI91E4OYGUxWCX99LK6Uxvl8NkA7TcbSuvnTHFqCpQaBhQtIQmCp8bGieKq-8oDNFCSjS9Qvh4Yl5w/s1462/20231001_174856.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTjkca46U_oE4n-WqFcYOssXSYQh8msCdj7kcn2RfgixrkMudCT5Gxz7zcKwQpSjZKbKrouKA3pq-2_kYtBZgafmBHMfKhfmwjBg43i2z_k59mXI91E4OYGUxWCX99LK6Uxvl8NkA7TcbSuvnTHFqCpQaBhQtIQmCp8bGieKq-8oDNFCSjS9Qvh4Yl5w/s320/20231001_174856.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I read Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, 1984 by George Orwell, Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison, Oklahoma Crossroads by Michael Wallis and David Fitzgerald, Martin Luther's Ninety Five Theses edited by Stephen J. Nichols, Route 66 Traveler's Guide and Roadside Companion by Tom Snyder, Adam and His Kin by Ruth Beechik, The Secret Summer of L.E.B. by Barbara Brooks Wallace, William Harvey and the Discovery of the Circulation of the Blood by Thomas Huxley, Humanist Manifestos 1 and 2, Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson, Number the Stars by Lois Lowery, Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe, Jason by Dorothy Hamilton, and What I Wish For You by Alexandra Hardy- Shamaya and Isaac Garuda.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW2iBfFJ3-dAD8mK1ebgIq_QXlF1Bg1oqN7i_Yw-0Clxgvs3KxWTHiW9VwHOUZZR_i5WKEF8BWl3O3sjDIipGVdGwTDm9HIAj8uCkm0eEqlkH63JDzj9vsM80PEe8zRov62eWo4W3diIWgirTd2gRc3ppS0nruzQqupgTZxfM9XyaRpVHjUPWniB9nsw/s1784/20231001_174807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="1338" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW2iBfFJ3-dAD8mK1ebgIq_QXlF1Bg1oqN7i_Yw-0Clxgvs3KxWTHiW9VwHOUZZR_i5WKEF8BWl3O3sjDIipGVdGwTDm9HIAj8uCkm0eEqlkH63JDzj9vsM80PEe8zRov62eWo4W3diIWgirTd2gRc3ppS0nruzQqupgTZxfM9XyaRpVHjUPWniB9nsw/s320/20231001_174807.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I am learning important lessons at work. Last month, I took special GGOB training and, this month, I have been part of a committee that developed a minigame. I was able to utilize my training to guide the team. I also had the opportunity to put some ideas regarding leadership into practice. It has been educational.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbATInUCQ5S5dA_gaZFwVct266Ar63_zo1VWpqDBpEeghGx1NEcuoBFr_0lwzCAtNWolUUzyfVNDe7t2B7DWgZjoYehmSMuIqAdthwqSzJlivTEClfKhyMFBfYuTgyjIKCO8cUnHPLBGmMXJ90LFh36BAtdjlJ6km3JWhcP-S_eWyTD4pQjisod9YroRI/s2395/20231001_174530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2395" data-original-width="1796" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbATInUCQ5S5dA_gaZFwVct266Ar63_zo1VWpqDBpEeghGx1NEcuoBFr_0lwzCAtNWolUUzyfVNDe7t2B7DWgZjoYehmSMuIqAdthwqSzJlivTEClfKhyMFBfYuTgyjIKCO8cUnHPLBGmMXJ90LFh36BAtdjlJ6km3JWhcP-S_eWyTD4pQjisod9YroRI/s320/20231001_174530.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I saw a caterpillar for a monarch butterfly. It was throwing a munch on a milkweed plant.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I learned of the "Treasury of Merits," or as Martin Luther referred to them the "treasures of the church." This refers to the "medieval Roman Catholic teaching that the surplus merits of Christ and the saints are kept in a heavenly treasury." This idea has given me plenty to ponder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ21uuQtqTCK-FSLnzH2cEDJbcFZLjEci4xPkNqv1mceh4EROxMr_UZtRIlS1wPg9lsc8pjLVTrqvPeS8Cx9GsMoc0c1z6YbcQWVnNJCZztCIo0tKf7bK7nIGgs3G7-brWnwCk4ybok3iKXYdCviSVf7wC3XqbjPFvOaR7kdIMij1xuIuRjIacNdgMm9U/s2107/20231001_174458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2107" data-original-width="1581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ21uuQtqTCK-FSLnzH2cEDJbcFZLjEci4xPkNqv1mceh4EROxMr_UZtRIlS1wPg9lsc8pjLVTrqvPeS8Cx9GsMoc0c1z6YbcQWVnNJCZztCIo0tKf7bK7nIGgs3G7-brWnwCk4ybok3iKXYdCviSVf7wC3XqbjPFvOaR7kdIMij1xuIuRjIacNdgMm9U/s320/20231001_174458.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- "Since we can only experience history through our imaginations,..., the ruins we encounter serve as vital props for any journey of the mind in time. In viewing some roadside ruin, then, we are better able to re-create for ourselves the period in which it stood. An interesting thought - that by seeing clearly what remains, each of us gives some ruin a second life. A chance to exist again, as it once was, in the projection of our mind's eye." This quote from the Route 66 Traveler's Guide really resonated with me. It has proved to be true for me. Traveling Route 66 during my childhood stoked my imagination and created in me a curiosity about a time before mine. This is what drives my desire to take an epic American road trip. I continue to research America - places to see and experience, and foods to eat. I am exploring routes across America, back and forth, and up and down. I am learning quite a bit about my home country.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am watching videos related to car camping and van life. My favorite, presently, is Alauna Roby.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV0jiLtTAxOWaFHtv_ZGUHs6aZAgBd2aXft8eixsDSI8s_p37zUhD4FpV_szl-7TgbW9Fu3ATr4ic0yLuHzDea1nPkUPj_Zr1mTzjlnz29TNtMBom8fTf9C1rOV51tzWUfXtj3yq80lZEg0DPYgfFAS_z2toMBY_mWAcloC7AbBTL24FzMJV-qszwKGE/s1496/20231001_174640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1122" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAV0jiLtTAxOWaFHtv_ZGUHs6aZAgBd2aXft8eixsDSI8s_p37zUhD4FpV_szl-7TgbW9Fu3ATr4ic0yLuHzDea1nPkUPj_Zr1mTzjlnz29TNtMBom8fTf9C1rOV51tzWUfXtj3yq80lZEg0DPYgfFAS_z2toMBY_mWAcloC7AbBTL24FzMJV-qszwKGE/s320/20231001_174640.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhLkzIjf6rqsHmRXynkm_A0ZNucUkQJnYjtolodpPaWSGLtix7aGCZ-8I-qz3gDEq7i6kMVVTeNJw88EMQzXjBRQnVqSU8rQyQY_Cd7cbwlWZRmKuCeuEoyzYeMM12RqMOUvWFIfeb-9ak7IZZtZOQ3q3iKAfs8z-i7pZVgTrYeaaaQ9GUJy4D_0N6gU/s1756/20231001_182715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="1317" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhLkzIjf6rqsHmRXynkm_A0ZNucUkQJnYjtolodpPaWSGLtix7aGCZ-8I-qz3gDEq7i6kMVVTeNJw88EMQzXjBRQnVqSU8rQyQY_Cd7cbwlWZRmKuCeuEoyzYeMM12RqMOUvWFIfeb-9ak7IZZtZOQ3q3iKAfs8z-i7pZVgTrYeaaaQ9GUJy4D_0N6gU/s320/20231001_182715.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I am listening to the following podcasts: X22, Gone South, LISK and Zone 7.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov2QbVIchmC9PQLS3RtLgXriKAVqGivGI8qGOZSscm2G1kafJ5l-HMyV1moFn3zABSuFqyKmOt-fl2bxl7Hz2kOOP2S3KkxTluvs0se4_iTO4PLryVdtHAhFDAwWBDACvDj2LRXcxbsc30RbJUCUhrhr1t4oYqr75vFkRC3Q300BXMUqDyYhtwZeX-mY/s2159/20231001_173437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="1746" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhov2QbVIchmC9PQLS3RtLgXriKAVqGivGI8qGOZSscm2G1kafJ5l-HMyV1moFn3zABSuFqyKmOt-fl2bxl7Hz2kOOP2S3KkxTluvs0se4_iTO4PLryVdtHAhFDAwWBDACvDj2LRXcxbsc30RbJUCUhrhr1t4oYqr75vFkRC3Q300BXMUqDyYhtwZeX-mY/s320/20231001_173437.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I hiked at the Water Valley Mill, twice.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9unPfdBzE_bN__8dwjrCrYA-GljHPgkB7U9PKBXkNDPN0JBjrWXcB90l7w1B8hqi2fIjmfae35flhD0a-7J_s06eDF3WSnkg98UAqIu1NR1L6okQ4pCvRVNh2HIilh1aWPiJ_4XrUHTq-CvXl3NLPhUlj1hceKNEA1fVYoadX7SpRXCWfPmEne5vLLeM/s1535/20231001_174355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="1151" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9unPfdBzE_bN__8dwjrCrYA-GljHPgkB7U9PKBXkNDPN0JBjrWXcB90l7w1B8hqi2fIjmfae35flhD0a-7J_s06eDF3WSnkg98UAqIu1NR1L6okQ4pCvRVNh2HIilh1aWPiJ_4XrUHTq-CvXl3NLPhUlj1hceKNEA1fVYoadX7SpRXCWfPmEne5vLLeM/s320/20231001_174355.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am reading battle Cry for My Generation by Ron Luce, Sacred Rhythms by Christine Sine, and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKwHJ60OhSdHJoEwjM8jpMk669fDfo3N5CuB3GZRpRLH-pZ6I55xkMewl7hoPItIBqVBIOuuYyZQRbVSfdYTDwlIILzUNkZUWkh_ug-4siG_6nbx5niNts0S3V9_iS-TA3xezLw6NM62_9OMLlcf9LLp2V-rEMezwPYfawkuihrMiJ1zqFCAxMnAh4WQ/s4032/20231001_112823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKwHJ60OhSdHJoEwjM8jpMk669fDfo3N5CuB3GZRpRLH-pZ6I55xkMewl7hoPItIBqVBIOuuYyZQRbVSfdYTDwlIILzUNkZUWkh_ug-4siG_6nbx5niNts0S3V9_iS-TA3xezLw6NM62_9OMLlcf9LLp2V-rEMezwPYfawkuihrMiJ1zqFCAxMnAh4WQ/s320/20231001_112823.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I did some weightlifting.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2wNr3dSt-SUMM3mzas5zv7oVON5Ucdo0SrJy7JdRdeiBuoJNxfprAF_CFjCpD9LFtu6n7NJeFzkNYfZZj-0gwBtIpcyy7nXGQ-7Fh7j0sazZJKQN-cv_rPf3JzkWaWlXeK45kt5hjRoQb8r4eQ9vO5MumCArfpYCANjPAeVNWLZlrYn0RC5x0fVY_QQ/s4032/20231001_113051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2wNr3dSt-SUMM3mzas5zv7oVON5Ucdo0SrJy7JdRdeiBuoJNxfprAF_CFjCpD9LFtu6n7NJeFzkNYfZZj-0gwBtIpcyy7nXGQ-7Fh7j0sazZJKQN-cv_rPf3JzkWaWlXeK45kt5hjRoQb8r4eQ9vO5MumCArfpYCANjPAeVNWLZlrYn0RC5x0fVY_QQ/s320/20231001_113051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-7580081418778994262023-10-08T18:11:00.005-07:002023-11-11T09:06:15.494-08:00An Update on My 23 Hard Things in 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> It is time to check and see what progress was made towards my 23 Hard Things in 2023 goals through the month of September.</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Write 12 snail mail letters. DONE. I completed this goal in June but have continued writing letters. I wrote two in September; one to Mama and one to Keegan. 16/12.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Initiate three dates with hubby. DONE. </p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Purge 1200 items. DONE. I completed this goal in July but still attempt to purge at least 100 items per month. In September I purged 220 items. I'm getting the hang of this! 1890/1200.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Read 48 books. DONE. In September, I read 27 books. This does include books of the Bible that I completed. Not including the books of the Bible, I read 7 books in September, for a total of 52/48. Altogether, I have read 118/48.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) 12 of the 48 books read need to be books that I own. DONE. I completed 7 books from my personal library during September. My new total is 27/12.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Have one adventure per month. Hubby and I went on a day trip. We tried a new bbq joint and went to a farmers market and an orchard. I also took a little day trip with my sister. We went to a quilt show and a youth entrepreneur show. We got our house re-piped! That was an adventure!</p><p style="text-align: center;">7) Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Make 36 blog entries. I published 5 blog entries in September. 23/36.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Repair camera. DONE. Now I need to go on some photo taking expeditions.</p><p style="text-align: center;">10) Repair mandolin and learn to play one song. DONE. I have really enjoyed learning to play a little on the mandolin and have missed not playing over the last couple of weeks. I will focus on getting back to this enjoyable hobby during October.</p><p style="text-align: center;">11) Dance. Some but still not as much as I would like.</p><p style="text-align: center;">12) Learn to tiptoe (move like a child). DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">13) Learn to skip (move like a child). Not gracefully but DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14) Do one cartwheel, although a round off will do (move like a child). Nope and I can't even imagine trying just yet. I am getting more comfortable with my ability to move my body but am still nervous about moving in some ways.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15) Remove tree from front yard. DONE. I am hoping to get some more trees removed or trimmed back, if the finances allow it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">16) Repair front porch stairs. DONE. AND we have finally re-piped the house! We have certainly made progress on home maintenance this year!</p><p style="text-align: center;">17) Write a letter to Carole's mother. Written but not sent, still uncertain. </p><p style="text-align: center;">18) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days this year. 231/275, need 44/92.</p><p style="text-align: center;">19) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days this year. 201/275, need 74/92.</p><p style="text-align: center;">20) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days this year. 252/275, need 23/92.</p><p style="text-align: center;">21) Do not go to Andy's alone. FAIL. I went twice in September. Sigh.</p><p style="text-align: center;">22) Try 15 new smoothie, salad, and vegetarian recipes. I made vegan tacos and have figured out how to make a very satisfying yogurt parfait. 10/15.</p><p style="text-align: center;">23) Complete at least 75% of Balancing the Sword Volume 1. DONE. I completed the book, in its entirety. I will move on to Volume 2 next year.</p><p style="text-align: center;">With the disruptions in my routine, caused by the re-piping and more, I felt less than focused on my goals. However, I still made significant progress. Possibly, I am forming new, and desirable, habits!</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-31206877234547600752023-09-30T21:08:00.002-07:002023-09-30T21:08:38.062-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 8<p style="text-align: center;"> September 16 - 30</p><p style="text-align: center;">"People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering." -St. Augustine </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I watched some YouTube videos by Jay's Garden Journal on sheet mulching and berms.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I have been listening to the following podcasts: Bible John: The Creation of a Serial Killer, X22, Witnessed: Devil in the Ditch, Undetermined, Zone 7, LISK, Gone South.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I read Little Vic by Doris Gates, Left Behind by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins, and Character for Life: An American Heritage by Don Hawkinson.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDXwfMEIdCV42UTj90p_31eNmYMnFv42dlndHo6JLg7UEqM7HZ-AjXyxGipjx5DsUEtuy68JNsFsUl6lFD3FOABA4W89vBz0fEWk9UL5zPdqth5eURqtzCjrYkwsH5rRtwAy-Y8LP3UuxRgRFa6rhJOJLeakP2i5NXXBjcg2yHscFPq94fArwHRcUJdM/s4032/20230917_132620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDXwfMEIdCV42UTj90p_31eNmYMnFv42dlndHo6JLg7UEqM7HZ-AjXyxGipjx5DsUEtuy68JNsFsUl6lFD3FOABA4W89vBz0fEWk9UL5zPdqth5eURqtzCjrYkwsH5rRtwAy-Y8LP3UuxRgRFa6rhJOJLeakP2i5NXXBjcg2yHscFPq94fArwHRcUJdM/s320/20230917_132620.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to a local festival where I viewed cool art, mostly photography, tried apple cider donuts, watch dancers perform original choreography, listened to a guitar playing and singing duo, and watched a couple of local theater troupes perform.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9l5Q8nGZdG-Cm8MOCRDZ_-lLcl05qLDoNNCP-XB3RNTr-VbBPh2iPdVBESwt8klhN0LJmmH2VTePH1Gt_Ex753jTx4pwe-DQAg4COvEUydpyuRv7Qh0BUXrNJw0DexjAbbfdeYR-2ZuO1ezLJW6LjmAMKQe8cerCca7NRnrroQC8gKMQLHN-r0fRrhg/s2597/20230918_213734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2597" data-original-width="1948" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9l5Q8nGZdG-Cm8MOCRDZ_-lLcl05qLDoNNCP-XB3RNTr-VbBPh2iPdVBESwt8klhN0LJmmH2VTePH1Gt_Ex753jTx4pwe-DQAg4COvEUydpyuRv7Qh0BUXrNJw0DexjAbbfdeYR-2ZuO1ezLJW6LjmAMKQe8cerCca7NRnrroQC8gKMQLHN-r0fRrhg/s320/20230918_213734.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I listened to a lecture by William Potter titled "Sabers, Spears, and Catapults: A Providential History of Warfare Technology."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMOU4JGvoA_2PZXiKR8IxnrhzeAB_0LrklCFPx54wFUarRT6y9LeVvLpy-7C-B7Lo9vHWacFmxKhylThjaHtz8GZ1Ts-xChm3em7XMTwB23pnsRLSL5iEEKScyM0yEEvVxgH91w6w-Wt2FDdz9jgEZjG2zXDd7XzOu7M1AHKHLqp5SOYrEPXiROnQ9cQ/s4032/20230918_082628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMOU4JGvoA_2PZXiKR8IxnrhzeAB_0LrklCFPx54wFUarRT6y9LeVvLpy-7C-B7Lo9vHWacFmxKhylThjaHtz8GZ1Ts-xChm3em7XMTwB23pnsRLSL5iEEKScyM0yEEvVxgH91w6w-Wt2FDdz9jgEZjG2zXDd7XzOu7M1AHKHLqp5SOYrEPXiROnQ9cQ/s320/20230918_082628.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am reading 1984 by George Orwell; Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis; Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison; A Treasury of Great Poems: English and American by Louis Untermeyer; and Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjX6o2P6vzhd7ITE4Ylx4d-Ap1cIi7zaA4sPI69zJDNkdcP9XT4DxMd9jGCMFYhZ99aDBt9Ngk8Ww3VrOFzmRZKIOOyUCNMzmEEpl7ymIEwQEXBxnjA7zrk2Z_eZ0PXSUPbdlvCyLYJwSJDMYANB8JkFxxmNI5tMw9nEnT7EpVQuF186z4pkhUEie1Ds/s4032/20230918_105200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjX6o2P6vzhd7ITE4Ylx4d-Ap1cIi7zaA4sPI69zJDNkdcP9XT4DxMd9jGCMFYhZ99aDBt9Ngk8Ww3VrOFzmRZKIOOyUCNMzmEEpl7ymIEwQEXBxnjA7zrk2Z_eZ0PXSUPbdlvCyLYJwSJDMYANB8JkFxxmNI5tMw9nEnT7EpVQuF186z4pkhUEie1Ds/s320/20230918_105200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipipQ_ibsRSjGWJGWU8otPI1pZ1vkRg5MecGsG1-FFFUeJ9JBA5CeSIKbUCOOVWBG-MZ-WgKRc5oWvWPeeBDuoa6YFaTRIsaRXleX5AjY4wNzgvKPXQqElipd-JdVdaJhBeyoteuRoHwEmDVzdC_AKNPb9hJNT7MoodSIfaOw0EWQsJvbC1ToMHgIX7zg/s4032/20230918_105220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipipQ_ibsRSjGWJGWU8otPI1pZ1vkRg5MecGsG1-FFFUeJ9JBA5CeSIKbUCOOVWBG-MZ-WgKRc5oWvWPeeBDuoa6YFaTRIsaRXleX5AjY4wNzgvKPXQqElipd-JdVdaJhBeyoteuRoHwEmDVzdC_AKNPb9hJNT7MoodSIfaOw0EWQsJvbC1ToMHgIX7zg/s320/20230918_105220.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I went for a walk at a botanical center. It had a really cool mosaiced sundial. You stand on the month that it is presently and your shadow lands on the time, roughly.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I took an online course on Classic Children's Literature, including Beauty and the Beast, The Snow Queen, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Aesop's Fables, The stories of Beatrix Potter and A.A. Milne, Treasure Island, and The Wind in the Willows. I scored 100% on all quizzes!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sMFQOx-QIYUOHSThJnK-UGPFW7osd9bAgoiXf9q_GAgdDlqhKhFk3G8rDDEtaNSVa_OSNYnBLckIjyKkKE97gMx25TTcWLrUQvRTTnHAh6f2un58cwKtLYff-_cVXaCqj1EzNsPCC4052GdZxBM3cOErnT1-Jh7HJJFWbq_77hJjqLaGn5KIPlBYY4k/s1691/20230918_213628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1691" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sMFQOx-QIYUOHSThJnK-UGPFW7osd9bAgoiXf9q_GAgdDlqhKhFk3G8rDDEtaNSVa_OSNYnBLckIjyKkKE97gMx25TTcWLrUQvRTTnHAh6f2un58cwKtLYff-_cVXaCqj1EzNsPCC4052GdZxBM3cOErnT1-Jh7HJJFWbq_77hJjqLaGn5KIPlBYY4k/s320/20230918_213628.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have been to this botanical gardens many times and had never seen the history walk. This time, I stumbled upon it and thoroughly enjoyed the biographical sketches etched into the stone.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuTk2HYFI2CEhvn2jUgTcOsA1y4o83rJUSXixOAi0xUk7A2AJ302USuA6KWjeLq0l4Vqa2o6hKgQhwpsBgcjL_amwcKOBuGbCRw_x2f3b0iWvxKiGBaK-Op4Ys3lYzp4DgRzsMRQs1SzHhKcL2XFHBstekGfCruuumkhp53QHfl47m6mxlh2k1hEYFuk/s2409/20230918_214201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2409" data-original-width="1807" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuTk2HYFI2CEhvn2jUgTcOsA1y4o83rJUSXixOAi0xUk7A2AJ302USuA6KWjeLq0l4Vqa2o6hKgQhwpsBgcjL_amwcKOBuGbCRw_x2f3b0iWvxKiGBaK-Op4Ys3lYzp4DgRzsMRQs1SzHhKcL2XFHBstekGfCruuumkhp53QHfl47m6mxlh2k1hEYFuk/s320/20230918_214201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH7Eg13_jTWTU4TOcCW0drHXtPGvo7tB7Hn9pNUL0mtYzTSMTqsPTnyfUKnMHF0sndC5VNhAUX87ggOLVh7boqAxITrQtkmQhDwuU54zHSDArBbIAxXKJ_ADTTe4IH-2ZysY7opHtaQmagL6Ucq1BBI2DMDVMRkHsLk-XxSrQiKqLSRXYNrbUq9pPFf8/s2286/20230918_214428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2286" data-original-width="1714" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH7Eg13_jTWTU4TOcCW0drHXtPGvo7tB7Hn9pNUL0mtYzTSMTqsPTnyfUKnMHF0sndC5VNhAUX87ggOLVh7boqAxITrQtkmQhDwuU54zHSDArBbIAxXKJ_ADTTe4IH-2ZysY7opHtaQmagL6Ucq1BBI2DMDVMRkHsLk-XxSrQiKqLSRXYNrbUq9pPFf8/s320/20230918_214428.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wQ5feM50Rvd6yGFP_x7Ofbb0BzGSvYk5RFM70qISowJCWQCfrI49eHpDONjzC2lmpeFMEb8VtT2VMuurf1u913zciDxKKQUV8ajXQgvkVQ2tpUvaVPiI3EG53AMfJgaf6Aw7qTVIGw6DdEibNjEUEAzkONyodHO6lNX583-j2P-OJ2xH1Y7xkKUVCvk/s2761/20230918_214446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2761" data-original-width="2070" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4wQ5feM50Rvd6yGFP_x7Ofbb0BzGSvYk5RFM70qISowJCWQCfrI49eHpDONjzC2lmpeFMEb8VtT2VMuurf1u913zciDxKKQUV8ajXQgvkVQ2tpUvaVPiI3EG53AMfJgaf6Aw7qTVIGw6DdEibNjEUEAzkONyodHO6lNX583-j2P-OJ2xH1Y7xkKUVCvk/s320/20230918_214446.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5koWYvrkkA6Ka8HkLMxj_b9yySpeys3-TMkgtUKp6upL7yi0j0wEz4L1MyAyRVFxXC3YpxA43Z_ChRe7URLkerop354wMDsfpFSS8Zv7SdmQscVKOcQhKuRP8_8vSrBjknoO1EqzmH17YEGV2vtul8WVP9mU1L1lrqzVAtmefqe3mYtaLYSSnEfgeRw/s2690/20230918_214507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2690" data-original-width="2017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5koWYvrkkA6Ka8HkLMxj_b9yySpeys3-TMkgtUKp6upL7yi0j0wEz4L1MyAyRVFxXC3YpxA43Z_ChRe7URLkerop354wMDsfpFSS8Zv7SdmQscVKOcQhKuRP8_8vSrBjknoO1EqzmH17YEGV2vtul8WVP9mU1L1lrqzVAtmefqe3mYtaLYSSnEfgeRw/s320/20230918_214507.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I am receiving, and am reading, emails from a memoirist who was offering a free online course. I couldn't take the course but I can get the emails read. I am hoping for inspiration and assistance.</div><div style="text-align: center;">- I saw a hawk at the park that I believe may be a broad winged hawk, light morph, immature.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2VD7vMsmKhe6cr57eMBkoFdFaprkSJG-WRYvWQ5SsZLoJjLtIx4tvh6e7GXfxvjz-9P1WWDGZEkTidPJeW3-wpS7cady2kLZ7SzH5N24Hm3gwyDCmgjJbem2Gh1SbW8zXiI731emIUVDo4VOmZ1QBbeF_K-FivJWM5HkLubn8KSbjcR2OUWfhniF1-c/s4032/20230920_073255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2VD7vMsmKhe6cr57eMBkoFdFaprkSJG-WRYvWQ5SsZLoJjLtIx4tvh6e7GXfxvjz-9P1WWDGZEkTidPJeW3-wpS7cady2kLZ7SzH5N24Hm3gwyDCmgjJbem2Gh1SbW8zXiI731emIUVDo4VOmZ1QBbeF_K-FivJWM5HkLubn8KSbjcR2OUWfhniF1-c/s320/20230920_073255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">- I listened to a five part lecture series on The Inklings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-I am utilizing what I learned at the GGOB training to help develop a minigame at work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I am using the resources at the Memoir Network. I have begun making a memory list.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqO8FrQUgK6qZTLoI7LiqvrLWZ-22v-msiD9wsEHODZ78arNyGyQguy1wzMQFsCTgr5Wc_mco5suR8w9OvFpEuqxpx62OgrBpfjrI-0xiW-fC6wsPP2ZcqLVUmaBYvIxG72wXEKzyVGBFthTuy7iKFsiPM_8O-5yWXa73NiQiVH0XaS7Jy0FO-w6Uk3aE/s4032/20230930_194043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqO8FrQUgK6qZTLoI7LiqvrLWZ-22v-msiD9wsEHODZ78arNyGyQguy1wzMQFsCTgr5Wc_mco5suR8w9OvFpEuqxpx62OgrBpfjrI-0xiW-fC6wsPP2ZcqLVUmaBYvIxG72wXEKzyVGBFthTuy7iKFsiPM_8O-5yWXa73NiQiVH0XaS7Jy0FO-w6Uk3aE/s320/20230930_194043.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">-I viewed a production of Peter Pan Jr. as presented by a small community theatre.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I resumed watching journal related videos and I have done some journaling. </div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-50019046707348720002023-09-26T16:35:00.000-07:002023-09-26T16:35:12.317-07:00The "Use It Up" Challenge Returns<p style="text-align: center;"> My son who has been living in London for the last five years is moving home. He will reside in the downstairs apartment, which is where hubby has been storing his food items. Hubby will need space for his groceries in the main fridge and freezer so I MUST pare down. I MUST push hard with this challenge, NOW!</p><p style="text-align: center;">***************************************************</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 3: B- avocado toast and boiled egg; L- bologna sandwich, chips and cheddar ale dip; D - chicken cacciatore, rice, zucchini with tomatoes and oatmeal scotchies. Pantry = 5, Freezer = 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 4: B- protein drink, boiled egg; L- bologna sandwich, chips and cheddar ale dip; D- vegan tacos with homemade salsa, oatmeal scotchies. Pantry = 1, Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 5: B- avocado toast with boiled egg; L- chicken nachos; D- boiled eggs and toast.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 6: B- boiled eggs and toast; snack- peanut butter granola; L- bologna sandwich and chips and salsa; D- steak, baked potato. Pantry = 1. Fridge = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 8: B- boiled eggs, banana; L- peanut butter sandwich; D- shredded pork burrito, cheesecake. Freezer =1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 9: B- boiled eggs; D- steak, baked potato, broccoli with cheese sauce. Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 10: B- protein powder and a bagel; L- nachos. Pantry = 1. Fridge = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 11: B- boiled egg; L- Panera and apple pie; D- pasta with meat sauce. Pantry = 4; Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 12: D- Rama Thai</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 13: B- boiled eggs and peanut butter sandwich; L- pasta with meat sauce; D- tacos.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 14: B- boiled eggs and almonds; L- tostadas; D- brisket and baked potato.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 15: B- boiled eggs and almonds; L- brisket and baked potato; snack- apple; D- pizza Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 16: B- bagel with peanut butter; L and D- tamales. Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 17: B- avocado toast with egg; snack- apple cider donuts; L- nachos. Pantry = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">September 18: B- scrambled eggs, apple cider donut; L- nachos; D- boiled eggs, yogurt parfait. Pantry = 1, Fridge = 3.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Pantry = 15</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Fridge = 5</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Freezer = 7</p><p style="text-align: center;">*********************************************</p><p style="text-align: center;">"A resourceful person can see opportunity when others only see obstacles." - Garrett Gunderson </p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-85332216005027645002023-09-15T18:39:00.000-07:002023-09-15T18:39:03.591-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 7<p style="text-align: center;">September 1 - 15</p><p style="text-align: center;">"I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." -Isaac Newton</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am listening to bluegrass music to familiarize myself with songs, develop my ear and learn more about strumming patterns.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8vMdJQdqbM4qZ0k3AqhRX7pEOWzOpluoWiWOnTEhet-2NtYXQU1hwGQc7HlC8CvsnvgUAmL6NBODSntxc-MimK0Mkb4gS70DzeywATlrZs7En5k9NAT5jU_wEc6LIZ1nF8v0Szu87sGP28eF8i_pgQgUtpCVWPHyOgKP_lx05wNeHA16nSgylkEvrQ4/s4032/20230910_092813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8vMdJQdqbM4qZ0k3AqhRX7pEOWzOpluoWiWOnTEhet-2NtYXQU1hwGQc7HlC8CvsnvgUAmL6NBODSntxc-MimK0Mkb4gS70DzeywATlrZs7En5k9NAT5jU_wEc6LIZ1nF8v0Szu87sGP28eF8i_pgQgUtpCVWPHyOgKP_lx05wNeHA16nSgylkEvrQ4/s320/20230910_092813.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I completed the Hillsdale online course 'Introduction to Western Philosophy'. It covered Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas, Bacon, Descartes, Hume, Kant, Nietzsche, and C.S. Lewis.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to storyteller Jim Weiss weave a story of the Master of the Renaissance, to include Ghiberti, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahXttyJvxHz4zJffnkAYNZr9HdZMlPn_HVlApj4uKxxOfcHnNxHUuB8-aJpEyarPwlajKEUAVunRRd5upLwCM5_vgdQ_5EFFy1emDXB6sbaW0IOhG_GYXOg7B2jJfeJfdR2h5RaM11PZx1cevA6fqEWdiLBSAoqdexT-Jfg8UgZAvHOdQVjtKq8I3Pbs/s4032/20230910_095514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahXttyJvxHz4zJffnkAYNZr9HdZMlPn_HVlApj4uKxxOfcHnNxHUuB8-aJpEyarPwlajKEUAVunRRd5upLwCM5_vgdQ_5EFFy1emDXB6sbaW0IOhG_GYXOg7B2jJfeJfdR2h5RaM11PZx1cevA6fqEWdiLBSAoqdexT-Jfg8UgZAvHOdQVjtKq8I3Pbs/s320/20230910_095514.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I continued to practice playing the mandolin.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am currently reading Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock; A Treasury of Great Poems English and American by Louis Untermeyer; Character for Life by Don Hawkinson, all of which will take me quite some time to get through. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- I read 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1,2 and 3 John, Jude and Revelation. For the first time in my life I have read the Bible in its entirety!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VvtjrpTFtDCauLSXaja-aRegjvPNvzTzR0AzSBl2M8dST-AEMKvaY3CxY3KK3F2g30QLdvkZHvT_WXfH-jdANUPifHFMC0NjQnElLu-Zxm08tOwHrptf50DH7WOaYxNHE_nQpyJOuFhHoQa55MniJKKtf0on5dg8PoG2j8Y_mAEukxZMz018gaRZVNY/s4032/20230909_140550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VvtjrpTFtDCauLSXaja-aRegjvPNvzTzR0AzSBl2M8dST-AEMKvaY3CxY3KK3F2g30QLdvkZHvT_WXfH-jdANUPifHFMC0NjQnElLu-Zxm08tOwHrptf50DH7WOaYxNHE_nQpyJOuFhHoQa55MniJKKtf0on5dg8PoG2j8Y_mAEukxZMz018gaRZVNY/s320/20230909_140550.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I completed Balancing the Sword: A Comprehensive Study Guide to Life's Manual by Allen B. Wolfe.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6fqqvZKIrQYUnlBq5gDFER5sqdhr8_GO3Ez8kJUHgXc4KpRQiuCfCng-a-I_hV8LAnkEMxO7fneMPuGcu0ymXmN90bJ-hzwn3FaWpc3tbRdibqDnRIOdkL0gn0Sf0JG2ZZoGMbSdwvKR-Hezzqz5HgCwj1-HU7tPHQRpEjdmC00tSkjpBMIMIUwMMQ4/s4032/20230910_092654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6fqqvZKIrQYUnlBq5gDFER5sqdhr8_GO3Ez8kJUHgXc4KpRQiuCfCng-a-I_hV8LAnkEMxO7fneMPuGcu0ymXmN90bJ-hzwn3FaWpc3tbRdibqDnRIOdkL0gn0Sf0JG2ZZoGMbSdwvKR-Hezzqz5HgCwj1-HU7tPHQRpEjdmC00tSkjpBMIMIUwMMQ4/s320/20230910_092654.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to The Story of Bach in Words and Music by VOX Music Masters. Prior to listening to this, I knew that Bach came from a long line of musicians, that he was a renowned organist, and was Kapellmeister (I didn't remember this title, though) for a royal court and, thus, worked with a chamber orchestra. I didn't know, however, that after Bach's death his music was largely unknown until Mendelssohn revived interest in his works. As a follow up to the story I listened to, I found <a href="https://www.classical-music.com/composers/how-mendelssohn-helped-bring-bachs-st-matthew-passion-back-to-life/" target="_blank">this</a> article to be interesting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFer9gNUTy220LYV89liC68_0LN5f7g3KteeXvDs5cxbkqwWtln2bRt6KefvAiyu3Oa9l9_IVayrWIWVJ6ZSd3YUWCmxf8Kvuj0zrKTwjj9g4gOHL851X6dpgLjgNkSP5O7cQ3T_H2C64h66EQ6pW-AGRRVhGtE1kOeI8t8RSB-h_OHlYSHLUnf6GwO4/s4032/20230909_140638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFer9gNUTy220LYV89liC68_0LN5f7g3KteeXvDs5cxbkqwWtln2bRt6KefvAiyu3Oa9l9_IVayrWIWVJ6ZSd3YUWCmxf8Kvuj0zrKTwjj9g4gOHL851X6dpgLjgNkSP5O7cQ3T_H2C64h66EQ6pW-AGRRVhGtE1kOeI8t8RSB-h_OHlYSHLUnf6GwO4/s320/20230909_140638.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I am actively researching boondocking and other things related to my dream travels.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to podcasts: LISK, Zone 7, X22, Killing Dad: The Miscreants, and Murder at Ryan's Run which gave an update on the current happenings related to MOVE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I read How to Be Your Own Selfish Pig: And Other Ways You've Been Brainwashed by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR8_D-CH8eMObnCo1VrIcd2WazUrbUnt_ML72waDjHFV5yYDsaboBVaTpGskqMxVSu2jUw3wLbNYJpLAsIgsBxF7tGAclvxmhy9njqWvdMhhV49jLiiIVs8YZsSf2Ino5MyXUrGhlx_GBLp2UCHp94oer-aR-5fsVKYYxx1HDmILStVzz44LW88Fh5x4/s4032/20230909_200201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilR8_D-CH8eMObnCo1VrIcd2WazUrbUnt_ML72waDjHFV5yYDsaboBVaTpGskqMxVSu2jUw3wLbNYJpLAsIgsBxF7tGAclvxmhy9njqWvdMhhV49jLiiIVs8YZsSf2Ino5MyXUrGhlx_GBLp2UCHp94oer-aR-5fsVKYYxx1HDmILStVzz44LW88Fh5x4/s320/20230909_200201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I attended an Audubon society event that involved counting Chimney Swifts as the entered columns to roost. It is fascinating to watch them circle the columns, undulating and appearing to dive before they tumbled into one of the columns. Thirteen swifts entered one column. Twenty five in another and thirty four in yet another. In the final column eight hundred and eighty eight entered in order to roost for the evening. 960 swifts, altogether!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCfvTuiJCfJ-Zf0cT2krFpQ5UASvIg9VUbgBnr8TEqizrBY0RYcfwFQnJsOpLeymE6x8lyij2nEYrU3n1ey4h278WeDvpia6Y2he0Q8IhDPYmqFocKGf6dAOG_zETui-mrNu0mkbiNcMRluu6mLVs-FcyqqcGmngthpPkz_WCKVBP0CLe6gZOPytAoSk/s4032/20230910_094926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCfvTuiJCfJ-Zf0cT2krFpQ5UASvIg9VUbgBnr8TEqizrBY0RYcfwFQnJsOpLeymE6x8lyij2nEYrU3n1ey4h278WeDvpia6Y2he0Q8IhDPYmqFocKGf6dAOG_zETui-mrNu0mkbiNcMRluu6mLVs-FcyqqcGmngthpPkz_WCKVBP0CLe6gZOPytAoSk/s320/20230910_094926.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to the lecture, "Providential Battles: Twenty Battles that Changed the World" by William Potter. It included the following battles: Salamis, Arbela, Cannae, Tours, Crecy, Constantinople, Tenochtitlan, Lepanto, Armada, Quebec, Saratoga, Yorktown, Trafalgar, Waterloo, Alamo, Antietam, 1st Marne, Britain, Midway, and Stalingrad.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I did some weight lifting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J-p3RNKiUMtiz-jUh0VbpV5_YWVSc44EqC2nkNuyStukpcdTf3A4pZDQB5wbmgkelof0e-tNsCLaTP-S_YGdc-pgPR-u-p9VxpXoc49W7T_RFx8syFWUYq9YqN7EyW7iEK8SDdINC_q0XjYlDu0FY4PiEQ2DOVgDtm7Jmq63jqghpbE6II5EO0mMBCs/s4032/20230910_094324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7J-p3RNKiUMtiz-jUh0VbpV5_YWVSc44EqC2nkNuyStukpcdTf3A4pZDQB5wbmgkelof0e-tNsCLaTP-S_YGdc-pgPR-u-p9VxpXoc49W7T_RFx8syFWUYq9YqN7EyW7iEK8SDdINC_q0XjYlDu0FY4PiEQ2DOVgDtm7Jmq63jqghpbE6II5EO0mMBCs/s320/20230910_094324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I read Mark Levin's Ameritopia which contrasted utopianism and Americanism by examining Plato's Republic, Thomas More's Utopia, Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan, Karl Marx' Communist Manifesto, John Locke's Nature of Man, Charles de Montesquieu and his thoughts on republicanism, and Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America and gave an analysis of the influence of some of these writings on the founders and others on contemporary America.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I played Colorku.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I went for a hike. I observed a Great Blue Heron preening.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I read The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli and found that he wasn't as Machiavellian as I had imagined, or at least as I had come to understand the term. It was an interesting read.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKcN8Dck5L8B5gNg2YmKhkVNCSIYxIq7rAkhtVW6oAzH_NtPNnUImNtl-EiFQ2c9fHK2AAC5XLwoOBqxL2ReB8xIEEhMC0vt-gm021XGX_djvuo4ryXJ802yCj-e6GApc3wSoo3HvYyOSAT8vqjJ9hKR_k4srrJOAZBRcrAoEWnQbBeUuvQVhAZZ9r24/s4032/20230909_140447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKcN8Dck5L8B5gNg2YmKhkVNCSIYxIq7rAkhtVW6oAzH_NtPNnUImNtl-EiFQ2c9fHK2AAC5XLwoOBqxL2ReB8xIEEhMC0vt-gm021XGX_djvuo4ryXJ802yCj-e6GApc3wSoo3HvYyOSAT8vqjJ9hKR_k4srrJOAZBRcrAoEWnQbBeUuvQVhAZZ9r24/s320/20230909_140447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to The Story of Vivaldi and Corelli in Words and Music by VOX Music Masters. I learned that Corelli is considered the father of modern violin.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I listened to an abridged dramatic versions of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream and The Taming of the Shrew.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopAJy27Oo18IDA8XzquqVl1LGVSkfgZ6eOmM_bNeadKxFpsCjjwqABDS5m9H0SuHUuRf_vtBSMyrIwpR2XvF3w7RpxNR5IoceV86s7lRqgsIwsvw1lyiSKrMpzJMD0PtU4thjy7YCk3oZ7XvWA-uRuV7cJr6P_YhhvOFX_rv5s5s5DEzW3aU428tFPfM/s4032/20230909_195133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopAJy27Oo18IDA8XzquqVl1LGVSkfgZ6eOmM_bNeadKxFpsCjjwqABDS5m9H0SuHUuRf_vtBSMyrIwpR2XvF3w7RpxNR5IoceV86s7lRqgsIwsvw1lyiSKrMpzJMD0PtU4thjy7YCk3oZ7XvWA-uRuV7cJr6P_YhhvOFX_rv5s5s5DEzW3aU428tFPfM/s320/20230909_195133.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I attended a craft show of young entrepreneurs. The range of products offered and the professionally on display was impressive. Inspiring!</p><p style="text-align: center;">-I attended a quilt show that had antique and contemporary quilts on display. I was enthralled by the variation of double wedding quilt and the bread basket quilt. I had never seen anything like these before. I learned that there are many opportunities for quilters to learn something new, as was evidenced by the quilters who had attended the Crazy Chicken Mystery class. That tickled me!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TvoqcUNm930xPt3E4_bGgzL4InRj9XCRTiFMZENbOZTjO4FvGA9zLW8VKyFfz9uM1LSkFTXBLHHi-UEI_FVWhUsb5_ySwqxYswC_hzhGWei0OPNUNiTD11rbBhEnX25lp6jY4pBueXaSlVwhvbZ4Ly1se5Va1OWNrRxe-5QE-M76iGVWpz0cZ1VvZLw/s4032/20230909_134533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TvoqcUNm930xPt3E4_bGgzL4InRj9XCRTiFMZENbOZTjO4FvGA9zLW8VKyFfz9uM1LSkFTXBLHHi-UEI_FVWhUsb5_ySwqxYswC_hzhGWei0OPNUNiTD11rbBhEnX25lp6jY4pBueXaSlVwhvbZ4Ly1se5Va1OWNrRxe-5QE-M76iGVWpz0cZ1VvZLw/s320/20230909_134533.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I began an online course by Hillsdale on Children's Literature.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I learned the difference between buzzards and vultures. I had it in my head that they were essentially synonymous; I think from cartoons of my youth where they would have signage referencing buzzards and also have vulture sitting on a fence post. Buzzards are of the genus Buteo, as are hawks. Vultures are of the Cathartes genus. Vultures are exclusively scavengers. Buzzards are primarily birds of prey. Now I know!</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I attended a special training session on the Great Game of Business.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVi_CfXxeUt5crM9fxbG_lcQQiPwUvOp4jPYxMtks7Qi4F2M9AgMZQuJtOQzW_5K8BRF-jKvEQpzuJU0a-btr4Wri0mLIj-x89e3g2AC6Ro_UzbJU0kmFXJ8DeDk4Winos6ulCftluPZh_bNYHpLk5HaTU7G93aUh5J92ug-wp5_OePSn22mrJGjkZDY/s4032/20230910_095206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVi_CfXxeUt5crM9fxbG_lcQQiPwUvOp4jPYxMtks7Qi4F2M9AgMZQuJtOQzW_5K8BRF-jKvEQpzuJU0a-btr4Wri0mLIj-x89e3g2AC6Ro_UzbJU0kmFXJ8DeDk4Winos6ulCftluPZh_bNYHpLk5HaTU7G93aUh5J92ug-wp5_OePSn22mrJGjkZDY/s320/20230910_095206.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I have started listening to a lecture by William Potter titled "Sabers, Spears and Catapults: A Providential History of Warfare Technology."</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I did a little research and learned that during migration, swifts form large colonies and can fly up to 500 miles per day and they can do everything in air except roost and nest.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am challenging myself with the questions in the game Mind Trap.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YiQBvdAN4CtyENPRuGr597WxGLXGJoZchIyBWugVVmwr-yMmBRf1_0a6cGRDOvo7TcgI3TMsEMoDDvapYmXJeEJBrYOOL3ytBcjxYaVbTburUS0Oh29mIg7oLnK3UitTBGpAneysK2evJ_qDJh75b79t446PxyQfk2UWfQVQ7eeVhamYoYi3PuvOYQ4/s4032/20230909_140747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YiQBvdAN4CtyENPRuGr597WxGLXGJoZchIyBWugVVmwr-yMmBRf1_0a6cGRDOvo7TcgI3TMsEMoDDvapYmXJeEJBrYOOL3ytBcjxYaVbTburUS0Oh29mIg7oLnK3UitTBGpAneysK2evJ_qDJh75b79t446PxyQfk2UWfQVQ7eeVhamYoYi3PuvOYQ4/s320/20230909_140747.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I am reading Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins; 1984 by George Orwell; and Little Vic by Doris Gates. After having read or listened to alot of non-fiction, I thought it was time to read some fiction. Little Vic is a book I loved in my youth that I am enjoying revisiting. The other two dovetail nicely with some of my other studies.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I discovered this: http://www.offbeatoregon.com/1206c-forestry-building-biggest-log-cabin-burned.html</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-89861851616907542182023-09-02T19:08:00.004-07:002023-10-08T17:44:23.571-07:00Checking in on My 23 Hard Things in 2023 Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMMtMlm1aMCzRXKTlDaaekFeKPMpKqGNDjFZv6-C-5KoJs-9t2_C3crOtQBHBkLmm_-7E1uX69qEAYQd4zNMrxCqMaSOX7yY7BolFxF4CwujFQ6HVd9lAveS6gdhtNLFIpGXS12LDLO-BGvp1A6rxxmtclAlzI0dB-E_g2m4-WSfTZDnL7ZnA2F22rwU/s4032/20230830_150554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMMtMlm1aMCzRXKTlDaaekFeKPMpKqGNDjFZv6-C-5KoJs-9t2_C3crOtQBHBkLmm_-7E1uX69qEAYQd4zNMrxCqMaSOX7yY7BolFxF4CwujFQ6HVd9lAveS6gdhtNLFIpGXS12LDLO-BGvp1A6rxxmtclAlzI0dB-E_g2m4-WSfTZDnL7ZnA2F22rwU/s320/20230830_150554.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's time to check in on my progress in reaching my 23 Hard Things in 2023 goals. I believe I made significant progress during August. I felt like I had traction, mojo... something. Let's check it out!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> 1) Write 12 snail mail letters. DONE. Despite the fact that I completed this goal in June, I have continued to write letters. Although this doesn't come naturally to me, I know that these letters are valued by those that receive them. I love those people and I want them to really know that. I still have a list of people to write. I press on. I wrote two more letters this month; one to a grand-nephew and another to the wonderful man who was my stepfather, forever my stepfather in my heart. I have now written 14/12 letters. </p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Initiate three dates with hubby. DONE. As previously mentioned, we had a stay-at-home date. We played Battleship. I also invited him to go hiking at the nature center. After the hike, we went by Sonic for some refreshing iced tea and then went to the lake to look at the water lilies. Today we took a 40 minute drive to try a new BBQ joint, dined together, then stopped at an orchard. That is three dates. I still intend on inviting him to play miniature golf one day. 3/3.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Purge 1200 items. DONE. I completed this goal in July but still attempt to purge 100 items per month. In August, I purged 444 items! 1670/1200.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Read 48 books. No problemo. Including the books of the Bible that I have read, I read 30 books in August. If I discount the books of the Bible I have read 45 of the 48. Altogether, 91/48.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) 12 of the 48 books read need to be books that I own. DONE. 20/12.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Have one adventure per month. For me, an adventure can be anything that takes me out of my comfort zone. In August, I went to an old theatre in a neighboring city and viewed old Roy Rogers movies, took myself to the zoo, hiked at a state park, repaired my mandolin (believe it or not, going to the music store was uncomfortable for me, I pushed myself and got it done), and am learning to play that mandolin. Wonderful!</p><p style="text-align: center;">7) Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals. DONE. I have now completed eight (almost) of these journals and will be moving to a new format this month. Goal completed though!</p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Make a minimum of 36 blog entries. I made four entries in the month of August. 18/36.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Repair camera. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">10) Repair mandolin and learn one song. DONE. Repaired and I can play the song Cindy!</p><p style="text-align: center;">11) Dance. I'm not dancing daily (although that was never the expressed goal) but I am dancing, usually informally. I am, however, doing some disco tutorials. I'm Your Boogie Man... er... Woman!</p><p style="text-align: center;">12) Learn to tiptoe (move like a child). DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">13) Learn to skip (move like a child). I can skip but not gracefully. I'm still working on this.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14) Do one cartwheel, although a round off will do (move like a child). Not even close.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15) Remove tree from front yard. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">16) Repair front porch stairs. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">17) Write a letter to Carole's mother. It is written but not mailed. I am now uncertain as to whether I should send this letter. I am praying on it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">18) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days this year. 203/244, need 72/120.</p><p style="text-align: center;">19) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days this year. 176/244, need 99/120.</p><p style="text-align: center;">20) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days this year. 224/244, need 51/120.</p><p style="text-align: center;">21) Do not go to Andy's alone. Ok... alright... let me address this one... sigh. I have not persisted with this goal throughout the summer. I had $75 in gift cards that I thought I would use with the kiddos when they were together but that never happened. I used the gift cards all by myself. I used the last of the gift card mid-August but then decided that I could continue to treat myself throughout my birthday month. Happy Birthday to me! Now, however, I have determined that the best gift I could give myself is to not go to Andy's alone for the remainder of the year. Happy Birthday to me!</p><p style="text-align: center;">22) Try 15 new smoothie, salad and vegetarian recipes. I made garlic parmesan white beans, peanut butter granola, veggie quesadillas (the filling was super delish), and avocado toast/sandwich (believe it or not, I had never made any variation of avocado toast before). 8/15.</p><p style="text-align: center;">23) Complete at least 75% of Balancing the Sword Volume 1. I have surpassed the 75% point and am on track to be 100% complete by the end of this month. It is my intent to save Volume 2 for next year, so, because I am thoroughly enjoying my morning Bible study, I will search my bookshelves for other Bible study materials to use for the last three months of 2023.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am super pleased with my progress. I am going to have to stay very focused if I am to be successful with all of them (like flossing my teeth, ugh). I can do it though!</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-13968007421638337142023-09-01T18:19:00.001-07:002023-09-01T18:19:18.554-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 6<p style="text-align: center;">August 21 - 31</p><p style="text-align: center;">"After all, what is the chief sign of growing old? Is it not the feeling that we know all there is to be known? It is not years which make people old: it is ruts, and a limitation of interests. When we no longer care about anything except our own interests, we are then old, it matters not whether our years be twenty or eighty. It is rejuvenation for the teacher, thus growing old, to stand ignorant as a child in the presence of one of the simplest of nature's miracles - the formation of a crystal, the evolution of the butterfly from the caterpillar, the exquisite adjustment of the silken lines in the spider's orb web. I know how to "make magic" for the teacher who is growing old. Let her go out with her youngest pupil and reverently watch with him the miracle of the blossoming violet and say: "Dear Nature, I know naught of the wondrous life of these, your smallest creatures. Teach me!" and she will suddenly find herself young." - Anna Botsford Comstock</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey4LdAi6rHs4r88ibRVNdOzf7MtzDf4DKuKM9jHPi4JeANW1Z9cEvwmzetpUHyTpOP5QwoDQj5STkDLf6m0ClM3pl3x6NavJ1SlMt4fWzFEL4etdL61uljB2n3j0F25x_pRHhgUYxOSwLcef4qNn-pXIrIa0AYL2vj9IZHJeXP2h0qGm7FOvIfY742_w/s4032/20230821_090932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhey4LdAi6rHs4r88ibRVNdOzf7MtzDf4DKuKM9jHPi4JeANW1Z9cEvwmzetpUHyTpOP5QwoDQj5STkDLf6m0ClM3pl3x6NavJ1SlMt4fWzFEL4etdL61uljB2n3j0F25x_pRHhgUYxOSwLcef4qNn-pXIrIa0AYL2vj9IZHJeXP2h0qGm7FOvIfY742_w/s320/20230821_090932.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-I went for a hike at our local nature center. I saw massive water lilies and a beautiful mature Great Blue Heron.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I have gone to the gym to lift weights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpbIiXhc5fzuFKP5g6eh8R4FKSIreqM7CURT6CIMtYKcqLkd5Emtu4FyZiuNdgqtooR1niw0816s-q8ftokg44542wV-snCOvf1M3KILA1k4Sv5BhamyTVnwcdfSmRb6W0xzDoab-ervLmPjITl4g-4OlC5Ttn77CpkSoNcvNjVdtW4UQuUU4kLGW0A8/s4032/20230821_084805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpbIiXhc5fzuFKP5g6eh8R4FKSIreqM7CURT6CIMtYKcqLkd5Emtu4FyZiuNdgqtooR1niw0816s-q8ftokg44542wV-snCOvf1M3KILA1k4Sv5BhamyTVnwcdfSmRb6W0xzDoab-ervLmPjITl4g-4OlC5Ttn77CpkSoNcvNjVdtW4UQuUU4kLGW0A8/s320/20230821_084805.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-I made a peanut butter granola. I have only made granola one time in my life and I'm not certain why I have not made it more considering the fact that I love granola. My all-time favorite cold cereal, even in my youth, was a granola cereal, C.W. Post. Man, I loved that stuff. I have several different recipes queued up and am excited to give them a try.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG62BIUCvmZ2xZBTQl92-eFJSEz2T6TnDhZCHvZePeV0RzQuqoTAfnj8WD6W_SNQMxdNqvqJZUou5a8gtFzqy7P0Dvato1d_RZ5InNNTjNcFFN8wZUuzAnn0eFXno6HiewdDrhiudkTK8R7DQQYeMUQWXKiNj33GHlY9MDemz7Zpzg0rwNnBWnb9smB-A/s4032/20230821_081936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG62BIUCvmZ2xZBTQl92-eFJSEz2T6TnDhZCHvZePeV0RzQuqoTAfnj8WD6W_SNQMxdNqvqJZUou5a8gtFzqy7P0Dvato1d_RZ5InNNTjNcFFN8wZUuzAnn0eFXno6HiewdDrhiudkTK8R7DQQYeMUQWXKiNj33GHlY9MDemz7Zpzg0rwNnBWnb9smB-A/s320/20230821_081936.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I read Pillage by Obert Skye and the sequel, Choke. While reading this book, I was transported back to our homeschooling days. I spent many an enjoyable evening reading this book aloud to the boys. Additionally, we had the opportunity to hear Obert Skye speak and to meet him at a literature festival. Good times!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTUQKLmIg4IBKY_Pl9sSLgaUFN3ZIuKObG67wT9T6dh_Ufvbp4u0PNuHI4JLWBiq0POjWWQlR00MQq1aiNyZRHL09EzKBq-KuEycLBiNrMSpYMcCtrJcDjwGYdroeW3yQHlDeACsgxF_wqCoZ_LzkXX1lffaZ6xF5TTwZGfe92EC6GyKnrxY3FDtMXSo/s1687/20230821_184935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1687" data-original-width="1265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTUQKLmIg4IBKY_Pl9sSLgaUFN3ZIuKObG67wT9T6dh_Ufvbp4u0PNuHI4JLWBiq0POjWWQlR00MQq1aiNyZRHL09EzKBq-KuEycLBiNrMSpYMcCtrJcDjwGYdroeW3yQHlDeACsgxF_wqCoZ_LzkXX1lffaZ6xF5TTwZGfe92EC6GyKnrxY3FDtMXSo/s320/20230821_184935.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I learned so very much while reading the book about Edward Curtis. Prior to reading the book, I was familiar with his photography. I was unaware, however, that he was an ethnographer intent on preserving the languages and customs of the native tribes found in the States. He filmed dances and recorded languages. Written pronunciation guides were included in his books. These guides and other documentation have been used, relatively recently, by several tribes to revive their language and traditions. He also made an "opera" that was performed at Carnegie Hall and across America. It was involved Curtis narrating as photos and film clips were projected on a screen with musical accompaniment by an orchestra. The orchestra played music written by Gilbert that was based off of recordings of music from a host of tribes. Although not typically credited with this feat, he, arguably, made the first feature length documentary. He did take some creative license but it was all based on fact and, notably, had a full Indian cast. This film was largely lost to time after being shut down. There are efforts to restore it. This is all so amazing to me. I never knew. He was a visionary that sacrificed so much. Much is owed him.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc206VBDgd-JTshyfdygRs7dZB7UY4FIDeuIPHriroUq_g3qo2VVxwmS8MN0m-PYUgOVw1VKCF-uDdBpBOuJ4iqe4_mG_MUybRRTOdOTH4z_1useAbI9RmF-SfcAxL08w-MbZmiCtzBHbLc7R3AP-GYUD63ePDy1wVLIlKD9Ccj8-pdfjRVxp-gmKofI/s3282/20230821_185031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3282" data-original-width="2462" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVc206VBDgd-JTshyfdygRs7dZB7UY4FIDeuIPHriroUq_g3qo2VVxwmS8MN0m-PYUgOVw1VKCF-uDdBpBOuJ4iqe4_mG_MUybRRTOdOTH4z_1useAbI9RmF-SfcAxL08w-MbZmiCtzBHbLc7R3AP-GYUD63ePDy1wVLIlKD9Ccj8-pdfjRVxp-gmKofI/s320/20230821_185031.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have identified an Amanita mushroom. I am hoping to learn more about how to identify mushrooms.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I have read John, Acts and Roman's in the Bible and have done the corresponding comprehension questions in Balancing the Sword.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF-R9hu1aoXQSaguCO0EhrAZHTCaUeP1L67P-4yieT6B1EeZTaemk72O2WEVO82kW20jzdpYtBFOssiZGo9lMmpMr67KJq2HqhEZ9FuPhDfGkUUnThdOLx4WBuliztUAOCtqr2a3kA1n3FL40GDnvH4uF4wEdQZM12lF6rSr7kJ2LqBuOQWU7GBF-mTk/s2759/20230821_185101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2759" data-original-width="2070" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqF-R9hu1aoXQSaguCO0EhrAZHTCaUeP1L67P-4yieT6B1EeZTaemk72O2WEVO82kW20jzdpYtBFOssiZGo9lMmpMr67KJq2HqhEZ9FuPhDfGkUUnThdOLx4WBuliztUAOCtqr2a3kA1n3FL40GDnvH4uF4wEdQZM12lF6rSr7kJ2LqBuOQWU7GBF-mTk/s320/20230821_185101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I dined at an Indian restaurant with Bishop and dining with Bishop is always a learning experience. He was very knowledgeable about the food. I had Chana Masala, yum. We also had great conversation. I shared with him much of what I have found interesting about the Edward Curtis book and this led to quite a bit of conversation about different Native American groups, historical policies of the American government related to the Native Americans, and we posited theories about culture formation.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I shared with Bishop some of what I had learned about the Osage Indians. He, in turn, shared with me some information about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Tribe in Minnesota. They are the wealthiest tribe in the United States. The 480 members of the tribe each receive approximately $84,000 per month from the profits of the casino owned by the tribe. This led us to research the Sioux. The Sioux are a confederation of closely allied bands that have related mutually intelligible dialects of the Siouan language. The bands are Nakota, Dakota, and Lakota. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux are Dakota.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcBqdj3oZ2aZ-H2_HxPb9nqVqjXJwJP-GW5OT40W-0jGK8Dn5yprdqTwp5dkXG07v_0O5jqLjVHPGz7CKGmxvWLa9xmQLafveVs6BK8i5JzyIILZ1MnOVge1aar12RiIRibj3-0TQxcTDPKJh8qJ2E-0jrUdl917fD_bPfokOXd3QgT2syUDltX9wifw/s3214/20230821_185130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3214" data-original-width="2411" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcBqdj3oZ2aZ-H2_HxPb9nqVqjXJwJP-GW5OT40W-0jGK8Dn5yprdqTwp5dkXG07v_0O5jqLjVHPGz7CKGmxvWLa9xmQLafveVs6BK8i5JzyIILZ1MnOVge1aar12RiIRibj3-0TQxcTDPKJh8qJ2E-0jrUdl917fD_bPfokOXd3QgT2syUDltX9wifw/s320/20230821_185130.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71a5dkFJj7T8UlReTxWRAfZ78c4nlJSDF2yfVVqv1I5cGMN85ey6TV0WcVBif-7VAy1Ctk6tV47-WCTDcVpy14wCclt21_oCLMt8HiDSvX7SkQNu9mMAlwCJ9il_MTTGZFfvN8_Ny1ixlO1J43_23y6A8mlBSU_AkBD6R87MV4hp_iZ21gU8fBeNpfFA/s1836/20230821_185200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="1377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71a5dkFJj7T8UlReTxWRAfZ78c4nlJSDF2yfVVqv1I5cGMN85ey6TV0WcVBif-7VAy1Ctk6tV47-WCTDcVpy14wCclt21_oCLMt8HiDSvX7SkQNu9mMAlwCJ9il_MTTGZFfvN8_Ny1ixlO1J43_23y6A8mlBSU_AkBD6R87MV4hp_iZ21gU8fBeNpfFA/s320/20230821_185200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I read From Chaos to Clarity by Mike Signorelli; Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward S. Curtis by Timothy Egan; Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck; These is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine 1881-1901.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am currently reading The Prince by Machiavelli; Ameritopia by Mark Levin; and Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUit2YoTZbkhZQwyQfwBwmGNjuHhFVP45bGdb1SXGZeqQzdMTGVwyvRLiPYeK9VfPba5SXSUAH0T8Petw1cn_Je7JeQzB7mmKwf-V31Bwj-K1Bce8Eiu1VblWQ19GOm88aei4aU68PuKzIvt8w4fGdYwyGMApWaveMqn7SSb9VIPpcZfp9QgHD4TCpdQ/s4032/20230821_084803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUit2YoTZbkhZQwyQfwBwmGNjuHhFVP45bGdb1SXGZeqQzdMTGVwyvRLiPYeK9VfPba5SXSUAH0T8Petw1cn_Je7JeQzB7mmKwf-V31Bwj-K1Bce8Eiu1VblWQ19GOm88aei4aU68PuKzIvt8w4fGdYwyGMApWaveMqn7SSb9VIPpcZfp9QgHD4TCpdQ/s320/20230821_084803.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I am doing disco tutorials.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I am watching episodes of the Great Baking Show. I am learning about traditional British foods that I had never known of; such as, malt loaf. I may endeavor to make some of these foods.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4PvIr057468o67CDqua2wb4nLxRgJzmNrs5GqP_q_G_joze5QcRICi7QNiM19DQ6NK4MIuXsqfwqLS5V7pJiUvFK2IB6k0tI69KEuiwlR_Oz7qxnQN1acUPSxYkEo16DoI2S24st1a7KnnjxpYwD_TG1Awi7dhDDCfPRMj-H63YsH3ssyXjQzRbNU1U/s2130/20230821_184906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2130" data-original-width="1597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4PvIr057468o67CDqua2wb4nLxRgJzmNrs5GqP_q_G_joze5QcRICi7QNiM19DQ6NK4MIuXsqfwqLS5V7pJiUvFK2IB6k0tI69KEuiwlR_Oz7qxnQN1acUPSxYkEo16DoI2S24st1a7KnnjxpYwD_TG1Awi7dhDDCfPRMj-H63YsH3ssyXjQzRbNU1U/s320/20230821_184906.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- I assembled and bound, using the pamphlet stitch, a bunch of journals. Making the journals en masse really helped solidify the process in my mind.</div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76ZF7C42Ks6mVOZ0wmHs64cHaj5IftETpmRcMFaCs10bJ9p4lNcZRFEYGOU4VJh4gyrt2Cs1kJs1S5fcmOtMAPoTyTQg_VRpZQiq3tKuh-nNhCbQ5lyfGW8BmSVkjLpS_uOxiHQIwmR9vy_JpM_lYlAJ7GUoLCU-BR8Qk2ZmWFb3ORpVymizjwCB6Cw0/s3110/20230821_185013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3110" data-original-width="2332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76ZF7C42Ks6mVOZ0wmHs64cHaj5IftETpmRcMFaCs10bJ9p4lNcZRFEYGOU4VJh4gyrt2Cs1kJs1S5fcmOtMAPoTyTQg_VRpZQiq3tKuh-nNhCbQ5lyfGW8BmSVkjLpS_uOxiHQIwmR9vy_JpM_lYlAJ7GUoLCU-BR8Qk2ZmWFb3ORpVymizjwCB6Cw0/s320/20230821_185013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">-I am doing the mandolin tutorials found on YouTube at MandoLessons. I have learned the chords in the Key of G - G,C,D. I am learning to play the song 'Cindy'. I can play it but need to keep practicing the transition from G to D and the strumming patterns. I have learned the scale in G and am trying to figure out how to pick the melody of the song Cindy, by ear. Additionally, I practiced the songs (chords) You are my Sunshine and Take Me Home, Country Roads.</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-15729320446581614562023-08-20T18:40:00.004-07:002023-09-04T17:17:10.627-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 5<p style="text-align: center;"> August 1 - 20</p><p style="text-align: center;">It is important to me that I challenge myself to learn and grow. I want to stoke the flames of curiosity not stifle it. I want to push myself a bit to experience new things that might fan those flames. Here is what I have done in August, thus far, that have furthered that goal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkik2mpGLQt2vMcy9T9HQzQhIhd9gppFaefPDYfZjeH3aUHnhm8JWGP1j08K0TLAmRLazhefPQXusabL2QTZ2XZl1kBmHihzQNeoy7v0RppqpYySxxJwBMxOktEwEQCajCluQBPMTwgQ_eiHLqOQGGeSc6Igur6WjxPh-zAY6fEZHggkDYjmRGtnc9HM/s4032/20230819_102504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkik2mpGLQt2vMcy9T9HQzQhIhd9gppFaefPDYfZjeH3aUHnhm8JWGP1j08K0TLAmRLazhefPQXusabL2QTZ2XZl1kBmHihzQNeoy7v0RppqpYySxxJwBMxOktEwEQCajCluQBPMTwgQ_eiHLqOQGGeSc6Igur6WjxPh-zAY6fEZHggkDYjmRGtnc9HM/s320/20230819_102504.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-I read the minor prophets of the Old Testament: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah Nahum, Habakkuk, Zepheniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I have read the first three gospels in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, and Luke.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZavUfG89F56vYM0X1p1uzHaN_y5NKmtWlsb3-jQ7l4k4sDtuxWSiYuzWDjOboKIwPK8Wo3QiYL_T--7g50BQvxTP8LARkQjBmasrMwLnq5a2LuC_VbXTMK6IQUot1Duz93hMy5jaF9NoyZwwsYR3Sl4XmVmpIJVIr9sDgDF8XWe5bi6aygO8psNc2qhg/s2748/20230819_145640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2748" data-original-width="2015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZavUfG89F56vYM0X1p1uzHaN_y5NKmtWlsb3-jQ7l4k4sDtuxWSiYuzWDjOboKIwPK8Wo3QiYL_T--7g50BQvxTP8LARkQjBmasrMwLnq5a2LuC_VbXTMK6IQUot1Duz93hMy5jaF9NoyZwwsYR3Sl4XmVmpIJVIr9sDgDF8XWe5bi6aygO8psNc2qhg/s320/20230819_145640.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I have read several books: Meditations for the New Mother by Helen Good Benneman, A Year of No Clutter by Eve O. Schaub, The Story of My Life and Work by Booker T. Washington, Miss Austen by Gill Hornby, The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel, and At the Waters Edge by Sara Gruen. Meditations for the New Mother was a book that I discovered in a thrift store in Philadelphia about twenty years ago. It is full of poetry and short essays that reflect the joy that accompanies motherhood. Throughout its pages, it poignantly describes my thoughts and feeling about being a mother. A Year of No Clutter is a memoir in which the author addresses her complicated relationship with things. Her insights really resonated with me and has provided me with plenty of mental fodder as I continue to work on my relationship with objects. I admire Booker T. Washington and was pleased to learn more about his journey in establishing Tuskegee Institute. Lee Strobel's books are always thought provoking for me. Miss Austen is a piece of historical fiction that stoked in me some curiosity about Jane Austen's life and family.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF4RWzbcR24osPv3en_EJ_WicEKnb421Ek5NdHe8-rDZM1gYyh-9r3bAZKNKSdb3jDAFMYcSwbydzuLe4SMQ8O8xcd_d-KYGKVh5r5EjA9hN3FLJCi8F62UUUn09xJlUs2AW0qSICY027DaUIymCjLBES2iJndC5OO0mv-nrJbpc4_3GjOZoIGzQSJxY/s2582/20230819_145952.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="1937" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF4RWzbcR24osPv3en_EJ_WicEKnb421Ek5NdHe8-rDZM1gYyh-9r3bAZKNKSdb3jDAFMYcSwbydzuLe4SMQ8O8xcd_d-KYGKVh5r5EjA9hN3FLJCi8F62UUUn09xJlUs2AW0qSICY027DaUIymCjLBES2iJndC5OO0mv-nrJbpc4_3GjOZoIGzQSJxY/s320/20230819_145952.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I've been working out in a variety of ways. I have been getting to the gym at least twice a week. I have added deadlifts into my leg workout. I've done some workouts in the parking lot - squats, walking lunges, and tiptoeing, etc. I have gone walking, hiking, and have played a little basketball.</p><p style="text-align: center;">-I tried hydromassage, a massage chair, and the tanning beds at the gym. I was collecting information and contemplating upgrading my gym membership. I have decided that those things don't add enough to my life to pay for that upgraded membership.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-5uX9NnoNnNP99BMlR52J_O9MRvxHNHMpnpo5nbgR6Y40NSLgFvM3yqtOvd8q4asG-FDvThTVx6l-Qxj7jrY_HtCSGHY1c-AQWtyu_4BXYyR-NrMYZKOb1yFXulGiyjw266QtuPMFDBJkXqjx2jEfMO5_o75x8JDg6bTcTKfZjy1DOEIobt_KGxhwps/s4032/20230819_112114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-5uX9NnoNnNP99BMlR52J_O9MRvxHNHMpnpo5nbgR6Y40NSLgFvM3yqtOvd8q4asG-FDvThTVx6l-Qxj7jrY_HtCSGHY1c-AQWtyu_4BXYyR-NrMYZKOb1yFXulGiyjw266QtuPMFDBJkXqjx2jEfMO5_o75x8JDg6bTcTKfZjy1DOEIobt_KGxhwps/s320/20230819_112114.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">- I have been learning about the Philadelphia-based cult MOVE. I had remembered the bombing of the MOVE headquarters and the subsequent fire that annihilated 65 houses but I had no understanding what the organization was about and what precipitated the bombing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnoxE-t7TR69J6TrNsoGklrTyWY8eqIG_xh8BmIvkNlkseOvq3eduwHEvkd0C3J8i-P7k7jpYRgQy0tSe47_WDADPd_axYpspv3vNtJ_XORsrSN00ue3oFso5chRa3jMNoyttN9wkGv6tZnEmPrxcbwrMTNYT7GNeyr49Hrg74j2EpcVtjh2A9SqjjrY/s4032/20230819_104457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnoxE-t7TR69J6TrNsoGklrTyWY8eqIG_xh8BmIvkNlkseOvq3eduwHEvkd0C3J8i-P7k7jpYRgQy0tSe47_WDADPd_axYpspv3vNtJ_XORsrSN00ue3oFso5chRa3jMNoyttN9wkGv6tZnEmPrxcbwrMTNYT7GNeyr49Hrg74j2EpcVtjh2A9SqjjrY/s320/20230819_104457.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">-I have been watching Professor of Rock videos and am learning more about the songwriting process and the interconnectedness between folks in the music industry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUw5aCNkdbOanFpaITqSLAvfIbwPOrRczFJOfMRA1yG3u0EVG8TRCabqY-mjVLNfA0bXzWnYyWrUc6epMUpQ51B9ATDmkPBU_KcGrz1_LdzH2kuHNY5d8neBnvJ7lN0TtxbaHJSNVvQNOv4vCKe8ssW--XpNlkT1nzFvgJlboBxr_h0upIYGUWNTDmOQ/s1924/20230819_150112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1924" data-original-width="1443" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKUw5aCNkdbOanFpaITqSLAvfIbwPOrRczFJOfMRA1yG3u0EVG8TRCabqY-mjVLNfA0bXzWnYyWrUc6epMUpQ51B9ATDmkPBU_KcGrz1_LdzH2kuHNY5d8neBnvJ7lN0TtxbaHJSNVvQNOv4vCKe8ssW--XpNlkT1nzFvgJlboBxr_h0upIYGUWNTDmOQ/s320/20230819_150112.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I recently learned the word jeremiad and its definition - a long literary work bitterly lamenting the state of society and its morals, prophesying society's imminent downfall. The book I read last month, Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neal Postman, is a jeremiad!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Si-i6ANP8ceX47Zg3Q288QZcSiPBP5jxYShqDcTKv9AQbH9x7jvMvUXvR5vq9749XJPYxIc5arxP1m2oqeE85fwMt4ZCjJLHzEtKeCp8ZMVP2abnkFAPptRsHoJjqK5I_Ro1irUe0UjDYilk0ud8HN-wlWOwSAV8jk9dhaarCEXjlDiOZ2-gVRn-NYg/s2406/20230819_150013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2406" data-original-width="1804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Si-i6ANP8ceX47Zg3Q288QZcSiPBP5jxYShqDcTKv9AQbH9x7jvMvUXvR5vq9749XJPYxIc5arxP1m2oqeE85fwMt4ZCjJLHzEtKeCp8ZMVP2abnkFAPptRsHoJjqK5I_Ro1irUe0UjDYilk0ud8HN-wlWOwSAV8jk9dhaarCEXjlDiOZ2-gVRn-NYg/s320/20230819_150013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- For the first time, I have viewed some of the classic western films featuring Roy Rogers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGrszN0Qx1ta-7dXtUN0D-6S-Kk3Tu6lxQB2xyharyicoz6GKGlF6AzxeDcBlCy7oomZh7RDTO8gaeMDGcnyUfzcNnnrnjDQWlg1yBRj3Rk_Dtde1wk_qJ2wucVGZ-WgiFeFRo7kCuTmbK-ccJ28XiUYARMNmhVbucNNAtAL5TbkcGEWnT1t6iAYNSuE/s2314/20230819_145801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2314" data-original-width="2055" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGrszN0Qx1ta-7dXtUN0D-6S-Kk3Tu6lxQB2xyharyicoz6GKGlF6AzxeDcBlCy7oomZh7RDTO8gaeMDGcnyUfzcNnnrnjDQWlg1yBRj3Rk_Dtde1wk_qJ2wucVGZ-WgiFeFRo7kCuTmbK-ccJ28XiUYARMNmhVbucNNAtAL5TbkcGEWnT1t6iAYNSuE/s320/20230819_145801.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I am continuing to use Balancing the Sword to help guide me through my Bible readings.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-50rR26_lwmU8cmvWN5cfrfPsCFE7XGo7dngeb_HospM2bAOThfzj5JNIa1kHNgmlNORn2Ze08_0kgLoT1pKbm224W_OvlvUBc_nOdYeE3qvDtcmss258tPtTrYk6B5GvSkN1scSrc_YtB4nL_gEXuxJFtkTrH5eWBQqTh5GbdXGCDv9O3mH6I5MVpY/s1277/20230819_145346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1077" data-original-width="1277" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-50rR26_lwmU8cmvWN5cfrfPsCFE7XGo7dngeb_HospM2bAOThfzj5JNIa1kHNgmlNORn2Ze08_0kgLoT1pKbm224W_OvlvUBc_nOdYeE3qvDtcmss258tPtTrYk6B5GvSkN1scSrc_YtB4nL_gEXuxJFtkTrH5eWBQqTh5GbdXGCDv9O3mH6I5MVpY/s320/20230819_145346.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">- I walked at the botanical gardens with the hubby. We dissected some of the garden layouts and discussed how some of it could be translated at home. I also saw a Green Heron.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcazJpBGum3cahxof-m5du9kuxXF5u0nIZjH7oIVTliRz355h0F33vU5M57gIOEm3Pq3nTNq9qCz_VonwBJa0S7WF1-jNjk2BKBs7MlzEwgrGakvhOO458ORbXXl52GSKYVj_IWSrdi9vOOlv3xL48Cze8Ami6mdk5VW6OGnyAxr5LcPp0Zvg5esgiZo/s4032/20230819_111703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcazJpBGum3cahxof-m5du9kuxXF5u0nIZjH7oIVTliRz355h0F33vU5M57gIOEm3Pq3nTNq9qCz_VonwBJa0S7WF1-jNjk2BKBs7MlzEwgrGakvhOO458ORbXXl52GSKYVj_IWSrdi9vOOlv3xL48Cze8Ami6mdk5VW6OGnyAxr5LcPp0Zvg5esgiZo/s320/20230819_111703.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to the zoo and thoroughly enjoyed observing the elephant, tiger, mountain lion and siamangs. The elephant was feeding himself with hay that he pulled out of a barrel that was suspended from the tree above him. The barrel had holes that he would locate with his trunk. It was fascinating to watch his trunk maneuver, pulling the hay out, putting it in his mouth, and then sweeping the ground to pick up stray pieces of hay. Fascinating. The tiger was sleeping right next to the fencing so it was easy to see just how large he was and to make note of his beautiful markings. I lingered with my observations and was rewarded with him stretching and checking me out. He moves just like my Othello. There was a young mountain lion that was "stalking" a toddler, on the opposite side of the fence of course. It was intense. The siamangs put on a tremendous display. They were screeching and making thonking sounds with their inflated throat sacs. Totally fascinating. Also, while at the zoo, I worked on experiencing the zoo in a way that was satisfying for me without self-consciousness. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLqK3nLEWVib710V55u5FuzsK3r1sOY5iihEAWBqMeoyFNeam1aYnJ49HRgez21r7gf9O8_1p6cZ2kGkeJJqaO-YlEsTcaU_00EkA6V6z28QVdSGKevNNX-j2s-NlWHxdnogHuTbIUMMnOcvLG-j3j06PA0Rh-SmSBasdp5POcbHzkUEMGu_aWN3woPs/s1541/20230819_143356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="1156" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLqK3nLEWVib710V55u5FuzsK3r1sOY5iihEAWBqMeoyFNeam1aYnJ49HRgez21r7gf9O8_1p6cZ2kGkeJJqaO-YlEsTcaU_00EkA6V6z28QVdSGKevNNX-j2s-NlWHxdnogHuTbIUMMnOcvLG-j3j06PA0Rh-SmSBasdp5POcbHzkUEMGu_aWN3woPs/s320/20230819_143356.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I tried a new curry at a Thai restaurant. I love culinary adventures!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvKA2x92pNbgKjBHp2ysaRKR8YEmcLohsHdak_0lwxYlF0geRmN_xovtXDGnwLSVi1ZW9XT5g_iWEJE5N21kDxd5R1L3TUGe1OIo2sS55o5jLXWf6f5TntDKQXZuYpGAPWZ-XbgQrmLuHsRnD-WmttwgImIo6O4-bXtToukFm2F9OM3K2MSMmicH4T7w/s1463/20230819_143706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1097" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvKA2x92pNbgKjBHp2ysaRKR8YEmcLohsHdak_0lwxYlF0geRmN_xovtXDGnwLSVi1ZW9XT5g_iWEJE5N21kDxd5R1L3TUGe1OIo2sS55o5jLXWf6f5TntDKQXZuYpGAPWZ-XbgQrmLuHsRnD-WmttwgImIo6O4-bXtToukFm2F9OM3K2MSMmicH4T7w/s320/20230819_143706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I am currently reading Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis; From Chaos to Clarity by Mike Signorelli, and Pillage by Obert Skye.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhwWmjlFyBT9mzK83DfK42dGi-02tq4rLSNyxCuEOgOg7Y8TVCn2zJfUj6YS3kP3szGb0_SCfeHtytImhiwpFtkT2an9QvsV2ZYlD26GSQl7z_55zfBcQt0KpRoguTSQQpdzqfdSdFj7_LA9sKgEu2GKb4VHjtw14s_7EDs0qU3ou86af998QjWcbnXw/s4032/20230819_104933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhwWmjlFyBT9mzK83DfK42dGi-02tq4rLSNyxCuEOgOg7Y8TVCn2zJfUj6YS3kP3szGb0_SCfeHtytImhiwpFtkT2an9QvsV2ZYlD26GSQl7z_55zfBcQt0KpRoguTSQQpdzqfdSdFj7_LA9sKgEu2GKb4VHjtw14s_7EDs0qU3ou86af998QjWcbnXw/s320/20230819_104933.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I played Battleship with the hubby. I hadn't played it in years and was a decent little brain workout.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO9L-WPzOC9zwa4rz5YEyJX7btjHzXvk0xVYHHX_zgDSL_LcRve3hK1iJ_choPGuntLp4tuwqWmfWdAAj_HzOgtIC_4icS-F4lCWiXq-muRBZnryL4x2g3qKZHwQrSrTHKKysJS-y5MGL82_bJHySaVrFjjQCj2lD8HBI_gXpKaUV_Gju7wPP0k7ioFE/s1692/20230819_142725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="1322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO9L-WPzOC9zwa4rz5YEyJX7btjHzXvk0xVYHHX_zgDSL_LcRve3hK1iJ_choPGuntLp4tuwqWmfWdAAj_HzOgtIC_4icS-F4lCWiXq-muRBZnryL4x2g3qKZHwQrSrTHKKysJS-y5MGL82_bJHySaVrFjjQCj2lD8HBI_gXpKaUV_Gju7wPP0k7ioFE/s320/20230819_142725.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-I went for a hike at a nearby state park. I made natural observation. I was really thrilled with the variety of native flowers and fungi that I observed. I really do want to be able to identify them with more ease. I have more to learn!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDCp1DbEtJZ_qVaOT29YSs12v0p14L1ZE7rpJjEsEYDYeJdwT7rmfVUuAc06Jq_uLmldtRXk_llCLsZpF5VlxLJsh2I7fnSLAX7BqkIObVXZnZ2Iy72Wav4QkF7ZH1kuWJYlUzK9t0VqVWZgvijhXt-dd4Rtcuqs1pnmGWm1s2nPZL4ymYcQsQeM_DFs/s4032/20230819_111713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDCp1DbEtJZ_qVaOT29YSs12v0p14L1ZE7rpJjEsEYDYeJdwT7rmfVUuAc06Jq_uLmldtRXk_llCLsZpF5VlxLJsh2I7fnSLAX7BqkIObVXZnZ2Iy72Wav4QkF7ZH1kuWJYlUzK9t0VqVWZgvijhXt-dd4Rtcuqs1pnmGWm1s2nPZL4ymYcQsQeM_DFs/s320/20230819_111713.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-While hiking, my sister and I observed a bulbous growth on native flower that appeared to be a yellow coneflower of some sort. We took a specimen home, identified the flower as a cutleaf coneflower, and dissected the bulbous growth. After some research, we learned that the growth is a coneflower gall. The growth hormones of the plant are stimulated as a response to the saliva of a midge that was feeding on it. I love when a mystery of the world around me is revealed to me ;)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZl43UJBaD_UWiGUIj_Bo_suXvITdmmYwbaPPB9B6B2EnbA3TXwi4-geGkTmHGqbPK2gAd_TZT0NOqhqkVTS1ggz1zs-SIwb240YpkN8_x0wIQ-ERMx0Cqm6z75-L4lBEbsll6iP-jiG1fWLw1iJ7dCNxnxy6chZX5sa1HO-m3RChLv7Yv3wt88xYXLs/s1191/20230819_142834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="893" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZl43UJBaD_UWiGUIj_Bo_suXvITdmmYwbaPPB9B6B2EnbA3TXwi4-geGkTmHGqbPK2gAd_TZT0NOqhqkVTS1ggz1zs-SIwb240YpkN8_x0wIQ-ERMx0Cqm6z75-L4lBEbsll6iP-jiG1fWLw1iJ7dCNxnxy6chZX5sa1HO-m3RChLv7Yv3wt88xYXLs/s320/20230819_142834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- While researching the coneflower gall, I learned of the existence of phytoplasmas. Phytoplasmas are bacteria that infect phloem and are transmitted from plant to plant by insect vectors. This bacteria than causes abnormal growth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPW_JxzWDN5LUbsKbVbB6_Ex9k4j8QknE-wx8JXV58UOtP3myi1obqKzgQePPGQPZ8PeRoyg491e_Q-Cn8RyWiVsAsY7X-JG5YXGmXl_MMFZIj6_BrJuJQDTgDrwz6Nrcnt47LazpAASyQXpeau9SR5c7D09DZsD0fu_mtycLg3LrE4lE5ysQ3ymhfQ/s4032/20230819_110914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SPW_JxzWDN5LUbsKbVbB6_Ex9k4j8QknE-wx8JXV58UOtP3myi1obqKzgQePPGQPZ8PeRoyg491e_Q-Cn8RyWiVsAsY7X-JG5YXGmXl_MMFZIj6_BrJuJQDTgDrwz6Nrcnt47LazpAASyQXpeau9SR5c7D09DZsD0fu_mtycLg3LrE4lE5ysQ3ymhfQ/s320/20230819_110914.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-While reading the book on Edward Curtis, I learned that Geronimo was born in what is now New Mexico. So much of my life has involved New Mexico, yet I never knew this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjNIPW8MNuWYSId27Nk4FroGNJlA0uDWdIUYMCyBgAvIZ6WYJNxYyCWulga0mbKThcx1RpTc4grahleZnbh5SkB90AEibduIRzIY7BefMqfHplkIXKs9a6KGEeHhiIoUDgO-ATC26-7AVh9uOWL3oV6YrFK4xtFTCe0-cigJQcetTOJLDxpWkIwTk5-g/s4032/20230819_100700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjNIPW8MNuWYSId27Nk4FroGNJlA0uDWdIUYMCyBgAvIZ6WYJNxYyCWulga0mbKThcx1RpTc4grahleZnbh5SkB90AEibduIRzIY7BefMqfHplkIXKs9a6KGEeHhiIoUDgO-ATC26-7AVh9uOWL3oV6YrFK4xtFTCe0-cigJQcetTOJLDxpWkIwTk5-g/s320/20230819_100700.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">- There are so many interesting tidbits of knowledge in the Edward Curtis book that I am reading. In addition to the information regarding Geronimo, I learned that the city Seattle is named after Chief Si'ahl (pronounced see-ahlsh), albeit a distortion of his name, of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, which I also didn't know anything about.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoi8owUpq8cQjGD_cXu3N3Dt-girEDfWDpPg0bxu6LAYdKuyjLn28rOctXW9P5gHK1esuJ-xw777whZZrxyeqo8rbt3kyY7LCGHb0jaB71fMJKuuBnS5KtNg1OFYUbVBLLelw4sQKDM8UfLDg4BHr7bKrGapDIT3_XIXAmQEoOFPBOiUTbUKkiVHSgec/s2164/20230819_145919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="1623" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoi8owUpq8cQjGD_cXu3N3Dt-girEDfWDpPg0bxu6LAYdKuyjLn28rOctXW9P5gHK1esuJ-xw777whZZrxyeqo8rbt3kyY7LCGHb0jaB71fMJKuuBnS5KtNg1OFYUbVBLLelw4sQKDM8UfLDg4BHr7bKrGapDIT3_XIXAmQEoOFPBOiUTbUKkiVHSgec/s320/20230819_145919.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I have continued maintaining a monthly journal. I am refining my process, creating a method that combines the free-form written journaling that I was doing before I started the monthly journals with the artistic approach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWURqqq6DQ8bJqdaUpBnuoWrcrEaJd5Qy1QW-OjaIRLCQTPGIswUCDYAp35sr1RXegp_M9uUvW0j6PN2nDB5O-Vzj6TNrhF8fKCRk5UXBB1caaopXuzUDiHo13A_RfPVF2sp9WAmssTIkOhzMlA2s_1-0dUio2AjPpxDCBNsfAl_iomf2sOdktwDT_vdo/s4032/20230819_105826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWURqqq6DQ8bJqdaUpBnuoWrcrEaJd5Qy1QW-OjaIRLCQTPGIswUCDYAp35sr1RXegp_M9uUvW0j6PN2nDB5O-Vzj6TNrhF8fKCRk5UXBB1caaopXuzUDiHo13A_RfPVF2sp9WAmssTIkOhzMlA2s_1-0dUio2AjPpxDCBNsfAl_iomf2sOdktwDT_vdo/s320/20230819_105826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I am aspiring to expand my cooking repertoire so I have tried some new recipes. I made a garbanzo bean and tuna salad; lentil, lemon and kale soup; and garlic parmesan white beans. They were all delicious. My favorite was the garbanzo bean and tuna salad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGEyVKByrsaAEzsAmv-6lNklgNdhURfPceSOTdUYNiN_z_8yYpMGwiib3Lyk0SF3QzOTKBtKZkSYe9jV9lDK5tMxQNwjEHo13FS42xo84V7QzGEdstfJU9URmdOyZ_nYvXSIsj1bfswf2x1vAnBtB8e3zb2bqDzrQJL5RJV8khyLtL6NqE1Cl36O17Zo/s4032/20230815_103838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGEyVKByrsaAEzsAmv-6lNklgNdhURfPceSOTdUYNiN_z_8yYpMGwiib3Lyk0SF3QzOTKBtKZkSYe9jV9lDK5tMxQNwjEHo13FS42xo84V7QzGEdstfJU9URmdOyZ_nYvXSIsj1bfswf2x1vAnBtB8e3zb2bqDzrQJL5RJV8khyLtL6NqE1Cl36O17Zo/s320/20230815_103838.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- I saw a heron at a local park that is either a juvenile Blue Heron or an American Bittern. I have a little more research to do. I also saw a juvenile cardinal. From a distance I thought it was a tufted titmouse but, upon further inspection, found it to be a juvenile cardinal. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZNPnXn-VruOqyQcBlign8MrsADalFlUljaJPwXnILktM7Q857qhrzlKfutt-XplDogz2H53MkpLxlGGkuE3H61cAaR7q2KLZfwVTEJXCTpGq0mdRdW52lY4cNYDSEuE6jkKVcmKWI60-dJUkAZXEjqL2N1GLCfqcDvIp-nJKCtrDXGFdziogdEN4kCE/s4032/20230815_095705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZNPnXn-VruOqyQcBlign8MrsADalFlUljaJPwXnILktM7Q857qhrzlKfutt-XplDogz2H53MkpLxlGGkuE3H61cAaR7q2KLZfwVTEJXCTpGq0mdRdW52lY4cNYDSEuE6jkKVcmKWI60-dJUkAZXEjqL2N1GLCfqcDvIp-nJKCtrDXGFdziogdEN4kCE/s320/20230815_095705.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-48798442509307555702023-08-12T16:10:00.002-07:002023-08-12T16:10:46.098-07:00Making Up My Mind Carefully and a Review of the 23 Hard Things in 2023<p style="text-align: center;">" I have often been asked by young men how they can succeed in this or that direction. My advice to them is to make up their minds carefully, in the first place, as to what they want to do and then persistently devote themselves to accomplishing that end, letting nothing discourage them. ... I have been asked many times how I have succeeded in this thing or in that thing. In almost every case I have replied that it has required constant, hard, conscientious work. I consider that there is no permanent success possible without hard and severe effort, coupled with the highest and most praiseworthy aims. Luck, as I have experienced it, is only another name for hard work. Almost any individual can succeed in any legitimate enterprise that he sets his heart upon, if he is willing to pay the price, but the price, in most cases, is being willing to toil when others are resting, being willing to work while others are sleeping, being willing to put forth the severest effort when there is no one to see or applaud. It is comparatively easy to find people who are willing to work when the world is looking on and ready to give applause, but very hard to find those who are willing to work in the corner or at midnight, when there is no watchful eye or anyone to give applause." (Excerpt from The Story of My Life and Work by Booker T. Washington)</p><p style="text-align: center;">Although I had great role models for "constant, hard, conscientious work" and have, thus, always attempted to apply that to any endeavor I might undertake, I, in my youth, struggled to develop a clear vision. I struggled to make up my mind carefully, in the first place, as advised by Booker T. Washington. I was under some illusion that I could have it all, do it all, and be it all and lacked clarity. I now know that crafting a clear vision inspires me. And now, understanding that life involves a series of trade offs, it helps me make better decisions about how I spend my time, energy and money. Knowing that I can only use this moment in time and spend this dollar and expend this present energy one time encourages me to make up my mind carefully and draft a plan based on a clear vision. I have some longer term goals that really drive my other goal making. I expressed these goals in the post <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/could-have-been-me.html" target="_blank">Could Have Been Me</a>. I really want to have solid control over my things, money, time and body so that I can fulfill my dreams and my purpose. I expressed very specific goals for 2023 in two posts: <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/2023-goals.html" target="_blank">2023 Goals</a> and <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/23-hard-things-in-2023.html" target="_blank">23 Hard Things in 2023</a>. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Today, to bring those goals into sharper focus, I am going to review my progress on the 23 Hard Things in 2023. This is where I stand at this moment:</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Write 12 snail mail letters: DONE. I completed this goal during June. This month I have written another letter and have plans for several more. Presently, 13/12.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Initiate 3 dates with hubby: I initiated a stay-at-home date that involved playing Battleship. It was the first time that we had ever played Battleship. BTW I sunk his ships. :) I also asked him to go hiking with me today, to help me break in my new birthday gifted hiking sneakers. It rained far more that forecasted so he asked for a raincheck (yup, he thought this was hysterical). We have rescheduled for Tuesday. I have plans to invite him to play miniature golf. I shall soon complete this goal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Purge 1200 items: DONE. I completed this goal in July but I will still attempt to purge a minimum of 100 items per month. 1226/1200.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Read 48 books: I am rocking and rolling on meeting this goal. As of the end of July I had read 61/48 books and, at this moment, I have read another 16 in August. This count does include books of the Bible. I have read 40 books of the Bible and I have read 37 other books.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) 12 of the 48 books read need to be books that I own: DONE. Presently, 16 of the 37 books that I have read are books that I own. I am really enjoying this project. I am being a good steward. I am becoming more familiar with my personal library. I am finding that I can purge some books from my library, which is helping me meet goal #3. :)</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Have one adventure per month: I am loving this goal. It is reminding me that my life is a grand adventure. For me, an adventure is doing something or takes me out of my comfort zone. In July, I tried a host of new pastries that delighted my taste buds and I was surprised about which were my favorites; I played miniature golf (I hadn't done that in years); I pitched horseshoes for the very first time; I participated in a cornhole tournament when I had never even played cornhole before; I went to Baker's Creek and a vegan restaurant. </p><p style="text-align: center;">7) Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals: DONE. I am now working on my eighth monthly journal. I am beginning to get impatient with this journaling format. I began this format 14 months ago in order to use up my scrapbooking supplies and explore my artistic side. I have enjoyed it but am ready to return to a more simplified journaling process. This month, I will assess my progress on utilizing my supplies and then make a decision as to how to move forward.</p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Make a minimum of 36 blog entries: 16/36 once I publish this post. Additionally, I have five drafts and still consider myself behind. I shall press on. </p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Repair camera: DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">10) Repair mandolin and learn one song: Not yet, although I do intend on taking the mandolin to the music center this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;">11) Dance: A smidge done. I found an Instagram page today that daily asks the question, "Have you danced today?" I am going to begin asking myself that question. I am going to write it in my planner, maybe even add it to my habit tracker, and see if that helps me move forward in meeting this goal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">12) Learn to tiptoe (move like a child): YES.</p><p style="text-align: center;">13) Learn to skip (move like a child): I can skip but not gracefully. I will continue to work on this.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14) Do one cartwheel, although a round off will do (move like a child): Not yet. I am pleased that my fear of some movements is beginning to wane. Maybe, just maybe, I will be able to do this before the year is up.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15) Remove tree from front yard: DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">16) Repair front porch stairs: DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">17) Write a letter to Carole's mother: It is written but not mailed. I am now uncertain as to whether I should send this letter. I am praying on it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">18) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days of the year. Thus far, I have taken vitamins at least 182/223 days. There are 142 days left of the year and I need to be successful 93 days of those remaining days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">19) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days of the year. Thus far, I have recorded flossing at least 155 /223 days. There are 142 days left of the year and must floss 120 of those days in order to reach this goal. I sure do need to focus.</p><p style="text-align: center;">20) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days of the year. Through today, August 12, I have tracked expenditures for 204/223 days. Of the 142 days left of the year, I need to track expenditures for at least 71 more days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">21) Do not go to Andy's alone: I have failed at this. I was going strong then was gifted $75 in Andy's gift cards soooo....... I will get back on track now that I have used all of the gift cards. </p><p style="text-align: center;">22) Try 15 new smoothie, salad or vegetarian recipes: In July, because Keegan was here and she is vegetarian, I made veggie burgers and a caprese salad. Thus far in August, I have made a garbanzo bean and tuna salad and a lentil, lemon and kale soup. I presently have white beans in the crockpot with three recipes lined up that need white beans. So, 4/15.</p><p style="text-align: center;">23) Complete at least 75% of Balancing the Sword Volume One: DONE. As of August 10, I have completed 75% of Balancing the Sword Volume One. Using this book has enabled me to read the Old Testament in its entirety, for the first time. I should finish the entire book by mid-October. I am contemplating what I should do afterwards that will enable me to dig more deeply into scripture.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am thrilled with my progress and with my personal growth. There is still so much room for improvement but I am daily inching closer to who I believe I am supposed to be. I will continue to seek to make up my mind carefully as to where I want to go and what I want to do with my time, energy, and money. Then, I will "persistently devote themselves to accomplish that end, letting nothing discourage them."</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-87821923814618779022023-08-01T10:18:00.209-07:002023-08-06T15:02:11.113-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 4<p style="text-align: center;"> It is important to me that I challenge myself to learn and grow. Here is a bit of what I did during the month of July to further that goal:</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I continue to make progress in making my way through Balance the Sword. This means that I am making progress on reading my way through the Bible. In July, I read Song of Solomon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentation, Ezekiel, and Daniel. I have now read all of the major prophets in the Old Testament. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTo_LlJfiiRqiEUL4qyogdIvPhCR8nDSjwuOMeQYXdye77huquNkDioUexaw0mprn1t-X66EFhQuA48u-eavji6mpZMYNJYzQw8_XGjhDqTS8BVBXg0rPriu2kiD97bokdIBZmOjmGTf_QrlZVRExBN4V83eQPNfyp4mWrFW0DBLmtWAbNDkeHWNMykQ/s1440/Resized_20230703_113933.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTo_LlJfiiRqiEUL4qyogdIvPhCR8nDSjwuOMeQYXdye77huquNkDioUexaw0mprn1t-X66EFhQuA48u-eavji6mpZMYNJYzQw8_XGjhDqTS8BVBXg0rPriu2kiD97bokdIBZmOjmGTf_QrlZVRExBN4V83eQPNfyp4mWrFW0DBLmtWAbNDkeHWNMykQ/s320/Resized_20230703_113933.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I, also, made my way through seven books. I read The Violinists Thumb by Sam Kean, Winter Journey by Diane Armstrong, Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neal Postman, The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis, Circe by Madeline Miller, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTl5u51RS1LIYYBpyEiZGzJeJ8g3I9acTB55DUpESW-9ZVjPhbUlUXxpuH0tA1BLBbje0UHdr9GLsDUVxv1Hp8YI3ACVvwITkRGFi0pU7_LWdEqn-uwEtXDuMVtttd1wQmCHvNE8AoW64IbAUQJUzzKqn5bP6fqv9eaHFnQnIw1ABL7dRRTM752fqSXw/s1024/imagejpeg_0%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTl5u51RS1LIYYBpyEiZGzJeJ8g3I9acTB55DUpESW-9ZVjPhbUlUXxpuH0tA1BLBbje0UHdr9GLsDUVxv1Hp8YI3ACVvwITkRGFi0pU7_LWdEqn-uwEtXDuMVtttd1wQmCHvNE8AoW64IbAUQJUzzKqn5bP6fqv9eaHFnQnIw1ABL7dRRTM752fqSXw/s320/imagejpeg_0%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- In the book Amusing Ourselves to Death, the author wanted to "show that definitions of truth are derived, at least in part, from the character of the media of communication through which information is conveyed." A topic that I have pondered, albeit less in depth and less eloquently. Postman had significant concerns about television being our primary source of information, as opposed to typography, because he believed that "what we watch is a medium which presents information in a form that renders it simplistic, nonsubstantive, nonhistorical and noncontextual" and that "in the absence of continuity and context... 'bits of information cannot be integrated into an intelligent and consistent whole.' Does the definition of truth than shift? I don't know and I don't think I agree with everything Postman presents but it is worth pondering, particularly as technology continues to offer up different ways for us to receive information. I do think that this quote is worth pondering further: "we are losing our sense of what it means to be well informed. Ignorance is always correctable. But what shall we do if we take ignorance to be knowledge?"</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to the butterfly house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo1eaFyxMV977BjtY9vRnUqxYQqiyx31v2fN7hkAEEtnFDtmiiZ1Vw0q8REjrCwyKGI3-4SYZJeFF1ytECrTHniJ28-k8lDLrOpCS1QtuHZxEEE-4iLVAi_qcacVa5kp8zKswaM9BDTPvXtFgw9Z2qyOuUOuJC5EUQHvG3YriVpusSYKIU-p7wsWfAYY/s1008/Resized_20230720_144337.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVo1eaFyxMV977BjtY9vRnUqxYQqiyx31v2fN7hkAEEtnFDtmiiZ1Vw0q8REjrCwyKGI3-4SYZJeFF1ytECrTHniJ28-k8lDLrOpCS1QtuHZxEEE-4iLVAi_qcacVa5kp8zKswaM9BDTPvXtFgw9Z2qyOuUOuJC5EUQHvG3YriVpusSYKIU-p7wsWfAYY/s320/Resized_20230720_144337.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I attended a chamber orchestra concert. There was also an opening set by a folk/bluegrass band.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- In the book Killers of the Flower Moon, I learned that the Osage Indians, when being forced to move from Kansas in the late 18th century, successfully navigated a move to a reservation in Oklahoma that included the rights to the resources found in the earth beneath the reservation. In the early 19th century oil was found there and the biggest oil companies sought leases on the reservation. Many Osage became very wealthy through returns from leasing fees generated by their headrights. During the 1920's, in what is known as the Reign of Terror, many Osage suffered manipulation, fraud, and many murders by outsiders eager to take over their wealth. I was surprised to learn that the Osage had negotiated mineral rights successfully and then shocked to learn that they were not allowed to manage their individual finances, the government required that someone be designated to manage their finances. I was dismayed to find, yet again, that many people were willing to benefit from this bigotry and persecution; stunned by how readily some seem to embrace irrational notions about fellow human beings. This was something I was already thinking about after reading Winter Journey. I have many thoughts swirling in my mind related to this; maybe I'll write more in the future. Maybe.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I played miniature golf... three times! I hadn't done putt putt in years!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw-9k1WOexJzrBwiOXF8fHGsAn3j3Z1L7hxCHknZayRo5EjXc9Clx6YCIT_dP3DzDl_3U9rTN3AxQ5pQYYrSymxEXSuY8rGyQh7mLRTdtxwMZDu0Mdo5btC9Z-8z2woSwRJHlMa2irRmHhoYZu95DEO-baXlWof_tlB4oggWlBsCzYhFx9Qy2q5o_XxI/s640/IMG_0147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw-9k1WOexJzrBwiOXF8fHGsAn3j3Z1L7hxCHknZayRo5EjXc9Clx6YCIT_dP3DzDl_3U9rTN3AxQ5pQYYrSymxEXSuY8rGyQh7mLRTdtxwMZDu0Mdo5btC9Z-8z2woSwRJHlMa2irRmHhoYZu95DEO-baXlWof_tlB4oggWlBsCzYhFx9Qy2q5o_XxI/s320/IMG_0147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I tried a variety of new pastries from a local bakery. I surprised myself by liking most the pastry that I thought I would like least!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJLmEW1m6swucgsgmWvd-PBplHJfLHyshxa4Lr4baabVo1zc3sFFMupo4nreMboYe1HU_erGu5PGhijDQ9KOOxNn1HuTAxQeuEewkOibMh_2-T8wcQOtvUmHfqZyhTTsNJpw8AbvFgATPD7sA_fXFyNTZgZagOulOOpFK_fQNbxDvd4S0OJz-9J9VH4I/s1008/Resized_20230703_113132.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJLmEW1m6swucgsgmWvd-PBplHJfLHyshxa4Lr4baabVo1zc3sFFMupo4nreMboYe1HU_erGu5PGhijDQ9KOOxNn1HuTAxQeuEewkOibMh_2-T8wcQOtvUmHfqZyhTTsNJpw8AbvFgATPD7sA_fXFyNTZgZagOulOOpFK_fQNbxDvd4S0OJz-9J9VH4I/s320/Resized_20230703_113132.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I pitched horseshoes for the first time. And the second.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ya6auUlRavki6wjmydDLbVcOY6nKOMO2EMeepN1wrg2wgerGNY23jcPOPM-54bahHEvFpGxTQiOGpsPPSn3cLayHYRqLabwwReAhJjSmmFFVHFynIpaWTD0TbmZExNR5vq7Z-q0SPWV2OHYeo0lw4VGfv-uptwD8C3XDL4lbtX_Ukqa_6eUk-GtNxhU/s1080/Resized_IMG-20230729-WA0001_112721373697571.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ya6auUlRavki6wjmydDLbVcOY6nKOMO2EMeepN1wrg2wgerGNY23jcPOPM-54bahHEvFpGxTQiOGpsPPSn3cLayHYRqLabwwReAhJjSmmFFVHFynIpaWTD0TbmZExNR5vq7Z-q0SPWV2OHYeo0lw4VGfv-uptwD8C3XDL4lbtX_Ukqa_6eUk-GtNxhU/s320/Resized_IMG-20230729-WA0001_112721373697571.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I recently learned that high levels of Vitamin A allow seals to survive in the cold by stimulating cells that allow seal pups to quickly add thick layers of skin and blubber. The mother seals store up large amounts of Vitamin A that is then delivered to the seal pups via nursing. Likewise, polar bears store up large quantities of Vitamin A, in part to protect them from the cold and, in part because they feast on Vitamin A rich seals. This Vitamin A gets stored in polar bear livers. If humans consume polar bear liver they will likely die and it has been noted that whatever human body parts touch the polar bear liver will begin to peel. Vitamin A stimulates growth by binding to DNA and transcribing it rapidly. It contributes to "programmed cell death." Lesson: if you are starving in the arctic and manage to kill a polar bear, don't eat the liver, regardless of how sumptuous it may appear. </p><p style="text-align: center;">- I attended an Independence Day parade, watched the Victorian drill team and have determined to participate.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH9dXJe26asXwt0cmJjU5XzvjMUP-HWnBm7sg_3KubJfvKh7DvLaW_7mnU7sE_g828k7HCc3PiB4Iqqj2Sty_lC3dlKC8dwfhDsWfPaNUNV5oU9S9ODNm9-11c_fiyqNyYyFF_i04kZYtx1YaZMsxO0oVQwK0bRhd9NbT6aHaIVzxvgf1q2hd59kZ3nM/s1008/Resized_20230704_104015.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxH9dXJe26asXwt0cmJjU5XzvjMUP-HWnBm7sg_3KubJfvKh7DvLaW_7mnU7sE_g828k7HCc3PiB4Iqqj2Sty_lC3dlKC8dwfhDsWfPaNUNV5oU9S9ODNm9-11c_fiyqNyYyFF_i04kZYtx1YaZMsxO0oVQwK0bRhd9NbT6aHaIVzxvgf1q2hd59kZ3nM/s320/Resized_20230704_104015.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I played cornhole for the first time as well. I participated in a tournament at work. I did manage to get one bean bag in the hole and my points weren't cancelled out. We lost, 21-3, but I consider those three points to be a victory for me.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to Bakers Creek Heirloom Seed Company's seed store and village. They had several beautiful flower beds front and center. I took note of several different plants that I was previously unfamiliar with and gawked at the enormous assortment of heirloom seeds available in the store.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFWKu8865_oAtQlP9bneNVcFblGVTJSiD1qZY1030jfj0EnSJ_-MBpGVol3guNoOW-23q9lcdWVvpg56k3kXY2cZppm6OQlDk0Kas1Lxl9PzwTIuDoJHSQufiH-sps7UDht_y8IjTBnwu0J8dk6CTt7drFRkZgqVNM9zQxhORIVi9xoyIetUInyD-x7I/s1008/Resized_20230717_101534.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFWKu8865_oAtQlP9bneNVcFblGVTJSiD1qZY1030jfj0EnSJ_-MBpGVol3guNoOW-23q9lcdWVvpg56k3kXY2cZppm6OQlDk0Kas1Lxl9PzwTIuDoJHSQufiH-sps7UDht_y8IjTBnwu0J8dk6CTt7drFRkZgqVNM9zQxhORIVi9xoyIetUInyD-x7I/s320/Resized_20230717_101534.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I learned that I may want to look further into epigenetics.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAINbrawiq8ejStPlV5L514A6hrwleIiLMNCezfC3U7arKwnA4dT3lJ8waepQco5elxA6SilQDxS_HqBVC5XYNRyTuQX8Vn6CHseYD9V7ctoZJg_JIYoSABG7d_cejPECtFJQea_6eWysJXa4CewodHeKclS9QHdn9B0e8CGnrT9k7-yFl6CU1J0pUOX0/s800/IMG_8102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAINbrawiq8ejStPlV5L514A6hrwleIiLMNCezfC3U7arKwnA4dT3lJ8waepQco5elxA6SilQDxS_HqBVC5XYNRyTuQX8Vn6CHseYD9V7ctoZJg_JIYoSABG7d_cejPECtFJQea_6eWysJXa4CewodHeKclS9QHdn9B0e8CGnrT9k7-yFl6CU1J0pUOX0/s320/IMG_8102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I ate at a vegan restaurant. It was highly enjoyable. I had never had vegan ice cream before and had never even pondered what it would be made of until this day. I dug right in to my ice cream, than wondered if they were relying on nuts and, being allergic to some nuts, decided that I should learn. I learned that vegan ice cream can be made from coconut milk, oat milk, almond and cashew milks, and soy milk. Good to know. My ice cream was safe for consumption and it was delicious!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCQH2CC_J2w3_aQ4CJNXJx71ZCXeGW7Pcdk3fNTuZ9eo5DpUJ-CJ2F3O2LmzFaCj4RjpDjXMhMmEyjxzG8sjgd9Cwiixu6U4Nfj9fSUyORqrV_P7XEudUcMFmmuMCiOGo8pHIwbTbEXMtXxM0ARK2DWkS3McZGmgr-6G_LIpQxucBCfZRHRW2OV1C5YQ/s1024/IMG_1348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCQH2CC_J2w3_aQ4CJNXJx71ZCXeGW7Pcdk3fNTuZ9eo5DpUJ-CJ2F3O2LmzFaCj4RjpDjXMhMmEyjxzG8sjgd9Cwiixu6U4Nfj9fSUyORqrV_P7XEudUcMFmmuMCiOGo8pHIwbTbEXMtXxM0ARK2DWkS3McZGmgr-6G_LIpQxucBCfZRHRW2OV1C5YQ/s320/IMG_1348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I have been weight lifting a couple of times a week and am getting stronger!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">- On several occasions, I have gone to the park to shoot some hoops. My first attempts were lamentable but I am improving. I have even heard a SWOOSH, a time or two.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to the art museum and viewed an exhibition of enamel vessels and the annual watercolor exhibition.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-71SugKx8s_5qNt3SuRh8M7e9JP5Jg9RaCkzPKUo1usPITrqL5FxLxSSvgnArt31EJtyGOfA9IUwM9Zh9QFmuUcdaCaBOfKmOIX7knAN9fOy0vWZQoHE0od0CIglFN5NlCTCeiHUoIQy4NS9bp5Ajg5KoWiyakeTkcXhFFvXQNQmJ3bylRZi_RSyCwE/s1008/Resized_20230719_170229.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-71SugKx8s_5qNt3SuRh8M7e9JP5Jg9RaCkzPKUo1usPITrqL5FxLxSSvgnArt31EJtyGOfA9IUwM9Zh9QFmuUcdaCaBOfKmOIX7knAN9fOy0vWZQoHE0od0CIglFN5NlCTCeiHUoIQy4NS9bp5Ajg5KoWiyakeTkcXhFFvXQNQmJ3bylRZi_RSyCwE/s320/Resized_20230719_170229.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to the local botanical garden. I was thrilled to see the White Garden in bloom; very inspiring. The Rose Garden was also in full bloom. There were old garden roses and modern roses and species (wild) roses, all in a rainbow of colors. There were hybrid tea roses, grandifloras, floribundas, polyanthas, miniature roses and minifloras, and shrub roses. There were so many different types of roses and I am reminded that I still have so much to learn!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnTK71PnkSS963ZCuKN27zcm4m9EOZINZM7N8QA3XJaYvhxD2oscgJBg7bONQ8ubfZXIrEM06622Pk3HYAZQ4ZPojtldIpM9m6SgcFOa6P3qvSs7iMnmPwDmUsbOa7PdJ2Q0CCn4ZunEwrxSJa4tvnZuzM6PkbO9nZX9yVIM94w254HUfDs30_CKh1zE/s1080/Resized_20230806_161732.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnTK71PnkSS963ZCuKN27zcm4m9EOZINZM7N8QA3XJaYvhxD2oscgJBg7bONQ8ubfZXIrEM06622Pk3HYAZQ4ZPojtldIpM9m6SgcFOa6P3qvSs7iMnmPwDmUsbOa7PdJ2Q0CCn4ZunEwrxSJa4tvnZuzM6PkbO9nZX9yVIM94w254HUfDs30_CKh1zE/s320/Resized_20230806_161732.jpeg" width="258" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I observed a Great Blue Heron trying to catch its dinner! Fascinating!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7GF5OzLUC28kU4La1RlgCeNtA2CPpbDxoKV7h0tp7ay3CBnTihHGljcYiMcONW1QY7yMwe1S5c5F8fh4paWT9Wfb_lQzTYRfS8q1fK26GB1NmbItAdfNakm-xTnGe9w10AvDozd6tCUMVV4f1iSQsBSYSHlAE6I3YygX0kAjI_XiJQtPURY-dgGSPkA/s1008/Resized_20230720_160806.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7GF5OzLUC28kU4La1RlgCeNtA2CPpbDxoKV7h0tp7ay3CBnTihHGljcYiMcONW1QY7yMwe1S5c5F8fh4paWT9Wfb_lQzTYRfS8q1fK26GB1NmbItAdfNakm-xTnGe9w10AvDozd6tCUMVV4f1iSQsBSYSHlAE6I3YygX0kAjI_XiJQtPURY-dgGSPkA/s320/Resized_20230720_160806.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I watched a stage production of Mean Girls, Jr. I didn't know that Mean Girls was written by Tina Fey, until now. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84-cVVm4x3u4eviG8CkaCv_WDdYMk4HhgsixP_VdRI4WF8IM6MZT1Aq3Wk1ZAEl_BNz57Tw2u0QkzkjGfSafsN_ef-3ckjSgGsi_ss_DuxoRvE5XG2uH1neaDuxKGnLlk0tED4-XJX_3aQqUKUddrOE3TAFy2r8rmJDsP2WIgT7_zmoA4A3bfapcDi4U/s1080/Resized_20230806_161808.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="773" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84-cVVm4x3u4eviG8CkaCv_WDdYMk4HhgsixP_VdRI4WF8IM6MZT1Aq3Wk1ZAEl_BNz57Tw2u0QkzkjGfSafsN_ef-3ckjSgGsi_ss_DuxoRvE5XG2uH1neaDuxKGnLlk0tED4-XJX_3aQqUKUddrOE3TAFy2r8rmJDsP2WIgT7_zmoA4A3bfapcDi4U/s320/Resized_20230806_161808.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I played many games of Uno and Can't Stop.</p><p style="text-align: center;">- I went bowling for the first time in, like, forever.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwD3rOJSW_ylQ18yDXcqMHyKOU18UllFihnkxK3fYYomDiPcxHjrKFlbLhc_ZE936LbyGVw4xmdMGCGxfR4DmEu7_JKzxMk8RnigYknARXqHeWWUSvtkUeIGS1p3TI4W4W20rAn2_C-VdpprJ1mKoICwBkxm_fEa9eDZ85Qg06KTeC0v3jdHrlTUvcSY/s1008/Resized_20230725_132223.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwD3rOJSW_ylQ18yDXcqMHyKOU18UllFihnkxK3fYYomDiPcxHjrKFlbLhc_ZE936LbyGVw4xmdMGCGxfR4DmEu7_JKzxMk8RnigYknARXqHeWWUSvtkUeIGS1p3TI4W4W20rAn2_C-VdpprJ1mKoICwBkxm_fEa9eDZ85Qg06KTeC0v3jdHrlTUvcSY/s320/Resized_20230725_132223.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to the lake to observe the water lilies. While there, I believe, I saw a pileated woodpecker in flight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0krL9EWmtHwEE6QKc1p39bZi8r17Obi9xEIxYPI2SfEoOq5qJz2IQV9pnBudKCXjteYWcE_rQMYibOjLNDJDRLHJWp_HynvxIEkEGqJF-_T39y_wKus-j_dLcGVgAT7T94qxznJ_TAYf-59TfWiwDKeZMvz1XNGREamIJ8Scq8p6De-sWh9xqs15xp5A/s1008/Resized_20230725_170519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0krL9EWmtHwEE6QKc1p39bZi8r17Obi9xEIxYPI2SfEoOq5qJz2IQV9pnBudKCXjteYWcE_rQMYibOjLNDJDRLHJWp_HynvxIEkEGqJF-_T39y_wKus-j_dLcGVgAT7T94qxznJ_TAYf-59TfWiwDKeZMvz1XNGREamIJ8Scq8p6De-sWh9xqs15xp5A/s320/Resized_20230725_170519.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I heard that a suspect has been arrested in relation to the killings that have been attributed to the Long Island serial killer. I spent some time researching this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjngxjELVxnBkukgr0iySbsyLpxRQHbRj7nkJtx2P5WQtFN2EZQ_dM_bp0fMBWGT_cs37Y7S6eUC4hYmKM815jv_vvPYZrcoLhiVvMCHiYlhDTOEW1jgHP9lQU5pABl1NnW8kxsQU_TTJ_I448hwGFJQSB6n_jOj_Neu6n6ELtL2EWbiELcsFy94Euv-4/s1008/Resized_20230731_145502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjngxjELVxnBkukgr0iySbsyLpxRQHbRj7nkJtx2P5WQtFN2EZQ_dM_bp0fMBWGT_cs37Y7S6eUC4hYmKM815jv_vvPYZrcoLhiVvMCHiYlhDTOEW1jgHP9lQU5pABl1NnW8kxsQU_TTJ_I448hwGFJQSB6n_jOj_Neu6n6ELtL2EWbiELcsFy94Euv-4/s320/Resized_20230731_145502.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I went to the fair and perused all the handicrafts and livestock - always inspiring. I also watched a daredevil performance in which one of the performers was a member of the great Wallenda family. So cool.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH0ZUghe17rkZOpFUFBkd7jhyMPjKEfb9XvgANpxFwplpVw72IcLnyed5izYJEMbKyOidB94YmGxeeyCJkbknBp538yCOk9FV31XMFgn4F3rI0_TnvHUzjraY2cjTzEUDt0bjmSuovt8E5f8drgOTa_SjkH0mXuUCZG4eZpjscFY0AFmIBblNw0id3MA/s1008/Resized_20230731_154906.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH0ZUghe17rkZOpFUFBkd7jhyMPjKEfb9XvgANpxFwplpVw72IcLnyed5izYJEMbKyOidB94YmGxeeyCJkbknBp538yCOk9FV31XMFgn4F3rI0_TnvHUzjraY2cjTzEUDt0bjmSuovt8E5f8drgOTa_SjkH0mXuUCZG4eZpjscFY0AFmIBblNw0id3MA/s320/Resized_20230731_154906.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I have sought to maintain my journaling practice and have been challenged artistically.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMf7YO_NszbAk7pt87fArOLMV8nppONG1bsf_br4sZWaRNMHa1P_Ok5B-oF3yZVC1N2WGEuyVaSlIuR_oYkdNijlJjTzSHGwcEDviwzEu9o38MSgQaTko6XN4YiKR4UN11pKy0kTz3lQe7WktkOsGO5vM_0YCtCZ9Ya1Cys3x_9dKdKYCzkgtDC2gyGfU/s1008/Resized_20230731_123327.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMf7YO_NszbAk7pt87fArOLMV8nppONG1bsf_br4sZWaRNMHa1P_Ok5B-oF3yZVC1N2WGEuyVaSlIuR_oYkdNijlJjTzSHGwcEDviwzEu9o38MSgQaTko6XN4YiKR4UN11pKy0kTz3lQe7WktkOsGO5vM_0YCtCZ9Ya1Cys3x_9dKdKYCzkgtDC2gyGfU/s320/Resized_20230731_123327.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">- I hiked the nature center on a hot and muggy day. There was very little movement from creatures. There were no deer or turtles and not much in the way of birds. I did see a lot of dragonflies and one Eastern chipmunk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIheK8mPy2l2hqAVae0sc4hSEUUVDwLFMS5CYFzS7IQpXZWAwpsk18oBtdvTDcVscBo-ylCIDnKGegXCbeSc66eiDtEhZ4pLrovYWygy02tS_hbsLigIWoBYi58EH9DwX1sPLVjhzDdWHsN5t0v1U0jjCu_OZmsJUVMbzUkbA4X2HZB8bjPJQPBzGyj4/s1008/Resized_20230715_194009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIheK8mPy2l2hqAVae0sc4hSEUUVDwLFMS5CYFzS7IQpXZWAwpsk18oBtdvTDcVscBo-ylCIDnKGegXCbeSc66eiDtEhZ4pLrovYWygy02tS_hbsLigIWoBYi58EH9DwX1sPLVjhzDdWHsN5t0v1U0jjCu_OZmsJUVMbzUkbA4X2HZB8bjPJQPBzGyj4/s320/Resized_20230715_194009.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">-I tried some new things in the kitchen. I made vegan burgers and a caprese salad for Keegan. I also made some chocolate chip and coconut oatmeal cookies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz8YjMTq_ttFE_g5cJpyXvJn_8NVBv568WrVY84oen7Z3QEfDfX0kwZoy0Jbb7lKtjQozy4H9W5eAd3fqAwS2la6t7bDHvupOvY872aeu83pWkEgfdJFEfKQpCy7-FDSJBPcMu31i27AtmYUerzFeITBCtj5CUBBd0nOWG2JYww4BqIJ_C3LraqWwrZo/s1008/Resized_20230717_120307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOz8YjMTq_ttFE_g5cJpyXvJn_8NVBv568WrVY84oen7Z3QEfDfX0kwZoy0Jbb7lKtjQozy4H9W5eAd3fqAwS2la6t7bDHvupOvY872aeu83pWkEgfdJFEfKQpCy7-FDSJBPcMu31i27AtmYUerzFeITBCtj5CUBBd0nOWG2JYww4BqIJ_C3LraqWwrZo/s320/Resized_20230717_120307.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I don't typically go to concerts but I had the chance to go to one FO FREEE! so I did. I saw Ozark Mountain Daredevils, 38 Special, and Foreigner in concert. That was a cool experience!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlYV6Le1rQZ4GrW_vmTn9Bl6De8h5ECiLTa-FtSQvx4c6q1Nd3jA-f4NDeaFjz_5vOMFUjmsrtnqYzOhT8ty4SC5aqU5hqTqkujjiBqGFR15viMr-5XkE3zPbi1W6WP9juwe9mE_soHeZ_V4PR_2reNyaKXMtsNv0IhRjO6bVg_MKkRhUObKK45QQRfQ/s1008/Resized_20230715_213532.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjlYV6Le1rQZ4GrW_vmTn9Bl6De8h5ECiLTa-FtSQvx4c6q1Nd3jA-f4NDeaFjz_5vOMFUjmsrtnqYzOhT8ty4SC5aqU5hqTqkujjiBqGFR15viMr-5XkE3zPbi1W6WP9juwe9mE_soHeZ_V4PR_2reNyaKXMtsNv0IhRjO6bVg_MKkRhUObKK45QQRfQ/s320/Resized_20230715_213532.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-91670511813495116112023-07-02T12:22:00.002-07:002023-08-27T18:32:42.349-07:00Lifestyle of Learning 2023 Edition: Volume 3<p style="text-align: center;"> It is important to me that I challenge myself to learn and grow...</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 18- June 30</p><p style="text-align: center;">This has been a busy and challenging period of time. I have traveled which always nourishes my spirit. This trip was, however, different than any that I have taken before. It was a journey to face some old memories. I had new experiences, learned more about every area that I traveled through, and learned so very much about myself. This journey is documented in previous posts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGyIMaJRtjS6IbgRcisSqACIg76-pusNBDk4zkOAUe__esdqQQVvaQ336-y0vcsPTtJU4ABQjva7MsYlcCV4cjmrdQrHRQHxAfLVmRDeiegdYOVFLTLpT6uBBbAb1TjHT8rnT_lW1uUZaS9ltyL4X_ipu2OgiU_NtR5CkoL0HpEWoxI4MHyNIyqsqWa0/s4928/IMGP7448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGyIMaJRtjS6IbgRcisSqACIg76-pusNBDk4zkOAUe__esdqQQVvaQ336-y0vcsPTtJU4ABQjva7MsYlcCV4cjmrdQrHRQHxAfLVmRDeiegdYOVFLTLpT6uBBbAb1TjHT8rnT_lW1uUZaS9ltyL4X_ipu2OgiU_NtR5CkoL0HpEWoxI4MHyNIyqsqWa0/s320/IMGP7448.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I continue to make significant progress in working my way through Balancing the Sword Volume One. It has motivated me to continue making my way through the Old Testament. I have finished Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalm, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oQyUbwzzVBReCSkXzfrhIfhuE8Kwj-tvL6-ity7yCxAC9iGrK_IkHf3FSAY-P3qdSwvrE_5ms_TXlm01Tgk5cEvdVhJ6PvRCQ8M_FMsW8DDeAukO5a5mEIzuRPyo2crjkrCktR1RUGtio_bWkj-xA--tnTyOjB5VU9oUmeYnPON6nItEwhenc2kGIa4/s4928/IMGP7462.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oQyUbwzzVBReCSkXzfrhIfhuE8Kwj-tvL6-ity7yCxAC9iGrK_IkHf3FSAY-P3qdSwvrE_5ms_TXlm01Tgk5cEvdVhJ6PvRCQ8M_FMsW8DDeAukO5a5mEIzuRPyo2crjkrCktR1RUGtio_bWkj-xA--tnTyOjB5VU9oUmeYnPON6nItEwhenc2kGIa4/s320/IMGP7462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">In addition to reading scripture, I read Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast, Too Tight by Sharon Heller; Girl in the Band by Kim Gordon; Genesis: Finding Our Roots by Ruth Beechik; Making Art a Practice by Cat Bennett; Agents of Babylon by David Jeremiah; The Right Words at the Right Time by Marlo Thomas and friends; A Country Year by Sue Hubbell; The Dressmakers of Auschwitz by Lucy Adlington; The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton by Eleanor Ray; Lost Books and Old Bones by Paige Shelton; A History of the Writings of Beatrix Potter by Leslie Linder; and Blacklisted by History by M. Stanton Evans.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3AThOyqpmA8MtYLTrxoqTmCV5BPMJTzlLwJ-dcIiAEXXMKtKCtON9WzGN4lVFDaa4lCpM1XwNsm3T2si2P2fZ97a-8ZW-U0TRh5BL9f87dPtnVarU8o0wNjjzhL60lYCV-Qo6-vjTyGj3BuRGNBo4_a3bZyQjOT-pgApQApYlJoNv3fYVk8-LUMVEXs/s4928/IMGP7471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3AThOyqpmA8MtYLTrxoqTmCV5BPMJTzlLwJ-dcIiAEXXMKtKCtON9WzGN4lVFDaa4lCpM1XwNsm3T2si2P2fZ97a-8ZW-U0TRh5BL9f87dPtnVarU8o0wNjjzhL60lYCV-Qo6-vjTyGj3BuRGNBo4_a3bZyQjOT-pgApQApYlJoNv3fYVk8-LUMVEXs/s320/IMGP7471.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I played Exploding Kittens, Can't Stop, Phase 10, 42,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I went to some art galleries in New Mexico.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Htd57XFQPx27stCbcCfkRow-xrjVx91GMa7vS0ciR2xoS56-dr9opS7eO0gsrEVV-iRXiprI3juV8pY8ryPyejYr6uO0ulLWmFCmwRC_s-keJ6PNxH0Krbu8w9on52upq9Pc1zF9N_sWHCco2X3UcCtzp113xDE1KqQlpwDQaU0egbM4W99YKb_xn0/s4928/IMGP7527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Htd57XFQPx27stCbcCfkRow-xrjVx91GMa7vS0ciR2xoS56-dr9opS7eO0gsrEVV-iRXiprI3juV8pY8ryPyejYr6uO0ulLWmFCmwRC_s-keJ6PNxH0Krbu8w9on52upq9Pc1zF9N_sWHCco2X3UcCtzp113xDE1KqQlpwDQaU0egbM4W99YKb_xn0/s320/IMGP7527.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I made collage master boards and clusters. Interesting process.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCq2H8KUNP-WjnBa61YAWus5s12FoLkPqXlxu9xykmdEex-fZwPcNDV_Nq1t2UBJCCHm4m1yFHopytr_jEkASVgG5iORZB20KpLK9KbLQKLbTCZd-dFpyxDYY-7-sLT2yGDOItGBsNjUpTEdOJGnzLEylW-3Dl61M1iRzGXmyYoHlZDbUcWAwv5AjCR0/s4928/IMGP7474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCq2H8KUNP-WjnBa61YAWus5s12FoLkPqXlxu9xykmdEex-fZwPcNDV_Nq1t2UBJCCHm4m1yFHopytr_jEkASVgG5iORZB20KpLK9KbLQKLbTCZd-dFpyxDYY-7-sLT2yGDOItGBsNjUpTEdOJGnzLEylW-3Dl61M1iRzGXmyYoHlZDbUcWAwv5AjCR0/s320/IMGP7474.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I saw performances of Pippen and Moana Jr.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I worked out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqW9Tdg2l6IgDvGaVdjOnJfYuGuYpqYxTMbv-E0lboTBBqMbRAYYG2t3Hemu3KbBw3HTnb926I9sb4gvUCq1F1Rs4hp2j0gRSY1-Y5WTn6Q4UxRK5095oRiohLtTLX2MrjxHNPPUT_ST0WpjZ-LYo_pwoK48ZWP505jTUPOgUZTakLzraY8o5nQtwXpZ0/s4928/IMGP7478.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqW9Tdg2l6IgDvGaVdjOnJfYuGuYpqYxTMbv-E0lboTBBqMbRAYYG2t3Hemu3KbBw3HTnb926I9sb4gvUCq1F1Rs4hp2j0gRSY1-Y5WTn6Q4UxRK5095oRiohLtTLX2MrjxHNPPUT_ST0WpjZ-LYo_pwoK48ZWP505jTUPOgUZTakLzraY8o5nQtwXpZ0/s320/IMGP7478.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I photographed a wedding. I edited the wedding photos and learned how to use google drive to email them to the couple.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl6QxFfQ3kQCSm-lbOrgRR3DVwYJ67TwpfNPEsDCaM2mvr00xuF5NjPeF0CsgoJC4cpjMY_SQvscEKvRd5bqOTf3-lTgPdrcAgZXGC8ZKHLmnOWOxkSRCyMTyQWVNY1coYd-IqbPPzUeqJArOyK4KA8o_lo650iJ5rZYyMynQeMyGeXKXLm4C1UXeSU4/s4928/IMGP7484.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl6QxFfQ3kQCSm-lbOrgRR3DVwYJ67TwpfNPEsDCaM2mvr00xuF5NjPeF0CsgoJC4cpjMY_SQvscEKvRd5bqOTf3-lTgPdrcAgZXGC8ZKHLmnOWOxkSRCyMTyQWVNY1coYd-IqbPPzUeqJArOyK4KA8o_lo650iJ5rZYyMynQeMyGeXKXLm4C1UXeSU4/s320/IMGP7484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I went to an art museum for their Art in Bloom exhibition which involved floral arrangements and fashion designs inspired by art in the museums collection.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I saw an incredible exhibition of enameled vessels.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I visited a museum that has an incredible collection of Mimbres pottery; including the' largest and most complete collection of Mimbres materials in existence from a single prehistoric Mimbres site.'</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVUQIH-ec0awMrJBp2fIyqHSTMHCf9YnJBYXSXtuMP3aLZJTvIqLgtbgaoYVJc3S34pxFx-UJncWafUsUQPsXsbLOS4BqsXL4SUXFzr3As7J0HKcFaw8AzR3Ef-9m52K5cB8rA1p0Vqgb4L8EkxWBgFSdVO9Od-5ST6V9Y54HaQDKkXuVqgly3nQatWU/s4928/IMGP7494.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVUQIH-ec0awMrJBp2fIyqHSTMHCf9YnJBYXSXtuMP3aLZJTvIqLgtbgaoYVJc3S34pxFx-UJncWafUsUQPsXsbLOS4BqsXL4SUXFzr3As7J0HKcFaw8AzR3Ef-9m52K5cB8rA1p0Vqgb4L8EkxWBgFSdVO9Od-5ST6V9Y54HaQDKkXuVqgly3nQatWU/s320/IMGP7494.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I have continued my journaling and am doing it in an artsy style.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I watched the movie Dark Waters.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I tried my hand at monoprinting and began working with my watercolors. I also coffee dyed papers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcC4mfTacDw96PQ52JC_4i2IXAODMzmX701b2o5k8LvH804txF_v_GNYmEDPOMFxZ9qYO3Yy0mrNK_T0IAUrNcIhDIzbOwVtJkQE8rTVXJcNja91hTl_RaA5VcuvBhXolN2j40a7UyiPtEWGWw0Qn621m8atf_Lht_whxoc7hN10HDHkfEGWrRdsdyCI/s4928/IMGP7505.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcC4mfTacDw96PQ52JC_4i2IXAODMzmX701b2o5k8LvH804txF_v_GNYmEDPOMFxZ9qYO3Yy0mrNK_T0IAUrNcIhDIzbOwVtJkQE8rTVXJcNja91hTl_RaA5VcuvBhXolN2j40a7UyiPtEWGWw0Qn621m8atf_Lht_whxoc7hN10HDHkfEGWrRdsdyCI/s320/IMGP7505.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I attended a trivia event.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I researched JADE -justify, argue, defend, explain. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I did the heart walk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHKoXR65Q07FMqO5BJOg_M9gClccvdutFxkz1c0HVnzB1ZR3LFZLz5DCu3dAhn1oGfwP_BtATzbc1rdQfw_jOqZDlUOYIv5zLMmIXEBnkvkifCrUSRL7WbtkyF2kF-t34dk_9BRgVTWwRIPqUr3I3ZtBPJDmrqjhiXf7CRrUufBhUOCvB1ongAORZIPU/s4928/IMGP7511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHKoXR65Q07FMqO5BJOg_M9gClccvdutFxkz1c0HVnzB1ZR3LFZLz5DCu3dAhn1oGfwP_BtATzbc1rdQfw_jOqZDlUOYIv5zLMmIXEBnkvkifCrUSRL7WbtkyF2kF-t34dk_9BRgVTWwRIPqUr3I3ZtBPJDmrqjhiXf7CRrUufBhUOCvB1ongAORZIPU/s320/IMGP7511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I listened to many podcasts: Snake River Killer, Zone 7, Still..., The Exorcist Files, Killing Dad: The Crystal Howell Story and more.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I attended several work related meetings to include the Ownership Culture Committee meeting, Ownership Culture Steering Committee meeting, Shareholders Meeting, and the accounting huddle. These meetings expand my understanding of the place in which I work and its culture.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxdPbS6X4HZeHCgu1FikKKDyfH_UFWWwHYSv4JZGJzs_f-zxMackG9kJZBLAA-Kt67djwx8qsEi5Tuj_NHqr7f7_HYM7utMyGE1vn5-RwB3aU92zAhSSf134Dg_HYIv73Q-tX304Ht4t8dXe8gl9CUMuJppV2PAMOpI-sIG5w_mhfTHwS1otuAf_15Qw/s4928/IMGP7525.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4928" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxdPbS6X4HZeHCgu1FikKKDyfH_UFWWwHYSv4JZGJzs_f-zxMackG9kJZBLAA-Kt67djwx8qsEi5Tuj_NHqr7f7_HYM7utMyGE1vn5-RwB3aU92zAhSSf134Dg_HYIv73Q-tX304Ht4t8dXe8gl9CUMuJppV2PAMOpI-sIG5w_mhfTHwS1otuAf_15Qw/s320/IMGP7525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I saw flickers at the park. It prompted me to research woodpeckers in Missouri.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZS0xaZ7cbNAZ-rAv9Ag8F-1cSI1p7j6q7GRSK5HaWbFmaEcfJ8tFAizzJwPRxGqGEFxpHWmGJ7oUJsV5jSAFgYat7djWWTHBUhJembUH8tIDonUKswUIIsEWgsmcvzjlSkh0QuO_6WchVLMokb9u3QKnasC2Kl0b4SywJ7WE2VxrE5EeV-VHGR7lvkg/s4928/IMGP7533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZS0xaZ7cbNAZ-rAv9Ag8F-1cSI1p7j6q7GRSK5HaWbFmaEcfJ8tFAizzJwPRxGqGEFxpHWmGJ7oUJsV5jSAFgYat7djWWTHBUhJembUH8tIDonUKswUIIsEWgsmcvzjlSkh0QuO_6WchVLMokb9u3QKnasC2Kl0b4SywJ7WE2VxrE5EeV-VHGR7lvkg/s320/IMGP7533.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I got a basketball and went to the park before work to shoot some hoops. Its been a long time. It was a little discouraging at first. My back was so tight that I couldn't extend my arm the way that I needed and my left foot/ankle is so problematic that I couldn't jump the way that I wanted to. My back and shoulder are loosening up and am able to take better shots now. I still have a long way to go but I am thoroughly enjoying myself. So fun!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-72114293584377160552023-07-01T08:19:00.002-07:002023-07-01T08:19:46.961-07:00Goals Revisited and Renewed: Part 2<p style="text-align: center;"> Midway through the year is a perfect time for me to revisit the goals that I have established for myself. It is time to assess progress, revise the goals if necessary, and renew my commitment to them. In the previous post I revisited my <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/2023-goals.html" target="_blank">original 2023 goals</a> and <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/could-have-been-me.html" target="_blank">Could Have Been Me goals</a>. In this post, I am going to check in on my <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/23-hard-things-in-2023.html" target="_blank">23 Hard Things in 2023 goals</a>. In addition to the larger, overarching goals expressed in the previous post, I have expressed the intention to attack 23 hard things in 2023. These are things that I believe will add something of value to my life or they are things that need to be done but I have struggled to prioritize. So, let's see......</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Write 12 snail mail letters. Amongst my friends and family, I am known for NOT writing letters. They accept this about me but I know that they value letters. I value them so I am trying to connect with them in a way that delights them. I wrote 2 letters this month; one to my dad for Father's Day and the other to a niece who graduated high school. I have now attained my goal - 12/12 - DONE!!! I will continue to write letters throughout the year. There are more people out there who I know will delight in hearing from me.</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Initiate three dates with hubby. No progress.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Purge 1200 items. Through June, I have purged 1122. I have 78 more items to purge in order to reach my goal. 1122/1200.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Read 48 books. By the end of June, I have read 47 books. I am including books of the Bible in this count. I am still reading at least four other books per month. I am rocking this goal! 47/48.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) 12 of the 48 books read need to be books that I own. In June, I read the History of the Writings of Beatrix Potter that Maceo gifted me for Christmas. (It was a fascinating read) In 2023, I have read 11 books from my personal stash. 11/12.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Have one adventure per month. For me, an adventure is doing something new or takes me out of my comfort zone. In June, I participated in the Heart Walk. I did this by myself and feel good about that. I also acquired a new basketball and shot some hoops one morning before work. I want to keep hitting the hoops. Fun!</p><p style="text-align: center;">7) Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals. Done!!! June's journal makes my sixth monthly journal! Now, I have to decide the direction that I want to take with my journals and my paper stash and all that jazz. 6/6.</p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Make a minimum of 36 blog entries. I made no progress on this goal during the month of June. I haven't blogged about New Mexico or shared wedding photos that I took or shared what I have been learning. I am going to turn my attention to this blog and will take this into consideration when I make a decision about what my journals will look like now. This post and the previous goal-related post are my 13th and 14th posts of the year. 14/36.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Repair camera. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">10) Repair mandolin and learn to play one song. NOPE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">11) Dance. No progress.</p><p style="text-align: center;">12) Learn to tiptoe (move like a child). YUP.</p><p style="text-align: center;">13) Learn to skip (move like a child). NOPE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14) Do a cartwheel, although a roundoff will do. NOPERS.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15) Remove tree from front yard. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">16) Repair front porch stairs. DONE. Note: we have also repaired the light above the sink and have replaced the windows above the sink. Presently, we are getting estimates on re-piping the house.</p><p style="text-align: center;">17) Write letter to Carole's mother. Written, not sent.</p><p style="text-align: center;">18) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days of the year. I have taken my vitamins 151/180 days, thus far. That is a 84% success rate. I can do better. </p><p style="text-align: center;">19) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days of the year. I have flossed 116/180, thus far. That is only a 64% success rate. Surely, I can do better than that. I NEED to do better than that!</p><p style="text-align: center;">20) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days of the year. Just as I did in May, I struggled to track my expenditures in real time and with accuracy during the month of June. I have made notes on some days but not to completion. I have about 24 of the 30 days documented in some form. Now, is the time to get back on track. Today, July 1, I start anew!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">21) Do not go to Andy's alone. Ok, I'll fess up... I have failed. I was given gift cards to Andy's and that made it impossible (apparently) for me to resist its siren call. Sigh.</p><p style="text-align: center;">22) Try 15 new smoothie, salad or vegetarian recipes. NOPE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">23) Complete at least 75% of Balancing the Sword, Volume 1. I am more than 2/3 of the way to my goal. I have now read through the Songs of Solomon. I am feeling good about this!</p><p style="text-align: center;">By revisiting my goals, I can see that I am quite successful with some of my goals. I have developed a good return with my Bible study, reading, and vitamins. I need to improve my flossing routine and revive my tracking of expenditures. I think I am struggling with trying new recipes because I am still so focused on using up the items in my pantry. I will let this goal stand for now but it may need to be revised in the future. I am making progress in reaching my physical goals but am struggling more than I anticipated. I will refocus on these goals, as well. The home repair and debt repayment related goals have been met with wild success. There is now momentum in those areas and I hope to capitalize off that momentum in a significant way. I can feel the energy surging within me and it is that energy that helps me get in the zone and get it done. I am ready to rock and roll for the remainder of the year!!!!</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-53366069923506177512023-07-01T07:20:00.004-07:002023-07-01T07:20:47.192-07:00Goals Revisited and Renewed: Part 1<p style="text-align: center;"> I have expressed my goals in three different ways this year - my original <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/2023-goals.html" target="_blank">original 2023 goals</a>, <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/23-hard-things-in-2023.html" target="_blank">23 Hard Things in 2023</a>, and the <a href="https://tammiesayshello.blogspot.com/2023/03/could-have-been-me.html" target="_blank">Could Have Been goals</a>. These goals are a reflection of who I am at this present moment, what I dream of, what I value, who I want to be and what I want to do. The year 2023 is now at the midpoint. This is the perfect time for me to revisit those expressed goals, revise if necessary and renew my commitment to them. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Original 2023 Goals</u></p><p style="text-align: center;">*Money related goals: Earn ESOP - I do not have it confirmed yet that I earned any stock for the last fiscal year. In the meantime, I am working hard to make sure that I am getting enough hours to earn stock this fiscal year. The stock price for the company that I work for jumped $30 this year and is projected to continue to grow by leaps and bounds for the next five years. I definitely want in on this action. This has me reconsidering my timeline for work, home improvement and hitting the road. I may set a goal to continue working through the age of 62 so that I can be fully vested. In the meantime, I would focus on completing the home improvement tasks. I may revise my road trip plans as well. I may strive to do a segment of the trip each year between now and age 62. I have to be on the road!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pay for Maceo's move or Visa - I have more than enough money saved for this. I should know more by the end of the month about which I will be funding and the amount needed to accomplish it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Pay off Kohl's credit card, Herb's credit card and student loan - this goal has been revised and the revised version has been accomplished. The Kohl's card, student loan, and American Express have all been paid off. Herb's card has been paid down but I am not going to focus on paying it off; that is now completely his responsibility. We refinanced our mortgage and rolled the AMEX and H's CC (well, most of it) debt into the mortgage. This will slow down the interest accumulation on that debt and I will now have the ability to pay a larger amount towards the mortgage - new goal: have the mortgage paid off in under 15 years! With the exception of the mortgage, all debt with my name on it is paid off! That's huge and feels so good!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Adhere to my $150 entertainment budget, review subscription services, and "use it up" - I haven't reconciled my June expenses but believe that I went over a smidge. I definitely need to refocus my attention on tracking these expenses better. I am satisfied with my status as it relates to the other two goals.</p><p style="text-align: center;">*Decluttering goals: purge a minimum of 100 items per month, reclaim attic and set up guest space, "use it up" - I have not touched the attic nor made progress on setting up a guest space but I have been making steady progress on using things up or getting rid of them. Through June, I have purged 1122 items!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">*House related goals: repair front stairs, haul large trash, clean yard and remove curly tree. We have repaired the front stairs and removed the curly tree. The yard cleaning is roughly 50% completed. We are actually now moving forward with getting the house re-piped!</p><p style="text-align: center;">*Other: one adventure per month, move like a child, journal, floss, take my vitamins, stretch, strengthen, read, investigate - I have had one adventure per month, although they have not looked the way that I had envisioned when I set the goal. I am doing things that are uncomfortable or exciting or both. I have made progress with all movement related goals. This bum foot of mine is slowing me down. I will press on. I journal, floss, take vitamins and read routinely. Investigating, on the other hand, hasn't happened at all. Going to Silver City and revisiting a bit of Calvin's life has removed some of my drive to investigate the issues surrounding his death.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Could Have Been Me Goals</u></p><p style="text-align: center;">*Defeat the hoard: I am making steady progress on this goal. Thus far, in the year 2023, I have purged 1122 items. This doesn't include food or scrapbook items, unless I am giving those items away rather than using them up. I am steadily peeling back the layers of my life. I am learning what is of value to me and, of those things that I value, what I value more than the other. It is a process. I am defining myself and how I want to spend my time, my money, my life. I still have a long way to go on this journey but I am taking steps in the right direction.</p><p style="text-align: center;">*Be debt free: Surprisingly, I took a huge leap forward in achieving this goal. As mentioned before, I now have no debt in my name, with the exception of the mortgage. And I have a clear plan to have the mortgage paid off in 15 years! If I stay focused, I can be entirely debt-free by 70! I know that I need to make progress on home improvements and we will need to address vehicles within the next 15 years. These factors need to be taken into consideration, a plan needs to be developed so that I can truly be 100% debt-free at 70.</p><p style="text-align: center;">*Take my EPIC American road trip: No can do, just yet. Reaching the other goals, however, contribute to making this one a reality.</p><p style="text-align: center;">*Be strong: I have made progress on this. My bum ankle/foot and being fatigued is hampering my progress but I WILL figure this out!</p><p style="text-align: center;">This post seems plenty long, so, I will address 23 Hard Things in 2023 in the following post.</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-75223606987343780482023-05-30T16:19:00.003-07:002023-05-30T16:21:00.214-07:0023 Hard Things in 2023 - UPDATE<p style="text-align: center;">In addition to my larger goals, which I delineated at the beginning of the year, I have expressed the intention to attack 23 hard things in 2023. These are things that I believe will add something of value to my life or they are things that need to be done but I have struggled to prioritize. I am ready to check in and evaluate my progress.</p><p style="text-align: center;">1) Write 12 snail mail letters. I am notorious for NOT sending snail mail yet I know that others, important folks in my life, value it so I am trying to connect with those people in this way. I rocked it this month. I even sent my mom two Mother's Day letters. One was a card that all but one of the kiddos signed well over a decade ago. I had the missing kiddo sign it, wrote a message, and sent it off. Mama was tickled! Altogether, I mailed six letters this month. 10/12 done!</p><p style="text-align: center;">2) Initiate three dates with hubby. No progress yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3) Purge 1200 items. In April I purged 101 items and in May I purged another 115 items for a total of 1018/1200 purged this year!</p><p style="text-align: center;">4) Read 48 books. By the end of April I had read 24 books. This month I have completed another 11. 35/48 done!</p><p style="text-align: center;">5) 12 of the 48 books read need to be books that I own. Two of the books that I read this month are from my personal stash. 10/12 done!</p><p style="text-align: center;">6) Have one adventure per month. For me, an adventure is doing something new or something that takes me out of my comfort zone. In April, I attended Easter service at an Anglican church and I took a road trip. There were so many adventures encapsulated within the adventure of the road trip, more than I can even list. I am so proud of myself; I did so many hard things. In May, as a favor to friends I photographed a wedding and learned how to use Google Drive. I like photography but I am an uber amateur. I don't even understand the settings on my camera. I, however, overcame my anxiety and did my best. I just sent the couple the photos today and hope they are happy with the results. </p><p style="text-align: center;">7) Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals. I am working on finishing up my journal for May. I got behind, significantly, with April's journal, which then set me back on May's journal but I am pushing myself to complete it. So, presently, I have completed four journals but will soon have number five completed. </p><p style="text-align: center;">8) Make a minimum of 36 blog entries. This will make my 12th published post but I have several drafts in progress. I need to get caught up.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9) Repair camera. DONE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">10) Repair mandolin and learn to play one song. NOPE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">11) Dance. I do not have enough of this in my life yet. I must change that!</p><p style="text-align: center;">12) Learn to tiptoe (move like a child). YUP, I can do this now!</p><p style="text-align: center;">13) Learn to skip (move like a child). I am working on this. I have made progress but am not able to do it with litheness yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14) Do a cartwheel, although a round off will do ( move like a child). Absolutely not.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15) Remove tree from front yard. DONE. I had noted before that after the tree removal the front yard felt "heartbreakingly empty" but it no longer feels that way. Now that the tree is removed the flowers that are in that bed are thriving. That flower bed is beautiful!</p><p style="text-align: center;">16) Repair front porch stairs. DONE. It is such a relief to have this project completed and it looks super nice. Now we have traction on home related tasks and have completed more than just the tree and stairs. We have replaced windows and addressed some plumbing and electrical issues. More to come!</p><p style="text-align: center;">17) Write letter to Carole's mother. The rough draft is written but, otherwise, this project has stalled out.</p><p style="text-align: center;">18) Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days of the year. I have taken my vitamins daily for a total of 125 days (out of 150 days). I am still on track to reach this goal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">19) Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days of the year. I have flossed 99/150, thus far. I really need to focus if I am going to be successful with this goal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">20) Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days of the year. I still have a 99% success rate on this one. I struggled to stay up to date during May. I need to refocus, reset, realign.</p><p style="text-align: center;">21) Do not go to Andy's alone. In January, I went once alone; otherwise, I have not gone alone. Multiple times I have been jonesing for it and have nearly convinced myself that it would be ok to go but I ended up not going. Just yesterday I had convinced myself that I would go. I was in the Jeep, preparing to leave the Panera parking lot when Roxie called and ended up distracting me. It was a lengthy conversation and by the time I was done I had no desire to go to Andy's anymore.</p><p style="text-align: center;">22) Try 15 new smoothie, salad, or vegetarian recipes. No progress on this yet. I need to get started!</p><p style="text-align: center;">23) Complete at least 75% of Balance the Sword, Volume One. I am still going strong with this one. I haven't calculated the percentage of completion but am certain that I am on track. I will have to crunch those numbers soon.</p><p style="text-align: center;">In regards to record keeping and journaling, May was a rough month for me. I have been coming from behind, seemingly all month. I am doing remarkably well meeting my purging, reading, letter writing and Bible study goals. Additionally, I focused quite a bit of home maintenance related goals. I'm doing it. I'm doing the hard things.</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-32144604269539968402023-05-07T09:09:00.001-07:002023-05-07T09:09:21.668-07:00"Use It Up" Challenge ... Let's Keep It Up!<p style="text-align: center;"> I returned from my road trip with food. My mom gave me many pounds of meat - pork belly, ground pork, pork and beef ribs, pork steaks, and I don't even know what else. She also gave me frozen broccoli, cauliflower, jalapenos, onions and red bell peppers that she had put up and a load of freeze dried green bell peppers. Additionally, she gave me a whole heap of pantry items that she had salvaged, from where I am uncertain but I'm not particular. There are loads of beans, garbanzo and otherwise, tuna, almond butter, pasta, hominy, canned veggies, salsa, English muffins, eggs and more. So, with this 'free to me' haul, I am going to press on with my 'use it up' challenge. I will, of course, purchase perishables. This seems like a good time to use my grocery money to stock up on household items. Let's see if I can get ahead of the game!</p><p style="text-align: center;">*********************************</p><p style="text-align: center;"> April 25: B- eggs and English muffin; L/D- tacos.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 26: B- boiled eggs, Bishop's bread, tangerine; L- 1/2 bologna sandwich, charcuterie; D- green chile chicken enchiladas. Fridge = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 27: B- boiled eggs, Bishop's bread, tangerine; L- leftover green chile chicken enchiladas; D- tostada; Snack- English muffin with damson plum jelly. Fridge = 3.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 28: B- boiled eggs, Bishop's bread, tangerine; Snack- work supplied donut, banana; L- charcuterie; D- scrambled eggs, sausage, English muffin. Fridge = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 29: B- fried eggs, English muffin; L- quesadilla with refried black beans and Mama's salsa. D- Applebees.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 30: B- Panera breakfast sandwich; L- ramen with scrambled eggs and mushrooms; D- short ribs, grits, and roasted carrots.</p><p style="text-align: center;">May 1: B- corn flakes; L- breakfast burrito; Snack- peanut buster parfait; D- philly cheesesteaks. Pantry= 2; Freezer = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">May 2: B- sausage, eggs, English muffin with plum jelly; L- ramen with egg and mushrooms; D- quesadilla with homemade salsa.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Pantry = 2</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Fridge = 7</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Freezer = 2</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm getting there!</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-75150010268495876152023-04-27T17:54:00.001-07:002023-04-27T17:54:19.596-07:00"Use It Up" Challenge Continued... Again<p style="text-align: center;"> I am heading out on a road trip, yet I continue to accept the challenge to use up what I have. When I sorted the pantry, fridge and freezer out not too long ago, I determined that I would take as much of my own food as possible on this trip. I made a list of things that I could take inspired by what I had on hand but knowing that it would have to be supplemented with some grocery shopping, i.e. cowboy caviar and chips and pasta salad. I was proud of this plan. After getting through a birthday celebration and a special Easter dinner, I found that I only had $7 left in my grocery budget. I decided NOT to go to the store and get those supplemental items. I would HAVE to make do and USE IT UP. I found bologna and honey ham in the freezer. In the pantry, I found mustard, peanut butter, bread, sweet potato chips gifted to me by a friend, British chips brought by Maceo at Christmas time, a bag of crackers leftover from Christmas charcuterie, cheese puffs that were given to me at work, a handful of nilla wafers, and a small box of Moroccan cookies. Also, in the pantry, I found pretzel rods and white chocolate and made chocolate covered pretzels. I found, in the fridge, cheeses leftover from Valentine's charcuterie and Easter dinner; as well as, gourmet jams and mustard. I found lemon drops and gum from my Christmas stocking, leftover biscuits wrapped in plastic wrap on the table, a banana and tangerines in the fruit bowl, and a grapefruit in my lunchbox. I packed all this up, tossed in some boiled eggs and the bread Bishop baked for me the evening before the trip and press on with the challenge.</p><p style="text-align: center;">************************************************</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 18: B- boiled eggs, biscuits and plum jelly; L- bologna sandwich and sweet potato chips; Snack- chocolate covered pretzels; D- boiled eggs, cheese, tangerine and Bishop's bread. </p><p style="text-align: center;">April 19: B- gouda and ham on crackers with brown mustard, sweet potato chips, half a grapefruit, banana; Snack- chocolate covered pretzels; L- bologna sandwiches, cheese puffs; D- Blake's Lotaburger green chile cheeseburger and seasoned fries. Pantry = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 20: B- leftover Blake's; L/D- New Mexican food at a restaurant, enchiladas with green chile.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 21: B- bologna sandwiches; L/D- pizza from the hut, pepperoni with green chili; Snack- Moroccan cookies. </p><p style="text-align: center;">April 22: B- leftover pizza, the other half of the grapefruit, Bishop's bread, tangerine; L- green chile cheeseburger, pineapple slaw, and a strawberry and chile lemonade from Sparky's; D- baked potato. Fridge = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 23: B- Mama made eggs, bacon and toast; L- treated to stuffed sopaipillas at a cafe; D- Mama made a roast with carrots.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 24: B- Mama made eggs, bacon and toast; L/Snacks- bologna sandwiches, Maceo's British chips, nilla wafers, lemon drops and gum; D- Bishop greeted me with steak, avocado, potatoes, chocolate and oat cake with hazelnuts and fruit compote topped with whipped cream. Pantry = 1, Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Pantry = 3</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Fridge = 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Freezer = 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">***************************************</p><p style="text-align: center;">I didn't end up finishing off a ton of stuff from the pantry, fridge and freezer but I did make a dent!</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-935693079816283812023-04-17T16:42:00.001-07:002023-04-17T16:42:43.699-07:00"Use It Up" Challenge Continued<p style="text-align: center;"> I am going to press on with my "Use It Up" Challenge. I am going to attempt to reset my food storage. This was a goal that I had at the beginning of this year and some new developments seem to reinforce that goal. Our grocery budget has now been divided amongst the three of us remaining at home and we are largely preparing our food independently. Herb is eating keto, Bishop has gone largely meat free and sugar free, and that leaves me to my own devices. So, I am digging deep into my food storage, using what I have, and learning what works for me; what foods I prefer and how much time I want to devote to food preparation. I am evaluating what aspects of my meal planning, storage and prep method that I developed while raising the kiddos still applies and what I should let go of. I am purchasing perishables; otherwise, I am crafting meals from what I have on hand.</p><p style="text-align: center;">***************************************************</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 1: B- a breakfast sandwich given to me by a coworker; L- spaghetti, tangerine; D- a very healthy meal of donuts leftover from work. Pantry = 3; Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 2: B- breakfast sandwich from Panera; L- leftover hamburger helper, roll, mini tomatoes, chips and salsa; D - huevos rancheros. Pantry= 1; Fridge= 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 3: B- cornflakes; L-leftover brisket, greens and coleslaw; Snack- bran muffin; D- pork stir fry and dumplings. Pantry = 5; Freezer = 3. </p><p style="text-align: center;">April 4: B- boiled eggs and muffins; L- leftover stir fry; Snack- muffins; D- spaghetti with Italian sausage marinara, broccoli. Pantry = 2; Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 5: B- boiled eggs and muffins; L- leftover hamburger helper, greens; D- roast chicken and root vegetables. Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 6: B- boiled eggs and muffins; L- potluck at work; D- Texas Roadhouse for Christian's birthday.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 7: B- leftover steak from Texas Roadhouse and eggs; L/D- Christian's birthday meal of grilled bacon and onion sandwich, grilled veggies, and New York style cheesecake. Pantry = 1; Fridge = 1; Freezer = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 8: B- cornflakes with blueberries; L- leftover chicken and grilled veggies; D- leftover bacon sandwich and grilled veggies.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 9: B- cornflakes; L/D- Easter meal of ham, peach chutney, oven roasted asparagus, loaded brussel sprouts, green bean casserole, rolls, cream cheese pie. Pantry = 8; Fridge = 1; Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 10: B- cornflakes; L/D- Easter leftovers.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 11: B- cornflakes; L/D spaghetti and leftover greens. Pantry = 2; Fridge = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 12: B- boiled eggs, baked cheese crackers; L- leftover spaghetti and greens; Snack- graham crackers with frosting; D- steak, baked potato, banana pudding. Pantry = 3; Fridge = 1; Freezer = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 13: B- boiled eggs, baked cheese crackers; L- leftover steak and greens; D- leftover steak, egg and biscuits with jam. Pantry = 1; Fridge = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 14: B- boiled eggs and biscuits; L- leftover ham and greens; Snack- baked cheese crackers; D- macaroni and tomato sauce, grapes. Pantry = 5; Freezer = 2.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 15: B- cornflakes and scrambled eggs; L- leftover ham and green bean casserole; D- spaghetti at Roxie's and pie day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 16: B- panera breakfast sandwich; L- leftover ham and green beans; Snack- leftover banana pudding; D- leftover macaroni and tomato sauce, greens, blueberries. Fridge = 1.</p><p style="text-align: center;">April 17: B- cornflakes, boiled egg; Snack- chocolate covered pretzels; L- leftover macaroni and tomato sauce, greens; D- scrambled eggs with ham, leftover biscuits with the absolute best damson plum jam that has just been languishing in my pantry forevsies, leftover greens. Pantry = 3 </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Pantry = 34</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Fridge = 9</p><p style="text-align: center;">Total Freezer = 12</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2213124563942669530.post-6118723774797811042023-04-17T08:19:00.002-07:002023-04-17T08:19:34.882-07:0023 Hard Things in 2023 - UPDATE<p style="text-align: center;">In addition to my larger goals which were expressed at the beginning of the year, I have expressed the intention to attack 23 hard things during this year. These are things that I believe will add something of value to my life or just need to be done but I have struggled to prioritize. I'm ready to check in and evaluate my progress!</p><p style="text-align: center;">1). Write 12 snail mail letters. I am actually known for not writing letters but have felt convicted that I should be communicating in this form to people who have touched my life in a super special way. To date, I have sent off 4 letters. 4/12 done!</p><p style="text-align: center;">2). Initiate three dates with hubby. No progress yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">3). Purge 1200 items. At this very moment, I have purged 864 from my home. This does not count food items used in the "Use It Up" Challenge nor the scrapbook items used in my journaling endeavor. There is still a long way to go but I can see and feel the difference. I sometimes get frustrated or impatient with my progress but, overall, am quite pleased. Being able to see a difference is motivating. I press on.</p><p style="text-align: center;">4). Read 48 books. I started out VERY slow with this goal but am now on a roll. At this moment I have read 18 of the 48 books.</p><p style="text-align: center;">5). 12 of the 48 books read need to be books I own. Five of the 18 books that I have read are ones that I already own. I am making great progress with this goal. My larger goal is to have read every book that I own. I can make this happen. 5/12.</p><p style="text-align: center;">6). Have one adventure per month. YUP. For me, an adventure is doing something new or something that takes me out of my comfort zone. In January, I went to an esthetician and got an amazing facial. In February, I attended a lecture at a museum. In March, I visited gyms and did a workout at one. Thus far, in April, I attended Easter service at an Anglican church. That won't be my last adventure for the month. I'm building momentum! :)</p><p style="text-align: center;">7). Make and maintain a minimum of six monthly journals. I am up to date on my journaling. I have completed three journals, thus far, representing January, February, and March. I am working on April's journal, day by day.</p><p style="text-align: center;">8). Make a minimum of 36 blog entries. This will make my 8th blog entry this year. Not bad, not bad.</p><p style="text-align: center;">9). Repair camera. DONE. I was afraid that something had gone really wrong with my camera and when I experience fear and shame I then seek to avoid addressing the issue. I have not used my camera in over a year. As frequently happens, the issue that I was afraid of addressing turned out to be simple to address. I can be so ridiculous sometimes. I purchased a new rechargeable battery for my camera and that did the trick!</p><p style="text-align: center;">10). Repair mandolin and learn one song. Not yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">11). Dance. I have had one good dance session in the kitchen when no one else was at home. MUST. KEEP. DANCING.</p><p style="text-align: center;">12). Learn to tiptoe (move like a child). DONE. I did it!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">13). Learn to skip (move like a child). Not yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">14). Do one cartwheel, although a round off will do (move like a child). Certainly not yet.</p><p style="text-align: center;">15). Remove tree from front yard. DONE. The front yard is now heartbreakingly empty but the much needed task has been completed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">16). Repair front porch stairs. NOPE.</p><p style="text-align: center;">17). Write letter to Carole's mother. The rough draft has been written.</p><p style="text-align: center;">18). Take vitamins a minimum of 275 days of the year. At this point, 106 days into the year, I have an 84% success rate. Stating this goal so definitively has really helped me focus. I have had 100% success over the last month!</p><p style="text-align: center;">19). Floss teeth a minimum of 275 days of the year. I had a really slow start while attempting to develop this habit but am on a roll. Presently, I have a 57.5% success rate. It WILL improve!</p><p style="text-align: center;">20). Track expenditures a minimum of 275 days of the year. I have a 99% success rate on this one!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;">21). Do not go to Andy's alone. I scored myself some Andy's frozen custard alone one time this year, in January. I have been tempted a LOT. I am pleased with my progress. I'm going to keep fighting the good fight!</p><p style="text-align: center;">22). Try 15 new smoothie, salad, or vegetarian recipes. I haven't tried one YET.</p><p style="text-align: center;">23). Complete at least 75% of Balance the Sword, Volume One. I am making great progress on this one. Getting started was the hardest part. I am enjoying it now. Having set such a clearly defined goal has been very motivational. I am a quarter of the way to reaching my goal!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Although I had established goals at the beginning of the year and some of these hard things overlap with those goals, I began 23 Hard Things in 2023 just one month ago. I am satisfied with my progress. I've got this!!!</p>Tammiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13593216090426082080noreply@blogger.com0