The last time we walked in this desert, we had our Boston, TazE, with us.
The desert was greener and healthier looking. Our walking path this year had dog tracks, reminding us of our furry friend. She’s back in Montana being well cared for. Our rental this year doesn’t allow pets.
There’s been a fire since our last visit here. The desert brush all is scorched.
But it still is a peaceful place to walk. I knew we were 3/4 of the way around our course when this familiar landmark showed up.
It is a beautiful, clear blue sky 70 degree day. Wish you were here!
Do you have a peaceful place to walk undisturbed where you are?
It was invigorating!
Meantime, back in Montana, the antelope are enjoying a peaceful day, too. But their weather is considerably different from what we’re experiencing here in southern CA. Look at the picture my friend, Elaine, sent me today:
We are happy to be taking a sunshiny break for awhile. Our friends from Ennis just came to join us for a couple days. Yay! Wish you were here, too.
Improve your routine ‘Cuz when your morning’s better Your whole day is, too.
Which of these 15 suggestions are NOT already part of your morning routine? The one that’s lacking for me is exercise! So, if I’m gonna “Walk the Talk” as I promised myself, I guess I better start walking, huh?
It’s another beautiful morning here. I’m outta here.
I think I’ll look at things from outside for awhile. You wanna walk with me? It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Come on along…
Most Valuable Player = Motivate Validate Praise That’s ME (and all my TOPS friends!)
What is TOPS?
TOPS is a national organization designed to help folks like me Take Off Pounds Sensibly and keep those pounds off. It is not a diet program, but a supportive organization that focuses on Mind Over Platter. Sensible meal choices, portion control, and self-control are three of the ways TOPS encourages reaching and keeping healthy weight goals.
Why Join?
I joined TOPS in 2012 shortly after Bob & I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. I saw myself in those anniversary photos and said, “Who’s that???” I had gained 20 pounds in about twenty years – a pound a year. It just crept up so slowly that I didn’t notice how out-of-shape I was! See those chubby cheeks? I needed help to get back to my goal weight.
Feb. 11, 2012
Accountability
Today I am back down those 20 pounds and am encouraged each week when I go to my TOPS meeting to keep the pounds off. I have to face the scale and tell my TOPS friends (most of whom are KOPS – Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) whether I gained, lost, or “turtled” this week. (Turtling is staying the same.) That accountability is important to me.
Today’s meeting was our annual Christmas party. My friend, Devonna, came dressed as Santa!
Molly and Jeannie are the leaders of our group. They have been KOPS for over ten years. A real inspiration… real MVPs!!
Our party included fruit, juice, coffee, and healthy low-cal muffins. We have food at our meeting only a couple of times a year.
Each person brought a gift (under $5 value) and we each picked one. Such fun!
I was the happy TOPS “Best Loser” today. Every 1/4 lb. counts. I lost 1/2 lb. (Yay!!) It’s so easy to put the pounds on this time of year. I think of my TOPS friends and that scale every time I put a piece of candy or a Christmas cookie in my mouth. I am not asked to deny myself… Just be smart about how much and when I eat those sweets!
Is Weight Watching Part of Your Routine?
If, like me, you have to watch what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat – or you are prone to gain unwanted pounds, you might also look into seeing if there is a group like TOPS in your vicinity. The dues are only $5 per month. There are no foods you have to buy. No extra costs. Just a wonderful group of supportive friends. I am so grateful to my TOPS friends.
I encourage you to seek friends who are MVPs for you, too. Motivators Validators Positive friends who Praise and encourage you.
Does temptation lift Its ugly head around you? Cookies and parties?
Do you look at fun As life’s diversion from Christ? That’s not His intent!
Christianity Is built sure on nothing less Than Christ’s love and joy
He intends for us To experience His FUN In the Spirit’s fruit:
Galatians 5:22-23
“When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us, love, JOY, peace. patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Yesterday I went To a FUN cookie exchange Temptation abounds!
In his book, Daily Inspirations for the Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren wrote, “God uses the opposite situation of each fruit to allow us a choice. Integrity is built by defeating the temptation…”
My sis, Sally, lives at the Masonic Village. It’s a lovely place. We enjoyed a tour this afternoon.
A lovely sitting area near the entrance… and a beautiful meeting room where church services are held each Sunday:
Bob & I had lunch with my sis at her home’s “Friendsgiving” celebration.
The staff really got into the spirit by dressing up for the occasion. Then we went home – and were greeted by cheery Lily.
Jodie’s standard poodle, Lily, was smiling to Hello. Such a sweet pup!!
Then Mary, their sheepadoodle, came to join in the greeting. Such beautiful dogs.
We were greeted also by a variety of their chickens… fascinating!! I wonder which one of these provided the eggs for our breakfast this morning? The eggs were as varied in color as the chickens are!
This Sussex lays brown eggs.
This gal lays green or blue eggs! She’s a Whitening.
Isn’t this a handsome guy? The hens hover around him!
This is Charlotte – a Polish bantam. Her eggs are tiny and cream colored.This one lays deep brownish-red eggs. She is a Maran. She wouldn’t stand still!!
This is a golden Wyndotte. She lays brown eggs.
Don’t you love this wonderful variety of hens and roosters? Such fun! There are about 80+ birds in Liam’s flock.
And Liam has a business selling “Liam’s Great Eggs.” He has a growing clientele… can’t even keep up with the demand! Come on, hens, keep on layin’. This is such a great learning opportunity for us all!
Pick out the eggs you want for your breakfast tomorrow~
