Switching Gears

When a door closes, God opens a window. Breathe in the fresh opportunities.

The issues are not always transparent

Yesterday a group of retired football players and the NFL came to an agreement for the league to establish a $765 million fund to support those retirees who display neurological effects that can be linked back to concussions, and their families. Such effects are listed as: depression and suicide, ALS, Parkinson's, dementia and more. Forty five hundred retired players are listed in the initial law suit.

And I wonder is football really worth it? I know every aspect of life has it's own set of risks. Just walking down the street has the risk of being hit by a car. But when are the risks and consequences too high? Should children be allowed to play football? Our town has a pee wee football league. What about high school sports programs? How many concussions are too many?

I'm not advocating we have no risk in our lives or that we become sedentary and inactive for fear of being injured. I'm wondering out loud about the risk cut off.

The NFL is a multi billion dollar business annually. But at whose expense?

Kindness Rules!

Thank You God

Thank you God for giving me the nerve to set off on a bike ride last evening.
I knew it was a bit dusky, but thought we could squeeze one in, safely.
The traffic was tough, the breeze heavenly, and the feeling after exercising, out of this world. Thank you.

Really?

Yesterday this was one of my lovelies Facebook status. And of course I saw it for the fb rule is friend Mom first. So I had to laugh, for this was her summer schedule.

June 28 - 7 night cruise to Bermuda. Penthouse suite; very nice. Delightful treat.
July 20 - Week in Disney staying Animal Kingdom Lodge. Be still my heart there were giraffes outside our room. American Idol Experience.
August 3 - Four days on Long Island, Maine
August 8 - Six Flags NE for cruise friend reunion
August 11 - Week at camp

So really if the summer was such a bore what does that say? Sadly I read this as if not physically occupied by some outside activity she really doesn't know how to entertain herself. For there were days and yes several weeks in a row where we were home.

Mind you I'm delighted she is looking forward to the start of school today. But truly it was a blessed summer vacation with more activities than most see in 5 summers. I pray someday she realizes how fortunate she is. Interestingly enough my collegiate saw the status, along with her room mates, and according to her text they all had a good laugh.

Switching Gears

School starts here tomorrow. The sunrise is getting later in the day. Both events tethering me to the house instead of sending me off pedaling along the weekday dusky no traffic roads.

I prefer to ride on the street. But I am so thankful to have an exercise alternative.

Life Lesson

Whether you are on the water, or not, each day should be started with a little exploring. Seek and ye shall find.

An addition?

Apparently these hornets feel the shack is in need of a cozy addition. This boarding house is as big as my head.... Possibly bigger. Interesting to see from a distance.

Home Fires

Encircle the pond.
Under starlight
We wait for owls.

I will remember you.

Bored teenagers took the lives of two random individuals this week. A young promising college age Australian baseball player and a World War II Vet. The young athlete was jogging when he was shot in the back. A older gentleman in his eighties was waiting outside a pool hall to walk a lady friend home so she would be safe.

Senseless.
Tragic.
Heartbreaking.

Creating Order

From disorder
One page at a time
One moment at a time
Slow and steady
Baby steps

Spread Out!

This summer's scrapbooking project has taken over our dining room and spilt over into the living room.

Sometimes, most times, you have to make a mess to create some order.

Why God?

Having a blast at Catholic girls camp

Especially at camp there is a place for God. For He is love. The roots of caring and respect; truly all that is good initiates with and in God.

Baptism is not a get out of jail free card. I don't believe God shuns a soul based upon a parent's actions or beliefs. I believe Baptism is a formal sign to the world, not to God for He already knows our heart, that we as parents claim this child for the God of our faith. It sacramentally fortifies the child for their young faith journey, and charges their parents and godparents for the road ahead.

And My Response

"Well then, let's rush her off to get married so we can party again!"

That last statement

We went to a Christening. Fifty-six people gathered, spanning 4 generations, from 4 New England states. Everyone was dressed in their finest. The sacrament was bestowed. Copious pictures taken. A mountain of presents and cards exchanged. Afterwards the food was catered and delicious. Desserts too, and as the good byes were said, the comment was made, "I don't know why we had to do it, but it was great way to get everyone together for a party."

Finished

Meet My Spartan

Fording muddy pools

I could not be more proud.

Crawling through mud under barb wire. A true fighter. 

Old Friends, And New

Camp wonderful Camp Mattakeesett.

Hi Ho Hi Ho... It's off to camp I go...

The girls have been at camp, Camp Mattakeesett, this week. Today is pick up day. A quiet ride up and a fun story filled ride back. Can't wait.

Cool Who?

Walking out to go for a ride this morning I noted these words on our garage work bench, read horizontal gathering spot for everything under the sun. Needing new glasses I couldn't read it clearly as at first I wondered why we would own something to cool ants.

Seeing the eye doctor after work today.

"I love my job."

This is the hallway outside of my office. See where the lights stop working? That is where the Freight Brokerage office is. Crazy I know.

I love my job. Actually I enjoy both of them, freight brokerage and being a caregiver. And as I was thinking about that today I realized that I've never had a job I didn't love. Crazy I know.

That doesn't mean there are not trying times, or times when I thought about walking, but I've been able to somehow enjoy the work in spite of those difficult days that crop up.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of talking to a few people about my previous Quality Assurance testing days. And I heard myself saying, "I really love QA. My brain is wired for problem discovery and solving." Honest and true. There was sincere excitement in my voice over testing software and being apart of an engineering team.

Crazy I know.

Thank You Chris

Words to Grow by

Flying The Coop

All my girls are flying the coop this week. Two to camp; one back to college. And I'm not delighted. I know they are excited for camp and the collegiate can't wait to get back to the thick of things; but I'm not ready for the end of summer and the beginning of school. Change is in the air and it is thick upon the land.

Can you squeeze it all in?

So much to do. So many memories to make. So much life to live.

More Maine...

BFFs Em styling

Shell Hunters

Long time clammer teaching first time clammer.

Which?

Four days in Maine. Which shoes to wear? How about bare feet...

Sometimes you just have to stop

Out for a bike ride I couldn't resist the desire to stop and take a picture of this wicked cornah.  Wicked cool.Wicked blind cornah on Long Island, Maine.

It would be interesting and sometimes nice to have all of life's blind curves so well marked. Got a bit blind sided yesterday. Found out the company I work for, caregivers contract with the state is being terminated September 30th. I will be with out a client... Change is in the air. Will be taking that corner by storm.

Are your shells all in a row?

They spent days collecting then laid them out to sort and admire. Kids really have a natural sense of order.

Homeward Bound

With a bushel of freshly dug memories.

Treasure at your toes

Photos of Maines past

Yes that is mud.

Tim -- now a mechanical engineer.

Toy Story Me

The Crew of Old

Dig in! Have fun!

Bee Yourself

Maine

Perfect for decompression. The good old days.

With the next island generation

Ushered in by the older.  

It seems like a million years ago...

we first visited Long Island, ME. It's a daunting vacation. Everything you need you carry over by ferry. Once on the island, if you are lucky, you catch the bus... or walk. And now we return.

The girls are older. No longer the youngsters; but the older ones. The babysitters, the child wranglers, the kids who stay up all night talking on the porch or by the campfire.

Light Dawns on Marblehead?

No real secret or ah ha moment associated with losing the three. No real push to exercise more than I already have been. Just tracking what I'm eating and avoiding highly processed and foods high in salt. No silver bullet; no pills. No losing 40 lbs in 2 weeks. Looking at 1 pound a week. Slow and steady.

I've lost 3 pounds.

If found no need to return. Really all joking aside, as psyched as I am about the lose, it's a fraction of the weight I need to loose. So what's the big deal?

It's a start.
It's proof that I can work towards a healthier me.
It's eye opening, the craving power of sugar.