A Magic Trail Walk

 

Because Newfoundland (NL) winters are so long and harsh, and because CB was so 'hilly' and icy, winter usually meant I was stuck indoors most of the time. Each spring when I could safely get outside to walk, I'd notice that my strength and endurance had lessened. 

My new community is flat which means I can walk year round. It's off the highway, tucked in the Humber Valley and surrounded by alpine forest on 3 sides and the Humber River on the other. There are so many trails to discover, some of which will have to wait until spring (so I don't get lost). But seeing as my word for 2023 is Explore,  I'm anxious to do just that. 

The view outside my kitchen window is a peaceful one, overlooking the trees (and the storage garage). Western NL has had a very mild winter to date. There's just enough snow on the ground to sparkle and just enough cold to make the snow crunch. The end of my street is a dead end which leads to a small copse of fir trees; you can hear a brook below but you can't see it and it's too steep to reach. However, there at the end of a chain link fence is a path leading downhill; this path is often covered with the footprints of small children and dogs, so today I decided to follow those footsteps.

At the bottom of the hill and around a bend, I came upon the brook. The path widened at this point and followed the water. Other than the sound of the water gurgling around rocks and icy patches, it was so quiet and peaceful. 

There were places where trees had fallen and you either had to go under or take the path around. In two places you could see the back side of other senior's cottages. But mostly, it was just me and the forest. Walking through this particular 'promenade' was magical: the sound of the brook combined with the snow laden fir boughs overhead was so enchanting!

The path eventually led to a bridge and onto the main road. And lo and behold! There ahead of me were the creators of the footsteps I'd been following - a mom, 2 children and 2 dogs. I followed them up the street, we took a right through another little senior's cottage community, and then following the sidewalks, they led me straight to my street. Thank you!

My leisurely stroll took me about an hour. After peeling off my many layers of clothing, and stretching my muscles for a cool down, I made myself a homemade chai latte in my beautiful last-Xmas mug. Ahhhh! This is a good start to a new year in a new community. 

Do you enjoy winter? What do you do to get through?

Namaste my friends!

Happy November!

"November comes, and November goes,
      With the last red berries and the first white snows.
With night coming early, and dawn coming late,
      And ice in the bucket and frost by the gate.
The fires burn and the kettles sing,
      And earth sinks to rest until next spring."

-- Elizabeth Coatsworth (1893–1986)

Where does the time go! November already! And in spite of our terrible summer here in western Newfoundland, fall has been wonderful with lots of cool, crisp days and no snow. That may change tonight! So today my winter tires get installed on my car, and once again, I begin the descent into Newfoundland's long, cold 6-month-long night!  The abundance of dogberries predicts a cold, snowy winter! 

Somehow, my attitude this year is different -- more positive. Winter here always means lots of alone time for me: driving can be very treacherous and we get a lot of snow. Any time school is closed, the office is closed as well.  But I recently dug out some crafting projects and am enjoying quilting and knitting again. I have a stack of unread books and a basket of woolen socks nearby. I'm looking forward to practicing more 'hygge'. 

I've also begun to eat more plant-based foods as well as stretching and light weights (aka soup cans)! As one ages, one's health can so easily go downhill. It's so important to know and listen to your body; your inner voice/intuition is often very wise! I listened to mine recently and gave up taking an acid reflux tablet prescribed by my doctor; and after 3 months, my stomach problems and leg and foot cramping have stopped! My chiropractor cured my acid reflux with 2 adjustments! 

I turned 65 last month, but retirement is not in the picture for me for a few more years. I mean, WHAT would I do at home 24/7? Also, I really love my job; I'm fortunate that I can remain here. 

The 60's are proving to be an interesting time! It's scary and frustrating to watch yourself become more wrinkly and more weak; and your body begins to object to certain foods that you've always enjoyed! Scheesch!  But I'm so thankful that my body and my mind tell me to keep moving and learning. I want to have as much life as possible in my years! 

Happy November y'all! 

Remember to dance; 

remember to breathe deeply; 

remember to be easy on yourselves.

Spring in my Step!

I think it's safe to say that Spring has finally come to the west coast of Newfoundland. Although temperatures are still cool, the crocus are blooming, tulips are showing their buds and the snow is gone. (It may still make an attempt to fall from our northern sky, but winter has been beaten.)

Jack and Buddah in the garden. It's not green out there yet,
but there's no snow! 

A spring has also returned to my step. I made my last visit to the surgeon last week, and my wrist is fully healed. I still have to work on gaining full flexion, but I'm back to just automatically using my left hand. AND this morning, I was able to wear my rings again. Hurrah!

Punta Cana 

Now the excitement is setting in for my upcoming trip south for my daughter's destination wedding. I've never been to a sunny clime, much preferring Europe's old churches, museums and the sort. But the idea of sitting under an umbrella at the beach reading and sipping something cold is extremely exciting, especially when in the company of my three daughters and the happy wedding guests. And, of course, I'm over the moon at my daughter's upcoming wedding to an amazing young man. 

I splurged and bought a lovely wedding outfit at a store I always window-shop at but have never purchased. I love the flowy, beachy, natural cotton dress with a little bling on the shawl. (I'm not a traditional mother-of-the-bride kinda gal.) And the sales lady picked out the perfect necklace as it mimics the circles on the dress. Add my sparkly sandals and I'm complete. 

But what shall I pack my clothes in? My suitcases are all old, tattered and so worn. 

Voila! The local online Buy 'n' Sell came to my rescue! I happily paid $25 for these 2 pieces and later found out from my daughter that they're Heys, a well respected but expensive luggage company. 

(I just liked it 'cause it was blue!)

Another thing that always puts a spring in my step is walking; and the weather and my schedule have cooperated so I was able to walk twice in the past week, breathing in the fresh salt air of The Bay, listening to bird song (and the occasional buzz of a chain saw) and being surrounded by lovely, budding trees.

Ahhhhhh! Spring! It's like a magic elixir for my soul! 

Searching for a Merry Christmas

This meme came across my Facebook feed this weekend, and I thought "Yeah! This is exactly what I came to realize this Fall!"

I moved home 2 years ago and have experienced 2 miserable, sad Xmas seasons for me. I told myself that last year would be my last here in NL; but not having the finances to go elsewhere caused me to rethink things this Fall. And that's when the shoe dropped.

I now realize that my enjoyment of Xmas is up to me. Of course Xmas  here in NL is not going to be like NS -- different location with different people, different traditions, etc etc. My failure to recreate Xmas MY way does not mean that I can't enjoy Xmas in NL. It just means being open to what the season has for me here in my new life AND my creating new traditions for myself. 

So, I've been busy letting go of what was while I search for what's important to me and what I can create here. My stress level is way down, my spirits have been lifted and I'm actually really looking forward to Christmas again.

I know that for a lot of people, Christmas is extremely hard and no amount of trying to create a happy Xmas will make it happen. My heart goes out to those folks.

But for those of us who are alone and seeking for ways to participate in this season and find even a modicum of joy, I hope my ideas help. I'll share them over the next couple of weeks. And please feel free to share your thoughts on the same.

Come Wander Down Yon Golden Bower...

All last week it rained; then on Friday, gentle snow flakes fell -- just enough to cover everything -- and the temperatures were low enough to sustain the snow that had fallen. But Saturday morning when I drove home from the local market, the sun came out from behind a cloud and THIS is the scene that met me. 

The vibrant orange of the deciduous trees against the snow-covered fir trees was brilliant and beautiful!

So, even before I ate lunch, I dressed and took myself out for a walk on the old rail line walking trail behind my house. 



It was so lovely! Crisp and cold enough for a head covering and gloves but oh, so toasty warm while walking. The walk up that hill to get to the trail is a difficult one as the incline is so steep. But just a few steps onto the trail, and this is what greets you. As I stood there panting, inside my head I heard the beckoning cry of "Come wander down yon golden bower". So off I went. 




As I walked, I listened to my IPod. I've been using my walking time to listen softly to whole albums rather than just favorite songs, and I've been finding some lovely tunes that I've overlooked in the past.

The whole walk takes me about 45 minutes most of which time I'm surrounded by trees and nature. The white snow and white/grey sky were the perfect backdrops for the remaining leaves and bushes. I passed no one on the trail but heard a dog bark, someone chopping wood and then smelled wood smoke from an outdoor fire ... someone burning brush. It was a magnificent day for a walk!


It rained Saturday evening. Then I woke to freezing rain early Sunday, and it rained for the remainder of all day. So, not only is any snow gone, but most of the leaves have fallen. (Winter comes early to Newfoundland.) 

The world was harsher than usual this weekend. Or perhaps I feel it was harsher because I already feel raw and this latest cut is so close to home. But my heart aches for those of you in the U.S. and with the Jewish community. My heart aches. 

I'll leave you with the Ahn Trio and this beautiful, plaintive music.

Shalom! 

Autumn in CB

Autumn comes swiftly to Newfoundland; there is no gentle easing from summer to fall -- it's more like wading in the water and suddenly coming to a ledge where you fall into the depths. It's cold out there! All those dressy capris I'd been saving to wear for work only got about a week's use as then it was just too cold to go bare legged!

Last weekend, I exchanged most of my summer clothes for fall, welcoming my 'old friends' back into action (and those surprise, forgotten thrift store and garage sale purchases made over the summer). I've lost 16+ pounds since I last saw most of them, so they either fit perfectly once again or need to be replaced. But that's okay: I'm sure I'll find what I need at tomorrow's big yard sale and the Sally Ann shops when they re-open with their winter stock. 


What I miss most about wearing a summer wardrobe is sandals: my feet rebel dramatically about wearing shoes. Poor tootsies! But now I get to wear my red Converse, my silver, sparkly Ugg sneakers and my lovely fall boots. And it is ever so nice to put on my warm fleece hoodies and soft leggings and walk in the cold, crisp air. I'm ready for this change of seasons.

The leaves have only begun to change color here. And I'm hoping to get in at least one more big hike before the snow flies. 

In the meantime, I'm enjoying this season where life slows, food is richer and TV viewing picks up again. 

Ciao! It's time for a chai latte!

LESS STRESS

We’ve all heard the phrase “Less is More”?  Well, I’ve decided to apply that adage to my own life in regards to stress.  Less stress = more life!  Of course, no one can alleviate all the stressors in their life.  But there ways we can help.  So, over the next 4 weeks I’m giving myself a personal challenge to try to distress my life by at least ¼ of what it is now. Here are the areas I’m going to work on.

1.     Food

I do usually eat good, nutritious food:  low in fat and sodium, lots of fiber, whole grains, protein.  But because of my terrible sweet-tooth, I also tend to consume a fair amount of refined sugar.  Bad!  Bad, Sandy! As well, I need to limit my consumption of wheat products as it bothers my tummy.  And with the recent move to eating mostly vegetarian, I’m hoping my cravings can be brought under control by making even more good choices.   

 

2.     Sleep Habits

After the fun and freedom of summer, the Autumn back-to-students routine really helps me return to what is normal for my house. Work, dinner, conversation and/or TV, a book in bed and lights out by 11 pm during the week all add up to a rested and happy Sandy. After almost 60 years, I can read my body; and my body likes regularity .... with an occasional dalliance into the unexpected.

I also need to remember a few key things to help enable sleep to come: things like no caffeine or chocolate after 2 pm, no food after 6 pm, no stimulating phone conversations …… and no worrying if I do have a night when sleep alludes me.  Menopause!

 

3.     Exercise

I was the grateful recipient of the wonderful benefits of exercise for years.  And I hate the fact that I’m still not able to participate in yoga or Zumba any longer without pain and setback. I was told a week ago that with bone spurs on both hips, any amount of walking and hiking will just make things worse. But I can't give up! So, I continue with simple stretches and twice weekly short walks. But next month after my “big” birthday, I plan on joining the rec centre for swim classes. 

We must move people!  There’s always something we can do, and I refuse to give up completely.  I shall “not go gentle into that dark night!”.

 

4.     “ME” Time

Daughters visiting; new students arriving.  Yup!  It's time to get back to ensuring that I get some down time for myself. Due to age and thyroid, I seldom schedule events on my weekday evenings: feet up, heating pad at my back, getting lost in TV or a book is a must for me in order to rejuvenate and function until the weekends.  And even on weekends, sandwiched in between dances or movies or road trips or activities with the girls, I have to be allowed a few hours to just putter. It's one of the things at the top of my "To Do" list.  

5.     Disorganization 

You know how you get used to the things around you and become blind to the obvious.  Well, that’s what’s happened here.  I opened up my eyes a few weeks ago and realized that although I'm not at the hoarder stage, the house is close to being featured on one of those purge and re-organize programs.  I hold onto things thinking I’ll sell that when I have a yard sale:  then spring comes, and I can’t have a yard sale because I can’t lift things up and down stairs and out onto tables.  And I struggle with the fact that there’s good stuff there and, therefore, money to be made or lost.

But you know what?  I can’t concentrate when the house is a big mess. I used to have a lot of “organized” stuff; not I just have a lot of stuff:  and I don’t have the energy to try to begin to tackle organizing because there’s just so much. I find myself thinking about the “stuff” and how much I hate being this disorganized.  So, I asked myself this weekend if the money to be made at a yard sale was more than the serenity to be found by just giving it to the thrift shop.  And the answer was no!  There’s more value in the serenity. 

So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to tackle my house; not all at once -- one room at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. I’m going to do a little every weekend; the girls can load up the trunk of my car, and I’ll share the “wealth” with the Salvation Army and The Daisy - great thrift shops that bring extra benefits to this area.  And I'll gain a tidier home, more freedom and less stress.

Less stress is worth working towards, right?

So .... 
4 weeks .....

One step at a time; 
day by day; 
little by little; 
bit by bit
  

Seasonal Dressing

I ask you:  exactly what season is this?  

• Fummer?
• Sprall?
• Stauttum?

I wake to 4 degrees Celcius (39 F).  Brrr!  I need to turn on the little box heater in the bathroom when I shower; I need to defog the car windscreen as I pull out of the driveway; and my little pasty-white legs complain by raising their little hair nubs.  (My lungs, however, love the nip in the air.)

By mid morning, the temperature has risen to 14 degrees, and the sunshine is streaming in the side window in my office, warming my back (and making it difficult to read my computer screen).  By afternoon, it's 18 degrees -- perfect for a walk to the post office to pick up the office mail (and maybe a quick scoot into LaHave Bakery for an iced coffee and an oatcake).  

By the time I get back home at the end of the day, I can notice the chill once again in my house; the girls and I wear our slippers and may need a sweater.

It sure is difficult to know what to wear when dressing for work in the morning! 

Do I go more summery?

This forgotten skirt gets paired with a cap-sleeved white blouse, dark pink 3/4 sleeve cardigan and pinkish jewellery. (All thrifted except for the necklace - Reitmans - and bracelet - 5th Avenue.)

Or should I be transitioning into more Fall like colors?

Here's the same skirt with a gorgeous tangerine blouse, black long-sleeved cardigan and coordinating jewellery. (All thrifted except for the blouse - Northern Reflections.)

Well, I'm not ready for Fall yet.  We've another week before it's officially hits.  So, I'll go for the pink and white ensemble.

What are you wearing this Sprall?  

Have you dug out your autumn clothes yet?  Are you itching to wear those boots or more scarves?