Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

[dill]

It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.
~Muhammad Ali

Greetings All! Moving on into week 2 a day late!

Cyn well done on the 4 miles! It's quite amazing how a brisk walk can clear your head and restore calm. I'm a firm believer! The quote today was chosen with you in mind.

Lav, I never told you that I thoroughly enjoyed the Daniel Amen book. Very helpful. I'll have a look on You Tube for a "refresher".

Star, the weather here has been pretty good really. I've been able to get out and walk in the woods for the past couple of days. That's been very helpful in my battle against the blues. Still struggling tho. However, yesterday I looked for wildflowers. This spring is about 2 weeks delayed I think. I couldn't find anything except a few Spring Beauties. I was so good to be out looking tho!

The CS meeting went very well as those things go. This was a care-giver/agency meeting, not with the children. As I had expected the agency pushed to move toward sole custody for my son. He can't really afford a divorce right now so hasn't done anything re: legal custoday. The agency however feels the need to get it done as they don't deem the mother to be competent to have the children at all and as it stands legally, she could pick them up from Mr. D and I at anytime and take them and we would not have the right to stop her. Ditto from school. She hasn't yet ever tried that and I doubt she would but one never knows. In the meantime, she continues to spiral downward.

As far as having CS involved in visits here with the children, that has been ok really. We have nothing to hide and the children are of course thriving. The case worker quite enjoys coming here for visits actually and since our son is doing all he needs to be doing in regard to his treatment she is quite supportive of him. Over all I have been grateful for their involvement.

Have a happy and AF Thursday everyon!

[Lavande]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Good morning Dill & everyone,

I thought about starting week 2 a few days ago but was too lazy
Thanks for doing the job for us!

Glad to hear your CS visit went well.
Also glad to hear that your son is doing so well. I imagine it would be safer & proactive of him to get full custody of his children since their mother is in such poor shape. He is lucky to have your love & support on all this.

Star, CBT is effective if you want it to be effective. I'm thinking of YB, he was resistant to any change in thinking for so very long but seems to be coming around, ever so slowly. I'm not pushing him but I am showing him that life can be much kinder & gentler if you just stop fighting the demons

Hello to Cyn & Papmom!

The guy who installed my heating system is coming back today to start working on installing the new AC unit. The unit has been sitting in a huge box in my garage all winter.
I'm still in a bit of disbelief that these things only held up for 10 years but it is what it is.

Have a great AF Thursday everyone!

Lav

[cyntree]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Evening all!

Thanks for all the feedback on walking - I think it is doing me good. I have never been a walker - the impact of city walking really was hard on my body with fibromyalgia. But I am finding soft pathways, and on Sunday I did a great hike (for heaven's sake we live right next to the Appalachian Trail, how did I miss that until now?!). This is all bringing me back to my childhood, when as a family we were ardent car campers, and every day camping was a hike up some mountain or other. So interesting how one forgets the very things that used to be so happy.

I'm still getting the Rick Hansen 'Just One Thing' emails; today's was exactly what we are talking about - he talks about the ancient brain and how the limbic system pushes for (not-necessarily useful) 'rewards', and how the ancient fear centers overestimate the cost of doing 'good' things. Very interesting, knowing that that hard wiring exists, but we can change the neural pathways if we choose to...guess what Dill - by affirming and acting in a certain way. How perfect was your quote?!

Love love love coming here and getting the feedback that I need to get and stay (more) centered...

Hope all have a good night -

[cyntree]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

PS - glad to hear about the visit, Dill. Your son is sooooo lucky to have you involved.

Star - glad you got out and about!

Lav - how strange - going from Heat to working on the AC! Glad to hear that YB is making even micro-progress...

[Lavande]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

That's right Cyn - beggars can't be choosers where YB is concerned :H
I really do think he is trying to be more 'normal'. He certainly has been more cooperative in helping with things around here.

Glad you are enjoying your waking. I don't do as much as I would like, my feet are pretty beat up after a 28 year career abusing them. But, I did get out to Longwoood Gardens with my son & grandsons this afternoon, it was nice!
Rick Hansen is a great writer, don't you think? I really enjoy his emails, books & everything

Hey Papmom, I see you more on FB these days, but that's OK. Glad you are doing so well!

[Stargazerlily]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Good morning to all...

Dill, thanks for pushing me towards the right week. I don't know how I missed it. Sorry you are fighting the blues, what do you think it is about? I know mine is getting older, the new job which is good but slow going, and more alone time. Working less hours I am alone a lot. This week my friend is off so we have been walking, shopping, talking more and it has made such a difference. We went shopping for bathing suits, and instead of crying, we laughed so hard. We cannot believe we have to buy old lady bathing suits, but we do. We ARE older and it is just taking some time to accept. Isn't that funny? I mean, I have not gained weight or gone grey but just struggling with this getting older and all this implies. Plus, my husband was feeling a little depressed too and it was contagious. I am keeping both of us busy and making plans so that makes a lot of difference. I also have been focusing on how my thoughts have been going: aware of them, choosing them and taking action. The only way to go. Great to hear that your CS visit went well. Interesting that she is encouraging you to end parental rights for protection. Of course she enjoys visits at your home, things are healthy and going well. Imagine her job. It would be tough. Wish I lived closer I would love to walk in your woods with you.

Lav, you are right, CBT does not work if you are not motivated and don't want to do the work. It is just interesting to learn that we DO have control of what we choose to fill our minds with. Rick Hansen's book Just One Thing is such a great practice of those skills and so much more. Our weather is in the 60s today and sunny and I am going to enjoy it to the fullest. A few windows are going to be washed so I can see outside better.

Cyn, gentle short walks are good too. Sometimes I just exercise a little, depending on how I feel. The pain level on some days is heightened for some reason, even though I do not have Fibromyalgia. I have arthritis in my hands and lately it has worsened, ouch. You have a beautiful area to walk in, and with spring coming it is going to be spectacular soon. I took a picture last spring of the snowy white crab apple trees on a sunny day. That picture has kept me going in this long old winter. One of the things I am really noticing and enjoying are the spring sounds; the birds are so chirpy and excited for spring. Looking forward to Easter and spring clothes. I think today I am going to put away the heavy sweaters...although I don't want to jinx it. Ha, I don't have that much control.

Let's all do something we enjoy today, love someone close to us, and think happy thoughts, it is Spring!!!! All AF of course. Just thinking how drinking would ruin all of it for every one of us. Even feeling depressed at least are feelings are real, not a result of some poison we put in our bodies. I met someone this week who had cirrhosis and felt sick, there is no way out for that person. We are blessed, we got out in time.

[Lavande]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Good morning friends!

We sure are blessed Star
I ended up on a nice walk thru Longwood Gardens yesterday with my son & grandsons. That never would have happened if I was sitting around hung over & miserable. I remain grateful every single day!

I don't want to enter into a conversation about old lady bathing suits :H
I don't own a bathing suit anymore & that's pretty funny considering I used to have a nice in ground pool & all :H

Greetings Cyn, Dill, Papmom & everyone!
I have another busy day on hand so I'll get going. Wishing everyone a great AF Friday! Get out & enjoy the nice Spring day

Lav

[dill]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Yes I agree Star, we are blessed. I enjoyed your story about shopping for "old lady bathing suits":H I bought one of those a couple of summers ago. I swim so infrequently I haven't bought another since then.

Cyn, It really was coincidental that my quote choice was so in tune with the JOT. I loved that JOT and in fact printed it out to refer back to!

Lav, I wish I could have gone to Longwood with you!

Short on time here today. Have a happy AF Friday.:h

[cyntree]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Good morning all -
I missed posting yesterday since I got up and started working on the @#%* corporate taxes at 0'dark, and kept at it until I sent them off about 3 PM. Because of our situation, corporate has to be done first, and since I have to be an archaeologist going through every account searching for where HB has put business charges, I'm pretty ready to do our Joint taxes at this point. As you well know, Lav, estimated taxes can be a tricky deal, and at least this way we'll have a clue as to how much we have to pay in on the 15th, even if the taxes aren't done. Whew.

I walked the dogs, fed them, and then headed out to walk myself (in the rain, but it was a good excuse to try out my rain gear, as I'm sure we'll encounter rain on our walk). Did OK with the rain, but have a really sore area (below my calf?) on my left leg that just got worse and worse, so I quit at 3.5 miles. Maybe I've been pushing the envelope too hard...I guess I'll do some yard clean-out today, and try to baby it. The more I read about the terrain we will encounter on the walk/hike, the more strenuous it sounds - eeek!

Made a fire which I fell asleep in front of at 8:30, and finally woke up enough to go to bed.

Lav, so glad to hear you went to Longwood Gardens - and so sorry nursing ruined your feet. You nurses give up so much to take good care of us! Dill - I love to know that everyone is reading the JOTS. Star - I haven't read his book, and now am motivated to do so...I appreciate the JOT small bites a lot. Thanks for reminding us where we would be if we were in the grip AL; wonderful to wake up in an honest state. I hope that all the sweet bird calls and sunshine reach everyone today --

[Lavande]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Good morning friends!

We have been promised a picture perfect weekend by the weather folks. It's about damn time :H
I plan to haul myself to the plant farm in the next county to get stuff for my garden, decks pots, hanging baskets & try to make my own little Longwood Gardens here

I hope everyone has a nice AF day & can spend some time outside doing what you like

Lav

[Lavande]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Cross post as usual cyn

[dill]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Late check in here. It's been a beautiful day with real spring-like temps! YAY! We had a walk in the woods and we didn't even need jackets!

But I have to say that I was taken aback by some pretty strong cravings that I am sure were weather related. I asked Mr. Dill to grill some burgers for us and I just had a sudden image of sitting on the deck with a cold beer. Then the beer turned into images of a cool glass of wine. I am glad we didn't have anything in the house.

All that has passed and I'm thinking about you, Star and your reminders that you are never sad the next day...never wake up saying "I wish I would have drank last night."

Cyn, when is your big walk going to be and how long is the walk? What prompted you to take this trip? Mr. Tree will be along too, yes?

Lav did you get lots of plants? What did you get?

Happy, peaceful AF Saturday night, one and all!:h

[Lavande]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Good Sunday morning friends!

No chance of sleeping in around here with these dogs :H
They are pushing me to the point of wanting to put them into the garage overnight

Another nice day is promised, I am grateful. The kids & grandkids will be here for the Palm Sunday cookout - a tradition started decades ago d/t all of us being shift workers & usually stuck working on Easter.

Dill, I picked up a few things to drop in my kitchen herb garden including dill), some broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprout plants, some perennials for the flower beds BUT I'm going to keep it all in the garage until next weekend. Just heard there's a chance of frost on a few nights this coming week after a bog rain on Tuesday. Oh well!

What's everyone else doing today? Something pleasant I hope. Get outside & enjoy this weather, we all deserve to after the beastly winter we had

Have a great AF Day everyone!
Lav

[dill]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

So quiet here that you could hear a pin drop! I hope that means everyone is out enjoying the spring weather.

Lav, sounds like you picked up a nice mix of plants. Nice you got some dill. It kinda makes me feel like I'll be there with you this spring and summer! I went to a garden center today to look at plants. I'm trying to decide what to put in the area near my entry way. I'm thinking day lilies for one thing, and the garden center guy suggested I get some Stargazer lilies for the back row. You know who that made me think of! The guy also cautioned me about putting anything out yet. Mid May was his suggestion.

Star, Cyn, Papmom, greetings. Have a peaceful AF Sunday everyone.:h

[cyntree]

Abundant Aprll AF ~ week 2

Hi kids - am I on the right week? I don't see a different one, so I'll stick with this one. I've had an eye infection that kept my screen time to a minimum - sorry to be away.

3 inches of snow here! My boy dog was delighted - he ran and frolicked. I guess I really don't mind - it will melt soon - but I worry about all the birds getting food and water. I'm tempted to put out the suet block just for the day today, but I'm sure the bears are hungry too. Our excellent radio weather forecaster said this was going to happen, so it's not a surprise. Sounds like it will be wet and cold for awhile, though. Glad that I didn't do a lot of clearing in the garden over the weekend - I did battle with the bittersweet and shrubs instead.

Dill - HB and I leave next Tuesday for Cornwall, England (the far SW corner) to walk/hike the portion of the cliff coast called Land's End for 5 days. We are doing it because we were invited to join a couple (he's from Cornwall) who have done these walks before - the luggage is taken from one Inn to the next. The couple is older than we are, so we thought that it would all be fine. I used to be an avid camper and hiker (errrr 30 years ago) so I thought it would be able to get back in shape. I've been trying, but after last weekend's 4 mile hike, I was showing signs of tendonitis, so I've backed off the training. The route is described as a 'roller coaster'; first day 7 miles, 2nd day 10.5 miles, 3rd day 11 miles, then it gets easier (!). So, cross fingers everybody - I'm doing as much training as I dare, if I can't manage it, I'll take a taxi from Inn to Inn. Who knows!

So between dealing with taxes, work, making a complete Seder Passover dinner and schlepping it to Glastonbury and back on Monday night, and trying to get ready for this crazy trip, it's been a bit of a nutty time.

Hope everybody is OK, and hanging in there with the weather and cravings. Remember, we have to build new memories that don't include AL in them...Happy Hump Day!:h