Mindful March!

[dill]

Hello Friends, It's a late check in.

Star, how was your St. Patrick's day potluck? I bet it was delicious and fun, too.

Lav, you are probably really busy right now with your grandsons. Have fun!

Hi Papmom and Cyn.

I googled St. Patrick and found out that the legend of him driving the snakes out of Ireland was completely bogus! I suppose most everybody already knew that but me. Apparently it was too cold in Ireland for snakes and by the time the ice age ended and the ice receded, there was no land bridge to Ireland, so snakes that were in Europe could not reach them. Sounds like a good reason to live there! LOL!

[Lavande]

Ha ha Dill!
Funny, when I went to Ireland nearly 12 years ago I didn't even think of the snake thing! Just as well
Yep, St Patrick's day is primarily an American tradition - figures.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

Dill, the potluck was fun, my dishes turned out well, lots of leftovers for days now. It turned out to be chilly but sunny,and I love the sun.

Lav, hope you had fun with the boys.

Hello to Pap and Cyn. Have a happy humpday.

[Lavande]

Good morning Star & everyone, Happy Hump day to all!

It's a sunny 30 degrees at the moment. Now I hear a rumor of snow on Friday, the first day of spring. Not thrilled with that!!

I got thru a busy 5 hour visit with the boys last night, phew!! They are full of energy!! I guess they have become part of my exercise routine, ha ha!!

Wishing everyone a great AF Wednesday. I am heading back to Curves this morning whether I need it or not

Lav

[treegirl]

Hi everybody!

Glad that you had a good St Paddy's day - I have a lot of Irish blood in me somewhere, but I didn't think to wear green. I only got out of the house to go feed the neighbor's dog (I didn't think that little 'Lu' would care if I had green on or not...). Long day at the computer yesterday, so I'm pretty creaky today. I did finally decimate the remains of one of the last 6 foot mounds of snow on the deck before today's cold weather (20 degrees here now, sheesh.) Not sure if the shoveling helped or hindered my neck?! Stayed up late putting things on Ebay for HB, who is determined to sell some of his hi-end audio equipment, all audiophile stuff that he doesn't use anymore. I've only written a few ads for Ebay, so this was new territory; finally fell into be at 11 pm, and had dreams all night about numbers!

Dill - here's another take on the whole 'snake' story. In the pagan world (pre-christian, earth-worshipping), it was a matri-focal culture. Women were the communicators with the divine, and the snake was a holy image, showing the cyclical side of nature (shedding), and also a symbol of power (spine). When other religions came along and wanted to discredit the early religions, they took the power symbols and made them into bad things - like the snake in the garden of Eden, or St Pat driving out the snakes from Ireland. There are some left-overs of the matrifocal culture, though - why do priests wear long robes??? There's a great book about all of this, called The Chalice and the Blade. You can guess the reference in the title, I think.

Anyway, off I go to work - hopefully not as long a computer day today. Dill, I drop into FB rarely, I would like to see more, but it's a challenge to just get to the health newsletters. I'm behind! So much great info out there. BTW Lav - I made a rockin' black bean/spinach/feta/enchilada dish from Mind/Body/Green. Even HB was OK with that meatless meal! It's a miracle!

Cold and windy here - hope it's warmer where you all are - To The LIGHT!

[treegirl]

Dill and Lav - kudos on the babysitting. Makes me tired just to think of it. Star - wish I had some of your corned beef, sounds yummy. Pap - hope you are well. Hello to all hanging out here.

[dill]

Cyn, thanks for the book mention. It looks like a really interesting approach to the subject of religion/culture. I will look for that book at the library. I've always been interested in the subject of the religions of the world. I took a course during college and I have done lots of reading over the years on the subject. I find it fascinating. I appreciated your take on the snakes/Ireland topic too. I never would have thought of that on my own altho I did know that Ireland was Druid/pagan before St. Patrick came along and converted the most of the population to Catholicism. I wish I could time travel and plunk myself down in Ireland in those times.

Lav, hope you got some "me" time in today. I got plenty yesterday, but today was turned on its head when my son called and said grandson spent the night last night throwing up and had to stay home from school today. So, off I went on the 45 minute drive to their place to stay with grandson and do some laundry and cleaning, so my son could get to work. He missed all last week due to hospitalization, so it wouldn't do to take more time off!

Star, what did you bake to the potluck? Was it an Irish dish? I am part Irish but I can't say my cooking has been much influenced by it. I have made Irish stew, of course, but that's the most of it for me.

Are any of you Walking Dead fans? I have been hooked on it since day one and this season has been really good. Only 2 more shows left in the season.

Have a peaceful AF evening.

[SnoopyC]

Good morning...

I am really tired for some reason, could have slept till 10!

Dill, I made Irish Coddle Soup, also known as hangover stew, made with bacon,sausage, potatoes, onion and carrots. Broth, thyme, parsley and pepper, cooked for several hours; it was delicious. It is such a heavy dish, a small bowl is filling. I love it. We also had corn beef and cabbage, and it was sooo good. Hearing your story about your son, it is so hard to be a working parent. You and I live about the same distance from our family, it is a doable drive, I wish it was closer for me.

Cyn, how interesting, I love cultural information like that. Yes, the Christians did not and do not revere women or anything they stand for. The pre-Christian Irish culture gave women many more rights. It is sad that they went away. We are fighting for them still. I too sit at a computer now, all day, and still trying to figure out how to not become too sedentary, have stiffness and muscle pain. I try to get up once an hour, at least. Otherwise I start to ache.

Lav, you babysitter, you!!! Warmer weather must be coming because our weather is 40s, then 50s, culminating in low 60s on Saturday, then back to 40s. Not bad for the beginning of spring. At least it is not below zero!!! Yuck.

Pap, hello, have a good week. Thursday already.

[treegirl]

Happy Thursday all -

Dill, you and Lav are Warrior GMothers! How you leap into the fray...such lucky kids. And Star, I know you are doing that too, and will do more. Ah, the joys of family.

Star - there's an app that you can put on your computer that sends reminders to move, and yoga-like poses to do at your desk...I don't use it (!), but I've seen them out there. Because I work from home, I usually have lots of opportunity to run up and down stairs (and shovel), so I should be OK. I think my body just really wants to find a trail and start to hike. So glad your temps are moderating.

Lav - did you have this ridiculous wind the last few days? Pap - you must have; I doubt you could walk to school in it. Holy cow, it's been brutal - but lots of people lost power because of lines down, and we have held on, thank goodness.

Woke up achey, with a swollen knuckle, hmmmm. I don't do sugar or gluten, so maybe it's that I've had more potatoes than usual recently - I guess I better say goodbye to nightshades for awhile. I made a nice white bean/cipollini onion stew last night; it was good on a cold windy evening. More of that in store for us here - temps are dropping, and snow is expected for Friday. Enough!

Well, there's lots of light streaming in the windows. Wishing all a great AF day.

[Lavande]

Good morning friends & happy Thursday to all

Yep, we have had windy conditions here the past few days BUT it has helped dry up the mud around these parts! It's sunny for now & heading up to 46, snow tomorrow - boo hiss I woke up thinking I jinxed myself because I put the snow shovels away last week!!!

Cyn, do you have RA? Have you been tested? I watched my Mom go thru the random joint swellings & accompanying pain. I really think eliminating the night shades can be helpful. Do what you can to keep moving but don't hurt yourself :hug:

Dill, our grandma mission certainly is an interesting one, don't you think?
I had no clue I would ever be so involved with grandkids yet I wouldn't have it any other way. Every time YB starts talking about wanting to move to FL I just tell him 'GO', I'm staying here!
I hope the kids get over these viral things soon - it has been a long winter. My drive to my daughter's house is 45 min to an hour depending on traffic.

Star, it's still winter but I think maybe we're all having a touch of spring fever/allergy related lethargy. I have resisted the urge to take a nap every day for the past week or so. Napping interferes too much with night time sleep, at least for me.

I saw on FB last night that Papmom is dealing with nasty weather & car troubles probably weather related too. New England has had one brutal winter, that's for sure!

I love that everyone is jumping on the bean wagon, ha ha!!!
I can't remember if I mentioned this dish previously but it is good!

http://www.wingitvegan.com/2015/02/quick-and-easy-quinoa-pilaf-with.html

I'm making some today - yum.

Have a great day everyone! I'm off to Curves to get my day started right.

Lav

[dill]

Mmmm, Lav! I just followed that link and that looked and sounded like a really good dish! I think even Mr. D would go for it if I managed to grill a bit of chicken to go with it. Thanks for the info about Papmom. What a winter this has been. I can't wait for Spring, which technically, starts tomorrow!

Star, I had never heard of Irish Coddle so I googled. It sounds like something that would be a home run with Mr. D! I'll be buying the sausage and bacon this weekend and will give it a try. I'm sure we have enough cold weather left that a little comfort food will be appreciated.

Cyn, Sorry you woke up with the aches! I hope you can chase them away. I can't believe you said snow is in the forecast! UGH! Has all your melted yet? Ours is all gone, and the pond is completely thawed. I'm lovin' it! I haven't looked at our local long term forecast. I'm almost afraid to. But, I must say the sunsets and sunrises have been really spectacular recently, when the clouds abate. Have you had them too? To the light!!

It's been a 'me' day today. No urgent calls to duty. I've had a nice lunch out with a dear friend and we have meandered thru some stores together. I took a notion to buy some origami paper. I haven't done origami in many years but I thought it would be fun to play with. Maybe I can make some spring blossoms while I wait for the real thing!

[Lavande]

Dill, I'm saving that dish for tomorrow. I forgot YB wanted to go out for a bite to eat tonight. That's his way of getting something not quite as healthy as what he gets here, ha ha!
We also went to take a look at the Susquehanna River which is not far from the eatery. Looks like the winter didn't hurt it any which is a good thing. YB likes to go fishing up there from time to time.
I forget to mention this morning - you have never impressed me as a fan of the Zombie Apocalypse!!!! LOL
YB & our DIL watch that show all the time! I don't get their fascination with it - oh well
Glad you had a nice day out with your friend!

Sounds like about a 12 hour snow event tomorrow - I really, really hope it's not a lot.

Lav

[papmom3]

Evening all! Yep-weather and car woes here. Yesterday I drove to work because of the 40+ mph winds. Tried to start the car at 4:45 (didn't go home for lunch) and nothing. Fooled around with it for about 15 min and then gave up. Call campus police to let them know the car would be sleeping in the parking lot! Had to walk home and definitely wasn't dressed for it! Thought my ears were going to get frostbite! Tried to start it again this morning when I got in but nothing. Called AAA and my mechanic. Final diagnosis-needed a new starter. So, I'm now $400 lighter but hopefully will have a reliable vehicle again. Still haven't been able to buy the new tires I've needed since last summer but new tires don't work if the car won't start right?
Cold again today with winds maybe 20-30 mph. Snow for tomorrow but noone will say what the track will be. We still have 12-18 inches left. if the storm stays coastal my area will get a dusting but if it turns west, we could be in trouble. Sigh. Im getting so sick of this!! Like Cyn, my body wants to run!! just not on the treadmill.
I've gained a couple of lbs unfortunately-guess I have been eating my way through the grief. I've really tried to be consistent with the exercise but I find myself binging on snack stuff like granola and baked peas (Innerpeas from Trader Joes). I think warmer weather will make all the difference because I think i'm just plain bored! Luckily I've had no cravings for AL through all this. I still have a physical negative reaction to the thought of ingesting what I believe is poison.
This weekend is a busy one, as will most of the ones in April. I've signed up for a number of agility trial, a Muckfest, there's Easter and a couple of demo gigs. Saturday is a demo and then lunch with my good friend and former coworker. Sunday is my Breed Club's Performance event which I'll be working as well as entered into the Rally-O event for the first time. Should be pretty funny as I've never ever practiced this event. i'm just counting on DD's desire to always be by my side and his smarts.
Work is getting very busy. My boss is showing me more and more things that my head is spinning. We are going to be in so much trouble if she retires this June!! Water bootcamp helped calm me down tonite, especially after paying that $400 car bill!!

Dill-glad you got some me time this week-you've been a busy Grandma!! So nice to hear spring is coming slowly somewhere!

Star-3 times a day get up from your chair and walk up a couple of flights of stairs 2 or 3 times and/or walk down the hallways to the next set of stairs. It really helps and adds about 3000 steps to your daily total. Sitting for 8 hours a day without getting up contributed to my hip problems and my heart attack. It is imperative we make moving during work a priority-not just personally but this needs to become a national movement. I am very lucky that in my new job I can get up and take short walks whenever I want. There is no Big Brother watching me.

Cyn-sorry to hear about the inflammation. I love potatoes too but I can see how they could be bad. How is your girl dog doing? Sometimes I don't think this weather is ever going to change for the better or the snow melt!!

Lav-12 hour snow event? Say it isn't so!! Glad to hear your trip to Longwood was so nice and that you took some time to be outside to see the River. You've been a busy grandma too!

[SnoopyC]

Good morning all...

Up early today, not sure why. So, lots of time on our thread.

Cyn and Pap, great suggestions for moving more at work. I really need to be aware and make the effort. It is part of the reason I have put on 10 pounds and have tight clothes!!! Yuck. So sorry to hear about the upcoming cold and possibly snowy weather. It gets really hard in March to put up with it. BUT, the few days of warmer weather give all of us a taste of what is right around the corner.

Pap, I know you are devastated with your loss, so be easy on yourself. It is good you know you have to get back on the food and exercise wagon. So happy no cravings for alcohol. You are grounded in your AFness, good for you. Your job sounds interesting and challenging. How nice it is so close to home and your current supervisor is a good manager. Makes all the difference!!!

Cyn, I did not realize potatoes are nightshades. Tomatoes, peppers, what else? I feel best on eggs for breakfast, salads for lunch. I can just go and go on that combo. I have been eating more seeds, sunflower and pumpkin that are at the store, in those big bins, not processed in packages. A little goes a long way. If I eat badly, the joints in my fingers swell and it hurts in the morning. We all have our own personal food journeys to health, it takes some figuring out. Any special plans this weekend?

Dill, your husband will love the coddle soup. I made mine in the crockpot and it was mouth wateringly delicious. Go for it. I am reading a new book for this book club I am going to attend at the end of the month: The Light Between Oceans. So far, it is interesting. I downloaded it on my kindle as it was easy to do. It is warming up here nicely too, in the 50s today and partly sunny by afternoon. What a difference for me, after years up north. So, you, I and Lav all live about 45-an hour away from our kids. We are really lucky to be able to be part of their lives. I am still reflecting on all the changes for me in the last year, realizing that at the same time in 2014, I had no idea I would move. Crazy.

Lav, thanks for the link to the recipe. I saved it and will make it soon, it looks really good and easy. As for moving to Florida....the weather is hot and sunny alot, but no family? No thanks. The grandkids will only be little for so short a time. I was reflecting on how quickly it went, looking back, and wishing I had the knowledge and wisdom I have now. That is why grandparenting is so great, we do have that wisdom, and can apply it. Speaking of zombies, I just don't like them either. So, no Walking Dead for me. Any plans this weekend? This afternoon,we are supposed to have a dining room delivered, and I am excited. I get off a little early and will dine in style. Maybe, or may pick up carryout. No plans for me, just exercise tomorrow, reading, getting outside if I can.

Have a great Friday, this first day of Spring!!!!!

[Lavande]

Good morning friends on this snowy first day of Spring - hopefully it will all melt in a day or two.

Papmom, glad you got your car going again. I hate car expenses but I have to have one where I live. I need my car to be safe & reliable too since I transport the kids quite a bit. Good that you have your calendar filled up with fun things to do

Star, I think I am jealous of your weather forecast, ha ha!
Enjoy the relative warmth this weekend & get outside as much as possible. Enjoy that new dining room set & have a zombie free day

I guess it's OK for me to start my countdown to the 26th - my 6 years AF anniversary. I'll have to think of some way other than cake to celebrate, I've gained a few pounds as well over this extended winter!!!

Greetings Dill & Cyn. Have a wonderful AF Vernal Equinox everyone!

Lav