Welch-Dickey Hike NH

On June 14th, Mike and I took our first "big" hike of the season. One of NH's "most bang for your buck" hikes is literally just down the road from us (the peaks are just in front of you before you turn down our road) - the Welch Dicky loop. It's a 4 mile loop that includes 2 peaks, is "only" about an 1800 foot ascent and give you 360 views of the white mountain range. This was our first big hike last year, so we've decided to make it our first hike every summer.

Self portrait on one of the peaks (can never remember which is Welch and which is Dickey)

Mike ascending one of the many long, step stretches of granite ledge
Mike pondering life and the white mountains
Mike catching butterflies

It's Tough to be a Trend Setter Sometimes

A little over a year ago, I searched high and low for beds with drawer storage to maximize space without the use of inconvenient and tacky plastic underbed boxes. My searching gave me only a few options of designer beds....with the price tag to go along with it. I waited awhile and did luck out with a 50% off price of one of them because of a discontinued stain. The price dropped down to a level just above what I was comfortable spending, but we went ahead and bought it because we felt as if we had exhausted our options.

At that time, I told Mike "mark my words, as soon as we buy this, we're going to start seeing these beds everywhere." Sure enough, one year later, I've seen beds with drawers underneath at West Elm, Ikea and now Target! I'm glad the market is responding to my demands, although a little late. However, we're extremely happy with our bed so all's good.

Wildlife at Work

Just ran out to the parking lot of my office quickly and saw a momma and baby groundhog scurry off into the bushes! That's more interesting wildlife than I saw all weekend hiking!

Between those and the wild turkey that lives here and torments all who pass (whether on car or foot), I feel like we should start a new business as a zoo!

Logging your food intake

One of the headlines today is about how logging your food helps folks to lose weight faster. From my experience, it's true! It's one of my "secrets" to weight loss. Although a pain in the rear at times, it keeps me on track with my intake vs burned calories and keeps me honest (with myself) with how much I've eaten in a day.

I use http://www.fitday.com/, a free site. You can log food intake, weight, weight goals and activities on it. If you're like me and cook a lot of the same foods over and over again, it's definitely worth a try. After you get your "Custom Foods" repertoire filled up a bit and learn how to search their engine efficiently, it becomes quite easy to use. I've been logging now for over 2 years. I do give myself a break on the weekends when my schedule's a bit more erratic. Weekends are also the times I let myself "cheat" on my rules. Because of both of these factors, my weight is definitely up on Mondays!

Supposedly, losing\gaining\maintaining weight is simply a measure of calories in versus calories out. Given my activity level, I supposedly should be able to eat more than I do and not gain weight. Not true, though. Other than my assumed "I'm a freak of nature," does anyone with nutrition and\or medical knowledge know why this might not be the case? I've had my base metabolism measured and it seems pretty on par with the assumed amounts for my age\height\weight. 10 point bonus to anyone that might be able to solve the mystery!

House Progress Pictures

Since all of our workers will also be bbq-ing up a storm tomorrow, it's the end of another week of progress on the house. We're heading up to NH this afternoon so I'll likely have lots of fun pictures to add of the mountains on Monday. Happy 4th everyone!

Until then, here are a few pictures of what happened at chez Hines this week:

New porch and mudroom - freshly sided

Another view - the porch is likely going to change again

once we get some landscaping in the back yard (next summer?)

A sneak peak at the master bedroom. We still need to add lots of decor!

Yogaaaaah!

I'm a new yoga convert. Until last year, the thought of remaining in one position as exercise was my idea of boring. I have tried classes here and there since college, but just haven't been able to get into it. Maybe you have to be really stressed out before you can truly enjoy the pause in life you get in a yoga class.

Mike and I started taking yoga last year from our community center and I really enjoy the teacher. She is a yogi so she's a little "out there" but she's still grounded enough in the real world to give a great yoga classes to the minimally "spritual" (for lack of a better word) people such as myself.

A new session started last night. I had taken some time off because the renovation just didn't allow for a normal schedule since so many last minute shopping trips had to be taken. Wow, was it nice to get back! I feel so relaxed today....like I had a massage last night.

So, for those of you that haven't tried yoga, I suggest you be open to it. I had serious doubts too but am now a believer. And, for those of you that are not very active, yoga is a great way to enter the world of exercise...it really is for people of all ages, shapes and sizes!

Ode to a Great Dog

I'm writing this through tears. I just found out my brother's wonderful dog, Sadie, didn't make it through her surgery today. It is absolutely heart wrenching to me when the life of an animal is lost...especially one that has been so great and loyal to her people and brought joy to all that met her. She was a great pet and family member and will be sorely missed.

RIP Sadie - we love you!