Spring Cleaning, part 2

Tags

bathrooms, Spring Cleaning

We are back to it again this weekend.  Not in the same devotion and fashion as last weekend.  Our goals are smaller and our time is shorter.  It is Easter afterall! 

Hubby spent yesterday in the yard getting rid of dead stuff.  Surveying the beds and making plans.  I know that his head is just spinning.  He is making his list of the things we need to do in the future to get the yard enjoyable! 

I spent a small part of the day doing the bathrooms.  Joy.  I will admit that bathrooms are my least favorite thing to clean.  They just gross me out.  On the other hand, I have to have a clean bathroom.  If it is not, then I’m grossed out!  I have a lot of hair.  Just blowdrying it and knowing that at least a thousand strands of hair will be on the ground is well…. you guessed it gross.  I’m just strange that way!

Getting in the ‘powder’ rooms was something I do not look forward to.  I sucked it up, put on my big girl panties and marched in.  Every nook and cranny is sparkling.  Every countertop and drawer is fresh.  Now I will be fretting every time we have to use them!  I realized that I have to ‘Spring clean’ the bathrooms every single week.  What a dilemma!

Today, is a day to reflect on other things.  Hope you enjoy this special day!

Springtime in Germany

Tags

biergartens, cardigans, outdoors, Running, Spring

It really looks we are turning the corner here!  The snow is melting.  The grass is green.  The trees are beginning to get dressed.  I grew up in South Texas.  Four seasons were not very common.  I still delight in each gift of a new season. 

The freshness is surrounding me.  I’m eager to embrace it.  As I daydream about the future days, I cannot help but think of the presents that await.

Imagine if you will a field of flowers just dancing in the breeze.  Better yet imagine the joy of walking through it with a basket and pair of scissors! You really are able to literally take time to smell the flowers. One of my favorite things about  Spring is the ability to go and cut your own flowers.  Of course you have to pay.  However, you are trusted enough to just drop your money in a can.  I love adding this to my ‘to-do’ list on Saturday’s. It is still amazing to me that adding a vase of flowers to a room, no matter the size, can greatly invite happy to come in.

With the warmer temperatures, the woods are thawing out and trails are more usable!  There is nothing better than taking a hike through the Black Forest.  The routes you have available and the time you are away from things brings you  a new perspective.  I’m thinking I now need to go and check on my hiking boots….

Hubby’s favorite Spring and Summer activity is to hit the biergartens.  Sitting outside with a group of people enjoying an adult beverage is fabulous!  The ease you have just sipping and chatting.  About a mile from our house is a biergarten trail.  We walked it last Summer when we first moved in.  I can almost guarantee that we will make that trek several times in the coming months!

I am about to replace my thick sweaters and blazers/jackets with those wonderful light cardigans.  Stripes, floral, solid, soft, loud, or muted.  It does not matter!  They are all lovely.  Aww….   Just the thought is sending goose bumps up and down!!  Am I the only one that gets excited at the thought of that?

Lastly, the idea of just throwing on a pair of running shorts, shirt, and shoes is so liberating.  I get to dispense with layering my running ‘outfit’.  No gloves.  No hat.  No neck warmer or scarf.  Just light and airy attire.  Another Aww….  However, I do think this year I’m going to look for a pair of sunglasses that I can run in.

Spring.  It has been awhile.  You do not even have to knock.  Our door is wide open to you!

Free time

Tags

biking, cooking, hiking, reading, time

A couple of years ago, I balked at those two words.  When you have kids you are running around with them.  When Amazing Daughter went to college our lives changed.  Of course we became college parents, empty nesters.  The first weekend we were back after dropping her off, we sat there and just looked at each other.  We did not have a volleyball, basketball or soccer game or tournament to attend.  We were not coordinating our weekend plans with hers. 

Odd, we thought this new life was.  However, after the third weekend we were planning and doing.  Loved it!!!! 

I do miss the sports events.  But now we have time on our hands.  We are masters at making the most out of our time.  We work hard during the week.  When Friday evening rolls around, we shed those thoughts, that routine for one that is slower paced (sometimes), and make the most of every single minute.  Making the most might be sitting on my sofa reading a book but it is my time.

Having this free time has us discovering things we like to do.  We are in better shape physically than we have been in a long while.  I am learning to be adventurous as I cook.  I am really enjoying decorating. 

Now that the weather is FINALLY starting to warm up, hiking and biking will be added to our weekends and free time.  YEA!

Free time, is something that is sacred.  It should be personal.  It should be appealing! 

What do you like to do in your free time?

Book Review

Tags

books, italian wine, Italy, literature, wine drinking

It has been a while since a shared a book that I have read.  It does not mean I have not been reading, though. 

I love reading about other people and the lives they are embarking on.  I guess that is the reason my favorite genre besides Jane Austen (is that a genre???  Sorry I am digressing) is biography or autobiography.  Give me a book set in Italy and I’m excited.  So put my favorite genre and have the setting in Italy in one book will cause me to do a happy dance all the way to a comfy seat to read.

  

This was a book I felt I needed to read with a glass of wine.  Italian wine.  It was a book that made me think about the simple things in life and how much we do not realize how wonderful they are.  The essence of enjoying every single moment we have been so blessed to have is what I’m going to take away from this lovely read.

The author and her husband sold their home in Venice (really???) and moved to Tuscany.  She is writer of cookbooks and he was a banker.  They move into a ‘stable’ like house that has been redone.  She weaves in this book life in rural Italy and the traditions that creates this relaxed atmosphere and her eagerness to recapture a life of meaning.  To slow down.  To savor. 

I marveled at the ease that the Tuscans just gather what they need for their meals.  And how each meal is a celebration within itself.  I will say there was a lot of wine drinking going on.  However, the sense of community was felt in her words.

I love literature.  I love when I read words and my visual image is overtaking my soul.  Ms. DeBlasi has a tremendous voice.  Here is one example…

” Barlozzo paints when he talks.  He prepares the canvas, splashes on the color, and throwing down his brushes sometimes, he opts for the thicker texture gained from a pallette knife.”

Barlozzo is the the man that adopts the author and her husband and shows them the Tuscan ways.  I love this man.  I want to sit for hours with him and listen about his life. 

I truly enjoyed this book.  I will be checking out more from her if only to read her words as they come alive in my mind.  More importantly, I’m taking away the value of what life is about.  We need to celebrate the little things.  Take time to marvel in daily moments that make our lives special.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Tags

birthday, memories

I did not grow up with many role models.  I guess because I did not have to.  I lived with one every single day for about 18 years.  He is man of few words. I do believe it is a generational thing.  However, I always knew where I stood with him.  I liked/like that.  Thinking back, his approval meant the world to me.  His disapproval, well…

He taught me to have a backbone and to stand up for myself.  He taught me to work hard.  He taught me to be professional and that honesty is always the best policy.  He taught me there is nothing wrong with getting your hands dirty.

He taught me how to respect people from all walks of life.  He taught me to be a leader.  He taught me that actions speak louder than words.  He taught me how to ride a bike, throw a softball, and shoot a basketball.  He ‘appreciated’ my flute music.

He never missed a sporting event, a band concert, or an assembly.  I always knew that family was top on his list.  Oh, the aspirin that he must have taken to get through the junior high years…

I have many great memories.  One sitting at a soda counter in Alabama.  We were there to attend the funeral of his brother.  We were about to take our shift at the funeral home as the family representatives.  Before that, Dad took me to an old diner.  It was right out of an old 50’s movie.  We sat there and talked.  I had the pleasure of listening to stories about him growing up.  It will be hands down the best hour of my life with him.

Another one was my college graduation.  My parents bought a ‘new’ video camera for the occasion.  It was a great moment when we played it back and for about 30 minutes we had the pleasure of viewing a balded head.  It was the person sitting in front of my parents.  My Dad forgot to turn the camera off after I walked across the stage.  I do not think they ever used that camera again.

Oh, the spaghetti and the bar-b-que he can whip up.  But, if you want to talk about mouthwatering, savor every single bit as you gain about 200 pounds, my favorite will always be his ice cream.  Each summer I long for that treat.  And each time I come, he makes it!!!  (Remember I will be back in about 6 weeks!!!)

He does have his faults, as we all do.  One being his love of Auburn.  Never understood it!  At least he is ‘coming’ around to the Aggies!  Second would be his love for banana pudding.  Gross!

I have counted my blessings (ok, not in junior high… but who does!) knowing I have been lucky enough to have a Dad like him.  I’m sure that my siblings would agree that some of the greatest life lessons we have learned, came from Dad allowing us to be who we are.

Happy Birthday to a truly great man!  Hope you enjoy your ‘yucky’ banana pudding!

Easter Market

Tags

Easter Market, Spring

This past Sunday Hubby and I bundled up and went into our village to check out the annual Easter Market.  I just love small towns!

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We were greeted in town with plants, branches, and even some of the trees covered with eggs dangling.  See, already in the mood!

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This is our village square.  We have our own life size chess board.  Don’t you just love the houses???

They had something for everyone!

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Something so simple yet fun.

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There were so many kids around the sheep!  Who could blame them.  I know they were not thinking the same thing I was… Cheese.

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Hand painted by one of the local ladies.  In my Germenglish, I found out she starts work on these in November.  She had all kinds of displays.

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I ended up buying a wreath that is currently gracing our front door.  What a wonderful lady!

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There were a lot of flower shops out at the market.  Creativity was not an issue.  I just love peeking!

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If you were hungry…

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You could have selected this or

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this… homemade goodies.  I think our blood sugar levels went off the charts after passing these two booths!

They also had some ‘non-Easter’ stuff.  However, it could be classified as Spring!

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Now, who would not want that spinning in their yard?  Can you say happy?

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I put my drool rag to use after this booth.  I love jewelry.  I really like unusual, unique pieces.  Basically, anything that is a little different and fun!

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I am not sure what this has to do with Easter… but I could not resist!

During our market time, we found a couple of fun items!

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Cheese, anyone???  This was huge!

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We passed this doorway on the way back to our car.  It was like a little display within itself!

We had a great time just walking around, looking, and observing people.

Thanks for coming along!

Workouts

Tags

goals, half-marathon, Running, workouts

I am a lover of routine.  I love to set goals and then work to accomplish them.  That is why I love a workout schedule.  Whether I’m training for a race or just trying to say healthy, I have my routine.

Here is my workout:

Monday: rest

Tuesday: Spin and run 3 miles

Wednesday: Yoga

Thursday: Total Body Workout and run 4.5 miles

Friday: weights and run 4.5 miles

Saturday: run 8 miles

Sunday: run 8 miles and yoga

The part that kills me is the total body workout.  I will get in my car and my arms are still shaking.  However, I will not give it up!

Good news is I have found my next race!  It will be in the middle of September!!  Another half marathon.  This time in town a little closer than Paris.  I will be running the Karlsruhe (Germany)  half on the 23rd of September.  Official training will begin on my birthday.  What a great birthday present to me.

My goal for this race will be centered around time.  In Paris I shaved 6 minutes off my personal best.  When I crossed the finish line, I was already thinking about where the next race would be.   I have to say, that left me wanting more.  On the way home I was thinking about each part of the race.  I know where I can use some work.

See, goal oriented!

Winter’s Last Party

Tags

snow, Spring, winter

We spent most of the day cleaning.  We are almost done with the kitchen!  Celebration time….  However, when we took a break we did a double take.  We had to make sure what we were looking at was real.

This is what we saw.

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While watching snow fall is still a wonder to me, I have to say that we were scratching our heads.

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We did not receive a lot.  More of a dusting.  I had to quickly check the weather for the week to see if we were to have some more.  At this time, we are not.  I want to say that this was winter’s last party.  It is time for it to rest until the middle of November.  It has been beautiful while it lasted.  The beautiful trees outlined with snow.  The hills of white.  The crispness of the air.  The fires in our living room.  All be memories that will bring a smile to my face.  It is like a last piece of chocolate where you savor every single bite.

Hopefully, the loveliness of green, and flowers is just around the corner.  And that corner is a short one…

(Gig’em Lady Aggies!!  Yes they won on Saturday!!!)

 

Pillow Fight

Tags

pillows, Spring Cleaning

How often do you change out pillows?  I think I will do some investigating on how long you should use a pillow.  With the facts, I will present them to Hubby!

We are having a pillow issue.  I like to have something to lay my head on that is combination of firm and soft.  Sturdy but flexible.  I do not want to just lay my head on the mattress. Hubby likes pancakes.

A couple of weeks ago, I could not handle it.  I went and bought new pillows.  I thought after about 18 months, it was time to say good bye.  You know, pillow heaven and all.  They had served their purpose.

I bring home the new white puffy wonders and add them to our bed.  Hubby has not been happy since.  In fact he saved one pillow from being taken to the dump.  All I am thinking about are the germs that are having a party in there.  YUCK!  It does not seem to bother him though! Men.

The solution I have come up with is that I will be taking Hubby pillow shopping.  That way he can find one that he will be comfortable with.  He can get it to have the just right indentations.  He can make it his own.

The simple things in life….

Call me concerned, but I would like to have as clean of an environment as I can and a good night of sleep!

Speaking of clean…. we are about to begin Spring cleaning!!!

Have a great Saturday.

Spring Cleaning!

Tags

Spring Cleaning

This weekend in our house the cleaning begins.  We will start at the bottom and work our way up!  It will take us a couple of weekends to get it done.  We are hoping since we are doing this, Spring will actually get here! You know, the philosophy the day you decide to wash your car, the rain comes….

I actually really enjoy cleaning.  Putting on some great tunes. You are relaxed.  It brings an appreciation of what you have.  It is taking a trip down memory lane.  It also gives you time to think about what is important and what is not so important.  You move things around.  You get ideas about how to make a space better.

My goal this weekend is the laundry room/area (hard to explain this space), workroom (Hubby’s) and the kitchen.  Trust me, my organization feelers will be open for fresh ideas in the laundry room.  My system is not working smoothly right now.  I need to look into that! 

Doing Spring cleaning requires a certain mind set.  It requires a certain soundtrack.  And of course, a certain wardrobe!  For me to do real cleaning, I have to remember it is only stuff.  My mantra is clean is always better!  My soundtrack will be classic 80’s rock.  I need something with a beat.  Who knows, I might feel the need to sing or dance along.  My favorite part, clothing!  Classic cleaning style- large t-shirt that has been ‘loved’ and yoga pants that have seen their better day. 

Aww, the excitement is building!

Happy  cleaning!