Good Fitness Advice

I haven't attended Curves for several months now. My location unexpectedly closed their doors around the time my granddaughter was born. In the following weeks, trips to Toronto were more important than gym hunting, so my fitness routine has been neglected for several months.

Finally I began to visit the fitness facilities in my neighborhood, comparing them to the two remaining Curves locations - both of  which are in distant parts of town. Do I really want to drive that far to exercise in winter?!

I also check out fitness equipment for our basement. Terry and I saw one beautiful machine that does all the exercises I want to do... But it's very expensive... (Here is an online illustration.)

Would we use it enough to justify the cost?

Would you use a fitness machine if we bought it? I later asked my son.

No! He emphatically replied. And don't buy one. My two friends who have expensive fitness equipment never use it anymore.

Did they lose interest? I asked.

No, they injured themselves. Both of them have pain everywhere, so they can't work out.

Just go walking... That's what I do. It's the best exercise of all!

Margaret Meets Her Great-Granddaughter

Today is my mother's 97th birthday!

A few days ago, she met her two-and-a-half-month-old great-granddaughter for the first time. (She has three great-grandsons, but this is her first great-granddaughter.)

Put her on my lap, she said.

We gingerly placed the baby on my mother's lap as she sat in her wheelchair.

She can no longer see, but she felt the baby's head and marveled at her tiny hands and feet.

Talking about her upcoming birthday, I asked her what her wish was for in the coming year.

Without hesitation, she replied: Continued good health!

Trip Down Memory Lane

Today is my youngest son's birthday...

Here he is the day we brought him home from the hospital, three days old...

So new in the world - yet so amazingly perfect, from those tiny fingers and fingernails - to the complete head of hair!

I Remember You...!!

Every once in a while, I come across a plant that I used to have and love. I stop and stare... It's a little like meeting an old friend...

I recently stopped when I saw this plant. I had one like it years ago... But eventually it must have died... (I even had a special pot for it!)

Do I have room in the house for another (I have so many African Violets... Probably not!!)

Great Ribs!

Driving to Chautauqua, Terry was looking forward to stopping in Syracuse, NY, to eat at the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que...

We arrived just after the noon rush, but the place was still busy.

Terry ordered his favorite - ribs and four sides - to share. We enjoyed the meal...

All too soon, it was time to continue on our way.

Chautauqua

The Chautauqua Institution is located in the small town of Chautauqua, NY...

... on the shores of Lake Chautauqua.

While there, we tried to get the "lay of the land" by exploring as much of the town as time permitted.

It is full of gracious old homes - some used as summer cottages, while others house residents all year long.

The beach is a beautiful spot...

This old hotel is part of the Institution.

(We tried to get a reservation there for a meal - but were out of luck.)

So we ate more humbly - once, in a church hall - a less expensive option.

Another time, in a cafe, entertained by local musicians.

We enjoyed wandering around, as time permitted. (There was so much to do!)

One interesting relic of an earlier era was the town post office...

















... with its original brass mail boxes!

The town square - another relic of the original institution - was a popular place to relax on a hot day.

In every way, a charming place to visit!

Visiting the Chautauqua Institution

A week ago Terry and I headed to the Chautauqua Institution - a "summer camp" for adults. It has been around since the 1800's.

Every year, dozens of famous speakers come to Chautauqua Institution to discuss the issues of the day.

There is a daily entrance fee to get into the grounds. Once inside, lectures are free.

We stayed a day and a half, but in that time we heard Steve Forbes, of Forbes Magazine, speak. The amphitheater was packed for his talk.

The following day we heard an aspiring politician speak about the necessity of US Senate reform. (She would like to see an end to the practice of lobbying.) Terry enjoyed both talks.

I had come to hear well-known writer and former Episcopal priest, Barbara Brown Taylor, whose books I enjoy. She was chaplain of the week in the church service that is held every day. In the end, I was not only able to hear her speak, but to meet her too, and have her sign one of my books.

A six hour drive from Ottawa, an hour and a half from Buffalo, NY, Chautauqua Institution is a unique, interesting (but not inexpensive) place to visit. But it does provide a rare opportunity to hear famous people speak, participating in "civil discourse" about issues of the day.

We'd definitely go back again - if speakers and the theme of the week were of interest to us.