slippery walk

Today, I walked two hours on some tricky sidewalks. Mostly, I stayed in the street when I could. I was spurred on by my disappointing number on the scale this morning. (+2)

I left here close to 11 to do errands. I headed up the hill, out Sioux, up Findlay and out Moravia. Then down Hertzog and Lechauwecki. While I was on Moravia a man passed me. He was walking and doing exercises at the same time. Productive, but really silly looking.

Once I crossed Broadway I headed to the Wawa to use the ATM for Pat. Then I headed out Smiley to Dodson and started up the hill. A car came slowly up the hill. It was one of my former students. I think he was going to offer me a ride, but I told him it takes work to keep this Rubeneque figure. He laughed and went on his way.

At Graham, I turned right and went down the hill, past the hospital and out Ostrum. At Brighton and Cherokee I headed up Cherokee and checked my fit bit — 40 floors and only 8k steps. Really? Is that all?

I headed down third to the alley before Broadhead and went thru the parking lot by Henry's apartment. Then it was out Broadway for some shopping at Ahart's. I divided the groceries into two bags and headed toward Wyandotte. Then it was up, up, up Wyandotte. This section had the worse sidewalks. At Sasafrass I checked the fit bit. Still not at 12K, and at 60 floors. I went down the hill, turned right and went right back up Fiot, and came down again.

I was almost at goal of 12500, and had 69 floors. Will try to get 75 before the end of the day. I'm also shooting for 15000 steps.

UPDATE: I've changed my Instagram name to . Now it matches the blog a little better. Thisismygymtoday works better as a hashtag.

today

Tail on the Trail announced today the winter challenge. 30 miles in 30 days. Not much of a challenge. But I'll do it anyway.

Today's walk was hilly. I got to thinking as I walked it that I used to think these hills were steep. They aren't. I think I need a new neighborhood.

Today's walk  was down the hill and back up to Seneca. Then down Seneca, and up Clewell to Jeter. Down the steep hill at the hospital (almost lost mama in her wheelchair on that one!) and up St Luke's Place. Then down Fiot, and back up Fiot and home.

Again, it wasn't a long walk, but I got it done.

I took my iPod and took a pix of these red berries. It is my first picture for 2015. I need to remember to take it with me for the camera function. (All the music on it stinks. Never buy workout tapes.) I'll have to borrow the SLR from school for the Niagara Falls Volkssport trip in May.

I've also been busy unsubscribing from race-fitness emails. My in-box used to be filled with  them. So many temptations. But if I stick to "buy only essentials" I can't be tempted. I'm weak.

I nearly failed at this goal about a week ago. I found a Nordic Walking workshop in King of Prussia. I was literally filling out the form to sign up and I stopped myself. The same day I found a Chi Walking workshop in NYC. Both were about $100. Plus travel. Clearly non-essential.

The only other pre-paid events on my calendar are the Idita-Walk, Tri-To-Help in Lancaster in February, and the Yuengling Loger Jogger with my niece and friend in April. I was doing the Tri-To-Help with a fitness friend, but she withdrew to do yet another half marathon. (Her plan is two a month for the whole year. No thank-you.) Other than that it's Volkssport walks/events and just plain old walking.

Now where is my log info for the Idita-walk?

soaked

Today we had the every popular "wintery mix". It snowed. It rained. It freezing rained. Sometimes it seemed like they did it all together. Since it rain now, I've decided not to clear my walks. It's supposed to be 60 tomorrow.

I kept stalling, but finally at 3 I had to go out. Because of the storm it would get dark early. I finally cracked 10K steps, and 25 stairs, using the Fountian Hill route. The downhills were more slippery than the uphills. Whatever possessed me to go down Hertzog is beyond me. I took baby steps and sort-of shuffle ran. I prayed the whole time I wouldn't roll down the hill head first.

When the trees go out to the curb, it's a clear sign that Christmas has come to an end.

sixth day in a row

Okay, now I'm sounding like a braggart. Sorry. I gotta restart my mojo and get my butt moving so countdowns work. I'll get over it. Maybe.

Yesterday was my birthday and I laid on the couch and watched Law and Order Criminal Intent reruns for 3 hours—a total vegetable. I am going to pay for it today. 364 more days till I turn 60. 2015 is going to be a horrible year.

I needed to walk today.

Today was our annual wreath making workshop. Megan, Sharon, Lil Bug and I all went. It was Megan and Lil Bugs first time doing wreaths. As a bonus there was a dog. As soon as Megs post pictures I'll post one.

I dropped off Megan and then brought Sharon and Lil Bug home with me. Lil Bug helped make dinner, schlep stuff too and from the attic, decorate minimally for Christmas, and helped me change the hall light bulb. I even got to take her to Cantelmi's so she could see an old-fashion hardware store.

Before I took Lil Bug home we went for a walk in Fountain Hill. The typical route up Bishopthorpe, up Findlay, and out Moravia.

 On Moravia, we ran into this fellow. He has apples for eyes, and apple slices for a mouth.

Then we went past the firefighters Christmas tree lot at the pool.  I loved this skinny tree. I'm a fat tree kind of girl, but skinny would be nice. No furniture to move. But alas, there is probably no tree this year. No international student with a desire to decorate a tree. Ebinezer roommate will probably make my life miserable if I got one. So it's better to forgo it. Silly tradition anyway. Who cuts a tree and brings it into the house?

 

The swings were dry so we also took a swing break. Snow doesn't stop us from swinging. We took the usual route home from the playground. Maybe 2.5 miles total.

farmers market thursday

Since I went back to school August 25, my hours shifted for my many jobs. I am now off on Thursdays till about 4ish. I'm headed to work when everyone is headed home.

The south Bethlehem Farmers market is conveniently held on Thursdays at Campus Square. Megan, the baby and Bonnie and I usually take a 3-4 mile walk to get there. I have to get very creative with the routes. There is only so many ways to get tot he university.

Today I was smart and took two bags and balanced my groceries in them. Bonnie pushed the stroller home and Megan ended up carrying about 25 pounds. Next week Bonnie is taking an extra bag too.

Today we headed up the hill, out Sioux, down Clewell and out the alley to Bergen. We crossed Broadway and came back Seneca. Up the hill that I thought was huge as a kid, and past the old 'hood. Then we headed down fourth, to New and to the market. We zig-zagged our way back up the hill and home.

Last night I went to Zumba. It's back on. I'm worse at it now than I ever was. Oh well. After fighting with my sister I could blow off steam.

Tuesday I walked at the crack of dawn with Bonnie in her neighborhood. There was a fresh dead skunk on Emmaus Avenue and I couldn't walk out in the street to avoid it. Too much traffic. So I returned to the neighborhood and met up with Bonnie at the Daisy Hill.  I'm pretty certain she thought I was nuts.

Monday and Wednesday I walked at lunchtime. But maybe only a mile and a half. Not much. One day I only had 5,000 steps.


Speaking of steps. I received a message from Fit Bit today that I have reached 4000 flights of stairs (inclines) and have been awarded my 747 badge. It will probably be a year or two before I see the next one. I have to double—8000—the amount of stairs.

Tomorrow it's walking in south Whitehall with Betsy. Then Saturday it's the 30th anniversary celebration of the Liberty Bell Wanderers at Lake Galenda in Doylestown. That's a 10K walk.

two walks

Last night Lydia and Adonis came over for dinner an a walk. We took Big A out first for his typical 1/2 mile. I was already hot and sweaty and we hadn't even started the main event!

Lyd doesn't like doing hills after work. She's on her feet seeing clients a good portion of the all day. We drove the few blocks to the hospital and parked. The we walked out Jeter avenue towards Salisbury. When we reached Public Road, we played in the park. The swings were nice, and high. The spinning thing was old and made horrible noises.

Then we headed up Public to Graham, and down the long Graham street hill and back to the car. Turns out that loop is 2.5 miles. Not bad for after work.

This morning I headed to Bonnie's to walk in Salisbury. The baby fell asleep so Megan stayed home. We did what she calls the west loop, with all the hills. It's just under 3 miles but I was flop sweating when I returned to her house.

Even with the walk I'm at less than 6K for the day. If it doesn't start to pour, I'm going to need to go out for another walk. I have not chance of catching my friend in the FitBit race, but I at least need to make my goal for the week.

Tomorrow we are doing the two-bridge walk and Veg-Fest. Sunday we'll be doing the Volkssport walk in Valley Forge.

after dinner walks

Yesterday it started getting hot, and I really didn't feel like walking. But I drug my butt out there and did it. Lydia came along.

It was so hot neither of us felt like putting on sneakers. Well, the sneakers wouldn't have been bad, but the socks would have been tormet. So we wore our Birks.

Lydia decided she doesn't like walking in Birks. I, on the other hand, would do it all the time.

First we took the dog out. After being a bad boy in the house, he walked the best he's ever walked. He didn't stop much, or run ahead. Then we dropped the dog off and headed to Fountain Hill. We only did the fairly flat route between Delaware and Broadway, but it was enough to get the blood moving and work up a sweat.

Today I walked on campus, then between storms, walked around the block. We'll it's actually a variation on Adonis' route. I wanted a lot of up hill since I only had a half hour before it started to pour again.  Got home in plenty of time.

Tomorrow is a fast day. I have a weigh in on Friday and I've gained weight back. I even crossed back into the 220s. That's unacceptable.

walks this week

Tuesday Bonnie and I walked in Salisbury and South Allentown. We headed from her house down Juniata, past the Fearless and thru the cemetery where Jarrod is buried. Then we headed down Chapel toward Emmaus Avenue, and headed toward the high school. We walked to the high school, down their drive and up the stairs instead of the hill. Then we zig-zagged our way back to Bonnie's.

Thursday Bonnie and I walked to the south Bethlehem Farmers Market.  We took the scenic route. From my place we headed west on Broadway and then back Delaware. We went down fourth to Taylor and back to Lehigh's Campus Square for the market. We did some shopping then started to head toward home. (Will the beans and peas ever come in?)

To come back we headed up the stairs of Campus Square. Then up the stairs to the student union. Then up the stairs to eighth street. Bonnie said I damn near killed her. It beats walking up a hill. I'm guessing we did about 250. I didn't count them.

We headed down eighth to Wyandotte, crossed and out Sioux to Bishopthorpe and home.

After the hail storm I headed out to Wifek's graduation. I parked in my typical almost-off campus parking spot and headed to the gym. A half-hour to go and they were already using over flow seating. I ended up watching the live stream internet broadcast in the cafeteria.

She received a specialized diploma. Any work she did here doesn't count when she gets back to Tunisia. She still has two more years to go. This morning she was on a plane going home.

For the long weekend I sent this schedule to the others—

Saturday -- Doing the Volkssport walk in Doylestown. Yeah, it's a bit of a drive, but it's a great excuse to go to the Mercer or the tile works. (Art is my happy place.) It starts at 10. I'll be leaving a bit before 9.

Sunday -- D&L Allentown towards Bethlehem. If I walk alone I'll probably do the whole thing and turn around and go back. If someone comes along, we can go 1.5 one way, turn around an go back. I should be at the Allentown trailhead by 9:30

Monday -- Tortoise and Hare 5K in Wind Gap. Yeah, another road trips. Hot course. Not much shade. Some hills. They take same day sign ups. I think it starts at 9, so I'll be leaving here about 8-ish.

As you see there will be lots of posts this weekend.

lazy week

After a very active weekend, the week turned lazy, quick.

Monday is a horribly long day, but usually I get some walking in. This Monday, I didn't my step total was only 7800! That includes walking across campus at both Lafayette and Northampton. It was the last day of school for the term

Tuesday I ended up working and another stellar non-day. Worse than Monday it was only 5500! Bonnie and I thought we'd walk after work, but I had a long boring meeting and it was dinnertime when I called her. After dinner I parked my fat tush on the couch and did nothing. Totally turned off the brain. It was divine. Now if someone could tell me how Person of Interest ended I'd appreciate it. I really don't want to wait till September for the new season. Way to Orwellian for my taste this week.

Wednesday I didn't do much better. I could have gone back to Zumba, but I didn't.

Finally yesterday, Bonnie and I walked. We're kind of tired of the neighborhood so we tried to mix up the Ft. Hill walk. This time we headed up Bishopthorpe to Jeter, then made a stop at an old friends house to deliver a note. We backtracked to Graham and went up to the first entrance of the cemetery. Then we walked thru the cemetery and found the new "green" burial grounds near the top of the hill. We continued on the road and came out at the top-most point of Dotson. We turned onto Graham and went to Public, and came down Public to Broadway.

On Public I found these beautiful dogwood trees.

We came down Broadway, past Kids Peace (aka Wiley House)  and went up Dorothy to Moravian. Coming back down the hill and out Church, past the grade school (aka Ft. Hill High) to Frederick. Then we wove our way back down to Sioux and the alley. Then it was back up Clewell to Sioux and home.

I forgot to ask Bonnie how far we went, but for the first time in four days my FitBit was over 10K. Actually, it even went over 15K.

clear cut!

Today Bonnie and I did the loop around Fountain Hill.  We went up Dodson to Jeter and then up to Graham. We came down Graham and said, wow, they cut down the trees at the barn. It's easy to see it's right past the cemeteries.

Soon it became clear. They clear cut the trees all the way down the hill. It will no longer be a shady walk. Pity the home owners. Their electric bills will soar this summer.

Sadly, we we too lazy to walk up the hill to shoot the devastation.

All in all we did three miles.

(Some of the wood pile between the barn and the edge of the cemetery.)

fountain hill

Today we did the loop of Fountain Hill. One of our regular walks. Even though we didn't talk to each other, we were all wearing our Tail on the Trail swag! How funny is that. It lasted about halfway thru the walk.

We went out Itaska, then out the alley to Sioux, then off toLackawanna Avenue and down to Broadway. Yep, we had the native American tribes covered. They don't call this neighborhood Indian Hills for nothing.

We crossed Broadway and went out Smile and then Stanley. The FOuntain Hill walk would not be complete without a stop at the Stanley Avenue Recreation Area (aka Ft. hill playground) for SWINGS! How we love swings. Though there were children there today so we didn't stay very long.

 

Ultimately we ended up on Ostrum, past the hospital, then on to Brighton were we encountered spring. These irises are really early.

From Brighton we crossed the bridge, went down the ramp and headed home out Broadway.

Then it was time for Adonis' walk. All in all it was about 4 miles.

extreme contrasts

I don't often write about daily walks. Walks are walks and they are often in the same places. It's hard enough to come up with something new to say for the weekend walks.

Today we had extreme contrasts. We walked mostly in Fountain Hill. 

 On Pawnee street they went full speed ahead and are ready for Christmas.

 On Graham street they did not skip Thanksgiving.

And On Moravia, we saw this poor mutilated tree. Clearly, this tree is much safer than the full one they shore off. Obsene.

ft. hill playground. a mostly photo essay.

Today was sauerkraut making day at casa Stephens, so Bonnie didn't walk. Lydia did a 5K yesterday and received a killer blister for her trouble. So we decided to take an easier walk. It turned into Walking: Extreme (Overgrown) Children's Play Edition.

 We headed down the hill, out Itaska and Broadway to Bottom Dollar. We headed up Dodson to the ball field. Around the ball field, back down the hill to the recreation trail. What a view.

We took the recreation trail down thru the park and landed at the bugs. I chose the snail. I really didn't fit on the seat so I sat on his back. Then I started bouncing. It's a great core workout. Try-it. Lydia tried the two seater bee and fit in the seat! I'm not that flexible.

Then it was off to this arched ladder thing. Is this what they call Jacobs Ladder? Not sure. But I climbed up one side and back down the other. I didn't fall off!

 Hey, we had these at the Dirty Girl. I can do this. And look ma. No mud.

Then we arrived at the actual play set. The only way to get to the rope walk was thru the tunnel. I fit! Thanks for the butt shot Lydia.

 Over the rope walk to the slide.

I had to go down the slide on one cheek because it is designed for children's butts. Not fat old women. I wanted to go down the curvy one, but there was a puddle at the bottom. It would have been no fun walking in wet pants!

Finally, we arrived at our initial designation: the swings.

When we finished playing at the playground (officially the Stanley Avenue Recreation Area) we headed out Stanley Avenue, Down Hoffert, then east on Delaware Avenue.

That's where we found two great Halloween houses. (Not a single person had their Christmas decos up yet. I guess that's next week.) When we arrived at Bishopthorpe we came home. It wasn't quite three miles. But the dog still need his walk.

four town, three miles, one walk

Today Bonnie arrived about 7 and we headed off for a walk. I was sure to carry an umbrella the entire time so it didn't rain.

This was my infamous Fountain Hill walk.  But it really isn't Fountain Hill, because we hit four towns. But it is a hill.

We head up Bishopthorpe to the hospital, up the stairs from the parking lot and then up Graham Street. Clearly too many ups in that sentence. At some point right after the cemetery we cross in Salisbury.

Graham ends on Public Road, so we go down one block and back Cardinal. Wait? Did they mover Jeter Avenue? We find Jeter, take Jeter to Dotson, and do the long down on Dotson. Cross thru the Bottom Dollar lot and head up Gauffs Hill, then up Dorothy back into Fountain Hill, then up and down Moravia. Down Lechauweki to Church. Out Church, up by the grade school. Hey! They are building a playground. Wow.

Out Moravia into Upper Saucon Township, down Findlay into Fountain Hill, and back home to Bethlehem.

Do you have that? Confusing I know. But they'll be a quiz tomorrow. (Back in teacher mode.)

Speaking of tomorrow. Friday we will be trying out the new Allentown-Parks walk. Cedar Creek and Trexler, as well as Cedar Crest and Muhlenberg.

five miles, adventures, stairs, swings, and bouncing bees

Clearly I should have taken my camera today. This picture is from last year, or at least winter/fall. It was cool today but not that cool! Do I look different? I doubt it.

Bonnie came about  7 and we headed up to Moravia. Now we are in Lehigh County and Fountain Hill. At Frederick St. we entered  Lower Saucon Township, then back to Fountain Hill.

When we arrived at Lechauweki Spring Park I asked Bonnie if she wanted to explore. Neither of us had our Deep Woods Off, but off we went. According to the Borough website, the property was originally the home of the Lechauweki Springs Summer Resort, built by John Smylie, Jr. (Smiley Avenue. The pieces come together!) This famous mountain resort had three hotel buildings that were situated on a 63-acre tract.Now it's only 5-acres and a passive activity park.

The spring was dry except for a trickle of water. There's a gazebo, and we followed what might have been a deer run, or bike run. Coming out we found a gravel path  with signs telling us about the property. All in all we did about a 1/2 mile in this little park. (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/7537290)

We headed toward KidsPeace and back down to Broadway. Crossed at the Bottom Dollar and went out Spiegel Street to Stanley avenue and the playground recreation area.

Of course we played on the swings for a bit. As we were heading to the walking path, Bonnie saw these bouncing bug things and got on one. I think hers was a snail. I got on the bee. It was like doing supported squats. Finally we got back on the road and went out Russel and Jeter avenues. Then down the stairs thru the hospital parking lots, and down the steep hill and out Ostrum. Now we are in both Northampton County and Bethlehem again.

At the bridge we head south to the Five Points and up Wyandotte to Sioux. Out Souix and down Bishopthorpe.

For breakfast I made us omelets with leftovers—roasted potatoes, peppers, beans, spinach, feta, and broccoli. I'm sure I forgot something. Bonnie cut up all the veggies and also washed my dishes. Embarrassing. Clearly they hadn't been done since Friday. Why? The designated dishwasher will only wash them every three days, otherwise there isn't "enough". Today was her day. Well at least I know they are clean. Thanks Bonnie.

not an ordinary monday

But it began ordinary.

Bonnie came down at 6:30 am to walk. We headed up the hill to Moravia street, and out to Hertzog. It was really shady and in the mid 70s, but you could cut the air with a knife because it's so humid. On Moravia we stopped and picked some wineberries for breakfast. Before the birds get them.

As we headed down Hertzog, Bonnie asks "Can we go to the Wawa?" "For a bathroom?" I replied. I then had to break it to her that the Fountain Hill Wawa has no bathrooms. And Bottom Dollar didn't open till 8.

We continued down the hill and back Sioux. My house was two miles on the dot. While we took a break I poured us some nice cold tap water. Yum.

We left my place and headed out Itaska, down Fiot, up Fiot, and out Seneca. At Seneca and Seminol we saw a man and his dog. I complimented the man on how well behaved the dog was. I referred to the dog as a he. When the man spoke, I'm thinking wait, I know that man and his dog. And the dogs a she. Her name is Vivian. He's married to the colleague I car pool with. She's gotten so big since I last saw her. And I think her coloring has changed.

When we reached Delaware, we came back Delaware, down Bishopthorpe and home. Total 3.55 miles.

The out of the ordinary part.

Frequently at 5ks they have massage tables or chiropractors at the events. They are doing mini workout. Generally they are sponsors. I always take advantage of the free stuff. Thursday at the Firecracker 4 miler they always have Dr. Schulze from AccuCare Chiropractic there. That's who Bonnie goes to.

If you are a consistent reader, you read about the actual race on Independence Day. What I didn't mention what happened after the race. We finished the race, and the sweat was pouring off us. Bonnie headed to the bathroom, I headed to the chiropractor area. We always do this before the race. But since we were late, we didn't. I filled out the form and went to the massage area first. Then it was my turn with Dr. Schulze. He sees me and says "Hi. Is this the year are you going to come in?" I said "maybe".  He has worked on me, what, four times now? I sit down and he feels my neck and says tells me my neck is really tight. Well, sure, I had just finished walking. (I never realized how tight my neck gets until yesterday walking the eight miles. By mile six or so, my shoulders and neck were so tight. I tried stretching and it was fruitless. I digress.) He did little but try and loosen my neck.

Now I've been thinking about massage and a chiropractor for a long time. When I walk long distances the muscle from my butt to my thigh always hurts. And it's way cheaper than an orthopedist. With one exception, I've had very positive results from both at races, especially at the Avon.

The bottom line is I don't like change. The status quo is perfect for me. Even if it's broke, I'll fix myself--half assed. I don't like doctors and have no health insurance. (Gotta solve that problem by January!). I talk myself out of things even if they are ultimately good. For example,  I really don't like getting naked in front of strangers so I balk at massage. But I'm doing it after the half marathon. Maybe after that I'll get a stone one, the only one that really intrigues me.

I grew up hearing chiropractors being referred to as quack-a-practors. So I'm a lot squeamish and chicken too. It's my neck and spine. If 1/1,000,000 people have a horrible result, that person, in my mind, will be me.

Anyway, he said, I can't really fix this here. I need a lot more information. You really should come in. I'm thinking, no I don't have a $150 dollars to see you. The he adds, "if you book an appointment today, the initial visit is $20. Check get's made out to the YMCA." I had no more excuses. (Other than terror.) I made the appointment. It's at 10:30.

I guess I better get ready!

------------

update

This I know for sure: I've been compensating a lot for my spinal deficiencies. I apparently have a high tolerance for pain. The doctor kept asking, are you sure that doesn't hurt? It should. Only once in the hour and a half I was there did I say ouch.

He explained things very carefully and completely. I however don't remember any of it. I have a science filter in my brain. It goes in one ear and out the other. Maybe I should take Bonnie with me.

I do, however, understand pictures. And when the thermal scan came up on the computer I knew that Pinocchio's nose on my lower was not a good thing. When he switched it to picture view, it got worse. I have two cold spots. See, I told you I was good at compensating.

My left leg, the one I have the pain in, is really weak. Odd, I think since I do so much walking. Only once while he was twisting and turning did I say ouch. He said "it's about time." We were almost done.

He asked me about injuries and I told him I fall a lot. I should have said my middle name is "splat'. I totally forgot about my back injury two or three years ago. That came up in a conversation late in the exam. I think I gave him the missing piece.

The $20 donation covered the comprehensive exam and the thermo scan. Not x-rays. He asked what insurance I had, and I said "none". He did them free. Really. I was shocked too.

I have to go back two more times, and for a workshop. We'll see after that. We didn't talk money or how many times a week, but once school starts again, it will be tough to do.

another long walk

Since Lydia is still a sick-o-gal, we canned the 3.5 planned walk and made it longer. What were we thinking?

After Lyd called I was still planning on doing the 3.5 thru fountain Hill and south Bethlehem. But remember the stop at the outlet mall yesterday? Bonnie walks in and says "we're going to the Sands!"  And holds up her credit card and coupons.

Now a normal person would have changed the route, but noooo, not me. I just tacked it on the end. Really Gayle. Do you have no common sense? A long walk is followed by a short one. Your body needs time to recoop. Right? Right.

So off we went. Out Itaska, then Cherry and Sioux. If Lyd would have been with use we would have gone down Lechauweki and out Stanley Ave. Probably with a stop at the swings. But no, macho girl needs to walk up the Dodson Street hill to Graham, and down Graham Street. Then it was out Jeter to Clewell, cross Delaware and out Seneca past the old house.

Once we reached Fourth, we headed down the hill, out Graham Place, to New and out Third Street to Sands Boulevard.

Then we shopped. Bonnie spent enough to get a free tote bag, so we had the clerk take it out of the plastic bag, and put her purchases in it. Then we took turns carrying home. Dig out your teal and peach. Those are the hot colors for spring.

We left the outlet mall, walked around the casino, and crossed Daly to the skateboard park. It had lots of boys using it. Bonnie took some pixs, but this one was the best. Getting moving pictures is hard.

We took the Greenway back to Fourth, then Broadway, then wove our way up the hill and home.

Total mileage = seven.

Lydia, I'm sure, is happy she didn't come along. I was whining a bit at the end. Than goodness I didn't have to take Adonis for a walk.

------

Update on Nome virtual walk:
Arrivals—Gayle, Lydia and Adonis, Sharon, and Megan. Bonnie, Dave and Barb are still on the trail. I heard something about a whiteout slowing them down. I know for sure Bonnie is playing with the dogs. Lydia only stayed in Nome one night, and returned to Anchorage. They are almost back.

Update on Jerusalem virtual walk: 
The last update from Father John had us making land in Morocco around Wednesday. It should be no problem getting to Jerusalem in time for Good Friday.

Update on Dave Brown's Cross Country Trip:
He's past Baltimore in Cooksville, Md. Wish I would have ordered a shirt. When the Liberty Bell Wanderers sent out the order there was no pix so I didn't order. Now I've seen them in photos and I'm sorry I didn't get one. Cute logo.

Logo decision:
With a whopping three votes, the winning logo is "Vitrual Walk Around The World."

88 cents

What a difference a day makes. Normally I'd be overjoyed finding 88 cents on a walk. But after yesterday's bonanza, I admit I was disappointed. But it went into the charity can nonetheless.

It snowed a little last night so Bonnie had to cancel. With all her hernia surgeries she can not fall again. Ever. So Lyd and I were left to our own devices.

I chose Fountain Hill. I didn't want to walk on sidewalks because thery weren't shoveled, for the most part. (Does no one wake up till noon on a Sunday in your 'hood?) So side streets were a better choice. Most were just wet or maybe slushy.

Lyd wore her Idita walk sweatshirt and her silly dog hat so she could get an Alaska picture. It's Adonis, after all that's registered for the Idita-Walk.

When we got back we took Adonis out for another 1/2 mile. Then Lyd went off to a party and left A with me. So I got another walk in 2 hours later.

In three days I've gotten 249 minutes. I'm a 1/5 of the way to Nome!

Reality bites, and tomorrow it's back to work. I'll be lucky to get the 30 minutes.

weekend roundup

Lydia texted me Friday night that she wouldn't be walking this weekend. So Bonnie and I were left to our own devices.

Yesterday after the party she and I walked in her neighborhood. We headed down Lehigh till it ended and wove our way back. That's us at Laubach Park. It was just under three miles, I think. I'm wearing Jarrod's hat. I forgot mine. It was very warm.

When we returned Bonnie took a long look at the WYBO book. Something, I still haven't done. Too much grading.

Today she came to my place and we took a hilly 5 mile, four town walk. I took advantage of Lydia not coming along and made it long and hard. It did not disappoint. I could have taken a nap when I got home.

We started at my place in south Bethlehem, headed out Sioux and up 8th Street. Then we came down the steep section of Montclair, out Packer and down Broadhead, then up the 2nd street ramp of the bridge. We crossed the bridge and headed to Brighton and Fountain Hill. We continued out Ostrum, thru the hospital parking lots and out Jeter into Salisbury Township.

In Salisbury we took Jeter to Cardinal and then to the end of Graham. Came back Graham to Dotson and down Dotson. The downhill felt good. We stopped quickly at Bottom Dollar for lettuce then up Broadway to Dorothy. Up Dorothy to Moravia, back Moravia to Lechauweki, out Church, and back up to Moravia. Before returning to Fountain Hill, we crossed the corner into Lower Saucon Township. I almost forgot about this odd little U-shaped town that touches Fountain Hill at Frederick Street.

We headed out Moravia till it ended, came downhill at Findlay and back out Sioux to where we started.

It was odd not taking the dog for a walk when we got back.

Next Saturday morning I'll be walking in Easton, P'burg, and Alpha. Bonnie isn't coming. Haven't asked Lydia yet. Apparently I'm going on a dinosaur hunt in Alpha, NJ with my favorite local 8 year old and her mom. Clearly Alpha is a hot spot for dino activity. Who knew? After we're done wer're going to Charlies Pool Room for hot dogs. 

Then they are going to the State Theatre for Pinkalicious, and I'm going to make a stop at the Easton Winter Market, the indoor, winter farmer's market. Lots of local meats, cheese, fresh baked breads, but I'm guessing little fresh produce.

When I get back we—I'm sure sure yet who—will head out for walking. If Lydia comes, Big A will surly demand a walk also.

it's snowing!

It was supposed to snow today, so Bonnie and I went early for our walk. Our original plan was to go to east Allentown, by my brother Dave's, and do the triangle—Hanover Ave to Club to Union and back down Irving. We'd pass the Scoobie's Gentlemen's club, where we'd have the photoshoot.

Lydia overslept and didn't come. The snow, and at times hail, had started by the time Bonnie arrived in her new car and I was worried. Instead of wasting time traveling,  we just walked in my hood. Actually we did most of the Fountain Hill killer hill loop. Seven, I think. A couple tough buggers. Fast and furious.

We also planned out the training schedule for the Derby half marathon she is doing with her daughter. Weather will be unpredictable so we'll do serious training starting March 1. In the meantime we'll have weekend walks, and do our walking for the Idita-walk.

Megan has started a Facebook group called the Skinny Shimmy as everyone ventures into the new year. I hope she invited her Uncle Dave. He'd enjoy being in a group with mostly ladies! One of the things she suggested was weighing and measuring. Something I hadn't done before, and should have. Part of the Presidential Challenge is to take a fitness test. So Bonnie and I have decided we will do both things January 1. Why not. It's the day to start over, right? Hopefully Lydia will want to join in the torture fun.