short, but hilly

Today was another day where I was on my butt all day. A 2+ hour drive, a very long hairdresser appoint, and a fun trip to the car dealer. At about 1:15 I looked at my FitBit and I was still under 1.5K.

I was exhausted and had nothing to show for it. I finished what I was doing on the computer, and announced I was going out.

"Again?"

"Yes, I need to walk, My total is under 1.5K. That's horrible."

"You are just doing that to get away from me. I annoy you." [True, but not the reason I was going.]

Since I didn't have much time till it was back in the car for another 2-hour drive, I decided to do hills. I went up Fiot, down Wyandotte, up Eighth, down Brodhead, out Summit, up Wyandotte and home. Not very far but FitBit gave me 22 stairs, so it was pretty aerobic.

While I was out they were spraying saline for tomorrow's storm.

day 18—happy new year!

Personally, I don't get the "new year" holiday. Why should January first be any different than July first? To me, it is just another random Thursday, but I get off from work. Celebrating a new year goes all the way back to Mesopotamia in 2000 BC. And is apparently the most celebrated public holiday in the world. I think it's stupid.

To celebrate the new year I walked with Bonnie. We started at the Comfort Suites and grabbed the Bethlehem South volkssport walk paperwork. Then we headed over the Hill to Hill and did the same at the Hotel Bethlehem for Bethlehem North. We went up to Broad, down First and down Spring. then around the fairgrounds, and up Lehigh to the Fahy bridge. Across the bridge and back to the hotel.

I have no idea how far it was. Maybe 2 miles, perhaps a bit more.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind. We picked up Sharon at David's, came home and defrosted the freezer. Did two loads of towels (as a result of the defrosting). And did the Volkssport paperwork. Then it was time to make the pork and sauerkraut, which required a trip to the store. Finally run Sharon and Lydia home. Pshew.

Tomorrow will be worse. Take Lyd to and from Lehighton, hairdresser, and a trip to the garage. And I have to have my syllabus and the ADDY award entries done by the 5th.

So when does that vacation start? I have yet to open a book.

day 12 of 18, ghostly edition

Tonight I did the Christmas Historic Haunts tour of downtown. It was fun. Sadly not terrific exercise. But no ghost tour is. Some of the stories were repeats from what I heard on the Revolution one a couple of years ago. The guide was terrific. And the candles were a nice touch.

It began at the Moravian Book Store. (I would have loved to build that tree, but I would not want to re-shelve all those books!) I arrived about 10 minutes before the start. Every time I picked up a book I told myself "no time to read". Five more minutes and I would have spent a $100. My willpower in all things stink. I did buy one book after it was over. It's at the end of the post.

When the guide arrived, a clerk past out the candles and we were off. We headed south on Main, and stopped at the Brethern's House.

Then we moved on to the old Chapel, God's Acre, the Sun Inn, the Hotel Bethlehem and then back for the final story to the Bookstore. The Sun Inn's ghost was documented in an episode of Ghost Hunter's on SyFy.

Clearly, we did not walk far. Maybe, a half to three-quarters of a mile.

This was my purchase. Moravian Walking Guide and Tour Book. It includes walking tours for Nazareth, Bethlehem, Emmaus. The design is weak, but it's packed with stuff. That tiny oval says "Pennsylvania". It made me think maybe there were others for additional Moravian enclaves, like Winston Salem. But since it's published by the Nazareth Historical Society, I doubt it.

day 12 of 18

This is a two-walk day. Will that make up for the two days I didn't walk? I don't think so.

Today the pictures begin with my house. I only decorated outside. Ebenezer Scrooge's evil twin is inside. I didn't realize when I took the picture that the bag of trash was on the porch. (The chairs are facing each other to help keep snow off them during winter.)

I headed down the hill and out Itaska. Then out Broadway toward CVS.

I stopped in the Wells Fargo parking deck to take pictures of the graffiti art project, but too many cars were blocking it. On the way out I noticed this sign.

When I arrived at CVS, I wanted to see if they had leftover Christmas balls—I have a commission for name balls. Alas, they didn't. I'll keep looking. The clearance sales should last most of the weekend. If not, I'll get them next year.

Then I head up Fourth to Delaware.

This house probably looks better at night. Its at the corner of Seneca, 3rd and Delaware. Right on the curve.

I decided not to go out Delaware and went out Seneca instead. I've always loved this door. I was glad they had wreaths on it so I could take a picture.

This porch in the 500 block is a little cluttered, but I really like the sled and skates. The Halloween cauldron is a nice touch.

When I reached Bishopthorpe I headed home. It was only a mile and a half. But it was better than sitting on my butt.

Shortly, I be leaving for the Christmas Haunted Walking Tour downtown. I should get another mile or so in. And hopefully be entertained.

Tomorrow, we will be doing the Downingtown volkssport walk.

day 11 of 18, with razzleberry dressing

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Even though it's a holiday, I got my butt out walking. Did you?

My brother lives in East Allentown and is on vacay. My sister is house-sitting, and she was coming to my house so I'd needed to pick her up. There is a nice 3-mile loop there that I can walk. All signs pointed to East Allentown today.

One thing I learned today is that the people on this loop love a good (or bad) Nativity set. This photo essay will have lots of Nativities. It's the perfect theme for Christmas day. (The one on the left is from my brothers front yard. I'm almost certain he made it.)

Another thing I learned is that this neighborhood loves inflatables. No matter how big or small their porch or lawn is.

I headed out Hanover Avenue east toward Club Avenue.

I took this picture of the blessed mother, because after all, today is her day. She did all the hard work. I love the look on her face. It's almost a smirk. And the roses in the dirty water. In December. And St. Frances (I think) over her shoulder. (Catholics please correct me if I'm wrong.)

This festive arch was on Hanover Avenue.

On Union Blvd. I found this mural. It has nothing to do with Christmas. In fact, I can't figure out what the theme is at all. It's actually kind-of creepy.

 An inflatable Nativity. With reindeer in front. It actually fit well in the yard.

 Now this one doesn't fit on the porch. There is barely enough room to get in the door.

I had wondered why Irving Park fell off of Bill White's Christmas light tours. It used to be terrific. Now I know. It's just random themed inflatables around the pool, inside a fence. Most were falling over or totally deflated. I choose these Hanukkah ones to mix it up a little. Though the little bear with the dreidel is tilting. He is clearly deflating. There was also a menorah, but it fell over. Still haven't found a Kwanza display.

I bet this house is lit up well at night. They even have stuff in the back yard. (Have I mentioned how I love Christmas lights?) What I love about this one is the mid-century plastic blow molds (I learned that term watching the Holiday Light Fight on ABC), and the modern plastic cut outs on a stick. Notice how the wise men are leaving in one direction and the camels are going in another.

This wireframe (see, you do learn watching television) snowman was also at that house. I'm guessing the wise men were going to visit him next.

The whole time I was out I was looking for a sign that said "Keep Christ in Christmas", or "Jesus is the reason for the season." Do you think I could find one when I wanted one? Nope. Not even on the churches.  This Nativity was at Our Lady Help of Christians on Hanover Avenue. It's ceramic and looks hand painted. It was really low. I should have gotten down on my knees to take the pix, but frankly I wasn't sure if I'd get up again.

 The Christmas tree lot across the street still had a few trees.

Finally, I was back at my brothers. These are his flower boxes. My S-I-L is excellent at decorating. I picked up my sister and headed home.

Mileage, about 3.

Almost forgot. Razzleberry dressing. Last night I watched Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. The song is now stuck in my head. And it's appropriate for today.

day 10 of 18

It's raining. Again. Not sure if I will get my walk in. I at least need to do a mile. Even if it means I just go around the block.

I did get all the volkssport cookies delivered. But I did it by car. They were all very pleased.

It's weird not Christmas shopping. It's weird not having a tree up. Change is good, right? Too bad I'm not really good at it.

Later ...

The rain tapered to a drizzle and I seized the opportunity. I needed some groceries and also needed to go to the post office.

I headed up Fiot, then up Eighth avenue and down Brodhead to the post office. I was at Broughal when the skies opened. Thank goodness I took an umbrella.

When I left the PO I headed to Ahart's and purchased the groceries. Have you ever tried carrying two heavy sacks of groceries, an umbrella and walk further than a parking lot at the same time? Don't. It isn't pretty. I walked home straight out Broadway instead of going up Wyandotte.

Before leaving Ahart's I almost rented a movie from the Red Box but remember the DVD player isn't hooked up. And watching movies on the computer isn't comfortable. Watching an one hour television show is hard enough.

When I took Sharon home I stopped at the cemetery. Mom or Dad must have a patriotic secret admirer. There was red, white, and blue plastic flowers and a flag in their vase.

No sure what I'm going to do tonight. No school. Still adapting to free time. I stopped going to church a couple years ago when I realized I was a hypocrite. I used to go to a friends for the feast of the seven fishes, but no more. Looks like I'll read.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!

day 9 of 18

Today it rained. I never made it down to Spring Garden street. But I did walk a bit. Again, probably not more than a mile.

I was really late with creating my Christmas gifts and I was pretty sure the on-campus copy shop wouldn't be able to do it. But they did. A Christmas miracle. I had to walk over and pick them up, then I took the scenic route back to campus. At that point it was only drizzling.

That little walk in the drizzle was the highlight of my day to that point. Helping Angel's family decorate the tree was the only other highlight.

Since I am done with both classes I don't need to be in class tonight so I decided to update my walking trackers. I last did it on NOVEMBER 16. I am more than a month behind. When I went to my FitBit page to get my totals I saw how poor my numbers were for the last 6 weeks.

1 day under 5K
16 days under 7.5K
16 days over 10K
8 days over 12.5K
and only 1 day above 15K

Youza. That hurts. The bulk of my days were between 7.5 and 10K.

Tomorrow I will be walking down to the Comfort Suites and over to the Hotel Bethlehem to deliver Volkssport cookie thank-yous.

day 8 of 18. a birdie poo'd on me

I've been seriously walking for exercise about five years, maybe six. Never once did a birdie poo on me. Until today. In front of the Williams Center. I felt the wet and thought there's nothing dripping ... oh. Yuck. Sadly I can't wash my hair at work. I tried washing it off but my hair is still gross.

Today at lunchtime I walked down to the peace candle. Down and back is probably a generous mile. One way it's down hill, almost running. The other it is climbing up.

Took lots of pix. Easton does it nicely for Christmas and I didn't even go to Spring Garden street.

Therefore, today's post is a photo essay. Thankfully you won't see all the pixs I took.

Sign in front of the Williams Visual Arts building. That street is hard enough to cross yet along cross twice. The should have built those walkways like they do in NYC.

 Flower boxes downtown.

 I think these were in front of Pearly Bakers.

Hanukkah menorah at the base of the candle in Centre Square.  Now what would be really cool is the addition of Kwanza candles. (I know, I know, made-up holiday.)

Centre Square now has a Little Free Library. Also a Toy's for Tot's distribution point. How I looked for a box to put my toys in. And it was right there all along.

IF I had a LOT of money, and a large family, and really wanted to live in downtown Easton I'd buy a brownstone. I think they are beautiful. But totally impractical for a un-handy, lower middle class, single person.

Tomorrow I'll be back in Easton. Maybe I'll try Spring Garden street and head up towards the library.

day 2 of 18

And I forgot to take a picture. Drats.

Today was the portfolio review at school. I ran around like a crazy lady. We were on the original (aka the barracks, or Hampton Winds) campus, and I walked over and back to the main campus three times.

My plan was to take the camera and take a picture of the second floor lounge where the kids paint the windows for the holidays. Some are Christmas. Some winter. Some Hanukkah. One window wins during the Winter Holiday Festival before exams.

Worked all day. Worked until a few minutes ago. Still got in nearly 13K steps. But there was so much food and grazed all day. I brought home 2 boxes of cupcakes and two zipper bags of cookies. they'll be going to work tomorrow. I can't leave them here.

walking thru christmas lights

My walking streak broke on Monday. It did not surprise me. Work days are tough. Add to that all the rain we had this week and little has gotten done. But I am not complaining. I don't have to shovel it.

I will not make my goals this week. Oh well. Such is life.

Tuesday I didn't walk much at all except at school. I was up to my elbows in grading. Three classes will close soon.

Wednesday was a work day but I planned to go to the Holiday Lights at the zoo after work with Angel's family. It was an adventure. I went right after work, she's less than two miles from campus. Somehow I invited myself for dinner. It was delicious. then off we went.

We left in two cars, and dropped mine at the Hellertown Park and Ride. No need to go all the way back to Easton. Then I hopped into their car and we headed to Schnecksville. And drove right past Game Preserve Road. Ultimately Angel had to launch the GPS on her phone. When we turned onto Game Preserve Road, she turned it off. I guess she shouldn't have. We drove past the entrance. Clearly the zoo is used during the day and nobody thought to put lights on the signs.

Turning into the driveway we were greeted by trees covered in lights. But it wasn't like lights in the Parkway. Just a little bit now and then. And the view from the top of the hill was great. We finally arrived at the zoo, but not until we made one last wrong turn.

I was glad I brought my winter coat. It was cold. The zoo is a circle so you can't get lost. The child kept looking for the animals. As we walked we rained on  with glitter lights. It was cool.

 We made gingerbread cookies, built an igloo from foam cubes and met the Grinch. Max wasn't there.

As a Hendricks, my knees don't work right. At some point in time I'll probably have to get new ones. When the Grinch invited us in his cave, the child wasn't me to come. Sure! Why not? I bent over and squatted and my knees didn't work. I couldn't move my legs. An hour in the cold played havoc on them. I could have gotten on the ground and crawled in, but I had new-to-me trousers on. Finally I got in. Of course, then I had to get out. I ended up dropping to the ground.

Then there are these giant snow globes. I managed to go in. I even managed to stand up. But when I left, I stuck one leg out and somehow lost my balance and fell. Thankfully the snow globe held me up. But too much air came out as I struggled to get up so they needed to help the child out. Note to self: stay out of real or imagined caves and blow ups.

When it was over I visited Santa and the Mrs. (Sorry Bud. Next week, promise.) The child didn't. She talks to people in costume. She wanted to do the loop again, but mom said no. It was 8:15 on a school night.

Yesterday, minimal walking. I was a bit sore from the walk. But mostly, I was grading. Today Betsy and I did our Friday walk.

pumpkin pie 5k

This morning was the Pumpkin Pie 5K.

When I awoke, and it was finally light enough to see, I determined that it was safe to go to the event. It's was 36 and the porch train was dripping on my head. Good sign that there would be no ice.

I picked up Sharon at 7:30 and Lydia at 8, then we headed down 248 to Nazareth. I dropped them at the Y and looked for a place to park. I got really lucky. Meters were free and the spot I selected was plowed! As a bonus it was only about 2 blocks from the Y. That never happens in Nazareth.

I didn't do this race last year, I don't remember why, but in 2012 I finished it about 50 minutes. This year I finished in 51:48. So I increased my time by a minute and a half. Maybe I'm slower. It snowed the whole race., so maybe it was the slush and wet leaves. Who knows.

There is a lot of people on the route cheering you on, which is both helpful and annoying.  I finished second last. For a while I was last, and the copy was creeping along behind me. I pasted a mom and her daughter and ditched the cop. So much more pleasant. As I walked past the car I clicked the trunk button on my keys and threw my coat in. I might have missed a beat, but it was pretty seamless.

Sharon and Lydia did the 1.5 mile fun walk. Though Lydia tracked it at 2 miles. Sharon was pooped at the end. I found her on a park bench waiting for me.

Saturday is the Turkey Trot. Bonnie and Megan, I think are doing that one.

and it isn't even thanksgiving

It's snowing. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Clearly global warming is messing with mama nature's calendar again. So begins the winter—in fall—shoveling.

The snow is wet and heavy. It's been a few degrees above freezing all day. So it's like falling slush. We have maybe three inches of it. The ground is warm so the main streets aren't too bad. But I wanted to get the slush up before it froze after dark. That would be a nightmare in the morning. And I have a 5K in the morning.

Shortly I'll be walking to the grocery store for some last minute items. I'm taking the direct route so it's going to be barely two miles. Though it's silly to be shopping since I am not cooking the big meal this year. (That's a good thing. I'm a horrible cook.) But the roomie is really looking forward to these calorie laden holiday treats. So I'll make them.

Between shoveling and the walk—I'm taking the most direct route today—I might, get my 10K steps in today. In an effort to get my mojo back I reduced my fitbit goals. Maybe actually meeting goals will propel me forward. They also designed all new silly icons. I like the old ones better.

Three hundred and sixty eight days till my sixtieth birthday. How the hell is that possible?

i've lost my camera.

How can I walk without one? I take pictures every walk. Today I was reduced to using my phone!

I noticed it was missing yesterday. We walked with Betsy and Chip, a chocolate labradoodle. I didn't have my camera, or my phone. No pics of chips.

It was hotter than Hades yesterday and more humid, and Chip did the full 3.5 miles.

After walking I had some errands to do. One was the recycle center. I parked, grabbed all my stuff and headed to the bins. I tripped over a speed hump and did a face plant on the macadam. Thankfully, no bleeding this time! But it hurt. And not a sole came over to ask if I was okay. That hurt even more. Thankfully I was able to get up and out of the way before the next car came. Not sure they would have stopped.

Today was the Firecracker 4-miler in Palmer. It benefits the Easton Y. It was just Bonnie and I. And this year we were not late. The race takes place on the Palmer rail-trail. There were a lot less walkers than last year. One was training for something. He was carrying a flag and a backpack with 30 pounds on his back. Tonight he was doing a marathon. He left us in his dust. And when he was done, he went back and joined the sweep team. Class act.

I finished in 63 minutes on the nose. Bonnie in 62:38.

Tomorrow we are walking on the D&L in Walnutport. Fireworks have started. Gotta go.

eighth day of christmas

On the 8th day of Christmas (aka New Years Day) I walked alone.

Today was the first official day of my new Bethlehem South Volkssport walk. I had to do it. Even if I had to do it alone. I was going to be Start #1.

I left the house and walked down to the south Bethlehem Comfort Suites. The official sign in point.  I was delighted that the person on duty knew what I was asking for. He even offered me a pen, and asked how far I had walked so far today.

 During December, and thru Orthodox Christmas, the Comfort Suites hosts the South Bethlehem Historic Societies ethnic tree display. One tree per country. I didn't count them, but my guess was 20. Clearly south Bethlehem is diverse. All had some sort of creche under them, and an angelic figure on the top. It's been years since I spent much time looking at them.

I was start 1, but forgot to take a picture. I also discovered that there are no envelopes in the box. Looks like Bonnie and I will need to do some box maintenance.

The trail goes up to Lehigh, and back down to the Greenway, out the Greenway to the Casino. Around the casino, the outlet mall and hotel and under the Hoover Trestle.

That's where I found Mother Nature decorating the ruins. Clearly this scoop is shoveling icicles. Then it's thru Arts Quest and into Fountain Hill and back to the Comfort Suites. I skipped that part. If I was going to Fountain Hill, I was going home.

On Graham Street I found these little marks. I wonder what they are going to be doing?

the good. the bad. and the roomie.

This has been a week of ups and downs.

The ups. Last night at Zumba one of my classmates asked if I've lost weight. Yes! I said. Also a colleague asked. I was on a high.

Yesterday was chrio day. Jury still out on that one, but I'm paid for a year, so I go. Afterwards was the benefits fair at work. Being part-time I have no benefits, but I go anyway. Free food. And it turns out, chair massages. For the first time in weeks there wasn't a knot at the base of my neck. I think I need to do this more regularly. First I have to see what the affordable care act is going to cost me. Dread that process.

The bad. About two weeks ago I received an email from Michelle. A surprise weigh in for the Sugar Crushers book. Oops. I 've not really followed that diet in weeks. It was a test panel, not a lifestyle. And it's very difficult to follow with the roomie. She won't eat but three things on it.  I lost another five pound and a couple inches. I was okay with that. It probably would have been better had I not toally fallen off the wagon the two weeks around Halloween. On the up side, Michelle gave me shirts to promote her new walking business—mywalkingcoach.com. Lydia is going to have to wait for hers. Something was wrong with the 2xs. She needed to have them re-done.

The horrible. A couple weeks ago I was shopping with Bonnie and bought a size 16 pants. I was delighted. When I started this adventure about 4 years ago I was in a 24 headed quickly to a 26. I felt good. One day I was shopping with my sisters and found this cute black and white knit a-line skirt. I tried it on the other day, and it fit. But it was first thing in the morning, with no control top hosiery.  It didn't look it's best. I showed the roomie. She told me I looked like a "sausage". Thanks. I explained the hosiery. She didn't buy it. I thought about taking it back and it just sat there in the bag.

Yesterday my other sister was over. Apparently she snooped in the bag and said "OMG it's a 16". The roomie told me today she knew the reason my skirt didn't fit. "It was only a 16." "I know". You don't wear a f**ing 16. "Yes, I do. All my new-to-me pants are a 16." "They were cut big" she snarled. "You are at least a 20. You are fatter than me." GULP.

I had already decided to take it back today before work before this conversation. I don't really like stores during the Christmas selling season. Okay, let me rephrase that. I don't like the parking lots and traffic. I was getting dressed and decided to try on the skirt again. This time with the proper items underneath. Damn it looked good. The roomie waddles in. "That skirt is too small." "No it's not. I think it looks good". Dang I wish Bonnie was there to back me up. "You look like a sausage. It needs to be at least one size bigger. Probably two." Then it would be 9 inches too big in the waist and I am not going to a tailor.

I took it back. I looked at nothing on my way in. I've pretty much decided not to buy any new clothes. I don't care how big ... or small ... they are.

After leaving Lane Bryant I pulled in Arbys and got onion rings and a soda. Now where the hell did I put that wagon?

happy independence day!

Today is the annual Firecracker 4-miler. Only Bonnie and I went. Lydia had a friend in crisis and decided to walk with her. I'm all for helping friends, but I'm really against wasting money. But she is her mother's daughter, and Elin would have done the same thing.

Bonnie arrived at 8. I had on my Birks, and took my sneakers to put on there. The race, we thought, was at 9. We pulled into the park at 8:23. Gee, there is a lot of people for a half hour before the race. It probably took 5 minutes to find a parking spot. We're walking up the street and could see the park. We also saw the runners lining up. WTF? The race, it turns out, started at 8:30.

No time to change my shoes, I'm doing this race in Birks. We dropped my sneakers and the swag bags and headed for the start line. We were a good 30 seconds away, when the gun went off. We missed the start. We booked it down the road and passed or first set of people, then another set and ultimately remained in the middle of the pack. We finished in under 63 minutes. Not bad for four miles.

Last night was the walking clinic. This time we met at Steel Stacks, and walked over to the Greenway. The Steel Stacks campus now has rules. They've taken all the fun away!

The walk to the Greenway was the warm up. When we arrived, we did intervals. This time, our warm-up pace was a one, and we worked our way up to ten. Each time counting our steps to see how much faster we could go.

After that there was stretches, and then speed drills. This time it was the one where you chalk a line at the start and then each subsequent time, mark where you ended. Hopefully, you've gone further. One time I came up 5 feet short.

More stretches and back to Steel Stacks. (That's Michele the instructor in the pix with Lyd.)

Tuesday night I went with Lydia to L.L. Beam to a hiking lecture. It was supposed to be 5 hikes in the Lehigh Valley. It wasn't very good. The guy really only wanted to talk about the Appalachian Trail.  It's Pennsylvania—the rocky-bolder-trail-state. Who the heck wants to hike the AT in Pennsylvania? Not me, that's for sure.

The AT aside, I could have done that lecture. Actually, I could have done it better.

That's the first poor lecture/activity I've gone to there, so more than likely will go back.

Happy Independence Day!