Hiking

Hiking...who knew?  I love it!  Today, we went for a lovely drive out to the Scarecrow Invasion in a town along the coast, and then to hike up to a look off over the valley.  It was only about three kilometers in and I had the dog with me who seemed to go rather quickly, pulling me along and up the hill.  Over rocks and tree roots with no benches except one at the top.  What a beautiful view!  The trees are changing colour with the season!  Reminded me of a mountain top we used to live on a long time ago!

A couple of months ago, I wouldn't have even attempted this hike, let alone up the hill.  Today, no pain in my legs, knees, hips or feet!  Wow!  What happens when you shed 48 pounds!  I took a bottle of water along and made sure to drink lots.  JR fell asleep as soon as we got back to the car, but not me!  And here I sit, hours later and still awake.  And no pain!

OH, the freedom!  I am so getting my life back!  Disney... I am not far from enjoying all that I can from you...

My 50th birthday

Today, I turn 50.  Lots of cards and gifts from wonderful family and friends.  Lots of birthday wishes on Facebook.  No cake.  And I don't miss it.

I made Caesar salad with baked chicken breast.  My first salad since surgery.  Oh, how I have been craving this!  No pain.  Yeah!  I am learning to be careful with how much I put on my plate and then to eat slowly.  It's working out great!

I went to "The Big Smoke" on the weekend to visit with my sisters and brought the Zucchini Manicotti recipe with me to share.  They loved it!  Even my niece loved it!  It was something I was a little worried about as I have never been able to share a recipe with them.  They have always eaten really well and never indulged in over eating.  Whoo hoo!  Made my day when they enjoyed it and want to make it again!  And they were surprised that I didn't wolf down my meal like I used to.  We all sat and enjoyed each other's company just chatting and sharing about our lives.  So relaxing and fulfilling.  I have shared my favorite blogger's web site with them and I know they will love her, too!  Thanks Eggface!

I did have chocolate for the forth and final time last week.  It is awful!  I tried a small thin milk chocolate and it, too, was bitter.  So, my taste has changed.  I'm not going to waste my time with it anymore.  Sad to see it go, but happy I no longer have the desire to indulge in it.

The weight loss has slowed down now.  But I expected it.  I have introduced real food back into my diet.  Now to get back to exercise!  Would it please stop raining?