Monday, April 23, 2018

Back in the Saddle....

You folks know how much I like to ride my bike! The feeling of freedom and the cool breeze on my face while racing along the city's trails...well, it doesn't get much better than that in my book :)

This weekend has seen the best weather we've had so far this year so I've been putting a lot of miles on my bike...and needless to say I have the sore butt to prove it! Nothing but getting back into the saddle again can help with the pain so I'll be heading out again this afternoon for another ride. Here are a few photos from my first ride on Saturday:

I quickly found out that there is still some flooding along the multi-purpose trails...I turned around but not sure what the person on the other side did...can you see him?

The bench was a bit out of my depth but the view is nice :)

There were a number of interesting "sky" features like the "sun dog" below...

What is a Sundog, and How Did “Sundogs” Get Their Name?

By: Richard Tresch Fienberg | July 25, 2006

Some interesting cloud formations...

A facebook friend thought the sky was unzipping in the photo below...

...and Kylie....the vulnerable looking leaves of whatever plant this is below have survived the ice, snow and flooding!

So did this lovely mallard duck...!

Today it is going up to 19c - the warmest day so far! My doors and windows are open, I've done some raking and it feels quite warm on my fenced in patio. Warm enough to sit outside and read!! Oh, heavenly days are here again!!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Money Monday

As the month is young I don't really have much to report about my budget except I'm a bit behind in my two new goals. My charitable donations are right on track with another donation to kids' cancer of $50. Where I am behind is in my Christmas gift buying/creating. I bought a gift in January and also in February and then I stalled. I need to get crocheting and carving more but it's hard this time of year as I prefer to be outside. Today being a rainy day I will get into the workshop. I brought home a good strong tree branch yesterday to use as a walking stick but it needs a little work. I hope to get that completed today but it's a gift for myself :)

Other than that it's business as usual - I transferred $400 into savings and have divided my misc budget into 4 equal amounts to get me through May. Extra expenses this month include my truck license plate sticker and one night in an Airbnb in Dublin. I will also be checking out flyers for sales on hiking duds. I think I'm in pretty good shape there though, perhaps some socks or hiking shorts.

Lately I've mentioned "forest bathing" and how getting out into nature is good for stress and overall well being. And then I found this!

"Want to feel healthier, happier and more peaceful? Add a daily dose of nature to your routine.

Most of us spend too much time in front of screens and too little time outdoors. It’s time to fall (back) in love with nature!

This May, the David Suzuki Foundation is challenging you and people around the world to join the 30×30 Challenge by spending 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 days. Our goal is simple: to reconnect human beings with nature for the sake of their health and mental well-being.

Join us in taking the 30×30 Nature Challenge, so we can reap nature’s benefits together. See you outside!" Found on the David Suzuki website. David Suzuki is a high profile Canadian scientist.
So I'm going to give it a try. 30 minutes is easy...everyday will be harder. Yesterday I spent about 2 hours in the forest and even though it was cool and cloudy it was very enjoyable. Here are a few photos...