"Flying Solo"or "One Tank Trip" #1

   I have been "flying solo" for more than three years now  and I am still learning new things, trying new things, and  discovering things about myself!  
   Heading into August and knowing fall was looming large,  it hit me that summer was nearly over and I had not traveled anywhere.  I love a weekend away once in a while and my favorite getaways include a lot of walking and hiking.  I'm the person who needs a vacation when they get home from their vacation!  My travel companion for the past three summers has been my daughter but she is now living in Colorado.  I've never really had a need or reason to travel alone. Until now.  If I wanted to travel, I wasn't going to wait for the perfect time or for someone else to be able to go with me. So, I began researching and planning.  Initially I thought I'd shoot for 3 days and 2 nights but it quickly became apparent that finding a Bed and Breakfast in August for a Sat. and a Sun. evening at the same place was nearly impossible!  As I continued to research where to go and what to do I realized that 2 days and 1 night would work just fine and it would be easier to get help for the fur kids this way as well!
   I found a great website for planning Michigan trips.  Pick an area and then it gives you all kinds of info for that area.  Hiking, museums, historical points, food, lodging, parks and on and on!  I didn't want to spend all of my time driving so I chose an area that included Silver Lake and Ludington.  One of the first things I found was a Lavender Labyrinth.  I've always wanted to walk a labyrinth so I was hooked and planned the rest of the weekend around this. 

 

 http://michiganbackroads.com/Default.aspx


   I had a great time planning all the things I wanted to do and all the places I wanted to go to!  More than a few people asked if I was apprehensive. Not at all :)  Several got a bit "mother hen ish." which was nice of them but really unnecessary.  A bunch said I was "brave" but that word seems like it should be reserved for much bigger things than this!  Even in my travels, many folks I talked to asked if I was traveling alone and wondered aloud if they could ask why?  I was honest about it. (I'm widowed and my children are grown.) Lets face it; I'm a bit of a social "people person" so I talked to anyone and everyone I ran into! And, as much as  I would love to travel with someone again one day,  I am not going to stay home waiting for that to happen!  A lovely older lady named Anita, who I  talked to  on the channel in Ludington while watching the beautiful sunset, remarked as I was leaving "you keep doing what your doing hon!"  She was a hoot :)

   My travels took me to 4 lighthouses in approximately 26 hours. That was a lot of climbing steep steps and a bit of hiking in a couple of cases too! All 4 were open for tours and I loved each and every one for one reason or another!  White River Light  House had a life ring from the Edmund Fitzgerald, Little Sable Lighthouse was my favorite in terms of its appearance, North Breakwater Light House in Ludington was the only one not on land and Big Sable point Light House was awesome in large part because of the 4 mile round trip hike and the amazing views from the top!  All were beautiful!  At each one I met and talked to wonderful people! 

White River Light House

The spiral stair cases were beautiful!

Little Sable Light House

North Break Water Light House

Big Sable Point Light House

Big Sable Point Light

Big Sable Point Big Views!

    I also visited 3 wineries and vineyards, 2 farm markets, 2 book stores with coffee shops that I had been wanting to get to, 1 antique store, the worlds tallest weather vane, and the Lavender Labyrinth that started it all!  I loved walking the labyrinth, it was such a zen experience and I would love to do it again!   I stayed in a B&B, something I had never done before but will certainly do again! And I discovered a great restaurant in Ludington; PM Steamers where I had supper one evening on the outside porch. PM Steamers is right across from the marina which was great for  built in entertainment and I got to watch the Badger come in as I ate.  Amazing food and fabulous service that I will definitely go back for again!

The Worlds tallest Weather Vane!

Arial view of the lavender labyrinth

Me standing in the center of the labyrinth

                                                                                

   The B&B owners were the sweetest couple and the B&B was a huge home that was built in 1890 or 1891!  Gorgeous!  After dinner I enjoyed some reading, writing, a glass of wine, and a phone call to catch up with a friend while sitting under the gazebo on the large back deck where I could hear a piano concert from across the street.  

   I took roads not on my GPS directions just to see where they lead. Wandered downtown's, marinas and waterfronts, hiked a ton, and caught a beautiful sunset!  I took longer than I thought I would at most places and stopped wherever I wanted whenever I wanted.  I had an "itinerary" but I absolutely took time to "stop and smell the roses" not letting myself be tied strictly to the agenda!  I found that I really enjoyed solo travel, far more than I ever thought I would!  
I stayed under budget and saw everything I planned to and more,  within the time I had allowed. My souvenirs were a few bottles of wine and wine glasses, 2 new antique ruby glasses, a piece of driftwood, stones to build two mini carins, a Michigan window sticker, a new "string pack." .  Perfect :)  And, all on one tank of gas!

   The beauty that surrounds us in Michigan is stunning, most people that you meet traveling are super friendly and nice, and I learned a few more things about myself that I would not have known if not for this solo travel experience.  I learned:  1. I really trust my GPS but I was more than  willing to go off the beaten path and maybe get slightly lost just to see what's around the next bend. (this one surprised me a bit! 2.I didn't mind  dining alone in a nice restaurant at all!  3. Solo car travel is very peaceful.  4. Sometimes, you have to go a little bit outside of your comfort zone in order to find a little more of yourself. My first  successful solo  "One Tank Trip" but certainly not my last and, I had a wonderful time "Making every moment count!"

(((Hugs)))
Brenda

Finding the balance...

   Something I strive for daily but only achieve it once in a while!  Ditto for being "mindful" and staying "in the present."  All of which contribute to "Making every moment count."    It is a work in progress. I am a work in progress.
   This weekend, I achieved these things. I expect to fall short again.  And, I expect that I will once again achieve this, only to fall short yet again.  And so the cycle continues.  My glass is half full so I will press on knowing I can get there more often than not!
   This spring was inexplicably difficult for me for reasons I do not fully understand nor can I fully explain. It just was.  Emotionally, it was a difficult time.  It also seemed that, no matter the task or project at hand; it proved to be more difficult, more work than it should be. The 'balance" was way off!  A perfect storm so to speak.  And then, just as inexplicably, I turned a corner and the sailing was smooth once again.  (As much as it can be!)
   June is quite possibly my favorite month!  Everything is green and lush, lawns look great, flowers are still hardy, weather is amazing, a/c is not needed, comfortable sleeping weather, great to be outside etc!  It is also one full of memories!  It is the month Jeff and I met, married and, the month he died.  Most of the memories are sweet though :)
   This weekend I enjoyed  perfect weather, a wonderful day at my job with affirmation from both customers and boss that I am valued and doing well at something I truly enjoy! I had time to accomplish both the tasks and yard work that needed to be attended to as well as time to relax!  

   A morning climb up Mt. Pisgah (one of my favorite places as I'm sure you all know by how often I post pics of a trip up there!) and a walk along the Black River Boardwalk provided for some much needed reflection and relaxation mixed with exercise!  So good for my mind, body, and soul!   I saw an eagle flying overhead from Mt. Pisgah, a red winged black bird sat within a few feet of me on the boardwalk, a hummingbird drank from my feeder about 3 feet from where I sat on my front porch, the neighbor's cat came to visit and I encouraged a squirrel to leave the shed and "go play outside" on such a nice day with the business end of a rake (No harm came to the squirrel!)  An afternoon mixed with the yard work, house work, and front porch relaxation and enjoying the beautiful outdoors I am Blessed to live in!  An evening walk with my "best guy," Bear. Supper and yoga, both on the back deck  and reading there until the sun sank low. A wonderful weekend , "Balance" achieved for now :)

Bear :)

   I am on a journey and I do not know where it will take me next but, I feel as though I am where I should be, doing what I should do at this time. That is enough for today :)  Enjoy the journey my friends and try to "make every moment count!"


(((Hugs)))
  Brenda
   
  

Thoughts from a "Singleton" in February (Its probably not what you're thinking! Or, maybe it is :) )

I hung my wreath on the door :)

   This week I have become increasingly aware of the fact that we have once again arrived at a time of the year that it seems many people would like to avoid.  I’m not talking about the cold, cabin fever inducing February weather, tax season or Friday the 13^th!  I’m talking about Valentine’s Day. 

Since the beginning of time there have been “couples”, “pairs”.  Adam and Eve, Noah, the Ark and the animals all paired up.  People, we’ve been thinking this way forever!   It is natural.  We are social creatures! (most of us anyway, lol!  :)

   Being on Face Book,  following blogs,  and being a member of a closed group for younger widows and widowers; I have seen an amazingly high number of posts  this week from  people wishing they could “sleep through the day” or skip it in some way.  In reality, neither are very good options (in my opinion) and the day is going to come anyway!

   Those of us “singletons” are single for a variety of reasons.  Some by choice, others not.  Some of us are widowed, some divorced (or broken up), and some choose to be single.  But, in February, everything is coming up roses .   And hearts.   And  chocolate.  And couples. And, well you get the idea!  Let's face it, all of the advertising ,store displays, promotions etc.  are all geared towards couples.  And the advertising  would not be as effective  if they were geared towards singletons. (Watch any ad and take out the couple and replace them with a singleton.  Yup. It's just not the same!  Right?!?)   This is certainly not done as a purposeful slight (by the advertisers) to anybody who is not part of a couple, but for those who are most vulnerable it can seem as though they are being obviously excluded.  And I am seeing a lot of very vulnerable people on line this week, expressing everything from sadness to anger towards their friends, co-workers, advertisers, pretty much anyone who is happy about the holiday!  This saddens me.  I wish I could help. I wish I could send you all a Valentine!  (so maybe this blog post is kinda like a Valentine?)

   Now, I have to say, everyone grieves (whatever your loss, whatever your reason) in their own way and their own time.  And if you  really, really need to just crawl under the covers and truly try and sleep the day away, go for it!  Sometimes that is exactly what you need!  But for those who are looking for an alternative…  I have a few suggestions.    First, choose to view the day in a broader sense.  Yes, Valentine’s Day  is a “romantic” holiday and all the advertising points to this!  But, Valentine’s Day  isn’t just about “romantic love”, it’s about love, like, and appreciating others.  Take the focus off  the almost always romanticized advertising and promotions, broaden your view of the holiday, widen your scope, and include whoever you  want to show you appreciate them!  I love my kids and my friends, I appreciate them and  choose to celebrate them!  (Whoa, novel idea right!?!)  So go ahead, send them a Valentine!  I made Valentines for my book club besties and my kids  :) Do something nice for someone else, it will make you feel great!  I did a few “paying it forward” kinds of things this week  and it truly makes me very happy to think how these things may make someone else feel.  That’s a natural high!  :)

I had fun making my Valentines for my book club besties and my kids (and "snack bags" for me!)!

   And now, for the really “way out there” idea I have!   Be your own Valentine!!!  I give you permission!  (Like you need that, lol!)   We should all be our own Valentine  first anyway! We can only be as good to others as we are to ourselves!   Only you can make make yourself  happy!   Someone else can enhance your happiness but, you need make yourself happy first!    So I say, be nice to yourself. Be your own Valentine!  Wear red and wear it proudly this Valentine's Day!  Pour yourself a good glass of wine or a cup of coffee. Buy yourself some good chocolate or flowers!  Or, both!  Indulge in a sappy movie or a funny movie or an action movie or a good book!  Get a pedicure!  Be Nice to You!  You’re worth it!   

   Tomorrow, I will be working and I’m sure I will see many couples and singletons  among our customers.  I will wear red and sincerely wish each and every one a Happy Valentine’s Day!    And after work, I will probably enjoy some pizza and a glass of a really nice red wine!  I will watch a movie (Love Actually, a romantic comedy) and do some late night  reading.  I bought myself flowers and yes, I have some nice chocolate and some leftover raspberry meringue hearts in the house.  I will give Bear and Nick an extra treat.  I will Celebrate Valentine’s Day!  :)

 

I love fresh flowers :)

Raspberry Meringue hearts, leftover from book club!

   Please consider this my Happy Valentine’s Day wish to all of you!  Celebrate the day. Celebrate others!  Celebrate you!  (You do love, like and appreciate the wonderful, unique individual that you are, right?!?  Then Celebrate!)  And…

Wait for it…

Wait…

Come on!  You know by now what’s coming next, right?!?

“Make every moment count!”

Happy Valentine’s Day!

(((Hugs)))

Brenda

  

Snowy Day Musings (of someone with clearly too much time on their hands!)

 

I will never tire of the beauty of fresh falling snow!

 It's a winter wonderland out there peeps!  And, I'm staying inside where it is cozy and warm :)
I woke up to a fresh cover of about 3" of snow and a lot of wind along with dire reports of much more to come.  And, it is my favorite Sunday!  Big plans!  Friends, food and fun!  Yes, my friends, it is (was) "Book Club Sunday!"  (what?  You expected something else???)
   Well, after a couple of text messages and a quick phone call, we decided to postpone Book Club for a week.  Disappointing to all of us book crazies, but we needed to decide before we all started cooking!  Now, I host so, driving wasn't the problem for me.  And, we could have turned it into a big slumber party if need be however...we erred on the side of caution and did what we thought was best.  Besides, even adults need a snow day once in while!  (This is my second this year! Lucky me!)
   So, what to do with this unexpected available "free time" today?  Well, I'm not one to sit around, Shocking, I know!  I do however enjoy a "pajama day" once in a while!  (not a "lazy" day, just a pj day) I still needed to do my regular weekend stuff, ya know, the boring housekeeping, chores, pay bills stuff! So, after lingering over coffee (ok, a lot of coffee! And, lot's of lingering!) and working on Pinterest  (it's not playing, it is working!  I am loading recipes and stuff!), catching up on Facebook (sending out BDay wishes and sharing lost and found pet pics along with posting funny videos to brighten others day is important after all!) I got back to my "to do" list.  House is vacuumed, dusted and mopped.  I know, how bad does the house get when you live alone with just an 8# dog and a 10# cat, right?  I am a self confessed OCD (it should be CDO), neat nick-clean freak!   Truthfully, I could live with dust for a while as long as the coasters are perfectly squared off in alignment with the corners of the coffee table, all the closets and drawers and cupboards are perfectly organized and there is no clutter but...But honestly, I do need to do these cleaning things once in a while! (Okay, I guess I am more of an OCD neat nick than a clean freak but only but a slim margin!)  Now, This months bill are paid.  Bear has had a bath and a trim (I've been putting that off for a few days so...Bear was ok with putting it off further but he goes in for a teeth cleaning in a week and I of course felt he needed to look his best for that procedure!)  

Still a little damp but so handsome :)

and I finished another library book.  Because it was supposed to be book club day and so of course it makes perfect sense to  do a little extra reading if book club is cancelled. Right?  (Yeah, I was probably that kid doing homework on a snow day too, lol!)  Besides, now I can start another book "fresh" tonight!  Do you know how hard it is to go right from one story to another with no time to process the book?  Now I have the afternoon to get the last book out of my head and be mentally prepared for the next! This is important people! And, my stack of books to read outgrew the book shelf (next to this pic)  soooo, need to keep reading! (Really, for me, reading is like breathing. I NEED to read!!!)
(I am not going to take a picture of the huge box of books under the bed, sorry!)

Nick is investigating another book I am reading and the one I will be starting later also

For every one I finish I seem to add two more!

  A little "work" from home for Warner's (no, I am not drinking wine! yet.) But, I am doing some research for an event or 2 and some writing and photography for for them).  I'm also getting a little unexpected time in my craft room. Bonus!  Getting a few cards done "ahead" of time. (no, I am not going to show the finished products. That would spoil any surprise if you get a Birthday card from me!)

 And, doing a little "work" on my "Wine Cellar."  This is like an adult version of a cool collage.  I've saved labels for several years and am going to cover this door with them!  When it is all covered, I'll decoupage over it all. This will be a fun project to work on :)

 I saw a pic of this rug and loved it; I may have to get it or paint a sign with this on it since my (future) "Wine Cellar" is indeed just a room in my basement! 

LOL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   So, now I'm thinking I should do some cooking!  I know, another shocker!!!  Maybe something in the crock pot for the beginning of the week?  Maybe I should think about supper since the book club meal is a no go!  I'm thinking pizza and Buffalo chicken meatballs (I actually have some of those in the freezer!) since it is that other "Favorite Sunday" for many!  I have no plans to watch the Super Bowl but I can (and will be happy to) lend my support to all of the bowlers out there by eating the same types of food you all do.  I'm just a thoughtful, "giver" that way my  friends!  Oooh, I also have bacon!  (I know, it is my downfall!  Along with most of you!  I eat really really "healthy" most of the time but...BACON!  Yum!)  Maybe I'll bake up a big batch of bacon to freeze!  The freezer bag is almost empty so I should do this.  (It's a good excuse to eat a piece or two and make sure it is cooked properly too.)  Yes, I bake it.  On a broiler pan, with a little water in the bottom. Really, it is healthier this way!  (All the grease and fat lands in the water and then it is healthy bacon. Right?  Work with me on this too people!)  And then I freeze it in a zip lock bag.  It is just like that nifty microwave bacon  you can buy (and spend a lot more money on!) but way better!  (Did you know that frozen bacon even tastes good?  Okay, I think I confessed to eating the occasional piece of frozen bacon. Sigh.  Hanging my head in shame now. But really, it is good!  Honest!  Hey, don't judge me, you know you want to check this out now!)  And besides, I use Turkey bacon 2-1 with regular bacon so, see...Healthy (ish).  (It used to be 1-1.  I may get to all turkey someday. Maybe. Or maybe not.)
   Okay, so now you can see how I spend a snow day (and still have enough time in this busy schedule to blog about it!  This is real "time management" and multi tasking at its finest people)!  I know you were all wondering :)  How do you spend a snow day?  However it is, whoever it is with, whatever you are doing; "Make every moment count!"  I know I am :)

(((Hugs)))
  Brenda

Snowfall update...noon was just over 4".  3 pm we were at 5 1/2.  5pm I measure 7"  Still snowing and blowing. Still pretty :)   
Stay safe and warm everyone!