It's back up!

 I set up the new tent for the 2nd time yesterday afternoon. We will have nice weather during the day and not too cold at night over the weekend. I plan to sleep outside at least one of the nights. Our back yard is set up like a little camp ground. I'm tempted to list it on Hipcamp for those people that want to be near the cities and still save on hotel costs. It might be weird having people in our back yard so close to the house! 

I didn't set up the front shade/rain cover on our tent. I figured no need to since there wasn't  going to be any rain and we are pretty shaded in our back yard. I did put up the mini soft white lights on our back yard trees. One by the hammock and the other two on the opposite side of our fire pit, that you can't see from this photo! I must not have turned on the lights on the hammock tree because they didn't come on. I'll have to fix that today. It's nice how they are solar and you still can turn them off at night. I'll be turning them off when I'm sleeping out there! I purchased 3 more 2 packages of solar lights for the trees up at the lake. It will be nice to have it look more festive this summer and also provide light to see at night. 

I kind of spent a lot at the stores yesterday! Two trips to pick up more flowers/herbs/Veggies for my pots! They are all planted! I just picked up random flowers and didn't try to coordinate color or type. I usually try to have all match but I wanted to try new flowers this year and mix it up! 

Celina wanted Tomato plants, so the deck pots which will see more sun, I planted all the tomatoes. Three different types of tomatoes, one plant in each pot. I also added new dirt, fingers crossed they grow!

We are still on the hunt for the perfect pantry microwave oven. I did check out Walmarts selection of microwave ovens. Similar to the one at Sam's. I didn't think I'd like the dial but turns out, that's just for the  air fryer and still has digital setting for the microwave. Might get this one? I'l have to read some reviews first! 

What else did I purchase for camping? I new LED light for inside the tent. It looks like a light switch that's on the wall. I also purchased some glow in the dark, tent pole/string finders. This way, we won't trip over the strings used to tie down the front tarp since they extend out from the tent on either side. Not sure we really needed it, but who likes to trip in the middle of the night! NO one! 

Lastly, my other purchase, was a foldable cart. I was thinking about having to carry all the stuff from the car to the beach at the lake. I can put all our items in the cart and wheel it down. Plus, for picnics, just load up the cart with the little coolers, pans etc and wheel it next to the picnic table for easy access to all. This will eliminate multiple trips and having somewhere to put the coolers and pans other then the dirt ground or on top of the picnic table taking up space. I know, it's another item to fill up the car, but I think this will be a problem solver! 

I'll all about making it easier, and more comfortable glamping! I want all the luxuries of home, while camping with easy set up and take down. 

Workout, meals, diet and other things.

 This is what I'm doing with my time. Trying to work out, meaning run at least a mile a day at the park with or without Zoey. I ran for the first time yesterday with out her. I was SLOW. I like how she gives me an extra fast boost by pulling the leash. I could have used a little boost yesterday on my alone run. I do skip a few days here and there but in all I run at least 3 times a week, which is the goal. Now to up that and try for 5 days a week and then increase my miles. 

I had to do a pause on lifting weights. I pulled a muscle in my left arm and it hurts awful all day and night!  I even went to the chiropractor to help fix it, but its still sore and unchanged. I'm skipping lifting my 15 pound dumbbells till my arm feels good again. 

Seems my body always feels achey all the time! Must be this getting older, 52 thing? 

My diet, staying around 1500 calories for the day. Mostly cut out ice cream, candy and beer. Only having them once in a while instead of everyday. I'm eating more fruit, and veggies. I did crave bread yesterday and had two slices of plain bread. Its a daily battle with me needing to lose 20 pounds and just wanting to eat. I find evenings are the hardest time. 

Still in the hot flashes zone. I swear this has been going on for 10 years now. Not as bad, but when I get hot, I get HOT. It's mostly all night long, hot, cold, hot, cold. Shouldn't I be done with all this now? 

Every week I have a PROS and CONS list going on my week. I really have few cons per week, but try to come up with enough to equal the pros. 

Pros:                                                                      Cons:

old client came back this week.                             Lost a client till Fall (on hold all spring/summer)

picked up a one time client Monday                      Not losing enough weight = not eating less calories

Scheduled a in town #2 vaccination for Celina.    Not reaching 70+F on Monday like predicted

Weather on the weekend in the 70's

Connecting with Annie in France on S.C.

Weekend.. and now on to Monday!

 I finally made a start on the basement! Sunday I decided to start on the last section of stairs to the basement. I did all the prep of taping and then did two coats of primer.  Before picture below.

After with two coats of primer on the tread and hand rail. Yes, I know there is a stack of stuff on the stairs waiting for me to bring to the storage room. 

Today, I'll do the two to three coats of enamel and finish up the stairs so I can move on to painting the wall  along the stairs and the basement bathroom. 

We still need to purchase a few more floor vents. We had these vents already and might just buy more of the same instead of replacing all with a more modern vent cover. These still look fine and no need to spend more if we can just use what we already have. 

I made more of my low cal 1/2 the coconut fat Thai Chicken Veggie soup Sunday. I just eat it with rice that I add after. This way the rice doesn't soak up all the soup juice. 

Zoey, I found her on my side of the bed. The look I get when I tell her to move over! 

From France and a trip to

 Annie from France signed up again to be on snap chat. She sent the first snap back to me. 

We also checked out Cabella's. Looking for solar power for camping this summer/fall. We'd like to be able to charge our cell phones, and have heat in the fall. 

New New and more new!!

Celina and I drove to Northfield yesterday afternoon in search of a new bike. Her favorite Diamondback bike was stollen at college. We had purchased a replacement cheap mountain bike, but it was heavy and slow. Plus, a little too big for her small frame. We found a new used (year old) Trek bike for sale in NorthField. I didn't want to waste any time going to look at the bike. Bikes are in short supply, due to being backordered for at least 6 months! We can't wait that long since she wants to ride this summer! 

This bike was orig close to $800 and we got it for the 1year old used price of $550! Not too bad since I didn't want to spend over $600 on a bike! It's light gray and the TREK is in a lime green. We replaced the handle grabs that were a little dirty and also lime green with just black to tone down the bright color. Plus added a water bottle cage. The bike has a few dings on it, but in all a great new/used bike for her. I can't wait to ride it myself!

We parked right across the street from this CakeWalk bakery. Why not try a 1/2 dozen of their cupcakes. We all shared them splitting them up four ways. My favorite, sprinkled, carrot cake and the gluten free white chocolate raspberry. Actually, they were all really good! 

The weather is cruddy this weekend with 40's, rain/snow combo both Saturday and Sunday with the warm up Monday in the 70's! So much for doing anything outside! 

We do have to place a Menards order before the 11% expires, last day today! We are still in need of a pantry microwave oven. I also want to look at solar power for camping this summer to charge our phones, maybe have heat power for fall camping! Which reminds me, I need to check the watts on the heater before looking for a carrying size solar unit/panels. 

We also have home projects, with limited tools due to Steve leaving them at the job he is working on. I think we have enough around the house to get some little things done, trim? Indoor Painting? All good things to get done on a cruddy weather weekend!

New Idea's

 Every once in a while I see an idea I like. So I take a photo to remember. Not sure if we will do this idea of using wood planks as a walk way, but we sure do have enough lumber scraps to do something like this path! 

My home projects have been on hold. I was busy doing paperwork all day Monday and part of Tuesday. I also helped Steve with a demo job yesterday afternoon. Last night we also had to make a trip to the store for printer ink and stamps. Which meant a Walmart run for ink and Cub for Stamps. At least I can mail the water bill today. Yes, I still mail some bills but mostly pay on line or over the phone. I figured this wasn't a rush bill to pay, so I paid by check and will mail it out today! 

We still don't have a microwave. We did see this comb microwave at Sam's a microwave/air fryer combo. We will look for a better quality microwave as this one seemed flimsy and cheap with the dial. It's about the right size to have in the pantry. 

I still have a few more chairs to spray paint with mat black chalk. Since it's only 28+F this morning with a high of 45, I'm going to wait till tomorrow when it warms up to 60! Plus, I have a very busy day for once! Today, I work in the morning, at noon or around 1pm I will help Steve with his demo clean up. I have a new client meeting at 5pm and after more paperwork to complete for Steve. A full day which is not something I'm use to after not being that busy for over a year now! 

What I'm worried about right now? This kept me from not sleeping the past few nights. Its not like I was dwelling on it, just in the back of my mind which I am sure didn't help my sleep! 

1. Weight loss, I really need to drop some pounds. Still working on it, day #5. 

2. MN sales taxes I owed and now have resolved! That's a load of my mind! Plus having paid all I owe is a good feeling! 

3. Steve's social security card replacement. This still worries me! I sent off the paper work along with his original birth certificate. I did not make a copy of the birth certificate or the paperwork! ugh!!! I am mad at myself for this!! I'm trying to figure out where in the process we are at! He needs his birth certificate back because he was born in France at an army hospital. I have no idea how he would get a new one if needed! I sent the documents the first week of March. I did send an email to follow up and they replied back with a number to call. I'll be doing that at some point tomorrow. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothy! 

4. Home projects, will they ever all get done? I want a 100% finished house!

5. House clutter, we really need to part with a bunch of stuff around the house. It's over taking our house! 

6.  Working out daily. I just can't get myself motivated to run on the super cold day outside and I don't want to run inside on the cross ramp. Makes me a bit nervous about losing progress on my fitness when I don't go for a run! 

Weight loss day #4

 Do I notice a change in weight? Nope! I am at least eating around 1000 calories per day the last 3 days. I'd love to lose weight faster since I have limited time before June! 6 weeks is really not enough time but still time to drop at least 15 pounds? 

I did not run my mile yesterday with Zoey. It was super cold out and windy again. I just didn't feel like freezing! So I skipped out and didn't even run inside. I did my 1 minute plank and lifted my 15 pound weights. So that was done! 

I've passed on the nightly Ice cream. Plus, choosing more healthy options. Passed on getting a beer when out Saturday. Just had a few sips of Steve's beer. I did indulge in 2 glasses of  wine with Steve at the vineyard. We purchased healthy snacks of beef jerky and popcorn instead of getting crackers, and cheese with some salami. I did have a few jelly beans last night after dinner but still better than having ice cream. 

I wasn't going to eat breakfast or lunch, saving my one meal for dinner. I decided it's okay to have a light, low cal lunch if I'm feeling hungry. I had fruit one day (banana and a cutie), yesterday veggie soup from a can(controlled portion and calories). 

Last night, it was a rotisserie chicken breast with a plain sweet potatoes with 2 small cuties for dessert. Better choices and low in calorie. 

Today's exercise will be planks, weights and helping Steve demo a customers bathroom. 

Sunday Yurt

Steve and I checked out the local winery in Hastings on Sunday afternoon. Not too many people there as the weather wasn't that warm. We found out they had 2 yurts to reserve with heaters. We were able to enjoy it for awhile till the next reservation. It was nice just to be out of the cold wind and still be out in the vineyard drinking a bottle of sweet red wine.  

The little heater at the top of the yurt. We will definitely have to reserve a yurt in the future on a chilly day. Right now the winery is only open Friday - Sunday from noon to 5pm. 

St. Paul to Mpls

 We joined our neighbor friends for a bike ride from St. Paul too Mpls. 

It was a 10 mile ride there and 10 miles back. Steve and I were the only one's riding back. 

So much to see along the way. We stopped at Minnehaha park to look at the waterfall. 

Our neighbor friend bough a doggie bike carrier and tried it out for the first bike ride of the year. 

We all rode to Asters for the outdoor patio with drinks and food. 

Tons of people were every where down town. I just held my breath while biking by. We also are all vaccinated and were outdoor with out a mask, so I felt okay being around others. 

Just a beautiful day to be outside in April. I think it got to 60 when the sun was shining. 

Pantry all fresh! Plus, new hood!

It always has to be a giant mess before it gets better!! At least the mess part is done and my panty is all freshly painted bright white, with new clean bright white shelves!! 

I never took a photos of the dirty walls from 20 years of use or the old golden oak shelves inside the pantry. I did manage to remember a photo of everything on the countertops that was in the pantry! 

Crazy, how much food we have! 

Its soo nice and clean and bright! Too bad I had to put back all the food! 

Steve put up the new above the stove hood. Love it! 

I had a little painting of the cabinet sides to do since they were still maple unpainted. Now to take off the old granite tile behind the stove and build the shelf, with new tiles to match the slate wall tile. Fingers crossed Steve will start working on this over the weekend. I'd like my kitchen all done asap! 

The old kitchen microwave is too big for the pantry. We'd have to move the above shelf up higher and relocated the shelf brackets to make room. Plus, its huge and takes up far too much space. I'll have to sell this or should we keep it for the cabin we will build? Probably best to sell since we are 5+ years out from needed it in a cabin. 

2nd and done!

 That was another jab road trip in the books! Got our 2nd shot as soon as we arrived in Long Prairie. Good thing we didn't have to wait till 1pm, since we were early at 11:30am. In and out in 20 minutes! Now for the sore arm.. I decided to try my left arm this time around since it was already sore from a pulled muscle. Good choice since it started to feel sore yesterday afternoon and last night was rough sleeping and trying to turn over to the sore side. 

I just have a slight back of the head, headache. We both took the day off from working. Got the email message yesterday on the drive up to get our shots that the new kitchen stove hood is in. Good thing I feel good, because I need to clean out the panty and get moving on that home project! We also picked up the new white shelves for the panty. I kind of want to do something like this in our pantry.

Open shelve cabinets with a counter top for our microwave, toaster and air fryer. Too bad we have to put food in there too. Let's see if Steve goes along with this idea? Once again it's expanding our quick kitchen project of just new tile and a shelf behind the stove. He has 4 days off before starting a new job, so lets hope we can get our stuff done before he is distracted for months! I mean all summer months! Isn't that the way it always goes? 

#2 Shot!

We are off to Long Prairie to get our 2nd Moderna Vaccination. In 10 days we will be 95% protected. Even though well worth the drive. .

OH my!

 Oh my what a mess our panty is! I have to clean this out and find room for our old microwave. This is a project for Thursday! 

We bought $240+ of wood and Steve got to work building an Enormous Picnic table for up at the lake. He took it apart in sections so we can lift it and reassemble once its at the lake on Wednesday. 

Zoey loving one of her many big babies! She will growl at me if I try to take her baby! 

A few memories popped up on my phone today. Florida when the kids were little back in 2013!

A few photos of me and Steve through the years. 

A new week, new projects

 A new week and a new list of projects and thing to check off my todo list. 

#1 includes weight loss. Running, planks and lifting weights! I've got to drop some pounds for summer! I've been working on my diet, not eating ice cream at night, limiting calories but not enough. Who doesn't like to eat? 

Steve didn't want to run Saturday morning. I went anyway with Zoey. I always feel much better after a RUN, no matter how cold out it is. 

I re-hooked up our nest camera. Mostly to keep an eye on Zoey. We live in a safe area and I'm not worried about the few issues of crime I hear about now and then around the hood. 

Last night Steve split up a huge pork loin. I cooked half in the slow cooker and he made the other on the grill. We did a compare competition. Results, both were good, but I love my taco's. 

After my run, since it was the weekend I made waffles. It's been a long time since I last made any type of breakfast. I'm not a breakfast eater for the most part. I just love a few PB pretzel nuggets and my water. I know, not diet food but it sure tasted good. I got my fix for awhile. 

My run time is not as fast as I use to be able to do a mile. Not that I'm running fast, just a normal pace. It use to be around 9:30 to 10 min mile for 6 of those miles. Now I'm more like 11 to 12 minute for 1 mile and I'm done. I need to build back my running stamina! Fingers crossed my feet can take it. I need to do the run, walk workout for 3 miles. Time to up my running and start biking.