Desert Dog

We all seem to like my new sandbox, including Mowgli. I thought he would prefer the grass but the sand seems very comfortable for him. I guess it makes sense. He is a Canaan Dog, originating in Israel. He does have to get out when it's time for us to play and dig but I guess he doesn't track any more sand in the house than the rest of us.

Pesky Beetles

I bought five new bushes this year in an effort to improve my front landscaping but these Japanese Beetles are causing problems. I cannot tell if they are having an orgy or a buffet but they are causing major damage on lots of leaves. I am waging war against them and it starts today!

Ripe Peppers

 My garden is smaller this year but I have a good crop of bell peppers. Lincoln helped me harvest this morning and although he didn't want any the peppers were a great addition to our lunch salads. I am loving the bright red peppers decorating my patio. The tomatoes are mostly green. There are lots of them but the few that I have harvested are a bit mealy. I hope the rest are better.

 The day started out when Ashley asked if I would like to join them for a mini photo shoot at the state park. I was happy to go watch Ashley snapping photos and help keep Lincoln from running into the lake or looking away from Ashley's camera. Chasing a toddler is good exercise, right? Since my only exercise yesterday was a trip to the swimming pool with very little swimming I tried to make up for it today with a walk and a bike ride. It was another comfortable August day which amazes me every it happens. The weekend is off to a great start.

Back in the Kayak

 I got to go kayaking again on Thursday afternoon and it was just as fun as the first time. It had been over ten years since I was in a kayak and now I have been twice this summer. Briana and I went out to Big Woods Lake again and this time I brought my camera. It's so beautiful and peaceful out there with the monarch butterflies and blue heron.

 We got a little bit of exercise and lots of relaxation and conversation. I could float out there for hours, and we did! Time goes so quickly as we slowly paddle around the lake and it's many hidden areas. Again there was low humidity and beautiful temperatures. After kayaking I headed out with a friend to a Bucks Baseball game. I am loving the August weather so far this year.

1.7 Miles

I asked Ashley and Lincoln to join me for my Monday walk and they were happy to make the 1.7 mile loop around Big Woods Lake with me. Dale and I took that trail on Saturday and I felt good about the longer walk. Although I used to walk 4-6 miles regularly I more often walk just a mile at a time now. Part of the reason is the easy mile loop around my neighborhood and part of it is that lack of motivation and energy. It's time to change that.

 Lincoln was very patient for the long stroller ride but was happy to get out and explore a bit when we got on the bridge. This is the same bridge that I kayaked under and biked over in the last couple of weeks. I think that this is my new favorite place to walk even though it is clear across town. The trail includes a wooded area and a prairie restoration for plenty of variety and beauty.  Having company on my walks helps lots too. I do appreciate my walking buddies.

Watermelon and Baseball

 

It was another fun weekend and I was not ready for it to end. Dale came up and we picked a few of the many options that were available for summer activities. August is far from my favorite month, but again this weekend the weather felt more like early June and we were able to enjoy the outdoor activities. Saturday afternoon we decided to drive the few miles to Dike for Watermelon Day. We have often enjoyed small town festivals and although this one was even smaller than the others it was a fun afternoon with a parade and free watermelon served by community members.  

 Although there were several Saturday night options we both were most interested in an evening with the Waterloo Bucks at Riverfront Stadium. It was a good game and perfect weather so we stuck around. Peanuts and hot dogs for dinner and late night fireworks made for a great time. We also found time for some exercise this weekend which feels good to me. I am working hard to incorporate more exercise into my day to day life.

Thanks to Dale for the fireworks shot. It was fun to stay out "late" on a Saturday night. Yes, we were home long before eleven but that is late for me.

Summer Biking

 I took my bike out for a ride again this week. It was another nice afternoon with comfortable humidity and temperatures around eighty degrees. This mild summer weather is making me happy. It felt great to get out on the bike and I know I am getting good exercise.

 This time I peddled out to Big Woods Lake. It was fun to ride around the lake where Briana and I kayaked last week. I got to cross the bridge instead of paddling under it. The bike and the kayak are both great ways to experience the lake. I am planning to get the bike out a few more times before summer ends. Its been great to be back into biking!