Today we had plans to meet up with some new homeschooling friends for a nature hike. This informal group meets weekly – outside – all year round. The idea is that “kids need to be outside and surrounded by nature”. What a concept! A small group, a few of whom we know from other homeschooly places, this idea is right up our alley. The central theme is that we’ll get outside, exploring nature, no matter the weather. So even when it’s cold and snowy or wet and rainy, we still meet up and do something outside together.

Today? It just so happened to be a perfectly cool, crisp and sunny fall day.

I’d never been to the park we were supposed to meet at today and although I had directions, I got a little lost. Today of all days I left my cell phone at home. I stopped to ask for directions and we eventually made our way there. When I found the parking lot empty I realized we must have come in a different entrance than everyone else.

So now what? Turn around and go home after driving 30 minutes to get here? I considered it for a split second before I realized that – hey! We’re here! Why go home when we can go for a nature hike? Even if it just ends up being the three of us, we’ll still have gotten outside together and some exercise too.

I studied the map before we hit the trail. I could see that it was about 3/4 of a mile to the opposite end of the park and I figured we had a fairly good chance of running into everyone even though I didn’t know exactly where we might find them.

I knew Ava could handle walking at least a mile, so I strapped Maxine to my back and off we went.

Hmmmm, a sign! I wonder if someone is trying to tell us something?

We walked and walked and saw no sign of anyone. I worried we wouldn’t find them.

I worried we’d go too far and Ava wouldn’t be able to handle the walk back.

And then I stopped worrying and just enjoyed our day outside together.

I told Ava that she’s my little tree hugger. She replied that “No, I’m not a tree hugger, mom. I’m a koala.” Oh, my mistake.

Another sign!

After about 15 minutes on the path we came upon a trail runner coming from the opposite direction. I stopped him to ask if he’d seen a group with young children. Much to our delight he responded that yes, there was a group of mom’s and kids just ahead.

Jackpot!

The trail was beautiful, but the location where we met up with everyone was even better!

A large stream with beautiful waterfalls, lots of rocks and logs to explore and friends to play with.

Where the heck is Maxine in any of these pictures? My shy little (28 lb) mama’s girl stayed put almost the entire time.

We enjoyed a picnic lunch on the bank of the stream. Cucumber and tomato salad for me.

That would be Maxine’s Stonyfield Farms Yo Kids yogurt – not mine. I did eat a couple of those Kashi crackers with my black bean and salsa soup!

After our day outside we had yet another homeschool gathering that kept us out until the early evening. Home and very ready for dinner – I whipped up a quick hummus veggie wrap for myself.

Enjoyed standing up in the kitchen while making two little trailblazer some spaghetti.

Two tired kids in bed early tonight! We need to get lost more often.

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Didn’t I just say the other day that swimming is one of my least favorite forms of cardio? It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s tedious, it’s boring. But just like that ex-boyfriend you run into after some time apart, you find yourself wondering what was really so bad about him after all.

This is my way of announcing that Swimming and I have decided to start seeing each other again.

Before hitting the pool early this morning I had a quick pre-swim date with almond butter. So quick in fact that I apparently couldn’t be bothered to even close the refrigerator door.

And then it was pool time.

I know, I know. We’re back together. It’s a little awkward at first. I’m not exactly looking forward to this, but let’s just jump in and get this part over with, ok?

The best part about being back together is that you’re already past that scary “what do you look like first thing in the morning” phase. Love me.

Today’s swim work out was 6 sets of:

(25 yards = 1 length of the pool)

100 yards freestyle
100 yards backstroke
50 yards kickboard

And a lovely cool down of 6 sets 25 yards free style, 25 yards backstroke.

During the 40 minutes of monotony I found myself listing the things I do like about Swimming.

I love that it’s a form of cardio that works the whole body
I like that I get focus on my breathing
I love that stretch you get along side your body when you reach forward during freestyle
I like that it’s low/no impact
I love that I get to wear a speedo without worrying that everyone thinks I’m a total dork. At least as far as my swim suit is concerned anyway.

The absolute best part about swimming? The long, hot, peaceful shower I get after I’m all done. And when I get home it’s like I’ve saved 20 minutes and I’m way ahead of the game.

Post workout I cut up one of my favorite varieties of pear, D’Anjou. I can only find these around here in the fall . D’Anjou is that long distance boyfriend who only comes in to town once and a while. Gotta get some D’Anjou pear action while I can.

The flesh is creamy, perfectly soft and sweet. The skin is a little thick though so I’m glad D’Anjou only comes around once a year. Nice to have you here, only a little sorry to see you go.

Well Swimming, it’s been a while, huh? I’m really just using you as a cold weather fling but we can pretend we’re soul mates for now. Don’t check the list of calls I’ve made on my cell phone, OK? Or if you do… don’t worry. D’Anjou is just a friend.

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