My youngest son was in the National Guard, and then spent a year in Iraq. The magazine called GX-The Guard Experience has just arrived, and its very interesting.
Some of the articles in this May-June 2012 issue include: How to build a shelter, a survival expert's step by step guide, The Threat at Home, who and what are the biggest dangers to homeland security? Inner Strength, it's all about your attitude, and the one I'll talk about today: 9 Reasons to Stay Hydrated.
The online magazine is found at www.GXonline.com
According to two new studies at the University of Connecticut, even slight dehydration can really impact a person's mood, energy and mental performance. They site a figure of just 1.5 loss of the body's normal water level. How one would figure that out mathmatically I don't even know, for me that means when in doubt, drink a glass of water.
Drinking water helps you keep a healthy weight by improving your metabolism.
Another study found losing 2 % body weight due to sweat can decrease performance up to 20%.
Staying hydrated helps prevent things like migraines, kidney stones and hypertension.
It keeps skin healthy and younger looking by flushing out impurities and restoring moisture.
Most men need 13 cups of water, most women 9, according to the Institute of Medicine. This makes sense to me, rather than just saying 8 cups for adults. Pregnant women need more, like 10 cups, and breast feeding women need about 13.
Sometimes hydration means including sports drinks with electrolytes, especially for those doing intense exercise of over an hour's duration. Here in the dry western United States, a body really can't go wrong drinking cold water all day.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
A New Chapter?
Someone suggested I'm entering a New Chapter in my life. I don't know. There are definitely different chapters. Not sure I'm done with the last one.
We're born and Mom has to take care of us. That first chapter in our lives is so dependent on how competent our care givers are. Experts say most of our personality is formed in those first three years, and yet, at most we only remember a few key points. Most of my memories from that point in time I'd rather forget.
The second chapter would be school, grade school and high school. The whole school thing can be a nightmare for some, bullies, bad teachers, bad grades. It could be great, affirmation, stimulation, growth. My memories are mostly good, and I made it through alright.
Then, the third chapter, I got married, raised a family, went to church. That chapter ended and I moved on.
Chapter four was all about the trails and freedom. Lots of freedom. Seasonal jobs working in cool places.
Is it time for Chapter five? Settling down? Getting a full time real job? Its almost scary. Is the universe trying to tell me something, after going through this last surgery?
We're born and Mom has to take care of us. That first chapter in our lives is so dependent on how competent our care givers are. Experts say most of our personality is formed in those first three years, and yet, at most we only remember a few key points. Most of my memories from that point in time I'd rather forget.
The second chapter would be school, grade school and high school. The whole school thing can be a nightmare for some, bullies, bad teachers, bad grades. It could be great, affirmation, stimulation, growth. My memories are mostly good, and I made it through alright.
Then, the third chapter, I got married, raised a family, went to church. That chapter ended and I moved on.
Chapter four was all about the trails and freedom. Lots of freedom. Seasonal jobs working in cool places.
Is it time for Chapter five? Settling down? Getting a full time real job? Its almost scary. Is the universe trying to tell me something, after going through this last surgery?
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Recouperation and the Family Dog
Back on track, I've set a "walking" route for myself, to be performed thrice daily, probably adding up to around 4 miles. I wished it could be more rugged, but two weeks post op, I guess it will have to do. Time flys when you're busy, sits still when when you're bored.
I walk past this chicken yard. My grandparents had chickens. I should say my grandma. Grandpa hated them, unless they were under the ax or on top the table, deep fried in an 8 piece. He also believed corn was for animals and would never eat corn on the cob. He doubted they ever really made it to the moon. God rest his soul, I loved Grandpa.
The family dog, Cheyenne, walks with me. She is calm and older, listens to my musings, giving my running commentary legitimacy. Who talks to themselves? No one, but, talk to the family dog, you're fine.
I'm also hunting for local real estate, finding the market maybe has finally bottomed out and folks are buying homes again. That sounds good for the economy, those that have lost value in their existing homes. Now that people can and are buying, values should rise.
Should. Nothing is the same anymore.
I walk past this chicken yard. My grandparents had chickens. I should say my grandma. Grandpa hated them, unless they were under the ax or on top the table, deep fried in an 8 piece. He also believed corn was for animals and would never eat corn on the cob. He doubted they ever really made it to the moon. God rest his soul, I loved Grandpa.
The family dog, Cheyenne, walks with me. She is calm and older, listens to my musings, giving my running commentary legitimacy. Who talks to themselves? No one, but, talk to the family dog, you're fine.
I'm also hunting for local real estate, finding the market maybe has finally bottomed out and folks are buying homes again. That sounds good for the economy, those that have lost value in their existing homes. Now that people can and are buying, values should rise.
Should. Nothing is the same anymore.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Housing Styles Change
Last night my daughter and I looked at a home for sale by owner.
It was built in 1920, in the historic district of Star, Idaho.
Built on the corner, the owner had tons of flowers, a fenced yard, and nice driveway. Huge trees crowded the property next door, also for sale, but by a realtor. The trees made me nervous. What if a storm came through and decided to wreak havoc. The roof would be a goner, both that property and maybe the neighbors.
It was the inside of the house that killed me. So many tiny rooms, halls and corridors, and if that wasn't claustrophobic enough, she had the place packed with stuff. Just stuff, miniature trees, real trees and plants. Wood stove, furniture, tables. It was like I was a mouse in the maze and her two cats the ones living there. Sure smelled like it anyways.
I can't abide tiny enclosed places like that. A shot gun kitchen, the Master Bedroom had no bathroom. Bathrooms were dark and creepy.
I find out, give me the open floor plan of the new generation, the new century, the open air and huge windows.
Her garden and yard was the same, winding paths, all crowed with various flower beds and trees. It was very artistic, I must say, with benches and stuff. Just stuff.
The housing market has probably bottomed out. I'm looking around now, hoping to know it when I see it.
It was built in 1920, in the historic district of Star, Idaho.
Built on the corner, the owner had tons of flowers, a fenced yard, and nice driveway. Huge trees crowded the property next door, also for sale, but by a realtor. The trees made me nervous. What if a storm came through and decided to wreak havoc. The roof would be a goner, both that property and maybe the neighbors.
It was the inside of the house that killed me. So many tiny rooms, halls and corridors, and if that wasn't claustrophobic enough, she had the place packed with stuff. Just stuff, miniature trees, real trees and plants. Wood stove, furniture, tables. It was like I was a mouse in the maze and her two cats the ones living there. Sure smelled like it anyways.
I can't abide tiny enclosed places like that. A shot gun kitchen, the Master Bedroom had no bathroom. Bathrooms were dark and creepy.
I find out, give me the open floor plan of the new generation, the new century, the open air and huge windows.
Her garden and yard was the same, winding paths, all crowed with various flower beds and trees. It was very artistic, I must say, with benches and stuff. Just stuff.
The housing market has probably bottomed out. I'm looking around now, hoping to know it when I see it.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Two Bouquets and Lost Flowers
If you ever want to send someone flowers, google for a local florist shop nearby the place your lucky recipient is staying. My family learned alot about this process these last few weeks. Above All: Do not be persuaded that any online vendor will actually get them there before the person is discharged from the hospital or taken by ambulance to the nearest trauma center.
This lovely bouquet was a from youngest daughter and family. She bought them from a vendor who spent three days "finding" me, even though they had an address. To refresh a fresh bouquet, cut the stems at an angle under cold running water, replace in vase.
This lovely rose arrangement was purchased locally. It got there on time, no chasing it down.
My sister says she paid alot of money to send me flowers, promised same day arrival by a big name brand online florist company. They claim it got there, but I never saw them. I was still on location at the stated time of arrival. They probably ended up at the nurses station.
Bottom line, I will look up a place nearby, ask if they know where the address is, tell them what I need, and see if they can't deliver within a few hours. If you have someone in the hospital, their status and location can change quickly.
This lovely bouquet was a from youngest daughter and family. She bought them from a vendor who spent three days "finding" me, even though they had an address. To refresh a fresh bouquet, cut the stems at an angle under cold running water, replace in vase.
This lovely rose arrangement was purchased locally. It got there on time, no chasing it down.
My sister says she paid alot of money to send me flowers, promised same day arrival by a big name brand online florist company. They claim it got there, but I never saw them. I was still on location at the stated time of arrival. They probably ended up at the nurses station.
Bottom line, I will look up a place nearby, ask if they know where the address is, tell them what I need, and see if they can't deliver within a few hours. If you have someone in the hospital, their status and location can change quickly.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sorry for the long delay in updating this post. Much has happened personally, the worst of which is over. I underwent surgery and am now recuperating at my daughters. I am an Idaho resident and love this state.
One of my favorite all time drives is heading west on U.S 12, going down both scenic and historic Louis and Clark route taking you over Lolo Pass. Its over 9,000 feet in elevation. I had totally forgotten how windy it was.
We saw guys on bikes with loaded panniers, river rafters waiting for pickup. and many wonderful panderamic scenes. It was a perfect day, last Monday, to be enjoying the freedom and fresh air of the Mountains of Idaho.
The route has a river on one side, this U.S 12. At one point, I think it was near Powel, we stopped for gas. The tiny resort had the last gas in 65 miles. I expected it to be expensive. Not so. The older gentlemen waiting for us to pump the Sinclair brand saw I was a tiny unsteady, and cautioned me to be careful. How beautiful the tents looked perched on the lawn, the Monday diners coming in early to avail themselves of a savory smell filling the air.
We soon were back on our way, heading to ID 13, slightly missing the turn as I looked for some bar and grill. Whoopsey, I misread the mapquest. My daughter laughed it off, got back on track, here we go, soon turning right onto US 95 as a tiny town shut down at 9 p.m. We ate chips and snickers bar, heading to I-84.
By midnight, we were home, happy, elated, tired and back on life's journey.
Stay tuned for many varied and guest posts to start here, as we explore our home state of Idaho, search for mountain property, make new friends and take a close look at issues facing us lovers of the wilderness.
May all your trails be brighter.
One of my favorite all time drives is heading west on U.S 12, going down both scenic and historic Louis and Clark route taking you over Lolo Pass. Its over 9,000 feet in elevation. I had totally forgotten how windy it was.
We saw guys on bikes with loaded panniers, river rafters waiting for pickup. and many wonderful panderamic scenes. It was a perfect day, last Monday, to be enjoying the freedom and fresh air of the Mountains of Idaho.
The route has a river on one side, this U.S 12. At one point, I think it was near Powel, we stopped for gas. The tiny resort had the last gas in 65 miles. I expected it to be expensive. Not so. The older gentlemen waiting for us to pump the Sinclair brand saw I was a tiny unsteady, and cautioned me to be careful. How beautiful the tents looked perched on the lawn, the Monday diners coming in early to avail themselves of a savory smell filling the air.
We soon were back on our way, heading to ID 13, slightly missing the turn as I looked for some bar and grill. Whoopsey, I misread the mapquest. My daughter laughed it off, got back on track, here we go, soon turning right onto US 95 as a tiny town shut down at 9 p.m. We ate chips and snickers bar, heading to I-84.
By midnight, we were home, happy, elated, tired and back on life's journey.
Stay tuned for many varied and guest posts to start here, as we explore our home state of Idaho, search for mountain property, make new friends and take a close look at issues facing us lovers of the wilderness.
May all your trails be brighter.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Supper Recipe for a Greener Planet
Tonight I made supper for my sister and I. I'm a "green" person by nature, loving our planet, recyling always, using my one mug for water or a old soda bottle for water.
I cook like that, too, using leftovers, dabs of this and that, staying away from red meat and large carbon footprint animals like beef. My sister loves cheese. I use it for her. Here's what we had tonight:
Glorified Potatoes and Cheese
Heat a large frying pan with 2 tablespoons of your preferred oil or margarine, butter, or spray coating. I used margarine, for the flavor, what we had in the fridge.
Chop two green onions and several hand fulls of fresh spinach and add to the pan. Saute lightly.
Slice 4 small, washed potatoes into the pan. Salt and pepper the potatoes. Once you have all the potatoes sliced, turn the heat down, flip the potatoes, and cover with a nice tight fitting lid.
You'll be flipping the potatoes every so often, watching the heat so they don't burn. The lid helps them cook faster, with less heat. Save the planet.
After the potatoes are fork tender, if you want a one dish meal, you can push the potatoes to the edge, forming a nice open center. I used two eggs, breaking them into the center, stirring with my spatula. Once the eggs begin to set up, stir into the potatoes. Cover and let cook until the eggs are firm.
We had a whole wheat roll. I sliced it in half, microwaved that, called her for supper.
While that was going, I opened the lid of the frying pan, sprinkled cheese on her half and recovered it.
All the ingredients to this one pot supper could be produced on a small one acre plot of land. A person could raise chickens and goats, have a nice garden and produce food without creating a huge carbon footprint.
I know there are many ways of solving the same problems. Not everyone can do the farming thing. Some say with Yellowstone sitting on top a huge volcano, who cares about the green house effect anyway?
All good questions. I leave for Yellowstone Thursday morning. I'll be there until October. Guess I still want to be nice to the earth, no matter what.
I cook like that, too, using leftovers, dabs of this and that, staying away from red meat and large carbon footprint animals like beef. My sister loves cheese. I use it for her. Here's what we had tonight:
Glorified Potatoes and Cheese
Heat a large frying pan with 2 tablespoons of your preferred oil or margarine, butter, or spray coating. I used margarine, for the flavor, what we had in the fridge.
Chop two green onions and several hand fulls of fresh spinach and add to the pan. Saute lightly.
Slice 4 small, washed potatoes into the pan. Salt and pepper the potatoes. Once you have all the potatoes sliced, turn the heat down, flip the potatoes, and cover with a nice tight fitting lid.
You'll be flipping the potatoes every so often, watching the heat so they don't burn. The lid helps them cook faster, with less heat. Save the planet.
After the potatoes are fork tender, if you want a one dish meal, you can push the potatoes to the edge, forming a nice open center. I used two eggs, breaking them into the center, stirring with my spatula. Once the eggs begin to set up, stir into the potatoes. Cover and let cook until the eggs are firm.
We had a whole wheat roll. I sliced it in half, microwaved that, called her for supper.
While that was going, I opened the lid of the frying pan, sprinkled cheese on her half and recovered it.
All the ingredients to this one pot supper could be produced on a small one acre plot of land. A person could raise chickens and goats, have a nice garden and produce food without creating a huge carbon footprint.
I know there are many ways of solving the same problems. Not everyone can do the farming thing. Some say with Yellowstone sitting on top a huge volcano, who cares about the green house effect anyway?
All good questions. I leave for Yellowstone Thursday morning. I'll be there until October. Guess I still want to be nice to the earth, no matter what.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tree Vs. Truck
I'm hanging out near Reno Nevada, waiting for my Yellowstone Job to begin. Walking around the neighborhood, I passed this truck. I paused. My first reaction was someone went off trail and must have had a hellva time until they hit the tree. Branches still are embedded in the grill, under the wiper blade, in the truck bed.
I looked closer and saw the cracked windshield, the long scratch on the side. A sobering thought: I hope the driver survived.
Maybe the person left it out of gear at the top of a hill and it ran away? I doubt it made it home without a tow truck.
If I was bolder, I would walk up to the door, knock and ask. No one bothered me while I was taking the photos, carefully editing out the driver's licence.
Tree versus truck: tree 1, truck -0....but of course, I haven't seen the tree, but from the front grill, I figure it was big.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Preseason Work at Snowlodge, Yellowstone
Snow Lodge is located right next to the Old Faithful gyeser complex, one of the most visited places in our National Park System. I have accepted a preseason position from April 28- May 31, and then will be heading to Lake Lodge in Yellowstone.
The absolute beauty of this opportunity is I will get to enjoy this early spring in the very popular place, before it gets very busy, able to hike on days off, meet new people and then transfer to my favorite location in the park.
Don't get me wrong. Grant and Roosevelt are marvelous too. If you ever get a chance to hang out in Yellowstone, all the locations have much to offer.
Now, bison will be enjoying the warmth of Old Faithful. There are so many hot sulfur ponds and geysers in the Snow lodge location, bison can be seen there year round. The walk to work is about a tenth of a mile. I look forward to sharing those experiences here with you.
Of course, I'll be cooking. Me and the kitchen, we get along. The other night I made supper for my sister's family. We still have leftovers! Guess I'm geared for hungry crowds who love dessert.
The absolute beauty of this opportunity is I will get to enjoy this early spring in the very popular place, before it gets very busy, able to hike on days off, meet new people and then transfer to my favorite location in the park.
Don't get me wrong. Grant and Roosevelt are marvelous too. If you ever get a chance to hang out in Yellowstone, all the locations have much to offer.
Now, bison will be enjoying the warmth of Old Faithful. There are so many hot sulfur ponds and geysers in the Snow lodge location, bison can be seen there year round. The walk to work is about a tenth of a mile. I look forward to sharing those experiences here with you.
Of course, I'll be cooking. Me and the kitchen, we get along. The other night I made supper for my sister's family. We still have leftovers! Guess I'm geared for hungry crowds who love dessert.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Health Care Scam
So I'm shopping around for personal health care insurance.
Question, why am I doing this? Cause most bankruptcies are a result of medical crisis. Because its part of the new law (now being debated in the Supreme Court), because as we get older we might need some medical care, and that is so expensive these days.
I went on line, did some research, looked at quotes. Beware. If you ever type your telephone number into these health care insurance web sites, before you ever get the submit button hit, the phone will be ringing, and ringing. and ringing.
Then, you'll get unscrupulous people setting up plans and offering great sounding programs.
The salesperson may add stuff to the script, this happened to me today, which turns out to be totally false. His manager said it was false, and he would deal with the lie internally. Hope you fire his ass, seriously.
Once the information was sent via email and I saw it didn't match up to all the promises offered, I canceled, and they hoped to not refund my "fee". Well, that's when you tell them the salesman lied through his teeth, and thankfully paid with a reputable credit card.
I always always use American Express. Once again, they will help me get through this scam.
Bottom line? I'll be sitting down with a local agent, at a desk, reading real hard copy. I will never trust an online site again.
Question, why am I doing this? Cause most bankruptcies are a result of medical crisis. Because its part of the new law (now being debated in the Supreme Court), because as we get older we might need some medical care, and that is so expensive these days.
I went on line, did some research, looked at quotes. Beware. If you ever type your telephone number into these health care insurance web sites, before you ever get the submit button hit, the phone will be ringing, and ringing. and ringing.
Then, you'll get unscrupulous people setting up plans and offering great sounding programs.
The salesperson may add stuff to the script, this happened to me today, which turns out to be totally false. His manager said it was false, and he would deal with the lie internally. Hope you fire his ass, seriously.
Once the information was sent via email and I saw it didn't match up to all the promises offered, I canceled, and they hoped to not refund my "fee". Well, that's when you tell them the salesman lied through his teeth, and thankfully paid with a reputable credit card.
I always always use American Express. Once again, they will help me get through this scam.
Bottom line? I'll be sitting down with a local agent, at a desk, reading real hard copy. I will never trust an online site again.
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