Preparing for Hibernation

What a great week we've had.  I've been on vacation all week and was excited for the opportunity just to be home for the week.  I had a whole list of to-dos - things I just haven't had time for with work and life getting in the way.  While I didn't finish the entire list, I made great progress.  Honestly, it was so nice to have a very balanced week of productivity, relaxation, and fun.  

The weather on Monday was warm and gray.  After starting the day with some projects around the house, I couldn't stop myself from thinking that we should get out and do something fun.  The forecast for the week showed temperatures dropping and rain in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday and I knew we needed to take advantage of the good weather that we were having.  

After changing my mind about 100 times, I finally decided to load the dogs into the car and make our way to Albion to get some miles on the NCT.  We made the drive that way, picking up some geocaches along the way, and finally arrived in Albion shortly after 3pm.   We did a short hike before we were joined by Vanessa for the rest of our walk.  The rain moved in before we finished, so we didn't go quite as far as I had wanted, but we ended the day with 4.5 miles on the trail. I was pleased with the progress and glad we'd made the drive.  

Tuesday started out rainy, so we took some time to relax.  After a slow start to the day, I checked a few more things off my to-do list.  By mid-afternoon the rain had stopped, and I took advantage of the mild temperatures to put up my Christmas lights.  I was glad to be able to get them out before the colder temperatures arrived.

Wednesday started out dry, although I knew rain was headed our way, so I headed outside to do some leaf clean-up.  I was able to get quite a bit done before the rain started around 11am.

Once the rain started, I got cleaned up and got the dogs into the car for a trip to Preuss Pets.  

With the rain coming down pretty steadily, I decided I would take each dog into the store for a little one on one time to allow them to sniff and explore.  After spending a good amount of time in the store, each dog got a walk around the block in the rain.  

While each of them only walked about 4/10 of a mile, the time in the store seeing all the fish, reptiles, and other critters kept their noses busy and helped to keep them happy.

I also enjoyed the one on one time and it allowed me to slow down and pay more attention to all the fun critters in the store.  I loved this baby Bearded Dragon.

The rest of the day was spent doing some odds and ends around the house and just relaxing.  The dogs had dinner in their treat balls, and since Smokey couldn't figure out the Kong Wobbler, he had dinner in the snuffle mat.  Then we all settled in for the evening.

We awoke to snow on the ground on Thursday, although I didnt think to get a picture.  It was cold, and I had no desire to go outside, so I filled a bunch of Kongs to freeze for the dogs and gave them each a bone to enjoy for a bit while I'd did some cleaning.  

Finally, I got motivated and loaded the dogs into the car to run some errands.   We dropped off our plastic bags at Kroger, took our Styrofoam to Dart for recycling, and made a stop at the shelter to drop off some donations.  Then we headed to downtown Mason for a nice walk around town.  

When we got home,  I decided to finish up the leaf clean-up along the curb while the dogs hung out in the yard.  I was busy with yard work until just after sunset.  I felt really great about everything I had gotten done after a slow start to our day.

Friday arrived and I was feeling very unmotivated.  While tried to get somethings done, mostly I just wanted to be lazy...which I tried to do without much success due to the two old dogs in the hosue and all of their restlessness.  Thankfully Mina was happy to sit on my lap and relax, though.  

Finally after making my best efforts for a lazy day, we made our way downtown for Silver Bells  in the City, the official kick-off of the Holiday season in Lansing. 

It was a beautiful night downtown and the dogs got so much love and attention from so many people.  They did a great job and loved every minute of their fun.

We enjoyed the electric light parade, ran into a former co-worker I hadn't seen in years, and had a nice walk.

No one really wanted to cooperate when I tried to get pictures, but I promise a good time was had by all.  We left before the tree lighting and fireworks, like we always do, to avoid the traffic, and made it home by 8pm.  

I had more things to check off my to-do list on Saturday,  and thankfully the dogs were happy to nap while I was busy.

I was most excited to finally be able to make my homemade applesauce.  I ended up with about 12 pints.  

After a productive day at home, I was excited to have some fun plans for our Saturday evening.  

We made the drive to Battle Creek late in the afternoon so that we could get in a few miles on the NCT.  

It was a beautiful day for a little walk, and we were able to get in a couple of miles before dark, 

At dusk, we were able to walk the section of the NCT that is decorated for the holidays with the 12 days of Christmas light display. 

We enjoy this section of the trail every year.  It's just so fun and festive. 

Then we walked back down the trail to catch the Christmas parade as it started.

We watched the parade from the trail and enjoyed the beautiful views of downtown.

Finally we headed back to the car.  We finished the evening with 3.75 miles on the trail, leaving us with 3.75 miles until we reach 100 miles this year.  I'm so pleased with our progress and we'll have no problem getting those last few miles over the next month.

We spent a ton of time outside today.  With temperatures in the mid-40s and some sun peeking through the clouds, I mowed the lawn for what will probably be the final time this year and did what I hope is the final leaf clean-up.  I finished up Christmas lights on one final tree and cleaned up most of the Fall decorations too.  Then I headed inside to watch the Lions game and eat lunch.   

It's been a quiet afternoon and the dogs are all currently napping away while I write.  I'm about to stick some pumpkins in the oven to roast for the dogs and then I'll start a load of laundry.  Hopefully we'll have a peaceful evening as I prepare to head back to work tomorrow. 

This week is a short work week with Thanksgiving on Thursday.  The weather forecast is for below normal temperatures and potentially our first significant snow of the season.  While this should be a fairly quiet week for us, we're about to enter the busy, fun-filled Christmas season.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.