Welcome to 2021

We officially made it through 2020 and, surprisingly quickly, we are already half way through the month of January.  While the world is still going crazy, personally things are going well to start the year-or at least as well as can be expected. 

January is always a tough month and is definitely one of my least favorite months of the year.  It's cold and gray, and after the beauty and sparkle of the holiday season, it is just dark, dreary, and unmotivating.  I'm always sad to see the end of the holiday season arrive, but never as much as I was this year.  At my house, the Christmas tree and outdoor lights stay up and on until January 6th-the official ending of the Christmas season.  However, this year January 6th came and I just couldn't bring myself to take the tree down...so I didn't.  I decided it would stay up through the weekend instead, but I still couldn't take it down that Sunday, so it remained up several days longer.  It is officially down now, and while I was still sad to see it go, I know that it was time.  After all of the holiday decorations are down and safely put away until next year, the sad reality of the month of January becomes much more apparent, so I am glad I left things up longer this year.  I know I'm not the only one and I am still seeing trees and lights up around town, although they appear less every day.  I just think we all needed a little more joy in our lives this year and keeping the Christmas spirit alive a little longer certainly helped.

I'm hoping to keep a little sparkle alive by decorating the second tree, which is in my office, with some different holiday themes over the next few months.  First up, I'll be decorating for Valentine's Day.  I'm excited to see how that turns out for me and hoping that they fun theme will keep things a little brighter during the long months of Winter. 

 

One positive this Winter is that we have had milder than normal temperatures.  The girls and I have been trying to make the most of these milder days by getting outside and doing some exploring.  It certainly makes Winter easier to tolerate when I can get out for walks without freezing!  

We haven't had a significant amount of snow this year, but we were lucky to get a few snowy days.  One of my favorite recent walks was through a snowy Winter wonderland at Hartrick Park.  The paths were snowy, but not icy, and the beauty of the snow on the trees was exceptional.  We thoroughly enjoyed our walk.  There is something special about the woods covered in a snowy coat.

We have been adjusting our recent adventures to help accommodate Maddie's slower pace.  While she still wants to join us on all of our adventures, she is slow and unable to go as far as Peaches.  Just because she can't keep up is no reason to leave her behind though, and I know she wouldn't be happy if she didn't get to go on some regular adventures.  Most of our walks begin with a slow meander with Maddie until she lets me know she is done, and then she gets to snuggle up with her cozy cave and a blanket in the car while Peaches and I continue the fun.  It has been working well and keeping everyone happy.

Most of our adventures during the week include a little geocaching which helps me find new places to walk.  After my busy work days lately, it is nice to get out of the house and find some places away from home to explore.   It is nice to find areas that we previously had not discovered.  We have found new parks and new areas around the city as well as some areas in nearby small towns...and we've even rediscovered some area we haven't visited in a while.  

We have also enjoyed some of our favorite, regular spots.  When the sidewalks get icy in the neighborhood, I always enjoy taking the girls downtown around the capitol where it is always well-lit with clean sidewalks.  It is a great place to take a Winter walk and it one of the things that has been a regular part of our Winter routine for years.

One Friday night, we jumped in the car and headed to Pinckney for an event at a local lavender farm.  Before the event, we had a chance to walk around town and explore a bit.  I loved the quaint little town with the community ice rink.  A really great way to keep Peaches happy while involving Maddie in our adventures is to explore new areas. Even a short walk in a new town can keep Peaches very content.  With all of the new smells, she spends lots of time sniffing while Maddie plods along with us at her own pace.  

While the event at the lavender farm was not quite what I had expected it to be, I was glad it was dog-friendly and the girls were happy about that too.  We walked the short lighted path at the farm with both of them sniffing away and then stopped by the bonfire for a bit to enjoy the fire.  Afterward, we drove back into town to purchase take-out from one of the local restaurants.  It was a nice night and I was happy to do my small part to support some small businesses during the current economic situation.  

For the sixth year, I have signed up to complete the North Country Trail Hike 100 Challenge.  For the past five years, I have been joined by Maddie on this challenge and I've always wanted to include her, but the reality this year is that we would never be able to complete the challenge with her. So I have let go of the need for her to join us for every mile.  She will still get out on the trail with us for some short sections and I will be happy to have her with us for any of the miles she is able to join.  Peaches, on the other hand, will be completing the challenge with me again this year.  It will be her fourth year out on the trail with me and we are excited to see where the trail takes us this year!

We started earlier this month and Maddie joined us for our first 1.25 miles.  The girls were very interested in all of the new smells as we started this year's journey.  

This year we are excited to have Vanessa join us for the challenge too!  With her along for the journey, it makes life a lot easier  because we can each take a dog, and Maddie loves having a person all to herself!  Another advantage is that we can stage cars to walk longer stretches of the trail without having to cover any section of the trail twice.  Plus it's nice to have some company out on the long stretches of the trail.  Our first walk on the trail covered 7 1/4 miles, mostly road walk, in Calhoun County South of Homer.  It was the mid-30s and sunny with almost no wind, the perfect day for a hike and the perfect start toward our 100 miles.

Last week, Maddie started acupuncture and cold laser therapy for her arthritis  I am hoping it will help reduce inflammation and pain so that she may be able to join us for some longer adventures.  I didn't see a lot of change after the first treatment, but she is scheduled for a second round of laser therapy this week, and I am hoping to see more improvement.  Even if she can't join us for longer walks, if it helps her feel better that will make me happy.  She is my special adventure dog and I want to make sure she can happily and comfortably continue to adventure for as long as she wants to join us.

As I began writing today, I realized that I don't have many pictures of our weekday adventures since most of them happen at dusk or after dark, but I am going to try to be better at getting some pictures on some of them over the next week.  I did get a picture of Peaches as we explored Old Town on Friday.  Despite several distractions, she sat pretty nicely for this and I was pretty proud of her.

On Saturday, we continued our journey on the North Country Trail, starting in Homer.  In addition to the normal 100 mile challenge, this year Vanessa and I have signed up for the Chief Noonday Chapter "Hike the County" Challenge.  This challenge requires us to complete all of the miles in each of the three counties in the chapter-Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Barry.   There is a total of 119 miles across the three counties so we will be able to complete our 100 miles while working on this challenge too.  There is a special patch for the challenge with an additional patch for each county completed.  I'm pretty excited for this additional challenge which will get us out on some portions of the trail that we have never hiked.  Seeing new places was one of the main reasons I signed up for the challenge the first year, and I'm excited to continue finding new places to explore in this beautiful state.

The previous weekend we had started at the Calhoun/Hillsdale County Line to begin our hike North and West toward Kalamazoo County.  The Calhoun county section is 58 miles which will take us on dirt and paved roads, on paved trails and sidewalks through Homer, Albion, Marshall, and Battle Creek, and even through some small parks and wooded areas.  This is definitely different than some of the hiking we've done in the past, but we will also revisit some of our favorite areas of the trail.  It should be a great adventure!

On Saturday, we started in downtown Homer, right where we had left off the previous week.  Maddie joined us for the portion of the trail that ran through town before we left her in the car to continue a 3.5 mile road walk section.  We completed the first section of our hike and took a quick break for snacks, to move cars around, and to get Maddie out for another short walk before we continued on another long road walk section  We even passed another hiker out enjoying the trail and had a nice chat.  

While the road walk sections may not be the most interesting sections of the trail, they still offer some interesting views.   It was another day with temperatures in the low to mid-30s, and while it was gray, it was not a bad day for a hike.  In total we hiked 9.5 miles for the day and are making great progress in our first month.  Only 83.25 miles until we reach 100 and 102.25 miles until we complete all three counties.  

We're hoping to keep up a good pace and complete the challenges before the heat of Summer arrives so that we can continue to have Maddie join us for portions.  Because no one wants to leave an adventure dog at home!  

Now it's time to take advantage of my day off and get the girls out for a little daylight adventure for today before our busy work week starts again.  I hope you are having a good start to your year and that you all have a great week! 

Reflections on 2020

When I think back to my childhood, I remember thinking of 2020 as this far off time, the year that I would turn 50, a lifetime away.  Yet somehow, here we are, just 6 hours away from the end of the year.  How in the world did it get here so quickly?!?  Of course when I thought about it or wondered what it would be like in 2020, I could never have imagined what we actually got.  I don't think any of us expected to be in the middle of a pandemic in our lifetimes, but here we are.  And while there have been some really tough moments for many people, there has also been a lot of good.  So one day, when I think back to this year, I won't remember it in a negative way, but will remember the good things that it gave me.

We may have traveled less this year than in the past, but we explored more of Michigan and the Lansing area than we ever had previously.  We found so many great new trails and parks close to home, some of which have become regular parts of our lives.  There are an abundance of places to explore within 10 miles of home and lots of beautiful, wooded areas I never knew existed.  We are all thankful for the trails that we have discovered and the ability to be able to get out to enjoy them.

We have continued to do good by helping homeless pups.  While I haven't been able to spend time volunteering at the shelter like I have in the past, I have still been able to foster.  I had a couple more challenging fosters this year in Cricket with her trust issues and Piper with her anxiety, but I also had the joy of fostering a couple of youngsters, Melanie and Roxi.  And I continued to learn life lessons from each of them.  

We were able to finish our Hike 100 Challenge on the North Country Trail for the fifth year.  I continued to make progress toward visiting all of Michigan's State Parks.  I challenged myself in new ways both physically and mentally through group challenges(like the plank challenges I completed), practicing gratitude, focusing on things that I can control, making healthier choices, and eating more vegan and vegetarian meals.  I enjoyed my garden and all of the bounty it gave me.  I have a freezer full of goodies that will get me through the Winter and make me so appreciative of the gifts that nature can provide.

Most importantly, I have gotten to spend so much more time with the girls.  With the exception of the one day that I packed up my office, I have spent every work day since March 17th at home with them.  As Maddie gets older, I can't tell you what a blessing that has been.  They are great coworkers and I am so thankful for the extra time we get to spend together.   Working from home has been a blessing in so many ways and I'm thankful that I will be able to continue to do so long-term now.

I am so grateful for the fact that Maddie will be here to ring in the new year with me tonight, and I am hopeful that she will be here for many more months.  While she is older and that comes with health issues, she is pretty healthy for a nearly 15 year old girl, she still loves a good adventure, and she's always up for a good road trip.  We're only 5 months away from her birthday and I am hopeful that she'll be here to celebrate it.  I have big plans!

Peaches is doing great as well and she is so much fun to have around.  We are nearing the third anniversary of her coming into my life and I never expected her to still be here.  I am thankful that she is.  She brings levity to darker moments, she brings joy to all who meet her, and she has helped keep Maddie going through some dark days.  Maddie and I are grateful that Peaches came into our lives and that we will ring in the new year with her too!

Over the last couple of days we were able to safely spend some time with friends.  Maddie is always up for a visit with her Aunt Chastity!

We also enjoyed more hikes in some areas we haven't visited previously.  While it's been chilly, the sunshine makes us happy and makes the cold bearable.

We also enjoyed a little snow.  While it turned to slush by the next morning, it was pretty on the lighted trees.

To end the year right, we got out for one last hike on a trail we'd never hiked.  It was a little slippery and we didn't go far, but it was a beautiful morning to be out enjoying nature.

And the best part of the day, and the best way to end the year, was a visit from our favorite girl!

We had an outdoor Christmas celebration and the girls were so excited to have our girl home with us.  While we haven't seen her as much as we'd like this year, we are all definitely happy every time we do see her.  And the best part was how excited Maddie was about the presents.  She was back to her enthusiastic self!

I have so much to be thankful for today and every day.  I am thankful for the health of all of those that I love.  I know that many people have lost loved ones this year due to Covid and many other causes.  I am lucky that I haven't lost anyone.  I know that 2020 has been a really tough year for many people and realize just how lucky I am.  I have made it through the year with my health, I have a good job, I have my girls.  I am happy and safe and warm.  

Tonight the girls and I will peacefully allow the new year to arrive without much fanfare because tomorrow is really just another day.  And I plan to continue to make the most of each one I am given. 

 Wishing you all health, happiness, and love today and every day.  

Our special Christmas guest

Just a few days before Christmas, I offered to help the rescue by fostering a young GSP for a few days around the holidays.  Her family was losing their home and, while I am not able to take in a long-term foster at this time, I was happy to be able to help out and give her a place to stay for a few days before she would make the trip to her permanent foster home in Illinois.

She came into rescue on Tuesday afternoon, and I made the drive to the Ionia area to pick her up and bring her home.  She was very excited to be in the car and a pretty vocal passenger, but luckily the drive home wasn't too long. 

Roxi settled in quickly on her first night here, and while she wanted nothing more than to play with Peaches and Maddie, neither of them wanted anything to do with her.  She was cute and well behaved and very lovable...and full of energy.  

And since nobody else was up for the challenge, I spent most of Tuesday night playing with her until she finally crashed for the evening.

When she was done playing, she happily climbed up into my lap and was soon snoring away.  I didn't complain because who wouldn't want to snuggle up with an adorable sleeping youngster while enjoying the lights from the Christmas tree?!?

Wednesday morning at work was busy, but I was able to finish several projects, and after 2 long days of work on Monday and Tuesday, I earned some time off Wednesday afternoon.   We had made plans for a little geocaching adventure with Vanessa for the afternoon, and Maddie, Peaches, and Roxi were all ready for an adventure.

We visited the Owosso and Corunna areas and took some short walks to keep Maddie happy.  One of our stops took us to the banks of the Shiawassee River at Curwood Castle.  

We also stopped at McCurdy Park for a longer walk along the river with Peaches and Roxi while Maddie napped in the car.  After we returned from our walk, Maddie joined us for a quick walk around the historical park which was beautifully lit for the holidays.  I can never resist taking a picture of this beautiful little church.

We headed back to Lansing in time to place an order at my favorite taco truck in the last hour that they were open for the year.  I can't tell you how happy it made me to get my tacos one last time!  I then dropped Vanessa off at home and made a quick drive to see some lights at a local residence which I had heard were spectacular.  No picture can do just to the number of lights at this house  It was insane!

We then headed home where we all ate dinner and the girls curled up for the evening.  It had been a great day of fun for us all.

Christmas Eve arrived and I had one final day of work before I was off for the rest of the year.  I don't mind working on Christmas Eve because it is quiet and I can always wrap up my projects for the year before I start my year-end vacation.  The day went quickly and I finished everything I needed to get done for work.  I felt relieved that I had made it through the last few weeks and I was ready for a break.

Since Nicol wasn't coming for Christmas Eve this year due to Covid, I took the girls downtown for a walk to enjoy the peace of the city at rest for the holidays.  We strolled through town enjoying the music and the window displays.

It was a cold night and Maddie slowed down quickly, so we headed back to the car to head home.  Once home, the girls ate dinner and then it didn't take long before everyone was settled in for the evening.

We traditionally open our Christmas gifts on Christmas Eve when Nicol is home with us and I think Maddie knew that something exciting was about to happen because she laid herself right by the tree.

I made the girls sit nicely for some pictures with the tree before getting their gifts out for them to open.

Normally Maddie is a pretty enthusiastic gift opener, but wasn't as interested as normal this year.  Maybe that was because Nicol wasn't here to share in the excitement.  But Roxi enjoyed opening her gift and eventually all the gifts under the tree were unwrapped.

Peaches and Maddie relaxed with their gifts while Roxi played for a bit.  And then we all settled in for a viewing of White Christmas followed by the Nutcracker before heading off to bed.

A quiet Christmas morning arrived with nowhere for us to go and nothing to do.  Maddie was happy to snuggle up in her cozy cave and at one point Roxi joined her for a bit.

While I spent the day busily doing meal and veggie prep for both my Christmas dinner and for later in the week, the girls occupied themselves with naps or watching the world go by out the window.  They also each enjoyed special treats from their stockings.

Finally, I put the turkey breast in the oven to cook and decided that it was time to head out for a walk with the girls before dinner and before it got dark.  We took a nice walk through Fenner Nature Center and I was glad to see others out enjoying the day too.  

We had an enjoyable walk, but I wonder how funny I must have looked as I walked with one arm stretched out behind me pulling Maddie along, one arm stretched out in front of me with Roxi excitedly walking along like a gopher on her two hind legs, and Peaches sommersaulting through the snow every few feet.  It was definitely an adventure.   While I didn't get any pictures on our walk because I had my hands full, I was able to take a quick shot from the car before we left.

I came home and had a nice dinner and then sat down to relax and enjoy a peaceful Christmas night.  It had been a good day, and while I didn't get to spend it with family, I did get to spend it with my girls and that made it special.

Saturday morning arrived and Roxi would be leaving us later that day to head to her foster home in Illinois.  She may have only been with us a few days, but I fell in love with this sweet girl.  I was happy she decided that we should spend some time snuggling before she left us.

When the time came for her to leave, we all piled into the Jeep for the drive to Ionia.  We were there in no time and before I knew it, she was off on the rest of her journey with a bag full of toys and treats from Santa to keep her busy on her long journey.  I have since seen updates from her foster family and she is settling in well.  She has two doggy friends to play with her and a family that will love her until she finds her forever home.  I'm just glad I could be a small part of helping her along her way to a new life.

We took advantage of our drive to Ionia to get out and visit a new trail and see some new things.  We did some geocaching along the way and made the most of our afternoon.  Before we left, I picked up some Mexican food from a local restaurant and found a quiet place to park and enjoy my meal before making the drive home.  

Sunday morning started out slowly and I was sure we were going to have a lazy day at home.  Peaches was patient for awhile, but finally she'd had enough of being lazy.  The weather was mild for late December with temperatures in the upper 30s and I reminded myself that we need to make the most of days like this because January is coming and with it will come colder temperatures and more snow.  So I took the girls for a ride to East Lansing and a visit to Patriarche Park.  

We all enjoyed the walk and the fresh air and Peaches appreciated exploring a place she'd never been.  There were lots of good smells for her there.   

We had all enjoyed our holiday with Roxi and a nice quiet weekend.  It had been nice to stay close to home for the most part and to just enjoy spending time together without work or other commitments to get in the way.  I'm looking forward to a quiet and relaxing week off as we prepare to ring in the New Year.