Goodbye October, November Already

Persistent Pinks

 Oct 26 - 31

The vertigo is not totally over, it seems just at the edge of happening again and as a result, I haven't been feeling great. I took a nice walk yesterday to get out of my funk as I've put on a few pounds which make my clothes fit uncomfortably. Back during working days, one of my colleagues described wearing tighter fitting pants (due to weight gain) as 'punishment pants'. Yup.

Last night neighbor-friend Annette and I went to the RPA Forests Forever Gala. It was really nice to run into so many people from the past and catch up. I bid on a few things at the silent auction, but was not successful in placing the highest bid. Oh well, the evening was lovely and dinner delicious.

Another walk today, but I waited til late afternoon and I almost ran out of daylight. This is the part of fall that is depressing  - night comes on so quickly these days. 

Early voting is such a great thing. I can just add it to my list of errands any day during the week and its done. No struggle to make it to the polls on election day, when the least little hiccup can scuttle your voting plan. Viva democracy! 

I took friend Tom to the Ashuwilticook trail for a 26 mile bike ride as he has never been. It was a tad bit windy, but felt good to stretch the legs. We had lunch after at the trailside pub and made it home by 3:30. Another bike ride got cancelled due to conflicts but hopefully the weather will hold out for another ride this fall. We joked about wearing balaclavas under our helmets if it gets too cold.

November

Sunday was spent at  my friend Dale's 70th birthday brunch. It was so lovely to celebrate such a great friend. She and Dan hosted brunch at Yanni's in Chatham which was beautifully done. It was nice to catch up with her sons and some old colleagues from school days. 

When I got home I decided to pack up and head to my moms a day early. There was yard work to do as well as the usual inside work, so an extra day will ease the workload. She feels both appreciative and guilty over my helping out. I assure her I am happy to help, but also try to understand how difficult it must be to lose her independence. Scrabble and wine helps. She was completely satisfied with herself for beating me in two out of three games of Scrabble. She really is mentally sound even though she complains about her physical ailments.

Well I'm back home now after 4 days away and glad of it. I took a bike ride - 10 hilly miles - which felt good as I embark on my 'get back into shape' month. Daily yoga with Adriene, plus one other form of activity, no more than 1 alcoholic drink per week, lots of water, and other forms of self care. Tomorrow is a guided hike with the RPA up on the plateau to a parcel of land that is not yet open for public use. Then a dinner on Saturday for which I'm making the cake. Then another hike on Sunday.