Balancing Act

I'm an introvert without a doubt, and as such, struggle to find the right balance between being social (which I also love) and spending quiet days at home doing as I like. In chatting with a friend of similar character, we've decided there is no right formula and we just have to take each day as it comes with recharging days at home taken when needed. I treasure both socializing and staying home, but really have to push myself to get out of the house regularly.

Thursday

Beaver Dam Pond.

A hike with the mates was the order of the day and the weather was gorgeous for it too. We hiked 4 miles on the Plateau through forests, around ponds and past streams. I found some treasure on the way - a spire of rock that will be featured in my garden and an old metal spike. Both of these items added about 20 pounds to my backpack. As I felt their weight on my back, I realized I was rucking - Walking with a weighted backpack is a low-impact, full-body workout that's growing in popularity.

After a couple of miles I really felt the full body workout!

Another treasure was spotting this porcupine high in a tree near the trail.

This Artist's Bracket fungi was sprouting in abundance in the woods.

Friday
One of my favorite kind of days - a peaceful one at home browsing around the garden. Some rain showers in the morning encouraged me to get some housekeeping done - a novelty when the weather is so nice. I picked the last of the garlic scapes and made my 3rd batch of pesto. There won't be a 4th unless I get to the farmers market. I roasted some brussell sprouts for salads and did some laundry. Then the weather cleared so I hopped on the bike for a short hill workout. I had a nice chat with my daughter about this and that and we are both looking forward to Aruba next month. Now to pack up for tomorrow's hike.

Saturday

Mt Everett hike via Race Brook Falls

Me (left) and about half of the group at the falls.

Eight miles with nearly 2000 ft of elevation truly kicked my butt and showed me how out of shape I am. Or maybe just getting older. In any case the mountain laurel was blooming and that was the main reason for going on this hike. Acre upon acre of these delicate little flowers blooming in the woods.

Mountain laurel blooms


6/15/2024

8/1/2018 - I had to go find this picture from 6 years ago when I was at the very same spot,
wearing the same shirt too.


More mountain laurel.

I was so glad to reach the summit and eat my lunch. 


Sunday
In other news, I've been ghosted by my long time contractor Ken. He came over in April to give me an estimate on my deck/patio/hot tub project. After a couple of phone inquiries, he just never got back to me. When I saw another contractor working in the neighborhood, I felt free to get an estimate. This lead to a recommendation for a third guy from my neighbor. The third guy turned out to be most thorough in his estimate (not cheapest), is booking for early August, and turned out to be an adorable former student of mine. He's hired with the contract to be signed this coming week. Yay! 
I'm disappointed in Ken as he has done so much work on my house in the past. Several friends report similar dealings with contractors not responding at all, even after providing estimates. Why can't contractors just tell you they are too busy, aren't interested in the job, or whatever the reason might be? 

Today is a peaceful day at home with the only project to mow the lawn. It's a beautiful sunny and cool day, so I'd better get it done before the 4 day stretch of 90+ days forecast for the week ahead. Tomorrow is a bike ride with my sister Theresa before the heat sets in Tuesday.
(later) - Well, the lawn is done and my fitness tracker shows I walked 3.5 miles doing it. I also was invited to happy hour and dinner and outside music in Saratoga, so I went. I can stay home when I'm older! 

Monday

Off to Millerton NY to bike with my sister Theresa. We did a leisurely 26 miles, had lunch at the Oakhurst Diner, and just enjoyed the beautiful scenery. 

The south end of Wassaic, NY

Theresa at the Metro North station.

We don't know what this is about.

I suppose it is if you like boredom. I get what the artist means,
but I'm not sure boredom is quite the right word.


Three people-y days in a row means I will have a day or two on my own as the heat wave descends on my part of the world. I'm wondering if I can get thru the next four days without turning on the AC. I don't love air conditioning but 90+ temps don't sound fun. There is so much to do to amuse myself both inside and out, so I won't be bored!

Comments

  1. MargaretJune 18, 2024 at 12:05 PM

    Many of us teachers are sociable introverts. I too like a mix of alone/quiet time and outings. I think you balance people and home perfectly. 26 miles sounds like a lot to me! John and I did 14 and my legs were wiped. Being older and out of shape is my excuse. :)

    ReplyDelete

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