Mom's Gym

It is that time of year again. Open enrollment. Our health insurance plan has an annoying health survey they require us to take in order to save money on premiums. At the end of the 657 questions it offers suggestions on how you can improve your health. I tried not agreeing to any of them, but the stupid computer program simply will not allow it.  As if it is saying, "Seriously, we know you're a lazy sloth, push the button." I chose the join a gym option.

I chose that one because it did not specify what type of gym. I have to admit paying ridiculous fees to watch other sweaty people walk a treadmill indoors while I wait my turn does not appeal to me. So today, I signed up to join Mother Nature's Gym.

Just three blocks from my house is the entrance to a beautiful walking park. The path runs between an open field...

 and the White River...

and follows the river through the woods. 

I find this view much more appealing than a regular gym. 

I did a fast walk for 25 minutes before taking advantage of one of the many river-view benches for a quick break before walking back.

I will need to remember to bring a slice of bread for the ducks next time. 

As well as my big girl camera. These phone shots just did not do Mom's Gym and her furry membership justice. This place may save my sanity.

I Would Like to Thank the Following…

Thomas Parker, for his current service in the United States Navy

James Parker, for his service in the United States Air Force

Jim Davis, for his service in the United States Air Force

Rick Skoog, for his service in the United States Army

Kurt Skoog, for his service in the United States Army

Robert Skoog, for his service in the United States Army

Norman Skoog, for his service in the United States Army

John Skoog, for his service in the United States Army

Robert Hinton, for his service in the United States Army during Vietnam

William Hinton, for his service in the United States Army during Vietnam

Sonny Hinton, for his service in the United States Army during Vietnam

Donald Davis, for his service in the United States Air Force

Basil Parker, for his service in the United States Navy

William Lowman, for his service in the United States Marines during the Korean Conflict

David Hinton, for his service in the United States Navy during WWII

John Skoog, for his service in the Swedish Army during WWI

Daniel Brooks for his service in the Union Army during the Civil War



Theodore Hinton for his service in the Union Army during the Civil War

John Morris for his service in the Union Army during the Civil War

Benjamin T. Butler for his service in the Confederate Army during the Civil War

Justus Brooks for his service during the War of 1812.

James Allison for his service in the New York militia during the American Revolution

James Lowe for his service it the 13th Virginia Regiment at Valley Forge.

It is an honor, gentleman, to share a branch on our family tree with such courageous men.

New In Town

Since moving I have become quite the social butterfly. Just this weekend, I spent Friday with old friends I had not seen in ages, Saturday with new friends I have only recently met, and Sunday with old friends I have never met before. Yes, you read that last part correctly. Sunday, I visited with Kim from I'm Gonna Tell Mom, who I have been friends with online for years, yet have never met in person. We met at Tabby Tree Weaver for the afternoon spin-in. We laughed until our cheeks hurt, a good sign we had a good time.

I think Mildred, my trusty wheel, was happy to get out and meet new people as well. Since I have spent the summer spinning on the great wheel at work, I think she has been feeling a little neglected.

Mildred and I have been working on spinning this 500 pounds of gray roving for what seems like years, so we agreed to make a wee little purchase of Blue Face Leicester to brighten our spirits back in New Sheville.

Kim pointed out that I had not yet properly given a tour of New Sheville on the blog. (Did you notice the name change to New Sheville? A nod to towns such as New Palestine, New Winchester, New Salem that signal the difference from the old.)  I have to say, New Sheville is working out nicely. It sits on the main floor adjacent to the dining room and leads to the back deck where I let the dogs in and out multiple times a day.

It took some doing to pare down enough to fit everything in.

Nevertheless I somehow managed to fit all of my spinning, knitting, weaving, quilting, embroidery and sewing paraphernalia into one room instead of three.

Well, except for the fleeces. There was no room for the fleeces. 

They ended up down the hall and to the right--inside the shower. Hey, it works! Nobody ever uses that shower anyway.

The small door on the left of this little hallway leads to the kitchen so I can keep my eye on what ever is cooking.

And the laundry room is also right here. No more running up and down stairs to change loads. There is even an extra fridge in there--a giant wine cooler and place to store chocolate.

So really, everything I need to survive is at my fingertips. I could easily set up a cot and live back here. I just can't shower. Doh!

This Also Never Happened

It is a good thing nobody was dressed up in the barn on Halloween, otherwise some of the kids might have enjoyed their costumes a little too much.

"I feel pretty."

"Oh so pretty."

"I feel pretty and witty and bright."

"And I pity."

"Any girl who isn't me tonight."

"Dude," said the sheep. "You're not a girl either and you aren't pretty. Cut that out!"

"She said I wasn't pretty."

"Well Skippy, don't you worry about that. You wear a pink tutu better than any other buck I know."

None of This Ever Happened

We are all business in the barn at work. Our jobs are to educate the guests about serious issues like where our food comes from. Very serious stuff. 

The super responsible livestock manager would have 

no part in any shenanigans going on in the barn. Not even

if it were Halloween and the last day of the season.

And, of course, none of us would dare do anything silly 

like dress a baby goat up with a bucking bull rider the minute he left the building.

Nor would we dress them in a pig costume. 

Our guests wouldn't enjoy a calf/moose one bit.

The volunteers would think the idea stinks. 

Not even a John Deere hat would be appropriate in this barn. 

Good thing none of this ever happened.