If It's Thursday. . .

(A cautionary tale about ditched underwear is what our Fun Monday host, Margaret, over at Mama Drama is looking for today. Recently she spotted a pair of pristine whiteys in the parking garage where she works doing all manner of professional stuff. Click on the Mama Drama link for photographic proof, if you don't believe me. How did that happen, she wonders? And why the parking garage? Well, here's my theory.)

C is a recovering obsessive compulsive. None of his colleagues in the Professional Towers Building would ever guess the secrets he carries around. They see him as a great work partner and after hours buddy. Everyone admires his commitment to staying healthy in a stressful work environment. Every day during lunch he's at the gym across the street from the Tower getting in a fast workout. When it's his turn to drive to a meeting, his passengers always give him grief because they have to sit on that ever ready gym bag in the backseat of his car.

As I mentioned, C is a recovering obsessive compulsive with a lot to hide. He still rotates his cereal boxes--cheerios on Mondays, raisin bran on Tuesdays--and collects the Madagascar characters from Reese's Puffs. He only uses security envelopes for paying his bills, not trusting online payments or the envelopes provided with his bills. He carries hand sanitizer on a secret key ring. He lines the toilet seat in the men's room. And, he must wear these--Days of the Week underwear. This had been the worst compulsion to break. His goal is to eventually be able to give them up. Monday-Wednesday he's sporting the proper pair, but the rest of the week has to be pristine whites, no labels.

Well, last Thursday C had a meltdown after his workout. He showered and changed into the PWs, all the time wishing it was Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday so he could wear his DOWs. By the time he got back to the parking garage, he'd lost it. He threw his gym bag in the car and quickly ditched the offending PWs before heading back to the office. Moral of the story: if you have to take a step backwards from your comfort zone, better to do it commando.

Now be sure to check out other Fun Monday ditched underwear theories. I fear we may reveal more about ourselves than we should. . .

Borrow Your Pinch Collar?

(Our host for March 16's Fun Monday is Mariposa over at Maraposa's Tales . Mariposa wants some tales of kids saying the darnedest things. I'm going to be away from the internet for the next week so am posting early with my kid saying the darnedest thing.)

The adorable little boy in this photo with my three dogs Zack, Frank, and Dan is now a grown man serving in the Army Reserves with two children of his own. A was my neighbor's child and a somewhat troubled little boy. He had very few friends growing up and when I moved into the neighborhood he started hanging around with me, first causing trouble then gradually straightening out. A's mother worked a night shift and his father was not that involved with his upbringing. So, this mischievous little boy was my constant companion.

A didn't have a lot of respect for living things--plant or animal. I worked in my yard planting flowers and he thought nothing of pulling them up. I solved this problem by teaching him to plant and take care of the garden. He got so interested that he saved his allowance to buy a small tree for his yard. We went to the nursery and he was so disappointed to see the size of red maple that he was able to buy for $20.00. As I recall he told the nurseryman how disappointed he was!

Even more troubling was his treatment of animals. I observed him with his own dog doing some cruel things so didn't trust him with my three unless I was around. I have always heard that a child's mis-treatment of animals is a sign of psychological problems or, at the very least, lack of education. So we worked on how to care for animals as well. As you can see from the photo above, he came to love the dogs.

As a teenager A became involved with the fringe. He and his friends wore the dark clothes, body piercings, and black rocker makeup. One Saturday evening he came to my door dressed for a Marilyn Manson concert. Except he needed an accessory that only I had--a pinch collar! He wanted to borrow one of the dogs' collars to complete his concert outfit. This was in pre-Dog Whisperer training days, so, unfortunately, he had several options to choose from. Now I would never consider putting a pinch collar on my dog when a simple slip collar and the right energy gets so much better results. Kind of the same with A--sometimes dogs and small boys just need to be re-directed.

I'll bet most of you will have to think hard to come up with a comparable request! Now be sure to check out what is going to be a really Fun Monday and I'll catch up with you when I get home from my travels.

Going Walkabout

"Surely we have one more long walk in us?" That's the question my long time friend and fitness(?)partner Sally and I throw back and forth each year, especially when we approach a birthday. In 2003, we traveled to England to do The Wayfarers Coast to Coast Walk. This walk covered 85 miles through the Lake District, the villages and dales of Yorkshire, and then into the wild North York moors. We dipped our boots in the Irish Sea near Windermere on the west coast of England as a starting point. Six days and 85 miles later we reach the North Sea at Whitby on the east coast. Each day we walked 12-15 miles. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to see this spectacular country whose history, literature and culture is so familiar to all of us up close and personal. The walk was rated as "challenging" in The Wayfarers catalog. At the end, we believed them. We left England with a friendship cemented and pride in ourselves to have finished the walk. In this photo we've just dipped our boots in the North Sea at the end of the walk and celebrated with a little bubbly.(I'm third from the right in the back row; Sally is third from the right in the front row. You can see we're all pretty pleased with ourselves.)

So, next week we're heading south to answer that question--do we have one more walk in us? We leave on Saturday, March 14 and we get back home on the 21st. The Wandering Wheels Walking Club of the Ohio Volkssport Association will be picking us up at a rest stop just outside Louisville for a eight day walk through five southern states. Now "through a state" is not exactly an accurate description. We'll actually be on a tour bus for part of the distance. At each walk the bus will turn us out and we'll follow a walk route, precisely or informally as we please. You can see from the map that we'll simply dip south to the Gulf of Mexico and then head north from Florida through Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.

Here's our schedule:

Day 1 -- Nashville, TN, 12k Walk
Day 2 -- Memphis, TN, 11k
Day 3 -- Baton Rouge,LA, 10k
Day 4 -- Ocean Springs, MS, 10k
Mobile, AL, 10k (yep, that's 20k)
Day 5 -- Tallahassee,FL 10k
Day 6 -- Madison, GA, 10k
Day 7 -- Atlanta, GA, 10k
Day 8 -- Knoxville, TN 10k

I'm counting up 93 kilometers total. Don't tell me what this is in miles. I just want to think of it as a lot less since it's in kilometers. Check back for a trip report after March 21. I'll be on the look out for a Dog a Day snapshots to share with you. Here's wishing our socks stay up, it's all flat walking, and there's plenty to laugh about along the way.

Retired in Hard Times

(Dealing with our current economic pits is the topic for this week's Fun Monday. Yes, our host, Sayre, over at Sayre Smiles realizes that there's not much fun to be had out of our current economy, but she figures we're all in this together and may be able to share some strategies for surviving--maybe even thriving--in these challenging times. So, I'll tell you about being retired in a recession.)

I received this message from Kittyhawk, a long time friend, a couple of days before I retired in January 2006 at age 60. Many years ago we had actually shared an office where we worked together at the state department of education. Nanny and Rose hung by the door where we could both see it as we worked. This painting pretty much sums up the good life in my mind--a great dog by my side, peaceful place to read and drink coffee in my jimjams for as long as I please each day.

Like many other major decisions I've made in my life, I didn't do much agonizing--or planning--over the one to retire. Having worked non-stop since I was fifteen years old, I was ready to live differently and get to some things on my "to do" list while I had the health and freedom to do it. Even though I still liked my work and the people whom I worked with, the whole cycle of planning and doing was beginning to grind. So, in July '05, while sitting in the parking lot waiting for a doctor's appointment, I decided that I would retire in January '06. About the same time Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was retiring from the Supreme Court of the United States. I cut her letter out of the newspaper that she wrote informing George W. Bush of her decision and gave the same letter to my boss in October. It was only a few sentences, but got the job done--effective date of retirement, enjoyed the ride but now time to move on. That pretty much summed up my thoughts as well.

A financial planner would probably have advised me to work longer because I didn't have nearly the savings and retirement funds recommended; my home was not paid for; I needed to buy a car since I would have to give up Sienna my company van; I would have to pay part of health care costs, and I had some debt to repay. Still, I knew I could make it. In 40+ years of work I had two retirement pensions, plus would take Social Security at 62. I have always chosen to live simply with a minimum of possessions. That would not change with retirement. I'm now in year three as a retiree and I haven't looked back.

Sayre asked us to share some strategies for managing our family finances. I have two that I'll throw out. Are you familiar with the concept of voluntary simplicity? If not, it's been around for many years and making a resurgence now because of our economy. It's simple really, just a matter of making an individual effort to live well on less. It's not about deprivation, but, rather, valuing. What do you need in the way of material possessions to be happy? This past holiday season I read about the 100 Thing Challenge at Guy Named Dave . A year or so ago a San Diego guy named Dave launched this anti-consumer challenge. Could you live a year with just 100 things? This caught my attention because I have been interested in voluntary simplicity, and tried to practice it somewhat, for many years. So I jotted down a list of things/activities that I'd need or want to see if I used more than 100 things. Started with two most important rooms, kitchen and office, and here's what's on my list.

After finishing the list, I feel that I could live well with just 100 things. Think about how freeing it would be to get rid of the clutter from your life. (Click on the list to embiggen if you're having a hard time reading. Scanner wasn't working great.)

The other strategy I follow is that I like to "wool" my money. I keep this Monthly Spending Plan record and receipts to back it up. You'll see that I've listed about everything that might come up as an expense. I always know what's due and whether I can pay for it. In retirement, I've made decisions about what's important and cut out what isn't. I don't need 21 magazine subscriptions, but I'll try not to give up pilates lessons or buying books. This system works for me. Now I realize that this plan may not be realistic for a family, but Willie the Pit Bull and I do quite well with this approach. Here's what my monthly tracking system looks like, click on to enlarge:

Now be sure to check out all the other Fun Monday recession relief strategies over at Sayre's place. To quote the great Studs Terkel on the lessons of the Great Depression: "Don't blame yourself. Turn to others. Take part in the community. The big boys are not that bright. Hope dies last." I do believe that we'll make it even though too many people still can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Drover Hottie & Oscar Picks

(Looking for February 23 Fun Monday post? Just scroll down to "Kitchen Counter Tour".)

With the discovery of Netflix several months ago, I've become quite a film buff. Love getting those red envelopes in the mail and watching the DVDs on my home computer with Willie curled up under my desk. I have found treasures on Netflix. Movies both mainstream and independent, that have entertained, educated, and excited me. They ranged from British period drama to World Wars I and II to conflict and culture of the Middle East to complicated interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and lovers.

I also love seeing the first run movies on the big screen. From the above ticket stub collage, it looks like I'm in a pretty good position to pick the Oscar winners at tonight's Academy Awards ceremony. I'll watch the show just to see the spectacle of stars behaving graciously or badly, the fashions, and three hours of Hugh Jackman, the Drover Hottie from Down Under.

I don't have a particular movie, actor or director that I'm hoping will sweep the awards. I appreciated all of these movies for different reasons. However, here's my brief take on this past year at the movies, beginning with the Oscar contenders:

Doubt -- saw both the play and movie and still can't decide if the priest was guilty of child molestation or just buffering the boy from a harsh home life. There was evil on all sides. (Philip Seymour Hoffman delivered a chilling, puzzling performance as Father Flynn. Worthy of Best Supporting Actor.)

Revolutionary Road -- we all know the Wheelers (Kate Winslet and Leonardo Di Caprio) the perfect couple of the 1950s suburbia, living privately desperate and separate lives.

The Wrestler -- the brutality of the ring for has been been wrestlers was hard to watch many times. That brutality was balanced by the Ram's clumsy, but sweet, efforts to find redemption in the love of a woman, his daughter and the ring. (Mickey Rourke delivered a Best Actor performance and Marisa Tomei did the same for Best Supporting Actress. P.S. I am so getting me a hula hoop.)

Slumdog Millionaire -- Original premise. Chaotic glimpse into the life of orphans from the slums of Mumbai and how they survived by looking out for each other. (Danny Boyle deserves Best Director for such a sweeping film.)

Frost-Nixon -- Michael Sheen (Frost) and Frank Langella (Nixon) were the perfect counterpoints in this camera battle. Lightweight TV host takes on brooding, disgraced, but still power hungry, president. Who knew interviews on Vietnam and Watergate could be riveting? (Langella should win Best Actor.)

Milk -- I love Sean Penn for his chameleon-like ability to become someone else--from Huey Long to the grieving father in Mystic River to Harvey Milk, gay activist/San Franscisco city supervisor. In Milk, Penn nails the voice, body language, sadness, anger and humor of a gay man determined to bring about change. (Penn deserves Best Actor nomination, but he probably could care less about winning.)

Rachel Getting Married -- Anne Hathaway played a masterful role as the damaged daughter/sister/addict who gets out of a treatment center to be in her sister's wedding. I now know for certain why I hate parties and drawn out gatherings.

Defiance -- since December I've seen a series of films about WW I and II. This inspiring true story of the Bielski brothers' saving over 1,000 Eastern European Jews from the Germans in the Belarus Woods during WW II, put to rest the mistaken claim that "Jews won't fight." (Deserves Original Score award.)

The Duchess -- Keira Knightley played an 18th century ancestor of Princess Diana with eerily the same marriage and political path. (Ralph Finnes was excellent as the older, distant and cruel husband who only wanted a male heir from his young duchess.)

Australia -- Great sweeping Australian landscapes; Hugh Jackman tanned and riding a horse; Hugh Jackman putting the uppity noblewoman Nicole Kidman in her place and then winning her love; Hugh Jackman respecting and protecting the aboriginal people. Indulgent film making by director Baz Lehrmann? Who cares? (Be fine if wins Best Costume.)

The Reader -- saved the most complicated for last. I'm still thinking about this film. A 15 year Michael Berg is caught up in an intense love affair with Hanna, an older woman. They make love and he reads to her. She disappears. They meet again when, as a young law student, Berg observes her on trial for Nazi war crimes. Berg discovers that in his former lover's eyes there are secrets more shameful than murder of Jews in concentration camps. (Kate Winslet delivers a transformative performance as Hanna and deserves Best Actress. Ralph Finnes, as the adult Berg, played a controlled character, similar to his role in The Duchess, who was incapable of reaching out to his former lover until it was too late.)

Other movies I'm glad to have seen this year:

Gran Torino -- Clint still has it even in his 70s.

Last Chance Harvey -- Sweet. Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson take a chance on love.

Secret Life of Bees -- memorable interpretation of Sue Monk Kidd's novel about a southern sisterhood of strong women helping an abused young girl.

Then She Found Me -- Colin Firth as a bumbling, lovable single dad who loves his son's teacher.

When Did You Last See Father? --Colin Firth being creepy.

Momma Mia -- Abba and Meryl Streep--what fun!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas -- The son of a Nazi concentration camp commandant and a Jewish boy imprisoned in that camp form a true friendship.

Well, I'm listening to the awards show while typing this and my picks are not doing very well. That's okay, because the great thing about movies is that we're free to interpret and enjoy--or hate--as we like. All for the price of a ticket, bag of popcorn, and box of Junior Mints.

Kitchen Counter Tour

(Our host for this week's Fun Monday is Ari over at Beyond My Slab . She wants us to share a photo of our kitchen counter. The big question--can we resist doing a little straightening and staging before taking the photo? Well, since I'm not trying to sell my kitchen and originally titled this post "Good Enough", I'll follow Ari's directions.)


I redid this kitchen a few years ago, replacing the flooring, appliances, and countertops. Also painted the cabinets and walls in my favorite color range black-brown-tan. Joe the Remodeler referred to the countertop selection as "poor man's granite." I have the fabric to make some cafe curtains(brown checked)whenever I get around to it.

In keeping with the minimalist approach throughout my house, you'll not find much in the way of gadgets and appliances in this kitchen. I'm satisfied to do most food preparation and cleanup chores by hand. Notice the white bowl in the right hand sink. That's the garbage bowl trick that I learned from Rachael Ray. As I'm cooking any vegetable trimmings, empty cans, etc. go in this bowl until cleanup time. I don't need a garbage disposal. Nor do I need a dishwasher. It's good enough to handwash dishes and let them drain on a rack by the sink.

Moving on to the left, you can barely see some fruits and vegetables in green bags. These bags are the Debbie Meyer's fruit-vegetable keepers of infomercial fame. They actually work. I can keep bananas for over a week, cutting out expensive runs to the grocery store. Those bananas and some frozen fruit and yogurt can be thrown into the little blender with some ice cubes to make yummy smoothies when I'm trying to eat healthy.

Eating healthy comes and goes. Proof of that is the mixer and baking supplies at the ready on the counter. I've been baking cakes and bread the past few weeks. Last week it was oatmeal cake which I had every morning for breakfast. Before today is out I'm making pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling. Does that sound like the cure for the winter doldrums?

Well, this is probably the most boring kitchen tour you'll do this Fun Monday. Be sure and check out other more inspiring kitchens from Ari's place.

A Day's Foot Gear

(Our host for this week's Fun Monday is Gattina over at Writer's Cramps . She dares us to expose our winter feet by modeling what we wear in the house--slippers, flip flops, or nothing. Sorry Gattina! I thought I could do it when I signed up, but I've lost my nerve for which readers should be grateful. Instead, I'll show you a day's foot gear.)

Many years ago I was a shoeaholic. My Dexter loafers had to have the regulation beef roll. I had the first pair of round-toed pumps--navy Nina's--when everyone else was still wearing pointy toes. I gave up stilletos for clunky stack heels. Then there were the pastel ballarina slippers to match every outfit. You get the idea.
Somewhere along the way my feet got tired and sore from standing on them all day earning a living. Now my shoe rack is pretty dull as you can see in the lineup below:

Starting in the upper right, I'll describe the foot gear I wear on an almost daily basis. And, by the way, Willie's foot gear is in the photo as well.

Black loafers--these stay by the front door. First thing in the morning I slip into these and put the red leash on Willie that's hanging on the door knob. We then make the loong-g-g walk to the curbside newspaper box. I counted the steps this morning and it's about 30 strides to collect the paper. Willie doesn't care. You'd think we were heading out on a marathon by his level of excitement.
Black flip flops--these are my all season indoor shoes because my feet get really hot. At the end of the summer I always buy an extra pair for the winter.
Grey ragg socks--these I wear inside if it's really cold. When the power goes off for a week I wear two pair of these!
Blue Iditarod booties--these belong to Willie. More about them later.
MBT walkers--these funny looking sneakers are what I'm wearing to train for a six day volkssport walk through five southern states in March. These shoes were designed by a Swiss engineer to mimic the benefits of walking barefoot on natural ground. His inspiration was an East African Masai tribe who are legendary barefoot walkers. The thick rocker-shaped soles create an instability that forces you to stand straight when walking and engage your leg and hip muscles more completely. All I know is that a few miles in them is a real workout!
Black wedgies--the closest I have to dress shoes and always right with my black slacks uniform.
White athletic socks--if I'm not wearing the black socks, I'll wear these white ones with the blue lines for pilates. They're ventilated and my pilates instructor, Julie, can tell when she needs to get after me for rolling my feet out in some of the exercises. The fancy word for that is pronation, I believe. So if my blue lines are straight, Julie shouldn't be ragging me about letting my feet roll.
Now back to Willie's iditarod booties. As you can see in this photo he's not nearly as appreciative of them as he should be. They're actually quite special. His Aunt Jane and Uncle Robert are great fans of Alaska and the annual iditarod dog sled races. They brought these authentic dog booties back from one of their many trips to Alaska. They enjoy being around the dogs and the mushers. In fact, in some years they've volunteered to work at a rest station along the over 1,000 mile race course. They'll serve meals to the mushers or do recordkeeping or help with dog supplies. Here they're at a musher training camp getting a little ride from the dogs. It looks like everyone is having a great time, doesn't it?

Now I'm eager to see which Fun Monday participants had the nerve to show off their feet or their bunny slippers! Be sure to check Gattina's blog for a list of feet on display.