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COFFEE TALK 05.19.19

Greetings and salutations on this fine Sunday morning in May! I’ve been trying to enjoy this beautiful spring weekend to its fullest. I’ve spent a lot of time reading on the deck, we visited with friends in our former neighborhood on Friday night, and last night we attended a backyard get-together with people from church where I got some much-needed education on gardening.

I have a lot of gardens to keep up with here, and they’re already getting overwhelmed by weeds. Part of my problem is, I’m not always sure what’s a weed and what’s a plant, ha! I guess I just need to dive in (or should I say dig in… #punny) and figure it out. If I pull out a healthy plant or two, it’s not the end of the world.

Our pool is open, as you can see from the picture above, and everyone has already been in but me. D and his friends went in for a quick dip a few weeks ago, and Paul and the girls were in for a while yesterday. It isn’t heated, so it’s pretty chilly at the moment (the water temp is around 72) but my family couldn’t be dissuaded. We’re having some friends over after church today, so we’ll see how brave they are.

I get a lot of questions about what I serve when I entertain, and I doubt I’ll ever write a dedicated post about it because it just isn’t that inventive, but I’ll tell you that I’m serving hamburgers and hot dogs. (I know. Hamburgers and hotdogs for summer… groundbreaking!)

In addition to that, we have asparagus to throw on the grill, and I picked up potato salad from the grocery store deli and a sesame Asian salad kit. I’ll probably put out a bag of potato chips, and I may whip up a batch of french onion dip with the Lipton’s onion soup mix and sour cream because I’m classy like that. We serve it with Frito’s Scoops — so easy and so good. It always goes in a flash.

Our guests are bringing drinks, fruit, buffalo chicken dip, and dessert. So yeah, as I said, nothing particularly original or inventive, but I like to keep things easy. If I was really ambitious, I’d whip up some deviled eggs this morning, but I’m not feeling it.

I’m not running today because I ran the past two days, and taking a day off is probably a good idea, but I think I’ll go for a walk before getting ready for church. I’m still sore from the dead lifts I did on Thursday, if you can believe it! I need to do some stretching, but I want to make sure I’m warmed up for it, and a walk should do the trick.

I appreciate the comments about exercise as we age on yesterday’s email. I know we have to adjust our expectations as we get older, and overdoing it is never a good thing, but there is a safe way to increase mileage and endurance.

Inconsistency can actually make you more prone to injury, and I’m very guilty of that — that and not stretching properly. I’ve been a lot better about stretching since living here because it takes at least 5 minutes for my shower to warm up, so I always stretch during that time.

But being consistent and gradual about increasing my mileage is my challenge. I have what you might call an all-or-nothing personality, or as my husband likes to say, She has two speeds: Stop and Go. When I get busy or overwhelmed by life or annoyed by the weather, and I tend to back off and lose my momentum.

I’m definitely not ready to let myself be satisfied with the status quo, so this summer my goal is to be very intentional about my workout regimen and make it a priority. All too often, exercise is the first thing to go when I get busy, and I’ve got to change that. Especially at this time of year with the weather being so nice and it being light out so early, I really have no excuse not to get out there.

In other words, I know what I need to do; I just need to do it.

Anyway, I share all this because I’m sure many of us are in the same boat. I hope it’s encouraging to hear that I struggle too, and if you need a little kick in the butt to put aside the excuses and get out there, consider this a firm but loving nudge.

On that note, I need to wrap this up so I can get my walk in and be to church on time. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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38 Responses

  1. Many of us struggle with staying committed to our workouts. Life gets in the way. I’m not a runner. The key is finding what you enjoy & making an appointment on your calendar.  That makes me stick to it. I enjoy the gym. I schedule it in 3x a week. I love Zumba, schedule it. Kickboxing, schedule it.  About a year ago my husband and I started Tai Chi (DVD’s @ home) at recommendation of his Dr. to help his back strength. Every day we manage to squeeze in 30-40 min & we are both stronger physically & mentally for it.  It’s fun and it is “our” time. These are all activities I’ve grown into and I’m stronger pushing 60 than I ever was at 40. I’m also more committed to keeping myself healthy and fit as I watch inactive friends struggling. That alone is a strong enforcer.  

    1. Definitely agree with the key being to find something you ENJOY doing. I used to hate running… and all exercise, haha! And at some point, it just clicked. It’s nice that you and your husband can do some of it together.

  2. Hurry and buy a huge bucket of PREEN. I mean get that sucker and the minute you finish weeding, put out the PREEN and it will help reduce the frequency of weeds. Don’t under any circumstance use any Roundup as it will kill everything around what you spray it on.

  3. I also can’t say enough about the EGO line of battery operated outdoor power equipment. It’s perfect for women. Relatively light weight and no gas fumes. Put in the battery and off you go. I have the trimmer, edger, pole saw and hedge trimmer. If you have a lot of leaves to blow, the backpack blower is excellent. But I don’t own that, I own a gas powered one. I got a Cub Cadet pressure washer with a Honda engine and just love it. Saves so much money on getting someone else to do it.

  4. Just what I need to hear today.  Son graduates high school next weekend, daughter gets married 2 weeks after that, and our dog had major orthopedic surgery.  My exercise program has derailed completely, sigh.  Trying to just extend a little grace to myself and pick it back up when things are a little nuts.  I hear you on the two speeds.  Right now mine are hysteria/collapse.  LOL

    1. Hi Wendy…..boy do I remember those days.  But, it soon will be here and gone and so try to enjoy the moment, even the planning modes. I had one child graduating from 8th grade, one from High School and the other from College and then getting married all from May to July.  I was crazy.  The one getting married was a girl too, so we had all the work.  Anyway, now they are all graduated from college and married and my first grandchild on the way. I can’t believe how fast the years go and at that time, I thought I would never get to July. 🙂  Have fun.  

  5. Thank you  thank you i need to be remind to stop make excuses when it comes to exercising.  the weather in the Delaware/pennsylvania area can be discouraging. its either raining or  threatening to rain. who want to get drenched. but your right on days like we have had  there is no reason to not take a walk. 

    1. The weather really can be a huge deterrent. And as much as I love summer, I’m already dreading those hot, humid runs. We get so little of that perfect weather… but we’re having it now so I really have no excuse. 🙂 I’ve learned that around here the rain isn’t always enough to prohibit a run. I try to go out as long as it isn’t downpouring. Sometimes a little drizzle feels good. 🙂

  6. Sounds like y’all are going to have a great afternoon!  Your patio looks so nice.  You don’t need to have anything fancy to eat to enjoy the fellowship.  So many times, simple is better.  Have a great day!

  7. Good Morning. – First, I love your posts and your style. Like mine haha so of course I love it. I agree with comments here to find what you love in exercising and do it. I love Jazzercise and have been doing it for many decades. The format continually changes with all the up to date music and I get a kick out of moving during a workout like I would never do in public (well most of the time I don’t). Anyway, this workout has kept this momma of 5 and grandmother of 11 fit for many years. Love your pool area and know you will enjoy the gathering with your friends. See you tomorrow!

  8. Thank you so much for that encouragement. Life gets very busy but we do need make priority for ourselves and our health!  Love your blog.

  9. Such a beautiful back yard and pool. I can see why you guys wanted to move to this house. Enjoy your day!

  10. I love that you keep your menu easy when you entertain.  That way you can enjoy yourself with everyone else!  Good for you for getting out there and challenging yourself with your runs.  I don’t run, but I do walk on my treadmill everyday and do some strength workouts, and at 62, I’m feeling good.  And it’s keeping the weight down.  I look and feel better than I did 20 years ago.  I wish I’d been better about it back then! 😬  Enjoy your gathering today.  Your pool looks wonderful!

      1. I have a feeling you’ll still be modeling clothes beautifully and running marathons when you’re 62! 😊

  11. I love that you keep entertaining simple. I love simple. Grocery stores have such great choices now. I only make deviled eggs at Easter. 🙂 I think key to exercising is to do what u enjoy.

    1. I enjoy running but I still struggle with consistency. But I agree – it will never happen if you don’t do something you enjoy. 🙂 Having an appointment also helps. It’s the only way I keep up with the strength training. I’d never do it on my own.

  12. Your pool  area looks so inviting. We will  officially open our pool next month. I think we are about a month behind weather wise here…  sun today and nice temps but back to rain tomorrow , not much of a long weekend but we are getting  some projects done as our daughter gets married next weekend… so bring on the sunshine and warmer temps please:) I oddly enough have really enjoyed getting on the treadmill and using weights here at home.. and not relying on Mother Nature. I get in that room whenever time in my day allows it.. they also say as we age 20% is exercise and 80% is what we eat…  I think we are all doing our best to stay healthy as that’s what it really is about. We just need to not be so hard on ourselves we all slack I’m sure 😉
    enjoy your day and visit.. keep it simple is a great idea and much more fun😀

    1. It’s great you’ve found something you enjoy that isn’t affected by Mother Nature. I wish I liked the treadmill more. And the 20/80 rule is so true when it comes to weight management. I need the running for my mental health as much as anything.

  13. Good morning. I am reading this with a cup of tea and listening to the rain beat down on the skylight in our kitchen.  We have a similar weather pattern as you usually although slightly cooler and I agree how frustrating it has been for outdoor activities. Yesterday was beautiful. This morning was beautiful and then bam…rain. Anyway, thank you for this post. I feel like you are a friend who I have never met in person. Thank you for being real.  I feel very similar to you – in fact my son said the other day “ mom, you’re either going going going or stopped.” I feel so good when I exercise regularly but boy do I like to take a break. When I’m still sore from a workout, I feel like it’s still having lasting results so I’m okay skipping. Ha ha!   

  14. Summers are particularly hard for me. Drinks on the porch and bbq are just too tempting. I always get back on track come September. I hope you are successful in your workouts & runs but still let yourself enjoy the splurges of summer. 

    1. Yes, I always slack off with my diet and gain weight in the summer. Even though I KNOW I do it, I still can’t seem to not do it. I’ve already put on a few. UGH! I often lose it during fall/holiday b/c I’m so busy. I’d love to break that cycle this year, but it’s not looking promising at the moment, ha!

  15. I have such a love/hate relationship with exercise. I don’t look forward to it but am so happy when I do it. I’m super diligent because I can be. As a SAHM, with kids “ grown and flown” or in school full time,  i don’t really have too many excuses! I’ve never been a fan of gyms so I do everything at home which makes it super easy to get it done first thing after my daughter leaves for school. I’m a little worried with summer coming (only a week left of school) because my mornings will be occupied with her swim team and diving practices. I find if I do not get my exercise done in the morning, I don’t do it. So I’m going to have to change things up a bit. First world problems! Enjoy your fun weekend!! 

  16. Thanks, I so enjoy reading these Sunday posts. I live in the Midwest and we went from extreme cold To crazy rains and flooding. I use a gym to work out but broke my toe and sprained an ankle this winter so it has been a struggle to get back into a workout routine. However I feel I have improved in my fashion sense thanks to your posts! Blessings to you this day and know that you are appreciated.

  17. I can’t run, but like to walk, but I’m so  inconsistent too. I’m like you, when life is too overwhelming or the weather is bad, I give up and then too many days pass and I get even more non motivated.  I need to just make myself, but I don’t know how many times I’ve said that before.  Glad to hear others struggle. So many I know, LOVE to exercise.  Your pool area looks great and inviting.  Have fun.  

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