(...or where to spend the summer soltice)
We are towards the end of our visit with my parents in Tennessee. It's been great. Not that I am a particular fan of the state itself, although it is really lovely. Russ and I have gotten the resort treatment - long walks down country roads, time to sleep in and read, and healthy delicious spa cuisine. Mom has always had a knack for cooking low fat meals, with lots of grilled fish, decadent desserts, and an abundance of fruits and veggies. I think Russ can hardly believe how well he has eaten.
All hail the vitamin queen who found a combination of supplements to finally balance our individual systems after months of being out-of-sync. It has also settled some of Russ' side effects from his heart medication. We are definitely healthier now than when we first arrived last week. Not something too many visitors to Tennessee can say with its country fried, gravy-covered, sweet tea diet. Mom said that the ladies at the church asked her not to bring anything to the church potlucks; we laughed because her food was probably too healthy for them, more likely they were just being gracious.
One of the changes my parents have made in the past year which I think is fabulous is eating just twice a day, once at breakfast and then a late rather filling lunch, with maybe a light snack or dessert later in the evening. This works for us and I hope we can incorporate it into our lifestyle when we return.
I love the longer evenings when the sun only goes down after 9:30.
It's hot and humid, but not unbearable. It has rained for some part of every day. We had a lovely time down in Chattanooga yesterday at what must be the largest aquarium in the world. It was really outstanding with one five-story building for ocean fish and another for freshwater species. Both were abundant with flora and fauna and it was really well done.
We've been out on the nearby lake twice. For some reason, I really like the smell of boat diesel in the summer. Mostly just guys fishing so the water was glass. Would have been nice to have skis.
We flew down here on Southwest Airlines, and I asked myself why we hadn't flown with them before? The check-in was a breeze, no extra fees, pleasant boarding process and great service on-board. So we signed up for their frequent flier program, as they really made it a pleasure to fly. National carriers outside the US also do a pretty good job but let's face it - domestic air travel sucks most of the time. My parents just booked flights for later this year to California and Charleston for unbelievable rates. Looks like I will be the armchair traveler for awhile.
Tomorrow we will meet my sister in Louisville and then drive up to Carmel, Indiana for a few days. The pace is likely to pick up as we reconnect with the four nieces and nephews, but we can't wait.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The birthday boy
Today is Russ' 44th birthday. He says he feels his age but looks good to me. Well, I feel old too. Sometimes I literally shock myself when looking in the mirror when I wake up. What is most important though is that he is here, alive and in good health.
We are going to have lobsters and corn tonight, which is maybe his favorite summer meal. Who knew that scientists recently discovered that the previously dissed shellfish is high in Omega-3s? Those are the magic words for us but we will obviously be skipping the butter. Let's not tempt fate here. In place of butter, I think a tasty combo could be using garlic, lemon, and plain yogurt. On this heart friendly diet, we have been eating very well, but not exactly losing weight. I think when we are housesitting next month, it will be much easier.
I found all sorts of good things at the library yesterday - "109 things you can do to prevent, halt, and reverse heart disease" and "Understanding pain" (Time magazine) for Russ; a mindless summer novel and the latest New Yorker for me. He could probably use something fluffy to read too.
We welcomed the Stanley Cup as a nice diversion. Amazing how the Bruins pulled it out after three seven-game series. The Tour de France is next!
We are going to have lobsters and corn tonight, which is maybe his favorite summer meal. Who knew that scientists recently discovered that the previously dissed shellfish is high in Omega-3s? Those are the magic words for us but we will obviously be skipping the butter. Let's not tempt fate here. In place of butter, I think a tasty combo could be using garlic, lemon, and plain yogurt. On this heart friendly diet, we have been eating very well, but not exactly losing weight. I think when we are housesitting next month, it will be much easier.
I found all sorts of good things at the library yesterday - "109 things you can do to prevent, halt, and reverse heart disease" and "Understanding pain" (Time magazine) for Russ; a mindless summer novel and the latest New Yorker for me. He could probably use something fluffy to read too.
We welcomed the Stanley Cup as a nice diversion. Amazing how the Bruins pulled it out after three seven-game series. The Tour de France is next!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The north country
With some time on our hands and not having seen certain people in a long while, Russ and I left about a week ago to head into upstate New York. We enjoyed taking the back roads up to Glens Falls, which was our first stop. Russ' Aunt Kathy and Uncle Don live in this lovely hamlet on Lake George.
Kathy and Don are easy to talk with and we had much to catch up on. The next morning, Don drove us up the lake to the Sagamore Hotel, a grand hotel from the late nineteenth century.
Even on the water, the air temperature up there was quite warm for early June.
From there, we drove into the Adirondacks up to Plattsburgh on the shores of Lake Champlain to see Aunt Sally. Beloved Uncle Don died in November so it was particularly heartwarming to reminiscence on his life. He was a swell guy.
Food is a common theme in many families and this was no different. I appreciate the sensitivities that people have taken to accomodate Russ' diet. Aunt Kathy crafted a grilled Scottish salmon with hoisin sauce, orzo salad, green salad, and sorbet for dessert. Aunt Sally discovered what I think is a brilliant service - there is a woman in Plattsburgh who devises a menu every week and then people order the prix fixe dinners for carry-out from her kitchen. We had a delicious tuna steak with tortellini one night, and stuffed portebellos with bread salad the next. Not entirely on the heart plan but we were able to adapt it. Each meal for under $8 a person, which doesn't seem possible.
We came back on the weekend to Lucy's ballet recital in Dalton and she was as graceful as ever. We have seen every rehearsal since she was three, and she has developed great poise and stamina.
For the first time in seven years, I did not have to go to Lenox High School's graduation at Tanglewood. Not that I missed the pomp, but I still from time to time miss the students.
Now the weather is quite cool again, which makes it wonderful for sleeping. We are packing our bags again and will be visiting my parents from Saturday onwards.
Kathy and Don are easy to talk with and we had much to catch up on. The next morning, Don drove us up the lake to the Sagamore Hotel, a grand hotel from the late nineteenth century.
Even on the water, the air temperature up there was quite warm for early June.
From there, we drove into the Adirondacks up to Plattsburgh on the shores of Lake Champlain to see Aunt Sally. Beloved Uncle Don died in November so it was particularly heartwarming to reminiscence on his life. He was a swell guy.
Food is a common theme in many families and this was no different. I appreciate the sensitivities that people have taken to accomodate Russ' diet. Aunt Kathy crafted a grilled Scottish salmon with hoisin sauce, orzo salad, green salad, and sorbet for dessert. Aunt Sally discovered what I think is a brilliant service - there is a woman in Plattsburgh who devises a menu every week and then people order the prix fixe dinners for carry-out from her kitchen. We had a delicious tuna steak with tortellini one night, and stuffed portebellos with bread salad the next. Not entirely on the heart plan but we were able to adapt it. Each meal for under $8 a person, which doesn't seem possible.
We came back on the weekend to Lucy's ballet recital in Dalton and she was as graceful as ever. We have seen every rehearsal since she was three, and she has developed great poise and stamina.
For the first time in seven years, I did not have to go to Lenox High School's graduation at Tanglewood. Not that I missed the pomp, but I still from time to time miss the students.
Now the weather is quite cool again, which makes it wonderful for sleeping. We are packing our bags again and will be visiting my parents from Saturday onwards.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Sensing summer
I love the longer days of June. And it was downright hot until three days ago when the weather kicked us right back to April. It is still not as cold as when we left Pretoria, and can be quite pleasant in the middle of the day.
The through hikers are walking the Appalachian Trail, which Fred and Carol's house is located on. We can hear the crack of the aluminum bats from softball games across the street at the park. (I always liked that sound and the smell of freshly cut grass as indicators that summer had arrived.) The flowers are coming into bloom. Summer is absolutely the best time to be in the Berkshires, I'm convinced.
Russ' mom Carol is a much better nurse than I am. I'm ok with that. With doctor advice, we adjusted Russ' meds so he has more energy during the day.
We did not need to be in our current situation to be thankful for socialized medicine, but we are doubly so now. Health insurance in mandatory in Massachusetts and we signed up for the state care which seems remarkably comprehensive. We can go to all our previous doctors and it's based on a sliding scale (of which we have slid to the bottom). Gone is the stigma of having to sit hours in welfare offices just to fill out forms. This process could not have been simpler. Some people will be relieved to know that Mitt Romney did everything in his power to go against the plan when he was governor; we think it is one more reason not to vote for him as president. Is he for the health care plan now (because it is so successful) or against it (because he needs tea party votes)? Hard to tell; he is one sly chameleon, but once again I digress. It is a huge relief to have medical coverage.
Who knew that I would need settlement papers from when Russ bought the house in 1996? Turbo Tax obviously did, but not me. After much sweat and a few tears, I could not find the box with the records in our storage room on Old Windsor Road. Sigh. We filed today anyway, but the program would not let me e-file because I cannot get rid of a form that we do not need. I know this must be some kind of test but I am not quite sure if I passed.
We are shocked at the $3.89 price per gallon of gas and surprised that no one else seems to be. That is about what we paid in Botswana, but not quite what South Africans are paying.
Most peculiarly, the money transfer from the car sale in Botswana never went through, although Zane tried it twice. Maybe it is just on Africa time and will take a couple of months instead of days. I am not holding my breath though.
The little bumps in the road are just that. We are completely glad to be home, and every day gets better.
The through hikers are walking the Appalachian Trail, which Fred and Carol's house is located on. We can hear the crack of the aluminum bats from softball games across the street at the park. (I always liked that sound and the smell of freshly cut grass as indicators that summer had arrived.) The flowers are coming into bloom. Summer is absolutely the best time to be in the Berkshires, I'm convinced.
Russ' mom Carol is a much better nurse than I am. I'm ok with that. With doctor advice, we adjusted Russ' meds so he has more energy during the day.
We did not need to be in our current situation to be thankful for socialized medicine, but we are doubly so now. Health insurance in mandatory in Massachusetts and we signed up for the state care which seems remarkably comprehensive. We can go to all our previous doctors and it's based on a sliding scale (of which we have slid to the bottom). Gone is the stigma of having to sit hours in welfare offices just to fill out forms. This process could not have been simpler. Some people will be relieved to know that Mitt Romney did everything in his power to go against the plan when he was governor; we think it is one more reason not to vote for him as president. Is he for the health care plan now (because it is so successful) or against it (because he needs tea party votes)? Hard to tell; he is one sly chameleon, but once again I digress. It is a huge relief to have medical coverage.
Who knew that I would need settlement papers from when Russ bought the house in 1996? Turbo Tax obviously did, but not me. After much sweat and a few tears, I could not find the box with the records in our storage room on Old Windsor Road. Sigh. We filed today anyway, but the program would not let me e-file because I cannot get rid of a form that we do not need. I know this must be some kind of test but I am not quite sure if I passed.
We are shocked at the $3.89 price per gallon of gas and surprised that no one else seems to be. That is about what we paid in Botswana, but not quite what South Africans are paying.
Most peculiarly, the money transfer from the car sale in Botswana never went through, although Zane tried it twice. Maybe it is just on Africa time and will take a couple of months instead of days. I am not holding my breath though.
The little bumps in the road are just that. We are completely glad to be home, and every day gets better.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Minor adjustments
Adjusting back to life in the US is not as extreme as it was ten years ago, but it is still a bit rough at times. There are times throughout the day where I feel completely emotionally spent. Arriving on a relaxed holiday weekend did help tremendously to ease us in to "normal" life. I think we are just about over the jet lag and are sleeping through most of the night.
Driving on the right side of the road is still a little weird and still requires quite a bit of focus. At long last, Russ got his driver's license so I don't have to drive everywhere. Fred and Liz are loaning us one of their Subarus, which helps a lot.
I was not overwhelmed by being in the supermarket or Target, but still slightly blown away by how quickly things add up. We are using up our traveler's cheques which became obsolete overseas rendering them useless, but are incredibly helpful back home.
We are enjoying catching up with everyone. Russ and I set out the calendar yesterday to plan visits and get-togethers. It's so good to see people again.
We are staying on High Street in Russ' old bedroom. We find that we are already walking more, being in the center of town. That is a good thing as we both went a little soft and squishy over the past month. Everyone we talk to asks the same thing - "you are the healthiest people we know so how did this happen?" Well I think we are not as healthy as I believed, even though our diet seemed pretty balanced. Seems to be a relative thing. We can do better.
Hmmm, that is hard to do as I have been working on our taxes this week in the dining room of my in-laws, snacking away. We are rolling the dice for a big return this year but I am baffled at how complicated taxes can be when you throw in rental and foreign incomes. Thankfully, I have TurboTax, but even they cannot answer everything.
The girls are as tall as I am and Freddy is not far behind. Is it possible to grow this much in such a short time? They have all certainly grown up in the past eight months. Zach will be a senior next year which is just ridiculous.
I am recovering from what is possibly the worst haircut I have ever had. It's really awful. A reminder to be careful what you wish for - I had been wanting a change, something lighter and springier, and got something that will take a VERY LONG time to grow out. Thanks goodness for hats and hair ties.
Blogging is such a catharsis. I think I will probably keep writing on this site until we make a decision about what we are going to do next in our lives, and then go from there. Stay tuned. I'm headed for more ironing now.
Driving on the right side of the road is still a little weird and still requires quite a bit of focus. At long last, Russ got his driver's license so I don't have to drive everywhere. Fred and Liz are loaning us one of their Subarus, which helps a lot.
I was not overwhelmed by being in the supermarket or Target, but still slightly blown away by how quickly things add up. We are using up our traveler's cheques which became obsolete overseas rendering them useless, but are incredibly helpful back home.
We are enjoying catching up with everyone. Russ and I set out the calendar yesterday to plan visits and get-togethers. It's so good to see people again.
We are staying on High Street in Russ' old bedroom. We find that we are already walking more, being in the center of town. That is a good thing as we both went a little soft and squishy over the past month. Everyone we talk to asks the same thing - "you are the healthiest people we know so how did this happen?" Well I think we are not as healthy as I believed, even though our diet seemed pretty balanced. Seems to be a relative thing. We can do better.
Hmmm, that is hard to do as I have been working on our taxes this week in the dining room of my in-laws, snacking away. We are rolling the dice for a big return this year but I am baffled at how complicated taxes can be when you throw in rental and foreign incomes. Thankfully, I have TurboTax, but even they cannot answer everything.
The girls are as tall as I am and Freddy is not far behind. Is it possible to grow this much in such a short time? They have all certainly grown up in the past eight months. Zach will be a senior next year which is just ridiculous.
I am recovering from what is possibly the worst haircut I have ever had. It's really awful. A reminder to be careful what you wish for - I had been wanting a change, something lighter and springier, and got something that will take a VERY LONG time to grow out. Thanks goodness for hats and hair ties.
Blogging is such a catharsis. I think I will probably keep writing on this site until we make a decision about what we are going to do next in our lives, and then go from there. Stay tuned. I'm headed for more ironing now.
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