The Big Test

I have to pass this test. It's everything I believe in. It's how I'm trying to live my live. Adventure. Opportunities. Excitement.

But my knee has struggled to keep up. All the walking, the treadmills, the being on my feet has destroyed it. I can't take a step without excruciating pain so until I get a new knee (after kiddo's wedding) my life is being lived with a cane and the scooter. Pain - the really bad kind - darkens your world.

But pain wasn't an issue when I planned this adventure. So I find myself struggling to go forth with a positive attitude. But go forth I shall. I choose joy. (Or at least that's what my tattoo tells me.)

The solo,
handicapped,
suck the marrow,
trains, planes, automobiles, and ships
adventure begins now.

First up, hop a plane to Seattle. Take the light rail into the city. Visit Pike Place Market in the pouring rain. Just me and scooter. And flowers. And veggies. And fish. And the most delicious salmon-potato croquettes from a restaurant in the market.

Second up, take the light rail to the Amtrak station. 

Hop a train to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Next up? You'll just have to wait and see. But if you know my travel patterns, you probably could venture a pretty good guess. 

Poor Tree

Remember these gorgeous blossoms on a tree outside kiddo's apartment?

That pretty tree is no more. A windstorm turned it on its side.

Poor tree.

Egg Discovery

Look what kiddo found behind our shed when she was staining the fence. Any idea what bird lays these kind of spotted eggs in the dirt?

Happy Easter

Hmm...an Easter Lily. 

Happy Easter!

Color Swap

It was time for a color swap in the Boise house. First up, the bedroom. The room has been living with the wallpaper and trim from when the manufactured home was built years ago. Now a new color scheme. An arctic blue wall color and silky white trim. What a different paint makes. 

And an even more amazing transformation? The bathroom. Dark to light. Gotta love paint!

Views are Good

A view from a parking lot can be good.

High Altitude is Bad

Last night on the treadmill I was dragging. It was a very hard workout where I couldn't hardly catch my breath. I kept thinking it was just because I had a long day so I pushed through all 45 minutes. When I went to the pool, I couldn't swim as many laps as I usually do - I really noticed my lungs were struggling.

But it wasn't until this morning when I had to keep taking rest breaks while getting ready for my meeting, particularly when I had to lean over the sink to brush my teeth (and catch my breath), did it make sense.

It's the altitude. While being home and at work and in Boise my lungs have improved dramatically. But in this almost 6,000 foot altitude in Sun Valley it's obvious the lungs aren't so perfect. Darn.

Guess I needed a wake up call. Remember, Deb, you're not Superwoman. So no more treadmill while I'm here. And walking to my meetings? Not all that fun. And to think I purposely left my scooter home for the first time in a year.

Something else bad? Cheese sticks that have been to Los Angeles, sidetracked to Puerto Vallarta to Minneapolis to Boise to Marsing, then to San Antonio to Marsing to Sun Valley. They don't make for a very good snack. Now they are traveling to the trash.

Something that could potentially be worse? Not getting to spend time swimming. Come on, lungs. Hang in there.