Good Morning--

So many times on this most recent journey, I have been reminded how many wonderful people/experiences I would have not known/had if I had not been 'open' to them. And how the vast majority of these experiences have become my strongest support. I wonder how many opportunities I would have missed if I had insisted "that I can do this myself".


The memorial at Hospice was very touching, every speaker from Hospice thanked us for allowing them the honor of being part of our lives---
More lessons ......Beforehand, I was I was literally sick with nerves---now, I am so glad I went.....................

So, this Tuesday classic seemed so timely:


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There are many versions of this story from around the word, the message is the same ---
A keeper.



The Stone Soup Story
Author: Unknown

Many years ago three soldiers, hungry and weary of battle, came upon a small village. The villagers, suffering a meager harvest and the many years of war, quickly hid what little they had to eat and met the three at the village square, wringing their hands and bemoaning the lack of anything to eat.

The soldiers spoke quietly among themselves and the first soldier then turned to the village elders. "Your tired fields have left you nothing to share, so we will share what little we have: the secret of how to make soup from stones."

Naturally the villagers were intrigued and soon a fire was put to the town's greatest kettle as the soldiers dropped in three smooth stones. "Now this will be a fine soup", said the second soldier; "but a pinch of salt and some parsley would make it wonderful!" Up jumped a villager, crying "What luck! I've just remembered where some's been left!" And off she ran, returning with an apronful of parsley and a turnip. As the kettle boiled on, the memory of the village improved: soon barley, carrots, beef and cream had found their way into the great pot, and a cask of wine was rolled into the square as all sat down to feast.

They ate and danced and sang well into the night, refreshed by the feast and their new-found friends. In the morning the three soldiers awoke to find the entire village standing before them. At their feet lay a satchel of the village's best breads and cheese. "You have given us the greatest of gifts: the secret of how to make soup from stones", said an elder, "and we shall never forget." The third soldier turned to the crowd, and said:

"There is no secret, but this is certain: it is only by sharing that we may make a feast".



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Take care my friends

Kaylets, I still have Pilates machines but there's nothing like plain old mat Pilates! I'm in the process of setting up a Pilates challenge for myself, really want to get back into a regular practice again. And all this talk of yoga has me wanting to hit the mat again today!

Loved the stone soup story!

Had a great visual of you and the dogs, Kaylets. Keep it up - as you say, who knows where it will all lead. Love the pic, Eydie. How's Halifax, Arabella?

Rain AGAIN today - and lots of it. More expected tomorrow. I did go for a walk to the corner today. Walking has been a challenge. I've also been realizing that some other things I've been noticing can also be attributed to the back situation. Guess it will be back to doctors at some point as I'm coming up w/questions.

And, OOPS, actually forgot to report a recent NSV. DD had bought me two tops and a pair of slacks recently. I suggested she return the slacks (winter white and I had a pair I seldom wore). Plus while they fit otherwise, they were too long . Then she called and said she saw a pair that went with the one top. A long discussion of sizes occurred and then she told me the white pair were a size lower than I thought. Anyway, I headed out to local stores and fouind a pair to match each of the tops, tried on the two relevant sizes and found in both cases I needed the smaller size. Shall we say I felt ecstatic? Some of my trousers had been feeling loose but I didn't expect that the lower size would not be still a bit tight.

Yay for the day - rain and all

Restarted a strength training program yesterday. I can't believe how I've gotten away from lifting consistently. Did upper body yesterday and will do lower body today. Feeling excited about it all! One thing that I have to keep in mind about being at goal is it's way too easy to become complacent. Constant vigilance is called for!

That's one thing I like about hot yoga -- if you do it, you don't need strength training. And it strengthens all your muscles in a very balanced way.

Poured rain again yesterday. Hard to stay upbeat but I am Hopefully will change after today - and be cool and fall like.

Did my exercises so whatever else I accomplish today will be a plus.

wsw, SO glad to hear from you. Wonder about you often and hope you
'll be feeling up[ to stopping in again soon.

Have signed up for another "arthritis" tai chi course two days a week. Don'
t know how it will work out but it
s one of those "tiny steps". Also started back to pool today.

Scarlet mums are blooming away and the marigolds I planted among them for the summer are hanging in well enough to make the whole front garden a really delightful sight.

Had flu shot Monday and, for the first time, seemed to have some side effects for a few days. Not doing great on the weight side of things though. Will enjoy the beautiful weather we are having - quickly while it lasts.

Back problems seem to be affecting my gait and causing me to have stumbleitis. Will pursue, of course. Not really able to do much walking in the pretty park but will drive by tomorrow on my way to check out another "for sale" open house. Back problems making it even more imperative to get into a cozy place.

Hope Halifax was great this time, Arabella. That lunch in the park sounds romantic Kaylets, please don't hesitate to cry whenever and why-ever. It will help. Eydie, as determined as ever. Wish I had more of you in me.

Off I go - washed fruit, now it's time to cut up veggies.

Take care, all.

Was finally back at 197.4 today but then I went to a luncheon. I will weigh tomorrow, yes, I will.

Rainy today but so far steady not a drenching. Mums, dogwood tree out front looking gorgeous. Working on a tiny job for a political candidate I've known since before he was born Scary thought - nice guy though. Another hour at most should finish it off - needed a break in the Palace first.

Then thinking maybe a nap. Had sleep problems the last two nights and a rainy day seems like a good time for it.

Hearty hi-hos to all you faithful Royals!

Hello Royals!

Realized yesterday, the 'quick walks' are making a differnce! Legs are definitely feeling far firmer!! Of course, this is just my 'tiny' step but its so nice to have a nsv..... lol, since I am not getting on the scale, that's the plan, lots and lots of non scale victories.

Rain here too, 2nd day of dark skies and everything outside squishy. Actually dug a pair of sneakers out of the closet to walk the dogs; yesterday, the open backed shoes became so wet, had trouble keeping them on my feet.


Anagram--sending good vibes and thoughts for better balance and finding a cozy place that you love as soon as you see it.
Wsw--so glad you could stop by.
Eydie--w/ winter not far away, I am thinking pilates by dvd will be a good stretch when the cold tightens everything and makes everything ache.
Woods Nymph--that's a good tip about hot yoga also being a strength training. That too is something I have on the list......

but tiny steps is all I need to accomplish. Less daunting, less complicated, so much less stress on me.

Been doing a lot of thinking and realizing how much stress I put myself through to make things the way I thought were 'more perfect'. How could anything be 'more perfect'? That is definitely a plan that will disappoint.

The best things in our lives happen so simply, so spontaneously, so easily: falling in love w/ a partner or a child. Yet, somehow we make everything else that is less important, so complicated.


I have a goal today to get some laundry done, get the trash and recycling ready for pickup tomorrow and a quick run to the postoffice.

And to get some outlines for some seminars on paper. Things are beginning to percolate.


Here we go Thursday, here we go!

My tirara is tilted, the royal scepter is in the umbrella stand, & the royal thinking cap has is on warp drive.

Hate to 'jinx' it but there is an opportunity that would be ideal for me. A decision will be made shortly, ( hopefully this evening!) and I will be able to support myself on my terms and still be feeling I am making the difference I want to make.
And, it would be something creative, with endless possibilities AND

I am excited!!!


Trying not to think about it as I don't want to be that much more disappointed, BUT

I am excited!!!!



Anyway, if this opportunity does come together or not, I have company due in 2 weekends....1st inlaws for the weekend--they will come here and we will then go to DC to see another family member......and then, one of my family members. Which means folks will be also 'checking' to see how I am doing.
So, here it is, that adrenalin to fire up the vacuum cleaner and dust rag.

Its needed, believe me, and I need the motivation. And thankfully, the humidity is gone ( at least for a few days) so I guess I should be grateful than not.....................LOLOL...... that's a new concept: grateful to clean......


Hope everyone is doing well, please send positive vibes my way!!!


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Thought of the day:


'As you take your first sip of a morning beverage, stop for a moment, take a deep breath, freeze the frame (make a mental or audible camera click sound), and think, Life is good.
As you take your first sip of your lunch drink, your afternoon coffee, your evening drink, create the habit of stopping to take a mental snapshot.
Feel the liquid go down your throat.
Notice, breathe, absorb, and savor the tastes as well as the moment.
Imprint on your mind the happiness habit of noting to yourself,
Ah, this is a good moment.'

Ashley Davis Bush--Shortcuts to Inner Peace: 70 Simple Paths to Everyday Serenity





Question of the day:

"Which word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly?"









Photo by Christine Hoyer, Parking Lot Newfound Gap, Smoky Mountains Federal Park

Just a fly-by "hi." I was way off track last week, I think because I allowed myself that one meal in front of the TV and it led to... you know. But back on track now and determined to stay that way.

So nice to see WSW in the palace! Are you still here?

Anagram, I hope you got your nap! I've been needing one all day -- and likely would have been more productive if I'd had it. Will I ever learn?

Kaylets, your new opportunity sounds wonderful and just perfect for you. They'd be wise to choose you, for sure! :

Beautiful photo -- I always appreciate your add-ons!

Have a lovely evening, lies!

Just a fly-by, royals, but I am still around and still, always, a friend to the palace folk. Arabella, I have been a bit off track also, lot of changes in my life that have proven to be for the best and have made me happy.

Hoping to be here more often. Feeling very palace-ish right now as just started reading the six novels of the Song of Fire & Ice series by George Martin. I am only on book one. It is quite wonderful, will probably be reading all the rest of the year to finish these before he writes another one.

I am currently on a quest using the holidays as my theme asking self the question where I want to be healthy weight and fitness wise by January 1. Working on Halloween right now. Spinning long fantasy about witchiepoo personal trainers here and there about the internet.

I am working on a weight loss of some regained pounds and am currently in the midst of a loooong journey to lose 15 pounds and then I may go lower back to my lowest weight, we'll see.

I have 9.4 pounds to go. Nice to see you wsw, Anagram and Kaylets (the new opportunity sounds intriguing). I have a cute weight ticker but don't know how to put it on here. For awhile last summer I had trouble with my computer using the site but changed some settings and now it works well again.

To all, mentioned or un- have a great week! My Mondays are so relaxed these days except for the occasional ones where I still work. Was no occasion for stress eating today.

I have been doing streaks of exercise for awhile and here is the latest entry: MONDAY, Oct. 17, Day 21 of streakity streak of no day missed of daily exercise, 30 min walk, 80 min jog, total streakity streak minutes so far 1685! (Previous: 288 consecutive days of exercise, 18000 exercise minutes!)

Good morning, Royals! Just thought I'd pop in again and say huzzah!

It is Day 11 for me on my "march" and my streakity streak is thusly (had to get up way early as needing to take elderly friend on a road trip to her home town, so I got up way early to do a good workout and have it over with).

TUESDAY, Oct. 18, Day 22 of streakity streak of no day missed of daily exercise, 75 min walk/weighted vest, 10 min weights, 35 min walk, total streakity streak minutes so far 1805! (Previous: 288 consecutive days of exercise, 18000 exercise minutes!)