I went to my first theater hike of the season, Hound of the Baskervilles, presented by Theatre-Hikes again at The Morton Arboretum. It was AWESOME.
Notwithstanding a little hot and damp, it was mostly shady, and no skeeters to bug one as I sat and viewed a great show of a great favorite.
The hike was healthy, I believe they've expanded that portion of the program. Which is always a plus. Alas, I didn't wear my blister relief cream and got a couple of unpleasant souvenirs! Oh well.
Also got to spy a bride getting some snaps taken around Thornhill on the Arboretum grounds, then a separate wedding party near the visitors' center preparing to dine post-event. Two weddings in one day! Good for the Arboretum. Lovely locale for any celebration.
I can't wait for the rest of the theatre hike season's shows: Wind in the Willows, The Tempest, and Curse of the Werewolf.
Love, love, love.
To learn more about The Morton Arboretum you can check out their website, and to learn more about the independent Theatre-Hikes company you can check out their website. Let's support the arts!
Showing posts with label hiking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hiking. Show all posts
3.23.2012
Learn: Camping
I decided this is the year I'll try camping in the great outdoors.
My first exposure to camping was one summer afternoon in Italy, when my (maternal) grandfather brought home a tee pee like, cone-shaped camouflage tent. My parents and grandmother seemed a little flummoxed at the time, based on their expressions as I peered up at them. I didn't realize it was for me.
Grandpa and I tried it out together in the garden.We then crawled halfway in and lay on our backs with our butts and legs sticking out the front opening. Some tiny ants began entering and walking on the yellow floor and up the walls. Is this all there is to it? I wasn't impressed, but I loved spending time with grandpa.On another occasion my dad set up the tent for me in the TV room with my crib mattress inside so I could camp out indoors. It was a tight squeeze.
Much more recently, I joined a church where there is a great appreciation for the outdoors and sustainability. There is a small group that goes camping at Illinois' famed Starved Rock State Park in mid to late July every year. If you plan on attending, you have to pay your own campsite reservation fee, bring out all your camping stuff for a typical car-camping experience, and then join the group for Saturday and Sunday morning hikes and campfires and conversation at night. It sounds idyllic. And I'm all for joining them this year.
Yes, siree. This year, I'm going all the way baby. I began researching outdoor camping, car camping, tents, and sleeping bags. It took me seven days. Seven. I changed my mind on what tent to buy about three times. I finally settled on an igloo-like tent for four by Coleman.Since I don't plan on camping in winter or cold weather, I looked for a rectangular sleeping bag that is good up to 35F. this was a much easier decision to make than the tent.
I perused Wal-Mart, Target, REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Google Shopping, Blain's Farm and Fleet, and Amazon. I also looked up several product manufacturers' websites, particularly Coleman. Amazon proved to have the cheapest prices and free shipping for qualifying purchases over $25. At the time I started my research Amazon featured a sale with special coupon code for money off Coleman products.
Among the amazing and useful information I found out, is the fact that you should accommodate around 1.5 people more than those who are camping with you in your tent. In my case, I am planning on taking advantage of the extra tent space because I'm planning to camp with my dog and significant-other unit.
We'll probably want to keep some of our camping equipment inside the tent with us so it's safe from the elements and wildlife at night. Plus, I wouldn't want my boloney sandwiches, homemade trail mix, and favorite protein bars flying away across the state park :)
Did you also know that your food should be hung from a tree, 10' off the ground and the same distance off the tree trunk, rather than storing it in your tent or car? Animals and insects can get into your stuff and cause mayhem. No, not the funny mayhem from the insurance commercials on TV, the real one.
There is a lot more I could share, but unless you need to know or are interested in learning more, it can probably put the typical civilian to sleep. Wake up.
I've made a wish list on Amazon especially targeted to camping needs. The significant-other unit made a very generous gesture by purchasing the very basics, off of the list, as my birthday gift (still a couple of weeks away). The boxes have started coming in this week (!).
I'm planning on my first weekend camping trip at a nearby county forest preserve camp ground, this spring. It's my test run before my official camping adventure in late July with our church group.
I also signed up again for the Northern Illinois Becoming an Outdoors Woman weekend program in early June, up in Oregon, IL. I've missed the Fox River and can't wait to go back to visit. This year, I signed up for classes (with second and third choices) which can help me prepare for camping.
I've actually started mulling around a potential camping trip through Utah. But it's still in the mulling-over phase and not yet solidified, but it looks potentially doable (!).
I'm very excited with this new camping initiative. I like being able to explore, learn, and put into practice new skills that can come in handy or are just fun as a side hobby. I hope it turns into a great opportunity to enjoy nature safely, and make some new friends.
I learned A TON about what it is to go camping and what equipment you really need versus what you want to have along. Here's a rundown of my top resources so far:
My first exposure to camping was one summer afternoon in Italy, when my (maternal) grandfather brought home a tee pee like, cone-shaped camouflage tent. My parents and grandmother seemed a little flummoxed at the time, based on their expressions as I peered up at them. I didn't realize it was for me.
Grandpa and I tried it out together in the garden.We then crawled halfway in and lay on our backs with our butts and legs sticking out the front opening. Some tiny ants began entering and walking on the yellow floor and up the walls. Is this all there is to it? I wasn't impressed, but I loved spending time with grandpa.On another occasion my dad set up the tent for me in the TV room with my crib mattress inside so I could camp out indoors. It was a tight squeeze.
Much more recently, I joined a church where there is a great appreciation for the outdoors and sustainability. There is a small group that goes camping at Illinois' famed Starved Rock State Park in mid to late July every year. If you plan on attending, you have to pay your own campsite reservation fee, bring out all your camping stuff for a typical car-camping experience, and then join the group for Saturday and Sunday morning hikes and campfires and conversation at night. It sounds idyllic. And I'm all for joining them this year.
Yes, siree. This year, I'm going all the way baby. I began researching outdoor camping, car camping, tents, and sleeping bags. It took me seven days. Seven. I changed my mind on what tent to buy about three times. I finally settled on an igloo-like tent for four by Coleman.Since I don't plan on camping in winter or cold weather, I looked for a rectangular sleeping bag that is good up to 35F. this was a much easier decision to make than the tent.
I perused Wal-Mart, Target, REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Google Shopping, Blain's Farm and Fleet, and Amazon. I also looked up several product manufacturers' websites, particularly Coleman. Amazon proved to have the cheapest prices and free shipping for qualifying purchases over $25. At the time I started my research Amazon featured a sale with special coupon code for money off Coleman products.
Among the amazing and useful information I found out, is the fact that you should accommodate around 1.5 people more than those who are camping with you in your tent. In my case, I am planning on taking advantage of the extra tent space because I'm planning to camp with my dog and significant-other unit.
We'll probably want to keep some of our camping equipment inside the tent with us so it's safe from the elements and wildlife at night. Plus, I wouldn't want my boloney sandwiches, homemade trail mix, and favorite protein bars flying away across the state park :)
Did you also know that your food should be hung from a tree, 10' off the ground and the same distance off the tree trunk, rather than storing it in your tent or car? Animals and insects can get into your stuff and cause mayhem. No, not the funny mayhem from the insurance commercials on TV, the real one.
There is a lot more I could share, but unless you need to know or are interested in learning more, it can probably put the typical civilian to sleep. Wake up.
I've made a wish list on Amazon especially targeted to camping needs. The significant-other unit made a very generous gesture by purchasing the very basics, off of the list, as my birthday gift (still a couple of weeks away). The boxes have started coming in this week (!).
I'm planning on my first weekend camping trip at a nearby county forest preserve camp ground, this spring. It's my test run before my official camping adventure in late July with our church group.
I also signed up again for the Northern Illinois Becoming an Outdoors Woman weekend program in early June, up in Oregon, IL. I've missed the Fox River and can't wait to go back to visit. This year, I signed up for classes (with second and third choices) which can help me prepare for camping.
I've actually started mulling around a potential camping trip through Utah. But it's still in the mulling-over phase and not yet solidified, but it looks potentially doable (!).
I'm very excited with this new camping initiative. I like being able to explore, learn, and put into practice new skills that can come in handy or are just fun as a side hobby. I hope it turns into a great opportunity to enjoy nature safely, and make some new friends.
I learned A TON about what it is to go camping and what equipment you really need versus what you want to have along. Here's a rundown of my top resources so far:
- The Inquiry Net - my all time favorite, all-encompassing resource for anything outdoors, camping, or scout related (vintage and recent)
- Camping.About.com
- REI expert camping advice - check under the camping tab, camping articles
- Coleman USA - check under the Expert Info and Blog tabs for great info
- Joy of Camping
- Road and Travel Magazine - Camping for Beginners
- M40's Wilderness Survival Skills
- YouTube - camping tent reviews search results
- 8 Basic Camping Skills Scout Patch Program [PDF]
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources - the Northern Illinois BOW program and State Parks with camping facilities
- ReserveAmerica
3.24.2011
The Road Less Hiked
I've been very pleased that the weather has warmed up considerably, and that the first signs of spring started peeking out at us. This translates into long afternoon hikes with Benny. Can you say: cabin fever?
First our longer walks were about 15 minutes, then they became 20 minutes. Now they range between 30 minutes into an hour, depending on whether I have an appointment or something else planned for the remainder of the evening.
It's only been about two weeks or so of these extended afternoon walks. I've been spotting some signs of the nature that surrounds us, that survives the bitter cold, ice and snow. Alas, with nature come some very, very gruesome sights sometimes. I've come across a number of "leftovers" as I like to call them, or better known as wildlife carcasses and parts.
There is a body of water in the wild field behind our community, and whenever rain and snowmelt is in abundance, it fills up to become noticeable. I must assume the wildlife in the area congregates around there during human "off" hours, or nighttime, and the consequent eating and such take place at those times.
Just as in a TV documentary from my childhood, the different animals must be going about their natural cycles. With there being a road not far off, I imagine that much of the evidence of carcasses can be attributed to that, and then wildlife finding a free smorgasbord.
Benny has been exceptionally obedient and has done exactly as I tell him, whenever we encounter any such "crime scene." I pull his leash taut and short, and don't let him touch his nose to the ground. He waits patiently until I stop perusing the scene and/or taking pictures, and then gladly proceeds on his walk with me. He's an angel and I'm always so proud of him.
I'm not a sick person that enjoys looking at dead things, but I am fascinated by the wilderness around us, which abounds, and which is cordoned off by busy roads, suburbs, and semi-industrial landscapes and parking lots. It's fascinating. There's an entire universe just outside your front or back door.
Being able to hike around freely and even making some of these gruesome discoveries, brings a whole new dimension to my existence and learning opportunities. My lifelong love of forensics, anthropology, geology, zoology, and my new-found love of hiking--of course!--all get some healthy exercise along with my legs and lungs. And Benny LOVES the walks, he usually takes a nap on the bed next to me when we come back.
I'm sure many other hikers in many other types of environments (deserts, lakes, riverbeds, jungles, forests, etc.), also find carcasses, bones, and other--perhaps a little shocking or even unsavory--discoveries on their way out and about. I believe these are just part of the scenery and bring to us lessons and discoveries about what surrounds us and what's inside us. Valuable discoveries. We're the guests and we get to witness Nature's amazing feats.
After all, Nature may be cruel, but she's like clockwork too. And just like clockwork, Spring is turning its head slowly but surely. I can't wait until the weather warms up all the way UP UP UP, and Benny and I can take hikes that take us further and longer. Out to do our wacky and wild wildlife exploring.
Check out my Flickr Hikes album slideshow, below.
First our longer walks were about 15 minutes, then they became 20 minutes. Now they range between 30 minutes into an hour, depending on whether I have an appointment or something else planned for the remainder of the evening.
It's only been about two weeks or so of these extended afternoon walks. I've been spotting some signs of the nature that surrounds us, that survives the bitter cold, ice and snow. Alas, with nature come some very, very gruesome sights sometimes. I've come across a number of "leftovers" as I like to call them, or better known as wildlife carcasses and parts.
There is a body of water in the wild field behind our community, and whenever rain and snowmelt is in abundance, it fills up to become noticeable. I must assume the wildlife in the area congregates around there during human "off" hours, or nighttime, and the consequent eating and such take place at those times.
Just as in a TV documentary from my childhood, the different animals must be going about their natural cycles. With there being a road not far off, I imagine that much of the evidence of carcasses can be attributed to that, and then wildlife finding a free smorgasbord.
Benny has been exceptionally obedient and has done exactly as I tell him, whenever we encounter any such "crime scene." I pull his leash taut and short, and don't let him touch his nose to the ground. He waits patiently until I stop perusing the scene and/or taking pictures, and then gladly proceeds on his walk with me. He's an angel and I'm always so proud of him.
I'm not a sick person that enjoys looking at dead things, but I am fascinated by the wilderness around us, which abounds, and which is cordoned off by busy roads, suburbs, and semi-industrial landscapes and parking lots. It's fascinating. There's an entire universe just outside your front or back door.
Being able to hike around freely and even making some of these gruesome discoveries, brings a whole new dimension to my existence and learning opportunities. My lifelong love of forensics, anthropology, geology, zoology, and my new-found love of hiking--of course!--all get some healthy exercise along with my legs and lungs. And Benny LOVES the walks, he usually takes a nap on the bed next to me when we come back.
I'm sure many other hikers in many other types of environments (deserts, lakes, riverbeds, jungles, forests, etc.), also find carcasses, bones, and other--perhaps a little shocking or even unsavory--discoveries on their way out and about. I believe these are just part of the scenery and bring to us lessons and discoveries about what surrounds us and what's inside us. Valuable discoveries. We're the guests and we get to witness Nature's amazing feats.
After all, Nature may be cruel, but she's like clockwork too. And just like clockwork, Spring is turning its head slowly but surely. I can't wait until the weather warms up all the way UP UP UP, and Benny and I can take hikes that take us further and longer. Out to do our wacky and wild wildlife exploring.
Check out my Flickr Hikes album slideshow, below.
4.16.2010
A Walkin' We Will Go...
Benny and I have been going on our longer walks each afternoon when I get home and I've begun feeling better already. It helps clear the cobwebs, I capture some intersting shots with my iPhone or camera, and Benny pants a lot. Actually, I think he's out of shape, he pants a lot and doesn't sniff out the bunnies as much as he used to.
It's all good tho!
So I was reading up uber quickly some tips on the REI website, and thought these might help you as well, so here they go:
It's all good tho!
So I was reading up uber quickly some tips on the REI website, and thought these might help you as well, so here they go:
- Walking for fitness - includes info on benefits, gear, technique, and exercises
- How to choose walking shoes - foot factors, construction elements, and trying them on
- When to replace your shoes - how to tell, and how to make your shoes last longer
4.13.2010
I's Gettin' Chubby
There's always a time in Spring when I suddenly realize that I'm not as thin as I previously thought. It's an alarming state. I start cold sweating, I fidget, I wonder what to do. Then I do what I do best, I look stuff up online. ^_^
I finally found a decent article for newbies on hiking--which surprisingly is by DiabeticLifestyle.com! Reading simple intros like this puts me at ease when I'm starting something new. I've been trying to get into hiking serously since I went meandering last summer looking for our lost Benny. It gave me an amazing opportunity to learn the ins and outs of our local woods and wild fields.
So the article mentions some great resources:
This weekend I plan on trying to hike (w Benny and perhaps the significant other unit) on the Illinois Prairie Path's Aurora Branch, or at least part of it. I need to explore and get some endorphines going. It's exciting and scary all at once! whooo ^_^
Let's see how far I get on the implementation part ;o)
I finally found a decent article for newbies on hiking--which surprisingly is by DiabeticLifestyle.com! Reading simple intros like this puts me at ease when I'm starting something new. I've been trying to get into hiking serously since I went meandering last summer looking for our lost Benny. It gave me an amazing opportunity to learn the ins and outs of our local woods and wild fields.
So the article mentions some great resources:
- http://www.teleport.com/-walkingplaces.html/ - a list of places to hike
- http://www.americanhiking.org/ - The American Hiking Society (how-tos and info: http://www.americanhiking.org/Resources/How-Tos/)
This weekend I plan on trying to hike (w Benny and perhaps the significant other unit) on the Illinois Prairie Path's Aurora Branch, or at least part of it. I need to explore and get some endorphines going. It's exciting and scary all at once! whooo ^_^
Let's see how far I get on the implementation part ;o)
3.15.2010
Skip a Puddle, Fall in Another
Ah the joys of walking about aimlessly with man's best friend. Fresh, clean almost-spring-like weather. Deer running away terrorized. Coyote doo full of rabbit hair. Ew. Er...watch your step there.
Actually, I find gallivanting around the local muddy field quite restorative. Never mind the 3-4 inch puddles extending several feet or yards, and the occasional 3" deep mud. Brings out the jump in the puddle kiddie in anyone. It's fun!. Especially if I don't fall down on my rear and Benny has to look at me sideways and roll his eyes.
Seriously though, the hiking boots I bought in mid-December are the most fun shoes I've ever bought. They'll outlast anything I throw at them: branches, thicket, mud, water puddles, muddy water puddles, fungi, rocks, uneven surfaces. They're a total win.
I hope to remember to take my iPhone or camera out with me and capture some of the changing landscape...as soon as the landscape starts changing. Right now there's only a bit of moss and other, occasional green sprouts. And tons of puddles, oh yes.
There's been an influx of song birds though, which makes things a little bit better around here as the weather warms up (or not). I've loved the on-and-off fog over the last few days.
I can imagine this is the time of year when couples start emerging from dorm rooms and blankets to go for walks (or more?) at NIU's East Lagoon up in loverley DeKalb, Illinois.
Back in my college heyday, it was a little comic and bittersweet seeing all these couples walking around the lagoon, sitting and reading or enjoying the sun...holding hands...it always looked a bit to me as if they were heading into Noah's arc.
Of course, mostly I was a tinge bitter at not being able to partake myself. But I knew there'd be time enough for that later. Though it's little things like this, that I miss about NIU and that caused so much sarcastic laughter for my friends and I back then. Ah spring! :o)
Actually, I find gallivanting around the local muddy field quite restorative. Never mind the 3-4 inch puddles extending several feet or yards, and the occasional 3" deep mud. Brings out the jump in the puddle kiddie in anyone. It's fun!. Especially if I don't fall down on my rear and Benny has to look at me sideways and roll his eyes.
Seriously though, the hiking boots I bought in mid-December are the most fun shoes I've ever bought. They'll outlast anything I throw at them: branches, thicket, mud, water puddles, muddy water puddles, fungi, rocks, uneven surfaces. They're a total win.
I hope to remember to take my iPhone or camera out with me and capture some of the changing landscape...as soon as the landscape starts changing. Right now there's only a bit of moss and other, occasional green sprouts. And tons of puddles, oh yes.
There's been an influx of song birds though, which makes things a little bit better around here as the weather warms up (or not). I've loved the on-and-off fog over the last few days.
I can imagine this is the time of year when couples start emerging from dorm rooms and blankets to go for walks (or more?) at NIU's East Lagoon up in loverley DeKalb, Illinois.
Back in my college heyday, it was a little comic and bittersweet seeing all these couples walking around the lagoon, sitting and reading or enjoying the sun...holding hands...it always looked a bit to me as if they were heading into Noah's arc.
Of course, mostly I was a tinge bitter at not being able to partake myself. But I knew there'd be time enough for that later. Though it's little things like this, that I miss about NIU and that caused so much sarcastic laughter for my friends and I back then. Ah spring! :o)
1.04.2010
Once Upon a Snowy Clearing
Having noticed deer in the area during wamer weather scampers, I wasn't surprised to see their hoofprints all over the community now that the snow's set in - however, their trail's marked *everywhere* I look. The community seems to be their private amusement park as soon as lights go out for the bipeds in the area.
Well, on an impromptu walk with Benny-hana, we just had a winter, white-tailed deer encounter. Two deer where in the middle of the park looking at Benny and I as we approached on our walk. So I made sure I stopped w plenty of space (about 100 yards or so) and took a looksie. Made friendly noises to make them feel more at home (as if they needed prompting?). The graceful pair then proceeded to look away and waltz on away across the road and between two residential buildings in the community.
Alas, no camera at hand and too dark for pix anyway. I was left smiling. Benny has terrible sight and hadn't caught their scent, so he just looked up at me and kept wagging his little white tail.
I just wish Orion, the neighborhood owl, had come flying in for a complete winter landscape scene.
Kind of almost makes up for the 3-4 inches of snow we've got to wade in ^_^ if not the 1 inch ice slab everywhere else.
Well, on an impromptu walk with Benny-hana, we just had a winter, white-tailed deer encounter. Two deer where in the middle of the park looking at Benny and I as we approached on our walk. So I made sure I stopped w plenty of space (about 100 yards or so) and took a looksie. Made friendly noises to make them feel more at home (as if they needed prompting?). The graceful pair then proceeded to look away and waltz on away across the road and between two residential buildings in the community.
Alas, no camera at hand and too dark for pix anyway. I was left smiling. Benny has terrible sight and hadn't caught their scent, so he just looked up at me and kept wagging his little white tail.
I just wish Orion, the neighborhood owl, had come flying in for a complete winter landscape scene.
Kind of almost makes up for the 3-4 inches of snow we've got to wade in ^_^ if not the 1 inch ice slab everywhere else.
12.18.2009
New Hiking Boots
I believe in buying things that last. That's why I purchased Timberland hiking boots back in August/September...but I was very, very disappointed. When it rained, my toes felt cold and wet. When I went in rambling woods, tall grasses, and bushy areas...stuff would get inside my shoes and bug the hell out of me until I got home and shook them out.
Granted, the shoes had been on sale. Granted the shoes were probably 1/2 a size too big (thick socks needed, don't you know?), and in the men's sizes to boot (pun intended or not intended?). ^_^
Then I decided to visit REI and check out their women's hiking boots. After approximately 20 minutes of deciding among three models on my own understanding of what I was looking for, I decided to ask the attendant to check on the size for two models. One was out, the other was in. I like when decision making gets easier. So I went and tried the model that was available, it was everything I ever dreamed a hiking boot could be--for a price that was below what I thought I would be overpaying. ^_^
Meet my new shoe: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots.
It's my new four wheel drive ;o)
12.10.2009
Brr
This morning the NPR affiliate that wakes me up via my trusty alarm clock, mentioned in the usual, eerily smooth tone of voice that we were at minus 20 Farenheit. This is so cold, that if you throw a cup of water to the air, it would probably freeze.
It's been windy as all heck since the day before yesterday, but last night's 3-hour commute plus a quick stop to the grocery store, plus the never ending snow, plus the galey wind really did a number on me. It was therefore no surprise that, today, on my lunch hour I ran to the nearby Dick's Sporting Goods to purchase some North Face warmup accessories. I found some gifts for the significant other as well, but I'm mostly excited about the awesome North Face gloves, beanie, and scarf (all black of course!) that I got for mememe. I do wish the scarf was longer, but meh, it keeps me warm anyway.
I was also intending on looking at waterproof hiking boots while at Dick's, but there wasn't enough time. I had already stopped at Cost Plus and my lunch hour was ticking away quite loudly. Although I overspent, I think these as investment pieces that will stay with me for a very long time. If I had found my 11 year old Speedo fleece gloves in the closet this morning, I wouldn't have indulged...or maybe I would have still ;) But the Speedo items are buried somewhere, and it's too cold to wait man!
I get some very painful frost nip on my fingers at least once daily--usually when walking Benny. Oh, he's very toasty in his fleece and wool coat. He sometimes nosedives into the snow, which confuses me as to whether he's scared of the snow or likes it. He also dips his nose into it as he's sniffing out rabbits. The fun part about taking him for walks in winter is that I get to see all the rabbit (and other animals) footprints in the snow so I can see where he's going to sniff next--versus in warmer weather where he just sort of runs after invisible trails. Such a good sniffy dog, he is!
I'm almost settled on avoiding checking the weather reports for the next few days. I've opted to give fashion the bird and instead of using my lean black car coat, I took out of storage my seriously heavy, long hooded, Anne Klein coat. It makes me look like a Yeti. Or at least I feel like one when bundled inside it. But thank goodness that I have it because it REALLY is *that* cold.
There's no wishing for this type of cold, even to enemies! LOL
It's been windy as all heck since the day before yesterday, but last night's 3-hour commute plus a quick stop to the grocery store, plus the never ending snow, plus the galey wind really did a number on me. It was therefore no surprise that, today, on my lunch hour I ran to the nearby Dick's Sporting Goods to purchase some North Face warmup accessories. I found some gifts for the significant other as well, but I'm mostly excited about the awesome North Face gloves, beanie, and scarf (all black of course!) that I got for mememe. I do wish the scarf was longer, but meh, it keeps me warm anyway.
I was also intending on looking at waterproof hiking boots while at Dick's, but there wasn't enough time. I had already stopped at Cost Plus and my lunch hour was ticking away quite loudly. Although I overspent, I think these as investment pieces that will stay with me for a very long time. If I had found my 11 year old Speedo fleece gloves in the closet this morning, I wouldn't have indulged...or maybe I would have still ;) But the Speedo items are buried somewhere, and it's too cold to wait man!
I get some very painful frost nip on my fingers at least once daily--usually when walking Benny. Oh, he's very toasty in his fleece and wool coat. He sometimes nosedives into the snow, which confuses me as to whether he's scared of the snow or likes it. He also dips his nose into it as he's sniffing out rabbits. The fun part about taking him for walks in winter is that I get to see all the rabbit (and other animals) footprints in the snow so I can see where he's going to sniff next--versus in warmer weather where he just sort of runs after invisible trails. Such a good sniffy dog, he is!
I'm almost settled on avoiding checking the weather reports for the next few days. I've opted to give fashion the bird and instead of using my lean black car coat, I took out of storage my seriously heavy, long hooded, Anne Klein coat. It makes me look like a Yeti. Or at least I feel like one when bundled inside it. But thank goodness that I have it because it REALLY is *that* cold.
There's no wishing for this type of cold, even to enemies! LOL
9.07.2009
Relief!
I had a weekend of relief from my depression, work stress, and other assorted issues.
Saturday night I enjoyed dinner at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Yerbabuena, in Lisle IL. It's always tricky to choose between their cheese verde enchiladas or their mole cheese enchiladas, they're both soooo good! Although we could have taken the table that was available on the patio, it was still a little chilly--we were expecting the weekend to warm up by the time Labor Day Monday was coming though, and we were right!
Saturday we kick started the day by going to our favorite pancake house, Blueberry Hill, which is just around the corner from our community. When we came home I ordered a carpet cleaning service to come to our house the same day, because Benny's little odoriferous love notes were getting to be a little too much for our sensitive noses. We had already decided we weren't going to get laminate floors to replace our carpeting, due to some hideous bait and switch Home Depot pulled on us, where the cost for the products was quoted, but not the entire installation fees. The total price eventually turned out to be three times what was originally quoted to us!! So carpet cleaning is DEFINITELY the way to go for now. Besides, it's a biatch to match a laminate floor pattern to the wood we already have in the house (coffee tables and kitchen/restroom cabinets) :)
Sunday we went to our local pancake house for bfast, again, and had a blast saying hi to the waiters that recognize us. Then a trip to renowned Phillips Park and Zoo in Aurora, where I finally got a look at the Mastodon Center. Really cool! Loved the wolves at the Zoo, though they are in such a visitor-unfriendly confine that I barely got some pix.
Sunday we then went to Kuiper Farm up in Maple Park, IL. Kuiper farm is renowned for its apple picking and fun family events like live music, tractor shows and tractor rides. When we went they were in the middle of a BBQ under a tent, an antique tractor showing (loved seeing the old John Deere tractors, after having known the Deere history in Moline firsthand!), and lots of apple picking. We bought a caramel apple pie with walnuts, some apple glazed donuts, and a quart of apple cider. MMM. I can't wait what other activities they feature once fall has truly made its presence felt.
Sunday night we went to Naperville's Last Fling. Train, a band that I haven't found all that palatable on the radio, was playing. We usually like to hang out under the liquor tent and listen to those bands, where there is seating. also, because they don't let you take your liquor out of that fenced-in area, so it's kind of a must. One of us stayed under the tent waiting while the other went and grabbed some chow at the nearby Greek delicacies tent. YUM. So I found out the name of the band that was playing in this free-concert booze tent, Steepwater band. These guiys are a little ZZ Top and all good. I'm going to actually purchase their CD. This is earthshaking from me people ^_^ As a matter of fact, the band is playing at a ZZTop event at the Chicago House of Blues soon. Talk about good stuff. They totally pawned Train, every way from Sunday. Oh yea. House of Blues is another place on my to-visit list--I didn't really get to enjoy it much when I went for our company's annual conference committee dinner *bleh* :)
All weekend I got lots of reading in, finishing the biography of Sylvia Plath, the Flow book, and finishing the On Writing book by Stephen King. Not only that, but I also joined Shelfari.com where I can employ my organizational skills as they are applied to my growing collection of books. Though many of them have been donated to charity, in the past few years, there's a solid collection still at hand.
Monday was a wee bit of a letdown, but I did lots of walking, both downtown Naperville when we decided to lunch at Chipotle since Schmaltz Deli was closed for the holiday (alas, Le Chocolat was also closed so no dessert), and also when we went to the nearby premium outlet mall (where I scored some awesome Timberland sporty hiking sneakers), and finally, when we came home and walked/exercised our darling Benny. ;)
Now, back to Top Gear ;) on BBC-A. Hope this short week turns out to be a joy and not a hemorrhoid ^_^
Saturday night I enjoyed dinner at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Yerbabuena, in Lisle IL. It's always tricky to choose between their cheese verde enchiladas or their mole cheese enchiladas, they're both soooo good! Although we could have taken the table that was available on the patio, it was still a little chilly--we were expecting the weekend to warm up by the time Labor Day Monday was coming though, and we were right!
Saturday we kick started the day by going to our favorite pancake house, Blueberry Hill, which is just around the corner from our community. When we came home I ordered a carpet cleaning service to come to our house the same day, because Benny's little odoriferous love notes were getting to be a little too much for our sensitive noses. We had already decided we weren't going to get laminate floors to replace our carpeting, due to some hideous bait and switch Home Depot pulled on us, where the cost for the products was quoted, but not the entire installation fees. The total price eventually turned out to be three times what was originally quoted to us!! So carpet cleaning is DEFINITELY the way to go for now. Besides, it's a biatch to match a laminate floor pattern to the wood we already have in the house (coffee tables and kitchen/restroom cabinets) :)
Sunday we went to our local pancake house for bfast, again, and had a blast saying hi to the waiters that recognize us. Then a trip to renowned Phillips Park and Zoo in Aurora, where I finally got a look at the Mastodon Center. Really cool! Loved the wolves at the Zoo, though they are in such a visitor-unfriendly confine that I barely got some pix.
Sunday we then went to Kuiper Farm up in Maple Park, IL. Kuiper farm is renowned for its apple picking and fun family events like live music, tractor shows and tractor rides. When we went they were in the middle of a BBQ under a tent, an antique tractor showing (loved seeing the old John Deere tractors, after having known the Deere history in Moline firsthand!), and lots of apple picking. We bought a caramel apple pie with walnuts, some apple glazed donuts, and a quart of apple cider. MMM. I can't wait what other activities they feature once fall has truly made its presence felt.
Sunday night we went to Naperville's Last Fling. Train, a band that I haven't found all that palatable on the radio, was playing. We usually like to hang out under the liquor tent and listen to those bands, where there is seating. also, because they don't let you take your liquor out of that fenced-in area, so it's kind of a must. One of us stayed under the tent waiting while the other went and grabbed some chow at the nearby Greek delicacies tent. YUM. So I found out the name of the band that was playing in this free-concert booze tent, Steepwater band. These guiys are a little ZZ Top and all good. I'm going to actually purchase their CD. This is earthshaking from me people ^_^ As a matter of fact, the band is playing at a ZZTop event at the Chicago House of Blues soon. Talk about good stuff. They totally pawned Train, every way from Sunday. Oh yea. House of Blues is another place on my to-visit list--I didn't really get to enjoy it much when I went for our company's annual conference committee dinner *bleh* :)
All weekend I got lots of reading in, finishing the biography of Sylvia Plath, the Flow book, and finishing the On Writing book by Stephen King. Not only that, but I also joined Shelfari.com where I can employ my organizational skills as they are applied to my growing collection of books. Though many of them have been donated to charity, in the past few years, there's a solid collection still at hand.
Monday was a wee bit of a letdown, but I did lots of walking, both downtown Naperville when we decided to lunch at Chipotle since Schmaltz Deli was closed for the holiday (alas, Le Chocolat was also closed so no dessert), and also when we went to the nearby premium outlet mall (where I scored some awesome Timberland sporty hiking sneakers), and finally, when we came home and walked/exercised our darling Benny. ;)
Now, back to Top Gear ;) on BBC-A. Hope this short week turns out to be a joy and not a hemorrhoid ^_^
8.21.2009
Hiking in Illinois
I've been meaning more intently to research hiking. I've taken up something close to it since Benny's come into our world. Significant other unit refuses to take these sorts of walks, and the couple of times he's come along has been vocal about the difficulty of walking on such terrain *sigh*
So what is there to hiking? Are there any guides? What about trail guides or guides to hiking in Illinois? What about a guide to local flora and fauna? Could I find hidden edibles in the area while hiking? Hmmm all these questions set me thinking and searching.
So my search produced a number of interesting resources, though I'm still not satisfied with what I've found.
A "Hiking Website" tells you what there is to hiking and what to look for when starting it up. Here you learn that hiking's about being conscious of 1) your body, and 2) your surroundings. Make sure you don't go beyond your limits, and that you're always aware what situation you're in (yes that means no texting while hiking!). So what goes with these two main elements to hiking? Well you should always hike with someone, make sure you have the appropriate gear (#1 is appropriate footgear and apparel), make sure you ask questions, and above all watch and learn. Be a walking sponge. And whatever you do, don't go to the grand canyon and climb dangerous rocks thousands of feet above sea level in wedgey/platformy slipons like I did Dec 31 last year. Scary. Then again, the adrenaline rush was thoroughly enjoyable ^_^ I live for stuff like that ;)
Then there's Gorp.Away.com which is an awesome links resource for all hiking related stuff, like
what to look for in hiking gear. The Get Started link is quite useful, in a "make a list, plan, then hit the road" kinda way. I also liked their Illinois hiking guide.
So what's the resources arena like for Illinois in particular? Any forest preserves or other govt-type agencies educating people out there? Eh...not so much apparently.
I first searched the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website and didn't find much, with the exception of a list of trails in my particular area (there's different pages for different areas within Illinois). Eh. Maybe I'll take a look if I ever want to venture out of my back yard. There's lots to do right here for now.
The DuPage and Kane counties forest preserve websites are interesting too. DuPage has had more resources it seems, and their websites are uber friendly to use. Their recreation section has a page personalized to hiking interests, including maps and other info of particular areas of interest. I actually found Kane County Forest Preserve's Twitter account to be FAR better than its website. Its Facebook page isn't that bad either.
I'll keep checking this and Enjoyillinois.com out. I have had on my to-do list Starved Rock State Park for what seems forever. I was almost interested in going to the Mississippi Palisades a long time ago, but any interest never quite materialized.
I'll keep checking all these resources out to broaden my knowledge and maybe, one day, take a peek at some of these cool hiking trails and places. But for now, I enjoy my 45min-1hr long hikes with Benny the Baying Hound. We have our very own favorite places and our own way of communicating silently with each other, as we explore together.
Happy trails y'all ;)
So what is there to hiking? Are there any guides? What about trail guides or guides to hiking in Illinois? What about a guide to local flora and fauna? Could I find hidden edibles in the area while hiking? Hmmm all these questions set me thinking and searching.
So my search produced a number of interesting resources, though I'm still not satisfied with what I've found.
A "Hiking Website" tells you what there is to hiking and what to look for when starting it up. Here you learn that hiking's about being conscious of 1) your body, and 2) your surroundings. Make sure you don't go beyond your limits, and that you're always aware what situation you're in (yes that means no texting while hiking!). So what goes with these two main elements to hiking? Well you should always hike with someone, make sure you have the appropriate gear (#1 is appropriate footgear and apparel), make sure you ask questions, and above all watch and learn. Be a walking sponge. And whatever you do, don't go to the grand canyon and climb dangerous rocks thousands of feet above sea level in wedgey/platformy slipons like I did Dec 31 last year. Scary. Then again, the adrenaline rush was thoroughly enjoyable ^_^ I live for stuff like that ;)
Then there's Gorp.Away.com which is an awesome links resource for all hiking related stuff, like
what to look for in hiking gear. The Get Started link is quite useful, in a "make a list, plan, then hit the road" kinda way. I also liked their Illinois hiking guide.
So what's the resources arena like for Illinois in particular? Any forest preserves or other govt-type agencies educating people out there? Eh...not so much apparently.
I first searched the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website and didn't find much, with the exception of a list of trails in my particular area (there's different pages for different areas within Illinois). Eh. Maybe I'll take a look if I ever want to venture out of my back yard. There's lots to do right here for now.
The DuPage and Kane counties forest preserve websites are interesting too. DuPage has had more resources it seems, and their websites are uber friendly to use. Their recreation section has a page personalized to hiking interests, including maps and other info of particular areas of interest. I actually found Kane County Forest Preserve's Twitter account to be FAR better than its website. Its Facebook page isn't that bad either.
I'll keep checking this and Enjoyillinois.com out. I have had on my to-do list Starved Rock State Park for what seems forever. I was almost interested in going to the Mississippi Palisades a long time ago, but any interest never quite materialized.
I'll keep checking all these resources out to broaden my knowledge and maybe, one day, take a peek at some of these cool hiking trails and places. But for now, I enjoy my 45min-1hr long hikes with Benny the Baying Hound. We have our very own favorite places and our own way of communicating silently with each other, as we explore together.
Happy trails y'all ;)
8.10.2009
A Hiking We Will Go
Bought new hiking shoes from the nearby Timberland store so I can trek with young Master Benny, the 2-time runaway hound. Got good use out of them yesterday when we took a 45 minute walk in rough field terrain. He definitely loves breathing in the new smells and checking out the rabbit population.
He was super well behaved over the weekend, even when our niece dropped by to meet him. He really enjoyed taking dog biscuits from her and he definitely enjoys the petting and cuddles he's getting from everyone!
Needless to say, we're all holding on to his leash unusually strongly lately, and securing any open doorways leading to the outside world whenever he's nearby.
Last night was the first night he didn't use our cream carpeting as his restroom, instead waiting until this morning to do his business like the wonderful boy he is.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available ;)
He was super well behaved over the weekend, even when our niece dropped by to meet him. He really enjoyed taking dog biscuits from her and he definitely enjoys the petting and cuddles he's getting from everyone!
Needless to say, we're all holding on to his leash unusually strongly lately, and securing any open doorways leading to the outside world whenever he's nearby.
Last night was the first night he didn't use our cream carpeting as his restroom, instead waiting until this morning to do his business like the wonderful boy he is.
Stay tuned for more updates as they become available ;)
1.02.2009
Las Vegas, Nevada
Although Vegas is known as Sin City, you can definitely go the squeaky clean route if you want...what with spas, healthy cuisine, and the great outdoors... there's more options than you'd think both on The Strip and off it. Then again, it's better to keep it balanced, with a little sin and a little clean ;o) Pix
Here's a toast to 2009, that it may bring as much adrenaline, thought-provoking conversation, substance, and knowledge absorption as possible! Cheers!
- Canyon Ranch spa at The Venetian/Palazzo was a blast, I totally enjoyed the locker rooms, the lounge, and the sugar scrub treatment. Not to mention the conservatory and salt grotto.
- The Venetian Hotel is aging a little, particularly their rooms and the upkeep of said rooms, but the shopping and public areas are in top shape. Kudos to Taqueria Canonita restaurant for awesome modern Mexican cuisine and an amazing Moscato Margarita to die for.
- Dal Toro restaurant was a blast, especially considering the authentic-tasting Italian dishes, the rhythmic pounding of the electronic/trance music, and...the fact that I was sitting next to four to five Lamborghini
- Hoover Dam is an amazing feat of engineering and human achievement. It was completed under budget and ahead of schedule without the use of computers...something the US government has been unable to do since.
- Lake Mead is a gorgeous turquoise when viewed both from land and by air. The white "tub ring" around the perimeter shows what the highest water level was in the early 1980s. They say that currently the level is going further down, indicating a possible sustainability red alert from mother nature.
- The West Rim of the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai Indian reservation helped me exceed my expectations of the Grand Canyon. I've always underestimated the power of the Grand Canyon, favoring instead the Yellowstone National Park (still to visit). The Pink Jeep Tour (it was actually a Dodge 3500 chassy with a Jeep grille, but don't tell anyone!) driver, Chris, was sharp, knowledgeable, and humourous, and a great conversationalist. I even got to scale a somewhat icy and snowy rocky mound on an outcrop well above 4,000 feet above the GC's floor...talk about an adrenaline rush (or a possible fall) you'll never forget.
Here's a toast to 2009, that it may bring as much adrenaline, thought-provoking conversation, substance, and knowledge absorption as possible! Cheers!
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