Good news, long day and a buch of poop..

Going to Tyler for a doctors appointment always seems like an all day ordeal. Seems like no matter the time of the appointment it is always an hour later. Good news is that the stent is working and all looked good with Fran. Doctor said to come back in a year. A long day as we were not home until almost 5:00.
Called a plumber prior to going to Tyler as we had issues with both bath rooms. The long day allowed the water to over flow and leave us a nice few inches of poopy water in the shower and both floors. Plumber arrived at 6:30 and all is working well now. Clean up better today.
Missed the workout classes yesterday as well as Monday. I am sure that Friday will be tough.
Interesting funeral today. The man wanted to have his funeral the served lunch to all attendees. About 300 guest expected so this means 35 or so tables to decorate with greenery. A pickup load of pine, magnolia and holly did the trick, lots of help so no problem.

Funeral this morning.

One year ago

December 14 was my first day in the gym and the first real effort to become a non-smoker. Some days feel like I have been working out for a long time and other days let me know that I am really just a beginner. I can say that my first workouts are not much more than a warm up now. I remember first joining the Express class and barely making it through the half hour. Whispering "Is that all you got ?" A little later came the Body Pump, an additional hour of hard work. I did not think that I would ever be at the place I am now with the physical fitness stage that I have reached. The biggest achievement has been health improvements that came with not smoking. Very proud of my progress of this year.
Monday was the Christmas luncheon for Master Gardeners. Dave's last meeting and Jim will be our 2012 President. I know he will do great. Enjoyed the day but it did mean that I was not able to do the full workout at the gym. Wednesday will be Fran's follow up visit to her doctor in Tyler. This will also shorten my workouts.
Almost forgot that Keep Jacksonville Beautiful meets this morning. Better get to going. More later.

Weather

Lots of needed rain and now very cold. Cold is when it is below my age, so the twenties sure make it cold.
Today after the workouts I will participate in a customer satisfaction meeting at the gym. Guess this is an annual deal. Several of us old guys will do it. Might be that we were the only ones that took them up are they think we will give them only positive comments. We will see.
This comes at my one year date. It does seem odd that I have been working out every week for almost a year. The gains are many but seem to be much slower now than at the first. So glad that I no longer smoke and have become so much more fit.
Feel great about all but lunges. The legs just can not handle these.

First hard freeze

Monday after Thanksgiving drew a big crowd even with the first hard freeze of the season. Twenty-eight degrees this morning with ice in the back of the truck.
Workouts were tough for all of us. Both Kris and Heidi are Aggies and not too happy since they were defeated by the horns. I think they took out some frustrations on us.
Thanksgiving was not so fun. We had planned on going to Waco to be with my Sisters. Fran was sick all night and not feeling so good that morning. No turkey or much else cooked so I had to get a hot plate off of the steam table from the grocery store. Green dressing is not my taste. Oh well.

The day that the rains came..

The best news of the day is we are finally getting one of those soaking, all nighter rains. Even through the darkness, I can see that the dry creek has running water. This has been a long time coming. Maybe with the burn bans lifted, I can burn the many burn piles soon.
Last week I met Travis and we worked out of town for a couple of days. This was fun as it had been a while since we had worked. Things fell into place and the days went well and the district folks were pleased. This did have me miss the Wednesday workout classes. I did make Friday and was not able to complete the lunge routine. Yesterday Heidi was out and we had a new gal as our leader. The routine was hard but somewhat different than the usual Body Pump. Much easier on the legs but much tougher on the upper body. I do not think the new gal was certified to do Body Pump as she was careful to never use that term. Oh well, from looking at her muscled up build, whatever she does works.
This week being Thanksgiving may require additional effort for the Friday classes. Thursday we will travel to Waco for the big meal. It will be just the 3 Daniel kids as all of our children will be missing this year. Guess it will just be remembering the old days with my Sisters. Lots of ballgames lots of food, I know it will be a good time.

Veterans Day

Friday was 11/11/11 and Veterans Day. Frank's wife baked a cake for the workout crew to celebrate. After the Pump most of us were beat but joined the party. She had Frank's picture at age 18. He was rear gunner on the "Dirty Gurty". Still looks like a young man.
I had to give up on the lunges for today. Too much pain in the left leg and did not want to strain it more. Rest it until Monday and will see where I can go then.

Another week...

Another week means 3 more tries at the new Pump. Most of the exercises have worked into the routine by now. Lunges are a different story as Wednesday I just could not finish this session. Leg cramps even without any weight on the bar. Not sure what I will do since I work hard and am doing well with the other areas. Using a bar for balance only still did not help. Hope today is better.
Kris has really bumped up his Wall. Weight has been added in each of the areas. I can really see progress when I think of where I was with this at the beginning. It does not seem like it has been 11 months since I started. Wow, good switch off on my habits.

Keep on trucking'

The turnout for the Scarecrow Trail, day 2, was good last Saturday. This is the first year to do 2 days so I consider it successful. Take down of the 'crows started yesterday. I always enjoy this activity and the kids as they see all of the scarecrows.
Today will complete another week of the "new" Pump. Still adjusting and struggling with the tough routines. Lunges are and will always be the killer for me. I just can not get there on these. Kris and his Wall routine has become more challenging for all of us. I may have to only do half of it so that I will have enough to give the Pump the required energy to finish it strong.
I have a few school work days coming up. I have done so little that almost look forward to it.
Temps have dropped and it is really fall now. Low this morning was in mid 30's.
Brrrr....

The house of Pain

Monday I went to the doctor with Fran and was only able to the Wall part of the workout. Wednesday I paid the price for missing. The new Pump really fatigues every muscle group. I am sure the body will adjust to the new demands but very sore in the mean time.
Today I will help with the 4th Grade Ag Day, scheduled to be at the Arboretum but moved to the Show Barn. This is a shame as 440 kids need room to run and always enjoy the scarecrows and garden area. Seems odd that many kids do not realize the food can and does grow from plants. I do hope the cold front and rain that caused the move does make it here.
Hope the soreness goes away today since it will return again on Friday.

Adjusting to the new Pump

Today, Friday, has given us 3 chances to adjust to the new Body Pump. This edition
has many lots of dips, pushups, presses and different plank positions. All of the gang are singing the blues and will until our muscles adjust. Kris has also cranked up his half hour. All in all, I have a very tough Monday, Wednesday and Friday routine. The only real good news is that lunges were the best ever for me today. Not sure if they are getting easier or if they are not as tough as some of the other areas of the workout.

Scarecrow Trail again this Saturday. Lots of visitors thru this week so hope that we get a good crowd for tomorrow.
Need a rest before I go out and help set up for the Trail.

Cool temps coming

The cold front moved in last night bringing rain, some hail and cooler temps. Predictions are upper 30's on Thursday morning. I am anxious about the damage to the scarecrows. Will check this morning. I will also pick up some more mums to sell on Saturday. Hope these were not damaged by the hail.
Body Pump changes music and routines about every 3 months. This causes your body to readjust to the different muscles that get worked. So yesterdays Pump had all of us at near fatigue. This means really sore this morning. Seems funny that moving your hands on the weight bar only slightly works you in different areas.
I hurt this morning but still glad that I started the exercise program almost 10 months ago. I am so much stronger now and proud of the big changes in my life.

Functional strength

Thursday and Friday were long days in preparation for the opening day of the Scarecrow Trail. Saturday too was an all day event.
It did surprise me as to how many of the chores were so much easier this year. Using the T post driver to pound post into the hard red clay was not nearly as hard. Walking what seemed like a million miles around to Trail was also not so bad.
Friday I did get the full workout drill in at the center. Last day for this Body Pump session and Heidi was out. Monday starts anew.
Enjoyed the cooler temps and the Master Gardener event. Fewer scarecrows this year but they seemed to be better quality. I think the classes at school did a class project rather than several of the students making their own. Hope we have lots of visitors again next Saturday.

Busy day at the office

I started my day by taking Fran to get her blood test at 8:00. This made getting to workouts easy as it was just next door. Did a little warm up and went to Kris and the Wall. He has really stepped up our workouts. The half hours went fast and then the Body Pump was next. I knew going in that it was going to be hard since I had missed so many days of this. Surprised but it was not nearly as hard as I thought. Did make it and not much sorer than usual.
Headed to the Nursery and got several flats of fall veggies for the Demo and Hope Gardens. Late this year but maybe we can have success with some things. I did not mind at all loading and unloading in the RAIN. Next stop was Walmart to get the pumpkins, 200 of the cooking sized. We will have art students to assist the younger kids in painting faces on them. Two hundred is a good pickup load and it was still a nice drizzle.
Today I will get the mums for us to sell and help folks start setting up their Scarecrows. The nice rain may make the digging easier for us to set the post. My scarecrow will be "Dusty" .....wish it'd rain.
I look for a fun time this weekend. Fran is getting much stronger by the day. BP is settling down and all seems well. She will have the Trail and a BBQ cook off on Saturday that benefits HOPE. I am sure that I will need to put limits on her.

Scarecrow Trail and other activities..

The Scarecrow Trail begin this Saturday so many obligations will hinder my workout schedule for the week. Monday was our Master Gardener meeting. This with taking Fran for blood work prevented me from the usual workout. Today Keep Jacksonville Beautiful meeting, but hope to workout afterwards. Wednesday I must pick up donated items for the Trail event, this includes pumpkins and mums. Also must spend some time with tidying up my area of the demo garden, and finishing up my scarecrow. Thursday and Friday will be long days of assisting folks install their crows.
Seems funny that these activities were once things that I thrived on and now although I will enjoy them, are getting in the way of workouts. I really miss my workouts and with the stress of being Frans nurse and care giver, really Need them. Guess things will get pushed back another week which I know will be good but hard and difficult to achieve.

Back up to speed

I was with Fran in the hospital Tuesday and until Wednesday around 4:00. Fran is still dragging around and now near up to speed. Lots of new meds and BP low each morning. Hope things start to improve soon.
Since I missed some of Monday and all of Wednesday, Friday's workout was just my routine and Kris's Wall. I just did not think I was ready for the Pump. Kris has really stepped up the exercises for his half hour. Much heavier with the weights we use with the stations. Hard but I got through it.
Hope to get some time in this weekend. Monday calls for blood test for Fran so not sure what this will allow. Master Gardeners meeting too so know there will be little workout time. Scarecrow Trail opens Saturday so lots to get done. I am way behind on my chores for this.
I know when I do get back it will be super hard the first times.

Best guy in class

I finished off the last week of September with 4 days of workouts. All were good efforts and seem to help with the stress. Kris has really pumped up his Express class so it is much more than a warm up. A few new younger guys have joined in the fun. Always fun to watch young guys on their first day as they shake their heads at the old guys. Body Pump is always hard. Squats are a bit easier but the lunges will never get better, I don't think. My legs just can not handle that many reps of them.
Friday was odd in that I was the only guy in the class, not sure where my other buddies were but that made me best in class.
The weather has cooled a good bit but still no rain. Mid 50's this morning. I will do some of the workout today but have another Scarecrow meeting this morning. May need to pull out the long sleeve shirt this morning. Tomorrow is Fran's day at the hospital.

Beautiful weather and the Plant Sale

Friday was the usual hard workout. Sailed through it and spent most of the afternoon setting up for the plant sale. Seemed funny that I was not going to have a booth this fall but I was not alone. Saturday was the sale. Started slow but picked up and stayed busy most of the morning. We did not have nearly the selection of plants as years past but we did fair for the heat and drought. Not sure of the total sales but maybe half of past sales. One thing I do know is it was much easier to carry plants to folks cars across the parking lot. It was good to be my my gardening friends and enjoy the start to fall. Anything beats the heat of the past several months.

It has been a while since I was a smoker and not working out. So glad I made those changes.

Workouts and stress

Yesterday we had our Consult visit with the Dr. It was better news than we expected, Fran will still have a stent put in but less complication than first thought. That is great news and we both are ready for Oct. 4 so we can put this behind us. She will stay one night and be released on her Birthday.
Needless to say this has caused stress. Hard workout have really helped me with this. Kris has really upped the "Wall" and the Pump is still a real challenge. Heidi taped the Pump session for her recertification as an instructor. Wednesday I really pushed in both exercise programs. Very sore today but the exercise does improve sleeping, or should.
May go in for a little work today. Plant sale Saturday, not sure about the turnout or number of members with much to sell. The heat and drought has really taken a toll on most of our gardens. Demo Garden still looks good.

RAIN !!! Wonderful cooling rain.

Saturday was cloudy and misty most of the day which cooled us off a bit. Sunday more of the same but very little rain. Sunday night it started to really rain and rain it did most of the night. This morning the cool damp air was so refreshing almost like the start of fall. A little more than a inch of rain for most of East Texas.
Workouts were cut a bit short this morning as I had a Scarecrow Trail meeting. I did get "my" routine and Kris's Wall. I worked it hard and was tired after the combined hour of work.
Scarecrow Trail is coming along. This is such a fun event and really got lots in the community out. I hope it will be good again this year. The Plant Sale is this Saturday. I am not thinking that many will have much to sell. The heat and drought has killed or severely stunted most of the things I would usually pot up to sell. I do not look for this to be a big successful fund raiser.

Rain, wow what the rain did for the attitude of many.

Finished out the week

I did a "my routine" on Thursday and the the biggy today. The Wall is getting more challenging each week. I think Kris wants us to struggle to get to the Pump class. He has said that if you did his workout you would not need the hour of Pump. Never the less, many of us do both. I was surprised that Frank back down form the Pump today. I was tempted but struggled through it but no additional weight on the bar.
Maybe I am catching up with Frank after all.


Fran will have a Dr. appointment next Wednesday to see when surgery will be scheduled. Concerned and ready for this to be behind us.

Catch up time

With the doctor appointments for Fran, lots of things get put on hold.
The temps shot back up and the wildfires continue. Seems like all of east Texas is burning. Many evacuations and even school closings due to the fires. The heat, drought and now winds have us in a major fire warning situation. Last night for a very short time it rained, not much but it did rain. This is the first in so long I can not even remember.
Workouts have been a bit hit and miss. Last Friday 9/9, we did not have Body Pump but another coach did some cardio and yoga. Not nearly as hard as the pump but using different muscles did have me sore. Missed the workouts on Monday as we were in Tyler for Fran's testing at the hospital. This lasted all day. Made my classes yesterday, both of them. Kris has raised the bar in the Express class. This is almost enough of a workout by itself. Heidi was back after some training on the new Body Pump exercises. This will begin soon. The present one is still a challenge for me. Really hard if you miss a session or two.
Trying to hang in there.
Plant sale coming up in 2 weeks. I have nothing but a few dogwood trees and they even look bad. So much for my sales this year.
My friend Rodney is staying with his exercise routine. Good to see him and see his progress.

Texas burns

Finally the temps of 100 plus days ended yesterday. The tropical storm Lee brought wind but no rain. This strong wind and extra dry conditions makes Texas ripe for fires. The air is so cool this morning with 50's tonight but the smell of fire is also present. The local news is full of the many fires in the area. Some schools are closed and many areas evacuated. These are scary times. No rain fore casted for the next 10 days. I did see more trees down or damaged from the drought and high winds. This will only make more firewood.
Monitoring Fran's BP several times a day and Dr. appointments will have me miss some of the routine M-W-F workouts. I did make it yesterday and worked hard. I have started doing lunges at home to try to improve in this area. I will miss Wednesday with appointments but hope to get answers to why the BP is so inconsistent through out the day. There are lots of questions to be answered hopefully soon.

A little catch up

Lots of things going on since last Wednesday. Fran's Dr. appointment Thursday showed very high blood pressure. Monday it continued so we headed to ER.
I did get the workouts in on Friday and did a little on Saturday. Missed Monday but hit Tuesday and today. The Wall and Pump were tough for me today. I did get through them and even improved on my efforts with the lunges.
Rare School job tomorrow so I will head to Center. Hope to be ready for the Friday classes.

Influence friends...

A while back I saw a friend's son at the gym working out. We talked a bit and I thought nothing about it. His Dad Rodney has many greenhouses and has been a friend for years. He has always been goo0d to HOPE and the Master Gardener's when we needed something for projects. We want to sell mums at the Scarecrow event so he was the one to see for good plants and prices. So I dropped by to see him one day last week. The conversation quickly turned to working out and the fitness center. I talked about my routine and how much better I felt now that I worked out. I invited him to be my guest and come check things out. He did and last Monday he joined up. Tuesday, usually my off day, we meet at the center and I showed him around and the exercises I did on my own. It must have impressed him because he ask my age several times. I think he will become a regular but will need some time to work up to the M-W-F routine that I follow. He is younger and larger than I am so he can catch up with me in a short time.
Maybe another workout partner, never too many of those. Better get moving as we are to meet this morning before the routine begins.

No let up in sight..

The heat and drought continues and has now reached the official record hottest and driest ever. No need to even pretend to garden. I can only see the plan to completely start over. So many plants and trees dead that even the bones of my landscape are gone. I can only hope to save very few and I am unsuccessful with most of my efforts.
Going to the cool gym is now my major activity. I can not imagine what I would be doing if I had not started working out. Friday I did the usual. Kris had the "Wall" geared up a notch or so it seemed. Body Pump was the usual except that I was not able to get much done with the lunges. I felt a pull and did not want to risk injury.
Monday was the same and was OK with the lunge section. Hard but I could make it with the added weight on my bar.
So hope that maybe we will soon get some relief from the heat. Fires are around the area seems like every day. This does concern me since I am in such a wooded area.

Running with the big dogs

I have been working towards putting the largest plate of weight on my bar for a good while. Today I was able to do it, not for all muscle group sessions but for several. I was there with Frank. Also noticed that on some of the one minute drills, I may have been setting the pace. I know I can with the push ups and planks.
Now to get the lunges down.
Still too hot to be out side for any time at all. Temp was 106 today, that's every day since the end of May with the temp over 100. Also still no rain so you can just watch things die from day to day. Very sad and nothing you can do. One friend is trying and his water bill is near $400 month and still sad looking plants.
I think it is really working on folks mentally nos.

Chasing Frank

I met Frank at the fitness center in early January and was amazed at what a 85 year old guy could do. Now that I have had some workout time, I am trying to give him a chase. Today was the regular workout day of my routine. Got there and did it all. Heidi was not there and we had a sub teacher. Much the opposite and funny most of us may not have worked our hardest. Anyway, I did add weight to my bar and am equal to Frank in several of the sessions but not all. I can also keep up with him with most if not all exercises on the "Wall". Kris even teases about me catching up. Fun time with the group even with all of the teachers gone back to school. Smaller groups but fun.


I am getting there.

Busy week with record highs

The number of above 100 degree temps continues but maybe a little relief is in sight. Our area has already broken the records in many categories.
Monday had me cut workouts short so that I could attend the Master Gardener meeting. I had the program and ask on of the Foresters to talk about our trees and the drought. Research says that unless we get some rain ( 1 1/2 inches ) in the next 2 weeks that many of our trees will not make it. It is really bad at my place.
Tuesday was Keep Jacksonville Beautiful meeting but I still was able to get a little work in the gym. Wednesday allowed my full routine. Pump class was full for the last time with teachers. They started back yesterday, glad I am not still in that situation. Thursday I reconnected with a friend from way back in the Jasper days. Found him on the Face book pages that are going around..." You may be from XXX if you remember.
Today I will get the full workout this morning. The Pump has become a bit easier and I hope to set my record and add weight to the bar. Really want to do this as reach the goal I have had in my mind for a while. We will give it a try and see the results.
Temps still over 100 today with no rain in sight.

69 and counting...

I turned 69 today and guess in any ones book that is old. But in terms of health, today I am much better and ahead of years past. The changes of not smoking and beginning a real regular exercise program has me feeling much stronger. It is amazing that it was only December that I first stepped into the gym. Today I can say that my routine is very challenging to folks much younger than I am.
Sailed through most of Friday's exercises. Better, much better, with the squats and lounges. Legs sore but getting stronger. Hope for the day this is not so hard. Upper body and most other muscle groups are much improved. I still surprise myself at the strength and stamina gained. What seemed impossible has become routine.

Proud to be a Non-Smoker.

Proud to be a gym rat.

Wednesday @ 111 degrees

The heat and drought continues to break records for continued days over 100 and now record temps. Never has it been this hot for so long. I fear that many of our trees will die later this year. It will not take much of a wind to blow some over now because it is so dry.
The usual work out schedule was in store for me. Wall was mostly concentrated on the legs. With lots of squats and lunges, I guess this prepared me for the Pump. And somehow the lunges were a bit easier for me. I still can not add the weight that I would like but at least I could finish the session. With this heat this is almost all of the exercise I get in a day. No gardening and only watering the few things I have potted up. I am so ready for fall, funny if I look back I bet I said " so ready for spring". Never satisfied. The next 10 days look to be the same with temps over 100 every day with nights in the mid to high 80's.

SMOKIN'

The high yesterday in Tyler was 109 degrees which was a record for this day ever. This may have been the cool day for the week if predictions are correct. Too hot to do anything out of doors.
Yesterdays exercise had to be cut short because of the Scarecrow Trail meeting. I started the Pump but cut out about half way through it. Kris had us going with the Wall. He always seems to work one area of the body with several different stations. He wore us out on pushups yesterday. Of the 10 or so stations, four stations were variations of the pushups. Three rotations made 12 one minute routines. Pushups are not that hard for me and I actually like to do them but this seemed a bit much for even me. First round 20 pushups each (80), second round 15 (60) and third round 12 (48). Now that's a lot of pushups (188).
Needless to say, I am a bit sore today.
I think the Scarecrow event will be even bigger than last year. Lots of additional activities to make it more fun for the kiddies of all ages. Not until October so maybe we can think cooler weather.

We're having a heat wave....

Good Monday Morning East Texas. Dangerous heat again today as temperatures warm to around 105 degrees and heat index values approach 112 degrees. An excessive heat warning is in effect for all of East Texas except the far southwestern counties.

The dangerous heat will continue through the work week. Highs will range between 104 and 108 degrees with lows only dropping into the lower 80s at night. With the ridge of high pressure centered over the area, the chance of rain will remain extremely low through the weekend.

Only indoors activities for me with this heat. The cool gym will be a nice relief from my turn to water at the Demo Garden. Ready for the routine, even the Pump.

Hurricane Don not much

I really had hoped that Hurricane Don would bring some much needed rain to our area. Turns out that it was a bust and only had limited amounts for the valley. We are super hot now and humidity climbing every day. Looks like we will easily hit 30 plus days of over 100 degrees. Looks like little relief for the next week or more.

Saturday mornings at the gym are very quiet. I went in for some treadmill work and so few folks there that it seemed weird. I did get my almost 2 miles and 2 rounds of my machine routine.
Picked up a Grapeland watermelon on the way home. I really eat lots of fruit and nuts these days. Hope the melon is cold enough to grab a piece now.

Demo Garden work day

Wednesday was my regular schedule workout. Treadmill, Wall and Pump. Legs still weak and have trouble finishing the set of lunges.
Friday a good number of the gang of Master Gardeners met for the work day. We got lots done and surprisingly looks good for the heat and drought. I only wish my yard looked so good. Hot this morning but with the number of folks working most chores were completed. Then off to the gym for the Pump Class.

Hard as usual and I am a bit frustrated that I can not add weight to my bar for many of the exercises. Seems like the number of reps make me barely make it through the sessions. Guess that I should be satisfied with the progress I have made. I have come a long way since my first days of December. Smoking is seldom a thought.

Cloudy most of the day

We only got a few sprinkles but the clouds did keep us below 100 degrees. Any thing will help.
Monday workout was my usual, Wall and Pump. Still a little sore this morning but things worked out fast. The Wall was lots of leg work with three bikes in a line.
Pump was hard but as I thought it gets easier with time. Not sure why all of the gang were so pushed last Friday. Frank was back from his mission but had fallen and not able to finish the Pump. I am sure he will be back soon.
Heidi was her Jillian self all morning.

Pushed to failure

Not sure that I agree but "Pushed to failure" seems to be Heidi's definition of a successful workout. Well, that is what happened to the entire class today. A very hard workout with many if not all struggling to make it to the end. The new Pump has some very tough areas that test your strength and endurance. I was not able to master the lunges so during some of these I just switch to squats. Today was more than just the lunges that were tough, all areas burned. Guess it is good to have 2 days to recover.
The Wall was also full of abs and leg exercises. That was more than a good warm up.
Proud to say I can hang with many and adding a little weight to the bar.

A few of the gang run several miles in the heat prior to the workout. This will need to be something to work up to in the cooler fall.

Same song 2nd verse..

This is the second session for the new and improved Body Pump. I got there a little late and was only able to warm up for a few minutes on the treadmill. Kris had the Wall ready for us and some of his new exercises were tough. Got through that and was ready for the Pump. It was hard just like Monday but it will not take long to catch on to it. The lunges and squats will always be my weakness and area that most needs work.
The good thing is I am not alone, most were crying about the legs.
Frank is on a mission trip to Utah so I think that makes me the oldest in the classes.
Getting stronger everyday.

It's a new day and a new way...

Monday morning brought out another large crowd at the Fitness Center. The Wall was full. Kris focused on the legs and abs.
New music, new exercises for the forewarned Body Pump. Hard workout but seemed like a little more time to rest/recover between the exercises. I do know this- legs were the main focus for this turn of the Pump. Heidi said that there were around 100 squats this time, plus the lunges. Still killing me with the lunges.
It must be a big deal when they change the tunes and exercises as the Fitness Center had balloons, special water and some fruit and dip for all of us. I also ask the manager if they could schedule the Wall and the Pump so that a little recovery time and time to set up would be allowed. Seems like now most of the Pump crew also do the Wall. Makes sense to me so maybe...we will see.

Lots going on....

Lon Morris is a local junior college, private Methodist school. They are having some big time financial problems. A friend came to the Master Gardener's meeting and ask for some help with a water feature on the campus. Several of us thought it would be a good idea to assist and also a chance to learn more about water gardening. I had some ponds at the old house and always enjoyed them. Seemed good for me. We checked things out and made a plan. I also got into the fire ants, ouch !
Afterwards was my time to help water and harvest the HOPE and Demo gardens. That was Thursday.
Friday I really wanted to get all workouts in my schedule, so I did. Hard workouts but really getting better in many areas. Classes are larger this summer so to get your place you need to be there early. Afterwards I had a planning meeting for the MG Scarecrow Trail. This was a successful event last year and we expect it to only grow this year.
Heidi did tell us that the Body Pump exercises will change beginning Monday. Seems like they change about every 3 months or so. Guess I'm ready for the challenge. Good week of gardening activities and good to be back in the workout routine again.

M-W-F and today was W...

This morning I was ready for the full workout that Wednesday brings.
Warm up on the treadmill and ready for the Wall. So many folks at the Wall that Kris had to add more stations, so many that the usual 3 rounds turned into just one. Good workout. Pump was full but not over flowing with folks. New young high school football player joined us. Yep, kicked his first time ever butt. After class he said this is harder than many school football workouts. I think the many reps and form is the major difference.
I had to got to Tyler to get a new sleeper sofa for Fran's room. I got James from the fitness center to go with me. We ate lunch in Tyler and got the sofa in the room but had to remove doors to do so. Good time and nice visit.
The old mule beds are now retired and gone. I am sure many will be glad of that.
I did well with the workouts of today. Legs are getting better but still hard with the lunges. Arms, back and other areas are ready for me to up it a notch. May try that on Friday.
It really was good to get back to the full workout schedule.
Still hot, hot, hot outside.

The Buzz at workouts....

I had not been at the gym but a short time this morning before I was hit with the news. Seems like several of my workout buddies had gone to James' blog and read his take on Heidi. Lots of laughs and even Heidi got a kick out of it. Nice to have a famous son.
I only had time for the Wall this morning since Master Gardeners meeting started at 10:00. It was a solid workout and Kris took us through the paces. I was tired at the end but could have made it through the Pump. Hope to get back and do all of my routine on Wednesday.
Master Gardeners meeting went well. Lots of projects coming up in the fall. Hope the Scarecrow event goes as well as last year. Maybe I can get the workout crew to do one.

Another week slips by...

It seems like forever since I did my scheduled routine of weekly workouts. Either I was out of town or visitors were here but worth it any way. Monday will also have a conflict since it is our monthly Master Gardener meeting. With James and Francie and the kids here last week, I was able to have a little time at the gym with both of them. James witnessed the Pump on Wednesday and also got quizzed by several of my workout partners. Francie was able to to the water exercises. I enjoyed showing off my kids to friends. However I did not do my complete workout for over a week so I am sure that pay day will come when I do resume the M-W-F pace. Heidi will be calling my name.
Friday was good bye day and I never do this very well.
Saturday night was the HOPE celebrity dinner. I had the Master Gardener table of 8 folks. I decorated it with veggies to honor the MG/HOPE Gardens. This is the 20th year of HOPE. I had fun and clowned a bit. Also earned $150 in tips. All in all I think it was a pretty successful fundraiser. Money needs to start coming in to HOPE as I hear the shuffling of cold feet on Fran's retirement.

In the garden department, lost of things are burning up however the Demo Garden still looks good and producing veggie. Drip irrigation works. In exercise, I need to get back on schedule. Still smoke free and I am sure the visitors noticed and appreciated the fresh air smell.

Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July to all. Neat time for me as Francie and the kids arrive today and James coming on Tuesday. Wednesday is James' birthday, number 39.
With anniversary travels and celebrations, I missed some workouts.
We did make the trip to Fredricksburg although it was short and sweet. Home in time to make my Monday morning workout- Wall and Pump classes. Skipped the Wednesday class as this was the anniversary day so Fran and I spent the morning in Tyler and had lunch. Friday made the classes again and find that I can add a little more weight for the Body Pump. Lunges still very hard for me. Squats a bit easier.

Milestones:
20 years in Jacksonville
20 years of marriage
20 years of HOPE
Smoke free- 6 months for me and beginning 3 months for Fran.
Wow !

Take a little break to celebrate

I will miss the Friday workout today and maybe Monday. Fran and I are going away for a few days to celebrate out 20th year of marriage. Not sure when we will be coming back but knowing us it will not be long. I am sure I will pay for it on my next workout day.
I did pick a few Cherokee Purple tomatoes last night. I am sure a coon would get them or the heat would ruin them. Not as good as vine ripe but good, good eatin'.

And the rains came

So glad to hear the rain falling every time I woke up during the night. We ended up with more than an inch with more possible today. Much cooler today and all the earth seems to be refreshed. Even with the rain, it is and will be dry until much more moisture soaks into the ground. Maybe this helped with the wild fire in the forest just to our south.
Wednesday workout was the Wall for half hour and the the hour Pump. The Pump is getting better for me and I can even add weight to my bar. Lunges are a problem and I continue to get cramps. I will not give up this class but modify this one routine. Even squats are much improved.
This will be my last class for the week. Fran and I are going to get away for a few days to celebrate 20 years. I doubt that we are gone that long since neither of us can be gone many days. Heading to the hill country.
I am sure all gardens will benefit from the rain. Bet the tomatoes grow tons in the next few days. We have lots that will be ready soon. Hope the coons stay away while we are gone.

Good News - Bad News

Got going early this morning as I was to meet Dave and family for some blueberries picking. Got there and saw lots of berries. Of course I had to sample and found them to not only not be sweet but almost bitter. Very small berries this year. Many still not ripe and with some rain these may be better. Good news is it began to rain a light rain while there and heavier as we drove back home. Raining hard at HOPE. Getting home I see it has rained but not that much. Hope we get more today and tomorrow as forecasters say we will. At least the tomatoes got some rain which is better than tap water.

A little sore today but not that bad.

Wild Fire

The national forest and other land just south of here is burning. The area is about 15,000 acres and mostly contained now. It is so hot and dry that any little thing can spark a fire. Same is true for here. Weather forecast give us a little chance of rain this week, which is better than many weeks. Hopefully we can get some as many of the trees are suffering now. The tomatoes, because we water everyday, are still looking good but too hot to produce much fruit.
Monday workout was tougher than many days. First Kris really put us through it in the Wall. Several new exercises that really tested you. Body Pump was a killer. I got a bad cramp during the lunges section. I did not stop but just switched over to squats for a portion of that session. I did feel good about adding a little weight to the bar for most areas. Wore my " Raise the Bar" shirt so figured I had to add something. Heidi pushes hard and allows very little down time between exercises. Made it anyway but will hurt a bit, per usual.
First time ever even Frank said it was tough. That makes it true in my book.

Work day or Workout...

Today was a work day at the Demo Garden and also my Friday class workout. Compromise was to go about 7:30 to the Demo and then by 9:30 to gym for class. Turns out that Dave and I were the only guys and we had a large trailer of mulch to wheel around to all of the gardens. The women would help with distributing it into the beds. Even at 8:00 it was hot and most were about to give it up. We all managed to keep the pace and finish our chores by 9:15. Dave and a few stayed to finish things up but I was off to the gym. Very hot, sweaty and I knew that I had used some of the functional strength. Barely got changed, watered down and set up for the class. Good thing was Heidi had a sub as our teacher. Hard but not quite the killer that Heidi take us through. Glad I was able to make it through both activities.
Tomatoes still growing but too hot for many of the blooms to set fruit. Maybe the coons and others have found another eating place. Hope so.
Tired out and ready for a short nap.

Hot, hot, hot...

Every day the temps are near or over 100 degrees. This is normal for August but being it's only June I wonder about how brutal this summer will be. I have 2 large trees down in the back yard. I am not sure if it was wind or the dry soil that caused or helped this. I will need to get someone to come cut them down as they are too big for me.
Wednesday's workout was what has become my normal workout for now. Seems like the Express or Wall is more intense now. Summer has brought in a good many new members to join our classes. This has made Kris add more stations to allow for the extra members. I feel for them just starting out. Many are teachers and just rejoining for the summer. The Pump has a few of the exercise changes. The squats and lunges are still my killers and will always be since my legs are so skinny. I can and did add weight to my bar for the other exercises. Seems like upper body and core are a bit easier for me. Of course I am sore all over which is the sign of a good workout.
Must get on the road as I am helping with the Demo garden chores this week. Watering and harvesting the veggies must be done early in the morning because of the heat. If we do not get rain soon I fear that most of the veggies will stop producing. Smoking hot out there but not smoking.

Master Gardener meeting

Today was the Master Gardner's meeting. Enjoyed it and some of us did lunch afterwards. Dave was big dog as he and family won 3 blue ribbons at Tomato Fest, largest, best plate of 3- heirloom, best child's plate of 3.
I started the day discovering that a "coon" had been in the tomato garden. Many of the largest and almost ripe tomatoes were gone are chewed up. You could see just where they climbed the cages and took the tomatoes. Dang it.
Work out was cut short so I could attend the meeting. I did my routine and then the Express or wall. This made me skip the Pump so I know I will pay on Wednesday. Funny but my routine is not even a good warm up now. WOW !

I must be getting better as many of the Master Gardeners gave me very nice positive comments on my progress.

So glad I am a non smoker.

Heidi, heidi, heidi ho

Heidi was our leader for both the wall and the Pump today.....nearly killed us. Only good thing was that several of the new folks from Wednesday were hurting even more than I was. I think that the message is that we should not be doing both of these classes.
I was able to add a little weight to my bar. Lunges still kill me and make it hard to complete the session.
Stronger, faster and longer...but do the legs ever get there?

Tomato Fest

Fran and I both will work the Tomato Fest this weekend. I will help set up the tomato growing contest today and will help with the registration and judging on Saturday morning. HOPE will have box lunches and drinks for the volunteers. I will ride the golf cart with Fran to help with this. Fun day but really going to be hot.
My hopes of having a good entry in the tomato fest contest was spoiled yesterday.
The largest and closest to ripe softball size Cherokee Purple was raided by a dang bird early yesterday morning. I did salvage it and cut the bad part out. A bit green but we had a good taste for supper last night.
Today will give me all 3 sessions this week of the Pump. I am still a bit sore but look forward to seeing what the classes bring today. I will try hard to complete the lunges today. This is the area that hurts me the most. These legs do not have much meat to make the muscle.
Still no smokes at the house.
It really is amazing at the difference when you compare December to now.
Feels good.

Wednesday workouts

Wednesday at the fitness center had a large crowd of folks new to me. Summer vacation from school brought in some folks. I started with the treadmill to warm up a bit, then did "the Wall", Express 30 minute class. Kris put us through the paces, I think to impress some of the new participants. Then came the Pump. This class had new folks too. Also noticed that some that were here Monday were no shows today. Pump is tough and Heidi pushes you hard. I have improved in most of the exercises although I have not added the amount of weight I would like yet. It will come. Lunges are still the killer for me and I am not able to keep up in this section. Squats are hard but I can manage to get this done.
Still hot and dry with records being set for high temps almost every day. The farmers that have good irrigation are making it but hand watering is hard and not very effective. My little crop of tomatoes are doing well with several almost ripe. We had 2 of the yellow "Jean Flamme" French heirlooms last night. Fran's Cherokee Purple are large and beginning to turn. Good eating soon. I love the fresh veggies this time of year. My sources for produce allows me lots of goodies. With Fran and I both non-smokers now, our sense of taste gives us a treat almost every day.
Some folks in the area have had showers in the afternoon. Wish we could get some of that as the rain is much needed and the relief from the heat is nice even if only short lived.

Battles we fight

Checking on the tomatoes this morning early found the signs of horn worms again. Finally found that bad boy and he was a big one. Lots of damage but I hate most that he got some young tomatoes. The heat and drought have me watering almost every day. Also noticed yesterday that a few birds were checking out a few of my prize heirlooms are starting to change colors. Seems like a lot of work and worry for tomatoes.
Today is Wednesday so this means Express, that we now call "the wall", and the Pump classes. I did get by yesterday to get some time on the treadmill and a few of my exercises. I am still a bit sore from Monday. At least I am not battling the lay off any more. We will see how much I am able to do today. Monday had a big group of new folks, let's see how many will come back.

Saturday is Tomato Fest. Master Gardeners run the tomato growing contest. I think we may have a good entry from the HOPE garden. It would be neat for us to get the $100 prize.


Still a Smoke free house. Fran is on her last leg with the patches. Go girl !

Rain all around but we got none

Hot, hot, hot with record breaking 100 + temps in the area then thunderstorms. We did get the thunder and wind but no rain. Every thing is looking bad and this is only June. It looks and feels more like mid-August.
Saturday morning farmers market was good and had a few new sellers. I really enjoy going and hope this will make it and continue to grow. Next Saturday will be Tomato Fest so I know there will be a crowd. Wish my (or Fran's) tomatoes would get some color so we could enter the best tomato contest. I think Dave and his children will easily get the heirloom category ribbons.
Monday rolls around fast and exercise classes are here before all the sore muscles are gone. Friday was tough and I am still sore in several areas. My plans are to do the Express and the Body Pump this morning, adding a few lbs. to the bar.
Fran has passed the 5 weeks mark on not smoking. I think she will make it as she has passed the toughest times. Proud of her.
Better get to moving.....miles to travel before I sleep.

The heat is on..

Today driving back from the fitness center the temp was 96 degree in the truck. This was 11:00 a.m. This will be a hotter than average summer. With the little rain we have received things are already suffering.
The heat was also on in the gym. I did the Express for it's 30 minutes. Pretty tough but just the warm up for the hour Body Pump. I did slack off the amount of weight for the class but still barely made it through the class. Only good thing was Frank had been off a week so we both were like starting over. Frank and I both staggered out and visited for a while before we could drive home. Glad I made it but know I will be sore for a day or so.

Still no Bob, I am almost sure he is gone forever. He has never been gone for a day even in the beginning when we were building the house. I think Newbee even knows something is wrong.

Fran still not smoking. Good on her.

Almost starting over

With very limited workouts since the first eye surgery, I knew I was going down hill in my conditioning. I continued to walk almost every day so that helps with the legs and breathing. Today I had the Dr. appointment to check the progress of the eyes. All is well there and I probably will not need glasses. At least he said I can pass the driving test without glasses. Anyway, today as Monday I did a modified Express class, struggling with the exercises that work the core.
Strange but learned that Frank had eye surgery last week and will be back for the Body Pump this Friday so I guess we will both get our butts kicked.
Lots of good veggies coming on now. Fran can cook a feast every night of goodies that are healthy. Our tomato crop is still putting on blooms and small fruit but we must water almost every day. The 100 degree heat has already started and the drought continues. I expect the heat to really slow crops with no rain. Watering helps but not like a rain.
Smoking for Fran is going well and she started the Stage 3 patch earlier this week. Proud of her. She too can see the benefits already.

Veggies coming in

Today was the first day for the farmer's market in Jacksonville. Only a few growers were selling today but more will join them soon. Most are organic farmers and have great stuff. I could not pass up some of the things.....heirloom zebra tomatoes, plumbs and blackberries. More and different veggies will be coming in soon.
I have walked at least a mile and some days better than 2 for this week with the limited exercise from the eye surgery. Ready for the classes and real workout to start up again.
Still smoke free house here. Ready for the fresh veggies and cornbread meal. Yum !

Two eyes better than one

I had the left eye done yesterday and already can see better. The color and brightness of things is so amazing. I will go for the follow up this morning but do not think anything but great news. With 2 drops 3 times a day in the right eye and 3 drops either 3 or 4 times a day in the left, needed a system to keep things straight. I may go down to only 4 meds today which will make things a bit easier to keep up with.
Got this down now with boxes marked L X 3 or R X 4. Over soon and little price for great vision now.
Exercise is limited to just walking for a week or so again. I did get a good workout on Sunday knowing it would be a while before the next one. I hate to think of how sore I will be after a full Body Pump class. I better at least do the turn left at the drive way every day.
While in Oklahoma we got a heavy much needed rain, nearly 2 ". The tomatoes are doing great and some will be picking size soon. May even have some good ones to enter the Tomato Fest in June.
Fran is still Smoke Free and this makes 17 days. So proud of her. She is determined to make it too.

Good on ya, Fran

When I do something I want the world to know about it. This is motivation to me. Fran is just the opposite. Very private and does not want the pressure of others knowing she might fail.
Anyway with her permission, I can announce that today marks the start of the 4th week without smoking for her. The 6 plus hours, one way, driving to Oklahoma was a big test that she passed with no unpleasant words passed between us. This is a big deal as driving is a BIG trigger for smokers. Way to go Pooh !!!
The lay off from my eye and being stuffed in a car for what seemed like 2 days has me stiff and wanting a good workout. Monday I get the right eye fixed so this will limit my workouts for another week to 10 days. Better get out to the fitness center when it opens today.
A good rain on Friday while we were away, maybe several inches, really made the tomatoes jump. As a matter of fact. one pot did jump and fell over. Must drive in some stakes and tie that guy down. Lots of small tomatoes, blooms and even some with a hint of color coming. Fran's seem to be doing better than mine although I do think that mine will produce the first ripe ones.
A smoke free house, heirloom tomatoes coming and going to workout. Life is good.
Good on Ya' girl.

Little to report

Yesterday I did my old strength and cardio routine at the center. It went well but I could easily tell that I had been off for a while. Will miss the class today because of eye doctor appointment to measure my left eye for the surgery coming Monday. I may get in a little exercise later today. Friday I will miss again as we will head to Oklahoma to see Katie graduate.
Yesterday after exercise I went over to a friend and Master Gardener's house to see his gardens. Really beautiful place and lots of nice specimen plants to see.
Today the Master Gardener's will give HOPE a check for $500 for their 20th year. We usually do the Garden Tour as a fund raiser but we were unable to get enough houses for it this year.
I have lost count of the smokeless days but can say that urges are seldom and only last a second or so now.

Getting "it" back

Workouts this morning were tough with the lay off and restrictions for today. I did get the Express class with few modifications but skipped the Pump. I will miss Wednesday's classes since I have the doctors appointment, then surgery on Monday May 23. Guess this will set me back for a few weeks. Seems like I can loose things fast in the getting fit routine. Oh well the vision improvements are so worth it.

Sunday was another Dave's Garden round up at Love's Lookout. I did attend but did not take or bring home a truck load of plants. Mainly I just wanted to see some old friends. Tomatoes are growing well and I still keep a keen eye out for the worn worms. Look forward to getting the other eye done and back to normal.

Bright Lights..

Still unable to do any real workouts, I just went to the Demo Garden workday. Had a good time with the gang. Finished up around 11:00. There was a fund raiser in town for HOPE that had BBQ dinners for $5. So about 10 or so of us got one and ate in the shade in the Outdoor Classroom area. It was so nice in the cool breeze overlooking the Demo Garden full of blooms and looking so good after our hard work. The neat thing for me is the colors that I now see with my new and improved eye. The colors are so vivid and bright that I could not have imagined prior to my surgery. The after surgery check up said that my vision should improve 4 lines on the eye chart and this is with just the one eye completed. On the 23rd I will have the other eye done. The only problem is the inconvenience of having to put the 3 different eye drops in 4 times a day. This will be for a month but little trouble for the sight I now have.

Monday I can get back to my workout routine. I am sure the Pump will kick my butt. Then I will be off another week.
Two more horn worms today, but who's counting.

Today was a very nice day.

Just Gardening..

With the cataract surgery Monday and follow up Tuesday there has not been much exercise. I am not to do any real exercise for a week so that puts me out until Sunday or really Monday. I can treadmill all I want or just walk. I have taken advantage of that and did the left turn hill out the driveway. Treadmill today but really just wanted to see and touch base with Frank and the gang. So about all to report on is gardening.
First and most important, watch out for the tomato horn worms. These moth caterpillars are out and hungry. They can clean a tomato plant in a day. The tiny cat will easily grow to thumb size in a day. I hate them and found several in various sizes on the tomatoes yesterday. This had me checking and finding more throughout the day. None this morning so far. Fran and I have a good many little tomatoes coming along to let the worms get them. We are growing only the heirloom type since they are hard to buy and expensive. Also went for veggies at a farmer friend. I am a bit early as only onions are ready, I'm rushing the taters. I did locate a blackberry source and will get my first gallon today. Only hope my other sources come through and I am able to get more. Love those things on my ice cream at night and Cheerios in the morning.

Thankfully smoking is not even a passing thought now but also know to keep watch for the curves that can get thrown at you.

Early to rise..

Fran and I were up and at 'em this morning. Departed before 6:00 a.m. and I was in the pre-op surgery before 7:30. Got the right eye done and was back at home by 9:30. Check up early in the morning again but here in Jacksonville.
My only problem is there will be little exercise for this week. Maybe the treadmill but noting heavier that a gallon of milk on lifting. This will repeat itself in 2 weeks. I know this will have me starting over in the Body Pump class.
I can water the tomatoes which will need it as still no rain in sight.
Only good thing is a Non-Smoker heals much faster.

The eye's have it...

Monday 5/9 I will have my right eye cataract surgery. We will have to be in Tyler at 6:45 a.m.
This will also give me limited exercise for several days following the surgery. Two weeks later 5/23 I will have the left done.
Not sure but feel like there will be little exercise for several days next week.
This made me think that it was important to really push things this morning. Did the Express class which was a good workout. Since almost all of this class now does the Pump, Kris thinks he can give us so much that we will not need the Pump too. After having done the Pump several time now, I can say that parts of it are a bit easier. Lunges and squats are still killers regardless of the amount of weight you have on the bar. However, I was able to add a little to my bar on most of the other routines. I hope the lay off of however many days does not have me starting over on this. This fast pace hour is very good at cardio and strength. I like it and want to continue working on it.
May have seen the last of cool nights for a while. Still no rain and things are dry. Hope to keep things going but dry this early will make July and August real killers for many plants. The spring has been strange with June weather one week and then April the next week. Looks like very warm to hot for the next weeks. Not long before fresh veggies will be ready. Potatoes and onions real soon and other following closely. Hope the truck farmers have a good irrigation system as they will need it.
Happy Mother's day to all Mothers.

Spring time in East Texas

The weather this year is nothing like the average spring here. We have had very cool nights (low 40's) for several nights now. Cool, cloudy, damp and windy but no rain. Seems like the rain continues to just go around us. North of us has had even flash floods but from us south we are still so dry there is the burn ban for almost all of South East Texas, even Jasper. This means watering anything that you want to grow.
This is Wednesday so my harder day at the fitness center. I did get by yesterday and get my miles logged. My pace is faster and longer each week. I will not do my usual cardio and strength routine prior to the Express and Pump. Not sure why I have not taken the advise of those who know on this. I may try to add just a bit of weight to the bar for the Pump. I also need to realize that a rest day is important for our muscles. Seeing how intense the Pump is, it will be best for me to just do treadmill or walks on days following it.
The 100 day mark on not smoking has come and gone with little celebration. I noticed that they have started another class, not sure how many have signed up this time. Zerk told me he needed to go back for a second helping. I knew it as you can not hide the smoking signs.
Let's see what today brings...

April showers- May flowers ?

The storms that blew through the southern states did not give me much in the way of rainfall last week. We were also slated for 80% over night but very little here. I did hear brief sprinkles during the night but not even wet pavement this morning. We need rain so bad, still burning ban for most of East Texas. Not great for our plants.
The Kids Fest went well and our booth looked good and things went well. Hand outs from the Texas Forest Service were nice, Smokey the Bear is always a hit. We did well in answering gardening questions and made some good connections for potential new members.
May will begin my 5th month for workouts and not smoking. I still am sometimes amazed at the progress I have made in several areas. I am beginning to notice even more my strength while doing gardening chores. Pleased and proud of this.
Today is Monday so I will do my hard day of workout. With two days off, Mondays are always tough. I really want to strengthen my legs as this is my most needing area. I am sure the Pump will have plenty to offer me.
Getting close to heading out time.
Maybe we will still get some rain.

Symposium and chocolate donuts....

The Symposium went well with folks from 4-5 counties represented. Dave did his usual great presentation, this time on soil preparation. Kim, our extension agent also did well on butterfly gardening. The Forest service guy was from Nacogdoches and I do not think very well prepared. I got there early and helped set up. Coffee and donuts were just too easy to get so made 2 passes on this. The Fuchia baskets went over well as the door prizes. We had 4 winners. We were also given 50 dogwood trees by the Texas Forest Service. These are bare root and need to be potted up soon. These went fast to members who will try to successfully grow them out for our fall sale. If we can be successful these will be big sellers this fall.
I was sore this morning from the Friday exercise. But most of it will be gone by this afternoon, I think. The Kids Fest tomorrow for an hour or so will finish out my MG chores for the week.
Some of my smoking friends missed me in the smoking area. Glad I can still say No Thanks, I'm a Non-Smoker.

Friday routine

Friday routine was my cardio and strength, the Express and the Body Pump. This amounts to a little over 2 hours of work outs. My mile on the treadmill is now just a warm up and the strength training is not nearly as hard as it was just a short time ago. Express was hard but not a killer. The Pump is still hard, my legs just can not take much of the lunges and squats. Proud to make it through this hour and many of the exercises are getting better. Seems like upper body is stronger than these bird legs. Oh well, thing will improve. I am trying to get as many of these in as I can because class days seem to have conflicts pretty often.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we have a Master Gardener Symposium with three guest speakers. There will be MGers from several of the surrounding counties. Only a half day but should be fun. I got some more of the fuchia hanging baskets to use as door prizes. Sunday there is a Kids Fest that we will have a booth. We will be showing kids plants to avoid. Texas Forest Service gave us stickers of Smokey Bear and other little hand outs. I will not do much with this but will check on them. Good not to be President and have to do all things.
The "Maters" are doing well, hope to have some ready soon. Love those fresh East Texas veggies.

Help with the chores

I have finally learned it is much better, safer and easier for me to get a day worker to help with many of the chores around the house. Today I will get one to do the gutters, flower bed of vines and other things needing a helper. For many years I would not allow anyone in my flower beds as I knew they could not do it correctly, whatever it was I wanted done. Now climbing up and down the ladder is no longer my job.
Yesterday the workout for Wednesday was my usual cardio and strength for 30 minutes then the Express class for another 30. The eye doctor appointment was at 10:15 so the pump was out.
The eye doctor measured my eye for the cataract surgery and we set May 9 as the date. I will do the right eye first then a week or 10 days later the left. Surgery in Tyler but follow up here will make it a bit easier. Ready to get this over with.
Better head to town and get me a good worker for today. I have lots of projects I want to finish. Guess the workout will be yard work today.

Stormy Weather.....

Yesterday brought many storms with hail, wind and a few tornadoes to the area. Similar activities are predicted for today, mainly afternoon. We got some rain, about 1/2 inch before dark, then a little more last night. Wind damage in the area but not here. Hope the rain continues but the hail and wind stays away.
The tomatoes are doing well, with one plant having about 5 large marble sized fruit growing. I talked to a truck farmer friend yesterday. He said onions, red potatoes ready in a week or two, other veggies not far behind. Nothing like the first plate of fresh veggies in East Texas.
We have about 135 first graders coming out to the Arboretum this morning for a tour. Hope there is not any wind damage out there. I have 5 other Master Gardener's helping with the kids. This should be fun and make the morning.
Workouts were a tough Monday workout. Got there a little after 8:00 and got my cardio and strength training out of the way. Kris was back for the 9:00 Express class which went well although I found it hard doing several of the exercise stations. After that good half hour of work, I headed to the Body Pump class. Set up my station and did not overload my bar with weights. This is a hard hour of constant movement which works all areas of the body. I was very tired after the class but glad I was able to complete it. For me this is hard but rewarding and I can see setting a goal for adding weight to my bar. The time for the class also makes it hard to schedule all 3 days of the week. I will just see how this goes and be satisfied for the time being. Next class, Wednesday, I will miss because of the eye doctors appointment. I do not want to over do things but also want to push myself. Yesterday was a good 9 on the toughness scale.
Hope for more rain but none of the other stuff.

Government Insurance

I guess when the doctors are getting a government check for their service thing happen fast. I contact the eye surgery office Thursday morning to give them the go ahead on the cataracts. Before mid-afternoon I was scheduled for appointments for all preliminary checkups. My general doctor is this morning at 10:15. Look forward to see how he sees me now with the changes. Next Wednesday eye doc for his measurements and such. Anyway, this knocks out 2 of the Body Pump classes. I will go in today and hope to get Express and my routine in.
Demo Garden work day today too. Bet I will be a bit late. My tropicals are coming with the warm temps. Some of the canas have leaf rollers that I need to treat. These are the plants that the kids and Joe helped prune back at Christmas. We also have about 135 first graders coming our Tuesday 4/26 for a tour. Arbor Day deal this afternoon. Lots of activities going on now.
My tomato plants have small tomatoes coming. Fran's have blooms. Watering and the blue water Miracle Grow got them going.
Not much news on the workouts other than hate missing sessions of the Pump. I am ready for them now and hope missing a few does not mean starting over.
Smoking is seldom even a passing thought.

Pain at the PUMP !

Yes, gas is going up and causing pain at the pump, very close to $4/gal.
But this is Wednesday and also gut check time at the fitness center. Arrived early with the intentions of getting my treadmill and strength time in prior to the Express class. Frank was there but for only a few minutes as he had another conflict-- church meeting. I had brought him a flat of plants he had ask me about earlier. After a short chat it was time for the Express class. Kris was ill so our coach was Heidi, the big boned gal that does the Body Pump. I told her my about my soreness and reservations about the Pump class. Well, she convinced me to lighten my weights considerably and not skip the class. So after Express, which was a good workout in it's self, I went to the Pump again. With better selection on my weights, it did make the hour go a bit easier. I guess the real test will be in the morning.
Glad that I did do this class. Proud that I can now do the Express and Pump which is an hour and a half of pretty tough intense exercise. I did reread my post after the first Express class. This is the same thing again just the next step.

Few concerns about the cataract surgery that I need to schedule.

Be careful on what you wish for....

Monday is always a bit hard but I was really ready to get to the center yesterday. After a quick internet search for Boston and finding that it was 38 degrees, I was out the door around 8:00. I was hoping James had planned ahead for this weather.
An old friend that I had not seen in forever was at the center. We visited for a while and caught up on things as we got our treadmill time. This made the distance and time fly. I then knocked out my strength training stations, made my 2 rounds with my selected weight. Good beginning for a Monday. It was time for Express but only 3 of us there and no Kris. There were decorations and some sort of dig deal being made--- Re-introduction of the Body Pump, or something like that.
Anyway I had time for Frank to help me set up for the Pump and select the amount of weight for each of the exercises. I was as ready as I was going to get. Things were just falling into place, must be karma.
Equally split between male and female, young and older about 12-15 folks filed into the smaller classroom. Two gals that looked like they could spank the average size guy would be our leaders. The gals took turns yelling instructions over very loud music. It was difficult for me to follow the routines but I did hang on and complete most being only a step or so behind. Towards the end we did lunges with the weighted bar behind our head and across the shoulders. I could do only a few reps of this one. The hour had passed and I was whipped, wondering if I wanted to do this again. This may work into my schedule but I will not be sad if there are conflicts. I did not like the crowded classroom, loud music or female shouting but do admit it was a good workout and used most muscle groups. I am sore this morning and know that I worked out. I will just have to see how this fits into my other activities. I also remember that first times are always the hardest in any activity. At the end of the session I won the T-shirt.
Been there, done that and got the T-shirt.
Oh, made the Hill again yesterday afternoon.

JameO goes to Boston

I can not believe that James is going to Boston and running THE Marathon. Well, really I can as he has worked long and hard to reach this goal. I hope he can just enjoy the experience and take it all in. Good luck !!!

Today there are no schedule conflicts so my plans are to tackle the Body Pump class. I have wanted to try it and this is the first chance in a while that I could work it into my schedule. We will see how this plan goes. I am sure that Frank will help me get set up and select the amount of weight.

With no workouts at the fitness center over the weekend I did the old "left at the driveway" routine on Saturday and Sunday. The hill is still steep and a real killer but I can jog/walk it. Each day I move my mark to go just a bit farther but not by much. I do not enjoy this at all but have set it up as a goal.

Stay tuned as to reports on all the goings on ...

The Tax man cometh...

Always a pisser to have to pay taxes, however feel very blessed that we have enough money to live comfortably.
Arrived about 8:00 this morning for the workouts. Got my treadmill time/mile and the two rotations of each of the 5 weight training machines. I have settled into the amount of weight that is a challenge but still not killing me. Finished in time for a short chat with Frank then on to Express class. Only 3 of us showed up today. This gave each of us lots of attention with Kris. Funny as he fine tuned our form, it made the exercise more difficult. With only 3 of us he could tailored the exercises and weight amounts just for us. Good workout and was tired after I was finished.
Headed to the Demo Garden to meet up with some of the guys and a project. Finished setting up the drip irrigation for all beds now. As dry as it has been we will need this often and soon.
Last night a storm came through. Some rain but more wind and some tree damage. It was good sleeping this morning.

Afternoons I have begun to do the" left at the driveway"drill. I can make it up the hill and will try to move my mark each time I try this fast walk/jog. I will turn the corner on the road today. Still very hard for me but another goal to be met.
Who coulda thunk it ?

Milestones

My first day at the fitness center was Dec. 14, 2010. That is 4 months to the day on Thursday. Most weeks were 5 days of workouts or 80 sessions.
Last cigarette was Jan. 20 so that is over 80 days smoke free.

Today I got to the center early and got all of my strength and cardio work done prior to class time. Class time was fun and a full house. Kris did work us. Very proud that each set of the push-ups, I did 25 in the 45 sec. time frame. All of the exercises are getting a bit easier for me now. I am ready for the Body Pump but other activities conflict with the time. I still enjoy the class and it is a good workout. I am not bored but just seems like the next step. We'll see how things work out.

Very proud of both of these milestones.

Busy days and schedule conflicts

April is a busy time for gardening and particularly Master Gardener activities.

I got to the fitness center early and knocked out my time/distance on the treadmill. One of the gang was next to me so this went well and fast. I am now able to hold the speed and incline for good lengths of time. This is really amazing as to where I started just 4 months ago (4 months to the day Thursday). Hit my strength machines and was able to reach my goals on each machine (2 sets of 15 reps ). By that time it was Express time. Small numbers at class but that sometimes happens on Monday's, Slackers. Good workout but at least Kris did not have us do the "mule kick" again.
Off to Master Gardener's meeting. Good meeting and good news on the sale. The Association made a bit over $1,200, not a record but close to our usual sales. Dave and family were the top sellers. We honored the 8 new interns with a pot luck lunch. Each finished the required class hours and passed the exam and now just need the 50 volunteer hours. Easy to get them with the activities we have going on right now. Trish, Dave's wife had made home made bread that was great.
After the luncheon, another member and I went to a nursery and got the veggie plants to plant at HOPE and the Demo garden. Every year this nursery gives us many flats of plants.
This morning I have Keep Jacksonville Beautiful meeting. I hope to get to the center for cardio after the meeting. I am finding that the Tuesday and Thursday workouts are getting harder to work into the schedule. I may have to drop back to the 3 days a week plan or give up other things. Priorities, I know but I do enjoy the gardening guys too.
KJB- today
HOPE veggie garden planting-Wednesday but after class.
HOPE volunteer breakfast-Thursday

From my notes from the meeting it looks like many of the coming weeks are about as busy with things to do and many that I enjoy. Gardening interest has picked up a bit. Sunday afternoon I planted the new raised bed with heirloom tomatoes. Even Fran has some planted in large pots this year. Do we have another Master Gardener in the making ? Not...

Stepping down after a busy time

After many Master Gardener Plant Sales, yesterday I had to step down as King and pass the crown to Dave and his family.
Friday started with 8:00 at the fitness center and me doing my usual cardio and strength exercises. I got the mile and a quarter or so and both turns on the strength machines. Then to Express class with the crew. Kris had a new exercise for us called "mule kick". I was not too good at this but still felt like I had been kicked after wards. I had really wanted to move to the Body Pump class but right now the activities just will not allow it.
After class I headed to the Forest Service for a work day. We wanted to spiff up things for the Plant Sale. I finished up and headed home as Ann and Cheryl were to be there by noon. Lunch and then the three of us headed out again. It took two truck loads of plants to get all of my things out to the sale. We also went by a friends Greenhouse. I got a load of Fuchia plants, beautiful hanging baskets I could buy for $4 and easily sell for $10. Of course Ann and Cherly had to have one. I guess I did end up with a good bit of plants to sell after all, just not like Dave and his family.

Saturday went well and we had good crowd of folks out for the sale. Not sure on the total but I think we did well. Oh, the fuchia baskets were gone by about 10:00 a.m. I saw lots of friends that commented on how different I looked. A good reward and chance to tell even more people about not smoking and exercising. This was a long day beginning at 7:00 for me and ending at 4:30 or so. Also a good exercise day as I helped many with the set-up and take-down of their plants. Walking about 25 yards with 4 gallon plants in each hand, many, many times tested my functional strength. It was not nearly as hard as past years, however, my body is sore this morning. Monday will be our Master Gardener meeting and I will find out the results of our efforts.
So here is the crown to Dave and family for this year. Watch out I could be back this fall. It is tough going up against those cute children who are able to tell folks all about each plant.

Take a left at the end of drive

My Master Gardener activities have heated up so time on workouts has suffered.
Monday plantings at HOPE, Wednesday presentation, Friday workday and Saturday Plant Sale has me booked for the week. Enjoy these activities but also miss my time at the gym.
I have made my workouts and classes but did skip the cardio walk on Tuesday. For some time now I have increased my speed each day that I go down the drive for mail or the newspaper. It is now progressed to my top speed down and back. This is really a huge change from only a few months ago. Well, one day I decided to turn left out of the drive instead of back to the house. This is a steep hill for a fairly long distance. I did make it to my spot and back keeping up a decent pace. This is tough and seems much different than treadmill jogs. Much work is needed here but it did act as a good alternative to a mile on the treadmill. Legs were sore the next day so it must have been good.
I had hoped to do the Body Pump hour class on Wednesday but schedule did not allow. I did the Express and worked it hard. I think I will need to just stick to this routine now and do the other class when things slack up a bit.
Seems hard to get everything worked in right now. Priorities....

Rainy day feeling

The rain finally came to Jacksonville. Not nearly as much as we needed but it did rain. Cooled the temp and now lots of wind.
Workouts were great and I pushed hard with them. Frank was back so we were able to catch up on things. Come to find out, Frank is really 83, that's 15 years on me. Oh well, I will catch him one day.
Met several at HOPE to redo the beds there. Even with the rain, it was still dry only a few inches down. Beds look good and we will add a bit to them after the plant sale. We always have some goodies that do not sale.
Looking forward to the ball game tonight.

April fool's

Friday was April fools day and the usual Friday workout schedule.
Also Happy Anniversary Joe and Francie !!!

Started the day with a one on one last smoking class with Kolby. Since it was just the two of us, I had a nice time just asking him questions about all type of issues. Anyway, guess this does finish me up after 12 weeks of class. Now a Non-Smoker, I just must stay on this track and not forget that temptations will still be around. It is great to know that I have been smoke free for a good while.

I did my cardio and some strength training prior to Express class. Then after class I did my 2nd round of strength exercises. This is good and leaves me a bit tired, so is a good workout. Maybe I am just wanting to changes some things up but next week I will do the Body Pump as a substitute for the express class. Wednesday may be the best day since I have some other things for Monday.

I am meeting some of the Master Gardener's Monday after workouts to redo the bed in front of HOPE. We are going with some shrub type plants that will take less care and not have to be replaced every year. There will be lots of activities there this year since it is the 20th year anniversary.

Side note: We did a garage sale with several others on Saturday. All left overs were given to a church. Delivered and carried up stairs, many trips. Glad that I have the new life style as I was not hurting nearly as bad as the others.

Basketball down to one game. Enjoyed it and love that Butler is in the finals, only hope they can win it all.
Plant sale next Saturday, I better get going on this.

I'll trade ya

As we age, waking up in the morning is always an adventure in to "what hurts today". Prior to workouts, it was the stiff joints and the hurt all over after a day of physical activities. Seems like now that some group of muscles are sore every day, particularly after a good workout. Guess I will take the sore from exercise over the stiff joints. At least I now know that there is a reason for it. Wednesday's class really worked a group of new muscles and I am very sore mainly in the legs. Several of the group missed class including Frank. I forgot that he was going to visit over in Louisiana. He told me that he is always sore somewhere and always has been.
Temps remain cool, low 40's, and we got only a trace of rain. This may slow some of the few plants I have potted up for the sale coming up in about 10 days.

I am really wanting to try the Body Pump class just to see if I am ready for it. It is an hour long and several of the Express members do it. It is right after class so this makes for an hour and a half workout. Kolby told me not to do it and I will follow his advise. So I am thinking of subbing it for Express one day, seeing if it is what I want or not. I know that I can now hang with most class members other than Frank. Lots of options and since some of the Buddies do it I will still get the enjoyable chat time.
Friday morning I will see Kolby and have the last Smoking class. I saw Zerk and he is doing well with the surgery recovery. He will need to start the next class starting at the end of April. I am not sure but think he may have slipped up and smoked. I am glad I am a Non-Smoker.

Back in the swing of things

The injury of Wednesday then pampering on Friday made the workout of Monday tough. I did go early and do most of my treadmill time prior to the class. I knew that this would be hard with the slack time of several days and I was not wrong.
Today I am very sore in many areas of the body. Nothing wrong with the leg area that I hurt last week, just muscles that had not been used in a while. Kris was the coach for the class and will continue in this role. He is very focused on the legs and most workout stations were designed to work this area of the body. He likes to have more stations with just two rotations. I am not sure of why he prefers this set up but it seems to work you in more areas. He is also more focused on us doing each activity correctly, making minor adjustments to target specific areas. Either way, I was tired out after the workout. I did do my strength training after class. I was not able to add reps or weight to my plan, maybe next time.
Temps dropped and it is a bit chilly again. Rain in the forecast but none yet. We are dangerously dry and springs are usually the catch up rainfall time for us. Grass fires and burn bans are scattered across our area. Most of the grass in the back yard is dead from either the drought of last summer or the hard winter temps. Not sure of how I will address this problem but with so little rain, I will put it on hold for a while.
Being a Non-Smoker does not keep the urges or triggers from coming around. They are still there but only for a short moment or so. I still am chewing gum often. May not be great but better than smoking. I am still eating more and sticking with mostly fruit and trail mix as the snacks.
A little late start today but with only cardio scheduled, not a problem.

Some things I needed to do

On January 19 of this year, I bought my last pack of cigarettes and began my patch days and going smokeless. The Pack, still half full with lighter, has been in plane view on the down stairs desk right next to the week of charting my smoking patterns sheets. I could easily see them and guess in the back of my mind knew if worse came to worse, I could get one and smoke it. Not sure why but this knowing was a bit comforting to me but never did I even consider smoking one. Funny but maybe my security blanket. So yesterday, I angrily ripped the pack into pieces being sure I destroyed each and ever smoke. The Marlboro Man was dead !
I also needed to go ahead and face the Greenhouse and the smelly, mush of what was left of my collection of Elephant Ears and Cajun Hibiscus. These were my favorite plants for the last few years. As I moved each one outside and trimmed back the obvious dead, there was still a tiny bit of hope. At the base of many was a little bit of green. Maybe a few survived after all. The Greenhouse smells much better now but still a bit to go. Guess my new improved sense of smell was not a positive this time.
The ballgames are getting close to championship time. Still happy that there are still 2 "little guys" alive. Will watch these today and hope my picks will live to play another day. Even did a few "home exercises" as I watched.
A few chores down and a few still to go.

Modified class

Lots of activities going this morning. Met Kolby at 8:00, who came in early to the fitness center for my smoking class. Only one more class to go. It did make me remember and plan on not relapsing, still 40% chance. I feel good about my being a Non Smoker and do not see me ever smoking again.
Talked to Kobly on the workout and leg injury. He looked and poked around and said to take it easy until next week. Do the class but skip any activity that may use that muscle much at all. So I did make the class and only missed one or two exercises. Leg seemed fine.
Headed off to the Demo Garden and the work day. We got a new compost bin constructed and it will demonstrate things much better. Looks good too.
Enjoyed seeing the MG gang, workouts and hearing from Kolby. He said only one of the classes, Express or Body Pump. May need to do the pump instead of the Express one day a week.
I think the leg will be fine by Monday but realize that things heal a bit slower when we age.
Good ball games this weekend.

Raise the Bar

Decked out in my new workout shirt (Thanks James) I was headed to the fitness center with the mindset of doing the Body Pump workout. Of course I arrived early and did a good warm up on the treadmill, then Frank walks in the door. Frank has 10 years on me but has been working out forever. He motivates me and is very inspirational. I told him about my ideas on the Body Pump class, so he was eager to show me around and help me set the weights up and select the correct amount for me to start with. He encouraged me to start low and only work slow at first. This is an hour class that follows the Express class. This would make for and hour and a half total of fairly hard exercise. I am ready and pumped and wanting to "raise the bar". First we headed for the Express class. The 2nd rotation of the Express exercises, doing the mountain climber, I felt the strain or pop in my upper leg. I stopped immediately and Chris got the ice bag. Shortly the pain was mostly gone and I was able to walk around better and even stretch the area a bit. I could do some of the remaining class exercises as long as the upper leg muscles were not used. Chris, the new trainer, suggested I continue to ice it and stretch several times for the next few days. So I sit here with a bag of ice in my pants pocket, which places the ice exactly on the painful spot. Hope it is not that bad and I can reach my goal of the added class soon. Guess the bar will stay in place for a while.
Funny, the drive home had me thinking about a smoke. I did not smoke but the thought came to me. I still have a few more of the smoking classes. Guess I better make them all. Yesterday I also went to do my cardio around lunch time. A program at the fitness center on Functional Training sounded interesting so I went. Not that great and the presenter did not seem that prepared of sold on the ideas. Should have just done the treadmill. Oh well, they did give out smoothies, which were good.
Tomorrow the Master Gardeners will judge the horticulture entries at the show barn. This is the county stock show but most years brings more animals than plants. Last year the plants were not very good specimens so hopefully better this year. We also have another Workday at the Demo Gardens.
I realize that in each of these areas, gardening, workouts and not smoking, it is a continued work in progress. You never finish and can only get better, stay the same or regress.
Maybe I can raise the bar next time.

Hoops, loving it !

The first week of games are always the best. Love it when the little guys beat the big boys and I got plenty of that this year. Lots of buzzer beaters and heart breakers in the 52 games. I did not watch all of them but the ones I did are great. Somehow I did not need smokes to get me through the exciting times. Even did a few exercises while watching, hoping that Monday workouts will go a bit easier.
I do look forward to going to the fitness center this morning. The "Morning Crew" is becoming a group to hang with and motivate each other. I do hope that the Express class is better organized today. We have a few rather outspoken folks that have been members for years that will speak their mind to the higher-ups. Hope that is not needed. I am getting stronger and Monday's are when I add a little weight to my strength machines.
Hope to get a few things done in the yard. I am about ready to get some "day workers" to come do the hard parts. Maybe I can pot up a few more flats of Sale plants today.
Looking for the start of another good week. Bet the "blue hairs " will checking me out in my new workout shirt.