First, I saw a sympathetic doctor on Tuesday and got the mega super dose of prednisone to zap my poison ivy. After just two days the swelling is gone, the itchiness is gone, and the redness is fading. Still not quite ready for my photo shoot, but I'm getting there.
Then, I went to WW on Wednesday and lost! I joined Biz's (Biggest Diabetic Loser) 101 days of Summer Challenge that started June 1st. My goal was to lose 1 pound (or more) per week during the summer. I am proud to report that I lost 1.2 pounds this week.
To help with that goal and to get myself back in good shape, I also joined Alan's (Pounds Off Playoff) June Boom Challenge. For this challenge, the participants are striving to exercise each and every day in June. So far, so good. Yesterday I walked along my running path and this evening DH and I are going to bike our long evening route (13 miles) after dinner. So far, so good!
The weather yesterday was awful. We had record breaking temperatures--hot, hot, hot and super high humidity to make things worse. We've had a few days of these awful temps, let me tell you, not the best weather for someone trying to get over the worst part of poison ivy. I confess that yesterday mornings walk got cut short because the sweat kept getting in my swollen eye and hurt like the dickens.
All that has changed. Today's temps are in the low 80s, very low humidity and it's a joy to be outside. I'm watching the grand babies today and we spent the better part of an hour playing outside this morning. Lots of fun with a small wheel barrow and one red plastic ball. Our back yard is great for running around and playing on the lawn. DH got his heart's desire last year and put in a sprinkler system which leaves our yard lush and green--great for playing.
The children are napping now (oh good nappers, how I love 'em!) but I filled the little blue pool with a few inches of water and dragged it into a sunny spot so the water would warm up. When they wake up we'll get out the bathing suits (or "baby suits" as our little Laura used to call them) and have some pool time. Nothing fancy, just some measuring cups from the kitchen and a few floaty toys to play with.
My sister, Missy has been here for a few days. She left this morning to go to her 45th reunion at Bucknell. She'll be back on Sunday for a couple more days of visit before returning to Atlanta. Talk about hot weather . . . at least we're usually a few degrees cooler than Georgia.
A big welcome to my new followers! I'll try to keep it interesting and come by and visit you, too.
Here are some pix for your viewing pleasure.
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| Our patio tomatoes, looking quite healthy. |
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| The Stella D'Oro Lillies are just starting their show, notice the clematis behind them. |
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| These yellow evening primroses were transplants from a friend's yard. They give a very cheerful look during June. |
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| I love my hellebore. These bloomed a couple months ago but still look great. |
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| We transplanted this hosta from a huge plant (this is 1/3 of the other plant) notice the children's wheel barrow for scale. |
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| Solomon's Seal |
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| This catbird has a nest right next to the fig tree, she was sitting on the nest and flew just 3 feet away when I came round the corner. |
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| Some of the figs, the birds wait until the exact second that they ripen and then start feasting. |
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| The catbird's nest was too high for me to see into, but I was able to snap one picture before she got too upset at my being so close. I never knew catbird eggs were such a pretty blue. They look like blue Easter eggs. |
I hope you day is coming up roses, too!
