ER OK WHATEVER

Not much to report -- haven't been in beautiful places or done anything noteworthy lately. But I'll share with you that my Crossfit friend has convinced me to (reluctantly) try the "Paleo Diet" until Thanksgiving. It's where you eat like a caveman (if you google it you'll get all kinds of results). It is insanely popular among Crossfit devotees. There are some devout followers of this way of eating, some of whom read my blog, so I won't diss it. . . anyhow, I thought I'd share so I can let you know how long this lasts and how I do. I'm not giving up coffee though, even if "Grog" didn't have an espresso machine. And I'll probably have booze on Halloween. Otherwise, I'll give it my best and let you know if it cures all that ails me (mmmmm ale) or whether it just makes me so miserable that I act like a grumpy caveman. The goal isn't to lose weight necessarily, the goal is supposed to be to feel wonderful and boost my athletic abilities. Obviously, I'm only trying it in case it makes me skinny :p I'll keep you posted.

PICTURES FROM TODAY'S HIKE IN THE JEWEL BASIN

Ted and I decided to see if we couldn't squeeze in another hike this season -- indeed we could so we climbed Mount Aeneas, which is a cool mountain if you ask me.



Here, below, you can see the last approach to the top. I wore my new Kahtuula (sp?) micro spikes and Ted wore crampons for a short bit of the hike. Traction wasn't critical but it made it easier.
My handsome man Ted. It was really windy up there.

Below is me striking my male underwear model pose. You'll have to take my word for it.

Some of us bring water or Gatorade on a hike -- others, like Ted, bring Scotch. Seems like a nice way to celebrate reaching the peak.

Winter will be here soon I reckon.

In Girl Scouts we used to sing a song:

Make new friends, but keep the old.

One is silver and the other gold.

My friend Joanna came to visit last weekend, which was a treat because she is very busy parenting two beautiful little girls and working and living life in Colorado. Joanna and I have been friends for 30 years -- we met when we were four years old. The rarity and specialness of our friendship is not lost on me.
This last weekend (the one following Joanna's visit) Ted and I went to our friend Helen's wedding in Atlanta. Helen is a friend from Madison, so we became friends about 11 years ago, and I've done a pretty mediocre job staying in touch with her and hadn't seen her since my own wedding, where she was a bridesmaid. I was reminded of the importance of keeping in contact with good friends, even when newer ones are now on the scene. I know it's sappy, but I really feel compelled to gush about the value I place on my friendships. I include my family in this category, because being related by blood or marriage is not, alone, what makes me love my family. It's our friendships and enjoyment of each others' company that makes these relationships special. And the friendships I have are what make my life what it is. The point here is that it's hard work to stay in touch with old friends, though not always as is the case with Joanna, but it's one of the most worthwhile things possible as far as I can tell. It's sad to realize that you've lost touch, but nice to realize how easy it is to renew connections. Therefore I intend to do better!!!