November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving! Despite some setbacks in my life lately, I truly AM grateful for the blessings in my life. And those blessings are not “things.” They are family, friends, opportunities, good health, great co-workers, fuzzy animals, etc. The “things” that I am getting rid of each week have given me some joy, sure, but it’s fleeting. What I hope is that these things that I am parting with can bring some joy to others, even if it’s only momentary for them as well. And then, perhaps, they will pass on the things to others. In this way, more people can share in fewer things.
1. Empty canister – coworkers
2. Suncatcher – Goodwill
3. Knickknacks (2) – Goodwill
4. Small field bag – coworkers
5. Mouspad – Goodwill
6. Bear – Goodwill
7. Craft paper – coworkers
8. Small frame – coworkers
9. Ice scrapers (3) – Goodwill
10. Various cables – Goodwill
November 19, 2009
I’m home sick today, so I’m posting this week’s challenge a little early.
1. Plastic tumbler – Goodwill
2. Pack of pencils – Goodwill
3. Bookmark – Goodwill
4. Counted cross-stitch kit – coworkers
5. Single teapot/cup – Goodwill
6. Mandala kit – friend
7. Craft paper – coworkers
8. Cross-stitch kit – coworkers
9. Stickers – coworkers
10. Piglet pens – coworkers
November 14, 2009
Here’s the stuff that’s leaving my house this week.
1. 1996 Chevy S10 pickup truck (not pictured!) – charity
2. Bag of empty glass spice jars (not pictured as they are still drying in the dish drainer) – Goodwill
3. Silpada ring – sold on ebay
4. Silpada choker – sold on ebay
5. Short sleeve shirt – Goodwill
6. Christmas craft kits (2) (never opened) – coworkers
7. Bracelets (4) – Goodwill
8. Hot glue gun – coworkers
9. Hot glue sticks – coworkers
10. Basket of shells – coworkers
November 7, 2009
Inspired by Simple.Organized.Life, I am committing to a 10 Things Challenge which involves me getting rid of (at least) 10 things every week. Since I am in a simplifying and decluttering mode lately, this is perfect for me.
Each week, I will post my list of 10 things, a photo, and where they are going. Wish me luck!
Week One:
1. Hula hoop – Goodwill
2. Yarn (2 skeins count as 1 item) – the crafty folks at work
3. Knitting needles – work
4. Watercolor paints – work
5. Counted cross-stitch pattern books (5 count as 1 item) – work
6. Cat perpetual calendar – Goodwill
7. Talking pedometer – Goodwill
8. Mini office supplies – Goodwill
9. Craft autumn leaves – work
10. Mini-composition books – work
August 3, 2009
Our friends, Barb and Tom, were brave enough to take us newbies on an overnight backpacking trip to Middle Lake. Carrying such a heavy pack (maybe 30 pounds?) for the first time, I wasn’t on the trail very long before I thought to myself, “I’ll never make it.” But, lo and behold, I did.
3.1 miles later, we found a perfect camping spot at Middle Lake. The breeze was refreshing after the humidity on the trail. We had the place to ourselves.
The view from our campsite
We set up our tents, unpacked some stuff, then had lunch. We then went for a short hike up to Murphy Lake, then did some bushwhacking. After about an hour, we went back to our campsite to prepare dinner.
We had a delicious meal, some wine and toasted marshmallows. Tom played a bit of music from his iPod. We hung out around the campfire for hours until the moon was high in the sky. We moved to the rock ledge near our campfire and sat for awhile, looking at the moon and stars as they hung in a fairly clear sky. The four of us sat in silence for close to an hour.
Not long after turning in for the night, a large visitor came near our campsite. Deer? Moose? Bear? We’ll never know. After that, I was awake for most of the night. I heard all kinds of small critters near our tent. I think I finally fell asleep at daybreak. We all survived the night.
We rose early, packed up, had breakfast and hit the trail. Fifteen minutes after hiking, the rain started. It was steady but never heavy.
For my first backpacking trip, I think I did ok! I definitely dropped a couple pounds, which is perfectly fine with me. We’re already thinking about where our next outing will be.
Great campfire, Tom!
July 28, 2009
We were invited to some friends’ cabin for the weekend. Had an amazing time! We hiked in the Giant Mountain Wilderness Area. And we pitched our tent in our friends’ back yard which has a breathtaking view of the Schroon River with Nippletop Mt in the distance.
We hiked to the bottom and the top of Roaring Brook Falls first.
View from the top of Roaring Brook Falls
Neon-orange mushrooms on the trail
Then we took the trail to The Giant’s Washbowl.
Giant's Washbowl
Our campsite!
View from our tent: Schroon River below us, Nippletop Mt. in the distance
July 28, 2009
Had a great hike up Bromley Mountain on Sunday, July 19. It was a PERFECT day for hiking: mostly sunny and a temp in the low 70s. This was a fairly moderate hike up the trail. Some steep sections and lots of mud. Saw many people on the trail.
The view from the summit is incredible. We climbed the observation tower for some great 360 views of surrounding mountains. It was extremely windy (must have been 60 mph!). We climbed down the tower and sat in a small clearing where we rested and had lunch.
Total: about 5 miles
View from the observation tower
Tons of wildflowers at the summit
July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 11, found us with our hiking group at Shelving Rock Mountain and Shelving Rock Falls in Lake George.
The mountain trail is fairly easy. All of the elevation is in the beginning. The actual summit view is obscured by lots of trees. But, our group leader found a short side trail to a cliff that has an amazing view of Lake George with Cat Mountain in the background.
Lake George
The short trail to Shelving Rock Falls is very easy with some gorgeous views.
Near the top of Shelving Rock Falls
Found on the trail
July 28, 2009
We had a great hike here on Sunday, July 5. The beginning of the trail is quite steep up stone steps. After the initial ascent, it’s pretty level and easy. Lots of mud from all the recent rain.
Total: 3.4 miles
Vertical rise: 1,265 feet
View from the summit of Harmon Hill
AT sign near the summit
On the trail, we met up with several people: some families out for a nice hike; one guy who was out for a two-week backpacking trip; another guy with an “AT” cap who carried a massive pack; a couple of solo hikers. We also met Doug who was out with his two sons, Caleb and Micah. They’re from Tucson, AZ and their goal is to hike most of Vermont’s Long Trail. I hope they make it!
June 23, 2009
On Saturday, June 13, we hiked to Berlin Mountain with our hiking group. It was a great day and quite a workout. The beginning of the loop was a pretty steep incline up a very rocky trail. Several hikers had trekking poles; I think I’ll bring mine from now on just in case. They would have come in handy.
The view of Mt. Greylock from the summit of Berlin Mt.
This little friend hung out with us at the summit.
Reesee is quite the hiker!
Howard enjoyed the summit, too!
