Another Year

We, are celebrating another full year of blogging. Thank you to everyone who has connected with myself and my chunky, cuddly dogs.

I was away for a few days and Bob (and Ellie) were being taken care of by my son. He took pity on Bob who does not have a very exciting life and brought him to work with him for a day. The pictures below show a very relaxed chilled out dog, letting the exertions of everyone at the gym wash over him. He was only interested in hugs, or so they thought.

However, during the afternoon, Bob decided it was time for him to take a little creative walk.

He set off, unknown to those working out.

Another athlete walking into the gym couldn’t understand why his remark created such a fuss. “I have just seen a very nice looking husky sitting patiently outside the cupcake factory door.”

Yep, you guessed it, Bob decided his new best friends were going to be the makers of some very nice cupcakes. And everyone thinks Ellie is the smart one!

 

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Maria’s Stuff: The evolution of Diets……

Since my previous post I have been thinking about diets and the word – diet – such a lot that I wondered about the evolution of diets and the high commercial value that has been created around that one word: Diet.

When you look it up on line this is one of the meanings you will find, A regulated selection of foods, as for medical reasons or cosmetic weight loss. The interesting word in that sentence, (for me) is cosmetic. Which indicates to me, we have become a highly visual and judgemental society.

I also learnt: The word “diet” comes from the Greek root word “diaita”, which means  “to live one’s life,” and from the Latin base word, “diaeta,” meaning  “manner of living”.  So for me, the original word was more an indicator of how you lived your life. Yes, no?

The only remaining question I would have to ask is if the slimming industry is such a huge money maker, do any of the commercial companies really want everyone to be slim? Which also leads to the question – what additives do they put in our food?

Food for thought, yes or no?

As an aside I would like to point out that my superhero pal Bob has been on a diet for the last few months and the improvement is evident in the way he is moving better and how alert he is, (though mostly at times of his own choosing). What have I done? Introduced some natural food (veggies and meat/fish) while I reduced the amount of kibble I give him.

Maria’s Stuff: On the topic of diets ….

The word “diet” never sat well with me. As a chunky teenager, I always felt – fat. But joining an athletic club, plus cycling to and from school soon slimmed me down. As a result of this experience I have always, had an interest in cooking, dietary requirements and exercise. I apologize if this sounds pompous but it is the truth, I like food and I like to think healthy, always have and hope I always will do so.

When I stopped coaching athletics in primary schools I decided this extra time should be devoted to me, getting fitter. The main reason is simply,  I volunteer with a rescue group and I don’t want the fact I am older than some of the crew mean I am automatically thought of as too old to crew a boat or use Ellie for tracking. So I started going to a gym for classes and this progressed to Cross fit which I am hooked on as it has made me more aware of flexibility core strength etc, which can only mean a fitter me.

Birthday Burpees – what a way to celebrate your birthday.

However I suppose in my long-winded way, the point of this whole tale is in general people do not stretch themselves, we take the easy way out, as I did for years saying I walk every day so I am fit enough. Truth is I have learnt a lot about myself, my body and  about the correct way to eat, (for me) and would love to encourage everyone to do the same. There is no magical diet but there is a way to eat (diet) to suit each one of us given our body shapes, our past times and our budget. It simply takes time to discover it. What do you think?

Bob’s diary: An Ode to my love…

O, love of my life

you brighten my day

energize my body,

bring my senses to life,

fill me with delight

I thank you, O dinner

you are daily enjoyed

with heartfelt appreciation.

 

 

The Sunshine Award.

A big thank you from me (and woof from the two four legged bloggers) to Belsbro for nominating our blog for the Sunshine Award.

Here’s how the nomination works:

* Use the logo above in the post.

* Link to whoever nominated you.

* Write ten pieces of information about yourself.

* Nominate ten fellow bloggers “who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogsphere.”

* Leave a comment on the nominees’ blogs to tell them of the award.

Difficult to remember ten non boring things about myself but I’ll try:

1. I believe in the power of good, everyone is here for a reason.

2. I was born a dreamer, got bullied and in trouble in school because of it and was stubborn enough to cultivate those dreams into stories.

3. I volunteer with several groups because (selfishly) I enjoy it and enjoy meeting like minded people.

4. I am a morning person.I wake early, drive everyone nuts by being up and about and smiling.

5. I used to worry about not having money. Years of not having much has made me learn how to live and enjoy.

6. I was Ireland’s worst athlete but love running and throwing, now I coach schoolkids and enjoy it.

7. I was terrified of everything when I was a child. My parents got a dog, he became a life saver to me, now I would love to adopt many more than the two I have.

8. I love chocolate but it doesn’t like me, leaves me with a headache to rival any hangover.

9. I have a fear of ill health, having nursed my mum I do not wish to travel down the same road so I walk, cycle and attend a weekly strength and mobility class.

10. I have been married for 31 years and Pat is my best friend, corny I know but true.

 

Here’s the list of blog sites I nominate for the award.

Breath of Green Air

At Least I have a Brain

50 is the new 30

Listen Watch Read

Collies of the Meadow

How to be a children s Illustrator

Haley the wonder dog

Live to write – write to live

Violets Veg*n E-Comics

Chronic Conditions and LIfes lessons

Thank you all for inspiring and encouraging me to keep blogging and writing.

Bob’s Diary: To cheer Maria up…

Yesterday was Mother’s day and though her two kids did an amazing job, cooking dinner and surprising her with some spectacular bird earrings. I know Maria still missed her own mum… so….

We decided to cheer her up by beginning our expedition plans to find that Ogre.

I’ve been watching Dora, and learnt a lot,

Looking for Dora the Explorer.

So I now know preparation is the key for finding a species, in this case an Ogre. We started by gathering together the following items:

1.  Food

 2. Fairy Cakes

3. In case of emergency phone

4. Binoculars

5. Food

6.  First aid kit and book.

7.  A silver star

8. –  We are still waiting on this one,  it is a map of the wood where he lives …until then we will  practice our drills…

Ellie:  Hang on a moment, Bob. Why have we got a star?

Bob: all travellers know that if you are lost you can find your way by looking at stars, so we are bringing our own, just in case

Ellie: And a ball on a stick?

Bob: Its the old donkey thing, you know donkey being led by a carrot on a stick,

Ellie: No I don’t understand.

Bob: You are a collie/husky, you like balls, see I’ll show you..

Ellie: Nope sorry I don’t get it..

Bob: Don’t worry you’ll get the hang of it. We just have to pick the correct mode of transport to be pulled.

 Ellie: now that looks plain stupid.

Bob: which one?

 

Ellie:  Hmm.. I don’t think you’ll get any donkey to pull any of those.

 

But I wouldn’t mind a drive in a Ferrari.

Bob’s Diary: Who let him in?

Friday, I had a great dream and a pretty nifty sleep,

then I noticed

Him.       Who let the bear in?

 Ellie wasn’t impressed either.

So….

We decided to circle the wagons, tighten the defense line.

Above all protect… our dinners.

Bob’s Diary: 5 Wonderful things I accomplished yesterday.

1.  I let Maria pet me for half an hour (she thought she was brushing me)

     – it lowers her stress levels.

2. I ignored Ellie and slept all afternoon.

3. I went for a walk

4. I ate all my dinner.

5. I helped exercise the neighbors scrawny cat.

Please tell – What did you accomplish?

Bob’s Diary: St. Patrick’s Day

Yi ay it’s 17th March, parades, bacon, for breakfast what more could you ask for?

Balloons, Beer, fun… oh oh…

Why do I always fall for: there is a dog biscuit in it for you?

Ellie never does, but then she is more into balls and running…

What I need now is a Lepreachaun or an Ogre

I feel such a twat… an Irish twat.. I think I’ll move home.. anyone looking for a cute cuddly no exercise type of dog?? Apply here please.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone.

Bob’s Diary: Valentines Day and my dream has come true!

Rain stopped for a while so I resumed the hunt for the stupid Ogre and his crock of fairy cakes.

I kept thinking today is the day..

AND

Ta….raa…..

My wee collie friend with the nose struck gold

I needed a rest

But before we left with our trophies to enjoy at home, I couldn’t resist it ….just a taste

It’s a great Valentines Day – giant cupcakes with icing on top!

Except for the fact I had to give her one

She threatened to eat Maria’s hat…and I’m not that mean.