Heading to Virginia on the Appalachian Trail

It seems as though the new Fitbit is helping. I'm not as far behind Michele in our trek along the Appalachian Trail.

I really don't know much about this adventure. I know Michele is recording my steps. I know I'm "virtually" walking the Appalachian Trail. I know Michele posts these cute pictures of us on a map of the Appalachian Trail.

But for her posting my progress, I could be walking into the Atlantic Ocean, walking in circles or just collecting these badges from Fitbit and the Appalachian Trail walk. Some how I got this badge from Fitbit saying I climbed 10 floor. Hmmmm, doesn't seem like something you'd get a badge for.

After my walk the other day, I took a quick picture of myself and noticed I got Maryellen in the picture. I'm going to have to get her some workout gear like Olivia Newton John's "Let's Get Physical" so she can sweat like I do.

A Medical "Annoyance", A Trapped Bunny and Killing Wasps

If you've ever been troubled with "trigger" thumb, you can understand the discomfort this can cause. I went to the orthopedic surgeon this morning to see what could be done to prevent my thumb from locking in either an open or closed position. The surgeon said this was very common and more of an "annoyance" than a life or death situation. 

The treatment was shooting cortisone into the joint at the base of my thumb. The pain from the shot was so intense and the longest 15 seconds of my life. Needless to say, I left the doctor's office in tears from the pain.

When I got home, I noticed a small bunny running around my deck. As I tried to capture a picture of the scared bunny, I realized just how important it was to have the use of your thumb. Mine was numb and swollen from the aforementioned shot. The bunny couldn't find the steps and kept looking over the side of the deck. I'm not sure but I think he jumped to freedom as opposed to using the steps. I was busy picking my phone up off the floor and missed his escape.

Michael stopped by and as we were walking around the house, he noticed a wasp hovering around the bottom of my deck. I wondered where the wasps were coming from since Jamie knocked down all the nests when we painted the house. On further investigation, we found several nests between the joists under the deck. I know the preferred time to attack the nests is either early morning or late evening but I didn't think I could get Michael to come back then. I made him buy an extra can of wasp spray just in case I need to tackle the nests again.

New Fitbit and Appalachian Trail Update

Earlier this week I was at the DMV registering my new car. After waiting over an hour, I decided to do a little internet shopping. I should never be left alone for any length of time with internet access and nothing else to do.

The result, the new Fitbit Versa. It's a little bigger than my previous Fitbit Alta, but feels much lighter. Plus it has a lot more features and it's waterproof so I can wear it when I do my river walking at the pool.

I also thought it might give me an added boost to try and catch up a little on the Appalachian Trail. After 10 weeks, I'm still about 20 miles behind Michele. I love how she's created a new figure for me. I've dumped the shopping bags and now I'm on full throttle. Don't worry, Michele. I'll run out of energy before I get too close.

I did collect another badge, the Cherry Gap badge. Still not sure if these are actual badges or Michele is just trying to keep me interested and motivated. I do love my bling!

Build A Bear "Pay Your Age"

Melissa, Violet, Lincoln and some of their friends headed to the mall for Build A Bear's "Pay Your Age" sales event not thinking it would be so popular.

When they got there, the line was pretty much wrapped around the mall. But since the store wasn't open yet, they didn't think it would take that long to get in the store.

After being in line for several hours, Lincoln had to have a break. Violet was adamant about staying. Even though there were some Facebook reports of fighting and unruly children, Melissa said that was not the case.

I hate to say how long she stood in line (9 hours!!!!) but Violet and Lincoln got their coveted Build A Bear animals. Now when people talk about the fiasco of the Build A Bear "Pay Your Age" sale, Melissa can say "I was there!"

Maryellen Gets a New Outfit

Michele stopped by on her way to a conference in Omaha and brought Maryellen a new outfit.

Although the poodle skirt originated in 1947, it became most popular with teenage girls in the mid 50's because they were easy to dance in. 

I remember when Michele turned 40 and had a big 1950's party. I wore my poodle skirt and, I believe, I looked just like Maryellen. Thanks Michele!

4th of July

My 4th of July was very quiet but it's never quiet at the Taylor household.

Violet and Lincoln made their version of a fireworks display on paper plates.

Violet could work on arts & crafts projects all day long. Me, well I was in bed long before it got dark enough for the fireworks displays to begin. Besides it was way too hot to be going outside. The joys of getting older.

Happy 12th Anniversary Melissa & Jamie

It doesn't seem like 12 years have gone by since Melissa and Jamie got married.

Family day at Royal's stadium kicked off their weekend celebration. Happy Anniversary! May the next 12 be even better.