Keep Going 4 - Fav Photos

From Along the Way

 "A pair of fishermen in an inflatable raft, yesterday on the Thames"

"Pleasant walk toward Springbank Park, about 1PM yesterday"

Link to another Favourite Photo

Photos GH

Keep Going 4

Busy Times in November

"I'm about as energetic as The Green Hornet. Bzzzzzz!"

November: I've been trying to slow things down in the workshop. I've been trying to ramp things up in the writing department. And I've been walking the streets regularly for 'fun and fitness' along with completing other household and miscellaneous duties. November - busy.

That being said, I've been setting and hitting positive goals. I wanted to slow things down in the workshop earlier than in past years and I'm doing so. I lock up in one week. I've wanted to spend more time tending to writing related to my father's WW2 experiences and I'm doing so (at 'Canadians in Combined Operations, WW2' by G. Harrison). And in the fun and fitness department, related to making The Great Canadian Comeback, all is well there too. I felt pretty sturdy after walking for 2 hours and 30 minutes yesterday.

 "Fifteen consecutive walks in 14 days. Pretty full schedule, I say"

"Showing off my sturdy legs at Wonderland Gardens yesterday"

Will December be as busy? How could it not be!!

Play safe everybody and have a great December too.

Link to Keep Going 1

Photos GH

Keep Going 1

Goal Number 2

"Yesterday was turn-around day. MM50 to KG60"

So, I've got my new goal related to not only my fun and fitness routine but The Great Canadian Comeback. I've been trying to stay fit since I was 12 (for various reasons, all likely related to 'trying to keep up' or get ahead of the next guy) but shortly after I turned 66 ("Good grief! I really am a Senior Citizen of Canada! Aaaaaahhhh!!) I decided to step up the pace I'd been setting since 2006, the year I dropped out of long distance running and marathoning.

Since that time I've also dropped out of hockey (back issues) and taken up the habit of eating everything on my large plate and more. Back in September, after my birthday and three slices of chocolate cake, I sensed I'd grown lackadaisical and planned my turn-around Goal Number 1 was born. MM50. Fifty one-hour walks. Miles and Mountains.

"I aim for hilly bits on a regular basis"

I finished MM50 on Wednesday and started KG60 yesterday. Keep Going. Sixty walks at least one hour and fifteen minutes in length with a few other well-thought-out 'add-ons'. (See yesterday's post).

All I can say is, I'm up for this!

Link to Long Road Back 50

Photos GH

Long Road Back - Favourite Photos

Long Legs Help

Walk, walk, walk. Next 'fun and fitness' goal starts today.

Link to Long Road Back 50

Photos GH

Long Road Back 50

Hey, I'm Getting Somewhere Slow

"I hit MM50 in 8.5 weeks. Keep on goin', I say!"

MM50 - check. Double check!! Yesterday, through Greenway Park. Yaaay!

Next fun and fitness goal as part of The Great Canadian Comeback: I call it - in the briefest form possible - KG60. Keep Going. 60 walks during the next 10 - 12 weeks, at least one hour in length when w my walking mate. However, when I walk solo my time goal will be 1HR:15MIN during a weekday and 2:30 on Sundays (Long Walk Sunday - LWS) to improve my stamina, and I will include hilly routes and hill repeats on a regular basis to increase leg strength.

Once winter and icy footing has passed up by, I will consider the possibility of adding The Harrison Shuffle (more details later) - once in a while - to my routine. We shall see what we shall see. No thoughts about a future 5, 10, 21.1, 30 or 42.2-kilometer race will even be considered during KG60. Hey, I've got my limits to consider!

Photos from along the way:

Bon Voyage, I say.

Link to Long Road Back 49

Photos GH

Long Road Back 49

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

"A roller-blader gets in his workout. Well done, I say"

So, I've been thinking about my next fun and fitness goal. It must be within my limits, enjoyable, with the capacity to 'get me out the door', prepare me for the next goal farther down the road, and make a decent cup of coffee. On second thought - it doesn't have to be some miracle worker, just fit in with what I've done and where I'm going.

What I've done: After today, MM1 - MM50. That is, 50 walks that were at least one hour in length and focussed, many times, on hilly routes to built strength (muscle) along with stamina (endurance). Why, you should see me go! I walk along at a pretty good clip and don't feel exhausted at the end of the hour (or more).

Where I am going: At the very least, out the door 50 - 60 more times with a slightly more demanding resolution while wearing coloured co-ordinated outdoor wear. Specifics to follow.

 "Eleven walks in ten days in a row. Not bad at all!"

 "The roller blader went one way, a jogger went the other" (Spot her?)

 "During Sunday's long walk I was watched by aliens!"

"Hello Human. Such sturdy legs you have!"

Link to Long Road Back 47

Photos GH

Avocado Pit 10

The Big Wait

"How long before wee branches appear? I have no idea"

Nothing much is happening here. But then, I'm retired and take it easy most days.

Oh, and about the avocado. I cut the shoot off, then I experienced 'haircut remorse', and now I am noticing not much is going on... except for the appearance of two itty-bitty leaves on the remaining 3-4-inch long stubby shoot.

"Is this a sign of future good health?"

So, like a lot of other people, I'm waiting for something exciting to happen!

: )

Link to Avocado Pit 9

Photos GH

Long Road Back 47

Broke the Sound Barrier

Sunday's weather was pleasant enough for me to walk right past my usual turnaround point (i.e., the span over the Thames adjacent to Thames Golf Club, one hour from my porch) and on to victory. Well, not really a victory with prizes and all, with names announced over a PA system, etc. (I had to do the commentary all by myself: See below).

But it was a victory of sorts, of minor proportions, as I walked on and blazed a new trail as I make The Great Canadian Comeback. Two hours, 30 minutes after starting out I arrived home with rosy cheeks and a thirst for a hot cup of tea.

Personal Commentary as I reached a new turnaround point farther down the pathway:

PA: So, how does it feel to reach this sign next to the Maurice Chapman Walkway?

GH: Well, first, let me thank my sponsors, Merrill Hiking Boots. I couldn't have done it without proper footwear. And second, I feel great, ready for the walk home.

PA: So, you've walked farther than ever before during your comeback. Can you tell us about future plans?

GH: Well, honestly, first thing on my mind is a proper important question. Is there a toilet near here? I gotta pee like a racehorse, as some like to say. Second, about plans, I don't see a marathon in my future but I do plan to walk through the winter and try to make each month a bit more challenging, you know what I mean?

PA: Don't know what you mean, really, but we've run outta time and you're getting fidgety. Toilets are open at the old Guy Lombardo museum on Wonderland.

GH: Yeah, yeah. See ya.

"I couldn't have done it without sturdy legs and Comfort Stations"

Link to Long Road Back 46

Photos GH

Long Road Back 46

That Was One Good Week

"And what super-challenge will be up next?"

Eight good walks in seven days... not bad at all. And if I keep up my pace I should hit MM50 on Wednesday of this upcoming week.

"Eight tough walks in seven days. Awesome!"

"Long legs help!"

So, I guess I'd better think about my next fun and fitness goal.

What goal will be within my limits and 'up the ante' so to speak? What is just a titch more demanding than walking briskly for least an hour while including some hills along route?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

 "Two super walks on Friday. One w Don, the other to Knights' game"

"Get out the SPECIAL PANTS!"

Link to Long Road Back 43

Photos GH

Favourite Photo - Not Unexpected

First Good Snowfall

"A spruce canopy opens to the well-lit parking lot behind my house"

Yesterday morning I spotted snow on a fence post in the backyard but by noon the touch of snow was gone. Yesterday evening, when I stepped into the darkness outside my workshop I felt wet snow hit my face, I heard it squeak underfoot and saw our city's first good snowfall through the laden boughs of my blue spruce.

Link to Favourite Photos

Photo GH

Long Road Back in B&W

The Long Legs Help

"A loooong walk home"

I took this photo last Sunday during my walk home along the Terry Fox Parkway. I made good time. I mean, look at those legs!

: )

Link to Long Road Back 43

Photo GH

Long Road Back 43

Closing in on MM50*

"Sunday's two-hour walk took me to the bridge adjacent to Thames Golf Course"

I find it interesting that once or twice every week there is somewhere I have to go - an appointment, an errand, a this or a that - and I figure the walk would be about an hour, or a bit more, so off I go in a warm sweater or jacket as happy as can be. Because the walk is a 'two for', i.e., it's a 'two for the price of one'. I get my errand accomplished and I get my fun and fitness walk checked off for the day.

"Already 5 in a row on 980 and likely two walks today" 

"Looking toward home, one hour away, from Thames Bridge"

Don and I have a walk scheduled at 1 PM today and I have a London Knights ticket for tonight, so I may get MM44 and 45 checked off in quick succession. Another 'two for'?

We shall see what we shall see.

*I started my 'Miles and Mountains' fitness walks on Sept. 28, so if I continue to complete 5 - 6 walks per week I should hit MM50 sometime next week. Not bad, not bad at all.

Link to Long Road Back 38

Photos GH

Avocado Pit 9

Haircut Remorse!

Grandson Ollie did not come to my house yesterday to help trim the avocado shoot so its haircut was accomplished - with one quick snip - just 30 minutes ago. Instructions said "cut it back to about three inches" and that's what I did (okay, maybe to four inches) and within a millisecond I heard this sound in my head... aaaaaaaagggghhhhh!

I'm not sure if that was the avocado plant sending me a pain-filled message or a part of my brain signalling haircut remorse, something I used to get every month when I was a teenager.

"aaaaaaaaaaagggggghhhhhh!"

Now we wait.

And we shall see what we shall see.

Link to Avocado Pit 8

Photos GH

Favourite Photos

You'll Never Guess

Where from? : )

Link to Gord's Last Ride, 2015 - 3

Photos GH

Specialty Birdhouse - PEI Lumber 4

Welcome to The Rustic Manor!

This model, with roof angled at 45 degrees, may become the 'go-to' model for me whenever I purchase or rescue a load of gray barnboard.

Recipe:

Faces (front and back) 11" high x 10" wide

If 5-inch wide lumber is used, solid braces can be secured on the inside.

Sides - 5.5" high and 6.25" wide

Base - 12" long and 10" wide

Roof slats - 9.5" long, 8.25" width

I cut three slats per side (the widest was 3"), then covered each side with battens and edging.

"Don't throw out your wooden spoons. Call me!" : )

One more task, related to the wooden spoon - coming up.

Stay tuned.

Link to PEI Lumber 3

Photos GH

Gord's Last Ride, 2015 - 3

Wind in My Sails

"Do you recall a strong wind last Sunday? I noticed its effects, cliff-top"

I rode my motorcycle to Port Bruce on Sunday and placed it into storage Monday. After I put these last photos into storage, I'm sure I'll drag them out once in awhile to remind me of the beautiful fall day, even with the strong wind.

"I will be back in the spring of 2016, coffee and camera in hand"

Link to Gord's Last Ride - 2

Photos GH

Avocado Pit 8

Today's the Day!

"So, according to 'inhabitat.com', it's time for a haircut"

According to a colourful website about 'how to grow an avocado', "When the stem is 6-7 inches long, cut it back to about 3 inches, this will encourage new growth. When it hits 6-7 inches again, pot it up in a rich humus soil."

So, when my grandson Oliver visits today after school, we will do the deed.

 "I'll take a measurement"

"The shoot is between 7 - 8 inches tall"

I wonder if he'll ask his favourite question?

Link to Avocado Pit 7

Photos GH