Vacations and Yellowstone National Park

Holey-ga-moley geysers!! I knew about Old Faithful but Yellowstone has so many more. The landscape  is beautiful beyond description. I was properly awed in all directions. The sights and wildlife and nature and mountains and rivers were beyond expectation. 

I took a lot of photos with my iPad this time so I could share some of the awesomeness with you. 

This is Old Faithful. We waited about 20-25 minutes for it to erupt. There was a huge crowd around it was obviously a popular attraction. 

Upper Geyser Basin has more than 150 geysers in one square mile. We saw geysers everywhere. Some were pools, some were muddy, some just steam vents. 

We saw some amazing scenery and Yellowstone Lake was amazing. The West Thumb of the lake was full of geysers and pools as well. Even geyser cones in the water!

The water is so clear you can see the geysers under the water.

This waterfall is called Tower Falls. It's something like 132 feet tall. 

It feeds Tower Creek which then feeds into the Yellowstone River. 

Great scenery all around. 

We actually drove through the park in one day so we saw a lot fast. Except for the time we were stuck in a kong line of traffic because of road work. A flag an had vehicles stopped so only one lane could get through at a time. Strangely, every day on this trip we've encountered road work and flag men. It was always about the time I was hoping for a potty break.  

Some were very long waits. 

Signing off from the wild Wild West. Our next stop is Wyoming and visiting family. We turn in the rental after this and fly back to Florida. That is going to be another experience since there is no direct flight from Wyoming to Florida. 

Sigh. 

Vacations and Sightseeing

If you've seen one rock you've seen them all, right? 

You'd think so, wouldn't you?

Not where we've been. We hit Monument Valley first. All I can say is totally awesome. We stayed there several hours until sundown so we could get some sunset pictures of the rock formations as the sun set. The memories will stay with me forever. Or less than forever if I get dementia. 

This is just one of hundreds of photos I took using the camera, iPad, and iPhone. 

We got to tour the entire valley by vehicle. The park suggested high rise vehicles but I even. Saw a Saturn driving through there. I hope they made it through all right. The road terrain was pretty gruesome in places.

From there we went to Arches National Park. We toured that mostly by vehicle as well, only getting out in a couple places to stop and take pictures or walk to an arch inaccessible by road. 

Our final Utah sightseeing stop was 9 Mile Canyon. Don't let the name fool you. The canyon isn't 9 miles long. It's actually 75 miles long and sights are few and far between. And you have to get out and hike trails to the sights. 

What are the sights you ask? Petroglyphs, of course!!

We saw some amazing drawings from various ages of Indians. Some thousands of years ago others a lot newer. 

So, as I type, we are driving through Idaho on our way to Yellowstone National Park which we'll reach tomorrow. 

It's been an amazing trip through the wild Wild West. 

Vacations and saying Good-bye to Tucson

We had a great time visiting the kids and grandkids in Tucson, AZ. We spent time together, had good meals and even caught the showing of Monsters University. It's sad to leave especially saying good-bye. We live so far apart and traveling is so expensive. 

We spent as much time as we could together working around family's work schedules. 

Traveling now, we are heading north to northern Arizona to make our first stop on the beginning of our trip through the western United States. Our next main destination is Yellowstone National Park. I've never been so I'm looking forward to seeing the natural wonders and roaming wildlife. 

Watch for pictures. Speaking of which, I'm attaching a picture of the San Xavier Mission in Tucson. It's a beautiful old structure and I can never do it justice in pictures. My husband got a picture about six years ago with the sunrise peaking through one of the bell towers. Totally awesome. 

Roaming the Wild West. 

Vacations and Time Zone Changes

Officially on vacation and checking in with my blogger buddies. I think the worst thing about vacation besides living out of a suitcase is the time change. I'm here in Arizona. A THREE hour difference from Florida. 

I'm waking up at 3 am thinking it's 6 am in Florida. Then I force myself back to sleep and then I really do wake at 6 am. I can't seem to sleep past 6 here. 

I look at my watch, which I didn't change, and I see the morning mostly gone. 

My pill schedule is all whacked out and my body is trying to get used to the new times I take my bipolar meds. Trying to stay stable with a time change as drastic as this takes careful planning and diligence. 

But bedtime and night meds are the worst. It seems forever until I can crawl into bed. Thank God I've been falling asleep instantly, but it starts all over the next day. 

Does anyone have any suggestions to help with time changes?

Fun Word to Say-Not so Much Fun to Do

Spelunking. Just saying the word makes you want to giggle and smile. Spelunking.  Say it three times fast. What does the word mean to you?

If you are in the "know" you might be aware that spelunking is another term for cave exploration. Something I just can't wrap my head around. 

I am afraid of enclosed spaces. I don't like going underground. I definitely don't like enclosed spaces underground. 

Now, I know some caves are hundreds of feet wide, deep, and enormous. Call me crazy, but to have squeeze my body through tight narrow passages to get to the view just isn't worth it in my opinion. 

And, I'm not speaking from someone who has never tried it, either. I've bee there, done that, and would rather not again. 

I think my first trip underground was at Iron Mountain in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan close to the Wisconsin border. It was a family vacation and one of those things that had to get checked off on the list of things to do. I didn't have much choice. 

I remember riding into the mine on old miner's trains transferred to little cars with  seating arrangements. The ride was dark except for the headlight at the front of the set of tiny cars.

Overhead we could hear screeching and fluttering. "Just bats." Our tour guide spke with bored authority. Not the beginning of a great trip for me.

I feared enclosed spaces a lot earlier than that. A string of mean babysitters and older cousins who thought it fun to put you through narrow cardboard tunnels and not let you out no matter how much you screamed or begged. 

But who can be afraid of something called "spelunking"?

I'll raise an emphatic hand high.

Colossal Cave near Tucson, AZ was my next trip underground. No longer a child, and an adult woman with three children I gave in to the wheedling of my first husband and tried again. I shivered and sweated and screamed in the darkest parts of my mind but I completed the tour. 

Never again I swore. 

Anyone ever hear of Carlsbad  Caverns? Yeah, me too. Thank God they've been closed both times I've been dragged there. 

Now, I bring this particular topic up not just because it's five a.m. And I can't sleep, but probably can't sleep because we are going on vacation soon and a trip through Yellowstone National Park is on the agenda. The placed is probably riddled with caves. How much you want to bet my husband is going to want to explore one or two?

Well this very adult woman who now that she is in her fifties thinks I can do whatever I do or do not want to do will not be spelunking on this vacation. No matter how much hubby begs. Which he probably won't because he's so supportive and caring. But, he might go on his own which will still scare me but at least I can wait outside - above the ground - in open space. I'm sure they have really nice gift shops. 

Getting Ready for Vacation

I'm supposed to be excited. I'm leaving for fifteen days of glorious vacation. A trip to see my children and grandchildren. I drive through one of the nation's best national parks and then another visit with my mother and sisters before flying back home.

But, here I am. Sick. Flat on my back sick with some sort of bronchitis or pneumonia or some other bronchial infection. I'm hacking a lung. Haven't been able to talk for 5 days and coughing so hard it hurts. My body aches, my ears ache, my eyes even ache.

It's torture to even write this blog, but I do so to keep you informed about what's going on and I haven't written in a while and it was sort of bumming me out.

On the up side, even though I have no energy for anything, I' still positive and upbeat. I have no depressive thoughts or dark dreary images traipsing through my mind. I am down about being sick, but that's all it is. Just bummed about being sick and all the things I still need to do before I leave. I've had to rearrange my schedule to fit in a doctor's appointment, which I will go to today. Hopefully she will have some sort of miracle drug that will make me better quickly and before I have to leave next week.

I definitely don't want to be carrying this onto an airplane.

I have packing lists to review. To do lists to review. To do lists to complete. I have a dog and a bird I need to prepare to go to boarding. And all the packing that that entails. I have to make sure they have enough food and treats and such for the fifteen days we are gone plus the extra days they'll be in boarding due to flights coming in extra late and not being able to pick them up right away.

I've had to get three week's worth of medication planned out for me. Taking it four times a day makes for some big med planners. I had to fill them all up and see which ones still need meds and how I'm going to convince a pharmacist that I only need one more week's worth to complete my vacation and I won't be back here during the middle of my vacation to get my prescription filled then, so could I get it filled early?

At least I have a neighbor coming to check on the house every day and bringing in our mail. And we have a friend coming to check on the pool as well.

But, all that aside, first things first. I need to get well. I've spent the last four days in bed and will probably spend some of today there as well, except when I have to keep my doctor appointments. I have to see my psychiatrist today as well, and I can't cancel that appointment. I already had to cancel my therapist appointment. I'm running out of days to reschedule before I leave for my vacation.

I need to be well for my vacation so I don't take my sickness with me and give it to my kids and grandkids. What a horrible present to leave with them. I want to be able to enjoy my visits and have fun playing with my grandbabies.

So, I'll accept all good wishes and prayers for a quick recovery and a safe trip. I need all that I can get. I'll try to post as much as I can about where I am during vacation and then get back to regularly scheduled posts.

Cheers,

Five Minute Friday - Fall

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

Fall.

I love those moments right before I fall asleep. I'm drifting down into the subconsciousness of my mind. The day's worries are far behind me. 

My mind focuses on the prayer I pray right before sleep. Sometimes i make it through the entire prayer before I fall asleep. Sometimes I don't. 

I float away on the softest of dreams, just starting. Not yet developed into full stories for me to enjoy and get wrapped up in while my body rests. It's so nice to dream again. I've had night terrors for so long after the ECT treatments and I was afraid to fall asleep. Afraid of what horrors my mind would conjure for me to recall in the morning light. What terrors would keep me from sleeping at all. 

But, no more. I have sweet dreams now. Real dreams. Fun dreams. I dream. That's the best thing about falling asleep. I fall deep enough that I can actually dream. I awaken the next morning happy and relaxed. Refreshed from a good night's sleep. 

People don't realize how much your body depends on a good night's sleep. Your body needs to recharge. Relax. 

Stop.

Five Minute Friday - Imagine

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

Imagine.

Imagine a world with no hate, bigotry, violence, crime. I do. I think about going to that world some day. Not now. I have too much living to do. But, some day. God's promise is a world of everlasting joy. I look forward to everlasting joy and peace. 

But not now.

I'm not finished yet with this world. I'm not finished yet trying to teach it things about me and Bipolar and Anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and I'm not finished learning about my children and my grandchildren.

No, not now.

I have so much living left to do. But, I can imagine what life will be like when I get to heaven. Such a wondrous place. Full of love and peace and harmony. The riches of the kingdom all for me. Just for believing in Christ and taking Him into my heart and becoming a child of Christ.

I'm still waiting.

Still living with my husband and our pets. Still enjoying the gifts God has given to me here.

Stop.

Five Minute Friday - View

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

View.

You're the first thing I see every morning when I let you out of your crate and the last thing I see and say good night to when I put you in your crate with a peanut butter flavored piece of popcorn. 

My best friend. My soul mate. My protector. 

My love for you knows no bounds and your love for me is so unconditional it makes me want to cry sometimes. You are going to be 10 this year. Time can't seem to have gone by so fast. I still remember the first day I held you, just a little ball of white fluff.  And I knew I would never let you go. I stayed with you for hours waiting for my hubby to get off work to come see you too. I didn't want anyone else picking you up and falling in love with you. 

We were meant to be together. We were meant to find each other that day. I was lost and looking for help and you wanted a good home and someone to love. It was fate. God's plan. Who knew? Only that we found each other and became the best of friends. You protect me. You guard me. You love me. And I return your love 10-fold. 

I know we don't have many years left but ill hold each one close to my heart and know how precious they are. You are to me. I know someday my view in the morning and evening will change but i'll wait and know that you will be waiting at the rainbow bridge for another view and another hug. 

Stop

Five Minute Friday - Song

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.


Song.

I'm walking on sunshine. That's the song of my life. It was the first song I heard when I got out of the hospital for being hospitalized for Bipolar Disorder. My life wasn't mixed up, depressed and crazy anymore. I was WALKING ON SUNSHINE. When Katrina and the Waves belted out that tune, I knew I'd found not only the song for my life, but the title for my memoir. "Walking on Sunshine". My memoir was going to be about my journey from the edge of darkness to finding my way back to the sunshine in my life. That journey took some weird turns and twists but I always found my way back to sunshine. To the light. That's what is most important in my life. That I stay in the light. That the light guides me and protects me. So, I'll always carry that tune, "walking on sunshine" in my head and whenever I hear it, I know good things are happening in my life. I want to share the best part of the song with you:


I'm walking on sunshine , wooah
I'm walking on sunshine, woooah
I'm walking on sunshine, woooah
and don't it feel good!! 

Hey , alright now
and don't it feel good!!
hey yeh ,oh yeh
and don't it feel good!! 

walking on sunshine
walking on sunshine 

I feel the love,I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real
I feel the love, I feel the love, I feel the love that's really real 

I'm on sunshine baby oh
I'm on sunshine baby oh 

I'm walking on sunshine wooah
I'm walking on sunshine wooah
I'm walking on sunshine wooah 

and don't it feel good!!
I'll say it again now
and don't it feel good!! 

Now don't you feel great? Have a blessed day!

Mother's Day

"Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else's happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you're not sure what the right thing is...and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” 

- Donna Ball, author, from her book At Home on Ladybug Farm

I have the most wonderful mom in the world. Words cannot describe our bond. We are so in tune we know when to call each other. We know when the other needs to talk or is hurting. I love my mom with all my heart. 

Becoming a mom was the greatest joy I could ever imagine. I have three wonderful children. Two daughters and a son. We have endured so much together. Our life together has been far from perfect but what has never changed, ever in my whole life is the amount of love I have for them. How much I think about them every day.

I want my children to know that no matter how many mistakes I made in our lives, my love for them never dwindled or went away. I loved them when they were born, growing up, when we were together and when we were apart. I loved them more the next day than the previous. I will love them no matter what they do or who they become. I will love them always.

 My love is endless, boundless, and straight from my heart.

I want to apologize to my children for all the pain and suffering they went through due to my Bipolar Disorder. If I had a choice, I would choose not to have Bipolar. Since I don't have that choice I can only apologize and beg for your forgiveness. I will be sorry from now until the end of time and beyond. 

I believe in each of my children. And I thank God for the beautiful grandchildren they have given me. 

To all the mothers everywhere who are reading this message:

Eight Question Meme

I found this meme from the Stay At Home Mom blog. I thought it was interesting and wanted to join in. It looked like fun. So, here goes, my 8 Question Meme for May 8th:

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was working on my second book, NOT WITHOUT ANNA. I was finishing it up for my publisher.

Here is the book blurb for Not Without Anna: Katherine, shocked by her daughter's death, too late, realizes she had been out of touch with her daughter and didn't recognize the stranger Anna had become. Charles, helpless to reach his son, watches him slip away. He's unable to comprehend Mike's nightmares and depression as he deals with his girlfriend's death and his own guilt.

2. What 5 things are on your to-do list?

1. Relax

2. Write blogs

3. Complete vacation plans

4. Don't forget Mother's Day

5. Remember May is Mental Health Month

3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?

1. blueberries

2. raspberries

3. chocolate

4. Sobe Lifewater

5. popcorn

4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire:

1. Donate money to my church

2. Travel more to see my children and grandchildren

3. Put money away for my grandchildren's college fund

4. Put money away for our retirement

5. Get my husband whatever he wanted

5. Name some places you have lived:

1. Michigan

2. California

3. Arizona

4. Idaho

5. Wyoming

6. Florida

6. Name some bad habits you have:

1. Worry too much

2. Assume the worst

3. spend too much money

4. spoil my dog and parrot

7. Name some jobs you have had:

1. Marine

2. Data Coordinator

3. Technical Writer

4. Technical Support Consultant

5. Documentation & Internal Training Manager

6. Sr. Documentation Specialist

7. Technical Publications Manager

8. President/Owner

9. Author

10. Blogger

8. Name those you are tagging for this meme:

I encourage anyone who finds this meme interesting to join in and post on their blog.

Five Minute Friday - Brave

It's time for the "Five Minute Friday" blogging post. The inspiration comes from Lisa Jo Baker. 

What you do is set your timer for five minutes and write whatever you want according to the prompt Lisa places on her blog every Friday. Then you go back, link your blog and give support to those who posted before you. And, we connect on Twitter with #FiveMinuteFriday.

Ready.

Set.

Go.

Brave

The word "brave" conjures up so many things in my life. I was brave when I accepted the news I had Bipolar Disorder. It took me a while, but then I was brave to share that news with others. First my family who I thought would accept me no matter what. Then with friends who I felt would be there for me in good times and in bad. The more acceptance I got, the braver I got and I started sharing with other people in my life. Doors slammed (not literally) in my face. Friends left me. People turned their back on me. I no longer felt brave enough to tell others about my struggles or journey through Bipolar Disorder. I hibernated. I snuggled into my own corner of the world and didn't come out. I withdrew.

Then, I read some books on Bipolar Disorder and read stories of people who shared similar experiences. I read how they pulled up their big girl panties and went on with life. Not letting the opinions of one or two mar them for life. I too could follow their advice. I did. I pulled up my big girl panties and joined the world. Not as a Bipolar person but a person who has Bipolar.

Stop.


Click on the Five Minute Friday logo below and see what others have written for their prompt. Have a great day.

Five Minute Friday

Birthday Tribute to my Husband

I want to use this forum to send birthday wishes to my husband, Greg. He's been my partner for over fifteen years. We were together two years before we married, giving us nearly eighteen years together so far.

Eighteen wonderful years. I wish for all your birthday wishes to come true and for you to enjoy every one. I love you so much. You are my rock. My partner. My love. My life.

Without you in my life, I would be truly lost. You are my safest port in any storm.

Married couples have their ups and downs throughout their married life. We have the added drama of my Bipolar Disorder. You are always there for me, no matter if I'm suffering from depression or mania. You always know exactly what to say or do to help me. You are truly my perfect companion. You know me better than I know myself at times.

I depend on you. I lean on you. I need you to take care of me. Without you, I would have succumbed to madness long ago. You are a steady influence over me.

I know I can go to you for comfort, safety, protection, and sanity. You always know exactly what to say to bring me out of a foul mood or comfort me when I'm depressed.

You keep me walking the right path and help me when I lose my way. You are the candle in my dreariest darkness.

I am truly, madly, and deeply in love with you.

We've grown close, you and I. Closer than I could ever imagine two people could be, married or not. You know me so well. You know my moods even before I recognize them myself. You protect me, even from me, which is why I love you so much.

If it's in your power, you give me whatever my heart desires. I adore you for that. And, all I want to do for the rest of my life is to make you happy.

You are the perfect compliment to me. My other half. My better half.

You love my children. You love our grandchildren. And, they love you. Life is about balance, and you ensure our life is balanced with fun and seriousness. When I'm sad, you balance me with your happiness.

You are my Love. My Best Friend. My Life.

I am always safe with you, my protector.  You are my hero. I am your biggest fan.

Happy Birthday, my dearest love. I want to grow old with you. My favorite place in all the world is next to you.

Always and Forever Yours,

Healthy Eating While Traveling

Planning Your Travel Itinerary: Don't Forget Healthy Eating!

By Cole Millen

There are times when I will open my blog up to guest bloggers. Today's guest is Cole Millen. He's offering some great advice on traveling and healthy eating. Just in time for our summer vacations!

Going on vacation shouldn't mean taking a holiday from the healthy habits you follow year round. You've managed to fit in those shorts and that new bathing suit. Don't blow it by pigging out during your trip. Make sensible choices, enjoy yourself, and maintain good eating practices along the way. You'll thank yourself when you get back home and your clothes still fit!

On the Road or In the Air

No matter how you travel, remember the boy scouts' motto and be prepared. Eat a decent meal before departure so you're not starving. If you end up hungry, you're more likely to start snacking. Pack healthy snacks that are low in calorie and good for you. You'll save money, rather than stopping on the road or buying from a vending machine. If you're headed to the airport or some sort of depot, park a good distance away and get some extra walking in. While waiting to depart, stay on the move. If you do have to eat during a layover, make good choices, such as salad, yogurt, poultry, and fish.

Location, Location, Location

It begins with choosing wisely when you scope out your lodging. Find a hotel or resort that promotes health and fitness. Many locations have beautiful grounds where you can enjoy a stroll throughout the day. If you're in a tourist area, plan on expanding your travels on foot through nearby streets or by the shore. When it comes to the hotel itself, choose a place that has a pool and exercise room. Take advantage of fitness classes or go online and bring a fitness trainer into your room via the Internet! When it comes to meal choices, inquire before you make a reservation. Find out about healthy options that are offered by the hotel. Often times all of these things can be difficult to determine prior to arrival. I have found that consumer reviews are the best way to determine the actual amenities and offerings each hotel provides for your healthy lifestyle. In my most recent trip I found a great site that had a list of hotels in Las Vegas along with a number of reviews regarding amenities, restaurants, things to do, and much more. They provided unbiased and honest information that ultimately led to me finding a great hotel with a fitness center as well as a gluten free restaurant within. A little research goes a long way so look for reviews such as these to help.

Upon Arrival

Once you get to your hotel, don't graze at the mini bar. Drop your bags and head out to explore. If you plan on eating out, see if there is a place within walking distance. You'll walk off some calories on the way home! Inquire about the local supermarket and stock your refrigerator with fruit, veggies, yogurt, and low fat or nonfat milk. Plan on drinking plenty of water and skip the alcoholic beverages that are high in calorie. If you decide to have a drink, stick with a rule of one. If you have a continental breakfast at the hotel, choose the whole grain bread and cereals. Oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit are excellent alternatives for breakfast. Stay away from fats and starchy foods.

Dining Out

Ask about restaurants at the front desk. Chances are, you'll be able to see the menus ahead of time. Choose restaurants that have healthy options. Your best bet is to go with salads, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. You can always look for a light menu. If you order only to find out you have too much food, ask for a take-out container and save it for later.

While these tips may seem very simple they are often overlooked. I guarantee if you can follow these steps you will find yourself coming home in just as good of shape as you left!