Greetings from the Delaware Valley! (Yes, this is Poodle's Blog, just a new look!)
It is time to update this blog, don't you think? You'll quickly notice I've edited the layout and added some features - moon phases, search bar option for this blog, and my music playlist. There's no time like the present to transition from the old to the new.
The new involves yoga teacher training and healthy living (and hopefully some Spanish, too). A big part of the yoga teacher training project I've just enrolled in
(Shiva Rea's Samudra Yoga) involves tracking the phases of the moon and tapping into the ebb and flow of life. Let the journey begin.
(Yes, I know I need to somehow edit this so 1. the playlist box fits, and 2. so that it doesn't automatically play when you open this blog, but I ran out of time for today. Something to work on...in the meantime, let me know what you think!)
Infinite blessings to you,
Poodle
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
on track - sort of
hello,
my goal was to keep this blog active for a year. once a month counts I guess!
First the news!
Poopers ran in his first race since his surgery, and not only did he run - he placed! Congrats Poopers!
I've been living vicariously through my Spanish travelling friends. Lots of people went to Spain in April and by all accounts - it's lovely. But, one of my friends is there now, and I'm curious to hear how she coped with the volcano plume's interuptions of her European travel plans. Maybe someday I'll get there...
Some sad news from Poopers side of the family. His Uncle, who volunteers three days a week on house-building projects for Habitat for Humanity, fell while working on the roof. He suffered a spinal cord injury. He had to have emergency surgery and is currently paralyzed from the waist down. He's starting a month of rehabilitation and hopefully will show signs of ragaining feeling and motion in his lower body.
We're still not moved in / out yet, but one of these days...hopefully.
But the tulips i planted last fall all bloomed this spring. The peonies and echinacea are coming up too. The azaleas are in full bloom right now and it is lovely!
Happy Spring.
Until next time,
Poodle
my goal was to keep this blog active for a year. once a month counts I guess!
First the news!
Poopers ran in his first race since his surgery, and not only did he run - he placed! Congrats Poopers!
I've been living vicariously through my Spanish travelling friends. Lots of people went to Spain in April and by all accounts - it's lovely. But, one of my friends is there now, and I'm curious to hear how she coped with the volcano plume's interuptions of her European travel plans. Maybe someday I'll get there...
Some sad news from Poopers side of the family. His Uncle, who volunteers three days a week on house-building projects for Habitat for Humanity, fell while working on the roof. He suffered a spinal cord injury. He had to have emergency surgery and is currently paralyzed from the waist down. He's starting a month of rehabilitation and hopefully will show signs of ragaining feeling and motion in his lower body.
We're still not moved in / out yet, but one of these days...hopefully.
But the tulips i planted last fall all bloomed this spring. The peonies and echinacea are coming up too. The azaleas are in full bloom right now and it is lovely!
Happy Spring.
Until next time,
Poodle
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Spring has Sprung
Happy Spring!
Yes, Spring has sprung, the weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, the days are lighter longer into the evening. Feels so good to be on this side of a rough winter, doesn't it? I don't think it matters where you are in the country reading this, we all agree, good riddance winter!
There's nothing like spring to get you in the mood for starting over. After a long hiatus from exercise it feels good to be running and yoga-ing again! Good, except for the initial sore muscles protesting after 4 months of rest! Luckily muscles protest only briefly.
Is it just me, or do you find it extremely hard to stay motivated and exercise during the winter, too? I very clearly need sunshine and warming temps to get my tush in gear and get going. I started slowly - walking. It's sad to admit, but, yes, I was sore from walking (head hanging sheepishly). That's how out of shape I had become after 4 months of no exercise. The first day I walked for 40 minutes - over a hilly route mind you - but I was surprised by just how sore I was from merely walking. The next day I walked for 50 minutes over the same hilly course and I was less sore the following day. Thank God! But I was smart and wore my running shoes. Not that I had any intention of feeling compelled to run, but rather wore them instead of those "barefoot running shoes" that lamed me up for over a month last summer/fall.
And then I started running again. That's it, two days of walking and then running. Yes, slowly and occasionally walking, but more running than walking. And I started doing the yoga classes that I teach. Which is not very strenuous seeing as how they are either beginner/gentle yoga or a "silver sneakers" yoga class for the elderly. But hey, when you're coming from the empty set of ZERO, even gentle stretching can be positively, uh, what's the word? Painful. But again, luckily for only a little while.
And two weeks ago I signed Poopers and myself up in a running club. And I've been twice. The first week I ran/walked 3 miles and last week, I ran the entire 4.75 miles. We go again tonight - after 3 days of cold rain mixed with huge snowflakes and strong winds - to today which is sunny and perfect temps for running - about 58 degrees.
The house is done - as you know, but we haven't moved in yet. Soon I suspect, but it's like a friend said recently after finishing her kitchen remodel - we don't wanna mess it up. They were using a make-shift kitchenette on their front porch for weeks after their renovated kitchen was completed, before they made the plunge and started using their new kitchen. They didn't want to use their sparkling new kitchen for fear of ruining it's perfection. I can relate!
Happy spring. Enjoy the flowers, the warmth, the sunshine.
Until next time,
Poodle
Yes, Spring has sprung, the weather is warming up, the birds are chirping, the days are lighter longer into the evening. Feels so good to be on this side of a rough winter, doesn't it? I don't think it matters where you are in the country reading this, we all agree, good riddance winter!
There's nothing like spring to get you in the mood for starting over. After a long hiatus from exercise it feels good to be running and yoga-ing again! Good, except for the initial sore muscles protesting after 4 months of rest! Luckily muscles protest only briefly.
Is it just me, or do you find it extremely hard to stay motivated and exercise during the winter, too? I very clearly need sunshine and warming temps to get my tush in gear and get going. I started slowly - walking. It's sad to admit, but, yes, I was sore from walking (head hanging sheepishly). That's how out of shape I had become after 4 months of no exercise. The first day I walked for 40 minutes - over a hilly route mind you - but I was surprised by just how sore I was from merely walking. The next day I walked for 50 minutes over the same hilly course and I was less sore the following day. Thank God! But I was smart and wore my running shoes. Not that I had any intention of feeling compelled to run, but rather wore them instead of those "barefoot running shoes" that lamed me up for over a month last summer/fall.
And then I started running again. That's it, two days of walking and then running. Yes, slowly and occasionally walking, but more running than walking. And I started doing the yoga classes that I teach. Which is not very strenuous seeing as how they are either beginner/gentle yoga or a "silver sneakers" yoga class for the elderly. But hey, when you're coming from the empty set of ZERO, even gentle stretching can be positively, uh, what's the word? Painful. But again, luckily for only a little while.
And two weeks ago I signed Poopers and myself up in a running club. And I've been twice. The first week I ran/walked 3 miles and last week, I ran the entire 4.75 miles. We go again tonight - after 3 days of cold rain mixed with huge snowflakes and strong winds - to today which is sunny and perfect temps for running - about 58 degrees.
The house is done - as you know, but we haven't moved in yet. Soon I suspect, but it's like a friend said recently after finishing her kitchen remodel - we don't wanna mess it up. They were using a make-shift kitchenette on their front porch for weeks after their renovated kitchen was completed, before they made the plunge and started using their new kitchen. They didn't want to use their sparkling new kitchen for fear of ruining it's perfection. I can relate!
Happy spring. Enjoy the flowers, the warmth, the sunshine.
Until next time,
Poodle
Friday, February 5, 2010
Ta-Da!!!
It's Done!
Hello Blog Followers - I know you're out there, even if you don't post comments, so hello there!
Yes, the House Project is done. Alleluja! (or however you spell it - the feeling is one of rejoicing). The FiOS is installed. We have internet, we have cable TV (as in CNN, A&E, Animal Planet, etc) and long distance phone service and wireless printing on the printer in my new office, aka the Den.
Thought I should post pix from the very beginning. And then show the finished product immediately following so you can appreciate the differences of before and after. Here we go.
First the attic - before and after:
And now the basement before and after:
Next, the living room before and after:
Now the Kitchen/Dining area before and after:
And so there you have it. I tried to post a before picture taken from the same general position in the house as the next "after" picture. Hopefully, this successfully conveys the improved flow and features of the renovated house. Looking forward to seeing you all soon for dinner, hopefully!
Hello Blog Followers - I know you're out there, even if you don't post comments, so hello there!
Yes, the House Project is done. Alleluja! (or however you spell it - the feeling is one of rejoicing). The FiOS is installed. We have internet, we have cable TV (as in CNN, A&E, Animal Planet, etc) and long distance phone service and wireless printing on the printer in my new office, aka the Den.
Thought I should post pix from the very beginning. And then show the finished product immediately following so you can appreciate the differences of before and after. Here we go.
First the attic - before and after:
And now the basement before and after:
Next, the living room before and after:
Now the Kitchen/Dining area before and after:
And so there you have it. I tried to post a before picture taken from the same general position in the house as the next "after" picture. Hopefully, this successfully conveys the improved flow and features of the renovated house. Looking forward to seeing you all soon for dinner, hopefully!
Until next time,
Poodles
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Drawing to a Close
After so many months of planning, reviewing, ordering, returning, watching and waiting, it is almost a let down to realize The House Project is drawing to a close. Don't get me wrong, there is still a significant amount of work needing to be done, however, my responsibility is significantly less.
So I've been thinking about my next project. Some have been put on hold (primarily learning Spanish and eating those 10 fruits and veggies (fnv)) during The House Project. At one point I asked you if you'd be interested in a blog based primarily on food. Granted, I only got one response, but it was a negative one. But that's never stopped me before, in fact, if anything it motivates me. Sorry. But it's looking like I might be transitioning away from a House-based blog and towards a Food-based blog.
Unfortunately, the 10 fnv thing just never took off. So I think I need to regroup. Question is what plan do I follow or do I start my own? Suggestions? I have a few cook books that I really like, and MaryLu Henner's is very good - just not vegan. Have any of you seen Gillian McKeith's books? I like how healthy her recipes are.
I'm soliciting suggestions from you. Please write in the comments what works for you! Maybe I can start plan based on a composite of your responses - of course, this would require more than one response! So everyone - write!
I'll start. So far this week I have not eaten after 5 pm. And I must say, I sleep better, and it's easier to exercise in the morning when I don't go to bed with a full stomach. Now your turn! Just click on the comment box and send me your success stories!
Until next time,
Poodle
So I've been thinking about my next project. Some have been put on hold (primarily learning Spanish and eating those 10 fruits and veggies (fnv)) during The House Project. At one point I asked you if you'd be interested in a blog based primarily on food. Granted, I only got one response, but it was a negative one. But that's never stopped me before, in fact, if anything it motivates me. Sorry. But it's looking like I might be transitioning away from a House-based blog and towards a Food-based blog.
Unfortunately, the 10 fnv thing just never took off. So I think I need to regroup. Question is what plan do I follow or do I start my own? Suggestions? I have a few cook books that I really like, and MaryLu Henner's is very good - just not vegan. Have any of you seen Gillian McKeith's books? I like how healthy her recipes are.
I'm soliciting suggestions from you. Please write in the comments what works for you! Maybe I can start plan based on a composite of your responses - of course, this would require more than one response! So everyone - write!
I'll start. So far this week I have not eaten after 5 pm. And I must say, I sleep better, and it's easier to exercise in the morning when I don't go to bed with a full stomach. Now your turn! Just click on the comment box and send me your success stories!
Until next time,
Poodle
Sunday, January 10, 2010
House Updates
Greetings!
And the saga continues. Believe you, me, when I say the house is The House Project, it is!
To recount - I think you all know this whole thing started with 25,000 gallons of water destroying the house, right? And then during the project the roof (not), chimney (not), chimney mortar leaked into the attic. Then the den waited to leak until after it was all insulated, primed with paint, with new floors installed, etc. The sewage line backed up, twice. Bleeder pipe in den leaked. Some radiator pipe in basement leaked. The lines to radiators spewed gallons of water down through ceiling to front foyer - requiring it to be replaced - the one ceiling that remained from original house.
Then I ordered Pooper's Christmas gift - a flat screen TV and home theater blu-ray dvd system. Only to find out that "home theater" does not always mean "home theater". Had to return that. Ordered new home theater system - only to find out contractor forgot to put access in ceiling to the most important Center Speaker - of course, the ceiling is already painted!
Ordered two mirrored medicine cabinets. Was sent one that I ordered and one that I didn't order. Had to arrange returning the wrong one and getting the correct one - anyone familiar with the painful experience of automated phone service lines that are not really automated and of no service? I think you can imagine how much fun that whole experience was. But eventually it was returned and we got the right one.
Renting and driving a BIG 16 foot Penske truck around Philly picking up all of my Craigslist findings - which I must say has been a HUGE success for the most part. So far I've found an 11'8" by 14' wool rug for the Master Bedroom, our dining room table and 6 upholstered chairs by Broyhill, an antique Chippendale Secretary desk from the early 1900s, a loveseat/twin sleeper that is actually very comfortable to sit on, 4 area rugs (one leopard print - oo-la-la!), the brass and crystal chandelier, and a Casablanca ceiling fan. Not too bad, not too bad, considering what all of that would have cost new!
SIT-REP (NIMs/ICS-speak for Situation Report) on The House Project. According to our insurance agent the house has to be 100% completed by Feb 1st - so here's what's been done since my last post.
New basement stairs (still need some work though), most of the tile installed in all 3 baths, back entry and sunroom, living room crown molding installed, LR walls painted (trim still needs painting), stairway walls painted (railings still need painting), pendant lights installed (see picture), outlet cover plates installed (but not the right ones, need to be dimmers), electrical connected to bathroom ventilation fans, cabinet pulls installed on kitchen cabinets, upstairs toilets installed.
Still pending: all "lavs" (that's plumber-speak for faucets), garbage disposal, shower heads, vanities and med cabinets, washer/dryer hookup, water filters, hookup range, frig, range hood, floor heat in kitchen, hardwood floors sanded and sealed, sunroom paint, stairwell railings paint, trim paint throughout, glass-mirrors installed in kitchen cabinets, ceiling fans installed, bathroom light fixtures installed, and I could go on, and on, but will spare you the rest. As you can see there is a lot of work to be done yet!
Here is a picture of the front bedroom painted:
Here is the Living Room painted Bungalow Gold.
This is a picture of Pooper's sister and her three children in the kitchen with the pendant lights installed (love the leopard print jackets!).
This is the terra cotta colored tile I picked for the back entry and powder room.
This is the back bedroom painted brown and lavender.
And the saga continues. Believe you, me, when I say the house is The House Project, it is!
To recount - I think you all know this whole thing started with 25,000 gallons of water destroying the house, right? And then during the project the roof (not), chimney (not), chimney mortar leaked into the attic. Then the den waited to leak until after it was all insulated, primed with paint, with new floors installed, etc. The sewage line backed up, twice. Bleeder pipe in den leaked. Some radiator pipe in basement leaked. The lines to radiators spewed gallons of water down through ceiling to front foyer - requiring it to be replaced - the one ceiling that remained from original house.
Then I ordered Pooper's Christmas gift - a flat screen TV and home theater blu-ray dvd system. Only to find out that "home theater" does not always mean "home theater". Had to return that. Ordered new home theater system - only to find out contractor forgot to put access in ceiling to the most important Center Speaker - of course, the ceiling is already painted!
Ordered two mirrored medicine cabinets. Was sent one that I ordered and one that I didn't order. Had to arrange returning the wrong one and getting the correct one - anyone familiar with the painful experience of automated phone service lines that are not really automated and of no service? I think you can imagine how much fun that whole experience was. But eventually it was returned and we got the right one.
Renting and driving a BIG 16 foot Penske truck around Philly picking up all of my Craigslist findings - which I must say has been a HUGE success for the most part. So far I've found an 11'8" by 14' wool rug for the Master Bedroom, our dining room table and 6 upholstered chairs by Broyhill, an antique Chippendale Secretary desk from the early 1900s, a loveseat/twin sleeper that is actually very comfortable to sit on, 4 area rugs (one leopard print - oo-la-la!), the brass and crystal chandelier, and a Casablanca ceiling fan. Not too bad, not too bad, considering what all of that would have cost new!
SIT-REP (NIMs/ICS-speak for Situation Report) on The House Project. According to our insurance agent the house has to be 100% completed by Feb 1st - so here's what's been done since my last post.
New basement stairs (still need some work though), most of the tile installed in all 3 baths, back entry and sunroom, living room crown molding installed, LR walls painted (trim still needs painting), stairway walls painted (railings still need painting), pendant lights installed (see picture), outlet cover plates installed (but not the right ones, need to be dimmers), electrical connected to bathroom ventilation fans, cabinet pulls installed on kitchen cabinets, upstairs toilets installed.
Still pending: all "lavs" (that's plumber-speak for faucets), garbage disposal, shower heads, vanities and med cabinets, washer/dryer hookup, water filters, hookup range, frig, range hood, floor heat in kitchen, hardwood floors sanded and sealed, sunroom paint, stairwell railings paint, trim paint throughout, glass-mirrors installed in kitchen cabinets, ceiling fans installed, bathroom light fixtures installed, and I could go on, and on, but will spare you the rest. As you can see there is a lot of work to be done yet!
Here is a picture of the front bedroom painted:
Here is the Living Room painted Bungalow Gold.
This is a picture of Pooper's sister and her three children in the kitchen with the pendant lights installed (love the leopard print jackets!).
This is the terra cotta colored tile I picked for the back entry and powder room.
This is the back bedroom painted brown and lavender.
The granite tiles in bathroom floor and shower (are also on the ceiling) need to be supported up on the ceiling until the grout could securely hold them up. The sticks are doing it until the grout takes over...(two views, one of the floor and one of the ceiling)
And finally - some of my craigslist findings - chairs and chippendale secretary desk.
Until next time,
Poodle
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
Some photos from Longwood Gardens
Happy New Year! With all of the holidays it has been hard to get online to upload some pictures. Poopers and I made our semi-traditional trip to the beautiful Longwood Gardens on Christmas Eve. (This is where he proposed to me a couple of years ago on Christmas Eve.) All of these pictures are from the former DuPont estate west of Philly called Longwood Gardens. I hope you enjoy them, but like all amateur photos they leave a lot to be desired compared the actual beauty experienced in person...
And, it is with great excitement and anticipation that I can announce that as of February 1st we will have (drum roll please................) YES! Internet, cable, and FiOS long distance phone/TV! I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!
Lesss than a month now!
Hope you are all healthy and warm! Oh, and long over-due, is the final update on Dad's trip Down Under. He arrived back home, still single, and still itching to travel some more!
Until later,
Poodle
Happy New Year! With all of the holidays it has been hard to get online to upload some pictures. Poopers and I made our semi-traditional trip to the beautiful Longwood Gardens on Christmas Eve. (This is where he proposed to me a couple of years ago on Christmas Eve.) All of these pictures are from the former DuPont estate west of Philly called Longwood Gardens. I hope you enjoy them, but like all amateur photos they leave a lot to be desired compared the actual beauty experienced in person...
And, it is with great excitement and anticipation that I can announce that as of February 1st we will have (drum roll please................) YES! Internet, cable, and FiOS long distance phone/TV! I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!
Lesss than a month now!
Hope you are all healthy and warm! Oh, and long over-due, is the final update on Dad's trip Down Under. He arrived back home, still single, and still itching to travel some more!
Until later,
Poodle
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