By 7:00 this morning we were heading to Rockwood Conservation Area, we had decided we might have time to get the first leg of the walk in if we hurried. The pups were losing their minds, it is definitely one of their favorite spots to go. I was only semi-joking around when I suggested that we'd have time to do the entire Lime Kiln trail, and I'm not sure what prompted Hubs to agree, but agree he did. It was one heck of a walk and parts of it, were definitely made for much younger people.
At one point our Belle wasn't sure what to do and Mom had to actually lift her down. I haven't lifted that stinker since she was under a year, she was so afraid, but finally gave in and let me do it. We came, we saw, we conquered. Although I can pretty much guarantee we will not do it again. 3.2 miles, no big deal. We started at around an elevation of 344' and reached an elevation of 704' several times. The assents and descents were brutal, the flat bits were paradise. It was an absolutely gorgeous hike. It required a lot of concentration and questioning if we were in our right minds.
 |
| natures artwork, so inspiring |
As we neared the end of the trail, glimpsing our car way below the winds were just starting to pick up. We walked a bit of flat ground at the end to cool down and rest. The skies were bright blue as we left and we were optimistic that mother nature was playing tricks with everyone.
I felt we'd both earned a massage for our efforts and booked us at one of my favorite places. If you haven't ever treated yourself to a Chinese Massage, run to the nearest one now. I prefer deep massages, Hubs not so much, both of us were game for 90 minutes of complete pampering. The intense reflexology, hot stones and oils. Well, I won't say we were sad in the least, maybe not ready to tackle any more trails today, but we weren't feeling any pain.
I was still feeling pretty positive that the storms that had been predicted were going to pass us by. At 3:00 pm the skies were still filled with light fluffy clouds, not the kind you expect rain from at all.
After a morning of working out hard and being pampered I was a bit behind on all the things I needed to get done. And was working in the kitchen, a combination of making beef jerky, freeze dried dog treats and simmering down the tomatoes to eventually go into the freeze dryer for tomato powder, I was definitely focused on the tasks at hand. The door was open to let the soft breeze sweep through the house, I love fresh air, when I noticed the change.
Around 4:00 pm the shift happened third winter started to roll in. The winds got crazy, the clouds became dark, rolling and angry. Just as I was walking to the door to close it the hail started. All I could think, was here we go again.... even as it passed as quickly as it started. I was just carrying all the freeze-dryer trays downstairs when I heard the sirens.
Toby Keith's "Trailerhood" started playing in my mind. "A tornado comin'", no not a tornado, just a warning. As we are definitely in tornado season we struggle with ourselves when the sirens go off. Beau is terrified of storms of any kind and he will happily spend hours in the basement, unless you want him to, then it's no go.
Do we take them down, don't we, will it blow past or do we need to be concerned. Beau's fear factor can trigger a seizure, after the breakthrough, I was worried. In the end Hubs decided the world outside looked pretty angry and we needed to head down for a bit. I went up to find my sweet big baby laying on my bed shaking, Belle had gone down instantly for treats, but Beau (ironically the treat monster) was definitely not interested in that bribery trick. Although as soon as he saw mom he came running. Fear won out this time.
He wasn't as anxious with the door closed as usual, and he even relaxed for a bit. Miss Belle curled up on the sofa and slept quietly and deeply. Beau sat on the steps judging every move I made, waiting for me to head up and open the door to freedom.
It's now almost 8:30 pm, the winds have died down, doesn't seem like any damage.The rain is falling steadily, and the temperatures are heading down at an alarming speed. A sweatshirt was too heavy this morning, tomorrow I will need a heavy winter coat as I go walking. Who knows this is the mid-west, by next week, we might be breaking out the shorts.
Thankfully Beau seems calm with no sign of seizure activity. In fact Hubs, Beau and Belle are all sleeping soundly, while I wait to give 9:00 pm meds. Give me strength, cause I am tired.
Hopefully, if you are in the path of this weather your visit from third winter will be mild and brief. I love snow, but we don't need any more of it.
Stay safe and dry... and get the massage. So worth every penny.
much love,
b
Good one! 381+
ReplyDelete