Lunch Time at the Blackwell / 10.12

[Entry #2 of the day. See #1 below]    The James Breast Cancer Survivorship conference - which by the way is free - includes lunch. The appetizer: a fontina cheese, shallot, mushroom, and heirloom tomato tart, arugula salad, and fresh red and yellow cherry tomatoes with a miso-based sauce. Lunch: grilled chicken breast atop a bed of soba noodles and dressed out with steamed and seasoned vegetables accented with a sweet miso sauce; also two triangles of grilled tofu. Dessert: a honey mascarpone and berry filling between layers of fried wontons.

Now, as we enjoy this healthy and tasty meal, Chef Jim Warner is providing a cooking demonstration.

Have I said how incredible the support is through the James Cancer Center?

Isn't It Always That Way?! / 10.12

Regina Brett

Choosing to get up early on the weekend is always easier than having to get up during the week for work. Such was the case this morning when my alarm went off at 6:20 so that I could arrive at OSU by 7:30 to register for the Breast Cancer Survivorship Conference at the Blackwell Center. I was drawn to attend because of the topic, but found the added bonus to be that Regina Brett was going to be the keynote speaker. Regina, a long-time columnist for the Plain Dealer, has written two books, both of which I have read and both of which I recommend. While her journey as a breast cancer survivor is woven into both books, the message she has to share is cultivated from her whole life experience -- and would insightful all.

Regina has already spoken (inspiring, great job) and nutrition is now the topic - probably something I should be paying attention to. I find myself, however, mulling over Regina's three walk-off challenges:
1) choose one thing to say "no" to today - a negative that's causing stress or dragging down enjoyment of life
2) choose one thing to say "yes" to today - a positive action (big or small) that makes life better for me.
3) tell someone today what I said "no" and "yes" to.

So many options...

Time Most Precious

My parents got into town last Tuesday and will leave this coming Tuesday. What a gift to have them stay with me. We certainly got to spend some great time together, but not nearly enough. Makes me more convicted to redirect my energies from work to family.

There were 30 people in my house yesterday, that is 30 family members including me, gathered together around my parents visit from FL. I don't think we've all been together like that in more than four years -- since Ron. Good to all be together visiting on a happy note and with so many new "Schneiders" in tow. Little Audrey, my niece Amy's oldest at age 3, fell in love with my teardrop camper. I think the two of us have a camp night in the near future, even if the camper never leaves the garage.

I spent most of today with my dad while my mom and oldest brother were up at Muirfield to enjoy the last day of the President's Cup. After a leisurely morning, my dad and I headed down to Brothers Drake in the Short North where my niece works. I took the long way there so that we would pass some of his old haunts and check out all of the changes that have occurred over the last several years. This included a stop by good old King Gambrinus. We ended the day at Plank's at Whittier and High streets where my mom and brother later met us. Brought back lots of memories for my dad, for me, for each of us.

I recount all of this because I am so grateful to have the time with my folks. To have time, period. Each day is a gift and I am thankful to God that he has given me these days.

Dog Tired

Need I say more?!

Tonight's the Night

Sitting by tonight's campfire and my neighbors a couple of sites over have the good taste to be playing Neil Young, who is currently singing 'Tonight's the Night.'  It is so relaxing to be by the campfire and having so many stars twinkling above. So relaxing however that I am having a hard time keeping my eyes open - might have to join Sedona in the camper sooner than anticipated. 

 

Today!

Slept well last night and didn't roll out of the camper until 9:15. I was bummed, however because I left Columbus with out knowing for sure how to hook up the propane canister to my cook stove. One of the things I had most looked forward to was using the cook stove to percolate my coffee and make some breakfast - you can imagine my consternation! So, this morning I snapped a photo of where the canister should connect and a photo of the canister and was just about to hit 'send' to my brother-in-law when I heard a "good morning!" I looked up to see a couple of morning strollers. I replied with a good morning and they said something about my camper. I invited to them over to inspect and they said, "oh, no, we just wanted to say we have one of those campers, too." Well, I no sooner heard that and I was rushing up to them asking if they could show me how to attach the propane! I tell you, God provides in abundance. Had a wonderful conversation with them, Bryn and Mel. They said they were just back from a six-week, 7,200-mile trip with their teardrop that included CA, ID, IA, MT, SD, etc. Before heading back to their campsite they invited me over. Sedona and I headed their way after our delicious breakfast of coffee, eggs, sausage and a bagel with cream cheese.

waiting on breakfast!

There is more to tell about Mel and Bryn, but I am going to wait for another post to tell that tale.

The Adventures Begin

Sedona and I hit the road late this afternoon for Deer Creek State Park. Following snugly behind us was the new teardrop camper. It is nearly 9:30pm now and we are all settled in at our campsite. A cozy fire is burning, the crickets are serenading and Sedona is tucked away in bed! I think she wore herself out wondering and worrying about where we were going and 'didn't I know it was past her bedtime?!' The stars are spectacular tonight and I want to take a walk. Shall I wake my sleeping golden girl?

Today is a loaded day: 1) Ron's mom died two years ago today.  2) Today is Ron's birthday. He would have been 56. He would have loved this camper. I love them both and I miss them so.

On the way here, just a hop-skip from Columbus, I was very cautious about changing lanes and yielding to those hell bent on weaving in and out of traffic. It occurred to me that 'yielding' is something I need to be better at in a variety of places in my life, not just on the highway. Right now, I am trying to yield to the moment, to breathing and not thinking about anything but the wonder of creation and the peace it brings.

Time to say good night to Bosomhundheit and walk into the night.

It Goes Where It's Towed To!

Cruised up to Massillon on Saturday and left 1,200 pounds heavier! Yep, picked up my Silver Shadow Teardrop camper and what a beauty. It's everything I thought it would be and more, and it tows like a dream. Backing up the camper, well, let's just say I am going to become a fixture in the church parking lot over the next several evenings as I practice that maneuver!

Had a lot of fun setting up the camper, especially the chuck wagon. My red enamel coffee pot looks great on the cook top and I know it's going to brew up some kick-butt java. I didn't do a lot to the inside other than removing one of the twin mattresses and storing items such as bungee cords, a fishing pole, solar lights, jumper cables, umbrella, etc. Did I say that I have an air conditioner? It's built-in and takes up very little room. Oh, the camper also has a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher.

Sedona and I, we're going places. We'll explore Ohio the next couple of months -- a sweet way to celebrate the one year anniversary of wrapping up kicking the CBitch. And, after we've made our rounds in the Buckeye State, we'll point our wee caravan south and go beyond Ohio's borders. I fully admit, the camper and the travels that will ensue are part of my mid-life reflection.

SIDE NOTE: While I picked up the camper in Massillon, it was manufactured in Sugarcreek by Amish craftsmen. Little Guy Worldwide is the country's largest manufacturer  of teardrop-style campers. Pretty cool that they are an Ohio company. 

A Good Day, A Sib Day

At the Beached Whale

Kirk headed back to OH on Wednesday. So, at his request, the three remaining sibs visited one of his favorite FMB haunts: The Beached Whale. And, also in his honor, we ordered extra crispy wings. It was a sacrifice, I can tell you, but we suffered through it some how. ;)

Tonight's sunset

 Mary Ann wings her way north on Saturday. John and I head home on Sunday. Hard to believe the week is already over. It would be good hanging another seven days with the parents. Ah, well, at least we had this time together.

Miss my Girl

Saw a golden on the beach and got homesick for that unconditional love waiting for me more than 1,100 miles away. This pup's name was "Blue" - kind of appropriate.