DID YOU KNOW...?

Did you know that I love to work-out, especially with weights. There is something quite meditative for me in the physicality of movement, though Yoga and such lack a certain intensity that I thrive on. Sometimes I find myself daydreaming of a good little soccer game with a bunch of kids or an evening back on my favorite Curling Ice, but these are not easy to come by right now.

When I get this urge, I know it's time to step up the intensity of my normal work-out. Here are some of my favorite ways of doing that.

1) JUMPING ROPE -- This is one of those childhood acitivities that I loved soooooo much that I stll delight in doing it. I'm hoping to put together a small group of friends --who also like jumping rope -- to try doing "double dutch" again. Oh! How I LOVED that!

2) HIKING -- The Central Coast of California has some impressive and daunting hikes in glorious forests, but I'm also a big fan of hiking the steep streets of Old Monterey. Inevitably, one hiking there will end at one of many fabulous city parks. While taking in the sights at the park, add Jumping Jacks, push-ups, deep knee lunges, and high kicks.

3) JOGGING ON THE BEACH -- They say that jogging barefoot in beach sand is the very best way to do it. The Monterey Peninsula has breath-taking beaches as well as walking/biking trails that hug the beaches. I have never been a willing jogger (ever) but I am determined to start now because the scenic beauty contributes much to ones sense of health.

4) BICYCLING BY THE BEACH -- These walking/biking trails listed above offer a relatively safe way to get in a lot of milage while taking in the sights. I gave up bicycling many years ago but now a new yearning has started in me and this is on my list of "must do" activities.

5) GARDENING -- About the time I start getting bored in my work-outs, I always seem to notice that the yard needs to be weeded, the garden needs planting, or the trees need pruning. These activities, when aproached with vigor, work every muscle in the body and burn intense amounts of calories when you continue to push through fatigue to get the job done. There is nothing like collapsing in exhaustion in a lawn chair and enjoying the beauty of your labors.

I would love to know what YOU do to add intensity to your work-outs. And what do you wear to work-out? In keeping with my goth sensibilities, I wear black band girly tees adn black yoga pants.

Be well. Be healthy. And beware!

From the Sunny Side of the Graveyard,
Beverly - The Gothic Gourmet

CUT OFF YOUR BROKEN LIMB

On the Monterey Peninsula we have, as of late, been having quite strong winds that have snapped branches and trees all around. The wind today has been especially strong and I had been hearing some strange crackling sounds so I knew it was time to walk the property checking the condition of my trees. Sure enough, the Flowering Apricot tree had several branches broken. It was time to trim them back.

The pruning process is one that I enjoy very much. Its a time to influence the shape of the plant as well as the landscape, and its an important part of the health of the property. And I find this time to be especially meditative where the mind is singly focused and the body is physically active.

I trimmed back the tree quite a lot, shaping the sides, removing broken and damged areas, and cleaning up the base that had overgrown due to abundant rain this winter and spring. While cutting, I observed, to my Horror(!), an aphid infestation on one half of the tree. Inevitably there is also an ant infestation so this discovery is crucial to regaining control of the growing environmnet. When the wind subsides, I will be treating the area to control the infestation.

This was such a productive activity and I know the aesthetic appeal is improved. I encourage readers to walk their properties, large or small, to observe all of the vegetation. This is the only way to "know" your landscape and you'll be aware a changes that threaten your garden. And allow yourself to reap the benefit of quiet solitude and reflection. This is a time of renewal for you too!

Be well, until next time,

From the Sunny Side of the Graveyard,
Beverly The Gothic Gourmet