Fun weekend - and look what I bought!

Beautiful metal lawn sculpture with pink peace pendant.

Dancing Lady with Seahawks pendant.

I went to the Puyallup Farmer's Market on Saturday while Dave did a funeral. I was on the lookout for things to go on my tree. And what could be better than
this awesome dancing woman?
I decided on the Seahawks pendant. I'm not sure either one is going to really sparkle the way I'm hoping it will when it's way up in the air. We shall see.

While I was there, I met a dog trainer who gave me free advice! I spoke with her about the stubborn dog-walking that's been happening.
She advised that we hold him with the leash made very short - keeping him right next to me. This will let him know, we are making the decisions not him. And we should carry some sweet potato to redirect him when he does get stubborn.

So far, so good - I'm not sure he's enjoying these walks as much as him being in charge - but I sure am.

The "tale" or "tail" of walking the dog

Buddy the cooperative doggy. "I love to walk"

Buddy the uncooperative doggy. "I want to go home"

This week has been a lesson in how not to walk a dog. We've been thinking it fun to allow Buddy to decide where we're going - it makes walks a bit of an adventure and unless you have plans and need to be in a hurry, it works out well.
Tuesday, I needed to get back home, so we were going to take a 1 mile walk. But as we went along, Buddy wouldn't take my directions. He refused to turn towards home. (Though this photo of uncooperative doggy was yesterday when he didn't want to continue walking - but the resulting taut leash is the same) We ended up on a 2-mile walk to where my daughter will park her car. I had to call my husband to come pick us up - I knew where he was headed and I didn't have time to walk home from there. So Buddy happily trotted over to the car, as if he was saying "See, I told you it would be here"
Today, we seemed to be on the same wave-length and all was well.

Kidney donation anniversary was Thursday!

I've had a great week though emotional. Lots of memories from a year ago when I flew to Minneapolis to donate a kidney. Tuesday was the flight anniversary, Wednesday was the anniversary of the "night before" or "Goodbye kidney" party, and Thursday the donation anniversary.

The whole thing all together - the renewal of friendships in Minnesota as well as the awesome privilege of donating a kidney will be one of the highest highlights of my life.

Buddy needed water.

 I've had some great walks on the BPA trail this week as well as other places. The sun has been shining and the views of Mt. Rainier have been amazing.

My shadow.

From the Trader Joe's Parking Lot.

I must say that trying for 10,000 steps and 5 miles a day has me really enjoying the sites and sounds of the outdoors.

I've hit my goals all week. (not counting carlories burned but I rarely do that. I don't know how the calculation was decided, but even on days that I get way more steps and miles and stairs, I still rarely hit it.
Honestly, I don't really care!)







With views like this, how could you worry over picky details!

Beautiful days in the Pacific Northwest!

You can't beat the last few days! The sun is shining! The temps are rising - but not too high!
Tuesday was very busy and the only day I didn't hit the 5 mile goal - but I did hit steps. That day most of my steps were from mopping and cleaning the house which was in desperate need.
I made my usual Guadalupe House soup but then, we also served dinner at the Reach Out Women's shelter - we cooked a turkey in the roaster. Dave came home early and was able to get most of the turkey making done.
Those things were back to back with a short visit home to finish off the prep for the turkey dinner.
The women were really happy with the dinner  that the staff had put together.
And we discovered a wonderful Russian salad called Vinagret - it's made with beets, potatoes and all kinds of other stuff. Amazing! So I have a new favorite and Olga H who made it, gave me her recipe - there are several versions online too.

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 This tree is just down the street from the library.

These 3 photos were taken on walks this week.