It's Hot

The heat has been HORRIBLE!!! With temperatures in the high nineties and high humidity pushing the heat index into the triple digits, being outside is just miserable, and that makes me miserable. As soon as you step outside, you are drenched in sweat, and you feel like you need a machete just to cut through the air. I can't wait for fall to get here! That is my favorite time of year. Carving pumpkins, and eating roasted seeds, the smell of the crisp air and the sound of the leaves crunching under your feet. Oh sweet release! You cannot arrive too soon!

Happy Solstice!!

and as days like today (especially when the weather is as beautiful as it is here) are meant to be outside, that is exactly where I am going.....Happy Summer Solstice to all!!

New Friends

             As I've mentioned before, I take my daughter to the park every morning (weather permitting). The exercise is good for me, and the fresh air good for both of us. We've been going for nearly three months now, and I dare say we are considered among the 'regulars'. Every day there are several individuals keeping up the same morning routine as me, so now, with stopping to say hello and chat, what used to take me a little over an hour, now takes me almost two. I'm not complaining. There is an older gentleman who walks every day wearing khaki pants, whit t-shirt and a cap. He usually has a younger male companion, and two ladies trailing behind him. He always says hello and comments in a playful way that my baby is not wearing any shoes (she never does, because she won't keep them on now that she can reach her feet.) He also always calls her a 'he' no matter how much pink she's wearing. It's okay though. The is also a British lady who walks her beautiful weimaraner. She's always see me near the end, when Isabelle has fallen asleep and her usual comment is "good morning! sacked out again is she?" There is another older gentleman who always wears the same red and blue plaid shirt and walks with a can. I think it must take him hours to walk the four miles because he goes so slow, and stops at every bench because he's out of gas". I say good for him for being out there at all. And there is one other lady whom I see every day walking her little black pug. The're a friendly bunch of folk, and though I don't know any of their names, I would consider them friends.

Free Audio Books

Every morning during the week I take my daughter (who sleeps in her stroller the whole time) on a four mile trek around the park near our house. Recently, I began listing to audio books on my mp3. I found this great website that has free downloads..no strings attached. You don't have to sign up for a free trial and cancel at the end of fourteen days or anything. It's mostly classics...which doesn't bother me...and not all the chapters are read by the same person...but that doesn't bother me either. Right now I am listening to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. Check it out at librivox.org

Quote of the Month

"Currently, more money is being spent on breast implants and Viagra than on Alzheimer's research. So in the very near future there should be a large elderly population with impressive breasts and magnificent erections, but no recollection of what to do with them."
                                                                                      -Sally Feldman
                                                                              (taken from Simple Prosperity by: David Wann)
            

Welcome Earth Fare

Recently, a new grocery store made it's way to Chattanooga, and while it is a chain, it has become, I believe, one of the best options in town. Earth Fare is similar in style and goods as Whole Foods (which we don't have here). It's small and friendly atmosphere make it nice shopping there. They offer a wide variety of organic and natural food and home goods selection, and most importantly, support local farms and businesses. They have what they call their 'food philosiphy' which goes like this.

Earth Fare sells foods that are as close to the ground as it gets. Products with these ingredients/processes will not be sold at Earth Fare:
NO hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated oils (added trans-fats)

NO high fructose corn syrup

NO artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners & preservatives

NO antibiotics, synthetic growth hormones or animal by-products in the feed (fresh meats & milk)

NO bleached or bromated flour

NO irradiated single source spices, produce or meat

NO animal by-products in pet foods

NO inhumane treatment of the animals providing us with dairy, meat and eggs

I firmly believe that everyone should know exactly where there food comes from. They should know how it's handled, and what kind of people are behind it. I think that Americans are too out of touch with what they put in their mouths to nourish their bodies. I'm glad to see new option opening up to help educate people. So, welcome to Chattanooga Earth Fare! To find out more, visit them at http://www.earthfare.com/

Good Book

I picked up this book for 75 cents at our local used book store. It's a collection of essays by three conservationists. It's really good so far. Won't take long to read. It's called Coming To Land by: Peter Forbes, Kathleen Dean Moore, and Scott Russell Sanders