Wow, It has been awhile but I do think it may be time to start talking to myself again. I'll be back

Hanging at Home in MA with the FLM 2010

Hanging at Home in MA with the FLM 2010

Hanging at Home in MA

We decided a few days of hanging out at the homestead was a

good idea. Toure and I love our home and property and

wanted to be sure TFLM had time to relax and enjoy. It is

October so the plants and trees are all peaking and

getting ready to call it a season.

The FLM has found one of our strawberry patches and

is having fun playing in the stalks. We had a great season

this year and gathered about 8 lb.

The FLM loves to play hide and seek!! She had a great time

in the gardens finding places to hide. Can you see her? Do you

know the names of the plants she is hiding in?


This is a

miniature white lilac tree. It blooms in the spring and smells wonderful.

The plant that looks like a bush with the pink flowers is a Mum. It starts growing in the spring but doesn't get big or bloom until the cooler weather of our fall.

The last plant has tall stalks, this is the dinner plate dahlias.

This is one of my favorite plants. It is colorful and

the blooms are big. I have to dig those up every year

and store them in my basement for the next spring.
Here are the Buddha's

of the front yard, they are playful and help to bring

about a peaceful atmosphere.
Now it is time to relax

on the front porch and watch the traffic pass by.

We are far enough away to see things and not so close

as to hear all of the noises. The FLM is in Toure's rocker,

but he doesn't mind sharing. She is so sweet.
The day is winding down and the FLM has said goodnight to Amy's garden statues. She is riding the pink flamingo into the house and heading to bed. Good Night FLM!! We will see you for the next adventure.

The Love Magnet Visits New England

My husband, Toure, and I were very lucky to have the FLM as a house guest for a few months last fall. We love New England and wanted to share different sites with her. We think she had fun - especially on the motorcycle trips. I will share five of our outings with her on her Blog. FLM, thank you for being so patient with me. I am sorry it took me so long to put this up for you. I hope you will come and visit us again, you were the PERFECT house guest.

Love, Amy & Toure

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Massachusetts to Maine, September 2010

The FLM was very excited for her first ride on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. It is September, but the temperatures are warm and we have lots to see and do. Our destination is Pine Point, ME for a lobster roll and some steamers. The Pine Point Lobster Co-Op is one of our favorite places to eat seafood. It is in a small fishing town in Mid Coast Maine just past Old Orchard Beach. FLM is checking out the passenger seat, but I think she will need to ride in the back so she will be safe.

The FLM and I are waiting for Toure. He has a few last minute things to do before we go. FLM is hanging out in my sling. I had shoulder surgery in August and have to wear a sling while it heals. I hide snacks in the little pocket inside the sling and FLM fits in nicely. She is having fun walking around the yard with me.

We made it! We took the back roads through New Hampshire to the coastal roads of Maine. Here was are enjoying the view and breeze on the docks outside of the Co-Op. See the boats in the back? They belong to fishermen. They go out everyday to catch lobsters or fish and then bring their catches back to the Lobster Co-Op to sell.

This is the front where they bring their catches. The restaurant is around the back over looking the water. Its small and very casual and lots of fun.

Ahhhhhhh, now that we are done eating let's sit on a bench and enjoy the view before we head back home. This is the beach that we found some shells on.

The sun is setting and its time to get a move on. We have many miles to go and want to enjoy the ride. The FLM is getting into her seat.

Nice and cozy she waves to the camera as we get ready to head out. See ya lata FLM!

I must be nuts

I have to be, there can be no other explanation.

Maybe it was the peer pressure. Those 6 amers at the gym can be pretty tough and convincing.

Nah, its me - I have never done it before and wanted to give it a tri.

So I am signed up for Marlborough's 2nd Annual Mini Triathlon. I have several girlfriends that are going to participate as well. Some as teams and some as individuals. It should be fun - right?

August 1st
1/3 mile swim - 15 mile bike ride - 3 mile run

I start my swim training next week - oh boy!

DH is just as silly as me!

Although he would never admit to it, Honeybunch can be just as silly as me. ;-)

Last month while on vacation we were driving to the White Mountains from Coastal Maine and we came across the antique tractor show in Farmington, Maine (it was sooo much fun). When we were leaving I spotted this stone yard.

We got out to take pictures of this rock, but DH just couldn't keep his hands to himself.
Um Honey, Don't push on that!

NOooooooooo!!!

Just kidding! The rock was secure. It is cool looking isn't it?

How Do You Like My Do?

I had my hair updated at Scizzors yesterday afternoon and Heather, the lovely stylist, blew it straight for me.


Pretty Cool huh? I think it makes me look very grown up! ;-)

Although it was fun, it was a one night thing. When DH got home he said "oh you got your hair done, you still have curls though right?" LOL So I am back to my wild mess of curls today.

Nana's 85th birthday Celebration

On Sunday, we celebrated Vivienne's 85th Birthday. The weather was gorgeous, 80 degrees, no humidity, and a light breeze. Many of our family and friends came over to share in the celebration that lasted all afternoon.

Vivienne, known as Nana to DH and DSs, is an amazing women. Her personality sparkles making it easy to get caught up in her zest for life. Pictured here with her 3 friends, the ladies spent the better part of the afternoon chatting away in the gazebo. From left to right is Connie, Vivienne, Lucile, and Sylvia.

Of course we have to talk about the food - and what the food was cooked on!! We enjoyed pepperoni bread, sausage bread, veggies and dip, chips and dip. Then we grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken, hoisin chicken, corn on the cob, baked beans, broccoli salad, potato salad, strawberry salad, and my GF Barbara made two cakes and bought an ice cream cake! As always there was plenty to share. The hoisin chicken was a new recipe from the comps.

Here is my new grill!! After a lot of research DH and I decided to take the plunge and we bought a Weber Genesis E310. I am one happy grilling girl.

Isn't she shiny? The grill NOT the girl! - jeesh

The old charbroil served us well for 5 years

Cookies In Color!

Friday Night The Cheerers and Walkers shared dinner together

Front Row: Melody (MO), Barbara (SD), Kate (NH), Emily (OH), Shanna (VA), Amy (MA), Kim (TX), Kim (FL), Chris (PA), Peggy (VA)

Back Row: Deb (PA), Kristin (PA), Jill (NC), Leslie (OH), Mary Ellen (MA), and Sherry (NC)

Our comfy pink slippers given to us by My Dear Friend Peggy

Saturday morning and ready to go!
Marina and Peggy dedicating our walk

Cookies For A Cure

Peggy, Amy, Chris, Leslie, Emily, Shanna, and Marina in the front

In Case you were wondering - that is the monument behind us.

We were very lucky to have our own cheering squads. They really helped push us along the walk.

It Was An Amazing Weekend

The Walking Cookies
Me, Peggy (VA), Marina (TX), Emily (OH), Shanna (VA), Chris (PA), Leslie (OH)

This was taken just before we left the hotel for the send off of the walk.


It really was an amazing experience.

I have so many details to share, but not enough time to share them right now.

We started with 7 walkers on our team, but only 3 of us completed the walk. Sadly, blisters wreaked havoc on our friends. It was hard for them to stop and I admire their persistence in trying to finish.

Sleeping in a tent city isn't really all its cracked up to be, however showering in an 18 foot truck trailer can be fun. ;-)

Drink your Gatorade or you will require an IV.

It rained Sunday - a lot. Thank heavens for shower caps and Chris! She showed us how to put the shower caps on our sneakers to help keep them dry.

We have the best friends a person could ask for. 11 Cookies from across the country traveled to DC to cheer us on and many more wore their Cookies For A Cure Shirts all weekend to show their support.

Aimster

Pink Curls ;-)

Yup, I Have Pink Curls!

This picture doesn't show off all of my pink curls, but they are there. I had my hair done by my favorite hair dresser, Heather at Scizzors Hair Saloon in Shrewsbury. That gurl knows hair.



DC Here We Come

Tomorrow the airport service is picking me up at 5:50am and I am off on an adventure of a life time. I am excited to see my friends, to complete this walk, and to enjoy the weekend with my girlfriends.

The weather is iffy for the weekend. 60's and 70's with rain showers but that is ok we are a tough group of cookies!


I'll check in again, but probably not until I am home on Tuesday. Please pray for our group of 7 walkers and our wonderful 12 cheerers. We are blessed to have one another in this lifetime and I truly appreciate the times we share together.



God Bless
Aimster

Cookies For A Cure!

Training - Week 11 - 10 Miles

This is it - the week of our DC Walk. We have all been training and fundraising for this event since October 2008. It has been a wonderful journey.

My walking was minimal this past week. I did walk 8 miles Saturday morning. It was 70+ degrees out! It is hard to believe that when I started this training the side walks were covered with snow and ice. Saturday's walk was easy and enjoyable.

Here is a picture of my training T-Shirts. I had 4 made up and DH bought them for me. This shirt in particular I will be wearing on Sunday. The names written on it are people who have been battling cancer or sadly, lost their battle.

This shirt is our official Team Cookie Shirt! It was designed by a friend of Peggy's. We will be a lovely group of pink walkers and cheerers this coming weekend. Did I tell you we will have our own cheering section? That's right about a dozen cookies from across the country are coming to DC this weekend to cheer us on. I am so grateful for their support and can't wait to get me some cookie hugs.

One last picture of the back of my training shirt.

The Last Big Push (Training Wk 10 - 37 miles)

The Power of the Borg

22 Miles

I
walked
22 miles
in one day

I still can't believe I did it.

This was the last big walk on our training schedule, 22 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday. The 22 miles took about 8 hours. I left my home at 8am and walked 6 miles to my parents house for a pit stop and quick visit.

From there I walked another 6 miles ending at my home. My friend Jane met me a few minutes later and walked the next 5 miles with me. Then my final 5. It had started to sprinkle outside when I was on the last mile. As I finished the last part of the walk I prayed and prayed God don't let it rain yet! My training shirts are all white tees! Just as I got to my driveway the rain started getting heavier. Thank you Lord. 4 pm - 8 hours - 22 miles. Wow.

It was a long day. I could feel the good vibes, thoughts, and prayers of my cookies, family, and friends pushing me along. I couldn't have done it without you.

On Sunday I was only able to walk 5 miles. I had a blister on the bottom of my foot that was quite painful. DH walked the route with me. I call him Mr. Marlboro, he gets more beeps and waves than a bikini clad girl.

I have more to say, but I no time right now!

Miss Fancy Nancy

Nancy Montgomery - you will be missed.

I read the post this morning by my DF, Michelle, that one of our Cookies has lost her battle with Brain Cancer. Nancy aka Fancy Nancy, was a special woman. I had the pleasure of actually meeting her last April during our CIA meet up in NY. Fancy, Michelle, and I spent the better part of an afternoon knitting. Truth be told, they knit and I cursed and dropped my stitches. As expected we shared a lot of laughs and good snacks. I left the room with a special treat from Fancy Nancy, a tub of cheese! It was delish. Fancy Nancy, you were one in a million and it was an honor to be your friend.

20 Miles 6 were a bit wet! (Training Week 9 - 35 miles)

My GF, Kristen, met me for the last 6 miles of Saturday's 20 mile walk. It had been cool, windy, and overcast all day. Sure enough when we were heading out for the last 6 it started raining. Kristen was a real trooper and did the whole 6-sopping-wet miles with me. Thank You Kristen!

PS - I am sorry your sneakers stink..........

$2,000.00 and Counting!!

Thank You!

Thanks to the support of friends new and old, family, and co-workers, I have reached the minimum fund raising amount. You can see my progress on my Avon page by clicking on this link.

This journey has been more challenging than I expected. The encouragement and support of you all has helped me along the way. I pray that I can pay it all forward and help those that are fighting breast cancer.

Peace
Aimster

Sunday Gratitudes (yeah I know it's Thursday)

I am Grateful for my family and friends and their steadfast support.

"The Bake Sale"

The "Purple Egg Cake" by Amy Grahm



If you have read my Blog, I know there are precious few of you, then you will know that I have spent the last 6 months fund raising. The minimum requirement to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is $1,800.00. I wanted to avoid the usual practice of sending out mass mailings of letters and emails to ask for donations.

So, I decided to try other avenues of fund raising. My first and continuing effort was to make and sell beaded bracelets. Barbara and I started with making pink beaded bracelets ($12-15.00) and from there we added key chains ($3.00), and book marks ($5.00). The sales have been good from this effort. I have also been selling candy bars from my desk at work for $1.00 each. My crew has been in full support of that effort as well as several contractors. In addition to those two ongoing efforts I had a bake sale at my church and another one at work.

The pictures above are from the bake sale at work earlier this week. Eleven people from our campus donated their baked goods to the sale and many showed up to buy the goodies and make donations towards my efforts. I was able to raise $390.00 in proceeds. I am touched and honored by the support my co-workers and friends showed me. Thank You for helping me reach my goal!!

Maria & Me (Training Week 7 - 33 Miles)

Maria & Me after our 5 mile walk.

Saturday was a gorgeous spring day in New England. It was in the low 60's and sunny. My day started with a fun breakfast with Father Ignacio and my GF, Jean. Father Ignacio is from Columbia and the three of us have been spending time together once a week to help him master his english. I think his english is just fine. Breakfast was followed by a 10 mile walk and a 5 mile walk. Maria met me for the 5 mile walk. It was a nice change to have someone to chat with while walking. We completed the 5 miles in under 2 hours.

Lately, when walking alone, I have been listening to audible books on my IPOD. I have been alternating between a recording of the New Testament and a new-to-me author, Kim Harrison . A bit of an odd combination of things to listen too. Kim Harrison writes fiction books about witches, vampires, and pixies. The New Testament, well it's the New Testament. It is read by several people in different voices and is done really well. I find that I am hearing things that I missed when just reading it.

Training Week 6 - 26 Miles and Chris

LOOK!!!! LOOK!!! Flowers!!!!!!

Spring is here - even if it did snow yesterday. Thankfully I was home from my walk by the time it started. I was actually on the phone with my DSis when we discovered the swirl of snowflakes falling from a mostly blue and sunny sky. You Gotta Love New England!!

I spied this clump of flowers on my Sunday walk along Farm Road. I was walking alone. DH had a previous engagement (see the picture at the bottom of this post). This weekend's walks consisted of a 6 mile route to my DP's with a pit stop, then 2.25 miles home, a 2nd pit stop, and then a 5 mile loop for a total of 13 on Saturday. Sunday was a merger of 2 loops I have done before to total 7 miles. The weather was cold, back to long underwear, but the sun was shining.

Saturday's first route was new to me and I unwittingly included a hill that is steeper than Brimsmead Rd (see my previous post for a picture)! As I was struggling to make my way up this nose bleeder, I had thoughts of my friend Chris from PA. She is walking in DC with us and is a cancer survivor who very recently was given a good bill of health. It is funny, I have yet to meet Chris face to face, but we talk almost daily through our cooking group and I feel as though she is a dear friend to me. As I was struggling with myself to climb this hill, I had Chris with me, walking next to me, encouraging me every step of the way. I could hear her voice, see her smile, and feel her presence. I thought to myself, if Chris can beat this illness with a great attitude, grace, and sense of humor, then I can climb this crazy hill without whining. Thank you Chris for pushing me along!


DH's prior engagement..........

He is a cutey though isn't he?

Training Week 5 (24 Miles)

No Long Underwear!!!!

Hola My Friends!

That's right - Sunday was warm enough to leave the long johns at home - woo hoooo!!!!

My Sunday walks are in the afternoon after church. DH and I did 6 miles yesterday. It was gorgeous out - 59 degrees. As you can tell I was quite excited to NOT being wearing 3 layers and long underwear. My new hydration belt seems to be working well. It holds two bottles and a pocket for keys, etc. I took DH on my 6 mile route that goes through a few neighborhoods. In the first mile is Brimsmead Street. This hill may not look to bad from the bottom, but when walking up it you will find yourself out of breath.

My Saturday walk was 12 miles. There was a Ladies Luncheon at my church, so I made a 6 mile route to the church and walked it home to make my 12 miles. The Luncheon was fun, the food was good, and the company was rowdy .


While walking last weekend I kept looking for signs of spring. Most everything was still snow and ice covered, but I did come across this - motorcycle! A definite sign of warmer weather.

Bad Blogger

I know - I Know I have been a Bad Blogger. It is a good thing no one really reads this besides me! I will be back to update my training progress. For now I wanted to post a couple of pics of Fatty Cat. I was looking for signs of spring on my walks last weekend. I finally found one when I got home......

Mr. Fatty Cat rolling on the back walkway and enjoying the warm bricks

What a happy kitty!

I'll Be Back