Still on a high from Rocky Mountain High... vacation....

Here's a couple pix from our trip to Colorado. These were taken at Mesa Verde National Park. The Old Indian Cliff dwellings were amazing!  We especially enjoyed this Park - it was so interesting.:-)

  Well, I did jog about 4 miles today. I feel that I can run/jog more now, just because of doing the Marathon.
It really gave me a boost of confidence in that area. I still can't believe I did a Marathon a couple weeks ago!
Yes, life goes on and nobody cares but me.  But still it was a good thing for me - both mentally and physically.  Now I just need to keep up my exercising so I will be ready for the next marathon or most likely - 1/2 mara.   I hope to do one in a month or so.  This Wednesday I'm planning to do my walk/jog around the Columbia River again.  It may be one of the last ones I'll be able to do there for this year.  It seems that in October/Nov.  is when it gets cold and snows  there.  And then I have to wait until Spring for the trail to be open again and ready to use.  But come to think of it,  last year I walked clear into late November.  I hope that can happen this year.

September 25th

Well, it's been well over a week since I last posted. A lot has happened. Last Friday, they named the Toppenish High School Football Field after my Dad - Bob Winters.  I went over to Toppenish for a couple days to help out. They had a Barbeque before the game that my Mom spearheaded - so I felt I should help with that.  It really was a nice event and lots of people came. It was really wonderful for our family. I  was able to  listen to a lot of praise from old friends and football players of Dad's. He really did a lot to help many Young Men on the path of life. I'm so proud of my siblings and my parents -who all have done a lot in serving the public by being teachers, coaches, administrators, etc.

Well, to get on with what I've been doing all this week. Jay and I flew into Denver on Monday and we will be flying out tomorrow.  We had a glorious week = traveling -practically- the whole state of Colorado.  I can't even touch on all the beautiful scenery that we have seen. But we've always wanted to see Colorado and now we finally have!  Monday - we went up to Estes Park area and stayed overnight. Then Tuesday, we went through the Rocky Mountain National Park.  We saw a lot of Elk, but it was a cold day. I couldn't believe that it had snowed the night before.  We drove down through the Vail Ski Area and then further south to Aspen.  We drove through the rain and snow that day ,but saw some beautiful mountain area and took a lot of dramatic pictures on the pass south of Aspen. Then we stayed the night in Gunnison, Co.  We had the best dinner of our lives there in Gunnison! The name of the place was 'The Trough'.  Oh!  The Prime Rib just melted in my mouth. I've never tasted meat that was that good.
Then the next day- we went through Montrose and down to Cortez. We spent time at Mesa Verde National Park.  We walked through all kinds of old Indian "Pueblo' dwellings.  One area was called 'Cliff Palace' - we had a tour take us down to that and tell us all about it. AMAZING!  Then we drove over to Durango and spent the night there.   Durango is a really nice touristy town. We walked all over downtown area and found an Italian place and had a good dinner.
Well, the next day was a gorgeous drive through Silverton. 
Oh!  I just realized that I skipped the most beautiful area of all!!  Telluride area...after going through Aspen area...we had the most beautiful day in Telluride and we rode the Tram up the Mountain and then down into another village area.  It was gorgeous.  Oh, brother, I guess I'm not good at re-telling a trip.  I left out some things.  But I'm sure that this is just a journal for myself, so hopefully, no one will critique this!
One other thing, we were able to spend some time around Colorado Springs area yesterday. We saw 'The Royal Gorge' - 'The Garden of the Gods' -'The WoodlandPark area'   So I guess that about sums it up- I know I have skipped some things.  But as I sit here in a hotel close to the Denver Airport tonight......I'm so thankful to have had this experience with my Husband.  What a blessing to be able to do this.
I didn't get to do much exercising, as we were in a vehicle most of the time.  But this morning, I did get up early and ran 4 miles on the treadmill.  I'm going back home ......:-)

The HIGH - After the 1st Marathon

Yes, the last few days, I feel like I've been on a high. I guess it's because I've had such a mental block about doing a full marathon.  I really didn't think I could do it - now I know that I can. I'm just so happy that I could actually do it.  I've been wanting to do this for years. It just took a little push from my daughter and a little encouragement from other members of my family.
And I did know others that have done it - and lived to tell about it.  So I am elated that I could finish and not feel so horrible (as I thought I might).
.......  Now ....what to do now........I know I need to continue my walking......as much as possible.
I can see that it will be a hard thing to do for the next couple weeks. I did walk 3 miles last night, but today I worked at the Physical Therapist's (in Ephrata). - It's a job that I sub at ...every now and then.
And this weekend is full with things going on with my family (The Winters' in Toppenish).  Then Jay & I are going on a trip to Colorado for a week.  Then after that I will be going over to Staci & Chad's to spend a little time with the Grandkids and then there goes 2 -3 weeks of not much exercise.
NO, I'm going to have to throw in my exercise clothes and do what I can on the road.  I'll let you know if that works.  I probably should plan a 1/2 mara for the end of October - just to keep me motivated.
It's a continual thing....I realize........:)
And I guess I'm going to take a break from the 'Song of the day'  thing that I was doing. I'll probably start that back up in October.  For some reason things in my life have been speeding up a bit , lately....

More Marathon Pictures.....

Yes, I thought I'd post a few more pics of before and after the Salmon Marathon.  The one of Jay and I running - is at the very end of the Marathon.  Jay ran the last 2 miles with me. That helped. :-)

The Salmon, Idaho Marathon

Yep, I actually went through with it on September 12, 2009.  My first Marathon.  Here's a couple pics of Staci (my daughter) and I before and after the race. Staci did it in 4-1/2 hours and I did it in 5 hours 39 minutes.  Yes, I was a whole hour behind her, but I'm just so elated that I actually finished it and I was expecting to do it in 6 - 7 hours.  This is a major thing for me. I'll never forget it and I will be forever glad that I did do it.  But doing another one??? At this point (especially today as I feel all the sore muscles) I think I will stick to the 1/2 marathons.  I still plan to keep up my jogging around the Wenatchee river and at home, but I don't know if I'll ever do another marathon.  That's okay for now.  I'm so glad it's over and I will tell you more about it later. I'm still thinking about it a lot.  What an experience.......it makes me even more amazed at the people that do these marathons over and over.  This is an elite group of people.

Point of Grace- How you live (Turn up the Music)

(Chorus)    Turn up the Music...Turn it up Loud.....Take a few chances......let it all out.....cause you won't regret it.......looking back from where you have been........Cause it's not who you knew........it's not what you did........
it's how you lived........
Go to the ballgames........go to the Ballet........go see your folks more than just on the Holidays..........kiss all your children.......dance w/ your wife.........tell your husband you love him everynight........don't run from the truth.....cause you can't get away.........just face it and you'll be okay........(chorus)
Now is the time to begin..........give to the needy......pray for the greiving......cause all that you do is bound to come back to you.......so think of your fellowmen.......make peace with God and make peace with yourself....because in the end......there's nobody else........(Chorus)

Below is a picture of one of the bridges that I walk over  - on my Wenatchee walk. Then the next one is of me yesterday - I went up to Ohme Gardens  - they  look over the Wenatchee Valley.  They are beautiful gardens that a family started years ago and have kept up for the public.  They have all kinds of wonderful  little spots to stop and sit and enjoy.  (The wishing well, many ponds, and beautiful views of the valley down below.) The next couple of  pictures below are of that.  Also,  they must have put in years and years of labor on all the Rock trails and the Rock fountains, etc.  It is really  unbelievable......

The song of the day  - it explains itself.  Not much more I can say.   :-)

Life is great....God is good........Oh, I mean......God is Great.......Life is Good............

Stand - Rascal Flats

The Song for today:   'Stand' by Rascal Flats.   The Chorus:
"When push comes to shove - you taste what your made of -
you might bend 'til you break - cause it's all you can take -
on your knees you look up  -  decide you've had enough -
you get mad, you get strong  - wipe your head - shake it off -

then you STAND ...........you stand......."
I choose a song like this, because I'm trying to think of how tough I've got to be - if I'm going to do this marathon.  I've got to  'stand' or see what I'm made of. :)
  The above picture was sent to me by my dear friend, Peggy Davis Shaul.  Isn't that sweet that she is cheering me on in that way?!  That was so nice of her to send that to me.
  I did 4 miles today and I will tomorrow.  But I've got to check the Marathon training rules to see how many days I should have off before the marathon.  I think it is just one.  Well, I'll get back to ya.

More of the Winters' family

 

Here's a couple pictures of my family (The Winters) at our parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary last November.

The first one is smaller - for some reason I couldn't upload it any larger.  But it is of all the family that was there. The 2nd one is of my Parents and us siblings.  Starting from the top left: brothers' - Rock and Rick

then over to the bottom left: Me, Mom and Dad, Mindi.

One brother wasn't in the picture: Randy.  He left before this was taken.   Anyways, I have such a wonderful family. I guess I've said that already, but you can never say it enough, right?!

Today is Labor Day - I've decided to make it another rest day and not walk. Doesn't sound like any labor for me, huh!   I'm still sore from the 20 miles - 4 days ago!  Oh, I don't really think I'm ready for the Marathon at the end of this week, but I don't know when I'll be any more ready. I hope the mind over matter thing will work for me. I'm determined to get it done.

My song for today is: Don't Worry, Be Happy!  I can't remember the name of the guy who wrote and sang this song years ago.  But it's a very memorable one and I'm sure you know what song it is!

Anyway - Martina McBride

Yes, today's song is by Martina McBride.:  You can spend your whole life building -something from nothing...
one storm can come and blow it all away....Build it Anyway...........
You can chase a dream -that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way.......
Dream it Anyway...............God is great, but sometimes life ain't good.....and when I pray - it doesn't always
turn out like I think it should.  But I do it Anyway....I do it Anyway.....
Good song..
The above pictures - are pictures of  'The Winters' Family' (My side)  at the beach in Newport, Oregon.
We try to get together every summer there for one week. It's always such a great family Reunion, but it's usually always, windy & cold.  So I'm trying to get them to do something different next summer.  Maybe in Chelan.......but I'm sure we will always go back to Newport.(now and then)  Because it has a good set up for our family there at the Shilo Inn.  It's right on the beach and one of the suites has a room that's big enough for all of us to meet in. Yes, we have a lot of memories there.  I have a great family... and so does Jay....'The Adams Family.....I'll have to dedicate some time to them here soon!  Wow....this really has turned into a journal for me.  But it has helped me keep my walking going.  I went out for 5 miles today. I did the first 2 on the treadmill while it was raining and then went out for the other 3-  into the elements.  It was a little windy.
Good Sunday.

My Trip around the Sun

Today's definitely a rest day for me - after yesterday's 20 miles. I'm sore , but surprisingly, not feeling as bad as I thought I would.
Well, the summer is over. It's time to think about the fall. Tonight I'm going to my first Football game of the season. It's not here in Ephrata, but in the hometown I grew up in - Toppenish.  Toppenish is playing Zillah.  Zillah's football team is coached by my brother - Rock Winters. 
  Our Dad - Bob Winters was a football coach in Toppenish for many, many years. (I think it was around 30).  Mom and Dad still live in Toppenish and in a couple weeks Dad is being honored by having the Toppenish Football field named after him.  That's a very exciting thing for him. (and us)  Dad has been great about helping and teaching many young men on and off of the Football Field. And many of those young men have called, sent messages and are coming to the event to honor him.  Now that I'm talking about it, I'll relay to you something that one of his old football players wrote about him:
(Actually this is from a friend of mine - that was my age: Eugene Longoria):

One thing that I've learned about being in education, you will never get 100% of your
students to love or even like you all the time.  But your Dad made a difference in so many of our lives that what he taught us will never die.  I teach many of the same concepts and lessons we learned on and off the field - to my students.  Think of how many kids he has come in contact with.  I have touched literally 1000's of kids lives over my short career.  A piece of your father is in me!!!!  He has lived to touch kids lives  he will never ever know.......that is awesome.   And I'm only one of his former student athletes!!!  How many of us became educators and coaches?  I don't think he realizes the chain reaction one man has created, him. :)  being an asst. principal means I can tell those who end up in my office about my high school experiences.  To set them straight like your dad did to us.  We all deserve second chances.

Wow.....Isn't that great! And I know Dad has many more notes like this that have been passed on to him.
He really has influenced a lot of kids and of course, I'm one of them - being his daughter. I'm so thankful for my wonderful Parents. My Mom's pretty great, too.  I'll have to boast on her another day.

Here's a couple pictures of the 2 of them.
Oh, the Song for Today is:   ' Trip Around the Sun'  - by Jimmy Buffet
This blog is a little bit about my trip around the sun. :-)

God is great ......Life is good........

'I'm YOURS' - by Jason Mraz

Yep, that's the song for today. It's such an upbeat song. It makes you feel good- while and after you listen to it.  I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
Here's some of the Lyrics that I like in it:
It's my turn to win some or learn some....
'I won't hesitate no more, no more - it cannot wait - I'm Yours!
Open up your Mind  and be like me....
Open up your plans and dang your free..........

We're just one big family...... Our time is short........
    Okay, I guess that's enough. But it's a popular song now and I'm sure most people have heard it.

 These are pics of Staci and I at Snoqualmie Falls, before the 10k race there.
Well, I did the 20 miles today and I'm very sore right now.  My body is really wondering what I'm trying to do to it, lately.  I realize that I'm not fast at all. I probably will be the last one in at the Marathon in Salmon, ID.  I will just be happy if I finish the race.  This is my goal.  I know I'm not a runner. But I'm trying my best right now to be somewhat ready for this marathon.
   Well, I will leave you with something I learned from listening to a podcast of Bill Harris - he is a guy like Echart Tolle. (very wise)
   He said that we always have 2 choices with any problem that we might have. These are the choices:

#1  If there is anything I can do about it.
#2  If there isn't anything I can do about it. 

Joyful, Joyful, (We adore thee)

   Today's song: 'Joyful, Joyful (We adore thee) sung on my 
 IPod by Amy Grant. Yes, I adore her. I read her Book  - 'Mosaic'.  What  a beautiful person she is.  I feel that  I have a lot of beautiful people in my life that are like her. It's nice to contemplate these things.  I guess I have more to contemplate, now that I'm fifty. Ohhhhh, I still can't get use to that...... fifty,fifty,fifty...........:-(

  Today I walked 4 miles. I tried to do some jogging, also.  But for some reason I have no zip.  I expect to have some kind of zip tomorrow.  I've got to gear myself up for  this big walk.

It's been a great day so far.  I was able to do some work outside (after my walk) and I've just been cleaning and puttering around the house all morning.  It's nice to have those days - where you really don't have to be anywhere or have too much on your agenda. Thanks to the Lord.

The above picture is of me and my youngest granddaughter - Kallista. This was a year or so ago, when she wasn't very old at all. Can't get any better than that.....:-)

Jay, my husband

Here's a few pics of Jay. The first one is of him and our oldest son, Rocky. Today is Jay's Birthday - so that is why I'm posting these. I've already told you that he's a great husband and I'm so thankful for him. But I've got to make that clear, in case he ever reads this blog!! :-)
I just can't believe we are both now in our 50's. Where has the time gone?? I honestly didn't think I'd ever get to 50! But now I'm so glad that I have and  Yes, I really  do love life.........
Today I'm not walking/jogging. I've decided to go in the morning and then on Thursday I will do the 20 miles around the river. I've probably already said that, but I have to gear myself up for that. Tomorrow is suppose to be a really hot day, so that is why I chose Thursday. (should be much cooler).
Well, the song of today is ' Rejoice' by Il Divo. Since I just focused on them in the last blog, I thought I'd keep going. It's a beautiful song :- Come and Rejoice, come and rejoice, ..... and you don't even have to make a sound........Come and Rejoice, come and rejoice...............
what was lost is found.