Mountain Musings

Shenandoah Mountain Trail

We had not been hiking long at all on Saturday afternoon when we were rewarded with our first view from Shenandoah Mountain. It was beautiful outside! We actually needed hoods and scarves as the wind whistled across the knife's edge of the mountain; then when we rounded the side we warmed up as the mountain's shadow shielded us from the chilly blows.

We hiked approximately 2 miles in (maybe more) on a fairly level trail and turned around for the return trip--4 miles+ on these tootsies! Sigh. The trail is 27 miles long for those folks really into hiking. Hannah and Jonathan are the real hikers in the family, and they usually trek ahead of the rest of us slower pokes.

We encountered only one other couple the entire hike; they were carrying a rifle and a backpack. Of course, we stopped briefly for conversation--dogs and babies are good for getting acquainted with people--and we had Pepper with us. What a workout for Tom--he was in charge of keeping Pepper on the trail!

It was a neat afternoon excursion, but I think for sure it was my last hike. My bum knee didn't appreciate the jaunt and is paying me back royally. I see the doctor next Thursday.

~Deb

What's in that Crockpot?

It's a beautiful day here in Virginia--sunny and 53 degrees. It's just perfect for a hike--not too warm and not too chilly. We've had several suggestions of places to try this time: Ramsey's Draft, Shenandoah Mountain, Humpback Rock, and Old Rag--which is really too much of a drive to get to Old Rag since we didn't decide until now to hike.

So...off we go. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, here's what's cooking in the crockpot to be ready for us when we return--Spicy Vegetable Soup--recipe follows.

Late Friday Night Tid-Bits

Sarah and I left at the crack of dawn this morning and traveled to Richmond for the annual Virginia Christmas Show at The Showplace in Mechanicsville. It was a holiday bonanza with tons of craft vendors filling the building--along with crowds of shoppers getting a head start on Christmas. We enjoyed our day out and managed to come home with some unique gifts. And we didn't forget "what's his name" either. (Sarah told me I have mini-schnauzer on the brain!)

Next Friday--one week from today--is home-coming day for my new little doggy nephew. My sister better be prepared! :)

And what a treat to come home to Hannah's dinner preparations--homemade pizza. Jonathan had a free day from classes and mowed the yard, hopefully for the last time this season. Tom spent part of the evening in the workshop. And we all called it a relaxing night with a Little House on the Prairie video. Yep, we're old-fashioned.

Zzzz...Have a good weekend everyone.

~Deb

When You Thought I Wasn't Looking...

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw...when you thought I wasn't looking."

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Ps. 127:3

Hat Tip: Rob Loach

~Deb

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing, and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved and safe.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw...when you thought I wasn't looking."

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Ps. 127:3

Hat Tip: Rob Loach

~Deb

Got Hobbies?

What do you like to do when you're not doing your normal day-to-day stuff?

Because I'm sentimental and love preserving memories, one of my favorite hobbies is scrapbooking--but I don't get around to it as much as I'd like! Yesterday I pulled out all the supplies to get started on a scrapbook of our West Virginia trip to give to my mom for a Christmas gift. Since she enjoyed the trip with us, she'll love having pictures of all the places we visited. It will be a unique present she can't take back and exchange!

My work area is our ping-pong table which is set up in our used-to-be schoolroom--which is considered our all-around family activity room now. It's a great place to leave everything spread out until I can spare a few minutes to sit down and take up where I left off the night before.

I like scrapbooking because...I like being creative with pictures and pages; it's something I can do in small snatches of time; my grandchildren will one day have documentation to look back on and learn what their parents and grandparents did growing up; when finished, I've created either a family treasure or a neat gift to give away.

What's special about your hobby? Is it an inside or outside interest? Do you participate with others or are you alone when you enjoy it?

If your hobby is cooking, tell me your favorite recipe. Or if it's hiking, what is your favorite trail? And if it's playing Scrabble, let's play together; that's my second favorite hobby!

~Deb

Driving the Camera

No, it’s not some obscure scrapbook term used by my dear mom, nor is it anything like driving Miss Daisy. No, “driving the camera” refers to the duty given to medical students if they happen to be lucky enough to “scrub in” on a laparoscopic surgery. Usually this responsibility is only bestowed upon third and fourth- year students on their clinical rotations, but while tagging along on surgery rounds on Monday afternoon, the resident mentioned that the clinical students would be in a special lecture early Tuesday morning, and asked me if I wanted to come and “drive the camera.” Well, the choice was between 4 hours of pathology lecture (my normal second-year Tuesday schedule) or getting to experience my first operation (other than observing), on the right side of the table, so to speak. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity and spent Monday night studying up on “driving” technique and hoping I wouldn’t kill the poor patient by sticking the camera in some important vessel or structure.

Laparoscopic surgery carries an advantage over traditional “open” surgery in that the incisions are generally much smaller, the surgery is less traumatic to the patient, and the recovery time is shortened and less painful. The case is carried out by inserting a camera and 3-5 operating instruments through “ports” placed in small incisions in the body. The camera’s point of view is projected on the mobile plasma screens throughout the OR, and is relied upon by the 2-3 other surgeons as they maneuver their instruments in the body, through the small ports.

The surgery (a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or gall bladder removal) went well, and I performed my duty by keeping the operating field in the center of the screen for the two surgeons involved in the case. I watched other cases during the day, but none of them was as exciting as the first one in which I actually took part! I’m definitely looking forward to next year, when “driving” will become second nature.

~Micah

God's Deep Love

I like devotional booklets--the ones that give you daily readings along with a story, poem, or appropriate quote; there are several different ones I read. Did you happen to see today's Our Daily Bread from RBC Ministries?

The title:  "Deeper Than the Deep Blue Sea"

The verse: "...the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge."  Ephesians 3:18-19

The story:  The Mariana Trench, located several hundred miles off the coast of Guam, is the deepest place in the ocean--7 miles down! On January 23, 1960, Jacques Piccard and Donald Walsh climbed into a submersible vessel and were lowered into the cold, lonely darkness. Their descent into the deep, which set the world record, has never been repeated. The water pressure at the bottom of the trench is 15,931 pounds per square inch. Yet there is life--surviving despite the pressure and the darkness.

The application: It's hard to fathom just how deep the Mariana Trench is. But much more difficult to comprehend is the love of God--it is infinite--beyond measure. If you ever feel alone and unloved, that you've sunk to the depths of dark despair, think about Ephesians 3:18. God's love for you is deeper than the Mariana Trench!

The quote: You're never beyond the reach of God's love.

I think the reason this particular daily reading was so interesting to me is because--I hate to admit this--but in all my years in school and in teaching my children in homeschool, I've never even heard of the Mariana Trench! How did I miss this part of the curriculum?

So...just a tip to those still home schooling--sounds like a neat subject to explore with your kids! Here's one link and here's another.

~Deb

Snow? In October? In Virginia?

I just received an email from Tom this morning saying his co-worker who lives right up Route 11 not far from us was trying to head over to work via Route 33 and encountered SNOW up the side of the mountain and had to turn around! Unbelievable!  He forwarded me his company's weather forecast for this area:   

                              
"WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM EDT WEDNESDAY... LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR TODAY AND TONIGHT...IN THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS ABOVE 1500 FEET...OF THE HIGHLANDS OF EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA AND WESTERN VIRGINIA. TOTAL SNOWFALL THROUGH TONIGHT WILL BE 2 TO 4 INCHES.                                                            

THE SNOW WILL END AFTER MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AS LOW PRESSURE MOVES AWAY FROM THE MID APPALACHIANS. ROADS MAY BECOME SLICK AND HAZARDOUS. SINCE THIS IS THE FIRST SNOWFALL OF THE SEASON...DON'T BE CAUGHT OFFGUARD. A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING."

Well, I'm glad my morning includes getting new tires put on the car. Jonathan may need some extra treads on his way home from class tonight.

~Deb                                                                           
                                                                           

Sleep--A Free Weight Loss Drug?

Today, along with the usual Monday laundry chores, I caught up on some newspapers which had been accumulating on my desk and read a very interesting article in yesterday's "Medicine Matters" column written by Dr. Arthur Steele, a local endocrinologist. In fact, Micah "shadowed" Dr. Steele a few times for his preceptorship last year. Since this subject is one I hadn't considered, I'm thinking that if what Dr. Steele says has merit, I just might want to go to bed a little earlier than I have been!

Writing about the direct link between lack of sleep and obesity he says:

"The first thing to get straight is what constitutes sleep deprivation. How much sleep is healthy? Recent research has shown that people are healthiest when they get between seven and nine hours of sleep a day. Those getting less than seven hours or those getting more than nine hours aren't as healthy. If a person misses an hour or two in one given night, they can catch that up if they do it immediately by sleeping nine or ten hours for a couple of nights. However, we cannot make up sleep deficits if they aren't repaid promptly.

"Now, the story gets amazing. First, you need to know a couple of vocabulary words. The first is leptin. Leptin is a protein made by fat cells. The appetite center of the brain monitors the leptin level. If the level goes up, appetite is suppressed. If the leptin level goes down, the appetite center tells you you're starving and you'd better eat.

"The second new word is ghrelin. Ghrelin is a hormone produced by the intestine when we aren't eating. It signals the appetite center that it's getting mighty empty down here in the stomach. When we eat, the intestine stops secreting ghrelin for a while.

"Therefore, researchers took healthy male and female volunteers and had them sleep good, solid eight or nine hours a night for a week, while measuring the leptin and ghrelin levels throughout the day. Then, they allowed the volunteers only four hours sleep a night for just two nights. The leptin levels fell, and the ghrelin levels rose even though the volunteers ate just as many calories per day as before the sleep deprivation. Not only were the volunteers ravenously hungry just because they didn't get enough sleep, they also craved sugars and carbohydrates above other food types.

"Historians and researchers believe that the average amount of sleep people got one hundred years ago was about nine hours a night. They didn't have radio, TV, computers, computer games, or other late night stimulations. They also didn't work at night or get up terribly early. Now, estimates are that people today are averaging less than seven hours a night. We also notice that we're all getting fat, too. There is a link between the two. Perhaps to lose weight, we need to go to bed and sleep more."

Well, I thought this concept was super interesting and worth considering. How many hours of sleep do you typically get each night? I'm guessing I get...maybe 4 or 5? (I'm at an insomnia stage in my life!) I think I need to get more sleep! How about you?

~Deb

"Auntie Deb" to a cute doggy

In case you're wondering about the status of my sister's dog caper...she's posted a picture of the litter from which she'll get to choose her male salt and pepper mini-schnauzer. Aren't they cute?  I don't think she's any closer to selecting a name; so, you still have time to select a possible cute moniker and suggest it to her.

I don't get to hear "Aunt Deb" very often. Tom's sister's two boys are far away in Connecticut, and we only see each other maybe once every year or so. Even when we sign "Uncle Tom and Aunt Deb" on Christmas presents to them, it still seems so weird to be called "Aunt Deb." I can't get used to it, and my nephew Dan is 20!

So I've got to start thinking of myself as "Auntie Deb" to my new little doggy nephew who will arrive in less than two weeks! In fact, he arrives on Jonathan's 20th birthday! He will still live six hours away from us, but we might get to see him a little more often since my sister spends Christmas and other occasions with us.

I only wish I knew his name.

~Deb