In a tiny little shop in downtown Redlands, CA, lies an unassuming chocolate shop, Parliament Chocolate. Yes, we all know that ice cream is my true love (after Spaceman, of course!), but I pride myself on being an explorer and would not shy away from this intriguing little shop with three wise owls as its mascot.
Bat Island, Fiji — Let’s Go Batty!
Fiji is known for beautiful islands, good surfing, white sand beaches, renowned diving, but bats…huh? I was pretty tired, almost loopy, when Spaceman and I arrived in Fiji for our honeymoon, but I rebounded quickly when the resort staff asked us if we wanted to take a sunset cruise to Bat Island…um, yes please!
Goodbye for now, Mom.
This post is a departure from my regular topics, but I wanted to share how my life has been dramatically changed. A little over a week ago my precious mom died. It was sudden and unexpected. Although her health had not been great for a while, it wasn’t anywhere near life threatening…or so I thought.
However, the woman who was my rock suffered a major stroke and heart attack. The stroke destroyed the left side of her brain and the stress of that caused her to have a heart attack. She lived for three days and then passed on to continue her journey with God in heaven.
Today we bury the woman who knew me the best, loved me the most, and was my best friend. It is hard to believe, but a part of the life cycle I suppose. She was so encouraging about my blog and my writing. It is with those memories (and a million others that make me smile), I will work to live a life that would make her proud. I love you and miss you desperately, but I find comfort in knowing you are resting with the angels, so, goodbye for now, Mom. I will see you again one day.
Chocolate Milk, It’s An Athlete’s Friend
Pinch me, am I dreaming? Over 20 studies have shown that drinking low-fat chocolate milk after a tough workout is one of the best things you can do for your body…dreams do come true!
San Pedro’s Korean Connection
High atop the hills in San Pedro along the Pacific Ocean sits the Korean Bell of Friendship. Standing 12 feet high and made of over 17 tons of copper and tin with gold, nickel, lead and phosphorus added to it for brilliancy, this gift from the Republic of Korea back in 1976 is an impressive sight. Continue reading
Nitrogen Ice Cream, Oh Yeah!
As I mentioned in my last post, I visited the Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA over the President’s holiday weekend. After rummaging through interesting artifacts and listening to historical accounts of the formation of this great country of ours, I needed…ice cream! As you all know by now, ice cream is a key component in my healthy lifestyle. It promotes strong bones (via calcium), fresh fruit (if I choose say, strawberry), and flavanols (if I choose say, mint chocolate chip). Thankfully we were clued in by locals to a la minute hand crafted ice cream.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA
Ah, the joys of a long holiday weekend! Having our original plans dashed last-minute, Spacecowboy and I quickly researched and scheduled some spontaneity. Yes, I realize that sounds like a contradiction “scheduling spontaneity” which it is, but my sweet husband craves structure so we re-grouped and headed out to honor one of our country’s most beloved presidents (on Valentine’s Day no less), President Abraham Lincoln at his Memorial Shrine in Redlands, CA. I had learned of this spot a few months earlier and had been hankering (love this word!) for a visit ever since.
“Vitamins” – What’s Its Origin?
Ever wonder where the term “vitamins” comes from? We have scientist Casimir Funk to thank (in large part) for this.
Back in the early 1900’s Funk theorized that certain common diseases were the result of dietary deficiencies — a radical theory at the time. He termed these nutrient factors “vital amines”. Quickly other researchers began testing his theory and found that deficiencies in specific vital amine factors could result in blindness, scurvy, and miscarriages to name a few. With time, “vital amines” was shortened to “vitamins”.
Voilà, another question answered!
Finnish Winter Through a Lens
After looking through pictures from our recent trip to Finland, I realized it would be a crime not to share the beauty of this country with you. Since I am not a criminal, here you go…
(colorful berries fill the winter trees) Continue reading
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove
I love butterflies, always have, always will. They are so delicate and beautiful to watch flutter through the air but in reality they are fierce survivalist. One of the most beautiful groups is the Monarch and (to my delight) they migrate each year through California with a “rest spot” for some fun and friskiness (they mate here) at the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove.