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| Magnolia tulip tree in the wind |
There are a few extenuating circumstances, though: Al sent around a notice that he is sick with a cold and we already did a hike last month without him, up to Oyster Dome. Only five of us showed up and we had a good time, but still, it's not the same when Al's not there. Plus today we were scheduled to hike the British Army Trail on Blanchard Mountain, which tends to get us all strung out and isn't one of my favorites. It was named after a bunch of British Army recruits who helped to construct this part of the Pacific Northwest Trail in the 1980s. A bit of history is here, if you're interested.
And then all last night the wind blew. I mean REALLY blew: we had gusts up to 80mph (129kmh), which is almost hurricane level! I figured I had a perfect excuse not to go out into the forest with winds like that. They were forecasted to diminish somewhat by noon; it's still windy but much less so. Many parts of Bellingham lost power.
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| Lilac buds coming along nicely |
An update on my new glasses saga: I did find a pair of nice frames and got all fitted up and then had my examination. The results were available for me to review on line, and it was rather disconcerting to read about myself described as being an "elderly female" but that's what I am. I just keep forgetting. The final cost? Almost $700 for the works and new frames. I was expecting it, but it still was a bit of a shock. My eyes are worth it, though.
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| My downstairs neighbor's pretty pink flowers |
:-)
Yes, those new glasses do cause sticker shock! High winds will stop me from going into the forest, too. Our lodgepoles are notorious for blowing down - they have such shallow roots. Thanks for the great bloom/bud shots - I'm a little jealous.
ReplyDeleteThat was the cost of my last glasses as well. My insurance covered about $200 so that was helpful.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Your eyes are worth it!
Some days, you just have to enjoy a 'do-nothing' day, you'll enjoy the next hike even more....
ReplyDeleteHugs,
~Jo
Yikes! That is steep! I haven't bought new glasses in YEARS...contacts yes, glasses, no. I need to this time around though as I really can't see out of my glasses properly anymore and definitely couldn't drive while wearing them!
ReplyDeleteI'd be jealous of your spring pictures but I took a good look around today and noticed that Spring is sneaking in over here too.
Routines are great - but so is the ability to be flexible when you want something different.
Hugs.
ReplyDeleteAlways.
After my stint with first graders, I came home an worked in the backyard. The temps are in the 70s but rain and cold weather is forecast for the weekend. Figured I better do what I could while the sun was shining. Our storms have been torrential as of late.
ReplyDeleteI had to get new glasses in February. I guess I got a deal! Even when you don't go hiking, you are still an inspiration. You went to the Y. Yay for you!
ReplyDeletei hope they can restore power to those without it soon. maybe you just deserved a thursday off. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, it can't be too bad if you took a step class instead -- not as pretty but you still got some exercise.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm jealous! Lilac and Magnolia buds already! You live in a different world.
ReplyDeleteWow buds and flowers you really do have spring! Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and your gutt when it tells you something you best listen! I hope Al gets over his cold.
ReplyDeleteElderly woman indeed ..I guess you may as well embrace it! :)
sometimes it's wiser to swallow your pride and stay home. I don't like to be in the forest during a high wind. Too many trees fall.
ReplyDeleteI thought about you and wondered if you would go hiking. Whether out in the open or under the trees, being in a windstorm is troublesome.
ReplyDeleteWe had planned on sunshine and showers, and being able to go our for a walk and do a bit more gardening, but the rain never did stop. It was a dismal day. I did ten miles on the stationary bike instead.
Lovely flowers! Yeah, we got the wind and rain last night too, but not as bad as you guys up north.
ReplyDeleteYour eyesight is so important that you have to bite the bullet and get the best equipment you can get for it. I'll look forward to seeing your new glasses. How wonderful to have so many beautiful flowers ready to burst into spring. I know it was a good idea to skip the hiking today if you're having strong winds. Coincidentally, we were plagued by strong winds here also. Everyone said they were affected by the wind chill.
ReplyDeleteI hope its not too long before all those folks get their power back on. Our weather here today is a mixture of snow, freezing rain, rain, high winds and snow and just plain old ice pellets?? I guess Mother Nature doesn't want to give up just yet. I think you may have been wise in not hiking today and you still got exercise. Good for you DJan.
ReplyDeleteYou may not have gone on the hike (which I think was probably a wise idea) but you still made it to the Y for exercise--so you're golden. :)
ReplyDeleteGlasses can be so expensive. That's why I am afraid to go get them checked--knowing I need new ones. But it will be so nice when you have the new pair. :)
Have a great weekend. I hope everyone gets their power back and the winds settle down! :)
I think you were right to give your hike a miss today. I always worry that high winds may bring large branches crashing down on you.
ReplyDeleteI know you all really depend on Al and hope he is over the punies soon. That was some storm you had. Falling branches could have been a concern during the hike.
ReplyDeleteI am stunned at the price of your glasses. I may just keep squinting for a while or perhaps go for a lot less bells and whistles. Enjoy them and hope they last you a long time.
Wow, those eye glasses cost a lot. But, as you say, your eyes are worth it.
ReplyDeleteYou don't really need an excuse to not do something. If you are not up to it, you are not up to it.
Wow- that is some FIERCE winds!! Sorry about the cost of those glasses...they are so expensive. I'm having trouble with my eyes,but more about cataracts which I can't fix with glasses...so I wait. I hope Al feels better soon and you can get out on another hike. Phoey on the "elderly" label. We are the blessed ones.
ReplyDeleteSee...I would have stayed home. Fair-weather hiker that I am. We finally have sunshine this morning for which I am most grateful.
ReplyDelete