On TV Reality Shows people lose weight and get in shape rapidly. I've walked and walked miles since 2006 began and even been careful to eat healthier.

In Seattle I did do a great job of walking but eating not quite so healthy. I gave into the temptation of their menus.

Nevertheless, the needle on my scale has only gone down 4 pounds. To help speed up my fitness process I bought a jump rope. Maybe bouncing my excess weight will make it want to abandon my body.



In the meantime I will also continue to walk and return to better eating. I am sure that packing and moving boxes and treasures should help too. Hopefully, the end of February I will feel more successful and happy with myself than I do today.

It is amazing how fast a person can get out of shape and how long it can take to get into shape.

Assorted neighborhoods give a glimpse into a world of various cultures. I had so much fun and will be forever grateful to my son, Jim, for the opportunity to have this adventure. He did awesome representing West Virginia at a conference:

"Protecting Children by Strengthening Families".

I walked and explored miles and miles up and down all over Seattle. There were coffee shops on every corner and although most were Starbucks there were many others too. I can see why people were walking around with hot beverages in their hands, the weather was stereotypically cold and soggy. I was surprised to see so many people with dogs and the dogs were allowed everywhere. They were in stores, grocery stores, even restaurants. It was obvious that in Seattle they are revered as "people's" best friends.

Thanks to Jim's scouting we visited some unique places and dined on some succulent food. The only exception was a spinach crab dip that was super fishy! Otherwise from burgers to chicken marsala I enjoyed a kaleidoscope of flavors.

We saw the play "Defending the Caveman"

It was funny as the star described the differences between men and women, the hunters and the gatherers. I would recommend it if it comes to your area. Before the play began we received a call from Tom. That was like the icing on my adventure. Even though spread miles apart, it was like we were altogether for a few minutes. After years of feeling like we were the 3 musketeers, I have missed my sons like crazy. Anytime I get to see them or speak with them and hear what is happening in their life makes me happy to overflowing.

That Jim would think to include me in his adventure to Seattle was extraordinary. Blessings come in an assortment of shapes, sizes, circumstances and opportunities. Going to Seattle was definitely a blessing. Sometimes I found it difficult to be on the receiving end of so much love and kindness and I am sure drove Jim a little crazy around the edges.

This is an exciting and scary time in my life right now as I prepare to move, change careers and explore possibilities. Having this opportunity to re-discover Seattle and enjoy time with my son has launched this chapter of my life happily, very happily.

Soggy and cold is the description most people would say of the weather her today. However being here with my son, Jim, I would describe the weather as liquid sunshine and the invitation to join my son on his adventure loving warmth.

I hope you are having a terrific Thursday.