We give to the National Wildlife Federation.  In response to our donation, the Federation sends little gifts to remind us of our obligation to protect nature

Rick is such a cutie.  It was tough keeping Shane away from him. 

Some tips to protect wildlife so we can enjoy it for years to come.

1. Grow Native Plants – plants found in your area.  Trees, shrubs, etc that offer food for nature (pollen, nuts, berries, etc.)
2. Provide Water for Wildlife – a small pond, birdbath or shallow dish.
3. Create Protective Cover – a meadow, a prairie, dense shrubs, and evergreens.  Hollow logs and rock piles also allow creatures of nature to find refuge.
4. Build birdhouses – create safe areas for nesting wildlife.

Speaking of nature…the three of us were one with nature this frosty cold February morning as we went on a cross country skiing adventure to Seven Oaks Golf Course in Hamilton, NY.

Skiing wasn’t the best since there wasn’t a lot of snow. 

Shane had a blast running free with his toy in his mouth.  There was no way we were going to try to keep him on the leash and ski.  I started out that way and went a whole lot faster than I cared to before finding my rhythm.  Shane was on his own!

I fell twice. Ted maintain his vertical position throughout our 2.2 mile adventure. 

Both of us were suffering from pretty frosty fingertips.  Since Ted had gloves on and I had mittens, he was the one who got to use the Grabber Hand Warmers.  He said they really helped.

The ingredients in these things is interesting:  Iron, water, cellulose, activated carbon and salt.

“Commercially available disposable warmers rely on a chemical reaction involving iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal and vermiculite……The iron in the mixture is exposed to air when the packaging is opened. The iron oxidizes with salt as a catalyst. Carbon helps disperse the heat, while the vermiculite helps act as an insulator to control the rate of the reaction. Once the iron converts to iron oxide (similar to rusting), the reaction ceases.”

That was our exercise for the day and a good easy workout after a hard run yesterday.  Now it’s onto making and baking and cooking and cleaning and….SUPER BOWL fun!  Yahoo!

Who are you rootin’ for?

The workout plan for the coming week:

Monday:  30 minute T/M run + 30 min. weights (chest/bi’s) + 30 – 40 min walk with Shane

Tuesday: 40 minute Cross train + 25 min. weights (legs) + 50 min. walk with Shane

Wednesday:  60 minute run (haven’t decided whether to go outside or T/M yet).  + 20 min. shoulder workout and 30 min. walk with Shane (not if we go out side for a 60 min. run)

Thursday:  30 minute cross train + 30 min. weights (back/tris) + 3 plus mile run.

Friday:  50 – 60 min. walk

Saturday:  10 mile run

Sunday: OPEN

Do you have your workout all planned out?