Focaccia!

In case anybody cares -- doubtful, I know -- yesterday's focaccia was wonderful, and wonderfully easy. I just mixed the flour/water/yeast/salt around 3:30pm one day, covered it tightly and left it on the counter until around 9:30 the next morning. By then, it had risen a lot and was bubbly all over.

Having it in a glass bowl has its advantages. Next step involved simply putting some olive oil into a cast iron skillet and coating the bottom, then I tipped the dough into that, turning once to be sure it was totally covered in the oil, then patted it enough that it covered the bottom of the skillet. Then I poked some roasted garlic bits into the dough, covered it again and ignored it for a couple more hours.

Recipe calls for 550F cooking, but I doubt this old stove goes that high, and I wouldn't feel comfortable trying. I had it around 450 or a little over. Hard to be sure as the oven isn't accurate, but it was hot. Recipe calls for 16-24 minutes, but I semi-panicked when it had gotten quite brown at 15 minutes so I took it out and finished the bottom on the stovetop, as suggested. In retrospect, I think another couple of minutes in the oven would have been good, browning the top even further.

All that was left then was to spoon the quick garlic/butter/oil/oregano mixture I'd made while the bread was cooking right onto the hot top so it would soak in nicely.

The crumb was good, though there again another minute or so in the oven would have helped. I also cut it while it was still hot and squishy, but I couldn't wait.

You can see the roasted garlic -- which I'm not convinced was worth the effort -- and the oil seeping into the bread from the top. So yummy! I actually ate half of it, though I'm rather embarrassed to admit that. I had to put the rest into the freezer so I wouldn't eat all of it. I also made some good chicken/veg soup yesterday so both will be part of my meals the next few days.

The recipe is from one of my favorite sources for anything food related, J. Kenzi Lopez-Alt on Serious Eats, if anyone wants to try it. Highly recommended!

Oops!

So -- had my first old-age ambulance ride to the hospital on Wednesday. I'd apparently been acting odd outside in our garden area so the friend I was talking to called 911. I don't remember any of this, but she told me that the EMTs weren't sure what was going on, suspected it could be a stroke and weren't going to leave me here. I doubt that I resisted, though again, I don't know. Long story short, in ER I had bloodwork and an MRI to evaluate my old brain for a stroke. All tests were clear.

The first thing I remember from all this is being in my room on the Observation Deck where I spent the night, and another friend here coming into the room. She's my local 'go-to' person at the building office, to be called in case of emergency. She has relevant contact phone numbers, copies of my DNR and cremation contract, etc. She gave me some info, but I was still hazy. I know I stayed awake until after midnight, which is not my general wont. Slept fitfully, awake early. Typical  hospital stuff. Had another blood draw, plus a physical therapist who had me do some stuff, walk around the ward, balance tests, etc. I passed all those just fine.

Eventually he hospitalist Doctor came in and after some conversation and having seen all test results, said they were going to send me home, recommended I stop one of the meds I'm taking. A nurse from my doctor's office called this morning to set up an appointment there, told me I shouldn't drive yet until I see the doc on Tuesday. Otherwise, keep on keeping on.

Also spoke with the neighbor I was talking to in the garden. Memories of the last week are vague, but I had some memories of wanting to transplant a perennial in my garden and wearing my rain pants out there because it would be a messy job with wet soils. I even vaguely remembered moving my car so I could unload the two bags of soil I'd purchased. Wasn't sure when all that happened. Receipts tell me I bought the soil on Tuesday, and it was Wednesday that I was out there trying to do the job before it rained again. It seems that I walked over to my friend, who was at her car, asking about someone who might want some of that perennial. I'm pretty sure I never unloaded the soil or moved the plant, because my rain pants were clean. But I moved my car back to its spot and parked head-in, which I never do. I don't remember doing that, or anything that came after that until later in the day when my other friend arrived.

All they can say is that it's some kind of transient memory loss, sometimes happens in older people, and isn't likely to happen again, and they told my friend at the hospital that I wasn't likely to remember any of what was happening, so in that sense this is normal.

Other than being tired, I've been OK since I've been home. Got a good shower right away, as I felt grungy. Watched more TV, dozing a couple of times in the process. Had some decent sleep. Just had lunch and enjoyed that. Even spent some time with the NYT Spelling Bee game this morning and reached genius level, and that's a good cognitive sign. But -- then I tried to put a new duvet cover on my new down comforter, and found out that while everything seems normal, my brain wasn't up to that task. I put it away until tomorrow. It was rather funny, really.

I am glad to be home, and hope I don't make a habit of this. Old age sucks, and certainly isn't for sissies.

Sunsets and wildfire smoke

Here we go again. Poor air quality most of the day yesterday, from wildfires. Much of the smoke had thinned by sunset, but the haze nearer ground level still shows. The blue skies and wispy clouds were nice though. Plus, the temp reached 103, broke a record, and the fire alarm in our building went off in the afternoon and I had to evacuate. False alarm, fortunately. I bought some N95 masks a couple of days ago just for this purpose [also because the county is in a critical stage with Covid, and while I'm vaccinated, I don't want the damned virus even mildly. So it's gonna be N95 for me for awhile.

All that said, however, we have been lucky so far, with fires burning so close to us. The winds have been in our favor, which made me feel a bit guilty about people in other areas getting it. Windows are open again this early morning, air quality good, but if it gets worse, or hot [a given] they'll be closed again and the air filter machine going all day again.

Since I know everybody's dying to know, I finally named the new brat-cat. Buddy, 'cause he is my buddy even if he has a temper.

Stay safe out there, everybody.

Cat tales -- again

Finally got a photo of him with eyes open! He was sitting in my lap washing his face after a good meal and I was able to angle the iPad and get his attention for a moment. He's come a long way in a week, which is gratifying. Certainly no longer stressed -- quite the opposite. He's king of his hill and acting more cat-like all the time. Yesterday I saw him chasing a little ball around while I was watching dishes. And he plays with the catnip mouse often, too. This may not sound like much, but he wasn't too interested in any of it, initially.

I had to pick up more meds for him from the shelter on Saturday and learned that they were antibiotics. I could have looked that up, but hadn't really thought about it. So in my efforts to make him feel better I'd already upped the quality and quantity of canned food. On the drive back to Eugene from the shelter near Corvallis I decided to treat him like I'd treat myself, or another human, after long exposure to antibiotics and medications. So -- I researched what probiotics work in the feline body, found two specifics, then tried to find products that contained them. Most of the feline probiotics on the market didn't contain either, and only one contained both. Most of them have common strains that we might find in our yogurt. They won't hurt the cat, but also aren't likely to help much, either. I ordered the winner and it should arrive today. On Sunday I bought some natural vitamins, but the problem is getting him to eat them. Sometimes he will, sometimes he won't. But I figure whatever I get inside him is better than nothing. I think a different form would be useful, but this is what the local pet store had.

He's really just a lovely elderly gentleman. Well-mannered, calm and loving. Just wants a lap to sit on or a warm body to snuggle up against at night. My goal is to get him as healthy as possible, and give him a loving home for his remaining years. He's not ancient -- only 9 -- but with the FIV and the respiratory issues, and possible unknown issues, he needs to be healthier and stronger if he's gonna have a lot more years. IMHO!

Other than that -- we have another heat wave coming in this week, with a couple more 100+ days. Our local weatherman says that August 7 is traditionally the last time we see 100+ temps here, but as we all know old norms are not new norms. We're still going to hike Wednesday morning -- a lesser hill that hopefully won't be too bad early in the morning. These hikes are about the only real exercise I'm getting lately, plus they're fun, so I don't want to cancel.

Stay well and safe, everyone!
 

Cats & Stuff

So, it looks like I have another roommate. It's been a question for the last few days, but I think he's here to stay.

He's kind of an elderly gentlemen, in cat years, and he has some health issues that I hope can be cleared up. Aside from that, he's the sweetest, friendliest, most loving cat anyone could ask for. Almost too much so, initially. Clingy would have been a more appropriate word, but then he started getting used to me, and me to him, and now he seems pretty happy other than when we have the daily struggle to get some medicine down his throat! He's still snuggly, but not constantly.  Seems to work well for both of us. 

He also doesn't have the need to open cabinet doors, climb closet shelves, get into drawers, or investigate every last thing in the house like the last feline I had. He sniffed the place out thoroughly at first, of course, as any self-respecting cat would do.

I did not sleep AT ALL the first night, but that was as much me adjusting to him being there as it was him wanting to sleep on my chest. I'm still tired, but hopefully sleep patterns are returning to normal, such as that is.

He came with the name Tucker. Somehow feel a need to change that, but haven't decided on a new one.

On the hiking front, we've attempted to climb Pisgah the last two weeks, including yesterday, but the weather has been so hot and muggy that we turned back both days. Yesterday wasn't even that hot, but terribly muggy. And the air quality isn't the greatest, because of wildfires, though I don't think that was a factor in our turning back. We still got in almost 2 hours of walking, so it could be worse.

We tried a different trailhead this time, which I rather liked. The sun was just peeking over the trees when we left the parking lot.

A New/Old Trail

Yesterday we returned to Blanton Ridge, a trail we hiked several months ago. I didn't like it at all, and didn't particularly want to return, but I knew my hiking buddy wanted to try it again, so I suggested it for this week's hike. Surprisingly, it was actually a rather nice hike.

This is an in-and-out hike with a 'big hill' in the middle of it, meaning you have to climb the darned thing twice. Plus it's narrow, tends to be a bit crowded, whine whine. Funny thing is, this time the 'big hill' wasn't so bad after all. We've hiked a lot of miles, a lot of hills, and one really big hill 3 times in the interim months, so we're just in that much better condition. I like the sounds of that.

As usual, we got an early start and the early morning light played fancifully all around us. Didn't make for spectacular photography, unfortunately, but was lovely to walk through. I expect we'll return here another day, though not just yet. 

I've said this often, but we are really lucky to have so many fine hiking trails in this city, and county.

Windowsill beauty

A neighbor who recently moved out of state gave me her African Violets. I wondered if I could keep them as healthy and bloomy as she did, but after a couple of months with me they seem happy. And they certainly add a lot of bright beauty to my windowsill.

Wildflower season

Took a walk down to the ponds yesterday. Just a leisurely stroll, not thinking about footsteps, what (if any) cardio range I was in, or how long I was walking. Felt so good, to be just out for pleasure. Stopping often to check out the scenery, take some photos, etc. And when I started to feel tired, I turned around and walked back home. This may not sound like such a big deal, but it's a rare thing for me these days. I'm usually out for the exercise, and listening closely to my Fitbit to try to stay in fat-burning mode. 

Actually, I'm taking a break from the entire exercise thing this week. I've been waking up drained of energy for a few days, and some other symptoms and a little research tell me that I've been over-training, and that I need to let the body heal. It sure hasn't been interested in exercise, that's for sure! I'm still not a bundle of energy, but feeling okay. Hiking tomorrow as usual, though a less strenuous hill than the one at Mt. Pisgah that we've been doing for the last 3 weeks.

The ponds were quiet -- birds have more sense than humans when it comes to being out in the heat of the day, I guess. But it's always a pretty trail and a pleasant walk. Here's a few photos to liven things up.

This was certainly unexpected! But, I've seen a crew sometimes in the early mornings getting ready to go out in a canoe. I expect they are pulling up some unwanted plant growth out there, though I don't know which one. I've read about it in the past, but my mind is like a sieve these days. They were probably on a lunch break at this point.

Even the lowliest of wildflowers can be pretty, with a close look. I didn't notice the insect in the middle until it was enlarged. I wish photos uploaded onto Blogger kept more clarity. This one is actually quite focused and detailed, but much of that got lost in translation.

I believe these are wild sweet peas. Whatever they are, it's certainly their season. Lots of them out there, and they really brighten up the place.

So that was my walk. Today, gonna take the  bus downtown to the Farmer's Market and see what fresh goodness I can bring home.

Happy Fourth of July !

Since I don't have much to say these days without saying it in photos, here are some from yesterday afternoon and this morning.

Yesterday afternoon, along the River trail.

Great Blue Heron, far in the distance [full zoom in use] in the early morning light, Delta Ponds.

I'm sure all these photos look the same to y'all out there, but I see all the subtle differences in light, especially the early morning light when the sun's just poking above the trees. I love the peacefulness, the quiet, the still beauty and the colors.

This little duck family was enjoying the log.

Saw a couple of tunnels through the trees that I'd never noticed, though I walk this trail often. It parallels the sidewalk, alongside the ponds near home, and is a much nicer alternative.

So that's my tour for today. Got a little over an hour of walking in before 8am, so the rest of the day I'll probably stay inside and chill.

Marine breezes to the rescue

Our cool marine air from the Pacific swept into town yesterday afternoon, cooled us off, and it was SO welcome. This morning when I set off on my usual long walk, it was about 60, which is divine walking weather.  It's still hot all week, but a damn sight better than the weekend.

Different story when I went out again after lunch. It was hotter out there than I realized, and I foolishly chose a route that didn't have a lot of shade. But, no problems other than some discomfort. I love walking along the river, and spotted these people relaxing on some rocks, kids playing in a shallow are [other side of the river].

This is almost directly behind my house, though there's no direct way to get there. An easy walk, though.  I got in over 11,000 steps today, with the two walks and some errands.

Heat wave

Greetings from HOT Eugene! It's early yet, but later forecasts range from 104-107. Tomorrow, 113. Yikes. We didn't sign up for that in this part of the world.

As usual, I did some walking while doing [ie waiting for] my laundry this morning, early. Already hot then, but I got a few decent pics from it.

Over at the ponds, flowers and beauty are everywhere this time of year.

Back in the garden, plenty of flowers and beauty, too. Sun just beginning to filter into the garden area.

Laundry, breakfast and shower done. I got in an hour and 15 minutes of walking, about 8500 footsteps so far. Doubt there will be anymore serious outdoor time for me today, though I probably won't be able to resist brief walks around the building here and there. Thankfully, I don't have to go anywhere!

Stay safe, be happy.

Mt. Pisgah -- to the top!

We've both found the idea of attempting to reach the top of Mt. Pisgah a little daunting. Nevertheless, we determined that we would attempt it today. It's a long, hard, slog, but we made it. Hallelujah! Two and a half hours, total up and down. 13,322 footsteps. We weren't trying for speed, merely to survive.

Views are great on the way up. The day was overcast, and cool, which was perfect for a hike like this and two little old gray-haired ladies.

 

Spencer's Butte, the other 'big mountain' in town, refused to lose its cloud cover until we were back near the parking lot when the sun broke through everywhere. Of the two, I think Spencer's is the toughest, or maybe I'm just in better shape than I was when we did it last year. That was a one-and-only trip for me, no desire to do it again, though we'll certainly do Mt. Pisgah again, trying a different trail that another hiker told us about today.

The good news is, I guess, that I feel great. Not tired or worn out, although happy to get some food in my belly.

Wild Iris Ridge Trail

Hi, Y'all.  Another beautiful day here in Eugene. Sunny, but not too hot. Yet.

My hiking buddy and I got an early start while it was still cool, and had a good hike at one of our favorite places, Wild Iris Ridge.  Neither of us was exactly full of pep, but we did it, and enjoyed it. I haven't slept well this week, after a Monday walk that ended up being 15,000 footsteps and really wore me out. I've rested a lot since then, but I'm still tired. Alas. 

From the parking lot looking  up the hill. The trail goes through the woods, not up the power lines, and while it isn't a huge hill, the trail is steady and steep in places.

 

From the top looking back down at the road. Somehow, it looks further away from up here!

Also from the top. The power lines are only a small portion of the surroundings up here. Mostly, there are rolling hills like this.

These woods are full of red-barked Madrone trees, especially beautiful when the sun hits them. They also have large white flower clusters earlier in the spring.

So, that was our hike. Got most of my 10,000 steps in up there, finished it off with a walk down the hall a few minutes ago. Now I may be headed for my second nap of the afternoon.

Keep smiling!

Mt. Pisgah to the River Trail. Busy week.

 Hi, y'all. Been a busy but wonderful week.

Thursday, my hiking buddy and I drove down to Mt. Pisgah, to try our luck going up the mountain. We've both done it in the past, but it's been years. Before I left Eugene in 2009 I went out there often. I was much younger then. We didn't go to the top -- didn't intend to! But there's a nice side trail that connects to the main trail way up the mountain. After that, we explored the trails of the Arboretum, which was new to both of us.

Took this of the view, not too far up the grade. The trail went through forests and meadows, though the downhill portion on the main trail was just dirt, rocks and gravel.

This cool old barn and silo was our first discovery on the Arboretum trail. As you can see, the day was overcast, but not cold. The following photos were along the various Arboretum trails, too.

As you can see, the Arboretum trails go through a variety of scenery.

Fast forward to today, and I got in another 20,000 step day. Yay for me! I've been determined to walk down the riverfront trails on what I thought would be about a 6.5 mile loop [and I think that's about what it was]. Started out this morning with about 4000 steps between 5:30-6am. Then, about 9am headed out on the long trek.   In the map below, I've marked my route in red. A, at the top, is the starting point. B is where I crossed the river. C is the Owen Rose Garden , where I stopped to literally smell the roses. D is Alton Baker Park, where I rested for a moment before returning on that side of the river. Saw an eagle flying across the river just after I headed back home from the Park. Plenty of them around here, but it's always cool to see one.

 The Willamette River, looking south from the first bike bridge. The bridge in the distance is an automobile bridge, and the Owen Rose Garden is just this side of that bridge.

The smell here was indescribably wonderful. Thousands of roses. I've been here before, but I think not when it was in full bloom like this. Passed in on my bike countless times, but don't stop.

The Willamette, again, still looking south but this time from the next bike bridge, the DeFazio Bridge, where I crossed again so I could return on the other side of the river.

From Alton Baker Park, looking back at the DeFazio bridge.

So that was the end of the photo tour. This side of the river is far less photogenic, and it was getting crowded with walkers, cyclists, people on all manner of human-powered devices. As I got back to the first bridge, I was feeling rather weary so rather than fight the crowds the rest of the way on the riverpath, I cut over to the road that takes me straight back home. Took about 2.5 hours, and I was a pooped puppy by the time I got home. A little food and water though, and I'm feeling pretty good at the moment.

It feels so odd to crow about walking only 8.2 miles, when in the old days I wouldn't have bothered to drive out of Atlanta up to the North Georgia mountains for anything less than 10 miles, and 20-25 were more the norm. But, I was much younger then. I'll work up to more miles around here. Maybe.

The Ponds and the Critters

Went for an early morning, before-breakfast walk to the ponds, and another one a short while ago. Still playing with the camera, getting used to it, and most of all, learning to hold it steady when I'm using the strong telephoto.

 Early morning, this family of geese made pretty patterns in the still water.

It was barely daylight out there -- sun hadn't made its appearance yet.

Contrast a few hours later in bright sunshine!

Got into a rather lengthy standoff with this pair of geese protecting their babies. I couldn't get back to the sidewalk without passing them, finally made it. They can be a bit aggressive where their babies are concerned, so I didn't want to push it too much.

Coming home, this osprey and its chick were posing very nicely! Doesn't happen often. The platform is high up on a pole, next to a telephone pole, right alongside the busy road. I was happy with the sharp image this time, considering it was pretty high telephoto. It's actually better than it looks here, since Blogger seems to make photos smaller with fewer pixels. But, it's progress, with me and the camera and the zoom lens.

So, I've walked over 9,000 steps today already. 10,000 is the goal, and I'll make that easily today. Hiking tomorrow, so don't want to push the footsteps too much today.