Pack Fun in Your Emergency Car Kit

Posted on January 27, 2013 | 1 comment

pond skating

This rule isn’t meant to be broken.

I was away for the weekend, with the intention of going tobogganing today. Since my friends found a perfect pond for skating, the plans changed at the last minute. For the first time ever, I had forgotten to put my skates in the car. With this perfect weather, I didn’t want to miss out – so I made more than a few calls in order to line up some skates.

The pond, tucked between two hills, beside a tree-lined path, could have not been more perfect. My friends had shoveled a large portion of the pond yesterday, but what ended up being even more entertaining was creating a winding path on the rest of the surface. The sections with hairpins turns were the most fun to skate.

Now my skates are where they’re supposed to be – ready to take advantage of any opportunity to get out there.

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Holiday Lessons From a Superhero

Posted on January 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

spider button

Ever had a laugh with a Superhero?

Yesterday was the first time I’d tried a saucer toboggan. Initially, I was completely out of control, but  I found if I leaned to one side, it was possible to steer a certain amount. Just as I thought I had this figured out, BAMM, I am blind-sided and tumble to a stop.

The cause? A kid in Spiderman getup.

Once I caught my breath, I said ‘Dude, are you OK?’ He was, and we both started laughing.

Before then, I had been feeling guilty about falling behind on various things I meant to tackle over the holidays.  I realized then, if Spiderman was kicking back and taking time off from crime fighting, I might as well get a few more runs in – we just might want to both do a better job of watching where we’re going.

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What Not to Wear This Winter

Posted on December 16, 2012 | 1 comment

Resting feet on bench with mountain view

We’ve all done this – made the mistake of wearing cotton socks, which left us with cold feet in otherwise warm boots.  Are you always cold? Here are some things not to wear, so that playing outside this winter is all about fun instead of freezing:

  • Cotton. Save this material for the summer gin and tonic weather. Cotton keeps moisture trapped against the skin which cools us down. Make sure that first layer is something else – merino wool is a good choice (natural, soft, and itch-free).
  • Gloves. If you always have cold hands then wear mitts instead. Concerned about appearing like a wimp? Have you ever taken a look at boxing gloves? They’re mitts.
  • Ear muffs. Self-explanatory. A hood or hat will do a better job of keeping both the cold and fashion police at bay.

Have you had any winter mishaps that have left you chilly?

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A Mushroom by Any Other Name

Posted on October 15, 2012 | 8 comments

This name for this is Ganoderma applanatum – doesn’t really roll of the tongue. Instead of the scientific  or commonly used name, make one up. In this case, how about ‘knick knack shelves’?

Here are a few other examples, but I’m sure you can top these.

Forest Accordion

Yellow Dog

This jelly fungi has a common name that suits the approach of Halloween – orange witches butter.

Blue Whale Pod

???

Do you have a name for this one, and perhaps another for the superhero action figure on the knick knack shelf?

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Hop On

Posted on August 1, 2012 | 3 comments

The sign in the playground read ‘3 to 12-year-olds only’. I took my chances hoping the fun police weren’t around.

When was the last time you hopped on a swing? It’s more fun than I remembered.

If your local playground is too busy during the day, wait until later when the children have gone to sleep. Then it’s play time for the big kids – us.

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What is your favorite outside sound?

Posted on June 13, 2012 | 1 comment

Mine would have to be the unmistakable chatter of a red squirrel telling me off as I’m walking down a trail. OK, he’s really just warning his pals that there might be danger, but imagining he’s putting me in my place makes me smile, every time.

A few days ago, when I returned home from a day of hiking, I noticed that the mail included a postcard – something that is becoming rare these days, but always a welcome surprise among the bills and flyers.  My friend had been traveling in the southern US and recommended music festivals in New Orleans and Pensacola.

She was so enthusiastic about these events that I was encouraged to take up the guitar again – almost. I decided to be kind to my neighbours’ ears and went to listen to local talent instead. This time of year, great outdoor music is easy to find – at a street corner, a festival or in the forest.

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What Do Running and Ice Cream Have in Common?

Posted on May 7, 2012 | 2 comments

This tiger does a good job of demonstrating the only running I truly like.  I’ve never been a fan of running on purpose, so will only run:

  • To play in the surf.
  • To avoid being late.
  • To prevent littering – let’s say a piece of paper was being carried off by the wind.

Although, today I found an admirable reason for running:

“”I go running when I have to. When the ice cream truck is doing sixty.”
– Wendy Liebman

A few years ago, a friend of mine was about to run her first marathon. ( 26.2 miles. Imagine.)  I only live a few blocks from the route, so I thought the least I could do was walk over and cheer.  When I finally spotted her, my first thought was to yell ‘break a leg.’ But I figured that phrase probably wasn’t considered appropriate.

This year my friend is running again, but she has given me more notice, so I have time to ‘train’ – walking to the route with my coffee mug, yelling encouraging words. I don’t want to peak too soon.

Even if you aren’t a marathoner, you can encourage them as they run by, or even setup a water stand. Walking, running, watching – we are all participants in playing outside.

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Aside

I asked about this sign. Apparently it had to be custom ordered. No kidding.

Even if you walk the same route day after day, if you pay attention, you can see something new. Perhaps somethings that:

  • Makes you smile.
  • Teaches you something.
  • Causes you to say, ‘Really?’

What did you notice today?

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Posted on April 27, 2012

The Best Time to Plant a Tree

Posted on April 20, 2012 | 1 comment

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”  – chinese proverb

Looking for something to do this weekend? This Sunday is Earth Day, so check in your area for events – including tree planting.

A few tips for planting seedlings:

  • Dig a hole that is big enough to cover the roots.
  • Handle the seedling carefully, placing the roots straight down so that they are not bent over or bunched.
  • When you cover the roots with soil, ensure that you are not burying any branches, leaves, and that all roots are covered.
  • Tamp the soil firmly.
  • Create a mulch area (wood chips or pine needles) around the base of the tree (covering an area that is larger than the spread of the root system).
  • Have fun!

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3 Things to Do Outside on a Rainy Day

Posted on April 14, 2012 | 1 comment

No need to be stuck inside. Here are a few ways to take advantage of a rainy day:

  1. Find Animal Tracks

    Deer Tracks

    Head out to a local park or conservation area. The wet ground makes the animal tracks easier to see.

  2. Jump Over Puddles

    This puddle is waiting for someone to jump over it - or in.

  3. Enjoy Cake on the Porch

    Easy 5 minute Cake in a Mug

    This recipe is provided courtesy of Bonnie Mo. The only note that is missing in the delicious recipe is something we already know – any food eaten outside tastes even better.

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