On the Journey of 1100 Miles

 

Part of my mileage on Sunday

I didn't dream that in December 2016 when I first decided to walk 1,000 miles in 2017, I would still be walking in 2024. Not only would I still be walking in 2024, but that I would hit my once-goal of 1,000 miles in mid-November, which is definitely a first. I looked back on past posts and found I met my goal on December 12 in 2018 and December 20 in 2022. Despite a few new chronic orthopedic conditions I'm very happy I'm still walking wherever I go. 

Loved this bench promoting kindness in Sedona

I added 100 miles to my goal when I walked 1070 miles last year. It seemed a challenge, but with a little extra effort I was optimistic I'd see 1100 miles in 2024, and it looks to be on the  horizon. Three things really are making the difference this year. The first two were locations where I walked. I had a wonderful hiking/walking vacation with college friends in Arizona in March and walked at least five miles most days. That really gave my mileage a boost. The second was my trip to Paris in April. Most days I walked at least six miles and a few days were nine mile days. Before this trip I didn't realize I could walk nine miles in a day. I haven't done a nine mile day since, but there was so much I wanted to see while in Paris. 

Loved my walks along the River Seine and this view of Notre Dame Cathedral

The biggest component of walking a thousand or eleven hundred miles is consistency. A few days I barely eked out a mile and a half, but most days were closer to three miles. It's become a big part of my life and it's just something I do now. I'm grateful for everyone who's walked with me, both actually and my friends far and near who are supportive. You all have made what could be a chore a lot of fun.  

What about 2025? I'm planning to revert to my original goal of 1,000 miles. I may end up walking eleven hundred miles, but want to take off some of the mileage pressure. There's also the issue of the weather. New York had about three inches of snow last year, which made winter walking much less challenging. I'm hoping for more snow this winter -- the reservoirs really need it -- and that will make the winter more challenging. 

Is anyone else walking with me? The goal can be 100 miles or two thousand. I'd love to have some virtual company along the journey.

Autumn is fully here in New York and I found my gloves and a light winter coat. It's that time. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great walking day!

 

The Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month

Poppies in Remembrance at St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

If you sail north above Scotland, you find the beautiful Orkney Islands. Seventy island form Orkney and twenty are inhabited. I was privileged to visit Orkney and its administrative center, Kirkwall, in  2019. It's high on my list for a return visit, but alas, getting there is not easy, and so I return in my memories and here in Buttercupland. 

Let's step into the Cathedral

 One of the sights that stands out is the St. Magnus Cathedral, Britain's most northerly cathedral. The foundations began in 1137 and it has been home to Roman Catholic, the Norwegian Church, the Scottish Episcopal, and the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) worship. It houses a moving memorial to the 800 sailors of HMS Royal Oak, who died in  a bombing in October 1939. It was the first Allied ship that was bombed in World War II. 

The interior of the Cathedral

Today is the eleventh day of the Eleventh month. It is Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom, Canada and all of the Commonwealth. Today is also a holiday in France and Belgium, commemorating the end of World War I. Tragically, World War I, the war to end all wars, was not the end of war. 

Today and every day, moments of gratitude and reflection, for those who have sacrificed so much in the past, and those who serve today and continue to sacrifice, as well as prayers for their safety. 

It's finally autumn in New York -- yes, a great song title -- and finally I'm getting back to Buttercupland. I loved all of the travel this fall, but as usual it got me totally out of my routine and this fall was no exception. It's taken me longer to get back into routine, but now I feel that I'm settling back into my usual activities. I've got a long list of things I'd like to accomplish for the next few months and I'm beginning to click things off the list. This afternoon includes walking and getting my flu shot. What's on your list for the week?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take care.   

Happy Halloween from Our Corner of the World

 

Halloween, as seen down the block

Halloween, as seen on my walk this afternoon 

Halloween, as seen at Newark Airport 

Halloween, as seen in Buttercupland

Pep is wearing his Yankees uniform, even though his heart was broken by last night's final World Series game. 

I've been immersed in Halloween for the last week, including a very fun Halloween party in Oklahoma City last weekend. There are lots of decorations in the neighborhood and there were lots of trick or treaters. The weather was cooperative, both for our costumes last week and in New York City today. 

 I haven't worn a costume in years, but my group of friends decided to go to the Halloween party, very graciously hosted by my friend's sister, in costume. We arrived as a group of Christmas carolers. After a visit to Walmart we were all attired in plaid holiday pajamas. We definitely were a sight, but there was a lot of laughter and a very good time was had by all. Was anyone else in a costume this Halloween?  

My trip to Oklahoma was great. We did some sightseeing -- post to come -- shopping, laughing, catching up on the years since I've seen my friends (much too long!), a fun lunch out at a beautiful Mexican restaurant and eating ice cream. I discovered a new favorite ice cream store, Braum's, and for all of the above, hope for a return visit. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and hope your Halloween was a yummy one. 

O.K.L.A.H.O.M.A

 

Tribute to Oklahoma at the Museum of Broadway

The first musical I saw was "Oklahoma." I saw it in "summer stock" with my mother, my Brownie friend, her mother and sister. My friend's aunt was Ado Annie, so not only were we seeing live theater, we knew someone in the cast. Sixty plus years later I can still feel the sense of excitement of ten year old Buttercup. I knew Oklahoma was a state, but in 1960 it might has well have been Mars. I never expected that I would visit there.

Sixty plus years later, I leave for Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon. I had plans to be there in the fall of 2020, but I didn't get very far from home then. I'm most excited to see friends I first met on-line in 2016. I got to meet a number of members of the group in 2018 in Nashville and happily, I've had visits with others since then. This weekend I'll be part of a long weekend get-together in Oklahoma City and I'll visit my 46th state. 

Last year Kansas was number 45 and this year Oklahoma is number 46. There are still visits to Nebraska, Iowa and North and South Dakota to come, not yet scheduled. My goal for a number of years has been to visit all fifty states and I'm getting closer.  Any blog friends in Nebraska, Iowa or the Dakotas?

This is my last planned travel adventure for 2024. There may be a trip or two to Connecticut or New Jersey, but nothing much further away is planned now. I've got a few ideas for 2025, but those are just ideas right now. 

Now it's on to finish packing. There's really not a lot to pack. It's going to be hot -- 92 degrees tomorrow -- and I'll get a chance to wear shorts again for at least a few days. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and enjoy the weekend. 

Monkey Monday Salutes Baseball

 

Fervent baseball fan, Pep, is ready for the World Series

The last time the Yankees won the the World Series was 2009, the year that Buttercupland began. There have been some lackluster years since then for Pep's and my favorite team. I had begun to believe that I might not get to see another World Series with my beloved Yankees again. But Pep and I never gave up hope and the Yankees will be playing the Dodgers again for the first time since 1981. 

Pep "meets" his baseball idol at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY

Pep wears number 42 in honor of his favorite player, Mariano Rivera. The number 42 has since been retired by all baseball teams, in tribute to the great Dodgers player, Jackie Robinson.  We were both fascinated by the baseball history we learned during our visit. 

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

I took this picture of Yankee Stadium during a visit in 2010. I've been to minor league games both for the Yankees and the Mets in the interim. I also enjoyed two spring training games while I was in Phoenix this spring. I didn't plan ahead and didn't think to buy a ticket for the Series while the playoffs were going on. I just checked for tickets a little while ago and they're sold out. I found tickets on a resale site and for $1,300+ I can attend the first night of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. It's tempting, but not tempting enough. There won't be any play-by-play commentary from Buttercupland, but I expect at least one more post about baseball. Is anyone else looking forward to the World Series?

It was definitely summer in New York today and I loved being out without a jacket. It's not going to happen very much longer, so I'm savoring these last warm days of the year. I attended my Zoom book club with my friends in Richmond -- what a great group -- and then worked on projects in my apartment. I did get out a couple of times to get in some walking and do a quick grocery stop. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a terrific Tuesday. 

Not Quite Sweater Weather

 

Yesterday in Central Park

In my head -- does anyone else draft posts in their thoughts? -- I was "working" on a post about the joys of autumn. And for a few days it was autumn in New York. My flip flops were put away. I had switched to heavier socks and I was sure it was goodbye to shorts and t-shirts. I hadn't quite gotten my gloves out, but we were only a few degrees away. 

Yesterday, however, I was in Central Park to participate in the annual walk for CaringKind, a wonderful local organization that supports caregivers for people with Alzheimer's. It was a little nippy when I left for the park, but by the time I'd done some walking, my jacket was in my tote bag. Today was definitely a no jacket day and the forecast for tomorrow is 80+ degrees. I may even get my shorts out for one last hurrah, before it really is sweater or even coat weather. 

Love the autumn color and this statue of Beethoven in Central Park  

I'm off on my last scheduled travel adventure for 2024 on Thursday. I'm not saying that I won't be out of town again this year, but nothing's scheduled and there's lots I want to do in New York City. I've loved all of the travel of the last few months, but catching up with New York life -- the Metropolitan Museum of Art is calling -- including spending time with visitors,  blogging  and enjoying fall and holiday events is exciting, too. What are things you're looking forward to for the next few months?

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

  

Happy 115th!

Al Roker was the surprise guest at the Good Housekeeping  115th anniversary celebration

I had the great good fortune to be part of the Good Housekeeping's 115th anniversary. Yes, 115 years of the Seal of Approval. Good Housekeeping pulled out the stops to make it a great day for the participants and to salute this legendary institution. There was a fabulous lunch, with my favorite sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Everything was delicious and the table setting was lovely. 

Yummy and (mostly) healthy eating, too!

Sticky Toffee Pudding and Bourbon Caramel Sauce  -- as good as it looked

After lunch we (media members and influencers) toured the Good Housekeeping labs. It was a fascinating afternoon. Each lab -- fabric, appliances, test kitchen for a few -- was so interesting. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with staff and see the various methods used to determine what products receive the Seal of Approval. 

The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen

 

The Test Kitchen was one of my favorite spots. This is where the recipes for the magazine are developed and where major appliances are tested. I enjoyed learning about everything that goes on here, meeting the staff and the delicious red velvet cookies that were served. 

Loved the view of Central Park

I can't begin to thank Good Housekeeping for this fabulous opportunity. It exceeded any expectations I had. Here's to -- at least -- another 115 years for Good Housekeeping and the Seal of Approval. 

My heart and prayers go out to friends in Florida. I'm watching the weather as I type and hoping, hoping that the reality won't be as dire as the forecast. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.