Hello, Pacer family! Yes, I’m still around and still hiking, running, and walking through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest and all nature preserves and parks in my area! Wildflower season is still going strong here, so that’s why you’re seeing so many flower photos. And we experienced totality (over 4-minutes) during the Solar Eclipse on April 8, which was amazing to witness! Our area is called the Eclipse Crossroads because we were also in the center zone for the 2017 Solar Eclipse, which I also experienced. In fact, if you see the map showing the path of the Solar Eclipses of 2017 and 2024 (Google it), you’ll see an “X” where the paths cross. That’s where I am located! We had warm weather and clear skies — so lucky, and in April, no less, which is typically a stormy month for us. We saw the crescents on the ground, Baily’s beads, the shadow bands, and the diamond ring flare — all parts of a solar eclipse. The wonders of our Universe never cease to amaze me. ☀️

Despite being absent from this app for a while, I’ve been busy logging miles and miles and miles of walking, hiking, running, rowing, using the elliptical and spin bike, dancing, and so many other things. I’m doing well and enjoying life — and I am so very grateful for each day. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in October (we renewed our vows at church, among friends), had a fun Halloween (about 1,500 trick-or-treaters — no kidding!), enjoyed a low-key Thanksgiving with our daughter’s family, and now we’re almost to Christmas. My trips into the Shawnee National Forest continue to bring me clarity, sanity, and peace. May you find time to care for yourself this holiday season; you cannot be present for others if you don’t make your health and well-being a priority. Go for a hike or a walk outdoors, even if you only have time for a short one. Set aside quiet time for prayer, reflection, and rest. And may the love of God fill your heart this Christmas!

The last few weeks I’ve taken advantage of beautiful weather for outdoor walks, runs, and hikes. While I love my workouts at our local university’s Rec Center (my favorite is the rowing machine)), being outdoors among the trees, lakes, and flowers, listening to birds, buzzing insects, crickets, whirring dragonflies, and ducks quacking, and breathing the fresh air under clouds or sun is good medicine. Good for mind, body, and soul. My oldest sister’s husband passed away and was buried over the past week — he was a brilliant electrical engineer and a lover of all animals — and I was reminded at his funeral of how fleeting our time on earth really is and of the positive impact one person can have on so many lives. What matters most in the end is love — not achievements, political beliefs, wealth. Love your people and tell them you love them often. Be humble. Be grateful. Be kind.

Hello, Pacer world! I’ve been absent for quite a while, but I didn’t forget about you! I’m still walking, running, hiking, working out, and living life as fully as possible — and with a grateful heart. I had some struggles with depression earlier this year, but am doing so much better now. Enjoy these photos from a few of my walks — and one photo of me feeling more like myself. I hope you are well and taking good care of yourselves!

A run through Chautauqua Bottoms, despite not sleeping much, revived me this morning, as did seeing signs of spring, getting ten bags of yard waste raked up with my sweetie, Jak, and taking one of our dogs for a nighttime stroll under a beautiful full moon. Got my cardiac holter monitor to wear for two weeks to make sure my ticker is working appropriately. The new devices are tiny (wires are now inside the device, not stuck to you separately), taking up little space on the left side of your sternum, and easy to hide with a crew neck shirt. But when you’re outside at night, you can see it’s green light flashing through your shirt — something I discovered tonight. I guess I’m an honorary firefly for the next two weeks!