Thursday, February 28, 2019

Old Clothes, Old Shoes, Old...

...well let's stop right there! I like what Carson said in Downton Abbey. He said, 'I'm young!' Then when Mrs. Hughes rolled her eyes at him, he said, 'Well, I'm not OLD!' (we've been watching Downton on DVD, can you tell?)


I'm happy and healthy and that goes a long way in making me feel young. And maybe that's the reason it's been hard for me to admit that I can't keep going hiking EVERY day! I want to. But I have to accept the fact that my body needs a rest some days. My youngest son told me that I could use those days to do some strength training. 

And my husband...what did he say?


Yes, I found my favorite old pair of hiking shoes 'under lock and key'! We even had to have a little talk. But it was good and very encouraging!

And then I talked with my second son (I have 4 sons and we all talk on the phone regularly). He said I should treat myself to some new hiking gear! 
Hubby took me shopping to a couple of nice sporting goods stores here and then I went on Amazon and found what I needed. A new day pack! I have to carry water and a few things when I hike so this is small but the perfect size. 


(it was compacted tightly into a small pouch but the wrinkles have already fallen out of it) 


And here's a peek into my Amazon package.


 So what about old clothes? I've been wearing a pair of capris and a blue top that I got at the thrift store. Now wearing loose clothing is good but not 4 sizes too big. lol So I bought a few things. When I wear them I'll have hubby takes pics. And I promise to retire my old clothes. I wonder if they are good enough to donate back to the thrift store! Hhhhhmmmmm!


 I'll keep the pink cap...OF COURSE! 

I'm thankful for good health, happiness, a sweet hubby, precious sons, good advice, Florida trails and new hiking stuff! Now where's the key to that lock!
What are you thankful for today?


(an OLD Lavender Dreams too banner)

I had this post written before my blog was removed. After a week of the stressful task of trying to get it back...I'm dragging it out of draft and publishing it on my OLD BLOG, lavenderdreamstoo!! How perfect is that! (and yes, I did go hiking some during the past week and I spent time at the Hospice House doing patient visits. I can't think of much else I accomplished though! lol) 

We'll keep the new blog, lavenderdreamsnew HERE to share our blog removal story and for any updates we get or helpful information we have to pass along. (comments are closed on that blog but you can email me with any questions)

I'm thankful for my OLD BLOG!!! 

And very thankful to have all of you visiting me here today!
Please keep visiting me right here on lavender dreams too!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays.

46 comments:

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Happy Thursday...glad to see you online ♥

Debbie said...

i love how attentive your husband and sons are toward you and your husband is so supportive!! funny though that he locked up the sneakers. if i could drive, i would be out every day looks for critters!!!

it will be nice to have new active wear, i hope you find it to be comfortable!!

and where should we be visiting you, here or the new blog?!?!?!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I hope you'll continue to visit me HERE, right where you are now. I updated my post to let everyone know that I'll be back in my usual place in the world, lavender dreams too! Thanks everyone! Sweet hugs, Diane

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Glad your old blog is back. It is nice to get some new hiking clothes!

Arlene G said...

Why is it so hard for us to purchase new clothes for ourselves? I go to the consignment store most of the time to purchase clothing. I think we got into the frugal way of living when the children were small and we still live like that which is not bad but every now and then we deserve some new things. I have decided to slow down a bit and just enjoy life. I even took off my step counter as it was making me crazy.lol I will continue to try and live healthy but give myself some grace too!!

Vee said...

I would think it is important to keep your hiking shoes in good shape. Gotta take care of the feet! I am so glad that you are healthy and well and can enjoy your hikes and sHaRIng them with us. Good sons to give such good advice.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Nice new clothes Sis and you so deserve them. I know admitting me need some rest in between walks and work is hard but our bodies appreciate it. So so happy you got your blog back. Big Hugs!

Julie's Creative Lifestyle said...

Hello Diane, oh I am so happy that your blog is up and running! You have such nice sons and a great husband. That's something to be grateful for. I think that is great that they are all so encouraging for you. It's nice you bought some new hiking gear too. Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend.
Julie xo

eileeninmd said...

Hello, I think comfy hiking shoes are most important. You feet have to feel good while walking. I am thankful you have your blog back too. You are blessed with a wonderful hubby and sons. BTW, I love your bluebird of happiness. Enjoy your day, have a great weekend ahead.

Tom said...

...I'm glad to see that your nightmare is over, good luck.

podso said...

So am I at the right spot? I can't believe your old blog came back. Did it just appear or did you do something to bring it back? Wonders never cease! It's an adjustment to feel so young, yet to realize we can't do all that we used to do when we were as young as we still feel!

It's me said...

I see you.......💙💙💙love Ria 💙💙💙

Anne (cornucopia) said...

I didn't see a way to leave a comment for your bluebirds of happiness post, so I'm leaving my comment here. Great photo of the bluebird. (I didn't see any choice to leave a comment on that post. Maybe it's just me not noticing it.)

Kim said...

Yay for new hiking clothes! Although you look adorable in your old clothes! So glad you got your blog back! Thankful for bloggers like you!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Bluebird of Happiness Hill sounds like a place we would all like to walk.

Susie said...

Diane, I am so glad you got your blog back. I love seeing the birds, wild life and flowers you see on your hikes. I laughed about your walking shoes being on lock down. LOL You sons sound like good friends too. I know that my daughters are my all time best friends. Who knew when they were little that would happen.? If I want my clothes to look too big, I have to buy bigger sizes..:):) Blessings, xoxo,love you, Susie

Gayle said...

Glad you're back on your blogging track. I'm trying to be positive about each new change in the aging process - not an easy thing.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Diane, so sorry you had to go through all that! How stressful! Glad to see you up and running again.

Lowcarb team member said...

I'm doing a happy dance … and I'm sure you are too.
Great to see this post and wonderful to see your normal (old) blog.

Happy Days are here :)

All the best Jan

Red Rose Alley said...

Your hiking essentials are really nice, Diane. I like the mint green shirt, and it's one of my favorite colors to wear. So funny that your husband put your shoes under lock and key. I love the "dirt" quote, that's awesome. I will write that one down. And that sweet bluebird makes me happy to look at. So good to have you back, Diane. A cute picture of you in the pink hat and your camera. It's such a loyal friend to us, isn't it? It allows us to take photos of nature's wonder. : )

love, ~Sheri

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Diane, I really like your new hiking clothes. Now you'll be in style as you go on your hikes. It's eye opening to have to slow down on some of our favorite activities. I can identify. Nice to have you back! ♥

Sandy said...

Bluebird of happiness sounds just like you. I am glad you were able to get some new hiking clothes and stay safe hiking!

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

So thankful to hear the good news that your blog has been restored, thank you Lord! I had to laugh about your hiking shoes under lock and key! I am a bit of a hikeaholic too! I walk 5 miles each morning during the winter, and during the spring/summer/months I usually am up to about 10 miles a day, walking both morning and evening. So much to enjoy outside, I love it! Having the right shoes and clothing really DOES make a huge difference, I have found! I, like you, used to just wear whatever, but recently invested in some clothing and it really helps. Right now, I am bundled up like the abominable snowman when I walk my 5 miles, some days I have to wear my ski mask because of the snow we are getting, but I am still out there. It is my time with the Lord, with His amazing creation, and getting my exercise. Happy that all is well again in your world! Blessings and hugs :)

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Ohhh--I would love to see real bluebirds up close and take photos of them--
lucky you--
and new hiking clothes are always good--
esp new shoes --or did your old ones still work???
have fun--
and I am sooooo very glad you are back--
luv, di

Meditations in Motion said...

So sorry for all of the trouble you have been having with your blog lately! I hope you are on the path to resolving all of your problems. That is certainly scary. We all put so much effort and heart into our blogs.

Thanks for sharing the bluebirds of happiness. Hubby and I see a pair on our walk with the dog every day too.

Michelle said...

I feel like Carson, I am not young, but not old! lol Thank you for linking up today!

Anonymous said...

Diane, you look so adorable! I'm glad you treated yourself to some new clothes!

Rose said...

I am so glad you got your blog back...pray that it never happens again or to any of us. I like your new hiking gear!

Stephanie said...

Sweet friend, it is SO GOOD to visit you here on your lovely old blog {{smiles}} I'm so glad everything worked out. Praying that never happens to you again.

Your pictures brought a smile to my face and oh, the bluebird picture on your recent post is stunning!

Hugs to you, dear Diane!

Linda said...

Love it all!!! So happy you have your blog back!!!!
Good for you in getting some new things! You are so active....you will never be 'old!'

Carla from The River said...

Hi Pretty Lady,
I like all your new goodies.. :-) I understand what your family is saying. Sometimes we need to rest during the week too, even if we want to go, go, go. :-)
Keep us posted on how the blog is doing.
Love, Carla

The French Hutch said...

I love you shared your blessings with us. I think it's so funny how your husband shows how much he loved you, lock and key! He doesn't want you to over do or injure yourself.Bless his heart. Love your red cap and yes, treat yourself to some new things and yay, so happy you have the old blog back!!!! Welcome home.........

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Looks like it's been a good past few days, Diane...the blog is back, you got a new hiking bag and some new duds as well. Life is surely good once again.

Conniecrafter said...

Yes I understand the learning to change with my body as I get older, I am trying to do strengthening exercises myself, I have injured my shoulder and so I am hoping to be able to move it in all ways without pain, but I am thankful that I am still able to move and get around. Can't wait for good weather to be able to get out and walk more.

Linda said...

So glad you got your blog back!

Love the cute picture of the chain placed by your husband. Pretty good hint!

Nancy's Notes said...

Bluebird of happiness- just so beautiful! Diane, I’m so happy for you, so much to be thankful for. Getting your old blog back is such a blessing! Fun new stuff for hiking sounds great!! Have a happy day, sweet friend.
Nancy

MadSnapper said...

I actually said out loud OH YAY when I saw your old blog pop up in my feedly. thank you Google for giving it back. i have to take a whip to myself to make me go walk my second walk of a mile after we walk Big Boy. I am not happy walking alone, if i had a partner i would like it, i don't hike because i don't like to hike alone. bob and i used to hike once a month sometime 2 but he can't now. congrats on your shopping trip to Amazon, i do love that site and have some things i need to order today, not clothes though, i have to try those on.

Mia said...

I am glad to see you back, my friend.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

So glad all seems to be back in working order! The chained up shoes . . . hilarious! I have just the OPPOSITE problem . . . I need to dust off my walking shoes lol! Have a wonderful weekend and fun trying out your new hiking gear!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I'm so happy that you got your blog back, Diane! You look like you've bought some good hiking gear, and clothes. You keep going, girlfriend!! That's what keeps us young and vibrant.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I am so happy you got the blog mess straightened out and I loved both this post and the one above. Your sons gave you good advice ... they are obviously smart and caring young men. And your smart and caring and funny husband is so great! I’m sure Everybody is right though...you do need to pop in some rest days. Too many of us have the opposite problem though...so easy to get lazy and use our age as an excuse. You have the healthier outlook!

Lorrie said...

I'm so, so glad you have your blog back, Diane. I went and backed mine up right away! Your husband has quite the sense of humour with those locked up shoes. Your active lifestyle helps keep you looking and acting young!

DeniseinVA said...

Most of people he time I can’t comment on blogger blogs when I am using my iPad. I like everything you’ve bought, especially the backpack as I am in need of a smaller one. So glad you are back. Lovely to be visiting again :)

DeniseinVA said...

So glad you are back and it is lovely to be visiting again. Enjoyed the photos and I can’t do as much walking any more. I miss it very much. I like your new outfits and also the backpack. I need something smaller than the one I have for the time I can get out. Have a great weekend Diane and happy blogging 😊.

BeachGypsy said...

I am cracking up laughing over the picture of the shoes all chained and locked up!! ha ha LOL!! I love all your new hiking gear!--the day pack is so cool, great idea! I always just stuff my pocketbook with all my stuff I "might need", tissues,a good scarf, sunscreen, camera back up batteries and empty cards, bug spray,a hat, phone, etc. During the hot summer I carry packs of frozen face or baby wipes, they feel so wonderful on a sweaty neck or face!!!! I pack them in a large baggie full of ice and they stay good and cold for me. If the girls are with us, we carry a small plastic bowl and we share our water bottles if they get thirsty.If we are more out in the country or on one of the old plantations, Mr Front Porch brings his binoculars and some small first aid items as well---we just stuff it all in my pocketbook, ha ha lOl. we do have a small backpack but always forget to bring it. I love the pictures of the bluebirds.........I NEVER SEE THOSE AROUND HERE!!

happyone said...

I'm back to blogging again after my break. Nice to be back.
I just got two new pairs of shoes, walking and hiking ones. My son recommended the brand. I'll be talking about them on a blog post soon.
Your new light hiking pack looks just right for you.