Thursday’s Tale: The Elfin Hill

by Carol1 Comment
"The Elfin Hill" was written by Hans Christian Andersen and first published in April, 1845. It doesn't have the distinctly Christian viewpoint that many of his fairy tales do, but he does emphasize the importance of manners and politeness . As always, I enjoy his descriptions and, in this one, I like the variety of characters, from the elves to the woodland creatures to the goblins and the will-o’-the-wisps. Two lizards scramble about a tree near the entrance to the elfin hill, commenting on the hustle and bustle within. They have heard the elf maidens are practicing new dances and both wonder the reason why. An old maid elf hurries out and summons a raven to deliver invitations to an important event. “All the world may come to the great ball, even human beings, if they can only talk in their sleep, or do something after our fashion. But for the feast the company must be carefully selected; we can only admit persons...
Read More

Readers’ Workouts – 3/8

by Carol4 Comments
Here are my steps for the week. I didn't quite make my week. I felt absolutely miserable Friday, which didn't help. My current plan is to do cardio on Tuesday (60 mins), upper body on Wednesday, cardio on Thursday (60 mins), a total body workout on Friday, cardio on Saturday (60+ mins), and a core workout on Monday . I've also signed up for the 30 Days Pilates Challenge at The Balanced Life, which is about 10 mins a day. Tuesday - Walk with the dog. Pilates (legs) Wednesday - Pilates (upper body). 15 mins weights (arms) Thursday - 30 mins stair machine, 35 mins elliptical. 10 mins leg machines. Pilates (booty) Saturday - 2 Pilates sets since I skipped Friday (HIIT and upper body) Sunday - Bowling. Pilates (stretch & relax) Monday - Walk with the dog. Pilates (abs). Arm and shoulder workout I usually listen to a book while I'm walking, jogging, whatever. This week I'm listening to Arcadia by Iain Pears. I also signed up for the Pittsburgh Pirates...
Read More

Thursday’s Tale: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

by Carol4 Comments
I was thinking about March and the saying that it comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, or the opposite depending on the year. I figured there was probably some kind of folk tale  that went along with it. Turns out I was wrong, but I'll share what I found out anyway. An English proverb, one that became a common Pennsylvania saying  is the one we're familiar with: March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. In the 19th century it was used as a prediction contingent on a year's early March weather: If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Often times, early March is  marked by biting cold and winter storms. The month begins with a lion's roar. But, by the end of the month, the weather can often be warm, spring-like and docile. Kind of like a gentle lamb. It happens that way a lot, but, not all the time,as...
Read More

A to Z April 2016

by Carol2 Comments
The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is next month. I was going to do an A to Z Ohio, but that's just not going to happen, maybe next year.  So now I need a little help. What do you think I should focus on? A.) Random bookish - books, authors, genres, whatever strikes my fancy B.) Beginning paragraphs - pick a book for each letter off my shelves or kindle, one I haven't read yet, and share the opening paragraph or two. This option might help me decided to move books up on my to-read pile or donate them. And might help you find a book you want to read. C.) Local - places, things, events local to me. I'm in eastern Ohio, so most would probably be from my side of Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania. D.) Board games - we play a lot of games, some good, some not so good. Wanna hear about them? I'm told board...
Read More