Have you ever been to Delphi or Meteora? You are in for a special tour this morning. We will take the Greek National Highway and head north from Athens. Enjoy the drive!
On our way to Delphi, we will see farmland consisting of cotton, tomato and watermelon fields. Approximately 45 minutes later, we will make a quick stop to see the water reservoir of Athens. Then, we will continue traveling through a Livadi (valley) which is surrounded on both sides by mountains. Then, we will stop at Kyra Springs to have a cold drink at a café during the summer months.
Next, we will then travel towards the eleventh century monastery called Osios Lukas. Prior to reaching this monastery, we see a monument which was dedicated to the Greek resistance movement during World War II. We continue our tour by traveling through small villages where Osios Lukas was born and raised. This eleventh century monastery is the vantage point where we can see the top of olive trees surrounded by mountains. It offers quite breathtaking views in the springtime. Did you know that Osios Lukas monastery is a mirror image of the monastery of Agia Sophia in Istanbul?
Let us continue our journey towards Delphi and travel through the town of Arachova which is a popular ski resort in the winter. Fifteen minutes later, we hear the famous Oracle of Delphi. It was the means through which worshipers could hear the words of the god Apollo, spoken through a priestess, or Pythia over the age of 50. Questioners paid a levy called a pelanos and sacrificed an animal on the altar. The questions were then put to the Pythia by a male priest and she would answer in a trance (unfortunately, the answers were often ambiguous), perhaps induced by vapors from a crack in the ground under her feet.
In addition, according to the legend, when Zeus released two eagles from opposite ends of the world, their paths crossed in the sky above Delphi, establishing the site as the center of the earth. Renowned as a dwelling place of Apollo, from the end of the 8th century BC, individuals from all over the ancient world visited Delphi to consult the god on what course of action to take, both in public and private life. Did you know that the oracle was abolished in 393 with the Christianization of the Byzantine Empire under Theodosius?
We now see the Tholo monument, the gymnasium and the Castalian springs. We also will see the main archaeological site including the treasury, the Sanctuary of Apollo, the ancient theatre and stadium. The museum is next and then a break for lunch at a local Greek taverna which offers a terrific view of an olive grove.
With the political rise of Delphi in the 6th century BC and the reorganization of the Pythian Games, Delphi entered a golden age which lasted until the Romans came in 191 BC. King Croesus of Lydia came to ask if he should make war against Cyrus the Great of Persia and was told that if he crossed a river, then he would destroy a great empire. In marching on Cyrus, his troops crossed the River Halys and he unfortunately, destroyed his own empire.
The Temple of Apollo path was lined with 3, 000 statues and treasures, built by city-states, to house their people’s offerings. The Sanctuary of Apollo is also known as the Sacred Precinct, this is the heart of the complex that also included a stadium and a sacred spring. It is entered through an angora from which the Sacred Way winds through the ruins of memorials and treasuries and led to the Temple of Apollo.
The Temple of Apollo has stood on this site since the 6th century BC, but the remains visible today date from the 4th century BC. Some reconstruction work has been done since French archaeologists uncovered the foundations in 1892, to give an impression of its original grandeur.
The site and Museum are open from April-October from7:30pm Mon-Fri 8:30am-3pm Saturday and Sunday. The phone number is 026582312.
Next, we drive through the mountains and the Thessaliko Valley. How amazing to see the tomato and watermelon fields. After a wonderful nights sleep, we will see six phenomenal monasteries, which were built on top of gigantic rocks in the 14th century. It was used as a religious retreat when, in 985, a hermit named Barnabas occupied a cave here. It is assumed that the first hermits reached the tops of these vertical rock faces, and likely that they hammered pegs into tiny gaps in the rock and hauled building materials to the thousand pinnacles. In the 1920’s, stairs were carved to make the remaining six monasteries more accessible, and today a religious revival has seen the return of many monks and nuns.
In 1336, Athanasos, a monk from Mount Athos founded the monastery of Megalo Meteoro is also known as the Great Meteoran is the highest monastery to be founded. Athana’sios first lived here on one of these thousand pinnacles. Twenty-three monasteries followed, though due largely to their precarious location, many had fallen into ruin by the end of the 18th century. The shrine of Agia Triada stands opposite a well. Agiou Nikolaou is one of Meteora’s soaring monasteries. Rousanou is perched precariously on the very tip of a narrow spire of rock and is he most spectacular of monasteries. Did you know that the church of the Metamorfosis is renounced for its frescoes painted in 1560? Varlam was founded in 1518 after the hermit lived here. It is known for its frescoes. Katholikon is dedicated to Agioi Pantes (all saints); the church is adorned with frescoes. The refractory contains a small icon museum and the Ascent Tower is where goods and people were wrinched up by a windlass mechanism made in 1536.
Megalo Meteora is open on Monday, Wednesday-Sunday. Rousanou is open daily. Agia Triada is open daily. Agios Stefanos is open Tuesday-Sunday. Varlaam is open Monday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Agiou Nikolaou is open April-October daily.
All monasteries are shut from 1-3pm. The phone number is 043222109
We will return to Athens after you have enjoyed lunch along the way. What did you think of Delphi and Meteora? Did you hear the oracle of Delphi? Did you explore Meteora? I am sure that your experience was quite special. We will end our tour in Athens after taking many pictures while experiencing the sites.
by Roberta Mark Engel
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Changing a Life
by Anna Bernard
Assignment - write about a gift that changed a life.
I looked around in my imagination and realized I was wasting time because the story was in my reality....
It was a journal, a gift from her daughter. Every year they exchanged gifts of a beautifully bound notebook or journal with an intriguing cover and empty pages.
They were trying to encourage each other to set free the writer in their souls. Time to express yourself - exhale. It was not enough to just inhale other people's thoughts through endless and rapid reading of everything with print on it.
But neither of them marred the lovely books with bitter thoughts, silly musings, or uninspiring recounting of the mundane details of a long work or school day (same thing.)
The mother had begun a series of short mouse stories but had run dry and left the poor mouse characters slumped in a deep depression in the back of some books she had used to teach her younger son to write years before when he was a First Grader.
When he was in Sixth Grade, the mother made a deliberate decision to start writing again and mar the journals up thoroughly. She wrote about the miseries of dealing with self centered people at work, about her rage and sorrow over raising two children with major health issues by herself, about the fickle hesitant man she was currently dating...and then the hesitant man handed her a flyer from the Jewish Community Center about a writing class- not the expensive college kind - but rather an inexpensive $3.00 a session group that met week after week as the spirit moved them.
She went. And she went again and then she kept on going. The assignments compelled her to draw upon her imagination in immediate ways and stretch the boundaries of what she could dream up or reveal. Her pen and the fine listening of others enabled her to wander into deep recesses hunting up imaginary characters, and deep into her own early childhood and back, able at last to describe the traumatic premature birth of her younger child and all the small triumphs and joys of being a mother and a teacher. Finally, she made it into the garden of her hopes where gladiolas bloomed in handsome profusion and ladybugs went from a slow crawl to sudden flight which could result in the finding of mates and such.
She began to sense that there was a link from the words on the paper to reality - that the feelings behind the words she wrote would draw the man. It was an irrational faith but she was confident enough to shake off the unsuitable suitor and wait.
Two months later, the mate was there - not a chance meeting in a bookstore, a computer date, or a friend of a friend. None of those.
He appeared in the writing class, having decided to make friends again with the writer in his soul.
A simple gift of a journal resulting in a new life.
Everything changed rapidly. Behind their new home and in the front, bloomed sunrise roses, azaleas, daisies, poppies, daffodils, sunflowers, and everywhere,
in blazing red and orange, white, and subtle pink--the proud gladiolas.
(The daughter you wonder? She writes with skill and vast amounts of confidence. She wrote her way into an M.A. in English and teaches high school children how to write clearly and concisely - academic writing. There is always more than one way to pursue a dream....)
Assignment - write about a gift that changed a life.
I looked around in my imagination and realized I was wasting time because the story was in my reality....
It was a journal, a gift from her daughter. Every year they exchanged gifts of a beautifully bound notebook or journal with an intriguing cover and empty pages.
They were trying to encourage each other to set free the writer in their souls. Time to express yourself - exhale. It was not enough to just inhale other people's thoughts through endless and rapid reading of everything with print on it.
But neither of them marred the lovely books with bitter thoughts, silly musings, or uninspiring recounting of the mundane details of a long work or school day (same thing.)
The mother had begun a series of short mouse stories but had run dry and left the poor mouse characters slumped in a deep depression in the back of some books she had used to teach her younger son to write years before when he was a First Grader.
When he was in Sixth Grade, the mother made a deliberate decision to start writing again and mar the journals up thoroughly. She wrote about the miseries of dealing with self centered people at work, about her rage and sorrow over raising two children with major health issues by herself, about the fickle hesitant man she was currently dating...and then the hesitant man handed her a flyer from the Jewish Community Center about a writing class- not the expensive college kind - but rather an inexpensive $3.00 a session group that met week after week as the spirit moved them.
She went. And she went again and then she kept on going. The assignments compelled her to draw upon her imagination in immediate ways and stretch the boundaries of what she could dream up or reveal. Her pen and the fine listening of others enabled her to wander into deep recesses hunting up imaginary characters, and deep into her own early childhood and back, able at last to describe the traumatic premature birth of her younger child and all the small triumphs and joys of being a mother and a teacher. Finally, she made it into the garden of her hopes where gladiolas bloomed in handsome profusion and ladybugs went from a slow crawl to sudden flight which could result in the finding of mates and such.
She began to sense that there was a link from the words on the paper to reality - that the feelings behind the words she wrote would draw the man. It was an irrational faith but she was confident enough to shake off the unsuitable suitor and wait.
Two months later, the mate was there - not a chance meeting in a bookstore, a computer date, or a friend of a friend. None of those.
He appeared in the writing class, having decided to make friends again with the writer in his soul.
A simple gift of a journal resulting in a new life.
Everything changed rapidly. Behind their new home and in the front, bloomed sunrise roses, azaleas, daisies, poppies, daffodils, sunflowers, and everywhere,
in blazing red and orange, white, and subtle pink--the proud gladiolas.
(The daughter you wonder? She writes with skill and vast amounts of confidence. She wrote her way into an M.A. in English and teaches high school children how to write clearly and concisely - academic writing. There is always more than one way to pursue a dream....)
Clouds
by Gary Bernard
The clouds
Puffed liked a cornered cat
Gray and menacing
Casting a darkness
Over the singleness of my will
With my bare feet
stretched out over the edge of a rock
waiting
as the waves beside them danced
And the long deepening blue Pacific
Rippled and crashed before my eyes
I only knew distance in miles
Not in the goodbye she presented me with
I could not bear this time
This distance
This time apart
The clouds
Puffed liked a cornered cat
Gray and menacing
Casting a darkness
Over the singleness of my will
With my bare feet
stretched out over the edge of a rock
waiting
as the waves beside them danced
And the long deepening blue Pacific
Rippled and crashed before my eyes
I only knew distance in miles
Not in the goodbye she presented me with
I could not bear this time
This distance
This time apart
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Walkin' in the Sunshine
Walkin’ in the Sunshine
By Roberta Mark Engel
Did you know that Athens has fewer gardens than any other European city? Because of this fact; there are 2.5 square meters of greenery per person compared to the 10 square meters of a more garden friendly European city. The European Environmental Bureau considers 10 square meters of public grassy recreational centers “tolerable.” Yet, this rarity in Athens makes parks quite an escape from the fast paced life of the city. The Philopappou Hill, National Gardens, Mount Parnitha, Syngrou Estates, Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus, and Lycabettus Hill are well maintained gardens. Some have been spruced up with new benches and herbaceous borders. In addition, all provide a respite from traffic fumes and honking horns. Come join us for a walking tour of “Walkin’ in the Sunshine.” We need our walking shoes, sunblock, water and a camera. Now, we are read to enjoy!
The Piliopappou Hill
The Philiopappou Hill has the largest green expanse in the capital, which is south of the Acropolis. Philopappou hill offers an impressive view of the Acropolis. But, how do we access this garden? The Acropolis metro station and Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is a great short walk in Athens or we take bus 230 (stops at Syntagma) which will also take us to the main entry point.
After the main entry point, we will take a path that circles the top of the hill which is a distance of 2km. Opposite the church is a narrow path that will take us to the Roman monument that crowns the hill. The hill also has ancient carvings in the rock itself. An ancient fortification wall remains with excellent views of the city.
The National Garden
Did you know that the National Garden was laid out by the first queen of modern Greece? It still shows traces of Athen’s long history. This park is centrally located and regularly visited by locals and visitors. It is next to the House of Parliament. The cross streets of this attractive venue are Zappeio, Irodou Attikou Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenues. The winding paths cut through the dense foliage, past a sunken Roman mosaic floor, a duck pond, a fountain, an alley overhung with wisteria, and a section of an ancient column and a column overgrown with a vine. We will enter through Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, the rear of Zappeion Hall, Irodou Arrikou Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.
Mount Parnitha and Houni Gorge
Did you know that Mount Parnitha is the nearest national park to Athens? It has 1,100 plant species and is one of the few places in Greece where red deer can be found. We can take the 714 bus from Vathis Square to the funicular railway which takes us up to the casino on Mt. Parnitha. The bus also goes all the way up to the mountains on the weekends. From the casino, turn right onto a path that runs parallel to the Greek Alpine Club which serves food on the weekends. We will ask for directions to the path down the Houni Gorge which leads back to the parking lot. Most importantly, we will remain on the path or we will get lost.
Syngrou Estates
The Syngrou Estates are located in Athen’s northern suburb of Maroussi. This piece of unspoiled countryside on the eastern side of Kifissias Avenue causes people to forget that they are near the center of the capital city. To the right of the main entrance on Kifissias Avenue are the original stables of a once grand country estate. Did you know that charming old buildings now house administration offices around an enclosed garden which allows no cars except staff vehicles? The estate is open from dawn to dusk to the public. How do we get there? Transportation is by metro Line 1 (ISAP) to Maroussi or KAT; by busses 550, A7, B7, or E7 along Kifissias Avenue. By car from Athens, turn right through the entrance at the lights for the “KAT” turnoff on Kifissias Avenue. Parking is available.
Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus
We will turn left and take a walk until we come to a clearly marked turnoff down a well-maintained path that will take you back down to the monastery. How do we get there? We will take the 224 bus from Academias Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue or the 223 from Kaningos Square to the entrance. From there, we will walk up the hill (about 20-30 minutes walk) to the monastery.
Lycabettus Hill
For a panoramic view of the capital, we will make our way up the hill to the White Chapel of Aghios Georgios is on top. There are three main approaches. One starts from Dexameni Square in the neighborhood of Kolonaki. We will turn right at the St. George Lycabettus hotel, cross the street and climb the steps to Aristippou Street, where we will find a paved winding path to take us all the way to the top. Option two is from the corner of Paligennesias and Daskaloyianni streets, on the northern side of the hill, where a paved road winds up to the square of an open-air theater. A steep path starts shortly before that point or there is another paved road leading to the theater, which begins from Sarantapichou Street on the southern side of the hill. The third choice is by a funicular railway to be accessed on Aristippou Street.
Now, we have seen all of the gardens when “Walkin’ in the Sunshine”. We hope you enjoyed the tour of The Philopappou Hill, National Gardens, Mount Parnitha, Syngrou Estates, Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus, and Lycabettus Hill. These gardens offer us an experience not normally journeyed in a busy city as Athens.
By Roberta Mark Engel
Did you know that Athens has fewer gardens than any other European city? Because of this fact; there are 2.5 square meters of greenery per person compared to the 10 square meters of a more garden friendly European city. The European Environmental Bureau considers 10 square meters of public grassy recreational centers “tolerable.” Yet, this rarity in Athens makes parks quite an escape from the fast paced life of the city. The Philopappou Hill, National Gardens, Mount Parnitha, Syngrou Estates, Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus, and Lycabettus Hill are well maintained gardens. Some have been spruced up with new benches and herbaceous borders. In addition, all provide a respite from traffic fumes and honking horns. Come join us for a walking tour of “Walkin’ in the Sunshine.” We need our walking shoes, sunblock, water and a camera. Now, we are read to enjoy!
The Piliopappou Hill
The Philiopappou Hill has the largest green expanse in the capital, which is south of the Acropolis. Philopappou hill offers an impressive view of the Acropolis. But, how do we access this garden? The Acropolis metro station and Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is a great short walk in Athens or we take bus 230 (stops at Syntagma) which will also take us to the main entry point.
After the main entry point, we will take a path that circles the top of the hill which is a distance of 2km. Opposite the church is a narrow path that will take us to the Roman monument that crowns the hill. The hill also has ancient carvings in the rock itself. An ancient fortification wall remains with excellent views of the city.
The National Garden
Did you know that the National Garden was laid out by the first queen of modern Greece? It still shows traces of Athen’s long history. This park is centrally located and regularly visited by locals and visitors. It is next to the House of Parliament. The cross streets of this attractive venue are Zappeio, Irodou Attikou Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenues. The winding paths cut through the dense foliage, past a sunken Roman mosaic floor, a duck pond, a fountain, an alley overhung with wisteria, and a section of an ancient column and a column overgrown with a vine. We will enter through Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, the rear of Zappeion Hall, Irodou Arrikou Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.
Mount Parnitha and Houni Gorge
Did you know that Mount Parnitha is the nearest national park to Athens? It has 1,100 plant species and is one of the few places in Greece where red deer can be found. We can take the 714 bus from Vathis Square to the funicular railway which takes us up to the casino on Mt. Parnitha. The bus also goes all the way up to the mountains on the weekends. From the casino, turn right onto a path that runs parallel to the Greek Alpine Club which serves food on the weekends. We will ask for directions to the path down the Houni Gorge which leads back to the parking lot. Most importantly, we will remain on the path or we will get lost.
Syngrou Estates
The Syngrou Estates are located in Athen’s northern suburb of Maroussi. This piece of unspoiled countryside on the eastern side of Kifissias Avenue causes people to forget that they are near the center of the capital city. To the right of the main entrance on Kifissias Avenue are the original stables of a once grand country estate. Did you know that charming old buildings now house administration offices around an enclosed garden which allows no cars except staff vehicles? The estate is open from dawn to dusk to the public. How do we get there? Transportation is by metro Line 1 (ISAP) to Maroussi or KAT; by busses 550, A7, B7, or E7 along Kifissias Avenue. By car from Athens, turn right through the entrance at the lights for the “KAT” turnoff on Kifissias Avenue. Parking is available.
Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus
We will turn left and take a walk until we come to a clearly marked turnoff down a well-maintained path that will take you back down to the monastery. How do we get there? We will take the 224 bus from Academias Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue or the 223 from Kaningos Square to the entrance. From there, we will walk up the hill (about 20-30 minutes walk) to the monastery.
Lycabettus Hill
For a panoramic view of the capital, we will make our way up the hill to the White Chapel of Aghios Georgios is on top. There are three main approaches. One starts from Dexameni Square in the neighborhood of Kolonaki. We will turn right at the St. George Lycabettus hotel, cross the street and climb the steps to Aristippou Street, where we will find a paved winding path to take us all the way to the top. Option two is from the corner of Paligennesias and Daskaloyianni streets, on the northern side of the hill, where a paved road winds up to the square of an open-air theater. A steep path starts shortly before that point or there is another paved road leading to the theater, which begins from Sarantapichou Street on the southern side of the hill. The third choice is by a funicular railway to be accessed on Aristippou Street.
Now, we have seen all of the gardens when “Walkin’ in the Sunshine”. We hope you enjoyed the tour of The Philopappou Hill, National Gardens, Mount Parnitha, Syngrou Estates, Kaisariani and Mt. Hymettus, and Lycabettus Hill. These gardens offer us an experience not normally journeyed in a busy city as Athens.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Deep into the Night
By Ruth Aroni
I have languished
in cerebral slum alleys
And tiptoed past
Your midnight light.
Now I come to You
With singed fingers
Silence ringing in my years.
I chant Your prayer
Deep into the night.
I see cobwebs of indifference
Surrounding my patio chair
And now I know the answer-
I have to care.
I have languished
in cerebral slum alleys
And tiptoed past
Your midnight light.
Now I come to You
With singed fingers
Silence ringing in my years.
I chant Your prayer
Deep into the night.
I see cobwebs of indifference
Surrounding my patio chair
And now I know the answer-
I have to care.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Gracie, A True Lady of Greece
By Roberta Mark Engel
Did you know that my residence used to be in Thessalaniki, Northern Greece? I have given birth to over thirty five puppies during my seven years as a stray dog until my adoption over a year ago.
My parents were on holiday in Thessaloniki and took me to my new home in Athens. This was an easier life for me. I had a garden even though I lived in an apartment. I had two human brothers to play with and lots of food and water. I was loved until I became-pregnant. As you can guess, I appear to be quite fertile. I now had another liter-five adorable puppies.
But, my story has a negative twist. My parents drove me out to the country, took my collar off, stopped the car in a field in Xiropigado, and pushed me out of the automobile with my litter of four new pups. Yes, my parents chose the pick of the offspring for themselves. I was now a tramp in their eyes.
I have shaggy black fur. It is silky in texture, but uneven in appearance. I am chunky because I used to live on moths as a stray. Now that I live in the country, I have varied my diet with chicken eggs. I poach these eggs from Kiriakos Yiannis who has threatened to shoot me for my pilferage. He doesn’t care that I am sweet and docile. I am just a little hungry! Alright, I did bit the yiayia on the leg. She carried a big stick and it frightened me. Even though, I made this transgression, I am told that I have a wonderful personality. I am not very attractive, but I am quiet and attentive. I also have a talent of producing gorgeous puppies. Just look at them. What a proud mamma!
Aunt Carla found us! She lives in the big house across from the field of the brambles and thorns. She fed us every day. Unfortunately, my puppies stole my food. That is when I learned to survive on moths and chicken eggs. The moths were especially in plentiful supply, especially during the summer months.
Soon my life improved. After eight months, I was adopted once again. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy were in the U.S. every third month. But, they returned home to me over and over again. They took me to the doctor to get rid of my limp, severe allergies, worms, fleas and ticks. They even bathed me (the first one I ever had). It was cool! They have a dog in the U.S. so they know how to treat me like a lady.
Oops, I am pregnant again. I am sorry mommy and daddy. Thanks for preparing to stop my future reproductions, but my diet of eggs and moths has caused me to gain quite a bit of weight. Yiatros Visiles didn’t want to perform surgery until I lost weight. Yes, I am chunky or pleasantly plump. OK, obese.
I am living with Dimitris until mommy and daddy return. He is cool. He lets me hang out in the kennel office with him while he answers calls. I am his mascot and we are pals. What a cool life. He has me on a strict diet so I can lose weight. I am quite tired of giving birth. It is difficult.
I need to talk with you later. Mommy and daddy are here. I am going home!!
How am I doing now? I am quite healthy, happy, and just the correct weight. I eat proper dog food and food scraps. I am as friendly as ever, love people, and I am not afraid!
Did you know that my residence used to be in Thessalaniki, Northern Greece? I have given birth to over thirty five puppies during my seven years as a stray dog until my adoption over a year ago.
My parents were on holiday in Thessaloniki and took me to my new home in Athens. This was an easier life for me. I had a garden even though I lived in an apartment. I had two human brothers to play with and lots of food and water. I was loved until I became-pregnant. As you can guess, I appear to be quite fertile. I now had another liter-five adorable puppies.
But, my story has a negative twist. My parents drove me out to the country, took my collar off, stopped the car in a field in Xiropigado, and pushed me out of the automobile with my litter of four new pups. Yes, my parents chose the pick of the offspring for themselves. I was now a tramp in their eyes.
I have shaggy black fur. It is silky in texture, but uneven in appearance. I am chunky because I used to live on moths as a stray. Now that I live in the country, I have varied my diet with chicken eggs. I poach these eggs from Kiriakos Yiannis who has threatened to shoot me for my pilferage. He doesn’t care that I am sweet and docile. I am just a little hungry! Alright, I did bit the yiayia on the leg. She carried a big stick and it frightened me. Even though, I made this transgression, I am told that I have a wonderful personality. I am not very attractive, but I am quiet and attentive. I also have a talent of producing gorgeous puppies. Just look at them. What a proud mamma!
Aunt Carla found us! She lives in the big house across from the field of the brambles and thorns. She fed us every day. Unfortunately, my puppies stole my food. That is when I learned to survive on moths and chicken eggs. The moths were especially in plentiful supply, especially during the summer months.
Soon my life improved. After eight months, I was adopted once again. Unfortunately, mommy and daddy were in the U.S. every third month. But, they returned home to me over and over again. They took me to the doctor to get rid of my limp, severe allergies, worms, fleas and ticks. They even bathed me (the first one I ever had). It was cool! They have a dog in the U.S. so they know how to treat me like a lady.
Oops, I am pregnant again. I am sorry mommy and daddy. Thanks for preparing to stop my future reproductions, but my diet of eggs and moths has caused me to gain quite a bit of weight. Yiatros Visiles didn’t want to perform surgery until I lost weight. Yes, I am chunky or pleasantly plump. OK, obese.
I am living with Dimitris until mommy and daddy return. He is cool. He lets me hang out in the kennel office with him while he answers calls. I am his mascot and we are pals. What a cool life. He has me on a strict diet so I can lose weight. I am quite tired of giving birth. It is difficult.
I need to talk with you later. Mommy and daddy are here. I am going home!!
How am I doing now? I am quite healthy, happy, and just the correct weight. I eat proper dog food and food scraps. I am as friendly as ever, love people, and I am not afraid!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Happy Trails
Are you interested in walking along the local paseos in your neighborhood? Do you prefer to hike in your hills? Or do you wish to drive your car to another location and walk through the locality? Do you have one, two, or three hours to spare during the week for pure exhilaration and enjoyment? If your answer is yes, then power walking may be for you and “Happy Trails”!
But, are you nervous that the endless paseo trails will lead you astray? Are you fearful that a search party will need to be sent out for you? If so, stay at home!
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is striding. Hiking as a couple, group or jaunting alone works well. Join a walking group that meets at specific locations and a planned program to accommodate the speed you desire. Or, take a brisk walk to meet a friend, buy groceries (great for a triceps/biceps workout) or shop in a department store which will provide built in rest stops. How about walking with your dog, especially if he is high energy like our hound?
I discovered walking in college. Thirty eight years after college, I have learned that I am neither the fastest nor the youngest walker in the universe. I have also realized that my final walking goal is racing against the clock (i.e., achieve the end by traveling at a fast pace, but by not having a heart attack).
As you have read, there is a partner for everyone including a walking colleague for your dog. Even if you are a "solo act," finding your “Happy Trails” is pleasurable. I have not purchased anything along the way except health and fun. I have been seriously into fitness since I turned thirty. If this is the ticket to a long life, I hope I am a winner.
by Roberta Mark Engel
But, are you nervous that the endless paseo trails will lead you astray? Are you fearful that a search party will need to be sent out for you? If so, stay at home!
One of the greatest pleasures in my life is striding. Hiking as a couple, group or jaunting alone works well. Join a walking group that meets at specific locations and a planned program to accommodate the speed you desire. Or, take a brisk walk to meet a friend, buy groceries (great for a triceps/biceps workout) or shop in a department store which will provide built in rest stops. How about walking with your dog, especially if he is high energy like our hound?
I discovered walking in college. Thirty eight years after college, I have learned that I am neither the fastest nor the youngest walker in the universe. I have also realized that my final walking goal is racing against the clock (i.e., achieve the end by traveling at a fast pace, but by not having a heart attack).
As you have read, there is a partner for everyone including a walking colleague for your dog. Even if you are a "solo act," finding your “Happy Trails” is pleasurable. I have not purchased anything along the way except health and fun. I have been seriously into fitness since I turned thirty. If this is the ticket to a long life, I hope I am a winner.
by Roberta Mark Engel
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