January 30 2011- After a full week of school (well, almost full week of school, another 3 day weekend), errands, workouts and Dr's appointments, it was a weekend of "veggie-tating". We did finally get out today (Sunday) to get some fresh air. We rounded up the neighbor boy, Mykah, headed to Homac (Home Amenity Center...the Japanese Home Depot, but better) picked up a cheap plastic sled and headed for a local sledding hill. Swan Lake....we've been there before on other trips, if you recall.
The ducks were congregated in the parking lot. As a new car arrived they waddled over to the newcomers to check for handouts. Not shy at all. Fortunately we had some stale chips and dog bones on hand. (the dog bones Shane grounded up with the heel of his shoe to make them taste little niblits) Andi was delighted to get this one to eat out of her hand. Mykah was happy to scatter crumbs, but not so keen on the idea of hand feeding.
Up in the sky were the hawks. No doubt looking for a tasty morsel...and not the ones we were handing out, but perhaps one we were fattening up for them...
Above: Apparently hippos turn blue in the winter and like to eat snow.
Above and below: Enjoying the sledding!
Andi is on a little but sized sled. There is a handle that comes up between the legs for you to hold on to. It's a great started sled for her, as she really doesn't like to go fast or out of control. Personally, I would've loved to be on one of those spiny disc ones, go to the top and spin all the way down.....ahhhh my younger years, when I didn't have a glass jaw, and sensitive back. Knowing my luck, if I had gone sled bound today, something probably would've shattered.
Got Shane out of the house. It wasn't to horribly cold. But when all you can do is stand around and watch the action....it's best to dress warm. I had my big "cold weather" jacket on as well...it's just prettier than that one.
This was Mykah's first time of sledding. He did pretty good, once he caught on to putting his feet out to slow down. His first run down the steeper hill was pretty spectacular, going down a couple of additional ledges that he was unprepared for and knocking the wind out him. But as soon as he saw a little Japanese girl about half his age do it and laugh the whole way down....he gave it another go. Like I said, once he realized how important feet were to the process, things went much better.
Andi liked the big hill as well, but stuck with her little but sled....she tried the big one once and decided she felt to out of control.
One little girl worked on her down hill skiing technique. She would ski down a little bit, then do the side step back up the hill side. Scared at first, but laughing as she went....perhaps some nervous laughter.
Andi concentrating on not hitting anybody. I hope she doesn't bite her tongue off.....
Andi and Mykah as we were getting ready to head home. We were only out for about an hour, but for Shane and his back, that's a big outing these days.
THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT, 2011
02/03/2011 - 01/22/2012 (Metal)
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2011 is the Year of the Golden Rabbit, which begins on February 3, 2011 and ends on January 22, 2012. The Rabbit is the fourth sign of the Chinese Zodiac, which consists of 12 animals signs. The Rabbit is a lucky sign. Rabbits are private individuals and a bit introverted. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are reasonably friendly individuals who enjoy the company of a group of good friends. They are good teachers, counselors and communicators, but also need their own space.
According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves. It is a time for negotiation. Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail. To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children. Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.
Not many people know that the Rabbit is the symbol of the Moon, while the Peacock is the symbol of the Sun, and that together, these two animal signs signify the start of day and night, represent the Yin and Yang of life. It is said that anyone making supplications for wishes to be fulfilled are certain to get what they want... and in the Year of the Rabbit, the wish-granting aspect of the Sun and the Moon combined is multiplied. The Moon is YIN and this is the Yin of Heaven, signifying magic. Thus on each of the Full Moon nights of this year, go out into your garden to gaze into the Full Moon and visualize plenty of Moon dust and Moon glow flowing into you, filling your whole body with bright white light and granting you fearlessness, love and courage. This will not only strengthen your inner "Chi" energy, it will also bring wisdom into your life.
The Sign of the Rabbit
People born in the Year of the Rabbit share certain characteristics: Keen, wise, fragile, tranquil, serene, considerate, fashionable, and kind. Generally, they are quite calm, do not exhibit aggressive behavior, and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, they will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising their voice. And they are quite keen and pay close attention to the situations developing around them. They are intelligent and quick, and can talk themselves in or out of most situations with no problem.
The Rabbit is a symbol for mercy, elegance, and worship of beauty. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are kind, loving persons, and dislike any hostile act. They give others an impression of being frail-looking because of their gentle appearance. But, in fact they are strong-minded and have strong wills. They pursue their ideals all their lives in a precise and orderly way. They do things slowly and deliberately because of their cautious characters.
There is no need to worry about their lives. They are nimble, clever and good at avoiding harm to themselves. They are talented and like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds. They are also very hospitable, good hosts and warm-hearted companions. They never embrace others in public places. They know the art of saving face and giving consideration to the interests of both sides.
People born in the Year of the Rabbit are apt to be sensitive to ailments and to have bad allergies. Stress or conflict will detriment their health. Exercise could take off unnecessary stress and strengthen their physical condition. They have to learn to incorporate more action into their everyday routines.
They will become depressed and withdrawn if their homes do not consist of beautiful possessions that make them comfortable. Their homes and offices usually are clutter-free. They have really good communication skills and are best utilized in positions of management. They make great teachers and counselors because they are so diplomatic and well-organized. They can also make great painters or musicians due to their sense of beauty and their love of creativity.
Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances. They use much of their money for possessions such as their homes, cars or furniture. They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things.
Rabbit Years: 01/29/1903 to 02/15/1904 (Water), 02/14/1915 to 02/02/1916 (Wood), 02/02/1927 to 01/22/1928 (Fire), 02/19/1939 to 02/07/1940 (Earth), 02/06/1951 to 01/26/1952 (Metal), 01/25/1963 to 02/12/1964 (Water), 02/11/1975 to 01/30/1976 (Wood), 01/29/1987 to 02/16/1988 (Fire), 02/16/1999 to 02/04/2000 (Earth), 02/03/2011 to 01/22/2012 (Metal).
