I'm just catcher and basically get my peripheral vision tested behind the mask as I squint and sweat in the bright sun. (I promise I wear sunscreen). I like it. I wish I was hitting better, but I think in time that will come back, especially if I can get myself to the batting cages. Crap, I might even let Dad take me so he can bark / coach at me and we can relive our youth together. LOL. Well, if we do, we have to bring Sister to complete the nostalgia.
(Still laughing as I picture this in my head, because my family is dorky)
Anyways back to cake. I've been enjoying making this buttermilk raspberry cake, I made it twice last weekend. However I have strawberries that I am trying to use right now, so that's what's being baked later this week. It's simple to make and it delivers. Excellent for breakfast, coffee, tea or dinner parties with a bit of fresh whipped cream.
I did Snickerdoodle Bars for the kid's team last match and I think I'll rotate these into this weekend's game for my team.
Thank you everyone for your lovely encouragement as I worked on my second sock for the Fall Knit Along. I have the knack of the old Nutkin now. I admit the first sock was a little tighter than I was expecting. Maybe a US 2 instead of a 1.5 next time for needles. Surprising for a 64 cast on.
Anyhow, that photo from yesterday was a moment sponsored by overpriced hipster coffee and 45 minutes of such enjoyable knitting post Pilates. I don't get to go to cafes and knit by myself much anymore and it was such a treat.
You know what else is a treat? Reformer Pilates, Holy hotpants it's not a cheap activity, but I do like it. I started it because my back and my foot can only take so much higher impact activity. I now would prefer to run only if I'm being chased, but I won't abandon running completely... maybe.
I am using Reformer along with some dance classes to continue to supplement my cardio at the gym because it makes me happy and keeps my physically active which also is good for my brain. Also all that core and upper body strength the Dr. is always suggesting doesn't seem as daunting when I'm distracted by springs and loops and thing opposed to just my body on a mat. ha!
Have you tried Reformer Pilates? Do you have an activity you can do through the colder months that make you feel a little healthier or stronger? Walking is fabulous, but I always seem to tack a treat onto the end of my walk ;) Whatever it is, if you can, stick with it. Health and Happiness for us all.
You go girl! I haven't heard of Reformer Pilates before; it certainly sounds interesting. And damn...behind a catcher's mask? You are brave! The teams are lucky to benefit from your wonderful baking.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Catcher is not a bad gig. Also, there is a big joke that I'm on the team because I bake. ;)
DeleteAt first I thought I had missed this post. Your visits are always warm hugs and sunshine, girlfriend. XO
DeleteI have tried Reformer Pilates. Not real fond of my studio .... the fellow reformers are more pearls and mint juleps, while I am more margarita and tacos!! But, it sure does feel good when I am done. And you are right .....not cheap, but a whole lot cheaper than surgery for my old hips.
ReplyDeleteYes, studio vibe is very important. Some barre classes I tried had that same effect on me too. I wasn't long for those. Reformer where I go more regularly is a good mix, especially of age demographics. I'm probably in the middle. Hip Hop at one studio, I'm probably one of the eldest if not THE eldest in class when I go. Most people are nice enough, with a simple acknowledgement or a friendly hello. That's all we need.
DeleteYou're an inspiration Ellen. Just a bit of half-hearted walking here I'm afraid. I've never tried Pilates, I'm not very good at being still and holding things, although I know I would benefit from it. I keep meaning to google some exercises for a stiff neck. In fact, I shall do it now, you have motivated me. A bit of peaceful alone time in a cafe sounds like a lovely thing. Very rare occurrence here as well. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteAh, the more your write the more you need to stretch! Really that's all that it is. I am not good with the Yoga, but I'm not against it. You might want to go to the library and check out the NYC Ballet Workout book. Be good to your neck. Take a moment think about your posture, stack tall. Just some slo-mo yes/no head nods are always nice at the desk.
DeleteMmmm....I think I gained ten pounds just looking at your latest yummies. As for winter activities, I got nothing. Now that I don't skate I think I am going to have a problem with those pounds. No baking for me.
ReplyDeleteYou are never still even at the homestead! You've always got activities and house projects going and lots of animals to take care of. I can barely skate for 15 mins without huffing. It is work. You've got a groove. Maybe you'll find another, but I'm not worried about you being too still. ha!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoy baking....the foods look great!
ReplyDeleteThe team will love the fruits of your labors!
i do quiet stretching in the morning-I've never played team sports!
I do enjoy baking, but like all things some times I'm more excited about it than others. I am definitely happy if I can bring home an empty tin of cookies from the game. hehe. I WISH I did daily stretching in the morning or the evening. I know my back and neck and my dr. would be more pleased!
DeleteI'm gradually getting back into a walking regime. It feels good to be able to walk without pain, but the new knee does get stiff afterwards.
ReplyDeleteThe teams must love all the yummy treats you bake!
Nancy, it's so good that you are up and out and about! The stiffness is lame, but it's so good to keep things moving and working bit by bit as you get stronger. :)
DeleteI have not, but I'll be googling! I'm in PT right now but when I graduate I'm joining a gym and doing whatever I can to stay pain free. I'm motivated and that's half the battle it seems.
ReplyDeleteYes, I find the motivation is such a fickle thing. I trick myself some days. If I have time to come home before heading back out I immediately change into my exercise clothes. That way if there is time to sit etc, I'm already "ready to go". Good luck in the PT. It's hard work, but it will help motivate you. I am hoping you find what's best for you to stay pain-free and happy.
DeleteThat cake looks yummy!! I do stationary bike right now, but will be getting out on a real bike with the cooler weather. I need to do something to unlock the left hip after the replacement surgery. Those muscles and tendons are still bad from the years I ignored the hip. Something to stretch it would be good for me.
ReplyDeleteThe stationary bike is one of the things at the gym I can do for a bit, I seize up sometimes so I usually stick to the treadmill. It takes me all kinds of time to adjust it b/c I'm short. My friend has one of those docking stations where she puts her bicycle into it and turns into a stationary bike! How cool is that?! Reduces her storage space of a stationary bike and a outdoor bike. But yeah I need to stretch more on my own too. I hope you take good care of that hip and all the surrounding muscles, you know, YOU. ha!
DeleteI like doing Piates but have not heard of Reformer Pilates and just looking at all that yummy baking makes me think I need too. LOL OMG....that Buttermilk Raspberry Cake is making my mouth water!
ReplyDeleteMake the cake! You can always freeze whatever you don't plan on eating/sharing and voila, a few weeks later you have a little breakfast cake hehe.
DeleteOh all I want is cakes and cookies. MY scale was not nice to me this morning. I get very upset if I am up a pound or two. I look forward to snow shoeing but it cant be frigid out. I think my workout at the barn is the best. I love being there. We lift water buckets for the horses, we lift saddles on and off, we scoop stalls, and we walk in deep arena footing for two hours. Still I only do thatonce a week
ReplyDeleteYES this is valuable mental and physical activity! And Kathy you are caring for something/someone else and that is a benefit to the hoses and the people on site working with them daily! It's all WIN WIN. You also get out on your bike, kayak, walk and visit places and people and do all kinds of house projects with The Fireman! Do not take away from that! Remember I sit at a desk for most of my life, my husband is on his feet every day. This is why I exercise in the evening, and he may supplement an early afternoon on the weekend or week here and there. His daily routine is already incorporating activity.
DeleteYou had me at the snickerdoodle bars...my favorite cookie of all time! I used to love playing team sports in school and your softball team sounds fun. As far as exercise goes, I like taking nature walks mostly. My full time job requires being on my feet for over 12 hours so on my days off I try to take it easy.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite cookies to make is the Nutella stuffed snickerdoodle. It's a surprise within a little packet of happiness. Snickerdoodles really are so popular. If I had active hours like that, I'd want to take it easy too given a chance!
DeleteHonestly, Ellen....all this baking is putting on the pounds---just drooling over the pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to take 'offense' to your comment where you said you were 'just' catcher. We hosted a catcher this summer in a wooden bat league, and he worked harder and sweated more and got dirtier than any other player on the team. He was awesome....as I'm sure you are, too!!!
You are too kind Steph. I like sports, and I like trying to improve. I think catcher is difficult during plays at home, but the pitchers usually help me out!
DeleteLooks like minimal baking this weekend.
Can I say that I am loving your wonderful treats, you are a baking inspiration. Well now that I think of it you are a softball inspiration too. I was soooooo horrible at softball. I am not sure I ever hit the ball and I certainly did not catch a ball, ever. That is probably why I became and OT, my eye-hand coordination really sucked. Not a word I like but there is no other word to describe it. Have fun my friend.
ReplyDeleteI loved softball as a kid. My son hates baseball. There's something for everyone. I find eye-hand coordination absolutely fascinating, gross and fine motor skills are just interesting. Brain functionality. Thanks Mere, I'm having fun!
DeleteI've been doing Reformer Pilates for a long time and have gotten rid of back and neck pain. I am a true believer! Bet those soccer kids love your treats!!
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm surprised how much it has helped relieve some of the tension. The stretches are really great for me too! The kids on the team are surprisingly grateful, except for my own kid, ha!
DeleteThat raspberry cake looks amazing! I've never heard of Reformer Pilates. I do my yoga class once a week and love it.
ReplyDeleteOooo, I wish I could yoga! I get the shakes so bad when I try! Do some downward dogs for me!
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