# 16 Going to the Dogs.

Goal number 37 on my list states, " Brush the dogs six times". Why only six times, you may ask? Sixty brushings seemed a bit daunting and I pictured hairless creatures by the end of the year. So, we have had six sessions of grooming and I can now put that goal to rest. Although there is something to be said about brushing a dog--time stops--and it is just the dog, the brush, and me. For them, it has to be the equivalent of a well deserved massage; and the reward for me has been wagging tails and looks of unconditional love.

On the other hand, I think Yogi, the golden retriever, would have preferred being fed sixty meals in one day if he had a say in the matter. Imagine dogs making a "sixty" list (I know they don't live that long, so consider a "10" list) and what would they choose? Their daily agenda might include; 10 walks in the park, 10 toilet bowls to quench the thirst, 10 treats to devour, 10 balls to chase, 10 hours of napping, 10 cats to torment, 10 fire hydrants to...well, you know. The list is endless and wouldn't that be fitting for the perfect dog's life? I can tell my dogs have a secret schedule every day to complete because they have no worry lines, no high blood pressure issues, and sweet contented looks on their faces.

Are there lessons to learn from my furry friends? Of course, and if they could talk they would tell us to keep it simple, and in ten words: "Barkety bark bark bark", or in English: Set goals, achieve mastery, pursue with passion, love the journey. Or did I completely misinterpret their bark and what they really said was, "Try the toilet water, it's the best."

#15 Hot Air Balloon

Some may say I am full of hot air, however, I have ridden in something with hot air--the balloon ride, # 17 on the list--and I assure you that even I do not have that much hot air to blow. As I peered over the top of the basket listening to the balloon man give us the history, geology, and gossip of the area, I imagined being a hawk looking for prey to pounce and devour. Sounds a tad graphic, but that's how nature works--at least that's what the balloon man said. Speaking of him, he looked about fifteen and had the enthusiasm of a six year old which made the ride quite entertaining. My life was entrusted in this man's/boy's hands and I still climbed into the basket. I will have to say, it was an uneventful ride--which is what they strive to do for their clients. He managed a soft rocky landing that left us all smiling while he received a congratulatory hug for a job well done. Whew! Not that I doubted there would be a problem, but as I first surveyed the group, it occurred to me that a couple of people looked like their number might be up today and I was in the position of either braving the basket or not. Was this paranoia part of my sixtieth year? I have had similar feelings whenever I board an airplane and I say to myself, "Okay, who looks like today might be their last?" If no one fits that criteria, I find my seat. Lucky day for me--and for that couple--that it was a successful and memorable flight into the blue skies.

One highlight on the journey was spotting a herd of javelinas in the brush below. They were startled as we whooshed nearby and they quickly fled from their hiding place to an open area. Another nature moment for me, but thank goodness, no bloody scenario from a predator--just tails running in the opposite direction of our balloon shadow.

It was a surprisingly gentle float gliding over the treetops and past the stunning red rocks of Sedona. The beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me and left me speechless; hence, no hot air coming out me today.

Eating out in restaurants has not been a challenge (# 55)--so many restaurants, so little time. Our lunch today was at the Barking Frog with two of our favorite Grand Canyon guides, Tracy (and her mom) and Marieke. Why wasn't this added to my list--sixty lunch dates with them over the next sixty years? I loved hearing their stories, laughing at their jokes, and admiring their downright quirkiness. Being friends for another sixty years--now that would be an even better addition to the list.

It is now approaching the end of the third month of 2011 and, reflecting on my goals, I am happy, no, not happy, ecstatic with how my sixtieth year has begun and continues on a daily basis. I am pushing myself towards unknown territory and realize that step by step, one goal at a time, I can do this. Could this be my slogan for the year--just do this? Eh, that one has already been done, plus it is not quite as clever as Nike's original one. No, I don't need to add creating sixty new slogans to my already jam packed list. Let me think of just one that truly represents my year. Groooooaaaan, nothing yet on my radar. I do believe that I will need at least sixty more days to be inspired for a slogan that embraces this sixtieth year.

#14 I love Ben & Jerry's especially Jerry

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry. Mr. Greenfield, or Jerry to those who know him, not only wrote back to me but sent me two coupons for two pints of his delicious ice cream. Yes, this is the distinguished Jerry of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream who is also turning 60 this year and goal #32 was to share my list with six people who were born in 1951. What a treat (literally) to receive a personal letter and birthday wish which has led me to the conclusion that I love getting mail and I love free stuff. Maybe my list should have included collecting sixty free things and getting sixty letters. I am finding so many additions to my list that I may have to turn sixty again next year. LOL (as my daughter would say) or FTI (For the older crowd it means--Forget That Idea).

On another note, we are staying in a lovely cottage in Sedona, Arizona for two weeks to slowly acclimate ourselves to the colder weather in Wisconsin before our return. If you are not aware of this gorgeous, but eccentric place, I would highly recommend a trip here. Our place is exquisitely decorated with collectibles that range from a Jewish Star of David to Native American motifs to Asian art with an emphasis on Buddhism. The owner invited us to a solstice vortex type activity to celebrate the full moon and various other spiritual festivities that might be happening tonight--at least I think that is what he said. Could I be revisiting the '60's in my sixtieth year and not even be aware of it? The stars seems to be lining up for a magical moment right here under the Sedona moon. Have I found my center or my vortex or...what are you supposed to find here? It must be passing me by at this point because I am feeling my same old self--59 and counting...

March 6 # 13 Could 60 be the new 40?

March arrived in a flurry and caught me without a blog on the first of the month. Too many goals and too little time I wonder? Maybe I should have made only forty goals as I feel more like a forty year old than someone turning sixty. Could all this endless activity be the cause? Possibly, and now five goals are completed with another two on the brink of moving over to the "done" side of the page.

The fourth completed goal was the stomach strengthening sixty sit ups. I began adding two each day and suddenly they became easier as the numbers slowly increased. Although I am still struggling with the push ups counting a mere thirty-five a day, I have continued the sit ups and have mastered that task 100 times. Is my tummy flattening? Sadly, not at this point; after all, I am turning sixty and not forty.

The scarf is now finished and will be wrapped around someone's neck in the near future (that sounds somewhat threatening, I do mean it will lovingly embrace a neck). Sister Susan was the inspiration for the scarf and gave specific details on how to knit the darn thing. Can you tell that knitting isn't my cup of tea? With her suggestion of using needles the size of an arm and bulky yarn (appropriately named), the job was done in record time. I will have to admit that it isn't the most attractive scarf, but it certainly will be functional and keep some poor soul, oops, I mean some fortunate friend warm next winter.

A new discovery I realized was that I would have had to add the goal of gaining sixty pounds to my list if I did not have a balance between the goals relating to food and drink and the physical goals of swimming, running, or hiking. Another lesson learned to add to my list-- maintain a balance in life and all will be well...ummmmmmmmm.