The only difficulty with getting away for a weekend is how much I hate to leave his highness. He my be a pill, and have too big of an appetite, but he's a pretty cool cat, and being separated is hard. Thankfully my brother's family here is willing to help look after him when I'm gone. They love him and he loves them, so he's always well cared for. But it's always a relief to come home, and reunite. I'm pretty sure the feeling is mutual. Happy Tracie and Happy Kitty.
One of my goals this year is to go on a backpacking trip. It's something I've always wanted to do, but been too intimidated to try. Well, a few weeks ago, one of the girls in the Ward invited me on a backpacking trip to the Uinta's this summer. This time I immediately said yes. All was well until a few days later when reality set in and the thought of carrying 30-35 pounds of pack on my back while hiking in rough terrain just about made me cave. I did not have all the gear I would need, nor was I in good enough shape. The gear is something easily worked out. Most of it I can either purchase myself, or borrow from highly motivated friends. The physical conditioning was another matter altogether, so I decided it was time to get in better shape. I've been pretty good at exercising regularly, and I'm in ok shape for someone approaching a milestone birthday (if I say so myself). But I knew I needed to put in some extra miles, as well as add strength to my legs ...

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