Septemeber Camping

September 2016
Camping up in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

 "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves" - John Muir

Girl Time In San Diego

August 2016
San Diego, California  

In August I made my fist solo trip since I got sick. YAY! My mother was spending a few days in California with her aunt and cousin, so I decided to give it a try and meet her down there. Everything went really well, but it was helpful to have such a short flight and my mom waiting for me at the gate. So, I guess that is cheating a bit, BUT, I am still very proud of myself!

Our Summer So Far...

Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Wyoming, and back to Utah. April-August 2016

Here is a brief photo recap of our summer so far. We were able to travel a lot more than we have been able in the past year and we took full advantage of that! When we were not traveling, we were at home recuperating from our travels (or I was and Chris was working).

Moab

Moab, Utah ~ March 2016

In late March we ventured south to check out Moab and try our hands at camping. The drive down was amazing and we had great weather during our little trip...a bit cold...but it could have been worse. We had a wonderful time and are really looking forward to our next camping trip!

Esacpe To Sacramento

February 2016
Salt Lake City, Utah - Sacramento, California

We had quite the unplanned adventure over Valentines Day weekend this year. The week prior the air quality in SLC had gotten worse due to a very nasty inversion that was happening. We spent two full days exploring Park City just to get out of the valley and get fresh air. The difference between the valley and just 20 minutes on the other side of the mountain was night and day. I felt great in Park City, but at night when we were home, I would take a nose dive.  I was keeping my eye on the numbers, but by body had enough. I started to get sicker and sicker and knew I could not handle one more night in the valley.

Janaury Happenings

January 2016

In January Chris and I took a quick trip to PA to visit with my family. Actually, it was quite long for us...five days! Five days that went way too fast. But, it was lovely, restful, and a joy to just sit and be with my family. We didn't get to see everyone we wanted or even do the things on my "I want to take Chris here" list. Next time...

A "Moldy" Holiday and Other Related Thoughts

Since we are in the middle of the holiday season, I thought I would share a few thoughts on hosting a "Moldy", a loved one with Lyme or other chronic illnesses, or a chemical/environmentally sensitive loved one.

There are lots of articles out there on how to survive the holidays as a person with a chronic illness (like this one), but not many for their loved ones.

The holiday season is full of wonder, excitement, family, friends, presents, parties, and a billion activities to go to and do. Friends and families host parties, there are school and church Christmas programs, local Christmas events, Christmas concerts, company dinners, Christmas light displays, parades, shopping, eating, well...you know! I am a HUGE lover of the Christmas season and have always loved to cram as much into the season as possible.

But, the holidays look and feel entirely different to a chronically ill person. Everyone is different and I can not speak for everyone. But, I have some thoughts from my personal experience and from picking things up from fellow sufferers.