The Rest of the Story - Swimming

Did she or didn't she? I know the tension, and suspense is unbearable!

I started swim lessons three weeks ago, with classes every Wednesday, and Saturday. I filled my water time with lap swim on Tuesdays for practice, and water aerobics on Friday. I feel fully water-logged.

In addition to the goggles, and swim cap we received at our first lesson, we also got a snorkel tube at our last lesson. Neat-o swag.

We did different kinds of drills over the course of three weeks. We practiced breathing techniques with rotation from side to side, and kick boards, (breathe in with your mouth, out through your nose). Learned proper underwater gliding form, (arms extended, chin tucked in, legs together). Treading water means "egg beater legs", with swirly arms/hands.  We trained with flippers, and without, for leg kicks that are done at the hip joint, not at the knees, and "loosey, goosey" ankles.

We used a pull buoy, which is a float you grip with your thighs, helps your legs to float while you concentrate on your stroke with your arms, (get those elbows up, and skim the water with your fingers).

It's a cool training device, it works!

I learned that if I felt things weren't going right, (too much flailing), I could stop, float, reset my position and my mind, and start up again. I didn't have to feel tense, I could just relax, take a moment, catch a breath, and know it's all okay. I don't need to grab the side, or stand up. This is a big step for me.

My classmates were fun, and we enjoyed the camaraderie. I couldn't have attended this class without you, Kathy, and Maria! We spent some of our water time laughing with each other. (Notice I said with, not at.) Our instructors were helpful, knowledgable, and encouraging, Wrangell has the best! Thanks Kate, and Bruce, you were awesome! I remarked to them, that even though I have had swim lessons before, I've never had anyone break down the steps, and give such complete instructions. I have a really good understanding of how it all works now. Head knowledge, which needs practice, practice, practice for that muscle memory.

The last lesson, required a jump into the pool at the deep end, come to the surface, tread water for a minute, and swim 25yards, the length of the pool. Did I do it???????

Well?!?

Did I get a t-shirt, and what did it look like?

Learned to swim!

Go me! You're never to old to learn!

We enjoy comments here, or on our Denali Rose Sailboat facebook page.

Friday Funny 05/12 (Mother's Day, of course)

With adulthood comes realization.

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers everywhere. 

I found some funny downloadable cards for you, just in case they fit your need.

Maybe your Mother likes wacky humor. 

Here is the website you can download from, and they have more if one of these isn't quite right.

People magazine published an interesting article about the origins of the day. Anna Jarvis, in her home state of West Virginia, was focused on trying to prevent infant mortality by improving sanitary medical conditions for women and children. In 1868, she created Mother's Friendship Day in West Virginia to bring Confederate, and Union mothers together. After her own mother died, she created a Mother's Day, and started the tradition of sending white carnations. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the second Sunday of May as the official Mother's Day. Then the greeting card companies, and florists got ahold of the holiday, and commercialism took over. Anna Jarvis spent most of the rest of her life boycotting, and organizing protests against Mother's Day, saying that commercialism had kidnapped the real meaning behind the holiday.

Since I am unable to actually speak to my Mother, I still honor her anyway. I have previously written about my parents, and the way they have influenced my life. I don't remember if Mom enjoyed boats, but I'm sure she would have welcomed the adventure of a visit to Denali Rose.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Mom's love never ends.

I also honor my beautiful daughter-in-law, who takes care of her family, through my son's active military career, my three grandsons, and is studying for her nursing license. She's a BUSY women.

Happy Mother's Day Veronica!

The hidden cape goes with the "eyes in the back of the head". Roni, I know you have one of these!

Here's a suggestion to avoid the commercialism

A sweet sentiment.

However you celebrate, with an e-card, a phone call, a restaurant meal, or a day away from chores, have a good one!

We enjoy comments here, or on our Denali Rose facebook page.