I often preach about the importance of financial health, but one should not neglect physical health either!
Lately we have been doing family runs in the morning before our days begin. We use the Nike + app on our phones to record each run. “Gamification”, the use of game mechanics to incentivize an activity, is a core part of the Nike + app. It rewards you with little digital pats on the back for a job well done, and mildly scolds you for being neglectful.
The last five years has seen an explosion of these types of fitness gadgets and programs, from simple pedometers that come in cereal boxes to the Apple Watch that reminds you to stand up and move around periodically throughout the day. You don’t need a gadget, but they can be helpful motivators.
Of course we are trying to instill a good work ethic in Frugal Boy. The best workout he can get right now is being set loose outside. A playground is a plus, but he’ll happily amble around our yard until he gets worn out.
So grab a friend, spouse, the kids, or a pet and get out and exercise! Your pee doesn’t have to be the only thing golden about your Golden Years.
Today was the first day of Memorial Day weekend, a three day weekend for many Americans. Part of frugal living is finding the joy in simpler activities. For us, that includes reconnecting with nature by hiking through the wilderness and enjoying the sights and sounds that cannot be found in a sterile office environment.
Someone asked Shae what our plans for the weekend were, and when she replied that we would probably be hiking 3-6 miles they could not understand why we would want to do that. Well, keep reading to get a glimpse of what adventures and fun can be had in your own backyard.
We drove a short distance to Detweiller Park in Peoria, Il.
Detweiller Park is special because it is the southern most trailhead for the Illinois River Bluff Trail (see a trail map here). The 6.9 mile trail features terrain that you would not expect to find in Central Illinois. Namely, rolling hills, and deep ravines.
There was an nice playground by the trailhead that we took advantage of to set Frugal Boy free while we ate some lunch. After fueling up it was time to hit the trail.
It didn’t take long to have an up close encounter with this fine specimen.
Whenever I post these types of photos to Facebook, I always get a rash of comments along the lines of “kill it” or “run away”. Our goal is to impart a “Live and let live” philosophy to Frugal Boy. The snake, like most animals and insects, poses no real danger to us. It is far better to admire it with respect and then move along and let it go about its day.
Perhaps the greatest thrill that I get out of hiking is not knowing what’s behind the next bend in the trail.
What’s Around the Bend-itis
Aren’t you just the least bit curious as to what’s up ahead on the trail. Just take a few more steps to find out. You never know what you’ll come across, and we came across something that totally blew us away!
Well, are you curious yet? Are you thinking, maybe I should get outside and enjoy the freedom of nature?
What if you found a ghost camp?
The ole swimming pool.
The trail had switched from a dirt path to a two rut gravel road. The first thing we came upon was this old swimming pool and bath house.
Next door was a canteen/cafeteria area?
Canteen, cafeteria, or trading post?
An overgrown cross gave a hint as to the camp’s original occupants.
overgrown cross and message board
Our road reached a junction, but trail signs pointed the way to a place further back in the ghost camp.
Here we found intact restrooms and an accessible caboose.
Random Caboose
If you looked at the trail map at the beginning of the post, you’d see that this was Green Valley Camp, our turnaround point for the day. GVC was run by the Salvation Army before being turned over to the Peoria parks district.
We switched off carrying duties and Frugal Boy was hosed down because it was hot out.
On the way back we spotted some more of nature’s wonders.
Do you know what plant has mitten shaped leaves?
If you said, Poison Ivy, congratulations! Leaves of three, leave it be.
Nearing the end of the hike, we crossed over another rambling brook. I had made a mental note of it on the way in, and we stopped to let Frugal Boy play in it.
He was happy as could be and got nice and dirty. A fellow hiker walked by and just grinned when she saw a mostly naked toddler playing in the stream.
Overall, it was a splendid hike.
Discovered a Ghost Camp ✓
Played in a stream ✓
Saw animals in their natural habitat ✓
Avoided poison ivy ✓
So that’s why we go out hiking on our three day weekends.
He didn’t have a very good time and demanded to be held for the duration. I think he may have enough memory to associate it as an ouchy place. In three months he will finish up the last major round of baby vaccinations and then I think he gets a bit of a reprieve.
His measurements looked good at: 25 lbs 14 oz (88%), 19.25″ head circumference (94%), and a lanky 33″ (97%). I think the length was a bit off as we measured him at home closer to 32″.
It’s been a while since I have posted a bunch of pictures of Frugal Boy. The grandparents are probably getting itchy, so I better remedy that.
We transplanted a patch of creeping phlox from our backyard to a flower bed in the front yard. The resulting bare dirt patch has since been claimed by Frugal Boy.
We tried out a ‘dress yourself’ day. After he ran to Shae’s closet and grabbed a dress we reverted to picking his attire for him.
He has made great strides in potty training.
just kidding!
Wagon rides are pretty fun. You can sit, kneel, and lay down in the wagon. Frugal Boy still likes to test boundaries and try standing and straddling the side of the wagon.
Big hats help to keep the sun off that buttery smooth baby skin.
We learned that Frugal Boy’s attention span is better than we thought. He sat like this for almost 30 minutes.
He was watching a tree being cut down.
He has a new adventure friend.
The neighbor girl had a lot of fun playing with him one evening.
In the interest of not falling too far behind on blog posts here is a new one. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough quality material for an on focus post, so let the ramblings begin! Please do try to keep up, we’ll be switching topics rapidly.
A New Hat
The last bit of winter weather was the straw that broke Shae’s back. She brought out the sewing machine and made a custom fleece hat for herself with ear flaps (a must have feature according to her) and a special cutout for hair.
We Visited Family
Easter weekend we visited with family. Frugal Boy got some one on one time with Grandma.
Vegetable Korma
Shae planned out April’s dinner menu. A surprise favorite so far for me was vegetable korma. This vegetarian dish is big on flavor and texture (depending on how long you cook the veggies). Next time I think I want to add some chicken or a white fish for that little extra bit of extra flavor.
Walking Becomes The New Thing
Frugal Boy can now be seen wandering aimlessly through the house on two limbs instead of four.
Blueberry Bushes Get a New Home
We ordered two dwarf blueberry plants for our backyard. The two varieties are suitable for container gardening and in a few years we will hopefully be collecting 5-10 pounds of fresh berries each summer! In preparation for the new arrivals we got their large pots ready with nice acidic soil.
Is the Carnival in Town?
The weather has been fantastic and we have been booting Frugal Boy outside as much as possible. Our neighbors seem to have the same idea, so when a bounce house got set up and they invited Frugal Boy over to jump in it I couldn’t say no!
Slides are FUN!
We’ve found that playgrounds offer a better place for Frugal Boy to express his climbing desires than our living room furniture. He seems to be taking after his oldest cousin and is completely fearless about going down any slide by himself.
Hanging Out and Eating Crackers with Mom
We are working on getting Frugal Boy used to the idea of spending all day outside when it is warm out. I have fond memories of childhood and playing outside until it got dark out. Hopefully with the proper nurturing and boundaries Frugal Boy will be able to experience some of the carefreeness of our youth.
Detweiller Park is special because it is the southern most trailhead for the Illinois River Bluff Trail (see a trail map 
