Give Me Back My Trail!

Life isn't fair.
I have been told that many times and witnessed the truth of that statement many times. I have even been known to mutter that to my children. I came of age when the ERA movement was alive and well. I admit I didn't really understand a lot of the furor. Why were women asking for equal rights? I thought we, as women, had better rights in some instances. I think women should be treated with love, respect and perhaps a little awe. I thought women should be given equal pay for equal work, but realized that sometimes a woman may not have the physical ability to do everything a man could do. I was very conservative. I don't want the priesthood. I don't want to join the Army. But now I am mad. How come some cowardly, sick, perverted creep can take my right to a little free time and exercise by myself. I haven't heard any men being cautioned to not go out exercising by themselves. In fact, Steve just left on a bike ride by himself. He (out of love and protection for me...how romantic!) will not allow me to be on the trails by myself. I am following his advice, but still.... Sometimes I really enjoy walking or riding on the trails by myself. I can think things through. I can enjoy the beauties of the trail. I can feed my soul with the songs of birds and the rustling of grass without having to keep up a conversation with someone.
When this individual chose to attempt his attack, he violated that poor woman. He violated me. He violated every woman that chooses to try and pursue a healthy life style. We had something very precious taken from us. Yes, it was a wake up call that we live in evil times. Yes, we need to be wise. I just feel picked on because it didn't strike fear into the male population. I actually realize that the time is not too far distant when men will have to think about protecting themselves from predators. How much worse can it get? I think I am angry because I have had to give up a lot of my coping mechanisms. I have tried to replace them with healthier habits. Now that I love to exercise, I am not going to give them up.
Give me my right to release the stresses of the day .....on the trails. And by the way, you 10% of the bikers that are selfish, rude antisocial speed demons....warn us politely as you pass. Share the trails and smile at your fellow travelers once in a while. The trail is NOT a race training facility..nor your personal property.

To The Offspring of Stecky

I was asked about the Christmas list recently. True to my word, I am posting it. Please check with your person(s) for gift ideas. I would like to have a place that you can publish a list of things you might like to receive as gifts. Any ideas? Maybe a private blog?
Here is the list along with some of memories of Christmas' Past.
To my other readers....hey, put your wish list down...it couldn't hurt!
Christmas 2010
Lamberts Hayden
Johnsons Carter
Townsends Lamberts
Goudys Johnsons
Lacey Townsends
Hayden Goudy
Carter Lacey

The year of the aprons

Cory enjoys the gifts

Alaina meets the Big Red Man

The Nativity...Hey I am still planning for us to do the Grandma Johnson party

May favorite...singing together