Today I turned 40 years old with a bottle of champagne and my family on a summit overlooking the North Cascades. We kicked off the weekend on the Pacific Crest Trail at Harts Pass near Canada. The PCT was the first “big girl” trail I hiked after moving to Seattle in 2013. Spending time in complete silence (for hours) was a first for me. It truly changed my life. When I finally grew comfortable paying attention without immediately reacting, I was really able to listen and see life around me in a way I never had before. If someone asks what really led to the end of my career, it was an internal shift I have a hard time describing but ultimately resembles self-awareness, and it probably began on the PCT. I met several through hikers this weekend who started at the Mexico border and were almost done. I asked what they planned to do after such an accomplishment. “Go home and get back to work,” most said. At first it seems anticlimactic but I remember Trent Peterson, a young man whose story I told years ago, as he rode wild mustangs along the PCT. He used to say that the PCT is just a trail, what matters is that we slow down, pay attention and see clearly whatever path we’re on. I looked up a quote from that report to share with you all.
“This isn't to advocate for the PCT. The PCT is just a trail. Get out of the rat race and slow down. Pay attention to the little things, not just the big things, because it's the whole picture we need to be aware of," he said.
Jack makes a mean chocolate pudding! This recipe is healthy and delicious. Two avocados. One-half cup milk. Four tablespoons of both cocoa powder and maple syrup. Add a dash of vanilla extract. Blend and enjoy! Teaching a kid to cook is a messy activity, but it is so worth it! Before you know it, they’re not only making their own breakfast, they want to make it for you too. I think we may be compelled to say “no I’ll just do it” when our kids ask to help, as we are all so busy in today’s modern life, but if we just put in a little elbow grease now, it will return dividends in the future. And not just in the kitchen - in their soul.
And you know what else comes in chocolate flavor? The fermented cod liver/concentrated butter oil from Green Pasture. I prefer the cinnamon tingle flavor, but if you are a chocolate lover, give it a try. It’s full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D & K. I have been taking it for about 15 years. I used to get chronic cavities and now...
I took the kids peach picking at Graham Farms in Umatilla, Florida. If you’re in the area, don’t miss it! They’re the best u-pick peaches this side of heaven. Mary Graham explains in this video the “insider” way they cut a peach easily and quickly. Don’t forget to grab your fermented cod liver/butter oil and wash it down with all that peach juice! Promo code “ALISON” gets you 10% off.
https://www.greenpasture.org/
This is a short clip from Sunday's show in case you didn't make it to the end. We had a mama fox and 4-5 kits move into an old gopher tortoise hole, about 20 yards from the chicken coop. Every single farmer I talked to told me to shoot the foxes as they're notorious chicken thieves. I chose a different route. Thankfully I have a very loud dog and lots of energy from all the good nutrition in Green Pasture's fermented cod liver/butter oil blend - so I was prepared for taking on the fox - and didn't lose a single chicken. Go grab some at https://www.greenpasture.org/ and use promo code "ALISON" at check out for 10% off!
