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Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Traveling Solo

The past two weeks I have been on my own as I traveled through the Midwest United States. I have never been to Kansas, Nebraska or Iowa, so I went on a journey to see the countryside. I stayed on a cattle ranch, so I could experience a rural lifestyle.

During the weeks before I left town, I didn't even bother telling my friends that I was planning a solo trip. As soon I mention the idea, they start to protest the idea. Otherwise, they look at me as if I'm crazy. Many women travel for business, and that's not a big deal. For years, I worked as a photojournalist and traveled throughout the southeast without any problems. Traveling alone for enjoyment is still taboo for women. Sure, there's the chance that my car might breakdown in an unsafe neighborhood, but that could happen at home in Georgia. Crime can happen anywhere, so a person must pay attention to their surroundings.

For emergencies, I carry a phone and a AAA card. I keep in contact with friends and family. I let them know of my route in advance, so everyone has an idea of my schedule and my location. I leave notes or emails if I do go hiking stating where I'm going and when I should be back, so people can figure out there's a problem if I get lost or injured.

I love to getaway and see the world, and it so hard to find someone that wants to do the exact same things and find the time to get away. Many friends have families with important responsibilities, so it's impossible for them to getaway for a few days. Over the years, I got tired of the rejection when I asked people to join me, so now I go on my own about once a year.

The first trip I took was to Boston for a Pablo Picasso exhibit, and then I went onto Cape Cod for a few nights. While in Boston, I visited Harvard Yard and walked around the campus. I stayed at a my first bed and breakfast while visiting the cape. It was one of the best trips that I ever took, and I did it solo.

A few months later I met my husband, and we traveled together. My husband is very persnickety regarding his destinations, and I soon found out there were many places he didn't want to visit. Some of those places I desperately wanted to visit. For years, I didn't travel by myself, but then my need to roam the earth became too strong. Finally, I went off on my own, and I don't regret a minute of it.

More stories and photos:

bloggergirlapril.com and thelatesttoday.blogspot.com/

All photos are property of April Kooy Riley.
For more information email AK_images@aol.com.

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Monday, June 13, 2016

Mattresses

If you wake up in the morning with back pain or have constant insomnia, it might be time to replace your mattress. Sleeping on a bad mattress can cause lower back pain due to the lack of support, which strains back muscles.

A good sign that it's time to find a new mattress is that your current mattress sags in the places where you sleep. Below has background information if the time is right to purchase a new mattress.

At night some people like to watch television from bed. From the sleeping position, this is uncomfortable for the cervical neck and can cause problems with spinal alignment. Tempur-Pedic has adjustable bases that allow a person to sit up in bed starting at 700 dollars and go up to 5,000 dollars depending on comfort.

Types of mattress:

Innerspring mattress have a spring support system. There are many different types of steel coil systems, including units with springs connected into a single unit or individually wrapped pocketed coils. Spring shapes, designs, coil gauge, and number of coils in a mattress can vary.
* On Consumer Reports, they recommended 600-1000 coils and not to worry about coil variations since none really stood out when compared.

Hybrid mattress has both a spring support system and one or more types of foam, such as polyurethane foam, memory foam, or latex or gel foam.
* On Consumer Reports, memory foam that was several inches thick got great reviews.
* There's no guarantee that lumber-supported mattresses have any difference in improving back issues according to Consumer Reports.

Adjustable Air beds use an adjustable air chamber as the support system. Unlike the type of air mattresses, the air chamber of a residential air bed is surrounded by padding and coverings.

A box spring mattress is basically a wood frame, and if yours is intact, you may not need to spend more money to get one. Although certain brand require you to buy a box spring to get full warranty coverage.

Whatever you decide, try to test the bed by relaxing on it in the store for ten to fifteen minutes. Spending time with a mattress will give you a better idea if bed is not too soft or hard.

More stories and photos:

bloggergirlapril.com and thelatesttoday.blogspot.com/

All photos are property of April Kooy Riley.
For more information email AK_images@aol.com.

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Favorite Nature Photos from May 2016

Favorite pictures taken by April Kooy Riley over the month of May 2016.

Mother goose and a gaggle of goslings
glide across a pond in Morrow, Georgia.

A Purple Coneflower attracts a bee and sunlight.

A fly sits on a hydrangea flower at the Jimmy Carter Center.

A mocking bird guards his territory at Oakland Cemetery.

Macro photography of a lily
found at Oakland Cemetery.

A bug finds its way on a flower at the Jimmy Carter Center in Atlanta.

More stories and photos:

bloggergirlapril.com and thelatesttoday.blogspot.com/

Thank you for visiting!

See you later!

All photos are property of April Kooy Riley. Please ask permission before use.

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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

2015 Favorite Nature Photos

My favorite photos from 2015 that I was lucky enough to photograph and enjoy.

I hope you agree!

Orientale Scarlett Poppy photographed at
Dothan Area Botanical Gardens in Alabama.

Black-eyed Susan photographed in Atlanta, Georgia.

Great Blue Skimmer Dragonfly photographed in Georgia.

Sun shines through a sunflower in Atlanta, Georgia.

Gulf Fritillary photographed on a Lantana Flower in Atlanta.

Ruby-Throated Hummerbird photographed
in Cedar Bluff, Alabama

The Virgin River photographed in Zion National Park in Utah.

Butterfly photographed at Callaway Gardens
in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

More stories and photos:
bloggergirlapril.com and thelatesttoday.blogspot.com/

All photos are property of April K. Riley.
For more information email AK_images@aol.com.

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

~ Tips to help with Stress and Anxiety ~

We worry about our family members. We worry what the boss thinks about our work. We worry about traffic and being late. A little worry helps keep us in line, so we do a good job. Stress can be helpful in dealing with an unsolved problem. A mild amount is considered good for the normal person, but for some us, anxiety can be overwhelming and start to consume our whole lives if we are not careful. It interrupts our sleep causing nightmares and insomnia.

I have friends that are workaholics, and they can’t slow down and relax. They are bored the first few days of vacation because it takes a few days for them to unwind.

We have all heard that you need to get your heart rate up with exercise. Your mind and body also need down time to deal with the stress building up in your body. Some people do this by walking, meditating, or by praying. Others find solace in reading a book, but that doesn’t always give your mind time to relax.

Here are a few tips to relax:

1. If you are worried about something out of your control, tell yourself over and over that everything is going to be fine and will work out for the best.

2. Try to be positive when things are getting you down. Being negative and worrying about an outcome could trigger depression or unhappy feelings. A positive attitude helps you achieve your goals and improves the ability of being happy with your life. Norman Vincent Peale has written many books on the power of having a positive attitude. If this is your issue, I recommend picking up one of his books.

3. Try to relax by deep breathing exercises. Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and then exhale for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times, and you will start to relax.

4. As you do the deep breathing exercises, try to clear your head. Remove all stressful thoughts by thinking about nature. I usually think about a sunset at the beach or springtime flowers. Many athletes visualize about making the play or crossing the finish line. This helps realize their goals are within reach.

More stories and photos: bloggergirlapril.com and http://thelatesttoday.blogspot.com.

Thank you for visiting!

Monday, May 16, 2016

~ 7 Things to Enhance Your Day ~

Quick Fixes to Improve Your Mood and Stress Level

1. Be in the Present.

Forget the past. Don’t cry over something you can’t change. Try focusing on today and making plans for tomorrow. Tell yourself today is a great day.

2. Improve your posture.

Sitting up straight can help improve your attitude. Notice how you are sitting and make the changes.

3. Listen to music.

Happy music changes your emotional state. Find an upbeat song to get the day going.

4. Take deep breaths.

Inhale for 5 seconds, Hold for 5 seconds, and then Exhale for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times, and you will start to relax.

5. Message your temples.

Lightly messages your temples in a circular motion. Another good spot is the base of the skull (back of the neck) on each side of the spine.

6. Take a walk.

After taking the time to exercise, you will feel much better. There is a definite link between healthy mind and a healthy body.

7. Talk to a friend.

A friendly hello or smile can make a big difference to the next person you encounter. Even better say hello to a friend. It’s nice to hear their voice.