Did you ever have one of those summers where you wished you had done more outdoor activities? A few months ago when the snow was still flying, my husband Josh and I promised ourselves we would make the most of this summer by spending as much time as possible doing fun things outdoors. And we’ve done a great job of keeping that promise!

On a recent excursion in California with our friends, Erin and Mike, we decided to rent bicycles and tour some of the wineries. Josh and I don’t have bikes of our own, but we’ve been thinking about buying some. I don’t believe we need anything fancy, just a couple of cruisers to enjoy rides around town here at home. We have many friends who own bikes and are always asking us to join them for rides.

So, on a beautiful day in the Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma, we woke up early and packed lunches to take with us. We were staying in this nice little town called Healdsburg, and we headed downtown to rent some bikes. Our plan was to tour some wineries, making a loop on our bicycles. One of the wineries was offering dinner that evening, and we wanted to take advantage of it at the end of our day. The girls at the bike rental place appeared to be around high-school age. Of course, they didn’t have any recommendations on where to stop along the route, or offer any other tips for us first-time tourists.

Our initial plan was to ride a mile or two, and stop here and there along the way to try some wine. The countryside was beautiful and peaceful—rolling hills laden with row after row of picturesque grape orchards. But before we knew it, we were on a curving, narrow two-lane road that was going up and down! I don’t have much experience with bicycles, and I could never get the hang of the gears. I was always shifting up or down at the wrong times. After a while, the day became very hot and more humid than we are use to around here. Plus, our backsides were telling us it was time to get off the bikes! Using muscles that are not accustomed to that kind of workout was putting a huge strain on my thighs, and they started to burn with a vengeance. We girls secretly hoped our husbands would ride their bicycles back, pick up the car, and come pick us up.

It didn’t work out exactly the way we had planned. I think we ended up biking almost 24 miles, and we only visited three vineyards. But we did manage to have a nice dinner at one of the wineries on their beautiful grounds under a canopy of twinkling stars. It was fun chatting with the locals and just enjoying the evening outside in the cool night air.

Now Josh is all excited about buying bikes for both of us. Me—not so much! But, it is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, so I’ll definitely give it some thought. Meanwhile, I hope everyone is taking advantage of our beautiful Colorado outdoors and enjoying it as much as we are. So long for now, and happy summer!

Special Notes

Struggling to lose weight? Premier Health & Longevity Center is offering FREE seminars or a personal consultation. Visit with Dr. Paterson, on page 19, and change your life today.

Harmony In Hair is a full service salon, spa, and retail center. Please check out their ad on page 13, they are offering our readers a special on Sanitas Custom-Blend Facials.

Last chance to enroll at The Salon Professional Academy for the 2010 Cosmetology, Aesthetics or Nail Technology courses. Also take advantage of the Federal Financial Aid now available for those whole qualify. For more information see their ad on page 43.

Take advantage of the different tax credits and utility rebates and replace your old windows today. Call Window America, see their ad on page 35.

Keep your summer glow! Advanced Skin Aesthetics is offering specials on all laser treatments through the end of August. See their ad on page 17.

We would like to thank the Assisted Living Directory for their help with last month’s Generations column, Help Through Assisted Living. You can visit them at their Web site www.assisted-living-directory.com.

Positive Thought of the Month

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumblebee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”—Ashley Smith