ToddlingAroundTheWorld

Finished Run the Year for the fourth year in a row. 

It was a nice, relaxing Sabbath. Actually got a nap in. Did have a rough day with my right eye. Seems I got something in there yesterday while edging the lawn. I washed it out and tried pulling the top eyelid over the bottom a number of times, but it was super irritated and now it is puffing up. It has been watering for the past 12 hours, so not sure what is still wrong with it. Hopefully it fixes itself during the night.  Didn’t get outside for a walk today, so spent two hours on the treadmill tonight. 

I was planning on walking in Des Moines after dropping Flash off for grooming. Sadly, found out I had the wrong day and ended up coming back home. For a few things done around the house - fixed the disposal, cleaned the bathroom, did the dishes, made dinner and edged the lawn. Finally got out late afternoon and walked the trout lake loop.  Finished the day with 5 miles on the treadmill while watching Disney’s ‘Gus’. Used to love that movie when I was a kid. 

I usually have been getting in a couple of hours on the treadmill at night. It has been a busy few weeks with helping to take care of LeAnn while her hands heal.  At night after getting her to bed, I will come hop on the treadmill and walk about 6.2 miles, or a 10K.  Also an exciting day because I got the new 65’ TV for Father’s Day and brought it home.  

I usually have been getting in a couple of hours on the treadmill at night. It has been a busy few weeks with helping to take care of LeAnn while her hands heal.  At night after getting her to bed, I will come hop on the treadmill and walk about 6.2 miles, or a 10K.  Also an exciting day because I got the new 65’ TV for Father’s Day and brought it home.  

Glad for having air conditioning. The house is able to keep cool as we get into the 80s. The Bonus room, where the treadmill is doesn’t stay so cool though. I have a fan that I can direct onto me. It helps, but it is still pretty muggy in here.  9.6 miles for the day. 

Started a new batch of treadmill movies. Going back in time to the 70s and watching some old Disney movies that I enjoyed while growing up.  This was a fun one with Kurt Russell. Turns out he was in 12 different Disney movies.  Kurt Russell Disney Movies Also walked in the Jovita trail after it cooled off a bit. It sure has been hot lately.  Finished the day with 9.5 miles. 

LeAnn had a doctors appointment for the follow up on her hand surgery that she had last Thursday.  CoronaRestaurant

Lowlight of the day - root canal Highlight of the day - talking with Austin on PDay Mixing it up with the #treadmillmoviemarathons   Figured it would be a nice change of pace to focus on the purity, innocence and wisdom of Winnie the Pooh during these trying times. I walked and watched 8 Winnie the Pooh movies for 9 hours and 23 minutes to complete 29 miles of movies. Just over one marathon’s worth. 🙂  What can each of us learn from the ‘silly old bear’? This particular quote was one that resonates with me as Austin is serving now in Las Vegas, and Autumn has moved back to Rexburg with Clay.  I want each of them to know that  ‘Even though we are apart, I will always be with you’. #Walktobahiablanca #toddlingaroundtheworld Seattle to Bahia Total Miles.    7020 Seattle to Bahia Completed 3842.1 Seattle to Bahia Remaining 3177.9

My kids are the best. Jaylin made me breakfast in bed with Swedish Pancakes. Autumn sent me this sweet message and Insta post: And Austin sent me this amazing post: My kids are incredible. I would do anything for them. Iwould even walk around the woods for them... Oh wait, I am doing that! ;) Seattle to Bahia 7020 Seattle to Bahia Completed 3842.1 Seattle to Bahia Remaining 3177.9

She did it! Jaylin Miller has graduated from Fife High School with Honors! What an unforgettable year! She picked up her diploma at the end of this funtastic graduation parade. Since these graduates made it through this year, they can get through anything! The courage, perseverance and diligence to get through it all and graduate is a true testament to the incredible fortitude of this girl.  Jaylin, keep pressing onward with all your heart, might, mind and strength and you will conquer the world! With all our love, Dad and Mom

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Austin celebrated one year out as a missionary today.He left on June 18th, 2019 He has made many new friends, brought many people smiles, and grown immensely in wisdom and stature.  Here is the entry he posted on Facebook summarizing the culmination of his first year.  This is truly what being a missionary is about, and why I work to honor his service through this #walktobahiablanca ‘  One year ago today I left my home to serve a mission in Bahía Blanca Argentina. I am so grateful for the people I've met and the experiences I've had. They have changed my perspective on the world we live in. We are living in some strange times; however, there is so much good in this world. So much light.  I know that we have a Heavenly Father and that he loves me and knows me. I have learned the importance of faith and of prayer. We don't know what's going to happen in the coming weeks, months, or years. I do know that as I continue to share about Jesus Christ, about happiness and lig...

Here’s where I am at after one full year of walking my way from Seattle to Argentina:

Started the day at the dentist. Had a cleaning, but seems like I may have to get a root canal as a bonus. After that I stopped by the wetlands to get my walk on. Recorded this video along the way: Then I got my first haircut in 4 months! The salons have finally opened up. It was quite refreshing to go from this: To this:

2 1/2 hours on the treadmill. About 8 miles complete. 

Big day for Jaylin. She graduated from 4 years of seminary! What an incredible accomplishment. So proud of her dedication and determination. It is 10x as hard as it was for me growing up in Utah and having seminary during my regular school day. These kids have to get up at 5 each morning for early morning seminary. Tough as nails. Here is a screen from her virtual graduation #thankscoronavirus  To continue with the graduation festivities, we went over to Milton Way, where they have banners on the street recognizing the Fife High School seniors. We had Jaylin get in her cap and gown to take this photo: Did get a walk in nature as LeAnn went to Marty’s house again for another shampoo. Saw this sign outside the Sherwood Forest Elementary school which perfectly summarized one of the methods of my madness forthis #walktobahiablanca journey After treadmilling tonight came out with 10.3 miles for the day. 

Walked out towards the Bjorns house as Brother Bjorn told me at Autumns reception that he had added some new pieces to his painted rock garden. When I got out that way, I found him in his front yard baiting mole traps. We chatted for a bit and then he motioned me over to behold this magnificent beast! How spectacular is that! It was glorious to behold! What perfect imagination to come up with this beastly dinosaur!  As I headed back out, I also ran into the Blackner’s and had a nice visit with them as well.  Then the heavens opened and I was nearly drenched through before I found refuge under this stand of trees.  After 4 minutes the storm abated and I was able to return the rest of the way home unhindered by the torrent.  Completed 6.3 miles tonight on the treadmill for a total of 14.6 miles for the day. 

6/12/2020 Growing up, my favorite book in this world was The Hobbit. It took me ‘There and Back Again’ to the land of Middle Earth, through Hobbiton and the Shire, where I met Wizards and dwarves and elves. I fought alongside Bilbo as he battled trolls and goblins and Gollum. I learned about perseverance and loyalty and bravery while helping friends and battling dragons.  I was able to finish yet another #treadmillmoviemarathons while walking and watching the three Hobbit movies and then finishing the saga with the three Lord of the Rings movie masterpieces tonight. Over the course of the 17 hours and 20 minutes of movies, I walked 53.32 miles, which is just over two marathons. It was during the Two Towers movie that I heard these wise words from Samwise Gamgee, which really resonates with current events and can give us all hope for a beautiful today and a brighter tomorrow: ‘Frodo : I can't do this, Sam. Sam : I know. It's all wrong By rights we shouldn't even be here. But...

Took LeAnn to get her hair washed at Marti Mietus’ place. While there, walked a few blocks to the BPA trail and got a couple of miles in. 

Was a bit hot outside today, mid 70s, so stayed inside to get my walk on.  Finished 10 miles on the treadmill. Not too shabby 

Got Austin’s letter today. Here is what it said: Phase 1? JUNE 9, 2020 Heyyy, We had another lesson w Lucas! He’s making friends with people in the ward which is great, and is excited for his baptism on the 19th! He thinks my Argentine accent is funny haha We were just informed today that we can begin meeting with members in their homes again! That will be great being able to go out and visit people, I’m excited. We’ve been going around dropping notes off at peoples houses, but having real interactions with them will be a lot better. My sister Autumn got married! I was able to video call in and see it 🙂 I’m happy for her and Clay! I’ll just have to wait one more year to meet him in person haha I love you all! There’s some weird stuff going on in the world right now, stay safe! Elder Miller

6/8/2020

6/7/2020 I started another one of my #treadmillmoviemarathons yesterday by watching the first of the Hobbit movies, An Unexpected Journey. The Hobbit was my most favorite book ever while growing up and I loved being taken by JRR Tolkien into the realms of Middle Earth. Learning of Hobbits, dwarves, wizards, elves, IRC’s, goblins and trolls took me into the world of fantasy andI didn’t want to come back out. Learning the riddles that Bilbo competed with against Gollum, and seeing the noble ness of the elves are some of my favorite parts of the story. To have it portrayed in these fantastic movies has been a thrill to re-live them in live action.  10.9 miles today, 8.3 of which were on the treadmill while enjoying the Hobbit. 

6/6/2020 As I have thought about Autumn and my new son-in-law, Clay, getting married today, so many emotions and memories have flowed through my heart as I recall the joy of raising Autumn up, and the happiness she has brought into LeAnn and my lives. We have been blessed to have her back home from college during the Corona shutdown these past few months. She made us smile every day, which is a tremendous gift during these tenuous times. To see Autumn and Clay grow their bond even stronger while they have been apart over this time, has been a true testament of their true love.  One of my favorite songs growing up was ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ from Fiddler on the Roof’ The lyrics from this song perfectly sum up the sentiments of this time as we give her to Clay, who we have come to love, and know that he will honor her and love her forever.  “Is this the little girl I carried, Is this the little boy at play? I don't remember growing older, When did they? When did she get to be a beauty...

6/5/2020 12 hours, five movies, 39.3 miles    Treadmill movie (and a literal) marathon & 1/2 Had a great time walking while watching the fun Pirates of the Caribbean movies.  #treadmillmoviemarathons #Toddlingaroundtheworld #seattletobahiablanca

6/4/2020 Keeping with the theme of variety, drove down to the Sumner Link Trail. Nice change of pace. Near to walk along the white river and see a different perspective.  Quick stop over this bridge: Walked about 2 1/2 miles down and saw this strange boat.  Wasn’t sure what it was, so took a picture and sent tothe Facebook Hive Mind. Within the hour, received a response from. Doug S. Stating that it was a Indian Fishing boat. I guess the fish get caught in the flow and then stored further up in the bow. Pretty cool. Would love to see exactly how they work.  On the way out, went up the hill to the lake Tapps Legendary Doughnuts. Yum!

6/3/2020 Went over on the BPA to get a change of view for my morning walk. Walked from Celebration Park to Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center. Seems it was about 4 1/2 miles round trip. I was surprised at how many people were out at that hour. (Around 8 am). And the weather wasn’t great. There was beauty like this though:

Amidst all of the weeds in the world, there is beauty all around. Seek, and you will find, that though vastly outnumbered, the flowers are there to bring us joy and happiness.  #ToddlingAroundTheWorld #SeattleToBahiaBlanca 5.91 Miles of Flowers 15.1miles today

6/1/2020 Brought Jaylin along this morning to walk over to the auto shop to pick up the Honda. She hasn’t been driving over the past month and a half since school was cancelled. We saved money on gas and insurance by just taking her to work and picking her up at Papa Murphys. She was excited as we told her she could start driving in June once things with Corona settled down a little bit. So she came with me as we walked through Milton on the way to pick up the car. Luckily, it wasn’t an expensive repair. They said the battery had just been discharging likely due to lack of use. They charged it back up and everything seems fine now.  Found this pretty little lady on that walk this morning  After Jaylin took the car, I continued walking another few miles back toward home via the Jovita trail.  13.4 miles today.