Terre Pruitt's Blog

In the realm of health, wellness, fitness, and the like, or whatever inspires me.

  • I teach yoga, Nia, and stretch online!

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Posts Tagged ‘beach’

Colorful Bottle Tree

Posted by terrepruitt on July 19, 2019

Some friends visited from out of town and stayed in Santa Cruz not far from the ocean. I have many photos from the delightful yard that I will be posting. It was a colorful and very fun yard!

Here is a bottle tree for the Friday Photo.

 

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Posted in Friday Photo | Tagged: , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

Kabocha Squash

Posted by terrepruitt on November 26, 2018

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit, City of San Jose Exercise ClassesLast week I decided to make pumpkin soup for Thanksgiving. Ever since our dads died we don’t really do Thanksgiving. My husband’s siblings are off with their kids and I don’t have any siblings. So we do our breakfast in Capitola – although we might have to actually eat breakfast somewhere else before going to Capitola as this year nothing was really open for full breakfast – and then we just eat whatever for dinner. Last year I didn’t even think to plan anything for dinner and I think we ended up going to Chavez market to get burritos. This year I decided to make pumpkin soup. The problem with that is pumpkins are gone from the stores by Thanksgiving. I sort of expected that, but I was HOPING there would be some, but there was not. I am very thankful for cellular service and Google – while standing in the store I decided to try something else. I was thinking any type of winter squash would work, it would just be squash soup. There was this not-so-attractive-green-pumpkiny looking thing and I looked it up and it is actually called a Japanese pumpkin. So cool. I decided to try the Kabocha squash.

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit, City of San Jose Exercise ClassesAs I said the Kabocha squash is also called a Japanese pumpkin. Wiki also said that it is even sweeter than butternut squash. I thought this was great as it would help cut down on the bitterness (although the Roasted Pumpkin Soup 2.0 recipe took care of that). The store also didn’t have any heavy cream so I got half and half. I thought that would be good too, since the kabocha squash is said to be sweeter. The half and half would be less sweet than the heavy cream so I was confident it would all work out fine.

Well . . . let me tell you, that Kabocha squash is SUPER difficult to cut. The skin is very thin, but it is super tough. It was a challenge. Not impossible, but way more time consuming than I had planned. I had planned to hop in the kitchen cut up the Japanese pumpkin and throw it in the oven then have time to do other things, but no, it was tough.

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I roasted it with Milanese Gremolata olive oil, salt, and marjoram and it came out lovely. It is a very good squash.

Using it for the pumpkin soup was fantastic. It worked out great.  I used the skin and all in the soup. I just roast it and then put the chunks in the blender. Now I know that I can get two sugar pie pumpkins and a Japanese pumpkin over the Fall Season.  So that means one or two stuffed pumpkin dinners and/or making pumpkin soup one or two times.

We ate pumpkin soup for four days and we were actually sad last night to finish it. It was very good. Oh . . . . I did add a cup or two of broth each night when I heated it up. It got VERY, VERY thick. So I mixed in a cup or two (depending on how much I was heating up) to help thin it out.

Now you know you can make pumpkin soup with a sugar pie pumpkin or a Japanese pumpkin.  Or perhaps you already knew that.  Did you know about the Kabocha squash?

Posted in Food, Vegetables | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Thanksgiving 2018

Posted by terrepruitt on November 23, 2018

We went to Capitola to have breakfast on Thanksgiving as we have done the last three years. Nothing was open for a full breakfast, but we got coffee and a burrito (John) and a bagel (me) at Mr. Toot’s. I had never been there so I was happy. It was a GORGEOUS day. We had just gotten a bit of rain and that helped wash the air of the smoke that we have been having from the fire that was almost 200 miles away.

We had a nice time. It was so beautiful I took a bunch of pictures I have to share at least one for the Friday Photo.

Capitola, beach, ocean, Thanksgiving, breakfast, Mr. Toot's, Friday Photo

 

2015 and 2017

Posted in Friday Photo | Tagged: , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

Calla Lily

Posted by terrepruitt on August 17, 2018

Here is a Calla Lily for today’s Friday Photo. I love Calla Lilies. I think I love all lilies. How about you?

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Capitola Wharf

Posted by terrepruitt on July 27, 2018

I posted a picture of the ocean from the wharf back in April, but here is the entrance to the wharf. It was a beautiful day, but most days are when you can spend it with your Sweetie at the ocean.

A Friday Photo of the Capitola Wharf Entrance.

 

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Negative Stuff At The Beach Is Positive

Posted by terrepruitt on August 29, 2016

My last post having something to do with the beach was in April, when my hubby and I had a little get-away.  While many people go to the beach much more often, it is pretty good for me to have gotten to the beach again only four and a half months later.  I was going with a friend to take a Nia class over the hill.  After the class we were going to go have breakfast then go to the ocean.  We always figure if we drive over the hill we might as well go to the ocean.  Turns out, the Nia class wasn’t being held but we decided to go over the hill anyway.  First we had breakfast at a place not too far from the ocean.  Then we sat there, at the breakfast place, talking for about an hour.  It was kind of overcast and we had no plans so we weren’t in a hurry.  But we finally did make it to the beach.  It was awesome.  Just a handful of people and a nice little cloud cover.  First we walked one way on the beach, then back the other way.  Then we decided to sit down.  The weather was perfect!  The sun actually came out around noon.  We just talked and enjoyed the ocean. We were immersing ourselves in the negative ions.

I had heard this a long time ago, but never looked into it until now.  And I barely glanced into it.  But I can tell you that what I am seeing out there in the way of information is that the air is full of invisible particles called ions.  Sometimes these ions can be positively charged or negatively charged.  Oddly enough, it is the negatively charged or “negative ions” that can possibly have a positive effect on us.

According to an article on WebMD:

The director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C. is quoted as saying, “Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy.”

The article further states:

Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.

When I heard of negative ions long ago, I had only heard of the ocean as being a place to experience them.  Or if other places were mentioned I only remember the ocean.  But the WebMD article mentions mountains, waterfalls, and even the shower.  So there might be more to it than just feeling good when you are in these places because you are not at work.  It could be because of the negative ions in the air.

Unfortunately watching the video or playing it on your computer or device will not give you the same effects.  No negative ions via video, but I thought I would share it anyway.  Along with some pictures.

 

My friend and I sure enjoyed our breakfast and our ocean time.

Would you rather go to the mountains or the ocean?

 

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Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

Posted in Misc | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Capitola Thanksgiving 2015

Posted by terrepruitt on November 26, 2015

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFitHappy Thanksgiving 2015.  This year is a bit different.  We normally gather at John’s sister’s house, but she and her hubby had other plans for this Thanksgiving.  Since I didn’t have a Nia class this morning, I had an idea about breakfast and the beach.  There was a place in Santa Cruz that I wanted to try for breakfast but I called the day before and they said they would be closed on Thanksgiving.  My hubby found two places in Capitola that seemed like they would be good.  But but the time I got his text regarding the places, both were closed.  Only one had a website that I could find, so I took a chance and sent an e-mail asking if they would be open.  The e-mail was answered with a yes.  So my hubby and I went to Avenue Cafe for breakfast.  It was super yummy.  John got Eggs Benedict because he loves it.  If we go to breakfast and the restaurant serves it, that is what he will get.  I got a Florentine Scramble.  It was very good.  I am looking forward to having the leftovers for breakfast tomorrow.  It was a great morning in Capitola.

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFitSome of you may be familiar with beach towns and the heat and the crowd.  Well, usually Capitola is very crowded.  Parking is almost impossible to find.  But today, parking was Free!  The meters were covered with plastic coated canvas “bags” that said, “Seasons Greetings – 3 hour free parking”.  I thought to take a picture but I knew that I would have many other pictures I would rather post, so I didn’t.  But it is very cool to have the gift of free parking!  Yay!  And there actually was parking when we arrived.  We got to the shore about 11:15.

First we sat on a bench and enjoyed the ocean.  Then we walked.  We walked to one end and back, then to the other end and back.  Then almost back to the other end.  We did a bit of retracing of steps.

The weather was gorgeous and the crowds were non-existent.

I was taking pictures . . . . as usual . . . not being able to actually see what I was capturing.  It is just so bright out there, I can’t really see.  Twice I thought I was taking a picture and I was taking a video.  On our way home, I glanced at the pictures quickly to see if I had any I could use for a post.  I laughed because it was just so beautiful it didn’t really matter that I couldn’t really see, anywhere I pointed my camera or phone, I got a great shot.  Ok, not all of them are great, but most of them.  When I was trying to get us in the shot . . . no, but just the ocean . . . yeah.

I even got a couple with the sun reflecting nicely in the shot.

We are now waiting for the roast to be done so we can have dinner.

So here was our Thanksgiving morning.  I hope you enjoy looking at the beautiful Pacific Ocean.  We enjoyed it.  I also hope you had a great day — a Happy Thanksgiving if that is your custom or just a great Thursday.

What did you do?

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Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

 

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Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

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Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia in the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Gentle Yoga, Group Ex classes, YMCA, Zumba, PiYo, Nia Technique, SJ City Fit, SJCityFit

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Focus – Without – The Forgotten Goodie Jar – Check In #39

Posted by terrepruitt on November 23, 2013

Dance Exercise, Nia, Nia at the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Zumba, PiYo, Gentle YogaBummer.  I was so determined to remember every check in to the end of the year and, alas, I got distracted.  Yesterday I forgot to post a Good Things Jar check in.  It was supposed to be Goodie Jar – Check In #39.  Sigh.  I do hope you are still filling your Goodie Jar.  I will only forgive myself because I was off doing things that actually are notable for the Good Things Jar!  I was so excited to be subbing a Nia class in Santa Cruz and I ended up having such a beautiful day, that I just plumb forgot.  We had a great focus in class, but I lost my blog focus when I arrived home.  The plan is usually something like Nia, breakfast, chocolate, beach, home.  This time we weren’t exactly sure of our plan.  Turned out to be a fabulous day.  As I said, one for the Goodie Jar.

I feel less wasteful when I have someone with me driving “over the hill”.  If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area we often call going to the beach “driving over the hill”.  It is about a 40 mile drive and–depending on the traffic–can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.  If there is a lot of traffic or an accident it can take hours and hours.  When I go, I feel as if I should have at least one other person with me.  So when I get asked to teach a Nia class over there I like to take someone with me.  I have one student who usually is game.  She has a favorite chocolate shop over there so when she is “over the hill” she likes to drop by.  This last trip I was lucky enough to have TWO students join me.

The wonderful studio where I sub is in the Tannery and there used to be a great little cafe next door.  My student and I would dance then go get breakfast, then hit up the chocolate shop, then drive to the beach.  We have never actually walked on the sand . . . I don’t need to do that, I just need to be at the ocean.  Sadly the cafe is closed — although the sign says temporarily, we missed it.  So this trip we went to another place to eat, still got to the chocolate shop then went to the ocean.

ADance Exercise, Nia, Nia at the City of San Jose, Nia classes in the South Bay, Nia Teacher, Nia Class, San Jose Nia, Nia San Jose, Nia workout, Nia, Zumba, PiYo, Gentle Yogall week long it had been raining, both on our side of the hill and over the hill, but on Friday it was as pictured.  It was awesome.  We were blessed.  The place we visited is called Natural Bridges.  It is no longer has a “natural bridge”, but the beach is still wonderful.

Also, in regards to the focus, as you might be familiar with, in Nia classes we have a focus and an intent.  Well, I had been concentrating on learning a new routine, creating a gentle yoga class, and working out my schedule I hadn’t even settled on what we were going to dance, much less a focus.  I often ask my students what they might think or feel they need to focus on.  So I turned to my student and said, “Oh snap!  I haven’t even thought about a focus.  What do you got?  Do you have anything?”  She said, “I feel I need some healing.  I feel kinda uuughhh.”  And I said, “Thanks.  We can do that.”  I turned to one of the other students and gave her a questioning look because she was pressing on her ribs.  She said, “This is my first class back after having been in a bicycle accident.”  Ah-ha!  Healing was perfect as a focus.

It always amazes me and warms my spirit that it happens that one focus needed or desired by one person turns out to be the perfect focus for so many.  So often we are able to apply it to what is going on and find an intent that compliments it.

After class one the other student that came with me said that she enjoyed that focus.  I shared with her the way it came about and she was surprised because she had thought the woman who was touching her ribs had suggested it.  So she too was amazed that it was a focus that was appropriate for all.  But that is just how it always seems to happen.  It is so great.  It is —-ahhhhhh!

We shared a great focus although I was so focused on the Joy from class and my morning in Santa Cruz that I forgot about my Goodie Jar post.  But I think you will agree it was worth it.

So, do you think I had a good reason to forget?  Are you still filling your Good Thing Jar?

Posted in Good Things in the Goodie Jar, Misc, Nia | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »