Laissez les bons temps rouler

One Big Pot...One Fabulous Neighborhood...50 pounds of live crawfish...Lots of Assorted Goodies...Beverages...Music...Children of All Ages...Toss with a huge dose of various cultures...A Good Time was had by All!

Trust me...she would rather play with the live crawfish, cooking and eating them held little appeal!

Sorry, my little pretty it is in the pot for you...my initiation into the JOYS of cooking crawfish...did I mention they are live when tossed  in the boiling water? 

"Try at least one"...a valiant effort was attempted and later a hasty retreat to the nearest trashcan!

Bargaining for ice cream...how many???

Playtime...

Our top o the hill neighbors, she originally hailing from Louisiana and he of Tunisia host this annual event.  My ever so helpful neighbor D showed me how to twist the tail off the body, suck the head and proceed to pry a teeny tiny bit of meat from the tail.  To be a good sport I attempted sucking the juice one time after which I ate a few more...I am not really the squeamish type however the already prepared shrimp and grits and other goodies beckoned me! 

We have lived in our neighborhood since 1991.  Neighbors have come and gone...at one time we knew everyone on two streets...now, not so much.  It was a pleasure and delight to meet the newbies!  The parents of the children I see walking dogs, riding bikes or passing in cars.  Once predominately good ole Southern boys and girls...now a melting pot of diversity...I LOVE it!  Many continents and countries were represented...an afternoon, late into the night celebration of friendship...perhaps the world leaders could take note...break bread, come together in fellowship...celebrate our diversity!

I baked a cake and made the following salad which can be used as a side dish, topping or dip.

Black Bean and Corn Salad/Salsa

4 - 6 tomatoes chopped small

1/2 large red onion, diced

choice of sweet peppers, red, yellow etc., hotter varieties may be included as well, about 1 - 1 1/2 cups

1 package of white shoe peg corn thawed (small bag)

1 can black beans, rinsed

2 avocadoes, diced

 mix all diced, chopped ingredients and toss with lime cilantro dressing

Lime Cilantro Dressing:

juice from two limes, zest a little of the skin as well

1/8 teaspoon cumin (or more if you like lots)

handful of chopped, fresh cilantro

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or more to taste, if too acidic)

salt and pepper to taste

Makes enough for a huge crowd and it is a crowd pleaser!  I prepared this for the crawfish boil on Saturday and again on Sunday for our family get together. 

"Let the Good Times Roll"



Fear of Flying

Mike and Rhetta take a spin while I stand on the deck and watch...what is wrong with this picture???

Ding, ding, ding...you are right I AM NOT in the plane!  I allowed my fear of heights and tight places to keep me grounded.  Our gracious host piloted any guest that desired a ride!  Literally, I am not afraid of flying...I just prefer larger aircraft!  Figuratively, I am often afraid of  "flying"... moving outside the zone which is comfortable and secure.  I am kinda tired of taking the safe, easy way.  Ask me again...I will say YES!
YES to flying in teeny, tiny aircraft...YES to taking new adventures...all EXCEPT the ones involving bridges and elastic cords.

What about you?  Are you planning something adventuresome, something new, something exciting?  Do tell!

Just Peachy!

Peaches, Peaches, get your freestone peaches!  This was the sound that could be heard echoing through the stands once upon a time.  Peach season is here.  Time to make peach ice cream, peach sorbet, peach cobbler and peach jelly (my mom's favorite)  It is also the new season of Top Chef which always invites me to be more creative in the kitchen.  Recently, I prepared a peach salsa to be served atop grilled Mahi Mahi.

2 cups peaches, 1 sweet onion or 1/2 red onion (my fav), dash of cider vinegar or lime (needs a little acid) 2 tablespoons maple syrup, a small piece of fresh ginger finely minced (or a shake of ground ginger) toss in blender and serve over fish.

*tip*  if you use the blender make sure your peaches are not overly ripe.  I prefer a chunkier consistency and may just chop everything next time rather than blending. The onions can be left out if you prefer to use it as a dessert topping.  P.S. I take full credit if your salsa is delicious...if not, well okay...it wasn't an exact recipe!

I love cookbooks, however,  I rarely follow the recipes exactly (except when baking) or I make something like the peach salsa with no recipe.  There are many fabulous websites with a variety of recipes.  I plan to can peach jelly in the next day or two.

Several, very near and dear to my heart, ladies taught me the basics of canning fruits and vegetables.  It is a labor intensive process however the sense of satisfaction over a row of freshly "canned" produce on the counter is immeasurable!

 
So thanks Betty for teaching Dot and me how to make pepper jelly and peach jelly.  Sadly, we lost Dot to ovarian cancer several years ago.  My dear Betty resides in a nearby nursing home and I am keeper of the memories. 

Flashback Friday or Normal is Good!

So after the great "boobie" scare of the last few weeks...it is good to be back to normal...almost! During the dark of the night, the very worst scenario would lodge into my brain and stay there...if nothing else the "scare" made me appreciate my life...the people I hold near and dear.
Please check the girls regularly and get a mammogram!

So...my grandson has been registered for kindergarten and I am not really sure where the time went...I am sharing the photos whereby little one still has a diaper and his shoes on...the cutest ones are of the bare cheeks running through the yard...that boy has always loved water and not wearing clothes...seems like he was born just five minutes ago...playing with the granddarlings brings me great joy!

A few other random thoughts:

I am wondering what the new neighbors with six kids, five dogs, two or three trucks and lots of tools will be building this weekend...last Saturday I woke up to hammering...there were two little buildings erected...I can't see much because for the first time in twenty years there is a privacy fence separating the yards...the house has been added to as well. I remember moving into our house and our backdoor neighbors passing brownies over the fence and how many backyard over the fence conversations we had...our children grew up together...I guess I won't be passing brownies through this fence.

Hopefully, I will be inspired to work on a few projects this weekend! I have started an art journal, a new dance/exercise class (more on that later...love it) apart from the millions of ideas floating through my brain right now I also have the very practical home and yard projects to consider. Actually...I probably should do more than consider those projects...I want some home grown fresh veggies!

Spring excites me...rebirth on so many levels...I am also reminded of my dear friend Dot Dot each time I see the daffodils in bloom...her favorite harbinger of Spring and the poem by Wordsworth!

I wandered lonely as a Cloud
That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host of dancing Daffodils;
Along the Lake, beneath the trees,
Ten thousand dancing in the breeze.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay
In such a laughing company:
I gazed -- and gazed --but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils

Can you believe most of our "Daffys" down South have almost bloomed out!
What will you do with your glorious Spring time?

A Stitch in Time

Do you remember the hand embroidered pillowcases of old? I loved the beautiful stitching and rainbow assortment of embroidery floss...the variety of stitches that would leave a pattern on your face if you slept on that part of the pillowcase. So close to purchasing a set with a pre-stamped design on them...sidetracked by something else in the craft/hobby shop. I have some serious trouble focusing my attention when surrounded by so many colors and textures!

In my mother's youth she was in the care of some nuns (that is a post for another day) and it was noted that this "tomboy" had a great aptitude and gift for fine handiwork. My mom could embroider the most intricate stitches. She knit beautiful cables and intricate designs for my brother and I. If it involved some type of thread and a needle, hook or needles...she excelled... all she wanted was to play ball, climb trees or garden. I remember the beautiful clothes of my youth and the decorative items Mom made for our home.

this sampler along with the "boy" mate hung in the room my brother and I shared during our very early childhood years. It needs to be cleaned up, pressed and re-framed...I thought one of the granddarlings should have it, however, I am not quite ready to part with it.

Embroidery has been on my mind alot lately, mostly due to the "Gift of Jewels" project hosted by the lovely and generous Se'Lah. I received this lovely hand embroidered card and knitted envelope which by the way is made of the softest wool (you know me I am a fool for textures) from a fellow blogger in Denmark. Imagine my delight receiving something postmarked from Denmark. Since I am of European descent and spent most of my childhood in Germany...it tickled my heartstrings in a way I cannot quite explain! Thank you Se'Lah for making this happen and thank you so much "landanna"!

Bonnie, at Mamma has Spoken received a felted pin and card from me...to which she responded by embroidering a pin full of Springtime! She created the pin using craft items from her stash...very green of her and very generous. I adore receiving cards in the mail...to receive a gift as well...icing on a very lovely cake my friends! A special thank you to Bonnie for sending Spring my way.

If you will excuse me...I am going to find some needles, embroidery floss and a pillowcase or two.

Salutations is my fancy way of saying hello

“The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes" Leo Tolstoy







Chin up, chin up / Everybody loves a happy face / Wear it, share it / It'll brighten up the darkest place / Twinkle, sparkle / Let a little sunshine in / You'll be on the right side, looking at the bright side / Up with your chinny-chin-chin. Charlotte "Charlotte's Web" 1973

As I climbed from my car I noticed this spider wrapping some food storage. I leaned in as close as I dared, hoping not to disturb it...which brought quite a smile to my face...it seems only a few years ago that my brothers could back me into a corner shrieking whilst holding the smallest spider in their hands.

I love Autumn. It is a time for reflection and quietness. A time before the barrage of holiday activities begins...it is also a time of great melancholy as it signals a season of loss...remembrance of those that have left this life...try as I might I am unable to shake the "blues" at this time of year. My feelings go into hyper sensitive drive and I find I must have time alone to brood and sort myself out. I spent the greater part of a weekend wrapped in a quilt not feeling "well"
And sort myself out I did indeed. During a period of "unrest" I must strive extra diligently to express gratitude and appreciation...

so today I am extremely grateful for

• loving family and friends
• the beauty of all I see around me
• yummy homemade broccoli soup for lunch
• the slight chill in the air
• the anticipation of cooler weather
• a very special wedding in a few weeks
• baby toes
• haircuts and restoration of my natural color
• the weight of Moe kitty sleeping on our feet
• Duncan shivering with anticipation over a doggie treat
• sweaters and jeans and scarves
• riding with the top down (the car's top)
• HONEYCRISP APPLES - the tart sweetness and the sound of the crunch
• soon to be started major art project
• knitting
• the satisfaction of canning some holiday pepper jelly
• the smell from bread baking

and I must express sincerest thanks to Robin at Bird Tweets for the most beautiful "gift of jewels" card...it made my day!

Mostly Wordless Wednesday - Laughter

"A merry heart doeth good like medicine" ...Proverbs 17:22

What had happened wuz...

An entire weekend spent with rib aching, body shaking laughter...

Laughter is the BEST medicine. It warms the spirit, exercises the heart and lungs, helps balance stress and it is CONTAGIOUS!!!

Mix together wonderful friends, a lovely setting and some good old "story telling"...toss in some beautiful weather...ta dah...a recipe for laughter and joy!

Dear Jeanne...please send photos as I was laughing too much to get everyone!!!

Dear Ladies of SOS Fall Migration...each are a joy and a treasure...love to you!!!

Dear Mary Jane...still thinking about the spaghetti and meatballs...

Dear Strangers from Philly (?) thanks for the extra laughs!!!

Dear Everyone else...find something to laugh about...it can turn the whole day around!

O Captain My Captain

"O Captain my Captain! our fearful trip is done" (Walt Whitman)

"Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing..." (Martina McBride) We celebrate our Independence from Tyranny on the 4th of July. Many attend picnics, parties and fireworks displays. Hopefully...we all remember why we are celebrating! I am forever grateful to all the many men and women who ensure that we have our continued liberties. Many parts of the world are still under dictatorship...under extremely wretched "living" conditions and lack basic human rights. We are quite fortunate to have many blessings and abundance...we must remember and help those that lack the basics.

This post is dedicated to my friends Carlyle and Debbie...thanks for hosting such a fabulous celebration. Everything was wonderful! So much laughter, food and fun! Thanks to Tom, grill master extraordinaire...best darn ribs EVER!

Debbie, Marilyn and Annabelle enjoying a boat ride...

What the men "do" after cooking and eating...

What the women "do" after cooking and eating...

Sunset over Lake Wateree...

The day comes to a close... the celebrations continue...fireworks on the lake...the Princess of Quite A Lot with the assistance of the Diva created the most scrumptious peach ice cream...so many memories created...may we all cherish our days...laugh with our friends and family...enjoy all life has to offer...

Friday Flashback

Back by popular demand, you asked for it...you got it!!! A shimmery glimpse into the past



Not so happy school days...this is the school year that I still remember with shock and horror!
MISS D, evil tormentor of children's souls...may she roast in wherever it is really mean people get to congregate. Miss D was not particularly fond of any of us except for the matchy matchy girls on the front row and P standing directly behind her...the rest of us...well, we suffered.
I have racked my brain to determine what it was that I did or said to irritate her so much. I always talked too much doesn't seem like that was a cause for extreme loathing...Miss D would put your name on the board and each check that you received meant you stayed after school for 5 minutes...I never received just one check mark...with great flourish and bluster she would yell my name C*******(my honest to goodness given name to which I am not overly fond) and I would get the minimum of 4 checks...yep that equals 20 minutes and that was on a good day. The best part of this was the friendship that developed with B. She usually received a requisite four check marks as well. We walked home together. A united solidarity against the evil troll that was Miss D. B and Me. On the front row. Her Dad was Air Force, mine was Army. She was Jewish and I was Catholic. She, a graceful ballet dancer, me...rather clumsy. She, the brunette...Me, the blonde! We celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah. My dad was transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado...her hometown was Colorado Springs...we missed each other by a hair. By the time they arrived in Colorado we were en route to South Carolina. We wrote letters and exchanged pictures...she danced for a ballet troupe, I got married. We lost touch and I think of her with great fondness...Miss D, well I still think she was an ogre...what did she teach me that year...fear, dislike and distrust.

As aside, this was a time when teachers were never questioned...your parents trusted them implicitly.

Balancing Act

Life is such a huge balancing act. Time and time again I am hearing from friends of their frenetic, busy lives. Time to cut back on something...many say they spend too much time on-line and the first place they look to cut back is on their blog posts. In the beginning I posted three times a week. Currently, I am sporadic, posting anywhere from once a week to three times a week. I suspect that some of the social/networking sites are partially responsible...for others life is so full of things that MUST be done. In between the MUST BE DONES are we taking time to be nice to ourselves? Are we taking time to do the things we most enjoy?

(flock of blackbirds frantically taking off en masse - this was a pure frenzy!!!!)

I no longer have children at home...an empty nester I am...Am I less busy...NO...for now I work full time and have aging in laws with serious illness and a mother that does not drive. One of my blog buddies from across the Atlantic tells the tales of shopping with her elderly rellies and being the parent of a teenager with her hilarious British humor. Others tell of their exploits of moving, sick children and the myriad trials of everyday life with great aplomb. Everyone has a full life. Are we busy LIVING it or are we surviving day to day doing what is necessary to get to the next thing. How is your TO DO list stacking up? Do you consistently add way more than you can possibly do in one day, one week or one month. I DO!!! In an e-seminar given by Christine Kane, she suggested that I spend 15 minutes each morning and choose the three most important items that needed priority that day and focus on those three items. Also to plan the day in my mind before taking off running at top speed. It works. Instead of feeling frustrated by the items not checked off...I feel productive and less stressed. She also suggests being "bodaciously" nice to yourself. For example, buy yourself flowers (I have kept flowers on my desk since around 1979)

I had a little medical procedure on Monday, so naturally Tuesday was full steam ahead...catch up day, if you will. My friend, Jayne invited me to attend a Kershaw County Show Choir Concert on Tuesday evening. At one point I was feeling too tired to even think of going out that night. My daughter called and asked if I was going to the concert as well. I am so glad I took a deep breath, freshened up a bit, picked up Michelle and met Jayne. The concert was absolutely fabulous with singing and dancing performed by students of three schools in the county. Several of the choir members also attend our church and we felt it important to support them in this endeavor. Another bonus to a great evening... Jayne, Laresa, Michelle and I enjoyed ice cream sundaes and much laughter afterwards. Michelle announced on her blog that EVERYONE should have ice cream for supper at least once a week! I agree...it was decadent!!!

Yes, we have jobs. Yes, we have children or aging parents. Yes, we must shop, eat and cook.

Yes, we must maintain our homes. Between all the yesses we must strike a balance...say only YES to those things that are truly important, to those people that are truly special, to the events that give us joy...LIVE instead of SURVIVE.

P.S. The first picture is of Carl's daughter Brandi jumping out of an airplane in combat gear! The rest were taken in various places by me.

Life is a Beach

Who doesn't love a beach party! Home to many fun filled, idyllic days in the sand and surf...and shopping, eating, dancing, parades...I love the coast...anywhere...I love bodies of water large and small.

Ashes and debris on the sand as a result of wildfires near the coast of South Carolina.

Amidst a ranging wildfire whilst recovering from respiratory ailments may not sound like a good idea...however...the smoke was minimal at "our" end of the beach. I was quite saddened by the damage and destruction due to carelessness...I could go on about our stewardship to the environment...that's a story for another day...today...we embrace the beauty of the coast and the joy of having delightful, wonderful, caring friends!!!!!

I witnessed a phenomenon that occurs in the Spring, Autumn and Mid-Winter on the Strand as the multitudes flock to the coast for SOS (Shagging on the Strand) Activities abound to tickle your fancy...one can do as much or as little as the heart desires! The floozies (with the exception of moi) have attended SOS for many, many, many years...to clarify, I do not dance much, if ever, so I was not inclined to attend the festivities...during our tea party (see previous post) as the conversation turned to SOS, I was invited to spend the weekend...the lovely Rhetta drove Debbie and I to the beach on Thursday evening, the Diva and the Princess of Quite a Lot prepared dinner and a fun, relaxing time was had by all! A MOST HEARTFELT APPRECIATION goes out to the Diva's boy toy, TOM...delightful and lovely man that he is...cooked homemade buttermilk pancakes and BACON for our Friday morning breakfast...thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Afterwards a girl's morning was spent at the vineyards followed by a scrumptious seafood lunch at The Grapevine. Naps were taken and some took off for an evening of dance and merriment. The parade on Saturday deserves a story of its own and will be forthcoming! I cannot express the delight and joy of the long weekend spent with such WONDERFUL FRIENDS (thank you all!) Along the way I made the acquaintence of a few new friends...

This little guy was torn between following his master down the beach or staying with me!!!

I didn't know the Easter bunny stayed over at the beach...How about you do you love a gorgeous coastline?

Change for Chad

CHAD - Charitable Hands Are Divine
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Time: 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Location: City Hall
Street: 1737 Main Street
City/Town: Columbia, SC

Five years ago returning to college, Chad was in a fatal automobile accident. In rememberance of their eldest son, Bobby and Lisa Radvansky started an organization called "Charitable Hands Are Divine" , the acronymn being CHAD. The goal of "CHAD" was to create scholarships, to create a desire in people to perform acts of kindness and to become involved in their communities. Lisa assists others suffering from tragic events in their lives. Bobby is always on hand to lend a hand. Recently Bobby, (Bob to some) was on a local radio station and the "interview" lent itself to creating a larger vision for the community on a much grander scale than the Lugoff-Elgin, Camden area. I would encourage you to attend the meeting tomorrow evening as I think some great things are about to happen. The mayor of Columbia is on board and wants to see individuals show more kindness to one another...to help their neighbors...after all, we ARE our brothers keepers.

I remember Chad as a polite young man I taught in Sunday School. My daughters remember Chad as fine looking, charismatic, fun guy to hang out with at church and other activities. I am supporting this effort in rememberance of Chad and because Bobby and Lisa are wonderful friends with a great vision! Life is Good...let us all help our "brothers" along the path! Hope to see you tomorrow evening!

Thursday Thoughts and Tirades

Did you ever have one of those weeks whereby EVERYTHING gets on your last nerve?
I am feeling a bit more like sour grapes than Loose Lemons. The glass is definitely feeling half empty! The remedy for this malady is to get off one's rear and do something nice for someone, focus the attention away from the negative and make serious effort to turn the "scratchy" mood around. Before I return to being the "epitome of sweetness and light" following are a few minor irritations to unload.

Yes, I still find cell phone usage obnoxious when you are: a) in the bathroom b) trying to park a huge SUV or any vehicle c) when you are arguing with someone d) when you are standing in front of my desk...go away, go anywhere, just get that darn phone away from me...headlines...woman snatches cell phone away from fellow shopper and tosses it into fish tank.

Yield means check and see if I am inches from your bumper before pulling into my lane, if I am on the interstate I have already moved to the left lane. Speaking of the left lane...this is the PASSING lane not the drive slow and look around lane.

You may have nowhere to go...conversations between two vehicles full of people whilst blocking the road, parking lot etc. is not cool it is inconsiderate.

Visiting the office and staying FOREVER is annoying no matter who you are...(i.e.
father-in-law's cronies, former employees, etc. particularly when you are complaining about the economy, the new president blah, blah...being racist or crude only gets on my nerves more!

Employees coming off of a job and standing around my desk and talking to each other, yelling up and down halls etc. is annoying. Go home or go outside. And stay out of my bathroom.

The opening in the wall between my office and father in law's office...I despise it and want it closed!!! with glass, wood, sound proofing, anything.

Honey, if you change the channel in the middle of Top Chef I am going to be irritated...I would not do this to you.

Okay, I think I am better.

On to a more positive note...I am so impressed with these guys...the weather has been damp, wet and nasty...however, this guy and his buddy are outside everyday, dancing and really trying to drum up business!




The guys working on my yard are doing a great job, it looks fabulous...wonder if they do windows?

The sun is peaking out from under the clouds.

DH washing and waxing my car and keeping it filled with gasoline!

Sometimes it is okay to unravel a knitting project when it is not working out. Often it is the process of knitting and not the progress that is important.

I love receiving cards in the honest to goodness old timey way through the postal service! (Thanks Meg. Tracie and Cookie)

Blogging has been an interesting adventure which I plan to continue...I enjoy the interaction between our "i-friends and families, I enjoy writing and I enjoy reading...it is like pen pals for grown ups!

I was able to use my Books A Million gift card to feed my habit

Phone calls from this charming, witty and oh so sweet fellow! I love it when he says, "Nonnee, you are my Best Friend"

Silence is Golden because it is so rare! So many need a constant thrum of noise and activity...not me I can sit in silence and gaze out the window indefinitely!!!

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Pole Fitness Dancing Puuuuleeeeze!!!

I have totally gained a new respect for pole dancers, truly! You must be incredibly fit to swing from a pole! How do I know this you may ask...the floozies planned a special birthday outing for yours truly! I was only told to be ready for pick up and to dress comfortably. As we pulled into the parking lot, my exclamation was I. AM. NOT. POLE DANCING...along with you have got to be freakin kidding me, right???? A private birthday party/lesson was arranged for the floozies and a floozie sister. I have never had so much fun! It is like ballet gone wild with plies and pirouettes and so forth. I have pain in muscles I did not know existed...I think my hair even hurts. As I think of this adventure all I can do is grin from ear to ear. Everyone should have the most awesome friends...thanks "floozies" it was an incredible experience and I love you for sharing my birthday and always giving of yourselves so generously. We were at the studio for about two hours and then the party moved to Elle's house for a light dinner, relaxing and fabulous gifts...thank you Elle for hosting the party. With full heart and tummy I went home and crashed after a good long soak in the jacuzzi.

Our most gracious, patient and fun instructor, Aisha (sp) this gal had the most amazing muscles I have ever seen...i.e. look at her calves!
The Debster...you want me to do what???? The Debster obviously did not get the clothing memo!


The Diva brought some extra exercise clothes since I was dressed for Winter and had no clue about the dancing. Yes, girls we can do this and IT WILL BE FUN.










I can do this "body wave" and "stir the pot" as soon as I regain some measure of composure!



Oh Ma Bonté j'ai besoin d'un moment...



this is how we do it uh huh...think of the song by Montell Jordan...


Come on Sis...this is a blast..."We are Family, I got all my sisters with me....

Hmmmm...some people have hidden talents! This floozie sister was a joy to include in our adventure! Thanks for coming.
Oh we see you...come out and play!!! Very nice legs, the new exercise addition must be working out nicely!


We were treated to an expert performance and instruction on how to do a chair dance...it was all very nicely done and not embarrassing for anyone. The chair fitness moves were a whole lot easier than the pole exercises. A fun time was had by ALL! If you need a fitness challenge...pole fitness is an absolute MUST DO!