Category Archives: Health and Lifestyle

A challenge for my friends and family– Pick up one piece of trash every day

Posted on by annandmeg

It’s not hard. Just one piece! Well, today I picked up several pieces of glass I found along my running trail on the eastern edge of Petaluma, but the point is, just a little bit at a time will make a big difference.

Glass from the trail

Every little bit helps. So when you’re out for a walk or going to the store, pick up that wrapper that someone neglected to throw in the garbage can, or the empty bag of chips floating across the soccer field. I guarantee a trash can is on your way to wherever you’re going, or at least nearby, and you can always wash your hands!

So I challenge you all to take that extra 10 seconds to pick up one piece of trash a day. You’ll feel great about yourself for doing it!

Happy Birthday Terry Christenberry!

Posted on by annandmeg

Riff, ram, bah, zoo….

Happy Birthday to YOU!!

What a handsome birthday boy!

What a handsome birthday boy!

On this glorious day, many MANY years ago, Mr. T was brought into the world. Now today, with almost all of his girls in town, we get to celebrate him getting older and wiser.

Happy Birthday Pud. We love you!

The First Day Of The Rest of My Life

Posted on by annandmeg

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Yesterday I retired.  In 1972 I graduated from UMKC Law School and passed the Bar. 41 years later, I am retiring from the Bench.  It has been great.  Not always easy, but rich with memories and friendships.

Today, I continued my life with no orders to write, no trials and no probationers.  I had no need to get ready to work or to do–well–anything.  It felt strange, but in the way that you like to feel at the beginning of any adventure.

I can tell you my priorities for the next two weeks: visits with friends and family, work in the yard, non-profit commitments.  But for the first time in four decades, I cannot tell you my long-term plan for the future.  It is thrilling, really.  Do I want to write, or take photographs?  Do I want to travel, or save the world? How do I decide, after all these years, what will most give my life meaning?  It is a gift I give myself to figure it out.

I can compile my own bucket list!  I have all the time left to me to figure it out.

Down by the River

Posted on by annandmeg

Sitting by the Eel River

While up in Redway this weekend, we had a little tent set up by the river. It was a perfect place to get in out of the sun and relax while reading my book. This was my spot for several hours in the afternoon, with an occasional dip in the river to cool off. What a great way to spend a relaxing weekend.

Ringing in 30 with a bang

Posted on by annandmeg

First of all, I’d like to say a big THANK YOU for all the wonderful birthday wishes! I received so many messages/phone calls/texts from friends and family, and most notably, a birthday serenade from my amazing second family, the Kempers. I feel very loved, thank you!

July 3rd hiking in Bodega Headlands

July 3rd hike in Bodega Headlands

I thoroughly enjoyed closing out my 20s, and had even more fun breaking in 30. Let me assure you, 30 is not boring! Dad came in town a few days before to spend the week with us in California. We went hiking, and running, and hiking, and climbing…. All things I absolutely love. In case I was worried about being in shape, well, I’m definitely not anymore.

July 4th hike in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

July 4th hike in Bear Valley, Point Reyes

Outdoor adventures paired very nicely with the numerous birthday celebrations. We had a lovely dinner with friends and family at the Fishmans, and then a 4th of July/Meg’s 30th continues party at Auntie & Tio’s, accompanied by Charneth (the bling master) and family. Fun was had by all, including the infamous Tio cake and making the birthday girl prance around in goofy garb (see evidence below).

When you turn 30, you get to wear bright red pants and a fun apron.

When you turn 30, you get to wear bright red pants and a fun apron.

If turning 30 was this much fun, I can’t wait for the next decade!

The Big 30

Posted on by annandmeg

Happy birthday, Meg. You were born one day short of Independence Day, 1983.  Your determination and strength of character have made your progression through life a ceaseless adventure.  I am always proud you are my daughter and look forward to the experience of watching your life continue to unfold.

Have a wonderful birthday.  Love ya tons.  Mum

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My new favorite place to run

Posted on by annandmeg

Helen PutnamMy new favorite place to run

A jackrabbit, snake, lots of geckos, a horse and a parrot. My Friday morning run through Helen Putnam was as beautiful as always. Only 3 miles or so, but lots of verticals, and an interesting assortment of wildlife!

It was a perfect way to start the weekend, and a great warm-up for our long hike at Mt. Tam on Saturday.

Sundays With Terry–It’s All About Local

Posted on by annandmeg

Sunday breakfast is all about the ritual of exploring Kansas City neighborhoods and finding local restaurants, coffee shops and cafes. There is something truly special about finding one-of-a-kind places to eat. It supports the local economy and gives us the opportunity to really savor the tastes of Kansas City. In recent weeks, we have visited a variety of fascinating coffee shops that are worth a second visit:

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YY’s is within walking distance of the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, but miles apart in attitude. It is a “dive” in the best sense.  The food is good, the maple syrup is real, and the few customers who fit in the confined space  seem to represent a microcosm of Kansas City.

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The Roasterie in Brookside is “Bean Baron” Danny O’Neill’s coffee shop that features his own locally roasted coffees, and a wonderful assortment of rolls, croissants and even desserts.  It is wonderfully suited to the charm of neighborhood near our home.  Danny travels the world in search of great coffee beans and has worked hard to perfect the art of fine coffee.

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Hi Hat focuses on the Pembroke Hill School crowd.  Parents drop by Hi Hat after dropping their kids off at school.  Students visit the coffee shop before and after school.  Too small to have much room inside for customers, except in the coldest weather there are often people gathered on the tiny front porch visiting and enjoying coffees, frozen drinks and muffins or rolls.

We have so many great places to explore here in Kansas City. It’s not only important to support our local businesses, but it’s just so much fun!

Motherly Love

Posted on by annandmeg

Last fall, my sweet Mum sent me a greeting card to keep me pumped during the campaign. The front had a little animated character with a bubble saying “Three of my favorite words?”, and then when you opened it up, the card finished, “That’s my daughter.” Mum’s handwritten note underneath says, “It just fit how I feel about you.” I keep on my desk in my office because it always give me a little boost of joy in the morning. So today, what are three of my favorite words?….That’s my Mama!!

Me and my cute Mumsy

Meg and Mum, enjoying a sunny day in the backyard in Kansas City, Summer 2012.

My beautiful Grandmom, Kay Mesle. I have no idea what year this picture was taken, but I would guess sometime in the 1940s.

My beautiful Grandmom, Kay Mesle. I have no idea what year this picture was taken, but I would guess sometime in the 1940s.

Nothing can compare to a mother’s love. I feel it from Mum. I still feel it from Grandmom. It’s calming, reassuring, and encouraging. I am fortunate to have a number of “moms” in my life. As we would say in the Mesle family, “it takes a village,” and I certainly am grateful to have such wonderful people in my life supporting me along the way.

In addition to my amazing family in Kansas City, I am lucky to have my fabulous Auntie here in California. As the “redheaded McCollister women” (as Tio likes to call us), we make sure to enjoy living in California to the fullest and explore every nook and cranny we can find.

Meg and Auntie spending a day in San Francisco, April 2013.

Meg and Auntie spending a day in San Francisco, April 2013.

So today, say Thank You to your Mom, your Grandmom, your Auntie, your Bobbie Lou, your Nancy Lee (all of my amazing “moms”). Say Thank You to the women who support you and cheer you on. They are amazing women, and deserve a little extra love on this beautiful day.

Happy Mother’s Day to my sweet Mum, and to all the Mothers out there!