The top picture is from our hike yesterday at Craggie Pinnacle. We were too late to see the rhododendrons in bloom but it was fun anyway. It was foggy in the beginning so we couldn’t see too far into the mountains. Here is a picture of Sparky and me. I’d put pants over my shorts because it was 50 degrees and I wore one of Michael’s jackets to keep warm. I was excited because this was the first time I’d taken a hike where I didn’t have to take my noon nap. (Jan. 24, 2011)

When we hiked the trail, I found myself getting overstimulated and wanting to put my earplugs in to “rest my brain.” (Feb. 4, 2011) I’d forgotten that even though I no longer need this nap, I still get overstimulated. I’d wished that I had brought my ear plugs so that I could have “rested my brain” when we got to the top. I could have taken a picture with me wearing my earplugs! Ah well.

When we got back to our car, I put them in then until we arrived at our picnic spot. We arrived home at about 2 and I was tired. I decided not to take a nap but rather do some reading. Later, I put my ear plugs in for a planned ten minutes but I ended up sleeping for 45 minutes. I guess I still need to work with my over stimulation problem. It does make me angry to have to deal with it.

Do you have over stimulation issues now? How do you manage? See top right for commenting instructions or contact me directly at