Yesterday I walked five miles

Yes, but before I break my arm patting myself on the back, let me tell you I was wearing a step pedometer, and only one mile was "exercise" done outside. The rest was my normal activities at home, and going out twice to shop. This week I read, "Using pedometers to increase physical activity and improve health" (a review article) in the Nov 21, 2007 issue of JAMA (many public libraries have a subscription). The researchers had reviewed 26 published studies that reported on pedometers among outpatients, 8 randomized controlled trials, and 18 observational. The conclusion was that use of a pedometer is associated with significant increases in physical activity and significant decreases in body mass index and blood pressure. This was across all ages, races, gender, and state of health.

Some guidelines specifically recommend 10,000 steps a day, although I don't know that this goal would change the outcome. So, ladies, clip on that pedometer. I'm not sure why it works, but people, me included, seem to increase their activity level when using a pedometer.

Thanksgiving Blessings

What a difference in a year! So many things to be thankful for - God's beauty in the world around us, walking, seeing, hearing, touching, feeling, health, family, friends, letting my brother and niece persuade me that Blue kit cat was not a bad cat, just a misguided one - among a few! I am sure that I won't make my goal of 300 miles, but that is okay. I have tried to cram two years of projects into one year with the house and yardwork and my job. It is true what they say" Thank God for everything". My walks are filled with so many wonderful treasures to remember and acquaintances that I have met along my route.

My niece is here for Thanksgiving and my brother and his wife are driving in from Nebraska. Dinner will be shared with my sister-in-law's family. What a Glorious Day!
I think my niece and I will probably walk the route this morning.

I still have 9 days left before November 30, if the weather holds. Hope it does, want to walk more and work in the yard.

November Thanks

This November is truly a time of reflection and renewal for me. The weather has been fairly mild, but windy. The walks have been my usual route, but with the changing colors of the leaves. No more turtles, but I do see the blue heron. I have so much to be thankful for and enjoy looking over the beautiful sights of the walks, meeting town neighbors and the critters and listening for the sounds of fall.

I've had quite a few vacation days to work in the yard, but have really procrastinated. Now I need to get on the job of preparing for winter!