If I would just quit blogging and go outside

This is what I'd see. Should get near 70 today--some beautiful fall color.

Beautiful October

I'd probably not count this as exercise but I did get out today and walk around to take a few photos down by the river.

October Blue Skies

Today the weather is just so October- brisk, sunny, and blue skies - my favorite month of the year. I have been walking when I can, but work and weather interfer. Last Sunday we did a 5K and that was the walking for the week.


Today, after church, I headed down my usual route - 1/2 mile country road, a mile and 1/2 through down, then along the canal path for a 1/2 mile. Round trip is 4 miles. Saw lots of squirrels hiding away nuts. And saw the Great Blue Heron - he's not too flighty, ended up about 6 feet from him when he decided it was time to fly a little farther from the bike path.

Am hoping this weather stays much of October so I can take care of my wild yard - golden rod as tall as me, as well as giant rag weed and tall grass. I'm trying to have a couple days off each week from now til the end of the year - no time for a weeks vacation so I schedule days off between reporting deadlines, budget deadlines, and other responsibilities.

Last week's sunrises

I was back at the Lake for the Midwest Birding Symposium Sept. 17-20, and again had a chance to walk at sunrise.

Monday August 17 walk

Aug 15, 2009
I still haven't missed a sunrise walk, although it's later each day. I see the 7 a.m. ferry instead of 6 a.m. Today I saw a heron, terns, gulls, a family of mallards, and a barefoot bathrobed dog walker.

Before I forget

This morning's sunrise was incredible. I haven't missed a sunrise this summer during the time we're at the lake. One morning I carried an umbrella, but it only misted. This morning the cloud formation was incredible. I never actually saw the sun, only the orange, pink, fuchsia, cobalt and gray backing up a huge cloud that looked like the old fashioned ships that used to sail the Great Lakes. Then when I turned back west, there was the full moon brilliant above the trees. It was just incredible.

This photo is not this morning--I think it was 2 days ago. It was a cloudy morning with the sun just peaking over the horizon. I wanted to get a photo of the freighter over at Marblehead, Ohio which takes ore from the quarry. There's much less traffic this summer as the economy hurts even the traffic here that fed so many industries.

The rip rap you see is not "native" to Lakeside, but was brought in from the quarry about 20 years ago because the lake was rising and covering the natural flat rocks on which you could easily walk out into the lake. You can't fool Mother Nature and the lake then receded, and many of the man-made protections and ideas in Ohio, New York, Michigan and Canada just made the shoreline worse, and many beaches were destroyed.

Yesterday I did 2 walks along the lakefront, one at dawn and one at noon (very brisk walking with a younger friend), plus the back and forth to various places. So I'm guessing 5 to 6 miles.

Way Too Long Hours

Trying to manage some 4 milers in between 60 hour weeks at work. It rained here until about 2 in the afternoon. By that time I was just getting my act together and cleaning house. So I'll get my 4 in tomorrow before church.

I'm taking a day off on Monday, will still be working about 50 hours for the week. It is really "funny" - I'm the oldest at work, but have the most stamina for the long hours. I'd better not be "crowing" too much - pride goeth before a fall.

Looking foward to a real early walk tomorrow and Monday so I can maybe catch a glimpse of the blue heron and other favorite critters. During the week, Im changing my walking time so I'll be at work by 7AM and home by 6:30 in the evening to do "my 4"!

Walking at home this week

It's just not the same walking a dawn in the suburbs. You can't see the sunrise.

Saturday, July 18, walking along the lakefront at dawn.

Lakefront cottages on July 18 reflecting the morning sunrise. These were all built around 1915-1920, I think. We rented the one on the far right (a 4-plex) in the mid-70s when the children were small.

Traffic jam

I took an evening walk along the lakefront last night about 8:30, and my oh my, so many people. There were crowds everywhere. But it's good to see people out and about, away from TVs and computers, especially the kids. This group seems to have their own clubs for miniature golf.

Health and Wellness Week at Lakeside

All the programs I attended (5) were excellent with qualified speakers, good graphics, and prepared hand-outs. The problem, as I see it, is in the audience. In most cases, they were preaching to the choir. Also, as I look around and observe people within 10-20 years, up or down, of my age, I see two really common problems that could have been successfully addressed if we'd started 20 years ago. Bones and Obesity. When I see an 82 year old woman who is still 5'10" and walking briskly, with attention to fashion, tall and proud, I want to take a photo and interview her. Is it genes? Nutrition? Exercise? Continues at Collecting my thoughts

Not so wild life

I frequently see this woman with her lab at dawn when I get in about 2 miles along the lakefront. He's getting his exercise--she's down there a long time. Many people with large, athletic dogs just don't give them enough attention or exercise and they develop behavior problems. This week is "Health and Wellness Week" at Lakeside and yesterday I attended a lecture on "Exercise is medicine" by Kitty Consolo. I think I knew most of it, but it is always good to be reminded. One of her suggestions was to have a work-out buddy--something that never has worked for me. Hers is her black lab.

Morning walks

I've been watching summer slip away by walking at dawn. It's only July 5 and already I think the sunrise is about 15 minutes later than when I started this 2 weeks ago. But I've been walking 4-6 miles a day, usually 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening, and counting all the steps in between.


I often see this lady "walking" her cat later in the day--although I'm not sure who is walking whom. I doubt that my kitty would tolerate this.

You mean...you WALKED!?

An essay on walking from a daily five mile walker and 8 year cancer survivor*

"Walking, I have noticed, is the first thing we want to do and the last thing we are want to give up in our old age. I took my first walk (I am told) with my father at about two years. The story goes we were gone a long time and my patient dad reported to my mom that I investigated every leaf and twig en route. I have been walking ever since.

We walked to play with friends in the neighborhood, we walked to school, we walked to the library and even walked to and from some of our first dates. I learned to love walking from my dad and my grandpa, both walkers all their lives. My dad was inclined toward rural, out of the way dusty country roads for his ambles. My grandpa likes to roam the woods to the north of our family farm. He raised sheep there and the farmland was heavy with nut trees and berries. My summer walks with my grandfather were some of the best to be had.

Over the years I have walked for many reasons. I have walked to sort things out, avoid depression, to make me sleep and to lose weight. They have all worked. Now I walk for the sheer joy of walking. It is my "drug” of choice. I walk the outskirts of town, I walk on the old high school track and I walk the town walk path. I sometimes even walk to Pond Road and rest by the Leaf River (Illinois) bridge and then return. I celebrated my 70th birthday recently with a 7 mile walk.

Going tramping is at first an act of rebellion; only afterwards do you get free from rebellion as nature sweetens your mind. Town can make man contentious; the country walk smooths out the soul. Lots of people have been great walkers. Dickens is said to have walked 25 miles a day! and we know Henry David was a great walker. . .why not, he had Waldon Pond, and Justice Douglas to name just a few...

The changing of the season would be reason enough, even if the health benefits were not there. Autumnal walks, with the russets, yellows and browns and the mists that hang, are nature’s melancholy. Winter walks make you strong my dad would say, as we bundled up on a zero day for walking to school. And they do--the air incredibly pure and sunlight gently caressing your shoulders. Spring walks, perhaps the best, full of hope of a glorious summer ahead. Summer walks, simply put, just hum, I do not mind the heat and find these walks my most rewarding. . . watching children ride bikes, or play in puddles and the exchange of smiles from fellow walkers.

Well, I have gone on enough. . . "I will arise and go now" - William Butler Yeats

Come join me in a walk and have someone say, "You mean-you walked!"
* Lynne Fleming Wilburn

Making it to 7th

We had a huge wind storm last night and lost power for several hours, cancelling the program. The photo is our neighbor's car covered up by a falling limb. As far as we could tell, the only damage to the car was the rear window. On this morning's walk I could survey the damage. I had attended a program on care of trees yesterday afternoon, so I could observe why some trees fell and others survived. Silver maples are quite frail and don't even have the life expectancy of a human but grow quickly (we were told in the class, and several of the biggest trees I saw damaged were silver maples.) I did make it to 7th street, which is almost the last street on the south end, or would be if there weren't a nice camp ground with an entire community of its own another street south of 7th. I'm not sure if I'm allow to walk in there. I'll have to take a peek tomorrow. But I did get about 5 miles in yesterday. I walked in the afternoon choosing to hop from shade to shade, because the heat index was near 100. It really is amazing how grass and trees lower that.

More wildlife

This black cat in my path is probably not feral. She didn't seem afraid, but neither did she come when I called. Smart kitty. Owners should not be allowing their pets to run loose--just because it's safe for children, doesn't mean it's OK to let your pets "litter."
This morning I walked about 35 minutes leaving the house about 5:45--east along the lakefront, then up to 7th on Poplar and back west, then north to our cottage on 3rd. I stopped several times to enjoy the scenery, and once to get my breath from that hill on Poplar between 4th and 5th. I'm not a tennis player, but those clay courts on 7th look mightly fine.
The story is that back in the 1870s when Lakeside was very young, a 14 year old girl named all the north south streets after trees. Louise Franck's father was an engineer and laid out the streets and she helped him.

Progress

The weather has held--no rain, and cooler than northern Illinois or central Ohio. So I've been able to add a street each day to my west end to east end walk--all the way east along the lakefront, then Monday I returned on 3rd, Tuesday on 4th, and today, Wednesday on 5th. Fifth is a bit of challenge in that there is a hill between 4th and 5th. But it's interesting to see the changes from year to year--although there are more houses for sale than I realized. Yesterday I saw a huron sillouetted against the sunrise but didn't have my camera. Today I took the camera, but he/she saw me first and flew off. The only wildlife I caught was this very shy calico (she's feral but gets food from all the neighbors).


After Lynne's inspiring comment at Joanne's post a few back, last night I did a second round trip along the lakefront, so combining those two with my walks to the grocery, the farmers market and Rhein Center I think I did at least 6 miles yesterday. Yeah! The calories, however, keep coming. Boo!

The start of summer

It's almost as good as a New Year's Resolution--arriving at the lake and resolving to take advantage of the walking and biking opportunities. Yesterday, first day of summer I began the day with 25 minutes along the lakefront with about 4 shorter destination walks during the day, for at least an hour of walking. I think that's about 4 miles. I can manage that if I break the walks up.


Then today I began with a 30 minute walk along the lake returning on 3rd St. Then about 6 blocks round trip to the grocery for ingredients for tonight's potluck, then about 6 blocks round trip (walking) to the coffee shop. So I've already got about 3 miles in today.

Part of this glorious plan was inspired by the coffee shop which this year isn't opening until 8 a.m. instead of 6:30 last summer. But on my way there today, I see that the new proprietor of Abigail's is opening at 6 a.m. Oh my! My plan might fail.

SHARING NATURE

My walking has been confined to the weekends, but wanted to share a close encounter yesterday morning.

As I was starting my morning exercise, I was surprised by a doe and a fairly new born fawn in the orchard. Of course "Mom" jumped the fence, leaving baby in the tall grass on my side of the fence. If only they had stayed in the woods on the other side of the road. The doe, as they do, bounded into the field. I imagine she wanted to head for the small woods between two fields - about a 1/2 mile away. I went to the fence line and there the fawn lay so quiet, yet not seeming to be frightened. I lifted the fawn over the fence and into a bed of tall grass. The baby was light as a feather. What a sensation to be that close to God's new creation! The doe had stopped not too far away and watched. I then went into the house.

Lucky that I did what I did for the neighbor's yellow hound was in my yard right after my going inside. Thank goodness he was too busy sniffing for rabbits. I called out my window for him to "Go Home!" and for once he did.

The doe was there with the fawn when I left for work - hopefully they reached the woods and are safe, as the farmer neighbor was spraying the fields when I came home from work.

WALKING WITH NATURE

I am finally getting with the program - it is taking a little longer than I thought (won't start Nautilus for another month).

My walks have been fruitful with flora and fauna.Along the canal path, I have watched mama goose, papa goose, and 4 goslings. My other bird finds include 2 blue herons, at least 1 pair of Eastern Bluebirds, lots of Robins and Goldfinch, Flickers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Red-Winged Blackbirds, and the most surprising of all - a Pileated Woodpecker. The canal is alive with turtles and fish and along the banks and path squirrels and bunnies are playing. Plants and shrubs are blooming in abundance - even found a shrub in my rose bush brambles that I'm not sure whether it is something I want to keep or if it is a pest - must look it up in my gardening books.

This weekend has been spectacular. My brother was here from Nebraska for a couple of days and I have been digging in the dirt and trimming and weeding. This is a good start this year - slow,but if I remember to get myself out of the office early enough in the evenings, this will be a great stress reliever besides helping my waistline.

"JUST DO IT"

I just read Norma's post - wake up call! I have a physical in 3 weeks and have really let myself get into a lazy mode. Work has been stressful and rain has been much, but it is time to set aside time for some unstressing - diligent walking and weight training as well as yard work. I should be able to do some good in those 3 weeks and then keep at it. I'm promising myself 4 miles in the early morning and Nautilus every other day right after Memorial Day (need time to build up some stamina with the walking). Did 3 miles today in just over 50 minutes, so that is a good start.

Here's a good reminder

High intensity exercise is more beneficial. Boy I hate that! I don't like to sweat. I'd prefer to stroll and enjoy the sights. But that’s what this article in Prevention says. The calories are the same--the results are different.

"Researchers from the University of Virginia found that women who did three shorter, fast-paced walks a week (plus two longer, moderate-paced ones) lost 5 times more belly fat than those who simply strolled at a moderate speed 5 days a week, even though both groups burned exactly the same number of calories (400) per workout. Those speed walking also dropped more than 2 inches from their waistlines, pared about 3 times more fat from their thighs, shed 4 times more total body fat, and lost almost 8 pounds over 16 weeks--all without dieting!

The improvements didn't stop there. The high-intensity exercisers lost about 3 times more visceral fat--the dangerous belly fat that wraps around organs such as the liver and kidneys and has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. "Vigorous exercise raises levels of fat-burning hormones," says lead researcher Arthur Weltman, PhD, director of the exercise physiology laboratory at the university. It also increases afterburn (the number of calories your body uses postexercise as it recovers) by about 47% compared with lower-intensity workouts."

Regroup Time

Weather and work have slowed progress. If I make 40 miles by Easter, I'll be doing great.





Today's walk was the first since last Sunday. I figured I'd better make use of a nice day and was able to do 4 miles in just over an hour. In the fields by my house I counted at least 16 calves - two and 1/2 weeks ago, there were 5. Spring is slowly showing along my route, watched a robin wooing a lady friend and saw some crocus and scillas peeping up out the ground.

Doin' My Best

I can see this is going to be a challenge. Workdays may get longer in order to prepare for working with the economic stimulus funds. Tried to leave at regular time this week, but the best laid plans of mice and men.....Even so from this time forward, I hope on workdays to pack up by 5:00 so I can be home to do my 4 miles each evening. Managed 3 and 1/2 today. Once this is going - back to some weight training.

Today's walk brought some new calves and my usual stops for petting the pups and talking to acquaintances. Grass is barely beginning to show and I think the pink hyacinth by the wall may not have made it through the winter - the first snow of last winter ended with a truck running over where they are planted. If not I'll be working near where they were planted to rebuild a small rock wall. Maybe I'll be lucky and find the bulbs to replant.

Spring is Coming Better Get Ready

After a long winter, I'm back to writing about my walks as I continue to seek a work/life balance. What better way to do this than require some discipline from my self regarding work hours so I will make it home in time to do a 4 mile walk before dark. With the world in the current economic crisis, my agency will be in the front lines, providing training services locally for those affected by layoffs, plant closings.




I managed 3 blocks shy of 4 miles with this first walk since the Christmas Minneapolis walk. Saw robins, cardinals, a squirrel and crow having issues, some old puppy friends, and talked to some acquaintances. The farm field next to my home showed me a week old calf and saw some signs of green grass along the road. As always, I thank the Lord for all He has created and thank Him that I am able to enjoy His creation.

Exercise in the New Year

I've gone back to a 3 times a week class. I just wasn't doing it on my own. Two of the classes have stretching and weights, and third (led by my husband) is more cardio. I did this class in 2000-2002 and then dropped out, preferring to walk--which I rarely kept up. So back to some discipline. . .

Holiday Greetings and Happy 2009

Yes - I know it is after Christmas, but really this is the 10th day of Christmas.

Christmas was again in Minneapolis, where we did some walking and playing with my niece's newest addition - an Australian cattle dog named Pip.

Since then there has been no real time to walk and no good snow to try out snow shoeing. But am doing an exercise routine twice a day!

Hopefully time and weather will allow me to get out to do some winter walking and try out the snow shoes - they are not the old fashioned kind, but "hi-tech" (LL Bean) with poles and a storage case. One of my resolutions is to set aside an hour + on weekends for just doing walking or snow shoeing.The other resolutions are the continuations of last year - "works in progress".

Just want to wish all a Happy New Year!

Saw a silly Robin today - doesn't he known he should be south of the Illinois Quad Cities?

Thanksgiving Weekend

First of all, must say my Thanksgiving Blessings to each and all!

Still keeping up the walks, at least 3 days a week. Work is pulling at me, but I'm taking time off each week to use up some vacation days and comp time. The funding has not improved, so my staff person and myself are taking one day off unpaid and we have had to lay off 2 employees indefinitely.

The walks by the canal are ongoing. I cannot believe how many squirrels I have seen busily storing away acorns. The red-tailed hawk is back and the path is a busy place with all the little critters preparing for winter. The fours miles can take anywhere between 1 hour and a hour and a half, depending on the number of fellow walkers, pups, and cats I stop and greet.

I just ordered hi-tech snow shoes. Now for some snow so I can put them to good use.

QUAD CITY MARATHON 5K

Just finished my last 5K for the year. That's not to say I won't be continuing my walks and jogs along the canal bike path. Although our governor thought he would cut the budgets for several park facilities and historic sites, hopefully the Illinois law makers will approve funding for those areas. If so, I will be walking still when the snow flies and maybe even through the snow. I'm still comtemplating snow shoeing - we'll see how that all works out.

My work is still ruling most of my life, but I am making more time for a life outside the office. I really have lots of yardwork to catch up on, but I love working outside in the fall so I will enjoy every minute of it.

The exercycle

Everyone probably has one on which to hang laundry and gather dust. Ours has moved from bedroom to basement to my office, and has been in the garage for over a year. Today I looked at it and decided it would fit between the cars so I could use it, instead of along the wall gather spider webs. Cold weather is coming. Wheeeee.

Labor Day Walk

Just finished the 5k for a Memorial Run for a student that was hit by a car. His folks have set up this run where the proceeds go to scholarships for 2 high school students each year. No walking sticks this time and even did some sprints.

Since I procrastinated the last two days - this "Labor Day" will be a labor day. I really haven't done much of anything in keeping the yard up this year and then there is the garage. I have good intentions, but now time's a flying so this is the big fall push for cleanup and hopefully a bathroom remodel. Off to the projects!

Pain free travel

We'll be at Lakeside another 1.5 weeks and then head home. The ride isn't all that long (about 2.5 hours) but I do get stiff. Here are some exercise/stretching tips for pain free travel from Johns Hopkins.

Four Miles a Day

This is becoming a monthly post. Managing to get in 4 miles a day most weeks, unless the weather says otherwise. I'm working on sprinting at least a block - 5K's are more fund if you sprint across the finish line. Those days I leave the walking sticks at home. It is a little strange sprinting with the hip replacement and I am really careful when I do sprint. But it is such fun even at almost "63" to kick up my heels for the joy of being.

Walking Catchup

It has been just over two weeks since I've written some thoughts. I have been able to get 4 miles in most days - down "my country road", through the little town, and then to the bike path along the canal. I see so many neat "critters" on my walks, even the red winged blackbird who dive bombs me because there are babies nearby.Work has taken over for a little while, but the walks are keeping me focused.

It is very humid today, storms early this morning, but not too hot for a late morning walk. Now to wash and clear coat the Jeep - I've been going to do that for two weeks.

Exercising at Lakeside

Although I see some vigorous joggers and walkers, most of us here for vacation or the summer just get more exercise than usual because we don't use our cars. I might walk 10-12 blocks a day or ride my bike several miles and not even think about it. I think this is why our parents and grandparents didn't carry as much weight. During the day I might walk 3 blocks and back to the little grocery store, or 2-3 blocks to the little business district, or stroll a mile along the lakefront and not even notice it. It's a wonderful way to get around--when the weather's good--and for the most part it has been. Occasionally Joanne sends her storms from Illinois that she has been dodging.

Walking at sunrise along Lake Erie

Back from Italy

We got back from Italy in the wee morning hours of June 30, and I'd planned laundry, photo sorting, blogging, etc. and getting ready for Lakeside, but a virus overtook me and I landed in the hospital, dehydrated. A few others on the tour were also doing poorly, so either we ate or drank something that didn't agree. One gal spent the flight in the rest room--thank goodness mine waited until June 30! But I seem to be on the mend. My little one-mile-a-day walks around the condo grounds weren't up to cobblestone streets and Umbrian hills! Also we had a heat wave. I'm posting photos and stories at my regular blog, Collecting My Thoughts as the inspiration hits. So far, the brain isn't in gear. But Joanne is always an inspiration and I plan to go for a short walk now that the sun is out. It's like a rain forest here in central Ohio.

Happy Fourth of July!

Another month has come and gone. Weather has turned better. This was a great morning for walking. I've been able to walk 3 and 1/2 to 4 miles most mornings before work. Ive sloughed off at Nautilus so that is the next goal to get going on.

We are still Mississippi River flooded in an adjacent county and the local portion of Rock River is still higher in some places than normal. We have lots of mosquitoes and little gnats and I hate wearing bug repellent. But the alternative is worse.

Now that I'm finished with my morning walk, I tackling the weeds and tall grasses in the rose bed that lines the west border of our land. Tonight I'll be able to see some of the fireworks from my yard.

Rain and Water Everywhere

This has been a soggy month. So thankful that I am on high ground and at least a mile and 1/2 across woods and grassland to a river. The Mississippi is over the banks and the river I live near hasn't been totally in its banks since Dec 23.

I've been trying to get outside for a walk but the thunder showers keep coming- it is supposed to let up later - I'll try later this afternoon. Yesterday my friend and I did Race for the Cure 5K - a little over 3 miles of walking. I don't think my pace was up to par. I need to work on that, but my form with the walking sticks is much better.

I miss the early morning walks, but the weather has been really rainy this last 2 weeks. Better weather this week so I have no excuse. Can't wait for those early morning walks to clear my head and prepare me for the day.

Lots of yard work to do - still 7 roses to put in and the normal trimming and weeding. That is just for a start. The bramble rose bed is covered with wild grape and poison ivy is creeping in. I'm off for 2 and 1/2 days this week - Ill be working in the bramble rose and cleaning the patios of grass and whatever between the blocks. Then the rock walls need to be weeded. Once I get done, time to start the cycle again.

Back after a long break!

Well I am back after a long break where depression had slumped into real lethargy, a couple of photos have convinced me of my need to diet, and to exercise. I have not been caring for myself too well!

This week has been good though; I walked on Sunday & Monday, went for an hours swimming on Tuesday, did the yard work on Weds ( no small task) and am planning on attending an aqua fit class today!

Amazing what one good long honest look at yourself will do!!!

Weather is clearing

We've had some rain here in Ohio, even flooding south of here, but tomorrow should be clear and warm. The audio book did the trick--when the weather was nice I was going out 2 or 3 times a day with my head phones. Now I'm finished, so I use the radio. Haven't moved to an i-pod yet. Need to build up a little strength--we're going to Italy soon and will be doing quite a bit of walking.

Rainy Time

Weather has played havoc with the walking. I think this is the least amount of walking I have been able to do because of spring weather. Rained last night through this morning - found some basement leaks I didn't know about. That will be a project for this year as well as remodeling the bathroom.

Tomorrow will be another goal to set - I'll be more conservative this time and allow for weather and work. Still, my walks in March, April, and May have brightened my days. The canal is beginning to come to life with frogs and turtles as well as fish starting to top feed. I see so many birds - all busy with their nests. I'm so hoping the blue heron comes back this year - he was such a sight to see early in the morning mist.

Second walk today

It's just too pretty to stay inside, so I loaded a new book on disc player and off I went. Boy, am I out of shape. I'm breathing hard still. The book is "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks. It's fiction but based on a real event, so I hope it will hold my interest, and pull me outside to walk (since I don't listen to audio inside).

"Way Short"

Well, weather and work has cut into my walks. But if all goes well for the next 5 days, I'll be able to log at least 4 miles a day.

It is good to be back walking down the country road, through the little town, and along the canal path. Next week will start my early AM walks on Tuesday thru Sunday, hoping that the blue heron has again decided to take up residence nearby. Monday will be a walk in the early evening.

Since the budget crisis has hit at work, management is taking 10 days off unpaid and we are down to a skeleton staff at our counseling office. Even unpaid, I do enjoy these times off (fitting my hours in between required reports due at state with hopefully some full days off to accomplish much needed projects at home and to "smell the roses".)

Yesterday I spotted a muskrat, one small turtle, two leaping fish, and too numerous birds to mention. I stopped to talk to some friends that I haven't seen since last fall and took a few minutes to check out some flowering shrubs along the way. Along my own driveway, I smelled the luscious sweetness of the pink viburnum and soon will be smelling the masses of white and pink lily of the valley. The lilacs are budding -maybe they will be okay to take to the cemetery for Mothers Day.

Along my 1/2 mile road, the cattle have now been herded to the back pasture and the fields are being readied for planting corn and soybeans. Soon I'll be watching for the corn and soybean seedlings.

This is truly a glorious world and I am so grateful to be able to enjoy what the Lord has given.

Walking 101

Finished the 5-K in just under 50 minutes. Need to get back my pace of at least a 14 minute mile this year. This is a good start. It was cool and a little breezy but no rain. No bagels, but I had some some grapes, scrambled eggs, a small apple sugar roll, and coffee.




Sun is out so time to do some raking.

A REALLY SLOW START

I have really been a "pansy" about the weather. I had hoped to start walking right at Easter, but weather and work really haven't been cooperating. First 5K of year, Gilda's Fun Run, is tomorrow. So off I go with the walking sticks. When I reached 60, this 5K for me used to start with a 2 block sprint in the beginning and some sprinting in the middle, and another 2 block sprint at the end. Now it will be walking the route.

I can sprint some, but with the hip replacement comes having to admit I need to be careful. Tomorrow will be a good incentive to get it together again. It is only to be in the 40's, but at least no rain. We have done the Gilda's Fun Run in the rain, but best friend's umbrella turned inside out and the umbrellas were more trouble than they were worth. We ended up just getting wet and we didn't melt!

Am looking forward to tomorrow, especially the bagels after the walk. This will be a great start to get back to Nautilus and "unstress" from my agency's budget issues and the federal government's funding cuts for this year and next year.

New goal is at least 85 miles of walking though May 11th.

Spring almost

It's been in the 70s here the last 2 days so I've been able to walk outside instead of inside the church. Most people would walk outside in the 40s and 50s, but not me! My artificial flowers are blooming (brought them out of the garage).

Easter Eve

Short of goal, but better than I thought I would do. I'll be back in the swing of things this next week with walking. I hope to be able to walk at least two miles after work depending on when I get home and the weather; then four miles Saturday and Sunday. I really can't wait to hear the click clack of the walking sticks - that really keeps the stride from dropping back.




Sending Joyous Easter Greetings to all!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG?

And so the first day of Spring, with snow forecast north of here tonight and tomorrow and a mix of rain/snow for Monday in the Quad Cities. But Life is Good any way you look at it. I missed my goal, but will do better with the next one as walking will be in the mix. I will be so glad that once again, I'll be able to write what I see, hear, feel, and smell during walks along the canal. Those jotted down thoughts remind me what a glorious world I live on and how gracious God is to share His World with me.

Farmer Neighbor has three cows that have calved - two had twins. I stopped at the township cemetery last evening to place spring flowers on family graves for Easter. The cemetery is about a quarter mile from my home. As I was going down the lane to the road, I stopped and watched both sets of twins romping and playing in the field. They were just born last week. More calves will be coming in the future!

My hour of exercise is helping to take the edge off layoffs at my agency. This last group of five employees will be temporary - they will be reinstated by July 1. Federal funding is being cut for the current year and next year's funding will be less than the total funds received this year. It is a sad state of affairs when agencies in place to help the unemployed have to lay off members of their own staff.

Palm Sunday

Up early and accomplished one hour of exercises plus an hour walk after church. I'll be short of goal for First Day of Spring by 10 hours. I'm going to contine on through Easter Sunday, then start a new short term goal until I can walk in the early mornings before work, about April 13. We have a 5K Gilda's run that day. I should be able to at least get 2 days of walks in each week before then and right after maybe 2 miles in the morning before work. Once May is here, I'll be walking my usual 4 miles before heading to work.

I have been so unfocused on what I need to do this year. So I made a new resolution, that for each day, I will do what I should not put off until tomorrow!

Sunday Thoughts

What a deal - I really am behind, but need to get motivated over this "Day Light Savings Time Thing". Still too icy on the bike path, so at least til mid week, stuck inside. If I make my goal, I'll just make it with nothing to spare. Even so, I'm keeping up with the aerobics and hope for some real walking by Thursday. It is surprising how much the aerobics and stretching keep me limber. Am now working on healthier eating habits.




Have some time off this week and next for catching up at home and regrouping from the loss in funding at our agency (my position will be okay for a while, but you never know). I hope to have at least some semblance of order by this time next Sunday so I can enjoy Easter week.

Wet and cold

I obviously won't be meeting my goal by March 7 (2 days from now, 7,000 steps a day), but perhaps I've been making December's goal of 5,000 steps a day? (163900 in 28 days)

We had 70 degree (almost) days Sunday and Monday, and I didn't even walk outside. I'm such a slug--just sit here and blog. I'm a sblogger. Then the temps dropped 40 degrees and the creeks are rising.

Slow Going!

I have been such a procrastinator - must catch up this week. Even off Nautilus for the last couple weeks. Still no outside walking - all snowy and icy. I really miss my daily walks on the bike path. Work is pretty stressful - more funds lost
Over the whole country, the Feds are rescinding funds awarded to local agencies from 2006 through 2007. This doesn't even address what our funding loss will be for the year starting July 2008. So my exercising in the AM gets me ready for the day. I just need to get going on at least a half hour more after work. The kit cats keep me entertained in the evening and I'm doing much better with work / life balance.

I keep a constant prayer in my heart of thank yous, praise, and needing help. What a combination to give to God in one sitting! I am well and can do "my thing"! So Life is Really, Really Good!

Ice storm

In Ohio we've had some nasty weather, but nothing like northern Illinois and Wisconsin, and I guess it has moved on to the east coast. We cancelled our Friday night out, and went out tonight. Despite the cold, the signs of spring are around us because at 6:30 it is still light outside. I'm walking indoors inside our church--wide halls and carpeted floors, so it works fine.

Cold Weather and Snow

So much for outside walking - too cold and snowy to venture on to the bicycle path. Exercise has been inside and is not near as much fun. Another wintery weekend is headed our way for tonight and tomorrow. So I have been doing my hour of exercising inside, but I haven't even made it to Nautilus. Need to get in gear!

Ash Wednesday

We'll be serving communion at tonight's service. I saw many ashes at morning coffee today--one group an immigrant family with their teen age children. The father prayed for some time over the bagels. Very touching.

End of my ticker parade--didn't come close--averaged 4600 steps a day instead of 6000 (although I think I forgot to update on some days).




Now I'll have to select another cute one. I love Joanne's.

Ash Wednesday

Final Tally on old goal - 7 hours short, but new day and new goal. This will run from now February 6th til March 20th - Spring. Then a short 4 day goal through Easter Sunday. Now that I'm accustomed to the new weather pattern, I'm allowing more time for Nautilus and combined exercise-yoga program for inside. If the weather calms down, walks outside.

Snow Day today. Il-IA Quad Cities pretty well getting snowed in. After all it is Winter, and everyone keeps wishing for Spring. Both my Dad and my Grandpa always reminded me "not to wish my life away". Each day is a gift from God and I will consider everything that I do each day as celebrating that day.

It's warm but wet today

Doesn't look like I'll accomplish my goal by end of the day tomorrow. It's supposed to be in the 60s today, but we're getting the wet that Illinois had yesterday, so I don't think I'll be getting out. I'll probably start a new ticker on Thursday and go for 7,000 steps a day, even though I didn't meet this month's or last month's, I'll just keep trying. Wearing a pedometer really is a reminder to move around more--like when the page is loading or the coffee is warming.

Happy Fat Tuesday. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday.

Goal Cut Short

Here I am, 4 days from my target date - hadn't planned on the average snowfall which we have not had since the year 2000. That is fine, the path taken is as important as the end result. I have only had one good day for outside walking, but I still love winter. I really could have attained the goal and more had I pushed, but somehow this month did not feel like doing my normal extreme push. Even so I have managed almost an hour a day - I'll probably achieve 30 hours by Tuesday. I have my followup doctor appointments at the end of this month so I am starting February with at least one and 1/2 hours of exercise each day. Need to show them that they did a good job fixing me. New Goal on Wednesday!

We Are Only Into The Fourth Week of Winter

So much for the bike path this weekend - too cold. No snow, just cold (I'm such a pansy this weekend). So it is exercise on my own and some treadmill. I'll do better next weekend - even it is cold, I'm headed out for a walk. Have to wait for the weekends because of work hours.

People already are wishing for Spring and it is only going into the second month of Winter. My dad always said "don't wish your life way" - so I really enjoy each and every day as it comes, whether it be Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall.




I'm also trying to be a more healthy eater. That means less eating on the run and actually sitting down at night for a light meal, rather than doing work , reading e-mails, and eating supper at the same time. This ties right in with my life/work balance resolution of 4 years - and each year I get a better at allowing myself more precious personal time.

New ticker for this month

I'm resetting my pedometer for 6,000 steps a day. Our weather has been so warm that so far, I've been able to exceed that, although the cold is coming back this week-end. Yesterday I did 10,700. I walked around the parking lot when I bought groceries, and around the condo in the afternoon with some classical music. Most of the articles I've read on using pedometers recommend 10,000 a day. I plan to work up to that, but not being an exercise-role model like Joanne, I'll not set my expectations too high.

30 Day Goal for Celebrating Return to Good Health

One year ago today I came home from rehab after the first step of replacing my left hip - a temporary replacement wrapped with antibiotics and using a walker. But I was home and it was and is wonderful. With the weather so iffy, I am now setting a goal for at least one hour a day of exercise, weight training, some treadmill, and maybe even some walking on the bike path from today January 5, 2008 through February 5, 2008.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is my final day for tracking this pedometer goal of 5000 steps a day for 30 days. I didn't make it. But those days I got 6000 or 7000 it wasn't all that difficult. Usually it just involved going to the supermarket, or one day I just walked around the inside of the church when I was doing an errand. So I'll reset the goal for January-February soon.

Happy New Year!

Good-bye 2007 and Hello 2008! I really haven't done much walking, what with preparing for 3 other Holiday parties. With the Christmas rush and all, many of my friends enjoy a January Christmas and New Year celebration. So with all the party preparations I have let my walking slide, even on the treadmill. But this week, will be back at least on the treadmill for a mile a day or so.

Will set new ticker once I am back on track.

Wishing all a really Great 2008!

A Snowy Minneapolis Christmas

Spend all day Sunday at Airport, plane was to leave at 11 AM, we were in the air at 8:40 PM. My brother and wife had to stop about an 1 and 1/2 hours drive from my niece's home. But we all made it safe and sound and by 10 AM Christmas Eve Morning were together to celebrate a very snowy Christmas. Even walked 2 miles in white fluffy snow Christmas afternoon.

Was to leave today at 9:15 AM, in the air at 1:40 PM. Am home now with the 3 kit cats finishing up preparations for a second Christmas here in Illinois with friends.

Merry Christmas from Ohio

We were in Indiana this morning, but with a brisk tail wind (gas was $2.84) we were home in Columbus by 10 a.m. Very windy today, but I did get a mile walk, and a mile on Friday. I have a friend recovering from major, major abdominal surgery, and each time I get an e-mail from her telling me that she has gone outside to walk, I put on my coat and go out!

An Early Merry Christmas in Illinois

Early post for Christmas. Weather is still not copperating for outside walking so 3 more miles on the treadmill. Off to Minneapolis tomorrow - have boarding pass and ride to airport. There may be flight delays, but I won't be missing the plane.

Back in Illinois on December 26th and will do more on treadmill then. Until then:

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND ALL and GOD BLESS EVERYONE!

What Goal?

My goal has fallen by the way. The weather has been so nasty that I have only managed to walk a mile on the treadmill each day. Besides, Christmas is coming and I have been cleaning and enjoying decorating. I'm flying up to Minneapolis on Sunday to be with my niece over Christmas. My brother and his wife are driving in from Lincoln NE. Today I have heard at least 4 different weather forecasts so I'm not sure whether I'll be in Minneapolis or sitting on the tarmack in Moline.

The challenge

I'm glad I didn't set this any higher than 5000 steps a day, because I'm barely scraping by.

Wintery Mixes

Walking has now become the treadmill - until the weather lightens up some. So I may not make my goal - 4 miles on the treadmill is not near as much fun as walking outside. I had hoped to get the snow shoes ordered, but I'll wait til after Christmas. Then I'll have more time to explore what is available in snow shoes and also may need to get new walking sticks (I think I'm wearing one stick out). I used to walk on all kinds of wintery surfaces, but I don't want to mess up what the Drs. fixed last year.

I almost blew off going to the gym tonight, but thought better of it. Good thing too - I had the best workout I have had in a very long time. Stress level is better, maybe I'm mellowing out.

We have had some really snowy slippery days, with more on the way for the weekend and on through Tuesday. I love the winter season, but hate driving in the snow and ice. I even love to shovel my walk - I like to do that very early with starlight and moonlight making the my little corner of the world glisten. It is so quiet and peaceful.

My treadmill (not motorized) needs oiling - first thing tomorrow.

My pedometer goal

In November I wrote about the advantages of wearing a pedometer. During this high calorie Christmas season when it is cold and drippy outside, I'm setting a goal of 5,000 steps a day through January 5, 2008. If I can do more, I will, but if I set it too high, I'll get discouraged. My computer download is a bit slow, so as it creeps on screen, I get up, walk through the living room and kitchen and return to my office, adding valuable steps instead of fuming at my CRT.




Update: Because the ticker will forward each day, I'll note here that my first day was 2527 steps, so I didn't meet the 5000 goal--maybe if I'd gone to the supermarket, but it was too nasty to leave the house.

December Afternoon

Really have done well for the last three days -4 miles each day. This afternoon silly orange cat met me on the bicycle path, rolling over on her belly to be petted. I really like walking in this weather, but just wait until it is snowing and sleeting. I do try to get even a half mile in then. No walk outside from tomorrow through Friday - back to work. I will do a mile on the treadmill at Nautilus tomorrow and Friday - no more than that, hate that treadmill.

My neighbor (1/2 mile away) has his front yard filled with Christmas. These last two afternoons, as I was walking up the hill, he was just finishing inflating the last figure.

I'm seeing what I can get done for outside Christmas lights. I only do lights on the trees and greenery sprays and wreaths for the doors, not figures.

New Month, New Season, New Goal

The best laid plans of mice and men: no walk today - a little snow,more sleet and ice. The grass next to the driveway is icy and my mailbox is frozen shut, so I'm waiting for the rain to melt the ice.

I'm going to try the outside walking on days that are good - it will depend a lot on the weather. I haven't bought equipment to showshoe yet. I haven't been on skis since college and with no place close to cross country, I think learning to use snow shoes would be good. Other years, from December 1 through December 31, I have been able to get at least 4 days each week of 3 - 4 miles of good brisk walks in.

This change of plans started me on Christmas gift wrapping - since I have packages to mail off Monday, today is dedicated to making one pick mess and one time cleaning up

End of Autumn Ramblings

I did not quite meet my goal, 35 miles short. I think I could have if I had not been so focused on work related "stuff". Now it is time to set a short goal. See post tonight.

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!