My news year's resolution will be to walk. I'm not one to sign up and go to the gym; I just don't want to have to drive some somewhere to work out. Over the years I have walked but for some reason, last year I found lots to do and talked myself out of walking. I just didn't make the time. But, I am out of shape so I need to resolve to get out and do some walking no matter what the weather is or what excuses I can dream up not to walk.

I purchased a pedometer. It's pretty cool and probably more than I will ever figure out how to use but at least it counts my steps. It is not a fit-bit. Our weather here in Central Virginia fluctuates from the 20s one day to 60 the next. So, as we said in Girl Scouts years ago, dress like an onion. It will be easy to bundle up and go outside and walk and peel away a layer of clothes and tie the jacket around my waist as I walk if I get too warm.

One nice thing about walking in the neighborhood, I have the opportunity to see my neighbors. On the return trip, I can stop at a friend's house and visit if they are outside or knock on the door and say hello. If I am not comfortable making an unplanned stop, I can call and arrange a visit before my walk. What a wonderful opportunity to visit an older neighbor who doesn't get out much anymore.

Well, I have talked myself into walking. I’ll check my shoes and walking attire for the weather and get myself moving.

This is one resolution I need to keep.

Angie,

While I've been a self-imposed walking enthusiast for years, this year my town acquired a grant from the Walk With Ease Program from the Arthritis Foundation, and I have been walking now three days per week 1 mile or more each time since spring and we will continue this group program through October. How fabulous is that?

Mary Caliendo
Tea Editor

Walking the dog a mile at a time is good too.

angie,

We are getting fit and having fun!

Mary Caliendo
Tea Editor

I have a torn meniscus as a result of the fall last January. Walking has not been an easy task. Today, however, I did walk two block away from the house and back with the dog. That was an accomplishment.

After two knee replacements and a year of recouperation, I'm can handle a mile in 20 minutes. The replacements were a result of the fall (over the dog I was walking in the previous post.) So much has happened since 2018. In the summer I'm doing water aerobics 3 days a week.