The gift of a sunny winter's day gave me the opportunity of resuming my task of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so I went for a brisk 3 mile walk with camera in hand.
This all started in March when my BP was 190 over 120, with a cholesterol level of 7.5 and a weight of 15 st. - 9 lb (219 lb). I am not given to the taking of Pharmacy drugs, unless absolutely necessary, so I was given 3 months by the nurse to show an improvement in health by walking and losing weight.
Perseverance is the byword to success and I am now a healthy shadow of my former self ! My weight is now 12st. 8lb (176lb), my BP normal and cholesterol level under 5. The waist line is now 34 inches and I can walk up hillsides without needing to rest, my legs no longer ache. Sure even Mrs H has is pleased that my snoring has decreased in decibels to almost non existent ! She tells folk that she has a new husband!
So yesterday was a real gift. I hate walking in rain as my glasses don't have wipers (inventors please note !). Our normal walk is as far as the bridge over the River Barrow a distance of 1.1 miles, yesterday I went further to take photos of some sheep and of course they were gone.
Still, a few bullocks kindly stepped in line for me as soon as they saw the camera.
I do like the way in which the cattle that winter out in the fields have coats which take on extra hairiness and appear to the eye to be healthier than those who are penned up in sheds.
A field of reeds and rushes caught my eye and I wondered how many Brígíds'Crosses would they make, thousands if they all were pulled I imagine. By tradition the man of house pulls or cuts them in silence and hides them in a safe place to bring them indoors in late January for the women to make crosses.
Some there are who use green Willow instead and many different designs can be found, from the intricate to a the well known, four legged 'sun wheel' type.
In this house we prefer the more unusual three legged type, a design which seems to have come originally from Co. Donegal.
Very well done turning things round and becoming healthier. Long may you continue to go walking, to inspire and do what you do so well with words.
ReplyDeleteSincerely Lizzie that is very kind of you and greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteHeron awaits Winter Solstice
"A healthier shadow" of your former self may perhaps be better described as a stronger, more defined figure of a man :-) I'm sure you must feel so much better for your toned and honed down being. I love the bullocks and yes, they do get a much woollier appearance in the winter, don't they? I have also noticed they like the attention of having their photo taken.
ReplyDeleteYes you are quite right Vallyp I am bursting with vitality !
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of your observations :-)