Saturday, March 15, 2008

I'm Walkin', Yes Indeed, I'm Walkin'


I've been walking the two miles to work and back since January. I was inspired by the simultaneous desire to use less fuel and get more exercise. Also, my daughter's car died, so now she and I are sharing a car.

It took me awhile to build up the stamina required to get to work without being totally exhausted, but now I get there sweaty, but slightly exhilarated. When I come home, I usually have so much end-of-the-workday adrenalin that I don't even really feel it.

This routine is very hard on the legs and feet, so now I have a wardrobe of different kinds of athletic shoes. My black Sketchers are now the closest shoes I have to normal-looking work footwear. The Ponys at the top of the post are by far the most comfortable, but least versatile shoes I'm now wearing. I find myself picking clothes to wear to work based on my shoe choice for the day.

The scenery on these walks has been especially beautiful since the signs of spring have been showing themselves.
The flowering trees are in bloom, and gardens are full of daffodils, crocuses, and last week I saw hyacinths.




I live at the edge of town, in a neighborhood surrounded by cow pastures dotted with lovely old barns. I love this vista through a church parking lot.


I have some late days when I don't go into the office until noon, and so I reach this creek just as the sun overhead is reflected in the water. These are all things I would never see in the same way from the vantage point of the car.

Recently, I got to class and one of my students, eyeing my shoes, said, "Nice kicks, Professor." I have become a middle aged lady in tennis shoes. It's actually not a bad thing to be at all.

9 comments:

Vicki W said...

Kudos to you! That's a great way to get your exercise and save a few $ on fuel.

Debra Dixon said...

Nice kicks? that's funny!

Good for you--I need to walk too.

DebbyMc said...

Aren't the pink trees lovely. We have some around here, too, and I'm not sure what they are...They're different from my flowering fruit trees...Good for you on the walking, I'm doing more of it now, too...

Magpie Sue said...

Thanks for the lovely pictures! I was thrilled to see my first daffodils of the season yesterday. We don't have any in our yard :- (
The last time I was out and about I didn't notice any, but I don't get out much!

allie aller said...

A smart and fun decision...
Love seeing the pictures of Humboldt County...
You must have some terrific rain gear, too!

Finn said...

Absolutely lovely pics Barb! They brighten my day, more than you know...thank you *VBS* Love the shoes! Great pic! Hugs, Finn

Cindra said...

I think this is wonderful. I wish I could walk to school. It's about 5 miles to work and it's usually dark when I leave. With no sidewalks it would make it dangerous and time consuming.
What a beautiful walk you have. We are not in bloom yet here. Can't wait for all that to happen.

JoWynn Johns said...

Lovely shots, Barbara. Thanks.

Unknown said...

This looks like a place by St Mary's School in Arcata CA. Small world if it is. ;)

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