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| View of mountains from my front porch |
Today I did something that I haven't done in months: I rode the bus to town, walking the quarter-mile from my apartment to catch it. The bus administrators have done a great job of keeping people safe: no more than 12 people allowed on at a time, disinfecting between runs, and requiring masks to board. There were only three other people on the bus with me, and I felt quite safe.
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| Outside the Community Food Co-op |
After getting my morning coffee and drinking it outside by myself, I strolled over to the co-op to get in a few steps. That is a real pumpkin in the foreground, and if things are the same as other years, customers will have a chance to guess its weight and win a prize. What do you think it weighs? I've entered many years but never got anywhere close to winning.
We have just finished with a couple of days (and nights) of rain, and now the clouds have cleared and the brisk delightful air is a great tonic. I also walked by the YMCA, and I saw someone enter, making me realize that it is open! Well, not exactly "open" as in any member can come in and work out. No, once you walk in, you must have your temperature taken and to use any of the equipment you must have a reservation. No more than ten people are allowed into the exercise room at a time. I was allowed to check out what they have done, and I was quite impressed. There is only one stationary exercise bike available, and I can only reserve a workout space 24 hours in advance, but at least there are some options for me to get a workout on rainy or cold days!
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| Someone's beautiful garden |
When I was out walking with Lily last week, I saw this really beautiful garden, and the fall colors and well-tended area made us both stop and admire it for a few moments, before continuing on our way. I am a fan of dahlias, and this display is one of the prettiest I've seen.
After spending a couple of hours out and about, I took the bus back, with another quarter-mile walk to my home. It was nice to feel a little bit of normal activity, and I've discovered that, although very limited, I will be able to ride that stationary bike in the future and strengthen my knees!
:-)
With the rainy weather discouraging my walking, such as it is, I decided to try getting back on my stationary bike. I did five miles/30 minutes both Saturday and Sunday. since it's not weight bearing, it's not what my back needs, but it's good for my hips and knees. and I can read while doing it.
ReplyDeleteWe just finished our housecleaning for the week, so we are resting a bit before lunch. I hope to get out for a short walk this afternoon, but after doing all of my PT exercises this morning, things are hurting. We'll see.
Take care. I hope you can work out a gym schedule. I know it is important to you.
What a stunning view, you could just sit on your porch and enjoy it's beauty without going anywhere !
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you are out and about again, it does a body good.
That is one well-tended little plot, the gardeners must stay quite busy.
Have a great week dear friend.
Hugs,
~Jo
Do you spend hours and hours on your porch entranced by the view of mountains? I would if I lived there. People are slowly putting together a new normal, safety measures in gym and on the bus, etc. as you describe. I wear a mask when I go to public places.
ReplyDeleteGetting back to a more normal way of life before the pandemic sounds awesome
ReplyDeleteI am glad you feel safe enough to make use of the bus service. My gym has been open for a while but I'm not confident about making use of it yet.
ReplyDeleteThat mountain view is breathtaking; I can hardly imagine. As for that giant pumpkin (haha) I'm guessing 270 lbs--it looks like me a couple years ago sitting there! Anyway DJan, glad you're getting back to your normal... I really need to find mine.
ReplyDeleteThat’s quite the pumpkin. The dahlia garden is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt’s great that you will be able to go to the gym, Jan. A bit of normalcy back in life. The bus sounds well controlled too. The new normals are settling in with us too.
Glad you had a nice different kind of day!
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool, DJan. That pumpkin doesn’t even look real. How wonderful that the bus company does such a good job in your area. We’ve had two bus drivers test positive here in Hawaii and there were some cases of people coming on and removing their masks.
ReplyDeleteI was always envious of your public transportation back in the normal days and glad you can now still use it as they are being careful.
ReplyDeleteIs there room on your front porch for a stationary bike? What a view you could enjoy while working out.
I'm guessing 117 pounds but it is hard not seeing an object to compare the size to. Let us know what it is.
We seem to be wandering around wondering what to do. I hope some gym time helps.
ReplyDeleteIt may not be the old normal, but your new normal seems not too bad.
ReplyDeleteThat pumpkin probably weighs 50 lbs. As for the YWCA, well, that is interesting. I still would not go there until there is a vaccine.
ReplyDeleteMyself, I wouldn't be going to the gym yet. But then you two have likely had covid. Can you both get tested for antibodies to make sure? That would make a big difference with decisions like that, I would think.
ReplyDeleteLovely flowers. Let us know how much the pumpkin weighs. I haven't a clue. Stay safe, my friend. :)
That mountain view is grand.
ReplyDeleteGet your self a stationary bike and put it one your deck! My husband has a big bike and then one that fits under his computer desk...it is a AGM He took the plastic parts off the pedals because they smelled like plastic other than that it is a great little machine!
ReplyDeleteHere is the link on amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Exercise-AGM-Digital-Peddler-
Displays%EF%BC%88Black%EF%BC%89/dp/B0772K52ZZ
I bet that pumpkin weighs about 360 pounds:)
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you had a nice day out... despite the new normal. Sounds like those around you there are sticking to the health regulations pretty well. But do keep your guard up, the virus is still around and several have been reported on the news lately to have contracted it more than once.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your Y is doing the best it can. I hear ours is too. But for me, I'll stay outdoors, at last for hte time being. The pumpkin? I'd guess about 120.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is a big believer in getting out and walking, chatting with a few people, and drinking a cup of coffee. Seems like you and her have a lot in common. She hikes along the San Francisco bay each morning.
ReplyDeleteI guess 150 pounds for the weight of the pumpkin.
ReplyDelete120 for the pumpkin is my guess. It feels so good to do some ordinary things. Now that you know about the procedures and safety precautions, it will be easier to live a bit more normally. I've gotten together outside with my Book Club (distanced and masked) and that has been great.
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