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It is raining, a slow steady patter, and I can not say that I am unhappy about it. The gardens have been parched; leaves are wilted and weaker plants have turned brown and begun to shrivel. The aspect of today's weather that I appreciate most is that the temperature is only 15 degrees centigrade. This allows me to open the windows, to hear the rain, and feel the occasional breeze. To avoid the heat and humidity that has dominated the summer this year, I have stayed relatively inactive and close to home. I have not been out walking. Although I have not gained weight, I am concerned that I am easily out of breath and generally unfit. I decided a treadmill would be just the thing. I looked at treadmill prices in a large fitness store and decided that this option was definitely out of the question. The salesman assumed I would be running, and that I desired to measure my activities and myself with great accuracy. I admit to being amused by visions of myself clothed in brightly colored lycra, wearing a headband, and sporting a ponytail. In the past, I would try these images on like hats; only to lose interest because they represented someone else's idea of the perfect lifestyle and not my own. The young man at the fitness store seemed genuinely unable to understand that all I want to do is walk at a leisurely pace as I watch the morning news. The treadmills sold at the store were full featured, state-of-the-art wonders of technology. The word that comes to mind is overkill. I suppose this is a classic case of supply dictating demand. He and I were unable to communicate in any way. I left the store. Our neighbor Dolittle came to the rescue; he located an old treadmill at an auction. This treadmill, it seems, is unacceptable to the modern fitness enthusiast. There is no motor. There is no computer. The only features are that the handlebar is collapsible and adjustable, as is the front height of the machine; it is perfect for a moderate stroll. This treadmill is very basic, very functional, and very affordable. A recycled wonder, this baby boasts environmentally correct low energy consumption. Power shortages will not slow me down! Every morning this week, after my cherished cup of coffee, I put on my shoes. I stroll along as the misery and terror of the world parades across the flickering screen. I am superficially informed, and grateful that I can attempt an on-the-spot escape from what I see and hear. The best I can do in a very small world. My treadmill activities remind me of Terra's childhood reaction to joggers. The first time she observed one whisking by us on a busy city street she asked, "Where is she running?" "She will run up and down the streets until she comes back to her own front door," I said. "She is running very fast going nowhere," observed the amazed Terra. |
RECIPES :: Cast Worldly Distractions  August Blooms Still By the Easy Chair East Georgian Bay Historical Journal, Various Articles Airwaves Voices Forever by Sam Larkin (a personal favorite, particularly at a live performance) On the Screen "I am a Man. I can change, if I want to... I guess." Red Green Show [Masculinity 101] Weather 9:58 EDT Temp: 15`C Humidity: 94% Wind: E 7 km/h Barometric:101.4 kPa Sunrise 6:34 AM EDT Sunset 8:22 PM EDT |
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