We went to an natural preserve where the endangered red cockaded woodpecker frequents.  I got tired of walking.  Every step I took would be one more step back.  There was no loop on the trail.  My friend kept walking and when he came back, he reported seeing a pair.  The board walk went through swamp land.  The woodpeckers like long leafed pine.  To me, the trees were odd because most of them went fifty feet up until they had branches.  My friend said they were common in this area.  I kept looking but did not see any of those woodpeckers although I was happy he saw a pair.  I was glad when he returned to the car and we returned.  I was ready for a nap.

No matter which way I go I hit an hill.  One way I encounter a steep incline, the other way I get a steady climb.  It is .8 mile around my block.  I walk “Tilla” one of my dogs.  He never refuses a walk.

I never forgot the time I was camping with my friend Chuck two summers ago.  There was a trail nearby (about a third of a mile) which led to the fishing pier on the lake.  Two summers ago I walked up it (it is all uphill) and in the heat and exertion I threw up three times.  It was not pleasant.

This summer I was determined to get into better shape and recapture my wind.  I never liked exercise for exercise sake.  Most people don’t.

I still get a little winded when I go up the hills.  This time I keep going.  I am thrilled my wind is returning and “Tilla” always comes running when he hears the jangling of the metal leash.

I also started shooting hoops by myself.  I have always enjoyed basketball.  I was not foolhardy enough to challenge any of the teenagers one on one.  It is amazing how a little exercise done regularly can change your conditioning.