A Sunday Afternoon Walk

I've decided my body is in desperate need of exercise. My extent of any physical activity now solely involves running around after a small, energetic child. That's it. Because it wears me out so, it must be enough exercise, right?  Sadly, I have come to realize that it's just not. But when to fit in this exercise?! I can't bring the little one; it's too cold and windy this time of year. Waking up before she wakes up to squeeze some physical activity in would mean I'm up at 4 a.m. No thank you. So I guess I have to just snatch up the one or two times a week I may be able to get out alone.

I used to be a runner and hope that someday soon I will get back into it. But walking is perfect for now. It allows me to marvel at the red apples still hanging from the apple trees; surviving through wintry blizzards, wind storms, and hail.

Or soak up every detail of New England architecture, staring longingly at the house a half mile down the road from us that I have completely fallen in love with. It's original broken windows, the peeling pant on the clapboards, the crooked front steps, and rotting foundation. But I love it so and often imagine fixing it up and  moving ourselves in. It's for sale too. Anyone want to be our neighbor?

The bits and pieces of life abandoned over the years; half buried in snow, waiting for nature's next season and to be enveloped in green grass once again. It amazes me to think of the history this land has. The people who lived here, who worked here, the animals that grazed the land,  and the children who ran among the trees. It's humbling to think that we are only a small piece of a very large picture.

The exercise was much needed and the breaths of fresh air revived my energy. It only seemed fitting to top it off with a slice of flourless chocolate torte, complete with homemade whipped cream. Yes, I think this exercise thing will become a regular occurrence.

Comments

[natasha s]

Exercise is good for the soul,as is chocolate.
I hope you are all well,
Take care

[Ram in the Thicket]

As much as I hate the idea of exercise equipment, I use a treadmill. It's too cold and icy here, and if I waited for good weather, I'd never exercise. Summer gets too hot, winter gets too cold. But I love after dinner walks with my family when the weather is just right ;o)

[Bobbi]

how much is the house going for?

[kate]

What a beautiful walk! and of course I would love to come be your neighbor, not sure how Jordo would feel about that though since I can't get him to move to Alaska because of the snow. :)
And that torte truly looks divine!

[Dawn]

That torte looks so delicious and to have it after a winter walk, that sounds so perfect! I also need to start exercising but find it difficult to fit in.

[Rita Joiner]

I know exactly what you mean about trying to get outside! My little one can't be outside with the wind in her face, but I miss walking so much. I can't wait for it to be warm enough to exercise every day again.

[Kelly]

did you make the torte? I am on a hunt for a wonderful flourless chocolate torte recipe. I had one at P.F. Chang's restaurant once that I really liked but they don't have the same thing anymore. If you made it and don't mind sharing the recipe, I would love it. Thanks. Happy exercising! My boyfriend and I are starting six weeks of ballroom dancing lessons next week to squeeze in some exercise time and have the bonus of time together too! Kelly

[Bluebirdbaby]

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Kelly- E-mail me and I'll send you the recipe :)

Kate-Tell him the ocean is only minutes away and I'll make you gluten-free chocolate chip cookies every week!

Ram in the thicket- I think if a) we had the space for a treadmill, and b) if we had the money, I'd love to have one. Although running outside surely beats treadmills, but I have to say...I sorely dislike running in the summer. Any other time of year I love it, but I can't stand heat!!

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[Stacey]

You've expressed what I have been feeling like lately. I am wistful for those days when A was a baby and I would load him in the Bjorn and we would just walk for hours.

Btw the torte looks so good.

[Stacey]

Oops, one more thought. I LOVE THE HOUSE... okay thats all.

[shelley caskey]

fitting in the exercise - that's the tricky part! i'm having the same struggle, although i live in texas and it's quite nice here now...the summers are unbearable. but oh, give me some of that chocolate torte! :)

[AMBER]

Yep, it's much needed, that exercise. As much as I try to excuse it away with time constraints, etc, it's very vital to my health. Also, one of my friends recently told me about the winter she's enjoyed sans illness (even though she's been working in a school with young children) and the only thing she changed was her running----she runs three days a week (after running a marathon last Sept). Maybe it's the fresh air because I've been walking a lot this year and have not suffered a cold yet (knock on wood)...

Your scenery there is so beautiful... Sigh.

[Sheila]

Ok, this even makes me want to get out and move! Lovely! Be careful with the cookie offer we could start a bidding war on the little house!!

[coastalgirl]

Hi there, I just discovered your blog by way of your post on six one way and wanted to stop by and say hello. Your photos are very striking and what beautiful winterscape you have up north.

[Bluebirdbaby]

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Amber-Thanks for stopping by! I got sick way back in September with something really nasty, but I've been healthy since! I want to send you an e-mail, but couldn't find your address. Can you e-mail me? :)

Sheila-A bidding war?! How fun :)

coastalgirl-It's so nice to have a new reader!! I hope you stop by again :) I'm off to check out your blog!

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[barbara]

I somehow wandered upon the photo of your favorite house. Fell in love with it, it looked like home to me. Tracked it back to you and to Lincoln County ME... to my surprise it is home!! My family moved to Upstate New York 7 years ago from Knox County ME. I miss it so much and the photo reminded my of home, thanks for sharing it with me.

[randi]

The pics of your walk are lovely.

I am waiting for some warmer weather and then I will be walking in the mornings. Just another couple of weeks to go...