A NEW ENGLAND WINTER DAY

Winter...

Wide, sparkling fields snow-vested ice

Beneath a blue unshadowed sky;

A glistening splendor crowns the woods

And bosky, whistling solitude;

In hemlock glen and reedy mere

The tang of frost is sharp and clear;

Life hath a jollity and zest,

A poignancy made manifest;

Laughter and courage have their way

At noontime of a winter's day...

~Lucy Maud Montgomery~

This snowy day finds me out and about early. After tending the "girls," I strap on my snowshoes and head for the trails that lay before me. The solitude of the woods is welcoming, off in the distance the song of the chick-a-dee can be heard. I do feel a bit of sadness as I plod along for my trusty side-kick, Winslow Homer, can no longer accompany me. Winslow, with daily medications remains healthy, but age and blindness has become a hindrance. Today, I again aim for my goal of 10,000 steps. Tomorrow I will be held accountable as it is "weigh in" day at Weight Watchers...How lovely it is to return home and find a note left by my husband...all it takes is three little words to warm the heart...

Speaking of the heart, being heart healthy is most important to every one's overall well being. Most fruits and vegetables included in the Weight Watcher program remain point free, meaning you can eat as many as you like, within limits of course. Oranges have become a favorite mid morning snack, not only are they nutritious, but recently I learned (DR. OZ) that the pith of an orange is beneficial in preventing wrinkles. Who knew...Honey...load me up...this morning as I read my "Laugh 'Til The Mascara Runs" Shoebox calender, the caption read "Does Wearing Fruit Count On A Diet"? Carmen Miranda I am not, but I can shake my maracas with the best of them...