What a difference a snorkel makes

What? Okay let me explain. A couple of years ago my husband and I went to Discovery Cove and we were given our snorkels to keep. It sat in my linen closet until this summer when I took it out to use in our own pool. I noticed what a pleasure it was to swim without having to turn my neck to catch a breath (which also ruined my "form" since I'm not a trained swimmer). I've enjoyed using it in my own pool but then got the bright idea to bring it to the gym pool to use. EUREKA! Swimming laps has become a totally pleasurable experience. I had done the aqua jogging, but now with the snorkel I am so enjoying swimming, which, because it uses the upper body, is, in my opinion, a so much better workout than the aqua jogging (which is still better than nothing - but I can see it doesn't compare to the exertion of swimming). I have been taking it gently though, as one of my shoulder joints is doing a bit of belly aching, as this is my first real upper body workout since my rotator cuff surgery.

I have been doing 20 minutes on the treadmill, then lap swimming (I am only up to 14), then a reprieve in the hot tub, and then 10 laps against the current in the lazy river. I would like to add weights in the next couple of weeks, AND I promised my son I would use the track today instead of the treadmill. He made the point that with the track I am using my whole body, and with the treadmill, not only is the conveyor belt doing some of the work, but if I am holding on (which I do) my upper body is not getting a work out. He's right, of course. I am only up to a mile. I have been walking without my braces so I am trying not to overdo it. If I build up slowly my knees will hopefully get used to it.

You might remember that a while back I had hoped to be in the Disney Princess half-marathon but my doctor absolutely nixed that. He said that unless I could take a totally leisurely stroll with a lot of downtime between the miles, I would have to be scheduling surgery when I got back. Since that is not an option for me right now I decided not to do that, and I have to admit, I gave up everything. The time is right now (for some reason!) to pick up my activity again. Maybe because my son is doing it along with me. Who knows. Actually we get to the gym and head off our different ways, sometimes meeting up in the hot tub. So we aren't actually working out together, but it's nice to have him there in the gym with me.

Before going off to the gym I've been having an apple and a hard-boiled egg. When I get back I've been having a lovely (huge!) salad - lately with a cup of lentil salad on top of it - and fruit. Tonight we are having a friend over who is a vegetarian so there will be lots of yummy things on our dinner table!

Actually, this friend is a student of mine and a very gifted artist. I have hired her to design my gardens. I know beauty when I see it but no idea how to get there! She came to my house with a compass and worked out an entire feng-shui plan. This is an excerpt (it was quite a long and detailed report) of what she wrote at the first visit:

"Your house situation is perfect Feng Shui!!!!!!!! The front door should face South (yours faces 146 degrees SE – close enough). This is called the area of the Red Phoenix. This is a great place to put red flowers and bird sculptures (especially of birds that are ready to fly). Looking out your front door, the left side of your house is called the green dragon and should be higher (it is) than the right side of your house which is called white tiger. The back of your house is called black turtle and this is a good place for tall trees."

I am so excited!! We are going to start just with the immediate front of the house, which is very shabby and needs a lot of work. There must be something in the air - a new garden, a new exercise plan...

Anyway - have a great weekend everyone. Stay cool!!