June Is The Beginning of Summer

June is here and it is the beginning of summer. School is out (or getting near to being out) and people have a tendency to spend more time outdoors. I love sitting near a campfire in the evenings and listening to a ball game on the radio (or on the television if the satellite is hooked up). Summer also brings lots of fresh fruit and vegetables which are good tasting, and good for you.

I hate to admit it, but I gained two pounds this last week. I know that I have a tendency to eat a lot when I am stressed, and there seems to have been an undo amount of stress in my life lately. I don't use that as an excuse, but it is the underlying reason for my weight problem. My need is to find activities beside eating that will help to lower my stress level and provide me with a viable opportunity to prolong my life.

Thankfully, I still mow our lawn by hand. Because I am able to walk, I will take the hour or so to mow the yard using a push mower. I don't know if it is because I still hold a noble view of physical labor, but I get such a degree of satisfaction knowing that the yard is my responsibility and I have loved mowing for the past 40 years. My parents still mow their own yard, even as they approach their mid 70s.

Just because I gained two pounds is not a reason for me (or you) to throw in the towel and go on an eating binge. Much like an airplane that may be blown slightly off course after takeoff, it doesn't return to the airport to start all over again, but it makes a slight adjustment because the pilot knows that the goal is the next airport, not just a straight line from one tarmac to another.

Keep up the great work!