5 a.m. Morning Walk

The Reader's Digest recently had a story about a warning note that was left on a soda machine in an office. It read, "Diet soda does not work." Someone had added below it, "Try diet and exercise." That is precisely the reason I was out at 5 am this morning walking down the dirt road in front of my house. I have vowed to walk 2 miles every weekday morning before work as long as it isn't raining.

I have to admit that it was a whole lot easier to do this in September when I started it. There was at least a hint on dawn on the horizon, and you could hear the birds beginning to stir. Here at the very nadir of winter, it's a little harder to roll out of bed and pull on the walking shoes, but there are still advantages. There's been a brilliant full moon the past couple of nights. A full moon is never brighter than it is during the winter when it lights the world with an austere beauty. The silence is wonderful too. I am still in love with the sound of a far off train whistle. Always have been; always will be. I can't hear it in the summer. There are too many things in the way. In the winter though the sound of the whistle flows well through the cold dense air. The other morning I found myself walking during a meteor shower. It was so quiet, I swear I could hear the meteors sizzle as they streaked across the sky.

Spring will come soon enough. For now, it is enjoyable enough to walk down a snowy on a crisp morning. Oh by the way, the exercise is good for me too!