Knitting, Crocheting, Audio Books, and Fitbit

 Another Afghan in the works.  Calling this one Fresh Mint.  As you can I have some really different sized squares and rectangles.  I've used this mint green to edge previously and since I'm trying to use up stash, decided I would use the mint green to bring the squares to size, but join them with light gray.  I don't normally join before edging every square, but was having a hard time reaching the rows above, so thought I could join the 3 rows, then move everything down to make reaching things easier.

Here it is before I started edging.  Plus, you can probably tell I moved a few squares around.  Had all the bright yellows at the top and the muted yellows at the bottom for one.

I've made some good headway with my shawl.  When Last I photographed it, I was working on the first green section, and am now on the 2nd green section.  As the triangle gets wider, the number of stitches per row really increases.  Make it seem slower for sure.

Three more Elin Hilderbrand books....sorta.  I didn't really care for Reunion Beach, as the Hilderbrand area was a book I had already enjoyed, and I didn't think much of the others.  The book is an apparent tribute to Dorothea Benton Frank.  I think I read one of hers years ago, but don't remember which one.  I've searched my 5 Libraries and haven't found any of hers as audio books, so probably won't pursue her books.  I did enjoy the first 2 Elin Hilderbrand books though, so put those on your list.

Camera Girl was fascinating.  I was a young girl when Jackie was the first lady, so didn't really know much about her.  This book covers her early years, prior being Mrs. John F. Kennedy.  She was quite accomplished, intelligent, and very full of life.

A story about a woman who defies social norms, her rich parents and follows her heart.  Inspired by the real life story of Samuel Bellamy of the high seas.  Pirates, adventure, and of course love!  Enjoy.

It's been so long since I've recorded my activity that Fitbit, the webpage apparently no longer exists.  I was floored.  You get a message that says you can check your dashboard in the app.  Well the format on the app is not nearly as good as what the  webpage was.  So, The only thing I seem to be able to find is daily averages for each month in miles or steps.  The webpage gave totals for the month which I preferred.  So it looks like the last time I recorded anything here was Dec of 2023.

Jan I averaged 3.85 miles per day

Feb 4.57

March 3.97

April 2.84 (the month I had my dental surgery)

May 2.94

June 3.85.   I don't know when the last time was I recorded planks, so I guess I need to start over on that.

Ukraine hasn't been in the headlines much lately, but I was please to see this sign of support on one of my recent walks through the neighborhood.

More Color Play, Gnomes, Wordle and Audio Books

 

Start-itis!  It's a disease among knitters and crocheters...perhaps other crafters as well. When you have multiple projects in the works and instead of working on one of WIP (work in progress), you grab yarn and start another project.  These colors should look familiar...scroll back for the blanket of many colors with diamonds.  Still had plenty of all these fun colors and decided to make a basic striped ghan/blanket...but working on the diagonal is more interesting, I think; so, working a corner to corner until it gets the size I want then will start the decrease.  This is currently about the same size as the blue baby blanket (scroll back).  This has 151 stiches on the needles and measurers about 37 inches a side.  The weight of this yarn is slightly different than the blue blanket so it probably won't measure the same with the same number of stiches.

No new pictures of the blue baby blanket, or the Buckeye Scarf; as they remained unchanged since the previous picture and post.

The next audio book, a novel by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White.  This book blends WWI, WWII, and the turbulent 60's.  3 Women experience love, and betrayal.  A heiress, a Resistance Fighter, and A Widow and The Ritz in Paris.  Lots of intrigue, mystery, and some history.  Check it out.

I've continued to walk, do planks and until a week ago rode a bike.  Being out of town with warm weather makes getting outside to exercise easier.  But, back home now...so no good weather and no bike rental...so, we'll see how it goes.  Hubby and I took a walk today; which felt good after 2 days sitting in the car for the return trip.  This picture is from a walk through the neighborhood I took last fall while it was still nice.  Another cute little Gnome Village.  I've posted a few pictures of interesting things I see in my walks. Fitbit says my 28 days average (starting with Jan 31st) is 4.17 miles per day, which is up 17% over the previous 28 day cycle.  However, I've not yet counted the days I've done yoga or planks...feel pretty sure it's less than last month.

Not a current Wordle, just a picture I found.  A different form of exercise.  Are you familiar with it?  Are you doing it?  Do you enjoy it or find it frustrating?  I've only been doing it a few weeks and find it rather frustrating.  Seems the bulk of the time I'm only getting the word on the 5th try.  For practice, I started doing a couple of the archives; doing a bit better with that.  I've made hand notes of words as I think of them and or when I type them in, for reference, but.......when I typed a google spread sheet today from my hand notes; sorted them in alphabetical order and tried to print...I can't print.  Any clue why I can't print a PDF file from Google Docs/Sheets?

Walking, Watching, Reading and of Knitting of Course

Took this photo one day recently while out on my daily walk.  I thought it was so cute, colorful and a great way to decorate for a party, whatever the occasion.  I liked the display of all the pretty colored whirl-a-gigs and thought it worth a snap shot.  We're at the time when most of our flowers have stopped blooming and things need to trimmed, leaving the yard rather bland looking...before it get's super ugly and brown, followed by...the dreaded white stuff.  I shan't say the word I so dislike it.  I'm thinking about (when the Vertigo is gone and I can get back out to do the yard work...spreading some colorful whirl-a-gigs throughout the flower beds for some color.  What think you?  Yeah or Neh?

Hubby and I just finished watching this series.  All 3 season, and really enjoyed it.  HATE the way it ended, and that there will not be a season 4, so much was left up in the air.  ARgh.  Did you watch?  Did you hate the ending?  Where you disappointed about no season 4?  It seemed season 4 was anticipated when 3 was wrapping up.  Thought it was interesting that Kiefer Sutherland was the lead actor and the publisher.

It may not look all that different from the previous post/picture, but it's 3 inches more knitting, which isn't too shabby given it's sock weight yarn.  The section completed is without the drop stitches where it's more solid.  Will be starting more drop stitches....the open lacy part.  How long do you all make your shawls?

Have recently started reading Michelle Obama's book.  Started it on a recent vacation.  For Christmas I bought the hardback for my daughter who prefers books over e-books, and bought myself the e-book version, which I prefer.  I'm not a big reader.  She LOVES to read.  I find the time others might use for reading, I'm reading or writing blogs or knitting.  But, what I've read so far, I've enjoyed.  A great deal about her growing up years and the friends and family in her Chicago neighborhood.  Have your read it?  Did you enjoy it?

Speaking of Walking, you notice I have a badge in my right side bar that shows what trails I'm virtually walking on Walking 4 Fun.  It's connected to my Fitbit account and automatically sync's my steps/miles there.  Additionally, I have connected my  Achievement (CLICK HERE), account to Fitbit where again steps are automatically synced.  Achievement is a research sight, you have the option to participate in health type questionnaires/surveys for additionally points.  The bottom line is you can make money from your physical activities.  The money you make can be donated as well.  So there are many options.  The app is simple and very straight forward to use.  Click above where it says click here to join, and let me know if you do.

Charmed Memories, Edwardian Life, Reality TV, Walking 4 Fun

Charm bracelets...This is mine from Junior and Senior High School.  Coloring is a bit off, and it it badly needs to be cleaned.  There's a phone (teenagers back then spent far less time on the phone then people do now with cell phones...but it was a big part of a teenagers life.  There is a green 4 leaf clover for good luck, a bowling ball and pin (I belonged to a very active Girls Bowling League through G.A.A.--Girls Athletic Association), the school pendant, a little Bible that actually opened though there wasn't anything inside it, an American Flag, a typewriter...(yes I know that gives away my age...a typewriter, not a computer --and in fact not even an electric typewriter cause that's not what we used in school, 2 vacation type charms (one from Cedar Point, Ohio and one from Ft. Launderdale, Florida-where I took my very first vacation with girl friends and no parents!  Lastly there is a Christmas charm, and a Pennsylvania Dutch Hex....aside from it being colorful, I don't know what it represented to me back then.  A group of us were reminiscing and everyone posted pictures of their charm bracelets.  Did you have one?  Do you know?  They're very different nowdays for sure.

**edited to add I forgot there's a key to my heart charm and the word No.  I have no idea what the No was for...no memory of that or it's significance.

I'm not a fan of "reality" tv shows at all, but this was totally different in my opinion.  People weren't voting each other off the island or any such nonsense.  This was a project.  The Series was called Manor House...  This first aired in The UK in 2002 under the name of The Edwardian Country House, when it was released here in the states the name was changed to Manor House and it aired in 2003.  It's one season.  The project lasted for 3 months.  People where chosen to live as they would have lived during that time in a Country Estate in Scotland.  Some were chosen to be servants, while one lucky family was chosen to be "The Aristocratic" Family.  They all make adjustments.  Some fit their roles more easily, others struggled.  Quite entertaining.  Some of the hard fast rules presented as truth in this series aren't quite in keeping with other period pieces I've watched, so perhaps some of the series had more research behind them, while others took more liberties with history.  Have you watched it?  Let me know what you thought.  I do recommend it if you're looking for something fairly educational and entertaining.

You may have noticed this addition to my blog.  This badge is located in the right sidebar and shows you my virtual location on a particular trail.  This site Walking4Fun is definitely worth your time.  You can link your Fitbit, or Garmin or other devices that track your steps daily, or you can manually plug in your distance once you register.  The site is free, registration is quick and easy.  There are wonderful photo's to enjoy along your virtual walk.  Just today I finished a short trail in Sydney that was loaded with history, so tomorrow my steps will count towards where I left off on The Pacific Crest Trail.  As you can see my badge, I am at mile marker 1,618.7 miles and have about 1,000 miles left to finish this trail.  Ryan is who you virtually walk with.  He is a real hiker and has been many places.  His photographs make you feel like you're right there.  He has a fun sense of humor also.  You can form a group and walk in your group, or walk solo ...there's also a diary, a daily log if you will where people who are walking virtually can post their thoughts.  

If you like stats, there are plenty of them on this site, your weekly, monthly, yearly totals and your grand totals.  Your best day, how many days you've walked and more.  Currently there are 21 trails to pick from, I've completed 16 of them.  It says I've walked 1,317 days and am 23.97% around the world.  LOL  It's going to take awhile.  It tells me my best day was Nov 16th back in 2016 where I walked 12.4 miles which was 29,823 steps.  It's been months of me getting around 4,000 steps a day with my broken foot....gonna be a long time........if ever I have one of those days again.

For the time being, I'm knitting, watching English Series on my ipad, and kemping around as my foot heals.  Continuing with physical therapy twice a week...left, right, and repeat.  

Walking 4 Fun, Treadmills and an Empty White House

 Well, barely hiking it should say.  Since I'm still with the broken foot, wearing a boot and using the aid of a walker.  But, I do still wear my fitbit...haven't hit goal in AGES.  The pictures of Walking4Fun are truly awesome.  If you've not checked out the site, you really should.  You can link your fitbit and or other electronic devices to it so your steps are automatically attached to a virtual trail.  Or, you can manually add your steps.  

In truth, this more accurately shows my current level of activity.  LOL, though I can't drive the car to the gym to do this; so continue to knit.  Making good headway on the afghan in the previous post.  Scroll back please if you missed it.

Started this series yesterday, after finishing Downton Abbey.  Juries out so far.  It seems odd to me that the man character, the priest is involved in solving crimes and is extremely friendly with females.  Have you watched it?  Did you like it?  Did you find it believable?  I've watched just 2 episodes of it so far on Amazon Prime.

Some have quit, some have been forced to resign, some have been fired: David Shulkin, H.R. McMaster, Rex Tillerson, John McEntee, Gary Cohn, Hope Hicks, Rob Porter, Omarosa Manigault-Newman, Dina Powell, Tom Price, Sebastian Gorka, Steve Bannon, Anthony Scaramucci, Reince Priebus, Sean Spicer, Mike Dubke, James Comey, Mike Flynn, and Sally Yates.  MASS EXODUS from our White House.  That list is NOT complete, there are more names that could be added to the list and that doesn't include those who've decided not run again....  It seems to me even if you're actually in favor trump, you ought to be very concerned, very upset about the fact that he can't keep a staff.  Having people who know what's going on, having some consistency is important in any place of employment.  NEVER is our history has the swinging door been on on such high speed you barely can keep track.  There are 19 names above and I believe the current count is close to double that.  To keep track of soap opera, you need flash cards.  Truly a sad state of affairs.

Link for credit for the last picture, showing how empty our White House is
https://www.google.com/search?q=empty+white+house&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLs6rSurfaAhUNYK0KHWp-A_AQ7AkINg&biw=1536&bih=759#imgrc=kIRetgfhzJMEQM:

Calories, Crocheting, Charity and Wine

 I have many friends I know personally who use a Fitbit, plus I have a ton of on line friends who wear a Fitbit.  I love the little device and have met face to face with several of my Fitbit friends after knowing them on line.  I consider that a real plus.  It's really lots of fun meeting up with people you chat with on line.  My steps have been way down though lately.  I don't enjoy walking outside in the cold.  It didn't used to bother me.  Last winter I went to the gym and used the treadmill, but I haven't even gotten back into doing that.  I need to.  A couple of those pounds have found their way to my waste again.

 Aren't these cute?  Colorful too.  When my daughter was home for Thanksgiving she and I made these.  Well actually, I made a couple and she made about 10.  I took the picture early in the process.  These are water filter covers.  She's part of a group that sends water filters to Uganda.  Trouble is they are rather fragile and break easily, so they came up with the idea of making a filter cozy out of cotton.  These crocheted cotton cozy help protect the much needed water filters.  I've got a good mound of cotton in my stash and we'll no doubt make more when she comes home for Christmas.  My problem is you need to crochet quite tightly which is hard on my arthritis, so I can't make as many as she can.  I had to switch projects, to something that would bother my arthritis less; and I was trying hard to finish a couple of afghans for my charity, Bridge and Beyond.

This is a wine rack.  Can you tell?  LOL.  It was a kit.  Hubby and I've been looking off and on for one that would fit our space, so we could save space in the kitchen cabinets where the wine and wine glasses have been.

AND.....here it is all put together in corner in the dining room.  It holds 2 cases of wine, though you can see we have some empty spaces.  It holds a dozen wine glasses.  We're pretty happy with it....and it was on sale!

Are you getting ready for Christmas at your house?  I've barely begun.

Mother's Day and Fitbit

 Still trying to walk most days, though am not always successful.  The goal is hit 10,000 steps (5miles) a day.  Recently I switched from The One (fitbit) to The Flex (fitbit).  The One clips on a pocket (I often don't have a pocket so clipped it on my bra), but he clip broke.  The sleep band for it also was ripping and not staying sealed well at night, making it not very reliable to monitor my sleep and or to wake me up.  Rather than buy 2 new pieces for the old unit, I opted for the bracelet thing you see everyone wearing.....The Flex.  I had a plain black band but decided I needed to jazz it up a bit and order the pack of 3 above.  Stripes, polka dots, and checkered...all a bit dressier.

 I also ordered this fun pack of 10 solid colors.........will be nice to have things sorta go with my outfit, makes it look more like a bracelet?

 Happy Belated Mothers Day to all.  Took some time and looked through some pictures of my Mom the other day, since she's no longer with us, Mothers Day is a bit different.  Though I really enjoyed hearing from my DD.  We chatted about an up coming trip where we'll get to spend some quality time together.    Lots of balls of yarn.  I had a bit of a mess, partially used skeins, some twisted and tangled and decided I really needed to do something about it.  Sooooooooooo

thank you Hubby...purchased a ball winder.  Soooooooo much nicer then rolling balls all by hand.  AND with the cakes (believe that's the correct term), you have the option of an inside pull and or outside edge with each cake.  The ball winder also doesn't wind too tightly (which I tend to do), far nicer for good yarn.  So I untangled and wound and now have manageable sized cakes/balls to work with.  These are some of the colors I'm using with this project.

Calling this ghan, Learning Logs.  With using multiple pieces of yarn at a time, the tangling was really getting to be a problem.  Having the smaller, nicely wound cakes/balls should improve the process.

My New Years Plan

Happy New one and all.  I hope you're ending 2014 on a high note and are looking forward to what a new Year can offer.

I've not been one to make New Years Resolutions, sometimes I think about goals...in a loose manner, nothing written down, nothing hard and fast.  It seems lots of folks get down on themselves if they're not able to get their New Years Resolutions.

Most of you know several months back I began walking in order to reduce pain and swelling in my knee from arthritis, as well as bring down my cholesterol which was too high.  I've been successful with both of those quests.   A bonus has been weight loss, which I've learned reduces the stress to ones knees.  In fact, I read a single pound of weight loss reduces stress to each knee by 5 pounds.  That's HUGE and has made a real improvement for me.

My Fitbit has been a big help with keeping me on track and I enjoy the friendships that have developement with Fitbit'ers.  People encouraging each other, virtual walking buddies is indeed very helpful.  Stats prove people with walking buddies, exercise buddies both in person and virtually do better with their goals than those that try to meet the goals/weight loss solo.

So, my plan for up coming year of 2015 is to continue.  I've been a bit lax of late, in that I've not walked daily as I was before.  The cold weather has made it more difficult as have the holidays.  So, need to re-double my efforts on that.  For anyone out there wanting a walking buddy, virtually...sing out.  We can share Fitbit profile links, or connect on facebook or here.  I was religious about recording my food intake until the last couple of months, so need to regroup on that score.  Again, stats show you're more successful if you do keep track of your meals.  Not only for weight loss, but if you're watching your sodium level, or cholesterol, or carbs...any specific item like that.

So I vow to be more consistent with my walking,
To be more consistent with recording my food,
To be available for others who want/need encouragement....

Tomorrow I'll post something about part 2 of my quest for the New Year, so please check back in.  Don't want to be too wordy here.

I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Years

Nice Bull, Please go Away

I've posted off and on about my walking.  This site is for anyone with an interest in virtual travel, anyone who likes history, anyone who likes awesome photography, and anyone who likes to walk, anyone who has a fitbit etc.

I'm virtually walking in Scotland and enjoying the sites, chocked full of history, interesting pictures; however.........think if I came in contact with this fellow, I might want to take off my walking shoes and find another hobby.  LOL

This badge will eventually be added to my sidebar and or have it's on page with a tab here on the blog, so I can click and or you can to see where on the trail I am.  I've gotten through part of the trail that's very overgrown and has nettles..........whatever there are they sound like (see the description in the photo there) like they hurt and scratched up my legs and others on the trail.  Makes me wonder if this is more appropriate for hiking boots vs my walking shoes.........though they're not nearly as comfortable.

I'm wanting to change the font on my blogs from the default font and can't figure out how to do it, anyone know?  I've tried to find it even in the html code where I know it can be changed, but.........haven't been successful and it occurs to me with all the gadgets there's probably an easier way to do without messing with the code?

I should add, I'm super close to getting my 1,000 mile badge on fitbit (less then 2 miles to go), need 70 more flights of steps for the next stair badge which is 500 floors...so best get off the computer and get stepping.

Free Rewards

WOW, it's been forever since I've posted here.  Think I've broken a record of how long I've gone between blog posts.  Life has been busy, busier then normal.  Working more hours then normal, spending more time working outside in the yard (or did during the summer), and spending alot more time outside Walking, and WALKING and Walking!

If you read my last post you know I'm trying to walk daily to reduce my too high cholesterol count, to build supportive muscles due to arthritis in my knees, and to maintain a more even keel of activity.  The cycle of being on my feet for wayyyyyyy to long one day, and not wanting to do anything the next day at home has made the situation worse.  Back in the spring I changed that; but it requires several hours a day of me stretching, walking, and stretching again.  However, it's worked!

Have lost weight, thus reducing pressure to both knees, have reduced cholesterol (more needed though), and have built supportive muscles which has reduced pain and swelling in my knees.

AND I've earned this dandy bright pumpkin orange headband...........FREE!

Free is always good.  Think, I'll probably use it more as a headband to cover the ears as the weather turns cooler.  If you can read it it says #FittStreak.  I earned it on Fi.tt.  (my profile link is HERE
You can join free (it's quick and easy), you can link you fitbit or other electronic devices that count steps etc to Fi.tt and earn points.  You earn points based on challenges.  I earn on some, and some I don't; but they do add up, and after I had earned 200 points I got this headband as my reward.  Who doesn't like rewards?

You can join as many or as few challenges as you like.  Some are for fun only, some reward with points, but both encourage you to have fun while you're exercising.  You can have friends, be as social or non social as you like; but most research indicates the folks that have friends (even virtually) do tend to meet their goals more.

So yes, I am still around in the blogsphere, after all, one needs a break from walking sometimes.  Too bad I can't figure out how to do other things while I'm walking.......hum!

Calories in and Calories Out, Fitbit

Shrimp and Brussels Sprouts right off the barbee.  I've not been blogging lately, seems my on line time has been diverted to logging in my steps, miles, and food on fitbit and it's side kick fitnesspal.com.  It takes time, though it should get quickier because I have a good amount of food now listed in my food diary.

Been doing well with steps and miles on an on going daily basis.  Fitbit (the device) really does motivate you.  Then you join a couple of on line groups and make virtual friends with the same or similar goals and it truly inspires you.  I'm in several groups/forums through Fitbit but find the 60 plus Trackers and !!Walk and Wine!! groups both fun, interesting, and inspiring.  We have a lady in our 60's group 80 something and she's leading the pack...how cool is that.  I also love how young she's staying by being on line and chatting with us.  Good for her.

The goal to be healthy is to walk 10,000 steps daily, currently I'm averaging around 16,000 so no problem making goal there.  Additionally you're suppose to strive for 30 minutes of active minutes daily, I don't always make that, because even with getting lots of steps in (at work and or mowing etc) you often aren't going fast enough for it to log you as "active". I do make it most days though.  Drinking 64 ounces of water daily is another of the daily goals, and I struggle with that.  In fact, I didn't make much of an effort in the beginning until I learned it actually is important from my group members.  The other goal you're to strive for is 5 miles daily, I manage that most of the time.  You can add your weight and your goal weight and it will track for you how on target you are and estimate a date when you'll reach your goal based on your in and out calories.

In calories.......thus the picture of food.  One reason I started this fitbit craze(which by the way is pretty addictive), I needed to lower my cholesterol.  Along the way I learned dropping some weight not only makes my clothes fit better but reduces the pressure on my knee (my arthritic knee).  A pound of weight loss reduces pressure to each knee by 5 pounds!  I've managed to reduce the pressure by 60 to each knee which has truly helped the pain and swelling.  Building up good muscles around the arthritis is also very beneficial.  This meal, very satisfying is quite low on calories.  The shrimp were marinated in a garlic oil for about 30 minutes before I skewered them.  The Brussels sprouts were cooked in water in the microwave for about 3-4 minutes and once cooled on the skewers they went...light drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper.  By using the skewers it's easy to turn over both the shrimp and the round Brussels sprouts.

It paired nicely with a Pinot Noir...and yes I faithfully add those calories on my food diet too. (as well as the Martini I had prior to this good dinner......you can't give up everything!).

You must walk more then 10,000 steps if you're trying to loose, and you loose 1 pound when you burn 3500 calories more then you eat.  So, since I'm not giving up my wine etc...I'm walking walking walking.  I generally walk about 1.5 hours and then whatever else I get step wise is normal day to day and or work.

Fruit and Fitbit, Thank You Darling Daughter

Yummy.  My Mother's Day Edible Arrangement.  It arrived just as I got back from a walk, perfect timing.  The fruit was refreshing, just what I needed as I cooled down from my steps/miles.  THANK YOU DARLING DAUGHTER!  Love you, and so appreciate you're thinking of me.  I was so anxious to dive right in, I had pulled out what I was going to eat right away, before grabbing my camera for a picture.  The vase was a cute red Martini Glass.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good Martini, and I LOVE making them.

This banner is from the fitbit blog.  If you click on the picture it will take you to the fitbit page.  I've worn out countless pedometers and decided to buy a decent one.  These units range in price and style and color from $60-$100.  I got the zip, the cheapest one and am loving it.  It counts your steps, calories burned, miles walked like most pedometers.  But, it synchs with your phone, your ipad, and your computer.  Some units have re-chargeable batteries and monitor your sleep as well, mine will need a new battery, somewhere along 4-6 months.  I'm ok with that, it's getting hard keeping track of all my cords to charge all my stuff as it is...

In my last blog post I indicated I had joined yet another blog challenge.  Well, that fell by the way side.  I find it too hard to write blog posts every day for this blog, as well as my Travel Blog (where I am blogging about my recent trip to Spain), and to keep up with blogging on Bridge and Beyond (my charity blog which normally is also daily).

Since purchasing the fitbit have been trying to sit here on the computer less, and walk and move more.  It's good for my arthritis and hopefully will lower my cholesterol.  You can log your food and know how many calories etc you're taking in vs what you're burning up also on the fitbit page.  I'm finding some days I eat more then I burn and some days I burn more then I eat.  My downfall is cocktails, and wine with dinner.  I do fine through out the day; so starting today going to see if I can trim by pouring smaller glasses of wine and making smaller martini's.  It's a start.

Through fitbit you can join groups, have friends and cheer each other one.  It's fun and takes the drudgery out of "exercising".  You have virtual buddies.  I found a group of fitbit'ers who knit.  A couple actually successfully walk and knit at the same time.  WOW...can see me falling if I tried that.  I've also joined a group for folks 60+.  Exercising as you age takes on a little different note of trying not to hurt your body.  AND through fitbit I found you can walk virtually across the USA.  CLICK HERE
Everyone starts somewhere in Virginia, you log your daily miles and it tells you where you are.  I've logged miles just about 2 wks, and currently it says I'm 12.86 miles from Glendale, Virginia in Charles City County, and have traveled 47.6 miles.  You see a little picture of where you are on the road.  Kinda fun.  The website is a bit slow though to load, so be patient.

And if you want a different type of virtual travel, do join me over on Traveling Suitcase

Steps, Miles, and Calories...Fitbit

Ok, this got my attention the other day on Facebook, so thought it was worth reposting.  Thought it's been almost 2 months since my last post.........probably the longest ever I've gone without updating (life's been busy).  In my last post I posted my tennis shoes and talked about trying out apps on my phone to track my walks/steps/mileage etc.  That was a complete bust.  I tried 3 different apps.

Firstly, Windows phones don't support the most popular apps you hear people talking about and the ones I tried (only free ones), didn't work all that well, weren't user friendly, and many of items you needed on the app were ONLY available if you upgraded to a paid app.  Errrrrrr.  I so dislike false advertising.  If it's not free, don't state it does x y z.  And, who wants to pay for app before you try it out and know if it will meet your needs...not me!

I've killed far too many cheap pedometers over time, which is why I thought I'd try the apps.  Several problems with that, if you really want to track all your activity throughout the day, the phone is not the way to go.

So, I bought a Fitbit.  It's a wireless unit that replaces the mechanical pedometers I've had in the past.  It's battery is suppose to last 4-6 months.  You can synch it with your ipad, your iphone, and most droids...not windows phones (should never have  listen to the salesman who pushed the windows phone).  You also get a free webpage connected to a forum where fitbit folks support each other.  Similar to Facebook, you can friend someone.  You can even challenge each other, though I've not yet done that.  The unit I purchased was their cheapest one, $60.00, several others units are around $100.00.  Didn't quite want to do that; but they do track a bit more including your sleep habits which I think could prove to be very helpful to some folks.

You get a weekly email with your stats, plus there are all kinds of graphs on the webpage and some with app.  Most I'm not yet up to speed on how to read, lol.  It's a process.  You can set goals of steps, weight loss, food...whatever it is that's important to you.  I'm trying to lose a few pounds, but mostly I'm interested in eating a bit healthier (possibly high cholesterol), and increasing my exercise to aid with the arthritis and the cholesterol.  Tracking food and steps etc makes you so much more aware.

Got my first email of weekly stats yesterday (wk 4-28 through 5-4...not sure I really recorded everything or even had it on the whole time as I was still learning)...possibly not a real accurate weekly reading.

52,026 steps, 21.93 miles, burned 11,347 calories, 0.5 pounds weight loss, #362 calories in vs out....I think that means I ate too much?

And you get cute little badges to make you smile...different colors for different things you did good.  Who doesn't like a pat on the back.  I have a couple, not sure what one is for though, lol.