walking in the rain

For LMU I've been reading Charlotte Mason's Original Homeschooling Series again and taking her advice seriously for my own empty-nest self. "All we have said hitherto applies to the summer weather, which is, alas for us! a very limited and uncertain quantity in our part of the world. The question of out-of-door exercise in winter and in wet weather is really more important; for who that could would not be abroad in the summer time? If the children are to have what is quite the best thing for them, they should be two or three hours every day in the open air all through winter, say an hour and a half in the morning and as long in the afternoon." vol 1 pg 85

Although I cannot boast that much time, I do like to take walks and be outdoors. I remember a certain little boy of mine, who cried a lot as an infant and toddler unless he was outside. The stroller was a constant companion. All the children loved the out of doors in all weather~one with her little chapped cheeks riding a tricycle in the rain, one with her leaps and bounds in the snow, one's scientific observations, one running through soggy pastures with his goat on a leash, all sledding whenever the opportunity arose, one climbing every dripping tree in site, all of them bouncing, bouncing, bouncing~The children were so physically fit complete with rosy cheeks.

But our walks are only priceless memories for me. Since I no longer have walking companions, I'm afraid I must be like Emma Woodhouse and take them alone. Oh, how shocking! But I will take them.

Yesterday, it was absolutely pouring. An umbrella solved the problem, and I took in plenty of fresh air and lovely scenery. At our rental house, I'm afraid the neighborhood is a bit scary. My car can solve that problem. I'll just leave for work an hour early and stop off at the beach or walk by the Green river. No problemo!