I think if you were to skim through the pictures in my posts, you would think, "Where the heck is she going with this?" I don't blame you, but I do have a story {as always}. These flowers are just for your viewing pleasure. I thought this weedy little bundle almost looked like wildflowers, so I put them in a little pottery vase a friend made me and now you have something to smile about. 
I have decided to go back to my low carb diet. I tried Weight Watchers for 8 weeks and it just wasn't working for me. I really followed all the guidelines and kept track of my food and measuring of it, but after 7 pounds, my weight didn't budge. So I am back on the old Dr. Adkins diet and I have had much success with it in the past. Last week I ordered a case of these babies from Amazon. I like to have one for lunch or a snack once in awhile. 
And since my running shoes were 20 years old, Abby gave me these.
And I have been meeting up with Emily at this lovely little spot about 3 miles away in the burbs. I have always enjoyed walking in the country, at the lake for instance, over walking my city streets. Less to trip over, I guess. And the view. Look how beautiful this is.
This was Monday and it was a little gloomy and sweatshirt weather {actually flannel weather...I saved some of my father's shirts, his favorites were flannel and I just love layering them over T~shirts}. I don't want to put it in writing, but we are expecting snow. All the gals East of me are probably cringing right now...I get blamed for a lot of the snow they get. 
We walk sometimes 3 miles. The fresh air just gives me energy. I have been a walker off and on for a long time. The last time I got in great shape was when I worked in downtown Chicago. Although I sat a great deal at my desk, I was up and down and covered a lot of city blocks in one day. So I know I have to really incorporate exercise into my lifestyle. 
Wouldn't you love to live in one of these spectacular homes? I would, just for the beautiful views. But I do have the lakehouse, which is becoming a vague memory, and that's enough for me.I'm linking up with Susan for Outdoor Wednesdays and Barbara for Watery Wednesdays. See you later in the week! :-)
81 comments:
Go Jane GO!!!!
I dusted off my running shoes too! I just can't seem to stick with my diet. Errr.. Self control ~ where did you go!!!
I hope the sun shines soon.
Have a great week
I used to walk a lot, it's really true that you do build up to getting in the "zone". I wish I'd get enthusiastic about it again! Happy Hiking Jane:@)
Just like anything else, you've gotta do what works for you, Jane! Ha! We got snow already Monday, then some today and it's supposed to snow tomorrow too. Nothing is sticking. You just want to say "give it a rest already!", though!
The flowers are beautiful!
All the best with your wt loss. I need to be addressing this as well.
Good for you Jane! I love walking too, it just starts my day off right. Good luck to you, YOU CAN do it!
Me too, thankgoodness there will be plenty of support in blog land.
Hi Jane...keep up the great work! Take baby steps and I know you'll reach your gaol...you CAN do it! Sure looks like a great place for a walk...a LONG one!
Jane, I understand what you're saying. I tried WW last year and had no success. I did Atkins a few years back and lost about 15 lbs. and now I'm on it again and have lost 10 lbs. I don't want to lose any more just maintain my weight here. The Low Carb diet is so easy for me to do. I love vegies and am not a fan of much sugar and flour products anyways..so it's simple. The way a diet should be. I hope to start walking again. You have motivated me. Good luck on your diet. I'm cheering you on.
Thanks for the pretty flowers and I hope you enjoy your walks.
Good for you, Jane! I'm trying to convince myself to start running--need to start doing more than I'm doing now...what a gorgeous spot to do your walking!
Keep it up, my friend--you'll do great!
Julie
Love your pretty flowers Jane
You know I put on a lot of weight over the last few years.. was always on the slim side and then suddenly boom.. finally diagnosed with insulin resistance.. Stopped eating most sugar and carbs and lost about lost 20kg in last 6 months.. [that's about 44lbs].. In fact just saying that makes me think badly about the before weight.. hahahaha It's hard to do.. don't think I would have done it just for dieting alone.. but with the insulin issue it was necessary... MInd you it's tough looking at everyone's lovely food posts.. hehe especially baking posts..
Ok.. Have a great day... and love those walk shots.. especially the one with the river centered in middle.. beautiful.. ciao xxx Julie
Good luck, Blondie! I am annoyed at WW. Their yogurt went up a point!
would take your lake house any day! Those look so close together, or is it just one ginormous house?
Jane! Say it isn't so....we've had enough snow for one season. :o) Well, at least spring snow doesn't last long.
The flowers are very pretty.
The scales have been going up and down a lot lately for me. I am getting back on the walking kick again now that the weather is improving. I saw the doctor today and he told me I need to keep moving to stay healthy...at my age. Do I pay him to talk to me like that? :o)
I hope you don't get too much snow.
Oh, you make me feel soooo guilty. I so badly need to do both of these things - diet and exercise, but I sit here at my computer instead. Good luck! You sure are starting off right, and I can almost convince myself that if I had views like that, I'd walk too! laurie
You go friend and keep on walking. I love to walk and to exercise in a pool so that is what I do, five days a week. The key is to find what you LIKE to do.
I like doing the atkins diet when i have pounds to drop..like now! but I will wait a bit longer for when it feels like summer is coming, or at least spring cuz then you can grill a chicken or steak and have a salad and its all good!
You go girl...I just started back on WW to see if I can shed a few pounds I seemed to have found during this past winter...now I need to find my way out the door to do a little walking! Good luck with your diet, Jane.
Oh, UGH! I need to do the same!
Good for you! ANd thanks for the shot in the arm!
Yvonne
Hi Jane, what a beautiful place you have to walk! You know me, I LOVE to walk and we do almost five miles a day (depending on weather)... plus I gather little Nature finds along the way... yours looks like a perfect place to do that too!... good luck on your weight loss... I too saved some of my daddys sweaters and love to snuggle in them... makes me feel so close to him... your flowers are beautiful in the little vase your friend gave you... our weather has been like yours, Spring one day, snow the next!... xoxo Julie Marie
You go girl! Looks like a beautiful spot to walk!! I love to go out and about and walk in the fresh air too- I am so behind on exercise with all this snow and rain and cold weather we have been having!! I have even contemplated joining the gym and I am NOT a gym person!! lol! Your shoes look super comfortable!! :)
I am stuck at 7 lbs too Jane! It is making me crazy!! Now that it is warming up we are fixing to start walking too, see if I can get this flippin nonexistent metabolism kick started!!!
Gorgeous views!
Lou Cinda
Hi Jane....so you are engaging in changing an eating plan....good for you...and with exercise you will definitely succeed. My soul mate and I have been on Medifast...I'm down l4 lbs and he is down 24...we are committed as I know you are also.
Good luck,
Jo
No story needed the pictures are grand on their own~ You must get to your lake house I can hear it calling... Good luck with your walking I love to walk. oxox, Diane
Good luck with the weight loss. I have been on WW and not doing well. I may give Atkins a try. Thanks for the idea. Enjoy your walks they definitely will help with your weight loss!
Carrie
If I don't walk, my hips and thighs are so big! A group of us usually walk 3 miles every night, but since the cold, we have all joined a gym that has opened up about 2 miles from us. I have enjoyed it so much that I am going twice a day. I did the carb thing years ago, and it was crazy, I never lost over 10 or 12 lbs, but lost inches galore, and dropped several sizes in clothes. Good luck girl, and bundle up if you have more snow coming.
Exercise is key for sure!!
I too was trying WW, but the plan just is not logical to me. I'll go back to what I know works and work a little harder at it.
What a great place to walk!!!
Hi Jane,
I dislike exercise and just can't get motivated. I need too, I know.
I have been losing weight. Down 15 pounds, just cutting out sugar and carbs. No more MacDonald's for me! LOL!
Keep up the good work. I know you'll be slim and trim in no time.
Although you look great to me.
hugs
Sissie
Walking is a great way to burn calories and good for your heart!!
I couldn't do the no carb diet...my husband said to me just today...what the heck would you cook ..that's all you do cook!
I think I am living in the only place in Canada that actually has spring...my hometown just got hit with a big one. Times like this I am glad I moved!!
Come out here Jane and you can hike up the mountain with me and Pilot!!
Pamela xo
Have fun hiking. Weight loss and keeping it off is a huge battle for me too. I lost 50lbs with WW in 09 and have kept it off but need to lose more. Have a lovely week and weekend♥
HI Jane! I had to laugh when I read your post.I have also been successful with Dr. Atkins...just made sense for me. And just today I told myself it was time to head down the Atkins lane cause the road I've been heading down is a dead end! hahahaha....at least thats what my hips told me!! hahaha...oh my.
You go girl~
Blessings,
Debbie
Good for you my friend! It is hard to find the right way to get the pounds off:) Hope the Adkins diet works for you! Sounds like it has in the past! Enjoy your week my friend! HUGS!
I need to start walking again. Now that the weather is warming up, I guess it is time to start. Diets, Ugh, I just try portion control and watch what I eat. I seem to like large portions.
Well, Good for you... Here I sit with a bag of M & M's... while typing this post.. : )
My husband has been walking the mall all winter.. & has lost almost 25 lbs. on orders from the cancer Dr.... I guess I need to go with him, now that we can be outside...
Now PLEASE keep that snow over there... : ) SOoooo Ready for warm weather
Hi Jane, I enjoyed looking at your pictures tonight. I call them my mini vacation as I think that is all this year will bring with all the trips to the doctors offices to come. Have you got the snow yet. It is suppose to get to the 20's tonight. Crazy weather. I hope you get sunshine for your walks. Take Care. Your Missouri Friend.
Good for you Jane! I need to lose a few too. This long winter isn't agreeing with me, I'm much better with exercise and eating right when the weather's nice.
Jane, you already look great, but I'm doing the same , my hubby and I will start back walking tomorrow. I feel so much better when I do. The fresh air works wonders on the soul. Have a wonderful week, my dear, xoxo tami
I have a new secret weapon ...(book)
the carb lovers' diet ...
can you say 9 pounds and all my belly fat?
Good for you! I went on a big kick of walking and cutting out sugar a few years ago. I lost weight that I thought I never would after kids. Exercise releases those feel good endorphins, too :) I'm such a nerd. I've stopped walking and the lbs are slowly going back on. I could eat nothing and still gain weight. Need to start walking again. I think walking is the way to go. Good luck, Jane! Wishing you sunny walking skies :)
xo,
Michelle
Good for you! I've been doing some checking on Nutrisystems...... I've hear mixed reviews....but summer's just around the corner. And, I HATE to cook. I so wish I could walk for exercise, but that's just not going to happen. I did buy a lovely yoga DVD for OLD, STIFF folks.... I suppose it would be more beneficial if I opened it???
Huggies!
Spence
I'm right there with you...after the wedding. My walking shoes are now free of dust...but the pollen is piling on. (Can't seem to get away from it right now...ah-choo!) My walking days will be much more plentiful when the pollen count drops.
Your photos are truly peaceful...
Jane (Artfully Graced)
With better weather so close I'm feeling the urge to walk, walk walk too! We still play tennis whenever we can...gloves and earwarmers if I must!
Hope you aren't getting any of that white stuff!
hugs,
paula:)
The best shape I've ever been in is when we lived in Philly. Lots of stairs, and I walked everywhere because driving there is scary stuff! Good luck to you. What a lovely place to walk! And as for those houses, they look lovely, but they are nothing compared to your beautiful lake retreat! Kat
I can see that you are raring to go Jane..you go girl!
I love tours like these, keep them coming :)
I am sending a little Blog Love your way today Jane.
http://collageoflife-henrqs.blogspot.com/2011/03/bw-happy-drinker-in-dew-thinking-about.html
Wishing you a glorious day Jane!
Jeanne xxx
Morning girl...I loved to have a place like that to walk...shoot that wouldn't even be exercise to me...that would be fun! lol Good luck with the diet sweetie and hope you see some sunshine soon....Picket
It's so hard just to get out there and do it - I always seem to have an excuse, too hot, too cold, but mostly not enough time! Yeah, I know, stop blogging, start jogging, might be the answer - but that's not going to happen!
Good luck, and remember to always stop and smell the roses - your vase of flowers is lovely Jane.
Good luck with the diet. I can't eat like I used to. I have to be more careful now if I want to stay the same size which is very boring as I like food! I have a complan shake for breakfast, it works well. I have the vanilla one to which I add a teaspoon of cinnamon as it tastes better and helps speed the metabolism. I found that just cutting back on cakes and sweet foods made all the difference. Exercise is great of course which you are already doing.
I wish you well with it. Will power can be a hard one sometimes...
Take care
Isabelle x
I need to get my walking shoes dusted off and get moving. My hubby now has a 4 wheeled scooter that allows him to get out and about so we are going to try and get more walks in now that the weather has gotten a little nicer. Our dog could definitely stand to get some walks in too!!
Have a great day.
Jane
Good for you. Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start.
WW worked great for me the one time I tried it. I think more times someone starts dieting the harder it is for them to lose the weight.
Hi Jane, sounds like you are off to a great start. I love walking too....low impact and gives one a chance to think and enjoy.
The flowers are 'happy.' That is the best kind.
Enjoy your time outdoors.
XO
Barb
Love the flowers Jane...had to buy two bunches of tulips at the store this week for sanity from the
(s n o w) that you will be sending us - lol! I just got a new pair of sneakers too....it's been perfect walking weather - crisp fresh air...and peeks of spring around - it really helps jump-start the excersize program!!
Glad that I'm not the only one with a yulky basement laundry room...last night I had a crazy dream (most likely because I posted that)....I had tons of company...and TONS of laundry - I have a laundry shoot and it was full...I couldn't pack anymore down to hide it and people were coming in droves to my house and seeing all of that laundry...oh...what a night! If only that figurine WOULD magically do the laundry for me Jane!
Hope you have a great weekend :)
Hi Jane!
Guess what? I've been doing Atkins for a month now. Too funny! Anyway I'm down 9.5 - 10 pounds. Feels good ~ wish it were faster! ha ha impatient one here!
It hasn't been that hard this time. I think because I've been relying on good ol' diet root beer & cream for yummy snacks. And jello and cool whip.
It is excited to start losing ~ I need to get moving like you. That would probably speed things up!
Good Luck!
xoxo,
Shellagh
Hi Jane! I'm so sick of the dieting! When I sort of watch what I eat, walk everyday, and kind of not think about, that's when I loose a little bit of weight. Your walking photos are so pretty!
Kelly
P.S. No I did not paint that frame.
I am right there with you Jane. I am s-l-o-w-l-y loosing weight. I have been walking 2 miles on my treadmill almost every day. Just when I lose a pound and feel good, something happens, where I just have to eat bad again - lol. Like my son visiting for a week last week and wanting all of the food he grew up on, baked ziti, homemade pizza, brownie delights etc. So I cooked and ate and gained back a pound.
Hugs,
Penny
Good for you! I have been considering going back to WW but wanted to know more about the new plan before returning. I know we can all make time for what we want to do, but going to meetings isn't high on my list these days when so many other things are missing my attention.
I hope your commitment and success are strong....and contagious!
Weight Watchers worked really well the one time I really tried it. Of course I was 10 years younger than I am now and I swear that makes such a difference. I ordered Rocco Dispirito's new book yesterday...it sounds like an interesting way to cut some calories and still be able to eat real food. I just can't be too restricted or I won't stick with it!
I am going to have to wait until it gets a little nicer - snow last couple of days and it is supposed to snow today!
We have a group of neighbors that walk every day - I am a fair weather walker, but I love exercising outside and having the fun of doing it with friends and neighbors.
Keep it up and enjoy your lovely weather!
WALKING!!! Wonderful! Please keep talking about it. I need to get back in the swing. We went out, a couple of nice days. But then came the rain, etc. And the ding-dang Bronchitis hangs on. Bleahhhhh...
Enough of my pity party. Wonnnderful that you are taking control. Just wonderful!
♥ Gentle hugs ♥
I've been in the mood to walk too ~ seems everything's shifted during the winter & a lot of sitting. The wind has been so bad I haven't been able to do much except quick jaunts with Forrester. Allergies are horrid with pollen counts over 5,000 daily. :-( My day will come though...I know it will!
Hang in there...you can do it.
xoxo
Pat
I am just starting back to WW...so hope it works for me.....and I am walking 4 miles with a FRIEND, three days a week...I just need motivation....
I adore Atkins. Only thing that really worked for me. Good luck. You will do it!!
Keep uputhe good work ! Thanks for stopping by !
I love reading your posts. It's like chatting with an old friend. I've got to get my running shoes out. Blogging does not mix well with exercise. My hubby loves the Atkins diet but I'm a carb fanatic. Can't do without my bread!
Good luck!
I've had luck with Atkins before. I've been m.i.a. for the last few weeks because of a virus that knocked the snot out of me. I barely ate a bite of anything for 10 days,had a fever, night sweats, chills, and do you think I lost any weight...heck no, maybe 2lbs. which I'm sure I've gained back by now.
walk three miles! yikes! my hero...
Karen
I definitely
thinking that
exercise is key
for me, too.
After spring
break it's back
at it, hard at
least five days
a week! Always
helps to exercise
with a friend.
You can do it!!
xx Suzanne
there is nothing like walking in the country!! love your new shoes.
happy walking and happy weekend!
joan
Hi lovely lady.
This is my first time on your lovely Blog Blondie. I also used to walk a lot.I love all your sweet storys ``` I must come back for more~~~Im your newest follower on your Blog. I hope you can come join me. Hope you have a Great Weekend.
xxoo
Diane
I've been walking too... it's really the best exercise and I sleep better when I get moving.
Your countryside is adorable - lovely place for a walk. Enjoy!! Life is way too short not to.
Have a fabulous weekend
Pam x
You flower arrangement and the vase look so pretty, Janie. That place where you meet looks very peaceful and relaxing. I don'twalk but I garden a lot so that' where I get my exercise....Christine
You flower arrangement and the vase look so pretty, Janie. That place where you meet looks very peaceful and relaxing. I don'twalk but I garden a lot so that' where I get my exercise....Christine
What a fabulous place to go walking!!! I wish we had some place like that close by where I live...I'm so envious! Have a great weekend :o)
~Des
HI Jane,
I wish you and I could take some walks! I love the pottery and flowers, the combo is really pretty!
I went to the Dr. today and she said I was 5 lbs from being fat! I guess I need to lose some too! Geez, I need to get in the swing of things!
If you want to go to the UP just let me know and Dan and I can go with! It would be a blast!
Hugs friend,
Cindy
I'd love to walk with you - we could walk briskly and not stop for coffee and sticky bun (my favorite!) and we'd both be svelte and soigné in no time at all!
We are back to snow here, I was considering pulling out my cross country skis again but decided against it. I just couldnt do it!
I heard a funny comment once about slimfast shakes..........apparently they go great with a burger and fries:)
all kidding aside, you go girl!
Trish
Mornin' .. I read your comment on Dot's blog. You and me both! That ice cream sitting in our freezer calls out to me way too often! I also love to walk and I do walk often. Cooler weather keeps me in more than I would like and the treadmill at my community center is BORING. Adkins is sounding mighty tempting right now.
I've been trying to walk a bit more too, but I'm still sorely lacking in this area. As for those house photos at the end of your post and you asking if I'd like to live in one of those...my answer is no! Personally, I don't like those cookie cutter houses at all. They all look exactly the same and have no charm. I'd rather live in a small, unique house. :-)
Good luck with the new health plan and goals Jane. I'm here for you
every step of the way. Yay!
Warmly, ~Melissa
Jane - thanks for popping over & commenting on my blog - yikes, 6 weeks? Looks like your getting ready (although brrrr). I hope you look around the posts that link up so that you get a taste of what is coming? so many fantastic ideas & eye candy to see. Warm Hugs to you! xoox, Tracie
I lost weight on a low carb diet and now I'm trying to eat healthy and maintain my weight loss. I lost 26 pounds! WHEW! I love to walk...and sounds like you really needed those new shoes! ♥
That's great Jane!
I started my diet two days ago. It sooo hard to get motivated when it is not warm and sunny and you actually WANT to be outdoors, you know?
(Yes, you do! My local bloggng friend!)
I'm here for you.
Your spring decor is getting me motivated!
xx
Alison
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