Happy Valley Pride: September 2, 2009

The word for this week is exercise!

I have had an above-ground pool for 32 years. When I first purchased it, I used it a few days a week. As I grew older, I used it less and less.

Last year, I did not even get into it.

The water was always too cold. Then, because of the drought, I purchased a solar mat that covers the pool. It prevents the water from evaporating, but it also traps the heat and keeps the water warm.

In July, I invited my neighbor to come over and swim six days a week for an hour each visit. We both have pain in our joints, stiffness, not too much energy and our muscles were getting flabby.

After five weeks, both of us are starting to improve in all of the problem areas that we were experiencing. The water supports our bodies so we are able to exercise without pain.

Gale had been in an auto accident two years ago and never felt right afterwards. Now, she feels her life is back on track.

I don't know how much longer we will be able to swim as the nights get cooler, but we are already talking about other ways we can keep exercising. Walking is a good way to get exercise, as are biking, jogging and exercising to videotapes. We could go to Curves, join an athletic club, take yoga or sign up for ballroom dancing.

I walk a lot on the farm and I do a lot of labor, but it is not the same as regular exercise.

The important thing to remember is to get your heart rate up and to be consistent.

One way to get a morning of good exercise is to come to the Happy Valley Community Center at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. That is when Happy Valley Pride will sponsor a day of cleaning up our community's roadsides.

To make it interesting this year, we will be offering prizes to some lucky participants.

When you sign up to help us clean up, we will provide you with a list of the rules and coffee and sweet rolls to get you motivated.

Each participant will also receive, free of charge, a Pride Day T-shirt, orange trash collections bags and the use of one of our trash grabbers.

Remember to wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Also, bring an adequate supply of water and lots of enthusiasm.

All participants are invited to a potluck at noon when the prizes will be awarded, so bring a dish to share. One lucky person will take home a special $100 prize.

Have you been wanting to learn how to eat from your garden year-round?

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Happy Valley Farm Trail will meet at 6 p.m. at the Happy Valley Community Center, 5400 Happy Valley Road, for a potluck and program.

Bring your favorite meat dish, side dish, salad or dessert to share. We encourage you create your dish from things in your own garden.

It is time to sign up once again for next year's Farm Trail Map. We will also present a report on what we have done so far and where we need to go from here to get the word out about the Farm Trail Map. Everyone is welcome whether a farmer or not.

I am always telling people to volunteer, so here is an opportunity to take part and be the solution to a community problem.

The Happy Valley Volunteer Citizens on Patrol is looking for a new member. The group's net meeting is at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14. Come and see what we are all about.

With all of the budget cuts at the Shasta County Sheriff's Department, they need more eyes and ears in the community help spot and fight crime.

Remember to recycle, volunteer, pray for our troops and pray for our country.