My Roses are Blooming

Finally, my roses began to bloom.

The Cecile Brunner arch is the most beautiful spot in my yard at the moment. Those small but abundant blooms smell heavenly.

 

I love this red rose. It has very big and fragrant blooms. 

This rose is called Bewitched Hybrid Tea. I have it my front yard, so occasional pedestrians can enjoy it too.

This one also grows in the front yard. It's not very fragrant, but has a beautiful color.

Herbal Tea from the Garden

Occasionally, I treat myself to a cup of herbal tea from my own garden.

I pick a handful of raspberry and blackberry leaves, as well as some mint and lemon balm. Rinse them well and brew a pot of tea. I like adding a bit of honey from my dad’s apiary to my tea. I get an organic, delicious, and fragrant drink. I also find it very calming.

Take a look at my new teapot. I found it at TJ Maxx. I love the little birdie design. Also, it has a big opening, so I can fit my hand inside, which makes it quite easy to wash.

The tea cup was a tourist souvenir that I brought home from my visit to Copenhagen, Denmark a few years ago. I bought it for a dollar at a flea market there. I love that darling tea cup.  

Ten Thousand Steps a Day

I once heard or read somewhere that to stay fit, a person should make about ten thousand steps a day. I thought it makes sense since it seemed like awfully a lot to me. But I doubted that I was meeting that requirement myself.

About a year ago, I received a free pedometer from my husband’s company that has a special health incentive program, and since then I’ve been wearing it every day. What is more, now it is my daily goal to walk ten thousand steps. And surprisingly I meet this goal most of the days without any extra sweat!

Here is how I do it:

I get 5,000 to 7,000 steps just by doing daily activities and house chores such as:

vacuuming

doing laundry (I hang it on a cloth line to dry)

picking up misplaced items and toys around my home

gardening, swiping walks, and watering outdoor plants in summer (I water with a bucket, not a hose)

washing my car

grocery shopping

I get another 2,000 to 3,000 steps by playing with my children in the front/back yard or in our local park. 

I also made it a part of my daily routine to take a short evening walk (15-30 minutes), which provides me with additional 1,000 to 3,000 steps.

It is easier to walk 10,000 steps a day during spring and summer months as the days are longer and I spend more time outdoors.

To get a bit of extra exercise during the short and rainy winter days, I exercise on my indoor bike. For a bonus, I read while pedaling.

Do you have a pedometer and keep track of your steps? Do you think you make 10K steps a day? How do you do it?