Physically Fit? Also: The Children's Fair, Karate Classes,

Good news - yesterday I passed the physical for the ambulance driver's license! I wasn't sure I would because I'm a bit overweight now, age 50.. just had a major operation last year.... but as it turned out I passed. The hardest part was running in place for two minutes. I never jog and running isn't my idea of fun. I like long walks though, and have taken quite a few lately for conditioning. That may have helped, because my pulse rate was just fine (within the limit) after the two minute run. I'll admit my breathing was a little bit labored though.

A few nights ago it was cool enough at sunset to walk, so my son, Aaron, and I walked across town to the post office. There's a big, long hill on the way there... no matter which direction we walk in. We chose the highway... so I was nearly to the top of the hill before I felt like slowing down, but I was starting to ache and breathe heavy and sweat. My son had none of these symptoms. Now, I may be 50 but I honestly believe that if I take the walk every day I'll be doing better in about a month. Keith picked us up at the post office because by the time we got there it was dark.

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Today was the annual children's fair sponsored by the Family Resource Center. It started at 10:30 with a karate demonstration from the class this week. The man who ran the class was from Southern California, and it was was co-sponsored by the Family Resource Center and the Karuk Tribe's Education Department. I'm glad they have these opportunities for kids here. Since we're so far off the main roads, it is the only way for kids here to get the classes.

At the children's fair my daughter got to decorate a shirt and a cloth tote bag, make a beaded scarf and bracelet and necklace.. and she got a bunch of goodies. About fifty kids and their parents showed up... so it was a good crowd for such a small town.

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A few months ago we bought an old truck for hauling things around town. Now our neighbor is using it for firewood and in exchange does mechanic work for us. Today he tuned it up so I decided to drive it to the children's fair... and... amazing how much smoother it runs after a tune-up! I might even get used to driving it. Its a 1970 Ford... and reminds me of the old 1969 GMC my grandmother gave me years ago... I wish I had kept that one!