What a difference a day makes! After our horrible weather on Thursday the sun managed to peek in and out on Friday (clear skies by early evening) and we made it to +1C. Late afternoon the robins were out in full force, industriously taking advantage of a small exposed strip of grass. Please excuse the quality of these photos, they were snapped surreptitiously from inside.
Loving the bright green grass shoots :)
At some points there were up to a dozen robins - all jostling for position!
Did you know that if you shop 'till you drop: you'll live longer?
... I'll bet that got your attention lol!
Besides subscribing to the Posit Science newsletter, I also look forward to a regular update from Dr. Andrew Weil. Perhaps you've heard of him? He's authored quite a number of books, including Healthy Aging which I purchased a few years ago. This week's newsletter reported the rather humorous results from a nine-year study conducted in Taiwan, which showed that seniors who shopped several times a week (or even daily) lived longer than those who never or rarely shopped. I find studies like this so interesting and while I am not (yet!) a senior, I believe it's never too early to take positive steps towards more healthy living.
The investigators said that shopping may provide an opportunity for additional physical activity which is considered more 'heart-healthy' when compared to formal exercise programs. How many times have we heard it said that walking is one of the best forms of exercise? Going to a mall is at least a lot safer for us northerners than trying to maneuver our sidewalks in the winter!
As well, the shopper may seize the opportunity to purchase more fresh, healthy food seeing as they are already out and about. I would also surmise that getting out on a regular basis could help ward off depression and alzheimer's.
Unfortunately, except for the grocery store, I am one of those people who rarely shop retail: unless I need something and then it's in-and-out as fast as possible. Quite the departure from how I was in my twenties and thirties. At this point in my life I thankfully have everything I need and like what I have. On the other hand, I find fleamarkets and second-hand shops more of an adventure, and I'm guessing they would also qualify as long as you go often enough... so I'm thinking I'll be ok :)
Awww...so cute. I love robins. They're productive...and adorable.
ReplyDeleteI really don't like shoppping, especially for clothes. Sounds nutty since I'm a woman, but I just don't like it. It tires me.
And like you, I enjoy those thrift shops, second-hand stores and liquidation centers. I stop in to one of these places, now and then, to see if there's anything unusual, and better priced.
I also like hanging around the bookstore (since I inhale books), and garden centers. But that's about it.
When the red, red Robin comes bob, bob bobbing along.......all is truly well with the world and its onward and upward from here on in!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, I'm in love with robins.
Hi Martha, I love bookstores too - especially second hand ones. There's one in downtown Kingston I really like, forget the name but it's pretty big in a long narrow building. I am with you about clothes shopping - it's exhausting - I've needed to get out and get a few new pairs of jeans for a few months now and I keep putting it off...
ReplyDeleteHi Lorene, Yes, there is something about birdies isn't there? After watching the robins for quite some time yesterday, I felt cheerier with the faintest undertone* of hope stirring in me...maybe Now spring is here to stay :)
ReplyDelete*wotd!
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog.
How I miss robins ~ we don't have them down here in Mississippi! Lots of chickadees and finches along with the seagulls and brown pelicans.
But I will have to admit we have the weather to walk year round.
Hope you are having a happy weekend!
Hi Laurie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :) Your blog is gorgeous and I will admit I envy your location.
Browsing second hand and antique shops is way more fun than box stores for the thrill of discovery.
ReplyDeleteAnd after last weeks dump, we got another one this weekend, as well as -11 this morning. My friend is in Inuvik and it's warmer over there... will this winter ever end?
Hi Tatiana, I hear you :( I remember hearing the same thing about Inuvik - I may be mistaken, but I also recall hearing that they had a much longer fall then we did last year.
ReplyDelete