I Want to Wake Up In the Morning Where the Orange Blossoms Grow

I've lost twenty-five pounds and I've managed to keep it off for a few months partly due to my new fitness regime. I get out of bed at 6:30 am and walk 3 miles every morning unless it's raining.

Snow is not a possibility here in Florida and I wouldn't go out if we were having a once in a lifetime blizzard. That's a given. This morning however, it was around 40 degrees outside. It sure felt like the blizzard was imminent. (For all of you who are now shaking your heads in disbelief, I've lived in Florida for a very long time.)

My usual workout clothes won't due at that temperature so I had to improvise. I left on the pair of socks I'd slept in. First I put on a pair of navy blue leggings of unknown origin. Over those came a pair of ancient black sweat pants. This morning I chose my favorite pink tank top that I wore during my fondly remembered hike out of the Grand Canyon. Next came an ivory turtleneck that I bought in a ski shop here in Florida when I planned a trip to Niagara Falls in March, over which I put on my white Nike running jacket that I picked up in Portland, Oregon. I stuffed my feet into a stretched out pair of sneakers and was ready to face the cold.

I stuck my nose out the front door and came right back in. I grabbed a too big, bulky gray hoodie that says 'Disneyland' on the chest. Several years ago my sister and I were in California and it started raining. We were forced to buy something to keep us warm so we could continue to follow Mickey Mouse around the park.

Barely able to move my arms, I headed out. Half way through I wondered what in the heck I was doing. My toes and fingers freezing, I shivered while I walked. Looking ahead I kept marching. Brilliant orange and pink filled the sky, birds chirped and I waved hello to my other walking buddies who also braved the cold. Sunrise was particularly spectacular this morning.

I walk each morning not just to stay fit, but to see how God has blessed me with a new day right here in Florida. And I thank God I've had the opportunity to travel and collect the clothes I need to stay warm when the temperature drops below a balmy 75!