When the days get shorter and the nights longer, and cold north winds blow in the snow, fun time begins. A little lady who is in her late 70's can't wait to get out on her cross-country skis. An 84-year-old friend walks a couple of miles every day of his life regardless of the weather (with exceptions). The village is full of walkers daily, either in small groups or alone. Most of these people enjoy good health, and have good habits and exercise daily.

My Mother and Father both enjoyed good health and both lived up into the years with little or no health problems until the last year of their lives. Both were walkers. Mother walked tall and straight to St. Dennis Church every day of her life for well over 50 years. Father was an avid outdoors man, gardener, hunter, fisherman and ex-lumberjack in Ontario, Canada, and hunted all his days in Sanilac County. Both parents taught their children good habits of exercising each day. We walked a half mile to school regardless of the weather and were none the worse for it.

Wood was cut and split all winter long, and we hunted rabbits and game for the table. Nothing is as relaxing and healthy as a good stretch of the legs, breathing in the clean fresh air of Lake Huron; it is great for lungs, heart and limbs, as well as the mind. There is so much to see and appreciate with the birds, rabbits, geese, and of course, the trees and the lake in all of its winter glory.

All that is needed is warm clothing, boots and gloves and a good companion, and away you go. Try it and feel the benefit in a few days, even from a short walk.

As I write this story, a petite little lady walked by with her two little Bischon dogs; she takes two daily walks completely around the village, an estimate of about two miles. This lady and her dogs enjoy great health and walk at a good gait.

I personally like a wooded area by the lake where the breakers can be heard and the crows, geese and birds can be watched and heard as I walk. Rabbit hunting is my favorite outdoor winter event and the fresh air, snow, sun and wind are all part of the Master's plan for us to enjoy while we are here at his good earth. Bike riding is another habit of mine, and I ride as long as weather permits. It is amazing what I see when riding my bike, sights I might have missed had I been riding in a car or truck.

So get up and get out and enjoy this wonderful season of the year. I guarantee you will lose the winter blues and you will get a new lease on life with better health, both in body and mind.

May each of you have a good healthy winter as you walk your way to better health.