2001 Year in Review - Page 2

Step One- Shape Up

My "plan" went into action as we developed our 2001 schedule, usually in place well before the New Year. We dropped some major shows held in the heat of the summer, and took a year off from our annual trip to Europe. With the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain in 2002, we would be back, it was now time to enjoy our own country and home in the summertime.

I went on a fitness regimen. Most women can pack on the pounds after the birth of each child; I was doing it after each summer trip in Europe, and just kept in the mood of fine food and wine upon my return. As a lifetime member of Jenny Craig Diet Centers, I marched my expanding self off to the nearest weight loss center, and got back on track. It's never easy, but with weekly trips, and an excellent counselor Nancy, I finally shed 25 pounds.

I was also home more, and Winnie, my beloved corgi will not allow me to miss our 4 mile morning walks. We live in an idyllic setting in rural central Florida. Each day on this walk I get a gift; a visit from a red winged hawk, fresh oranges handed to me by the grove manager on our road, and the music of the waking birds. In the springtime, new calves are added to the cattle herds that graze in the fields, and every wildflower and plant that thrives in central Florida attracts a multitude of butterflies and hummingbirds.

I am convinced that without this way to retreat from the high profile lives we live, I would have reached burnout years ago.