Michael's appointment with the Dr. went well today... except that Michael can't walk for 2 weeks! After that, he will be limited to walking 3 or 4 days per week.

That's ok though. The doc said that bicycling, swimming, or elliptical exercising is fine, and we figure that any of these is close enough to walking to count for our streak (almost 4 1/2 years, without missing a day!).

What happened is that Michael's kneecap was pulled off-center, creating inflammation and roughness under the kneecap. The inflammation was resolved quickly with the Medrol dosepack, and so he's feeling lots better.

So... we don't want our streak to end, so we're working today on alternatives.

We looked all over the net at various pieces of fitness equipment, including recumbent bikes and elliptical trainers. Prices for what looked good to us hovered at around $1500. [gulp] The doc said that Nordic Track is out – too much impact!

Then we decided… we are going to join a gym – Cardinal Fitness. It's downtown right off the square. They have lots of ellipticals they assured us. They open at 5am so we can go and work out.. and then hit the Bakehouse for breakfast! ;) They have a month-to-month plan, and maybe the college girls will encourage both of us to work harder!

It’s a shame to have to work out INSIDE this time of year, but… well, the doc said that if you save your knees from daily stressors like fitness walking, you can have them for things that you really want to do… like hiking!! And that rang the bell for Michael.

I’ll continue walking with Maddy for at least a short walk every day, but will go with M to the gym too. :) After 2 weeks of rest (no exercise-walking for M), we’ll walk 3 or 4 days a week and do the elliptical the other days.

Well… time to think about supper! Where to go… LOL!