Follow me on a walk via video…Favorite photos from our final day in South Africa…”Pig on the porch, pig in the pond, pig in the parlor.”

“Pig in the parlor.” One year ago today, we left South Africa and posted more of our favorite photos. This was the second time Little came up the steps and into the house while sitting on the sofa and didn’t see him right away.  We howled.

In several posts I’ve mentioned, I have been walking the corridors once an hour, always keeping a watchful eye on the time. I start around 8:00 am and continue through 6:00 pm, resulting in 10 periods of walking. 

Little, “Pig in a Pond.”

In the video, I mentioned that I walk for two to three minutes. That’s good enough for me under these circumstances. Still, after seeing the video lasted for almost five minutes with a few stops along the way, I timed myself this morning, and it’s four minutes for the entire route, resulting in 40 minutes of vigorous walking each day.

“Pig on the porch.” His feet were muddy, and he made a mess, but we didn’t care.  It was Little, coming to call.

Each time I go out for the walk, I must prepare. I put my shoes on, place a mask on my face, the key card in my pocket, and get my phone and earpieces set up to continue listening to various podcasts throughout the walk. Doing so makes those four minutes pass quickly.

Since I began the walks almost two months ago, my resting heart rate has gone down from 65 beats per minute to 54 beats per minute (BPM). This is a good indicator of improving heart health. 

He was tentative at first, as he wondered if this was acceptable.

Unfortunately, walking doesn’t necessarily improve cardiovascular disease. If it did, I’d certainly up the ante. But, the problem was never with my heart itself. It was always about the arteries, a hereditary condition over which I have no control to change.

Once he realized he was welcome, he settled in for a long nap.

This morning, when we awoke, Tom asked me, “What are your plans today?” We both laughed out loud. In another day and time, I may have had a few exciting prospects on the horizon. Not now. 

Today will be like any other day, like all others during this time of Covid-19. Prepare this post. Stream a few shows. Eat a few meals. And walk a few miles in the corridors. We couldn’t help but laugh over today’s year ago photos. Referring to happier times makes all of this a “little” more accessible, no pun intended.

A few days after Little’s first visit inside the house, he brought a friend to show him the goodies.  We aptly named his friend “Little’s Friend,” He often visited on his own, and eventually, he, too, responded to his name.

Thanks to my sons, daughter-in-law, and friends, and readers for all the Mother’s Day wishes. If ever, that means a lot to me, as it always does. This year it means all the more. 

Little brought us so many laughs and so much joy. When I spoke to him, he’d shake his head in acknowledgment, not unlike a dog or cat would do.  Pigs are described as being more intelligent than dogs. Why wouldn’t they relate to us in the way our pets do?

Two months in lockdown have passed. We are facing at least four more months here, possibly six. We’re holding up well, taking each new day as it comes. No, it’s not easy now, nor will it be in the months to come. Our choices are simple… We can stay upbeat and cheerful or not. We choose optimism.

May all of you choose the same.

Mutton Chops and Scar-Face stopped by many times, but we haven’t seen them in months after Basket chased them and Tusker out of our garden.  Now Basket visits with his new girlfriend with whom he shares the pellets. Please click here for the link.