Snakes and Ladders
Forget yo-yo dieting, my own nutrition versus body-weight battle is better described as playing Snakes and Ladders.
Take the last couple of weeks for instance:
Head off to the Lake District for a restful stay, enjoying the beauty of the National Park - move forward 3 squares.
Greeted by astounding temperatures and sunshine - climb a ladder.
Long walk uphill in blazing heat - climb two ladders.
Share a bottle of wine that evening to aid recovery- slide down one snake.
Set out on another walk - climb a ladder.
Stop for coffee and a large scone - slide down one snake.
Walk in rain and swim 20 lengths of pool - climb a ladder.
Finish sojourn with a restaurant meal - slide down a snake.
Back at home accommodate youngest with fresh produce from the garden and vegetarian meals - climb a ladder.
Work hard at rental property for two long days, preparing for new tenants - climb two ladders.
Meet friends in pub when work completed and eat fish and chips - slide down two snakes.
Visit friend who prepares calorific lunch - slide down one snake.
Back to gym and resume exercise classes - climb a ladder.
Attend a birthday lunch with friends from gym - slide down a snake.
Spend day at a political conference burning nervous energy - climb a ladder.
Proceed from conference to dinner out with Mister E and a friend - down another slippery snake.
Then, just when you think there can't be any scaly reptiles left, head off to a food festival in Malton - slide down two snakes.
There's something about retirement living that beats sitting at a desk all day sharing cream cakes, but still I keep ending up back on that square that says "Start."
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