I’m taking a community ed class, put on by my township Parks and Rec, and sponsored and designed by a local hospital system. It’s all about balance, and it’s designed for senior citizens.

I guess that makes me an official senior.

I’m 68, and I qualify as a senior citizen by any number of measurements, even if I don’t feel like one. So when I saw this class in the winter township catalog I thought…why not? I’ve fallen and hurt myself a couple of times and I’d like to learn how to fall more gracefully to avoid more injury.

Maybe even avoid the fall altogether.

Which, as it turns out, is what the class has mostly been about. Avoiding the fall. There are about 12 people attending each week. We just had week 5, so 3 more to go. Each week there’s a topic, lead by a nurse and the head of Parks and Rec. They work well together.

We’ve learned some gentle excises that I should be doing daily. The basis of the class is that if you keep your muscles in good condition, flexible and fit, you are less likely to fall.

In this week’s class we put together plans for meeting class goals. My end of class goal was to have an established walking program put together. I and the group decided I was going to walk 4 times a week for at least 40 minutes somewhere.

Lots of places with walking options were suggested. One couple goes up to the mall every single morning (except Wednesdays when they come to class) and walks around the one mile interior perimeter. I used to go there and walk too, especially in the winter. It’s a nice place and I’ll likely start that back up when the weather gets bad.

But while it’s still nice weather I prefer to walk outside.

Yesterday I went out to one of our parks, without the dog, and walked 3 miles. It was lovely. All the photos today are from that walk.

I could use it for my Walktober, but I don’t think I will. It’s too early, there’s not enough color yet, and you’ve seen this park before.

On the other hand, if I don’t come up with something better than maybe this will be my Walktober!

Penny says it’s not fair that she didn’t get to go. I say, she stops and sniffs too much plus she barks at other people, bikes, cars, dogs and baby strollers. Oh. And joggers. So the walk is not relaxing when she’s along.

If she ever grows up I’ll consider taking her. Meanwhile I just have to do two walks, one for me and one for her.

So far she’s good with that plan.