Recently we have been visiting my mum after I have ‘been to school’ but today that proved difficult. Just over a week ago I noticed that our hot water cylinder had developed a leak. British Gas assessed the situation and confirmed that we needed a new water cylinder but before it could be replaced it needed to be built. Today was the day for it to be fitted and because we knew the work would take several hours we expected the engineers to arrive fairly early in the morning.

Lunch time arrived, the engineers had not.

After lunch I left for my afternoon of volunteering at my local school, helping children with their reading. I wasn’t needed for the whole afternoon so I phoned home to check on the engineer situation, they had only just arrived! Not wanting to disturb the work in progress by shuffling cars and vans around I chose to walk ‘the long route’ home and visit mum tomorrow instead.

Several hours later normal service had resumed, we had water, hot water and heating again.

World Book Day coincided with my volunteering day in my local school. I wore my recently purchased dress which was a perfect choice for helping children with their reading. The children choose the books they would like to read with me each week.

Later I went out for an evening meal with Mr C. I swapped my sensible flat ankle boots that I wore for my walk to and from the school to the more dressy shoes seen in this photo.

This chapter discusses the benefits of walking with purpose as opposed to walking for leisure. Studies have found that when walking for a purpose people tend to walk faster. Some of the studies concluded this led to better health and wellbeing.

I don’t know about the conclusions to the studies I can only say how I feel after ‘walking with purpose’.

I walk faster when I have a destination in mind, I don’t want to be late. Having a goal boosts my mental state and feeling of wellbeing. I often set off later than I intend which means I have to walk faster to get to my destination on time.

During term time I have a weekly purposeful walk to a local school. I volunteer as a school reader providing one-to-one reading support for children helping them improve their reading skills and boost their confidence.

Returning home after a recent visit to the school I found that one of my favourite benches to ’sit and rest a while’ had been replaced over the summer holidays. Of course I chose to ’sit and rest a while’ and enjoy the view before returning home.

Walking home from my school volunteering I ended up walking into Wellington to catch the last post.

I was supposed to to post the letter in the morning on my way back from a meeting but I forgot to stop on my journey home.

On the way home from my volunteering I had intended to walk to a local post box that has a late afternoon collection. Once again I ended up forgetting and walking home in the opposite direction.

When I remembered my letter I walked to the next post box that I thought would have an afternoon collection. It didn’t and by now I was nearly in Wellington so I walked the extra distance to the main post box with its late afternoon collections. This gave me the perfect opportunity to pop into my opticians to get my glasses adjusted. They have been sliding down my nose during the hot weather.

I returned home via the churchyard where I sat a while near to the rose garden, enjoying the peace and quiet.

Walking to and from school I ended up walking nearly 6 miles.

Day three of my challenge coincided with my afternoon volunteering in a local school helping children with reading.

The sunny afternoon inspired me to walk ‘the long way’ home. Along the way I encountered a wonderful piece of artwork that was not there when I last walked that pathway.

Thursday

Today saw subtle changes to the kitchen with the plinths above and below the cabinets being fitted. There was additional work on the under-sink plumbing which is still looking neat and tidy.

Tomorrow the working surface should arrive which will allow the hob and sink to be fitted. Then all that is needed is fine tuning to the electrics and plumbing.

After my afternoon volunteering in a local school for the ‘School Readers’ charity it was time for our daily visit to mum. I learned from one of her friends that she had not been having a good day and by the time we arrived she knew she had not been herself and was upset about her behaviour.

We returned home to relax with a small pre-dinner sherry before dining in the Orange House, Wellington.

My next walking challenge involves a weekly 5K (3 miles)  walk with a group of local ladies. I won’t be able to join them for the group walk every week due to other commitments. When I am unable to join the group walk due to other commitments I will still walk in step with the challenge.

I was unable to join the ladies for the first walk due to volunteering at a local school. I walked to and from the school walking home the long way round.

Once again, I needed to move my Attingham Park Volunteering afternoon from my usual Tuesday afternoon slot, mum had a dental appointment.

Wednesday afternoon was rainy and consequently not many people ventured out. Of those that did many were first time visitors and some had chosen to come after deciding not to join their planned walk with a walking group due to the weather.

The rain didn’t stop play for me. After my volunteering shift, I ventured out for a walk taking tree lined routes rather than venturing further afield in the parkland. I was surprised to find the walled garden was difficult to navigate due to pools of water blocking some of the pathways.

The walk was refreshing despite or maybe because of the rain and due to my trusty umbrella, I completed my 3 mile walk without getting wet!