All I ask for in life is a little synergism. I don't think that is asking too much. Life would be so much more enjoyable. Well, at least less painfull.

 Webster's defines it as follows: "cooperative action of discrete agencies (as drugs or muscles) such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the two or more effects taken independently". I'm more focused on the "muscles" part of the definition. Especially since it's against my nature to take drugs. And I mean ANY drugs. I only take vitamins and aspirin (unless you consider Jack Daniels a drug). The times I'm supposed to take a drug as prescribed by a Dr., I usually just suffer in silence and let nature take care of the ailment. I don't like cold medicines, prescription strength pain relievers, antibiotics, or any other drug when I know that time and state of mind can overcome my ailment. But it doesn't always work out.

I like the quote "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger", because that accurrately describes my morning treks. In the beginning, I was just getting some excercise and the morning paper. It took a few weeks to get the back and knees to cooperate, but I was fairly comfortable with my one mile trek. But now it has become more of a workout. I never walk the same route twice in a week. Now, I simply look at my watch and take off, briskly walking about twenty minutes in any direction before turning around and heading back. And when I say briskly, I mean it. I'm usually dripping wet with sweat when I return. I actually tried jogging a portion the other day, but the knees started screaming at me loud enough to wake the neighbors. The rest of my body say's "run you wuss, we feel good", but the knees say "you guys can kiss my ***". So for now it's one foot in contact with the ground at all times. 

 But, back to synergism. There always seems to be some part of the equation that doesn't want to cooperate! Halfway into my trek something always seems to give. If it's not my back, it's my knee or my ankle. Actually, the back has been good. The knees are shot however, and the only way I can get them to cooperate is to medicate them.

 Don't worry, I'm not medicating them with jack Daniels (at least not often). No, my routine is to get up at 5:45, take two aspirin, and start the coffee. Then I spend about 15 minutes stretching the lower extremities. By the time I actually get started walking, the aspirin have kicked in and start controlling the swelling. Skipping any part of the regimen usually leads to lots of pain.

 I am determined to continue the morning treks (at least until the snow falls again). My "feeler guage" says it's paying off, and so does my belt. I keep reminding myself "no pain, no gain". But still, a little synergism would sure help.

 I figure it's about 10 lbs. per notch on the old belt. And I've almost gained two notches. So I figure about fifteen lbs to date. Remember, I tossed my worthless scale. The change in diet also seem to have accelerated my progress, even though I really miss bacon and eggs!

 Enough sniveling, I need to sign off and Ice my knee so I can continue the torture in the morning. Catch ya later!