more encounters with poppies 5-1
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houses in the town of Ferrieres – shutters and white curtains (image by Street View)
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map showing distance travelled (map from Google Maps)
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On my virtual bike trip on April 15, I cycled through the countryside to the east of the town of Ferrières. It seemed to take forever to reach the first corner in the road. This part of France is very flat and you can see what is ahead of you for miles …
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When I reached the corner at last, I was so happy …
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I could see poppies in the ditch at the edge of the grain field, so I looked back and saw the closest thing yet to a whole field of poppies. If you Google images for ‘field of poppies’, you will see some beautiful examples of the many poppy fields in France. Sparse though it was, this is the best field of poppies I have ever ‘seen’ …
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a field of poppies and grain – most of the poppies are along the road or deep in the field just left of center (image from Street View)
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Afterward, I followed my poppy-colored bike path into the town of Ferrières. This town seems to have more space than other towns I have ‘visited’ in central France …
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I must have been tired during my bike trip, because it was very hard not to stop and buy a scooter or motorbike at the roadside dealership …
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This is the first day on my virtual bike trip that I have been tired and not very motivated. I know from previous bouts of exercise that quitting can be far too easy.
Since I began my stationary cycling trip ‘through’ central France, I have kept at it for two and a half months, exercising once in every two or three days.
I have been motivated by a number of things: looking forward to my next virtual adventure, reporting on my Blog about my progress, and choosing a subject and doing my pencil drawing.
I am also newly encouraged by my last blood work which shows both my cholesterol and my triglycerides considerably improved. So today, I am heading back down to my tiny exercise room to see some new sights in central France. Perhaps there is a huge field of poppies just around the corner!!!!
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Best View: shade along the country road…
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Copyright Jane Tims 2013
nichepoetryandprose 
So glad to hear the exercise is improving your health, Jane. Your drawing is beautiful. I would love to see a field of poppies. They’re such lovely flowers.
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Robin
May 17, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Hi Robin. Thanks. I’m glad you like the drawings … they have been a favorite part of this journey. The favorite part has been to count myself among ‘exercisers’ for the first time in my life. Jane
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jane tims
May 17, 2013 at 9:38 pm
Jane,,,,,that is the news that I was hoping to hear from you,,,,,your blood work came back “improved”.! Please keep up with your exercise ,,,,It is very hard to keep this thing called exercise going,,,I am proud of you to have gone this far. If you are losing your motivation at any time,,,stop what you are doing and start something different. Just don’t give in to that temptation to “quit”. Love those poppy fields.! Love your drawings and love your virtual bike ride through France.! Thanks for sharing.
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patsi
May 9, 2013 at 8:03 am
Hi Patsi. Thanks for the encouragement. I don’t think about quitting. I think the body must get used to exercise and crave it. I find myself going down to do my biking the same way I would go to the fridge for a glass of water. I like your advice about doing something different. And thanks for your comment on my drawings! Jane
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jane tims
May 9, 2013 at 10:58 pm
Congratulations on your accomplishments! I’m impressed, and am almost thinking that I should start a virtual bike tour–though the weather is nice now, so I think I’ll take actual bike rides.
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Sheryl
May 8, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Hi Sheryl. Yes, the weather is perfect for real rides. I wonder if Helena had a bike? Jane
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jane tims
May 9, 2013 at 7:42 am
Really impressed that you’ve kept up your stationary cycling trip ‘through’ central France:
for two and a half months, exercising once in every two or three days.
and that your
last blood work shows both cholesterol and triglycerides considerably improved
Inspiring to know what one can do even when stuck inside during a long Canadian winter!
Love your sketch!
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dearrosie
May 8, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Hi Rosie. I have to admit, as the warm weather is upon us, going down to exercise is not as easy. However, I am proud of myself. I hope it is a long term change in my behavior! Jane
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jane tims
May 9, 2013 at 7:41 am
Beautiful, very happy to hear you didn’t give in for the motorized temptations!
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Sigrun
May 8, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Hi. Thanks! I would have had a great time on that ATV, but cycling is much better for me!!!! Jane
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jane tims
May 8, 2013 at 7:57 pm
Having your cholesterol and triglyceride levels improved sounds like a very good motivation to keep on cycling! I googled ‘field of poppies’ as you suggested and wow – so very bright and striking in large numbers!
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Barbara Rodgers
May 8, 2013 at 10:13 am
Hi Barbara. Some of those poppy fields are phenomenal! Perhaps, before I complete my virtual trip, I will see a field in blooming time. Jane
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jane tims
May 8, 2013 at 7:56 pm