I was missing my swims a lot, so I did some research via the internet and found Gold’s Gym had a pool. Then I talked with my son Ron, and learned it was not that far away either. So, I dug out my swimsuit, my Tybee Island Ga. beach towel and changed into something more casual, then took off down Hampton Street. Of course when I got near the railroad crossing I saw a train was not moving, at all. I noticed a few cars taking a left beside the track so I followed them. It was easy to find the gym after I passed Bellamy Chevrolet and Legacy Ford.

The kind staff signed me up, took my credit card and then I received a neat little plastic card to use every time I come to swim. Then they showed me to the inside pool. There were four lanes, plus a pool area, but nothing over five feet deep. I left my clothes and shoes under the beach towel and made my way into the warmed water. And the fun began! I swam, did lots of workouts, and then swam some more. I saw lots of friendly swimmers, and actually watched them work out in the pool with a lady leading them. But I stuck to my personal habits, and just enjoyed the cool – – well, warm – – blue. When I would take Norman with me up to Atlanta South Resorts I would limit my time to 30 minutes most trips as he was in a very shady area, enjoying watching the RVs and campers pass by our car. So, I decided on a forty minute workout and swim time for me. By the time the forty minutes had passed, I was actually ready to stop my fun. I got out, dried off, and sat there a little while, just relaxing and remembering. I did talk to some of the ladies in the pool for a little while, and they were all friendly and welcoming. I told them about my days as a life guard and one of them said she still has her life guard certification!

I found my way back to the front of the building, hopped in the Camry and decided to head back by the car dealerships. I enjoyed seeing the neat restaurants where we used to dine years ago, plus passed by Henry Transit and some other county buildings. I did decide I would bring some water to drink on my next swim.

Next time I left Gold’s Gym I drove back down Hampton Street, and, there was a train holding up traffic again. But this time it was moving, so I sat there and watched the different company names on the train cars. It didn’t take too long though and I did enjoy hearing the occasional choo-choo alert way down the track. I loved growing up near a train track and was slightly addicted to that neat sound they made as they passed through Jackson, Ga.

So I far haven’t lost a pound but my already almost healthy diabetes numbers went down just a tad more. I hope to continue lowering my waist measurements and keep the workouts going. Actually I have upped my home workouts too, just trying to get my BMI down. I grew up being teased by some of my fellow schoolmates for being so skinny! (Hope I don’t run into any of them for a while.)

I may have mentioned that my heart doctor told me swimming is the best exercise I can do and was thankful I’d gotten back into that mode. It’s also a fun exercise, and takes me back to my teen years every time I have some time in that relaxing place.

Beverly Wittler has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She lives in McDonough.