The Other Fisherman and I have taken the black Labs out for their long walks together a lot. He never misses his twice daily walks with them, ever, and motivates me to accompany them, even when I think I don't feel like it. On our walks, I see signs of spring like the first sighting of robins, and it is so uplifting. I am chomping at the bit to get the "black stallion" off the bike trainer and out onto the road for a quick spin, but it is still a bit too soon in my neck of the woods for me to do so safely. My friend Katie urged me to buy this fancy bike and I've enjoyed countless hours pedaling it hundreds of miles. I can't wait for us to go for a ride together again when the roads are clear.

My Skyline friend just let me know she will not ski today. Instead, she has a cheap pair of snowshoes she will strap on for her and her dog's dose of fresh air. I admire her can-do attitude and healthy, active lifestyle as she ages. She inspires me, as she lives alone, maintains her ranch, complete with horses, does her own snow removal, grass cutting and all the other things that come with owning a big chunk of property and log home. She is a dedicated public servant as well, volunteering much of her time to make life better for us in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. I have always been inspired by her positive spirit, energy and spunk. Milli, you are something.

I've found inspiration from so many people since I began my quest for health and fitness. They have all contributed to my success through living their own healthy lifestyles. Thank you all for your positive actions, encouragement and things you've done that have inspired me. Because of you, I enjoy living a much more active and fulfilling life here on Kachemak Bay.

Teri's Tabouleh Salad

Tabouleh salad has been around forever. It has lots of my favorite flavors and ingredients in it, such as lemon, mint, tomato and green onion. It tastes as good as it is good for you.

Ingredients:

2 cups bulgur wheat

Mix up the following:

8 Campari tomatoes cut into bite size pieces

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1/2 cup minced fresh parsley

1/4 cup minced fresh mint leaves

One half of an English cucumber, peeled and diced into bite-size pieces

For the dressing, mix the following in a small bowl:

1/4 cup olive oil

1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Soak bulgur wheat in boiling hot water, enough to cover. Let stand 30 minutes, drain and squeeze out water with your hands. Set aside.

Combine the bulgur, veggies and herbs and toss with dressing.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours for flavors to blend.

Enjoy with pita chips, on romaine leaves, on cucumber slices or out of the bowl with a fork.

Until next time, remember, you never know who is watching you and finding inspiration from your own actions. Make good choices in all that you do.

A special note of congratulations to my friend Brian, who just informed me he has lost 51 pounds, has been running, biking and skiing all winter and has become fit and healthy again. He called to thank me for being an inspiration. See what I mean?