4 minute read
Moon Valley Tattler October 2022
Who’s that walking lady?
BY COLLEEN WALLING
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Have you seen the Moon Valley walking lady? Patricia McGuire moved to Arizona from Upper Michigan and has lived in Phoenix for 45 years. She began walking when her husband of 47 years passed away in 2007. She had always been his caretaker and was looking for things to help her pass her time. She started to walk and talk alongside her neighbor and friend in the early evenings. This began her journey of incorporating mind, body, and soul in her daily life.
Eventually, she moved to be near her daughter, Colleen Walling, who has been in Moon Valley for 20 years and has 5 children. Patricia would walk to Look Out Mountain elementary for their events and also to her local parish church. She would participate in everything from going down park water slides, to crossing hanging rope bridges in Ireland. Once she stopped driving, 3 of those children that are still in the area, began taking their grandma for rides to her appointments and buying groceries. They enjoy the time with her because she has a young outlook. Occasionally, they will stop for lunch or dinner and Pat always makes sure to order something healthy. Should she get a slice of pizza, she will dab any grease off with a napkin. She admits she has a love for cheese and dark chocolate but maintains discipline and never goes overboard. Before breakfast, she does some stretching and some basic exercises to keep her limber and mobile. She takes out her dictionary and completes her crosswords puzzles or looks up things in her encyclopedia set. Then she will read a few chapters a good romance novel.
Living independently as a resident in Quail Hill, she has continued her walking routine and has been going every night for the past 15 years. According to her pedometer, she does a 2 mile walk around the neighborhood along Coral Gables, Moon Valley Drive, and around Moon Valley Park. She keeps up a pretty good pace; however, will stop pet an occasional dog or say hi to a passerby. As she is swinging her arms and navigating her way around, she reflects on her day. She prays on her rosary ring attached on her keychain for all of her loved ones and before she knows it her trek is done. The only time she doesn’t go on a walk is if she is gone on vacation; otherwise, she is out rain or shine. She can’t just sit inside the house as she enjoys it so much. Generally, she wears a hat and a cooling cloth around her neck carrying a bottle of water. At dusk she wears reflectors with digital lights around her arms so she is visible. Taking care of herself also means her appearance which includes applying lotion for wrinkles, putting on makeup, and dressing fashionably. While smiling, she says this makes you feel good about yourself inside and out.
People frequently honk and wave when they see her. They also stop her to ask how old she is, a young 95 she replies! The Amazon delivery man even stopped to ask what her secret is. She believes daily exercising, cognitive stimulation, sensible meals, and an evening glass of wine keep her going physically and mentally! Walking is free you don’t have to pay for it! Get out for fresh air, watch the beautiful sunset, meet your neighbors! Patricia hopes that her healthy lifestyle will be an example for her family and a goal for their own longevity. She truly is the meaning of health, happiness, and a young mindset. Next time you see her out give her a shout.. ‘Hi Pat!’
