From the editor's keyboard

A question of balance

I have a new knitting accessory, one I like very much. Storage could be a problem, but then, it's kind of beautiful in and of itself, so I just let it roll around the house.

Actually, the cats roll it around the house.

It's a giant purple balance ball. And it's my latest attempt at multi-tasking. It's designed for exercise and, I'm pleased to say, one of the exercises recommended to me is just sitting on it. Being round — and prone to roll — that means no slouching. You have to use your "core" — as it's called by people too sophisticated to say 'gut' — to stop from falling off.

Of course, you can knit while you sit. I've been knitting — simple stuff — during warm up and cool down on the exercycle for years, so this is just another attempt to make up for the fact that, unfortunately, all of my favourite things to do are sedentary. Knitting, reading, old and new movies… Even weaving is not very active and downright dangerous. You've heard of Weavers' Bottom?

I've often wished I was a tennis nut like my neighbour or a scuba diver or even a gym rat. I am a dedicated cyclist in the six or seven months a year it isn't too hot or too cold to cycle, but, true confession, give me those lovely railtrails to ride. Flat terrain, no cars, lovely scenery and places to stop for a picnic. (If you cycle for pleasure, try Quebec's spectacular Petit Train du Nord. It's hundreds of kilometres of wonderful cycling bordered by cafes, bed and breakfasts and rest stops created from very old and picturesque train stations.)

Anyway, the way I do it, cycling is more outing than exercise.

I'd love to know how you compensate — if you bother! — for knitting time. How do you balance your life? (So to speak.)