When I retired from Southern California Edison Co. a year ago, I weighed 138 pounds, my highest weight ever. I made up my mind to lose weight and devised a daily exercise and eating program with my husband's guidance.

As soon as I wake up, I put on a pair of walking shoes for a power walk. I started out walking 30 minutes carrying 2-pound weights. I gradually increased that to 45 minutes with 5-pound weights. Now I walk 45 minutes to an hour carrying 9-pound weights. If it rains, I ride a stationary bike and read a mystery to break the monotony.