Faster Than a Speeding Bullet!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Not my step dad's connection, that is for sure!! Spent the whole morning catching up on Sparks, and finally after a marathon cleaning effort, Mom was ready to get some fresh air. Angus dropped us off at the farthest off leash dog run and we set to it. We went down a trail we hadn't seen before, but it was opposite of where we were wanting to go, so we didn't follow it long, was very pretty with big trees. As it was a cold, overcast day, we didn't dawdle. We went down to see the beach area and ran into a dog that was growling at Mom the whole time, the young couple did everything they could to distract him, but he had eyes only for Mom -they figure it was her walking poles (I wasn't using mine -too long for a beginner). Finally, we managed to get away from this aggressive dog and hit the trail. It was soggy, up and down, steep and very uneven, requiring us to hang on to whatever we could to avoid landing in the water which seemed to be everywhere. There has to be springs feeding this area as it felt warmer then the open areas, but also the water wasn't frozen like it was at the beach area. Finally we got out of the precarious trail onto a more normal one. Mom said we had to pick up the pace as we took too long over the tough trail and I was great with that as my hands were freezing from taking photos.
We came to the area where there was a huge beaver lodge and I saw the muskrat swimming along side the bank and then disappear into the house. I guess the beaver doesn't mind sharing living quarters. And there was very fresh sign of beaver activity everywhere. Two trees had been sawed almost more than half way through so they will probably be back tonight to finish the job.
When we finally got home, we were really tired and I was starting to really feel the hip and hip flexor muscles. I am so not used to hill climbing lol. We were just going to relax and Mom was going to have a bath when big brother called to take us to Costco. After that, I had to get some cottage cheese on sale from another store (Costco only has 2% and I get no fat one). Then it was home and start a bunch of club work. From 4 to 8 I worked on it, then went to the club to prep for month end as well as set up for the game and do a few other things. I was there until 15 to 11pm! I sit here scarfing down supper at 11:30 pm and trying to squeeze in last points. I really shouldn't have gone over to Mom's with so much to prepare for before I go into the hospital, but the weather was supposed to be nice, and we sure don't expect much more of that here.
My allergies are sure fighting this new drug, and being back in my smoky apartment was quick to reboot them :( Don't know what I can do really.
Have a Marvelous Monday everyone!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GIANTPANDA 11/1/2011 8:25AM

Sounds like an awesome hike! There is nothing like getting out into nature! And hiking uphill really can get tough. It burns a lot more calories, too. Have a wonderful week! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUNEAU2010 10/31/2011 10:48PM

You continue to inspire me~ I can hardly move with my foot/heel and there you go! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 10/31/2011 10:19PM

Happy Halloween, glad your set with groceries. Sleep tight. Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 10/31/2011 10:23AM

Happy Halloween, my busy whirlwind friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 10/31/2011 10:11AM

Have a great Halloween - boo! Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEDBETTER11 10/31/2011 9:46AM

Sounds like a wonderful hike. I'm going to find some cool new routes for running this winter. I'm determined to run outside - no matter how cold it gets! Report Inappropriate Comment

Saturday

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Wasted my morning resting in, not getting out of bed until 8 am. The weather was cold, overcast and threatening rain, so I decided not to go to my fitness classes. I caught up Sparking instead, and thought about doing a turn on the elliptical, but that didn't happen either. My sister arrived and off to Asian Buffet. While everyone headed for the hot food, I visited the salad bar. Not one greasy thing touched my plate. But realizing I needed some protein, I later got a home made burger with onions (no bun or condiments) as well as a few chicken balls. I did have lemon pie and a coconut apple square with ice cream for dessert. Then we went shopping and went back to my Mom's. There we all sat watching reality shows, first Swamp People, then American Hoggers. After about the fourth show in a row, I had enough and went out for a walk and hike to the beaver pond. On my way I could see Mom's neighborhood was getting into the Halloween spirit:

This display went up in a day (top of page):
And then there was this at the top of the long hill down to the river

The sun was hitting the pond just right and caught the muskrat swimming in the sun:

Had one of the beaver too, but Sparks doesn't like my step dad's connection and four hours on this is long enough. So not looking forward to dealing with this connection during my recovery :(
Have a great Sunday all!
Hugs,
Linda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SILLYHP1953 10/31/2011 4:12PM

Your morning was NOT wasted! Your day sounded quite full. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUNEAU2010 10/30/2011 6:45PM

Thanks for sharing the pictures! I'm not sure I've seen a real muskrat. Not much in the way of Halloween decorations here unless you count what the legal department did at work...I did not think to get pictures.... Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 10/30/2011 5:52PM

Thanks for sharing your pictures. Take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 10/30/2011 9:54AM

Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures - I love them! I don't know how big your pictures are but I use a free program called Irfanview to make them 400x320 and they upload pretty fast when they are that size - SparkPeople resizes them anyway so we may as well save the bandwidth when we can. I'm so glad you got a chance to rest up - I think our bodies need a 'rest day' with less activity now and then and you did get some walking so it's not like you were being sedentary! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLENDERELLA61 10/30/2011 9:05AM

Wish you had a faster connection. Thanks for taking the time to download these. Love the muskrat. Maybe you could do the beaver the next time? Good for you for getting enough sleep, but getting your walking activity in later. Good for you for avoiding the greasy foods, but getting your protein in later. Just great! Keep up the good work. -Marsha Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 10/30/2011 8:20AM

Linda, thanks for the pictures! I'm so glad you took the time to do it! And I really loved the one of the muskrat! Report Inappropriate Comment

LEXIE63 10/30/2011 7:24AM

Nice pics, and nice to get a lie in and have a more restful day once in a while. :-) Perhaps you can save up your pics during your recovery time and we can have a photo-fest when you are back at home. :-) How long will you need for recovery this time? Hugs, Lex xxx Report Inappropriate Comment

1BEACHWALKER 10/30/2011 2:22AM

Good for you on the Buffet! We can go to those and not go overboard-like you just proved! I tell you those condiments can really rack up the calories! I am trying to like potatoes without so much margarine and fish without tartar sauce. For one thing it is ridiculous how much sodium is in them even! Geeze! Even the catsup on fries can add up! That is cool you see muskrats and beavers out in your walks! Your surgery is coming up soon, isn't it?! Have a great week ahead! By the way, Thanks for commenting on my photos on my page gallery! Your support is always appreciated my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

Fantastic Friday!

Friday, October 28, 2011

I actually managed 4.5 broken hours of sleep. My nose and sinuses felt fairly well when I woke up. I can see the change in that I am not getting a profuse amount of discharge from my nose now. I could feel my sinuses buzzing up again while in the kitchen preparing breakfast, where the smoke is always the strongest.
Went to and from my Curves workout without having to blow out my nose several times so that is progress! Then it was off to the bridge club and another decent game, coming in 3rd overall of 22 tables :)
Back home and barely enough time to scarf down a snack and it was off to an advanced step class, and boy did this instructor have us flying! Back home for a nice long hot shower, then saw the laundry room was available and immediately gathered everything up and hustled it in.
Then it was be supper, washing the dishes , some quick tracking and Sparking, then some club work, and I am really hoping for an early sleep this time. I really need the rest.
My foot surgeon said the toe that is sticking up will probably lay flat if my little toe wasn't rolling under it. Said to get my podiatrist to make a silicon post to separate them and then hopefully, the little toe will learn to stay in its place and let my fourth toe stay down. The big toe and the major joint below it (the ball of the foot) are showing the start of the RA changes and that the only solution if the pain in it becomes too much, to fuse it all together, but as I still had lots of flexibility there, it would be a shame to do it. The discomfort I feel there is really nothing compared to everything else so I will leave it alone. It seems to ease up after I get moving anyway, like most of my RA does. Got to be more like a shark, always moving and never staying still for very long :)
Have a great Friday evening and sleep and a fantastic weekend!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUNEAU2010 10/29/2011 10:09PM

Sounds as if this was a nonstop day! Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 10/29/2011 9:50PM

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HIKETOHEIGHTS 10/29/2011 8:38PM

I am in the same boat, showered & in bed ready to zone out. Sweet dreams my friend! Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 10/29/2011 8:22AM

I'm glad you were able to get some sleep - my dad had a toe separator because of his arthritis and it helped a lot. Hope that gives your some relief! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNYARIZONA 10/29/2011 1:18AM

Interesting about the silicon the Dr. mentioned. I bought a silicon separator to wear between my big toe and the next one. For some reason, feels like they are knocking when I don't wear it. The left foot is the worse. Those buggers , you get 2 per package for $4.99. AWFUL. Yet, I have bought them at least 4 times over ....why? Misplace them! But keep one in my purse, one in the car, one in my hiking stuff! DANG, I will be darned to pay $4.99 again. I do HOPE you got a good rest again tonight!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 10/29/2011 1:11AM

Glad I caught up with you again. Didn't think to go the friends feed. I'm learning. Sleep tight, gf. Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 10/28/2011 11:48PM

A shark, hmmmmmm???? I think I prefer you as you are!!! Hope you get the sleep you want! HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment

Try Something New X 2!!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Normally on Thursday morning I would be off to a kickboxing interval class. but I noticed something on the class line up that has been intriguing me. Gentle yoga with chair assist. Could this possibly be something I can do that doesn't require you to get up off and on the floor? Sure enough, no floor work, but a mat was used with the chair as you were supposed to have no shoes. That was something I was unsure about, being without my orthotics.. They did many standing poses, sitting and did downward and upward dog using the chair to put your hands on in place of the floor. I found I was able to do everything, but all the the poses requiring your head to be really low bending over just pounded my sinuses.
Then it was home and a healthy lunch of beet soup, parsnips, carrots, snow peas and my purple potato :) with cottage cheese instead of sour cream, tastes just as good..
I saw my family Dr. for my pre op assessment. Noticed she put on the form 49 year thin woman. Are you sure? I thought I was just average weight.. Anyway, she said now that I am having the surgery, its a waste of time trying to get into the Pain Center or sleep clinic as they don't deal with acute pain, only chronic, and I might as well see if having this hip replacement eases some of my pain and maybe will let me sleep better. Only time will tell. I am very patient, I am used to waiting for things. So I asked if my sinus problem was going to be an issue, and she said no, but there is a new medicine that I can try to help with it.
Its called Omnaris, and is a corticosteroid. I would be very happy if it could settle down this bad attack. I need something before my sinuses get infected from being plugged so long. My step dad said he had used this kind of spray and it was like it cured his allergies! But evidently, he over used it and ended up with a very severe nosebleed that required emergency treatment. Well, I don't intend to use any longer than it takes for my sinuses to clear.. I will try it tonight, when i find my nose is the clearest after having my window open all evening.
I am off to play in the Canada wide rookie master game with a lady who is very new and doesn't play all that often..I don't mind playing in this game, its nice to see all the new faces who will hopefully decide to become regular members of the club. When I was new, my favorite game was these types as it gave me the chance to play with an experienced partner and learn things. I return the favor by playing regularly in the master/non master game they have twice a month on Thursday afternoons.
Enjoy your Thursday, have a Fantastic Friday!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUNEAU2010 10/28/2011 9:56PM

I've heard of Omnaris, but have no experience. I hope it works for you, and quickly! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 10/28/2011 9:04PM

Wonder if the chair yoga will work while you're recovering from the hip surgery? So kind of you to mentor the rookie players: they'll learn about more than bridge from you, I'm thinking. For example, courage and self-discipline and willed optimism! Report Inappropriate Comment

SILLYHP1953 10/28/2011 3:02PM

It was great to read about your yoga experience!!! You'll be amazed at the possible results you can achieve with yoga when it's worked into your routine. I hope the new medication works. Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 10/28/2011 11:24AM

I've never heard of chair yoga but it sounds very intriguing - good that you are going to get the surgery and I also hope it helps you sleep better!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEDBETTER11 10/28/2011 10:28AM

Your Awsome! Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 10/28/2011 9:32AM

I went to the doctor yesterday for my bi-annual exam, and when he saw that I had a LOT of drainage, as he put it, he suggested a nose spray called Fluticasone Propianate and called it in for me. He said to spray it and NOT inhale it up into my nose but to spray it without sniffing it in and holding my nose closed after "because to taste it is to waste it", he said. I got it just before clocking in at the supermarket, and sure enough, I didn't have a problem all night! Hooray! I hope your meds also work for you and you can get relief! That's great about the yoga! You really have so many resources locally, and it's great you're able to utilize them! Have a great weekend, and great bridge playing, by the way! I think you are on a winning streak! Report Inappropriate Comment

HIKETOHEIGHTS 10/27/2011 10:30PM

Most of us are used to being told we need to lose weight by our doctors so I would consider that a big compliment. I love cottage cheese, I use it quite often a s a substitute. The chair yoga class sounds like something I would like. good Luck with your surgery Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIES537 10/27/2011 10:29PM

I hope your new prescription gives you some relief and that you had fun at your game. So nice of you to give back to others like that. Nice job on the yoga, too. You are just plain awesome! Comment edited on: 10/27/2011 10:29:44 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 10/27/2011 9:04PM

Hoping the Omnaris works for you!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 10/27/2011 8:58PM

You'll have to let us know how the corticosteroid works for you. I see ads for Omnaris down in the States, you're the first person I've heard might try it. Hope things go well with your surgery... and that you have fun with the game! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLENDERELLA61 10/27/2011 8:34PM

Linda, That is generous of you to play the Master/Non Master game. Hope you enjoyed. The yoga sounds great. Sure hope the sinuses cure quickly. Best wishes on the upcoming surgery. Take care. -Marsha Report Inappropriate Comment

Good News, Bad News

Thursday, October 27, 2011

I did my Curves workout in the morning, walking fast to and from and over a hill on my route across a grassy field for extra work. Then hit the shower, had breakfast and Sparked for a bit.
I was so happy I was late getting to the bridge club that I was home to take the call of the cancellation so I could get my surgery for a total hip replacement done earlier. They keep calling people until they reach someone, so if I hadn't been running late, I would have missed it! The date is November 17, so that doesn't give me much time to get my act together, fixing up my apartment so I don't have to bend over to get anything, making sure all my club work is done and we have enough supplies of everything. I have to make posters and tickets to sell for our upcoming special club lunch and dinner.
I was pleased to come in first overall in a 20 table bridge game this afternoon :)
Then I was off to my advanced kickboxing and step classes. He had some new routines and really worked us hard, I was starting to feel my aches nearing the end of my two hours!! I learned you could use the hot tub after class, so that is what I will be trying. I love the thought of relaxing my hard worked muscles after, but the only hassle is when its cold out, the ride home is absolutely freezing when you are damp which is why I don't like water aerobics in the winter time.
The bad news is my allergy attack is hanging on like grim death :((( My sinuses are plugged up and four different medications I have tried aren't touching it :(( I am concerned this has been going on so long (4 weeks) I will get an infection, and that would be the quick end of my surgery :(( My last sinus infection lasted eight weeks!! I am so frustrated with this feeling, just don't know what I can do more! Hopefully, my Dr. will have an idea..
On the poor air in my apartment -Mom had bought me an expensive hepa filtered ionic air exchanger, but it didn't even touch the smoke :( I can leave my window open all the time and it does get freezing even with the heat running, but the housing authority doesn't want us to do that because the hot water heating pipes under the window might freeze and burst, a real concern when our winters get so cold, the heat wouldn't be able to keep up :( They did put a heavy rubber strip along the bottom of my door, but it still gets in the side cracks, as well as the vents. I sealed off the kitchen vent, but it still is the strongest there. I can't seal the bathroom vent for obvious reasons, can't have a build up of sewer gas.. The reason I don't want to move is because this is the only building the housing authority has on the safest side of the city and the only one close to major shopping. Unfortunately, they built all their buildings exactly the same, little cookie cutter apartments so that they would save money by being able to buy wholesale parts, so moving wouldn't solve anything as the next apartment would have exactly the same problems. There are actually lots complaining about the smoke. Also if I moved, I would have to give up bridge and my job, because I don't have transportation, and our bus service is awful. My location right now is the best the housing authority has to offer. Their newest building downtown was built more modern, but it close to nothing, no grocery store -it would be quite the trip to get your groceries and eating the quantity of fresh fruit and veggies that I do that would be unacceptable. I can only hope they do eventually ban smoking in their buildings, but I really can't see that happening as smokers have rights too and I am sure they would fight that bitterly. Not to mention they light up where they are not supposed to anyway, because its such a strong addiction.
I hope you have a good sleep and a Terrific Thursday!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WATERMELLEN 10/28/2011 9:02PM

I'm wondering whether your local community legal clinic could help you with a Charter s. 7 challenge (right to liberty, which surely encompasses right to healthy living quarters, so challenging the permissibility of smoking in your building: it would be an interesting case for the clinic . . . ) So happy that you're getting your hip surgery earlier than expected: and see from your comments on blogs that you're already planning to maintain weight by managing calories in accordance with reduced fitness activities as you recover. That's preplanning and determination for sure! Report Inappropriate Comment

SILLYHP1953 10/28/2011 2:57PM

There are good reasons for being late!! I'm glad your operation got moved up and sure hope it solves everything you're hoping for. Report Inappropriate Comment

4-1HEALTHYCYNDI 10/27/2011 7:03PM

Sorry about the smoke in your apartment. I wish there was something that could be done about it. WooHoo! Glad you won the tournament. I love that you keep moving forward no matter what. You are such an inspiration to me. Because of you I won the competition at work. You made me realize that pain should not be limiting me. I kept moving and got in over 260,000 steps over 2 weeks. Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIES537 10/27/2011 5:10PM

Awesome job on your 1st place win! I really hope your allergies improve and that you don't get sick! Take good care of yourself! I've miss you, by the way! Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLE-LORI 10/27/2011 2:04PM

Oh, Linda, I hate cigarette smoke, and I used to smoke, too! I smoked 2 packs a day! But I quit in 1980, and never looked back! Now, when I smell it, I wonder how I ever put that junk into my lungs voluntarily! I hope your neighbor miraculously decides to move elsewhere and you get a health nut for a new neighbor! That would solve it, now, wouldn't it? Oh, and even BETTER, is if it would by that HOTTIE that you met on the beach who was cleaning up the trash! Woooooo! Hoooo! OK, time to end the fantasy! I'm so glad your hip replacement is sooner than later! Great news, because now you can get it over with and move on with your life! Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 10/27/2011 12:59PM

Congrats on being #1 in bridge! And so glad your surgery has been moved up! Will pray that it brings fewer aches and pains to your body!! HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 10/27/2011 10:02AM

I'm so sorry you have to put up with the smoke - I used to smoke myself but quit many, many years ago - however, my son does smoke and so does my sister. My son lives with us right now but he smokes outside only and preferably away from the house - he's pretty good about it but I can't imagine how distressing it must be to have your situation there at the apartment. And how frustrating that there doesn't seem to be any solution in sight!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEDBETTER11 10/27/2011 9:30AM

Great attitude! I know your surgery will go great. Smoking is a terrible addiction (I used to be a smoker myself - first bad habbit I kicked). It does smell and it is dangerous but until it is completely banned - which may come some day - I don't know that residential areas would ban smoking inside. Here in central Kentucky, it is banned in public buildings (including restaraunts) and I love being able to walk into any building without having to deal with the smell of smoke! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 10/27/2011 8:29AM

Bummer on the smoke and your allergies - hope you find a solution. Report Inappropriate Comment

LEXIE63 10/27/2011 7:01AM

I can certainly sympathise on the sinus infection thing. Once mine bung up it would take a depth charge to fix it, and it hangs on for anything up to a couple of months. Bloomin' miserable affliction! I hope it doesn't affect you having the surgery. Hugs, Lex xxx Report Inappropriate Comment

BTRTHANEVA 10/27/2011 4:34AM

SMOKING SHOULD BE OUTLAWED. Enuf said. I hope you're ready to go for your surgery! Will you be staying with mom for a bit? You are the incredible energizing workout bunny! Nothing will stop you from taking care of yourself... SP should hire you to be a motivational blogger!!! Then you could work from your home, where ever it was and get away from all that smoke!!! Hey, a girl can dream, right??? Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSIC66 10/27/2011 1:50AM

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR HIP SURGERY STILL ON WAITING LIST FOR HAND SURGERY FOR LEFT HAND FINGERS . Report Inappropriate Comment