Sunday, September 28, 2014

Acceptance

I'm struggling with acceptance of my current crippled state- an injured knee and osteoarthritis of my hip. I'm waiting, sometimes impatiently for an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon and trying to come to terms with the fact that I may be laid up for the winter. Not having a car except for 2 days a week, that thought is a bit daunting.
Some days, I'm resigned to it and diligently do things like weight routines, easy yoga and chair aerobics, which are surprisingly good by the way.
And then I get a need to get outside, and not just into my yard. i need, I crave the forest. Last Thursday, and friday, I ventured out ,camera in hand, into my beloved trails. On Thursday night I kept my wits about me, going gently, and not too far with my walking poles. It was just far enough to breathe in the sights and smells of the forest. i got some spectacular photos.
On Friday night, having had the taste of it, I decided to take a sandwich and some drawing supplies to Daley Point Nature Reserve. this time I made the mistake of venturing much too far. It was beautiful, serene, and it filled my spirits with peace while I was there.
I ended up eating my sandwich on our waterfront after being chased away from the reserve by the mosquitoes. it was so warm they came out again.
However, I suffered in pain all Friday night and yesterday. i napped twice yesterday! It was worth it because I thoroughly enjoyed and learned that next time one small walk is enough.
Lesson learned.



Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Portage Lake

My friend and I just returned from our annual retreat at the Portage Lake camps. It is such a beautiful spot about an hour from town. No electricity (generator), no phones, no TV, no radio. Just us the view, and our sewing.

Ours was the second cabin from the left.

Most people go up to fish and hunt according to the season. Blueberry season is just finishing and they were plentiful this year.

We'd like to bring our life jackets and gear next year too. We can fish and sew!
It would give us a little break from the tricky projects like these bags.

We made them the first day and I confess they were exasperating. We decided to move onto something simpler the next day. I pieced more blocks for the baby quilt I'm making.

They're randomly arranged. I think I'll make 8 more.

Apparently there is a path that leads all the way around the lake, but one would need an orange vest and perhaps some male company. Lots of moose around. I ventured partway in for some photos. I love tree stumps.

One could not tire of this view from the window or the deck. The trees and water changed color every few minutes and the leaves were actually turning more red and golden from one day to the next.

I sat outside the first night on the swing with my tea.

The cookie came from the caretaker who made them and nicely brought us each one.
These little respites taken close to nature sustain me throughout the year.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Seated workouts

Up until this summer, walking, bicycling , kayaking and snowshoeing have been good stress relievers for me besides giving me a cardio workout. A knee injury and osteoarthritis in my hip have conspired to keep me from my normal activities. I can kayak when the weather is good and provided I have someone to help get the kayak to and from the water.
I can now bike on the flat in an easy gear for short intervals. It's not cardio but I'm getting out.
While looking for some seated exercises, I came across this site:
spark people.com

There are cardio workouts, toning, core and weight workouts for anyone who has mobility issues. Of course, ask your doctor and proceed at your own pace. I did the 11 minute cardio the first time and was surprisingly sore the next day.