NO SOUP (hike) FOR YOU!

One of the most frustrating things for me in this aging process is the way I discover my limitations. Sometimes, it's a simple matter of doing what you've always done but finding out that you aren't as good or as flexible as you used to be (i.e. yoga poses); or perhaps your stamina is lacking and it takes you longer because you need to rest more (i.e. gardening). And other times, it's as simple as looking at something you would have done before and knowing that you don't want to take a chance this season (i.e. jumping into the river from that bridge). Okay! as much as I don't like losing these things, I'll adjust my lifestyle and keep soldiering on.

However, most of the time, I find my limitations by unintentionally hurting myself. There's nothing gentle about it; no gradual decline in ability; no warning bells or alarms saying "Danger, Will Robinson!"; no little voice in my head saying to be extra cautious.

 

AND to add insult to injury, the memory banks are so full that I often forget things like the need to adjust the time I've allotted to something, that I can't do more than one "extra" per weekend, and that my recovery time will be longer and that's it's absolutely necessary. After 60+ years of living one way, it takes a lot of time, love and patience with oneself to relearn or to even let go. (So I keep reminding myself!)

I walk and hike because I love it; nature feeds my soul and gives me renewed purpose. But I also do it because it's good for me: it keeps me flexible, my sleep and digestion are better, I'm happier and it helps me lose weight. But when I'm actively trying to take care of myself and my body rebels by telling me after the fact via prolonged pain and distress that I made a wrong choice, it feels like betrayal. I have met the enemy ...... and it is ME!

Yep, I overdid it last weekend; and then put my back out just by picking up a tissue Tuesday. There was no hike. There was no walk. There was no picnic at the beach with friends. Boo hoo! The smallest violin played for me in my own mind as I rend my clothes and poured ashes on my head!

I spent this weekend fairly inactive. I did go yard saling with my BFF, and afterwards we had tea and sarnies on her back patio in the sunshine. But I spent the majority of my weekend resting with a heating pad at my back watching Netflix (Hello "Last Kingdom" and "Orange is the New Black" ) and looking longingly out my window at the green hills which were calling me.  But then later Saturday afternoon as I was lying outside in my lounge chair, I was struck by the beauty all around me. I was reminded of how privileged I am to live where I do and enjoy the luxury of a sunny day, a comfy lounger, and the joy that can be found in simply existing on such a day in such a place. 
  

I may be slowing down quicker than I like, I may have to wear more strings on my fingers as reminders, I may have to adjust my lifestyle, and yes, sometimes I may be house-bound just because of my own stupidity. 

But life is still beautiful! And I will continue to pursue it and grab whatever beauty I can in whatever way I can. 

Church in the Woods

Contrary to what even I believed before I moved back to NL, most Newfoundlanders hate winter! Won't move out of the house because "It's too cold". "Well, it's winter!" I reply! So, in my attempt to Vitamin D myself as much as possible, I do my weekend wanderings alone.

Starting on Friday, I did a visit to my local Salvation Army store to buy more stuff that I don't need (but make me happy): like these great black flats for $5 and two new scarves at $1 each. 

My "steal of a deal" was this Le Creuset butter dish for $1. (If it hadn't been red, I would have left it on the shelf. But I do love red accents!) 

The next day as I was window-shopping at Winners, I came across the same butter dish for $24.95. Good deal, Sandy!



 I spent lots of time watching Netflix - a Xmas gift from my daughter and fiance. So much fun! Oh the joys of "Stranger Things", "The Crown" and "Hinterland"! I had a bottle of sparkling wine in my refrigerator since Xmas that was waiting for my sister to visit. It actually travelled across the Gulf with me from Nova Scotia. So, I reasoned that as it was early Saturday afternoon and I'd be home cleaning and puttering, I could certainly manage to drink the bottle over the course of the day. 

It was a most delicious bottle of wine! I can't wait to enjoy it again sometime. It had a delicious deep, rich, raspberry flavor to it. And as I wrote in my Instagram post, it was "sparkling, full-bodied and slightly bitter ..... not unlike the person drinking it!" 

Went down a treat as they say across the pond.

But my favorite part of the whole weekend was my sunny Sunday walk at Margaret Bowater Park again. I reversed my loop round Glenmill Inn Pond this time. It had snowed Saturday and the path was not as well trodden as the week before. But it was still very passable. I found this very patriotic boot print on one section of the path. Yay Canada! 

Then as I just passed the half-way point, I stopped to rest on a park bench. On my left side was the sound of the Corner Brook stream and the birds (so lovely). And on the right side of me, I could hear organ music from First United Church (even more lovely). I sang along with the hymn and communed with God there in the woods, thanking him for the beautiful day, my legs and lungs, and the latte waiting for me at the end.

Ciao!

More Non-Scents Please!

When I began blogging, I vowed to try to always be positive. No one wants to hear you griping and complaining, right? 

So, I won't talk about what a terrible Christmas I had because I was sick from the 20th of December on and am only today feeling like I'm on the road to recovery. I had asthmatic bronchitis which was brought on by an asthma attack I experienced while at a lovely Bethlehem Night at a local church. People and their perfume, aftershave and hair spray! I think most people think that if you're asking them not to wear scent that it's a personal preference. But no, for some of us, it's actually life threatening. My immune system is already compromised, and an asthma attack weakens it further.



I won't talk about the terrible/wonderful drugs they give you to heal and all the side effects.

No, instead I shall wax poetic about the joys of recovery; you know, when you can begin to enjoy being sick. Like the lovely feeling of being able to breathe again. Or the deliciousness of being able to savor a piece of hot buttered toast with crunchy peanut butter. And how nice it is to enjoy lying on your couch wrapped in a faux fur blanket, hot water bottle at your lower back and wearing the prettiest pair of fairy-shoe-like crocheted slippers from your eldest daughter (who never gives gifts).

I shall say how fortunate I was to be able to catch up on almost every movie from the 90's -- Beverly Hills Cop, 16 Candles, Breakfast Club to name just a few. (I was raising children in the 90'd so I missed most of them.) 

I shall speak of the comfort of soup: turkey noodle, bacon and red lentil, Mulligatawny, French onion; these are the food of the Gods when you're sick. And it's totally okay to eat 6 or 7 bowls a day -- totally guilt free food!


I shall sing the praises of TV's Gusto and the Food channels ..... and for the lovely Jamie Oliver for keeping me sane when I'd had it up to here with 90's movies! 

And I shall state that endless days all alone feeling like crap meant I could indulge in hours and hours of videos from when the children were young. After all, no one else wants to watch 10-12 hours of someone else's kids, right! And oh! Sigh! How uplifting it was to see young, wrinkle-free, slim Sandy who had curves instead of happy lumps 'n' bumps. What a dish I was/am!

I am so happy to see the back end of last year! But in spite of the scale for 2017 being heavy on the negative side (it was a very rough year for me), it wasn't all bad. And this FB meme summed it up perfectly. 

For anyone else who didn't get to experience the joys of the season, I hope this will lighten your heart as it did mine.

Happy New Year, everyone! 

All this Change (Jangling 'round in my Pocket)

This was a non-hiking weekend:  #1 because my knees were still a little sore and #2 because it was my birthday weekend. I ALWAYS have a whole weekend rather than the traditional 1 day birthday. I'm an adult -- I can do what I want!

Friday, I went thrifting in a little town 45 min away and scored some great deals. Saturday, 2 girlfriends and I went to an awesome yard sale and had coffee and treats afterwards. Then we dog walked for almost an hour and a half. Sunday, I had an amazing prime rib dinner with my Dad and brother. Because we'd done a turkey dinner just 3 weeks ago for my Dad's birthday, he and I decided against having a family Thanksgiving dinner. I'd have had to do all the work anyway, so I reasoned that I wouldn't miss it at all. 

But come Monday when I was home alone watching the rain and seeing FB posts of golden turkeys (the people and the fowl!), I was sad. I longed to be sitting with a large, happy, grateful group, overeating traditional Thanksgiving fare, comparing stuffing notes and setting up for a game of Skip-Bo afterwards. But I remind myself that this was MY traditional Thanksgiving get-together; it is NOT my NL family's traditional Thanksgiving get-together. (There's much more cussing and snarling at my NL family's traditional Thanksgiving get-together!)

It's mostly on holidays that I find myself torn: torn between being happy that I'm home in NL with my family and yet desperately missing the wonderful traditions I had built-up with my extended family in Nova Scotia. I miss knowing what to expect. I miss the familiar. I miss the closeness.

The jury is still out on whether moving home was a good choice. The transition is very difficult -- for me as well as for my family,  I would imagine! During my 41 years in NS finding my own way, my family were here in NL chipping away a comfortable spot to function in it's disfunction; then I come home with my Norman Rockwell ideals and all these wonderful ways of how we can love each other more and get along better! How dare I disturb the status quo!

(Many of my prayers are for acceptance and perserverance and the wisdom to know when each is needed.)

Yes, the jury may still be out, but I made a choice to move home a year ago. And although I will allow myself the sadness that comes with the occasional nostalgic memory, and I will not waste my time focusing on what I miss about NS. 

I will focus on all the great things that are to be had here with family and old friends. I will focus on how fortunate I am to have this opportunity to connect once again and the beauty that can come from change. 

PS - I got to eat Thanksgiving leftovers yesterday with my dear friends Ed and Judy. It was delicious!

Happy Earth Day

It's another glorious day in my little part of the world. The sun is shining, birds are singing, green things are growing.

Nova Scotia was the first place on earth to make recycling and composting mandatory. It's become a way of life for me that I proudly teach each of my international children. It takes practice but there's really nothing to it; and it gives you such a sense of good stewardship to help in this small way. (Now, if we could only convince manufacturers to not use as much packaging!)

Another way I take care of the earth is by carrying my reusuable cloth bags with me whenever I shop. And I have my own water bottle which I use 99% of the time. I could do so much more, I know. But each little bit helps especially if others join in.

What will you do to celebrate Earth Day? I'm walking to meet a friend for coffee; and I'll carry a bag with me (plastic this time) to pick up any garbage I see along the way.  I love this planet and all it gives to me. This is just a wee way to give back.




 

Goodbye to the old year and in with the new. After a green Christmas in Nova Scotia, there are now fat white flakes falling from the sky, blanketing everything with clean white snow.

And so my wish for you this day is that 2015 is filled with what clean and white represents: the putting aside of old fears, worries, prejudice, hurts and stepping forward into the light of the positive.

I don't make resolutions because #1 there is a large possibility of disappointment in the very near future when they don't work out and #2 my 60 years on this earth have led me to believe that the inside of a person is reflected on the outside.  

So the only new year's resolution I will ever adopt is the following:  

Blessings to you and yours on this bright shiny day!

Lest We Forget ....

I have a German student this year, my sweet darling Lena. She's been asking questions about Remembrance Day -- what happens on that day? How do we honour the fallen? Do I have anyone who was directly connected to either of the wars. She said that she finds it wonderful and new to be in a country where we celebrate our military and honour those who have died defending our country and our freedom. Her grandmother's brother was killed on the Russian front and his body never recovered: her grandma cried one year after reading his letters. He was just 22 years of age.

Germans don't study German history at any time in their education because of the guilt and shame they still feel to this day. Do you want to know Germany remembers the wars?

Each year, holocaust survivors come to German schools and speak to the Grade 10 and up students about their experiences in the concentration camps -- about what was done to them; how horrible it was; how horrible it still is for some in remembering that they survived while thousands didn't. Lena heard 2 Polish survivors last year and cried throughout the talk. 

It has given me a whole new perspective on "Lest We Forget".

Our brave guys may not have come home, but we hold our heads high for them and we honour them by remembering their sacrifice. Not only do we have the blessing of being victors, but we also have the blessing of pride because of what these brave men (and women) have done and continue to do.

Thank you: we will not forget.

Magazine for the Aging (Disgracefully)?

I'm a lover of magazines. Most of my magazines come from the thrift store ('cause who can afford the prices of most magazines these days).  But I will subscribe and pay full price if I think the mag is worth it.

Like Prevention.  (Even though they drive me absolutely mad with their constant emails; and when you click on them, they automatically take you to the "would you like to subscribe" link.  Just give me the info, goll darn it!).  My aging body and mind needs all the health advice and tips it can get, and they seem to have a lot of good, up-to-date info.

I also like Nutrition Action Newsletter (Canada).  I'm not currently subscribed as last time I checked (6 mon ago), the price was a little too steep for me.  But their prices seem to fluctuate (probably depending on readership); so I keep checking.  They offer advice on what food and health/beauty products on the market are actually good or safe for you -- very useful information.

I used to buy an occasional copy of More , "for women over 40". But let's face it: even at 40, I didn't look like those women.  

There are a lot of gorgeous older women out there that I truly admire. And I think we need to acknowledge and applaud the ones who are slim and fit and have 'held it together' so to speak, as well as the ones who have overcome health problems through exercise and diet.  Their success stories can serve as inspiration.  

As difficult as it is to change ones diet and ones habits, it can be done: we can all learn to eat healthier. But exercising is not as easy.  Because of aggravating already existing health concerns or making deteriorating joint problems worse, we're unable to jog, do Zumba, lift weights or any of the traditional means of becoming more fit? We are no longer a size 10 or 12 and never will be again; but we do still want to be as fit as we can possibly be. We want to look and feel as good as we possibly can.  

Where are the magazines for us?  As we age, we become more and more invisible to those around us: people don't acknowledge us on the street; sales clerks ignore us: and there are more of us now than ever before.  Do we not even matter to the magazine industry?  

I want to see a magazine that shows the average looking 55 to 60+ yr old who are still trying to take care of themselves and look good. I want to see women who have visible crows feet, jowls and flabby arms.  I want to see women who are overweight and have bunions and varicose veins.  I want articles on how to dress the body I currently have, what changes to make to my make-up for my changing face and how to take care of this aging body as best I can.

Anyone know where to find a magazine like this because I still can't find one; and I've been looking for years.

LESS STRESS

We’ve all heard the phrase “Less is More”?  Well, I’ve decided to apply that adage to my own life in regards to stress.  Less stress = more life!  Of course, no one can alleviate all the stressors in their life.  But there ways we can help.  So, over the next 4 weeks I’m giving myself a personal challenge to try to distress my life by at least ¼ of what it is now. Here are the areas I’m going to work on.

1.     Food

I do usually eat good, nutritious food:  low in fat and sodium, lots of fiber, whole grains, protein.  But because of my terrible sweet-tooth, I also tend to consume a fair amount of refined sugar.  Bad!  Bad, Sandy! As well, I need to limit my consumption of wheat products as it bothers my tummy.  And with the recent move to eating mostly vegetarian, I’m hoping my cravings can be brought under control by making even more good choices.   

 

2.     Sleep Habits

After the fun and freedom of summer, the Autumn back-to-students routine really helps me return to what is normal for my house. Work, dinner, conversation and/or TV, a book in bed and lights out by 11 pm during the week all add up to a rested and happy Sandy. After almost 60 years, I can read my body; and my body likes regularity .... with an occasional dalliance into the unexpected.

I also need to remember a few key things to help enable sleep to come: things like no caffeine or chocolate after 2 pm, no food after 6 pm, no stimulating phone conversations …… and no worrying if I do have a night when sleep alludes me.  Menopause!

 

3.     Exercise

I was the grateful recipient of the wonderful benefits of exercise for years.  And I hate the fact that I’m still not able to participate in yoga or Zumba any longer without pain and setback. I was told a week ago that with bone spurs on both hips, any amount of walking and hiking will just make things worse. But I can't give up! So, I continue with simple stretches and twice weekly short walks. But next month after my “big” birthday, I plan on joining the rec centre for swim classes. 

We must move people!  There’s always something we can do, and I refuse to give up completely.  I shall “not go gentle into that dark night!”.

 

4.     “ME” Time

Daughters visiting; new students arriving.  Yup!  It's time to get back to ensuring that I get some down time for myself. Due to age and thyroid, I seldom schedule events on my weekday evenings: feet up, heating pad at my back, getting lost in TV or a book is a must for me in order to rejuvenate and function until the weekends.  And even on weekends, sandwiched in between dances or movies or road trips or activities with the girls, I have to be allowed a few hours to just putter. It's one of the things at the top of my "To Do" list.  

5.     Disorganization 

You know how you get used to the things around you and become blind to the obvious.  Well, that’s what’s happened here.  I opened up my eyes a few weeks ago and realized that although I'm not at the hoarder stage, the house is close to being featured on one of those purge and re-organize programs.  I hold onto things thinking I’ll sell that when I have a yard sale:  then spring comes, and I can’t have a yard sale because I can’t lift things up and down stairs and out onto tables.  And I struggle with the fact that there’s good stuff there and, therefore, money to be made or lost.

But you know what?  I can’t concentrate when the house is a big mess. I used to have a lot of “organized” stuff; not I just have a lot of stuff:  and I don’t have the energy to try to begin to tackle organizing because there’s just so much. I find myself thinking about the “stuff” and how much I hate being this disorganized.  So, I asked myself this weekend if the money to be made at a yard sale was more than the serenity to be found by just giving it to the thrift shop.  And the answer was no!  There’s more value in the serenity. 

So, over the next couple of weeks, I am going to tackle my house; not all at once -- one room at a time to avoid being overwhelmed. I’m going to do a little every weekend; the girls can load up the trunk of my car, and I’ll share the “wealth” with the Salvation Army and The Daisy - great thrift shops that bring extra benefits to this area.  And I'll gain a tidier home, more freedom and less stress.

Less stress is worth working towards, right?

So .... 
4 weeks .....

One step at a time; 
day by day; 
little by little; 
bit by bit
  

Seasonal Dressing

I ask you:  exactly what season is this?  

• Fummer?
• Sprall?
• Stauttum?

I wake to 4 degrees Celcius (39 F).  Brrr!  I need to turn on the little box heater in the bathroom when I shower; I need to defog the car windscreen as I pull out of the driveway; and my little pasty-white legs complain by raising their little hair nubs.  (My lungs, however, love the nip in the air.)

By mid morning, the temperature has risen to 14 degrees, and the sunshine is streaming in the side window in my office, warming my back (and making it difficult to read my computer screen).  By afternoon, it's 18 degrees -- perfect for a walk to the post office to pick up the office mail (and maybe a quick scoot into LaHave Bakery for an iced coffee and an oatcake).  

By the time I get back home at the end of the day, I can notice the chill once again in my house; the girls and I wear our slippers and may need a sweater.

It sure is difficult to know what to wear when dressing for work in the morning! 

Do I go more summery?

This forgotten skirt gets paired with a cap-sleeved white blouse, dark pink 3/4 sleeve cardigan and pinkish jewellery. (All thrifted except for the necklace - Reitmans - and bracelet - 5th Avenue.)

Or should I be transitioning into more Fall like colors?

Here's the same skirt with a gorgeous tangerine blouse, black long-sleeved cardigan and coordinating jewellery. (All thrifted except for the blouse - Northern Reflections.)

Well, I'm not ready for Fall yet.  We've another week before it's officially hits.  So, I'll go for the pink and white ensemble.

What are you wearing this Sprall?  

Have you dug out your autumn clothes yet?  Are you itching to wear those boots or more scarves?