Sunday Chat #3
Today is Sunday Chat #3 and I’ll be catching you up on what’s been going on around here.
There is a goose nesting on a massive nest on the tin roof above the parking lot spaces inside the security gate. She doesn’t at all look like she wants to be anywhere else as the many cars drive past her.
I’ve thought of trying to get a photo of her, but I’m just not tall enough.
Transitioning From One Means Of Mobility To Another:
I’m transitioning from the knee scooter to the walker. I began having trouble with my left leg doing all the work; pain in my back and nerve pain running down my left leg. It was just getting weak from doing all the work of both legs.
It has helped with pain using the walker, as I can balance my weight equally on both sides. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m feeling more freedom with the walker.
When your mobility is at risk, you come to appreciate any means of getting from room to room. And I seem to have a better handle on the pain I was experiencing.
I’m actually thinking of trying to plant in the pots on the patio, which I didn’t think I’d be up to. Pain takes away your motivation, or at least that’s how it is with me.
I’m just in the thinking stages at this point. But as the weather warms, I get itchy to get out there and do something. I’ll have to discuss it with Greg.
I had terrible pain earlier in the week and was feeling down, and then Greg said let’s try switching to the walker. At the time I didn’t think I could manage it with my right ankle. But I actually found that his suggestion was the right one.
I began to feel a degree of hope. Because if I couldn’t use my left leg to get around on my knee scooter, then I felt out of options.
What I’m Watching:
I’m watching “Wallander” on Britbox right now.
The series is based on Kurt Wallander (Branagh), a detective and police inspector in the small town of Ystad, Sweden.
Branagh describes Wallander as “an existentialist who is questioning what life is about and why he does what he does every day. And for whom acts of violence never become normal.”
Here are all the seasons of Wallander at Amazon.
I did not realize that he was called Sir Kenneth Branagh. Apparently he was appointed a Knight Bachelor in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to drama. As well as to the community in Northern Ireland.
In the series his hair always looks perpetually tousled, and his face looks like it needs a shave. There is an obvious sadness about him, as he and his wife have been separated and she is seeing someone.
Wallander is quick to call out other detectives when they question why they’re putting so much effort into finding out who killed a questionable character.
He is also quick to show tears when he feels emotion. Which is something I’ve never seen in a detective’s character on TV. And which I welcome, as I admire a man who can show how something affects him and not be embarrassed by it.
What I’m Reading:
I’m currently reading Kristin Hannah’s “Home Front”, a book published in 2012. I’m making my way through Hannah’s novels.
In the book, a couple with two children struggle to keep their marriage alive. He is not keen on his wife being part of the military. And she is proud to be a helicopter pilot serving her country.
She is called to war in Iraq. And he goes from being a defense attorney to also being the only available parent to their girls.
I am almost finished with the book as I’ve read it quickly. Many emotions are woven into the dialogue. From her exultation being a helicopter pilot to depression to loss. Because as we all know, with war comes loss.
The novel explores the many stages of a marriage and the strength it takes to keep it from being destroyed.
Ivy:
I had the vet out to check on Ivy Friday, as she’d been throwing up her food more lately. Ivy now weighs nearly 19 pounds, yet she is only fed diet food.
Well, and treats. Steve can’t seem to help himself when it comes to the treats. And Ivy is well aware of that. She expects him to give her treats, then play with her. I’d say Ivy has him wrapped around her big paw!
It was just this morning that I figured out Friday was the one year anniversary of when Gracie died. Maybe I somehow had that memory in the back of my mind when I made the appointment for Ivy on Thursday.
Trying To Get Motivated:
You’d think I don’t do all that much sitting in this chair most of the time. But I work on this blog a lot. You can’t just write posts and be done with it. There’s updating posts to make them more relevant, SEO (search engine optimization), etc.
I’m considering changing email providers. I’ve had the one currently sending you emails for 9 years, but I think it’s time to move on. Another blogger let me know how much she likes the provider she’s with, so I may switch.
That would involve moving the email list and all the other things that come with it. I’m not very good with the technical stuff and it strikes fear in me to go about it.
If I do switch, it would mean you’d get a personal email from me along with the post instead of just getting the post sent by itself.
Projects:
I have a few crafts I’m wanting to do. As well as starting to get the bowl fillers stuffed that Myrna so kindly sent me.
My hands are just beginning to calm down from the arthritis pain that is always present in the colder (and wetter) time of the year.
Greg tells me to just take it slow. Because I always want to speed ahead, and then I feel right back where I started. He’s right, and I’ve come to accept this. (Mostly)
To pot plants, I sit in one of the wicker chairs next to the round green table on the patio. I have a box something was delivered in on the table, and that is where I put my pots and potting soil.
I sit and repot plants, with the scattered soil falling into the cardboard box. It has proved to be an efficient and less untidy way of doing it. Because I couldn’t stand up long enough to do it right now.
I’ve found that you just have to modify your way of how you typically do things. You put more thought into your actions instead of going full speed ahead.
It isn’t easy!
Office Renovation:
I’m just a tiny bit away from having my office renovation, such as it is, completed. I know I’m moving slowly. But that is the story of my life these days: moving slowly.
It isn’t a drastic change, I wouldn’t say. But there is a different vibe to the room.
What’s going on in your life? Can you believe it’s already April? I hope you enjoyed catching up via this week’s Sunday Chat.
I enjoy your Sunday chats, Brenda. I’m so glad that the switch to the walker seems to have been a good move for you! I hope everything with Ivy checked out okay. I’ve read one book by Kristin Hannah, and loved it. Eventually I will get to others. It’s great that you found a workaround for potting your plants, My money is on you that you will find a safe way to do some patio planting!
If you have enjoyed the British Wallender, you should try to find the original series in Swedish. I watched years ago by getting the DVDs from the library. A quick google tells me it is available through Hoopla- a streaming service offered by my library, not sure how many libraries offer Hoopla. It is also on Amazon prime for a fee. I liked it even better than the British version. There were more episodes and you really go to know the character a bit better. Loved the Swedish coast scenes in both versions!
I think your Sunday chats are my favorite! I enjoy just hearing you talk about your life. I feel like a friend, just hanging out and visiting. It’s nice. Please don’t worry about trying to get things done quickly. I’m looking forward to hearing about your craft room, when you’re ready. I’d hate to hear that, in your rush to get it done quickly for us, you hurt yourself. That would be bad. Everything in your own time, Brenda. No rush! What did the vet say about Ivy? Is she going to be ok? Steve is so sweet to her. It’s hard to believe your little Gracie girl has been gone a whole year already. We all miss her too. I looking forward to seeing your bowl fillers once your hands feel well enough to complete them. That was so nice of your reader friend to send them to you. I’m currently working on a felt Christmas stocking for my daughter’s new fur baby. I’m not very far yet, but I’m feeling confident I’ll have it done in time for Christmas. And after that, if I have time, I might try to make each of my grandkids a Christmas ornament. That’s been my tradition for each of them since they were born. I can’t imagine doing all that if my hands were hurting, so take your time and do what you can when you feel ready. I laughed when I read one of the other readers comment about a goose on the roof. it made me think that sounded like a good name for a Dr. Seuss book, lol! You’ll have to keep us informed about her.
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So glad to hear you’ve progressed to a walker. That should help a lot with the pain in the rest of your body. And nice to hear that you’re able to get out on the patio and do some “gardening” even if it’s just a bit now. Progress is being made even if it seems so slow.
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Hi Brenda. I loved Wallander! The cell phone ring tone was the best. Have you watched Broadchurch? Another great series. I have osteoarthritis and it is no fun. Do you have that or rheumatoid? I’m trying to learn pain relief strategies. Good luck!
I think mine is osteoarthritis. I’ve never seen a doctor specifically about it. I have watched Broadchurch. Great series.
Amazon sells aeveral Brenda. Look for them.
We tried to watch Wallander but it was just too “dark” for us.
Really? Well, I watch a lot of detective type shows.
There was also another Wallender series,with another actor playing Wallender, as well as different actors for all the other roles. It was produced in Sweden I believe. It had English subtitles. I think I watched it on PBS years ago. Both the older series and the “new” Wallender series are great. I see one of your followers thought it was too dark, but compared to American detective shows, it is a walk in the park. British,Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Norwegian, Swedish detective shows are written and filmed so differently than American shows.
If you have Britbox,there is also a very long British series called Silent Witness. It has at least 22 seasons. Follows the investigation of deaths thru misfortune but thru the eyes and investigation of the forensic pathologists. It is a “detective” drama. It is very good. It used to be on PBS as well, but not the latest few years of new seasons.
There is also a “Young Wallender” series which is relatively new. As the title indicates it is about Wallender as a young, fresh cop. I think I watched it on Netflix.
I did watch Young Wallander. I believe it was last year. I really prefer detective shows other than the ones in the US. They seem to have more to them than blood and money.
I’ve slowed way down as I’ve gotten older. My attitude these days is there is always tomorrow (I hope!) and if it doesn’t get done today, I’ll maybe do it tomorrow, or the next day, or the next… During my 46 years of working full time, it was never-ending racing to get things done at work, then at home and with all my side-activities and causes, it was non-stop! But there came a point when my body (and mind) just said to me loudly and clearly ENOUGH! So, it took me eight years to finally paint that ugly green “accent” wall in my living room with black paint of all things! But I love it. If I had done it the year I moved here, it would have been maybe white or gray and now I wouldn’t like it and would have to paint it again, and frankly, I’ve gotten somewhat lazy. Glad I waited, as my tastes have changed quite a bit since I’ve retired. So, one room at a time, the house is being slowly (very slowly) transformed to what I want. Will I get to my “vision?” I don’t know, as that vision keeps changing – figures, right? But if I don’t get there, it won’t matter as the house will be sold and somebody new will imprint their own vision on it, or they will love what I did and left behind so much they’ll never change it or hardly change it at all. I still love the moody dark gray walls that the prior owner here painted in her kitchen/dinette area and the main bedroom. Some day I’ll get around to painting the wood trim and cabinets in the kitchen white and get new countertops and backsplash – probably when I’m 80.
The other day I was thinking back to all the times I repainted my prior kitchen, dining and living room. Always white of course. I couldn’t begin to start a project like that now. Boggles my mind how things have changed.
Jan, I feel the same. I worked in a very high stress legal job for 45 years, (sometimes not able to take annual holidays due to work loads), with two kids in hockey, baseball, band, juggling helping with school work, doing housework, painting rooms, wallpapering, taking down out of style wallpaper, repainting, garden work, etc. I retired at 62 and I have become lazy. I curl 2 days a week, walk the dogs for 2 hours, do a spattering of housework (on some days!), garden in the summer, meet friends for quilting, etc. and all is good. My headstone, if I have one, won’t say “She was a great house cleaning”.
I am more than fine with that.
Love your outlook. You are the boss so you don’t need to stress out. Good for you.
Brenda, I had lost track of your blog awhile back when I changed hardware and software would not or could not transfer….or whatever happens in the world of tech.
I am so happy that you have found a wonderful place to live. I was sorry to hear about the passing of Gracie. So hard losing our fur babies,
Your new space is beautiful and I’m so happy to have reconnected and watch the transformations of your new home and read about life happenings.
Ah, Faith, you’re back with us! Welcome.
I once was a serious gardener. but because of back issues I do less. my garden stool helps me tremendously. I don’t have to stand to water or plant. I thoroughly enjoy gardening through the YouTube providers, Linda Vater, in Oklahoma and Garden Answer in Oregon. It’s part of our daily routine. You will be surprised how much you learn .
I watch YouTube quite a bit now. Decorating and house plants mostly at this point. I used my old rolling garden seat today trying to get stuff out of the way for the housekeeper coming Tuesday. I had things blocking the vacuum. Raised up a 17 lb. box of kitty litter while I was at it and now I’m back to sitting in the chair with my feet up in the air. There is a disk in my lower left side that has been trouble for some time, but I’ll rest up and it will calm down.
My daughter and her dog came to visit for a couple days…it was such a treat…we had a belated birthday cake and gifts…also got to go watch my grand daughter get her pics taken with her boyfriend for prom by the river…she looked so beautiful…my other grand daughter came to visit with our great grandson who is a doll..one year old…this is the most social activity I have had in a long while…and I am so thankful…now I can rest up..lol…love the Sunday chat..hope you have continued success with the walker…and spring planting💕
My time limit of being around people is about 2 hours. That’s when my emotional energy is drooping and I’m just tired. It’s been 10 months since surgery, and physically I just haven’t gotten my strength back.
I had a cat once that ate and quickly threw it up. It is concerning. My 14 yo Morkie’s trachea has collapsed a bit and he needs cough meds. But OH MY that is a daunting task. He won’t eat them in food. It takes me about 5 tries to get a pill down his little throat. And he needs meds 3x a day. We are in for warmer weather and it is so welcome compared to the rain we’ve had, although I did enjoy it.
Have you tried those pill pockets to hide his pills in? That’s what I used. They’re tasty I guess. Here is the ones I used…
https://www.greenies.com/products/greenies-pill-pockets-for-dogs-tablet-size-natural-soft-dog-treats-chicken-flavor-32-oz-pack-30-treats?currency=USD&variant=40661343502511&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&srsltid=AfAwrE52xw35RmZggafQhUIyC_Hs5vPhQtAtJs8EmTJ4Y_QAvud1dseYk0w
Dogs love food puzzles – it is good brain activity and definitely slows their eating down. I would think cats would love them just as much, if not more. Please try to take the slow approach if you can – it isn’t easy but it allows you time to use and stretch and develop muscles and ligaments that you have either not used in recent months or those you have relied on heavily during these past months. The walker sounds good – I can see how that might be easier to distribute your weight and be more comfortable for you and allow you to keep progressing from there. Do you have one with wheels/brakes and a seat on it? If not, you may be able to qualify for one via insurance – it might be worth a call to inquire. Hope Miss Ivy gets a clean bill of health!
This is a follow up on my walker comment above: the walkers w seats and wheels are called rollators. I asked Google the question of coverage:
Medicare will cover rollators as long as they’re considered medically necessary, they’re prescribed by a doctor and the doctor and supplier both accept Medicare assignment. Rollators are considered to be durable medical equipment just like walkers.Nov 18, 2021
The vet said she thought Ivy was fine. She said it would be concerning if Ivy had lost weight. Well, that’s not happening! I’m using Steve’s late wife’s walker/rollator and it does have a seat. Wish it had a place to put things. I just place things on the seat and walk them wherever they need to go. I also have her shower stool and I use it every single evening when I shower. Don’t know what I’d do without helpful aids like them.
Maybe you could pick up a small plastic basket from A dollar store and zapstrap it to the front somehow to use as a carrier? I wanted a basket for my bicycle but the prices were astronomical, so I found a green rectangle basket at a Dollar store and zapstrapped it to the handlebars. Has worked great for years now.
I realize this just Sunday Chat #3 but I really am enjoying them. I hope you continue doing them.
I hope all is well with Ivy and she got a good bill of health from the vet.
Don’t fret about lack of motivation – do what you can when you can.
Enjoy your Sunday
She said she thought Ivy was fine. I tend to worry and then feel compelled to call the vet. Especially after Gracie just fell over dead a year ago at under a year old. It’s worth the cost to me to have some peace of mind.
this is for Brenda,Have you thought about a tie on apron with pockets in it? I se a lot of people putting them on their walkers.I am not sure who sells them.
I do hope Ivy had a positive check up.
Glad to hear that you are getting around better using your walker.
Wow a goose on a roof! She obviously seems okay there with cars
coming and going.
‘Our’ rabbit has appeared from his winter accommodation (somewhere under a bush), We are seeing him more and more now in the garden but he is very skittish if he sees us at the window. He comes out and eats some of the seeds I put out for the birds as there certainly isn’t anything green for him to eat as yet. I think we have just about seen the last of the snow thank goodness.
I noticed today that several neighbors have put their bird feeders back out again. I can see two of my neighbors yards, Ron’s and John’s, from my patio door. Their bird feeders just suddenly reappeared. The squirrels are running around chasing one another like chickens with their heads cut off. Must be mating season.
I thought of you yesterday when my daughter told me she ordered a 4’ fake ficus plant from Amazon and received an empty box! They told her to contact the plant company directly, but they’re closed on weekends. I’m sure they can confirm thru shipping weight that the box was empty, but what a pain. It made me glad that your shipments of live plants were so successful!
I’ve never heard of receiving an empty box! Lately I’ve tried to order straight from Amazon and less from their independent sellers, who aren’t as reliable.
Brenda, sounds like some things are beginning to look “up” for you. Even as you say things might be going slower than you like, things are going..Happy to hear that Steve knows what he is doing, and is such a big help to you.
So much bad and sad in the world today, Every happy word is always wecome.
I hope that Ivy’s check up went well. It’s hard not to give our pets treats, I know. Cleatus was 12 lbs, but she was a happy cat, and that she had cancer wasn’t caused by overeating. Anyway, good luck to you and Ivy both. Have a great Sunday…
I meant to say Greg, not Steve, sorry about that..
The vet just said it might be due to allergies, or that Ivy simply eats too fast. I may have to look into one of those pet feeding things that would make her work a little more to get to the food. That’s what the vet suggested.