Damage Control

We've been dealing high 90's and a couple triple digit days and 4 wildfires. Two are near me (we are not in danger) but the smoky smell and poor air quality is keeping everyone inside. I was able to get out and mow but really need to spend some time pulling weeds. Perhaps tonight if it cools down.

I've had a few good workouts. Today was back and it was a goodie. I've been getting about 4 days per week in, sometimes more.

The girls have been gone since last Wednesday. They have been in Oregon with their Mom for their Great Grandma's 80th birthday. Oh, and also a baby shower for one of their Aunts. They will get home some time late tonight.

Regarding your shoes, have you tried orthofeet. I bought a pair a while back and have been pretty happy with me. I have a lot of foot pain due to hardward in both feet and multiple surgeries. They were a bit pricey but they really help. Oh, and they aren't that attractive, but I don't have any pain when I'm wearing them. https://www.orthofeet.com/

Most hybrids do not need to be charged as they are not fully electric, they also use gas. They self charge the battery through regenerative braking. You get much better gas mileage since it uses both the battery and fuel. The battery is charged more when city driving and braking rather than highway driving where there isn't much braking. Replacing hybrid battery is much cheaper than replacing a fully electric battery.

How was the winery?

ttyl
 
The winery was a good time. Dan apologized for making such a fuss about going. We had a fun table, good food, and lucked out on the weather. It was pouring when we left home, but by the time we got to the venue it was sunny.

We are still waiting to get our car back from getting repaired-hopefully Monday. It took a while to get the parts. Having just the one vehicle is ok. I'm trying to talk DH into just having one. Some days I take it to work and come home for lunch or he drops me off and picks me up. We'll see. Mazda has a 0% interest rate for 3 years and we test drove one that was comfortable. We didn't like the feel of the engine and need to test more to see if that is just the way they feel. I think Mondays are going to be car "shopping" days for a while. We will have to call the dealers though to make sure the cars online are still at the lot since most of the ones we earmarked to test a few weeks ago were not there when we got there.

I actually like the look of those orthofeet shoes! I'm on their mailing list and may try a pair at some point. Thank you for the idea. I'm still waiting to hear from my podiatrist about the next steps (ha ha). I'll probably call him Monday to set something up. He should have the results by now. Overall I'm managing my pain pretty good by doing what I'm doing so it's kind of scary to even try a walk. Weirdly I'm ok at work. Maybe because it's starts and stops? I don't know. It's just nice to not be in pain.

Today is the women's soccer gold match-USA vs. Germany. I plan to watch that, go to the pool for a workout, and get ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow two of my aunts, my brother, and my parents are coming for lunch. My aunts live about 3.5 hours away and are just coming for the day. My dad is so confused now. He's getting more suspicious lately. It's part of the dementia. I saw it a lot at the nursing home.

Hope you are having a good weekend. September is just around the corner!

Beth
 
I had dr. appts on Mon/Tues. Wednesday I walked around the lakes in the morning. It was so beautiful. Yesterday I did circuit workout. I've really been feeling like getting more cardio, so the circuits work well for me. I have weights planned for this weekend. I want to give Iron another try when I get back from vacation. Just doing what I feel like until then.

The girls started back to school on Wednesday. They were dreading it. They are Juniors this year, time is flying.

I've been watching recordings of the olympics. I feel so bad female gymnastics. Jordan Chiles should get to keep the bronze. It's just so sad. They should all receive a bronze medal. To no fault of any the gymnasts involved, the scoring is causing emotional pain.

Did you find a car? Are you looking for a specific brand?

bbl
 
We have not found a car and now the good car is back in the shop. I'm feeling a little trapped in my town! Hopefully this week we get it back again and it runs.

Juniors in high school! Wow! Before you know it they'll be off to college. I've been helping my mom a bit with my dad. His cognition has dramatically declined in the past month. He kind of knows what's going on, but can't remember. He's lost the ability to do some of things he used to know how to do-like making a pot of coffee. We spent a nice day last Thursday together going to pick up my new glasses and shopping at Wal-Mart for a few items.

I'm still doing pool 2-3 times a week and did two short walks last week. My back/leg/foot feel ok. I'm trying to manage and listen to my body. Work is ok as far as walking and the pool is keeping me toned up. I may invest in a pool noodle. There is a You tube channel with lots of great tips and workouts and the latest was using a noodle to do push ups and planks in the pool. I tried it with some small dumbbell looking noodles and it definitely works your abs.

We cancelled our Italy trip. Between wanting to go to California to visit DS2 and concern for my dad it just didn't feel like the right time. We may still go to the beach somewhere closer in October just to relax. Flying and keeping track of all your stuff and not speaking the language just sounds stressful right now.

How was your weekend? I agree with you about the cardio-it just feels good! Per my watch I'm getting enough movement in to average 30 minutes a day during the week. That's enough for me now. The goal is to not hurt myself!

Beth
 
Hey! How are you? How is school going for the girls? How is work? I am doing fine. I've started doing the ICE weight work-one body part a day. Monday was chest, Wednesday was back. Shoulders-planned for Friday and Bi's and Tri's on Saturday (such small muscles I'm going to do abbreviated versions).

I'm still having foot issues, but was able to take a 40 minute walk on Monday without difficulty. The problems seem to be when I try to do leg work. So, I'm just doing upper body weights, pool, and bike. It's so hard figuring out what makes my foot tingly. My stretching has helped a lot and I feel like the whole situation is manageable right now.

We continue to car shop-finally got the "good" car back! Now the dishwasher broke. Always something! On the plus side we have a painter lined up for next summer to pain the top half of the house!

I've been baking sourdough, reading, watching soccer, and helping out my parents. My dad fell again on Monday and hit his head. My mom hates to make dinner so I've been cooking for them a few times a week.

Hope all is well with you and your family!

Beth
 
Hey Beth!! My job has been so stressful, many long days and not sleeping well. I tend to wake up between 12-2 and am up for a couple hours most nights. My workouts have been hit or miss. Getting 3 to 4 workouts each week. My company may be laying off folks so I'm stressed about that too.

I'm finally worked out this morning and it felt great. It was a circuit with jump rope, swings, snatches, squats, lunges, step ups, deadlifts, all the things. Then I mowed the lawn and sprayed the weeds.

I'm off work until Sept 9th and will enjoy every moment. It's my birthday weekend and I'm hoping to get in for a massage and facial will I'm off.

The girls are adjusting to school hours. The one that was always messy has started making her bed every morning before school. I think that is a great start for her. She's kind of hot mess. She loses stuff, can't remember where she put etc. She leaves her clean clothes in the basket for days. She is trying to do better. Her sister is organized, a place for everything and everything in its place.

I wonder if doing leg work causes tingling because you are standing on your feet for so long. Have you tried going barefoot? I'm not sure if that would help or not.

Oh my gosh, sorry you seem to having bad luck. It's true, there is always something.

I can check in more since I'm off.

ttyl
 
Hi! I hope you are enjoying your time off! Are you guys going to your condo for part of it? I'm trying to talk Dan into going to Buffalo this coming Saturday to the second biggest art museum in New York state. They have some of the Impressionists works in their collection. I'm pushing for an overnight trip, but may have to settle for a day trip.

Workout wise the one part a day fell apart. I did Chest on Monday, Back on Wednesday morning, and then the ICE chiseled upper body on Saturday. I think Wednesday only happened because I was awake since 4 and then just got up at 5 and did it. I am also struggling with staying asleep and last night could not get to sleep. I'm glad I got 3 weight workouts in last week anyway. I've been feeling good and got a 20 minute walk in yesterday with no lasting foot issues. Day by day...

Beth
 
It's been great so far up here at our Condo. I've walked 9 miles 3 days and 8 miles one day. I usually start my day with a 6-7 mile walk along the reservoir. It is so nice and the temps are in the 70's.

DS1 has been up here with us which is nice. I have someone do to things with. We went to an art show, and walked around main street in the next town over. Yesterday we went down to the outlet mall. It hasn't really recovered after covid. Many of the shops are vacant. DS found some shirts in Columbia and I bought a pair of shoes. It's just nice hanging out with him. Oh, he went to a fancy 5 course dinner tasting and really enjoyed it.

My sleep is not good either. I usually fall asleep pretty easily, but tend to wake up for 2 to 3 hours most nights. Last night was pretty bad. I'm feeling a little groggy this morning. I may see if we can go home this afternoon. DS left yesterday and it's pretty boring for me without him to do things with. There are some short hikes nearby. I may do one of those today.

I had my annual physical before we came up here. My bloodwork indicates high cholesterol. I am to schedule a tele-visit to review the results. I've also been having this pain on the right side near my rib. There is an ultrasound schedule in a couple weeks to look at that. She said it is most likely gall bladder. I found it interesting since all my sisters have had ther gall bladder removed. They were all much younger than I am when they had it removed. The dr. said it does tend to run in families. The dr. said it could also be liver since they are connected.

My younger sister has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. She has scoliosis and other medical issues. She hasn't worked for at least the last 6 years. She's been dealing with chronic pain for years. She is not active and has been told that would help. You have to keep moving. She's been in PT for knee, sciatica, and piriformis issues.

ttyl

It sounds like your foot may finally be on the mend. Just a little bit each day. It's hard to tell how far to push it so you don't suffer the next day.
 
I'm so glad you got away and had some quality down time at the condo. Did you sleep any better there?

I've been taking a 20 minute walk just about every day. I consider it my body's bone walk and so far so good. Did more biking for cardio this week since the weather was nice. This weekend is colder and rainy so I'll probably go to the pool.

We're still car hunting and are leaving in an hour for an appointment in New York. We've had good luck with this dealer before.

There used to be a mom and daughter who both have fibromyalgia that went to the pool quite often. Between the weightlessness in the water and the hot tub they thought it helped their symptoms. I hope your sister finds relief somehow. Every day can be different and challenging.

Not much going on here. Work was really busy this week since Monday was a holiday. Our office is big and if felt like we spent the week catching up from not being there on Monday. Tuesday we had the crash cart out two times due to life threatening emergencies-it was intense. I'm not sure if the one made it-they went from our office to the helicopter.

Have you read any of Peter Attia, MD? He recommends a statin and metformin for everybody-one to keep the arteries clean and one to keep blood sugar levels to a minimum. I've been on a statin for at least 15 years and haven't had any problem with it. My doctor won't put me on metformin though since I'm not pre-diabetic or diabetic.

Have a good week!

Beth
 
Oh my gosh, your job sounds so stressful. Literally someone's life is in your hands. I have not read any of Peter Attia but it sounds like a good read. I would not recommend metformin due to the terrible side effects. DH is now on ozempic and is able to cutdown on metformin. Hopefully he can get off it all together. There are many other diabetic medications that do not come with those side effects. Prevention is key especially as we age.

Have you found a car? I hate car shopping. I bought my last car from carmax and was mostly happy with the process. I did a lot of research up front. I found a few cars I wanted to test drive and made an appt. It was pretty painless. Are you looking for anything specific? I like the small/mid size suv's with AWD. I think our next vehicle will be toyota hybrid, not sure which vehicle type though. I'm also wondering if we can cut down to one vehicle. We just aren't there yet.

It was so nice to have a week off a work. The drive up was almost 3 hours due to holiday traffic. The drive home was about the normal 75 minutes. I enjoyed walking 7-9 miles most days. Wednesday was cold and rainy so I didn't get outside. We stayed in and watched movies all day. It was a nice day. We came home on Thursday since it was cooler and I couldn't get out to walk.

I haven't been feeling well, not horrible but just off. I'm not sure if it stress from work and not being able to sleep well. It really impacts my ability and desire to workout. I've only done 2 weight workouts since we've been back and have walked 2 days. I'm waiting for the results of the ultrasound that was done on Thursday for my liver, pancreas, gallbladder and right kidney. It's been pretty painful since the ultrasound.

It sounds like a layoff is coming and I'm trying to get prepared by updating my resume and looking for other open positions at my current company. The unknown is very stressful and I think its having a physical and emotional impact on me. My stress level is through the roof. Should I find a second job now, ask DH to start looking for work, move some of our finances around. It's all just too much.

ttyl
 
Yikes, job hunting is a nightmare. No wonder you're not sleeping well. Good plan to get your resume updated. I hope it all works out.

To me, two weight and two walks is a normal week of workouts! I did one chest and then one upper body last week (the one part day didn't even make it a week). I took one bike ride and did one pool. I did a few 20 minute walks but don't really count them as exercise. My foot/ankle cracks a lot and tingles occasionally. I'm just trying to live with it.

We did find a "new" car! Last Saturday we went to New York and had two Tiguans to look at. We ended up getting the 2021 Pacific Blue one that had 14K miles. We're happy with it! It has a moon roof and back up camera and lights that come on when you are passing or getting passed. We can hook up the phone inside and use the google map app for directions. Those are all new gadgets for us! Our 2001 Subaru has a For Sale Sign on it in the front yard and I'm now driving the 2014 Tiguan since it's the around town car.

We also ordered a new dishwasher and are getting it put in tomorrow. Hopefully that's all the big expenses for a while.

I hope you have a good week and figure out what the pain in your abdomen is. Diagnosis is the hardest part it seems. I had the emg testing and the nerves are all good-so why does my foot still tingle? Ugh. It's so annoying.

Beth
 
Enjoy your new car! It's so fun getting a new car. My car has features I don't know about or don't use. One of my kids asked me if it had a heated steering wheel. I said no, but it does. I just don't drive enough to notice/need all the stuff. I've only put on 20K miles in 3 1/2 years, and I bought it with 22K miles.

How is your new dishwasher? Mine is not that great, especially for a new house. We've had to replace parts on it several times already. What brand did you get?

I had an ultrasound and was told there is nothing wrong. I feel like pain is an indicator. I still have that pain off and on most of the time. DH's cousin and uncle were here from Maine and we spent about 5 days with them. I found out yesterday my SIL and BIL have covid and now I'm sick with it too. His uncle isn't doing very good. He has cancer and it has mutated and they aren't sure how to treat it.

We also found out my sweet MIL's cancer is back. They found a spot on her lung. She just celebrated her 86th bday. We will get more information tomorrow, but it sounds like she will be starting chemo soon. My SIL had started planning a trip to Greece in November, but have now scrapped that idea for now.

My workouts have been hit or miss for the past few months. I've been walking when I can, but am getting pretty soft without the consistent lifting. My life is so stressful right now. I feel like I need a month off.

ttyl
 
I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL. At least they know what it is and can treat it. I wish the same could be said for your abdominal pain. Doing what you feel like is where I'm at too. Some days weights, some days a 20 minute walk, some days pool.

Speaking of covid...I've been home sick from work the last two days. I'm going for a covid test this afternoon. Whatever I've got I feel like I was hit by a truck on Sunday night. It started with a bad sore throat. Since then-loose bowels, fatigue, body aches, severe headache, congestion, and dry cough. Even my eyes hurt. I've been alternating tv and bed.

Our dishwasher is a middle of the line Whirlpool. It's much "lighter" materials and we'll see how long it lasts. Our former one was at least 20 years, but they don't make anything like they used to.

We have scrapped any travel until xmas when we go see Aaron. We had a stray cat wander through the yard last week. It was so thin you could see it's ribs. Long story short-we now have 3 cats. She is called Samantha/Sammie and is an orange striped 2-3 years old female. We've been integrating her into our home and it's going pretty good!

Off to go lay on the couch. How are you feeling with Covid?

Beth
 
I'm starting to feel a bit better. I tried walking the past few days just to get some sunshine and fresh air. My walks were shorter than normal because I could feel my lungs struggling. I would like to get back to working out, but just don't have the energy. Still coughing, sneezing, runny/stuffy nose.

My sweet mother in law also has covid. Being sick is so draining. I'm not sure what this means for her starting chemo. I'm sure it will be postponed until she is well.

Buying appliances is terrible. They are so expensive and current appliances do not have the longevity of the older ones. I think the refrigerator at my parents/brothers house is well over 20 years old and still going strong. Our house came with ge appliances. The microwave, oven and cooktop are good, but the dishwasher is not that great. I'm looking forward to the day it goes out so I can replace with something better. We bought an LG refrigerator since we have had good luck with those, and got the same one for the basement when we put in the kitchen.

I took a week off in October to go to our Condo. I was planning on cancelling this vacation for Greece in November. That is off the table now with my MIL cancer back.

Sounds like your sweet little Sammie either got out of someone's house, or worse was just dropped off in your area. So glad you are taking care of and she is assimilating into your family. My sister used to work at vet office and she said sometime folks would just drop off animals there overnight. She would come to work and find a litter of kittens, or a puppy. She took home several herself. It was sad to hear that.

I hope you are on the mend now.

ttyl
 
Good morning! Are you feeling better? DS2 has Covid now. It's everywhere. We are seeing a lot at the office. Fortunately I tested negative last week and was able to work on Friday. I'm feeling better. This past Monday I started back at PT for my back and leg. He said I was locked, but not as bad as the last time I went through all this. I talked with an orthopedic provider in our office. She said PT was best and that I might consider a steroid shot in my back to calm down inflammation. Most of my pain runs down my hamstring and pulls on my knee so I'm not sure I'll do that. I want to give PT a while to see what happens. Oh and apparently my abs/core is super weak so I need to focus on that. Ugh!

I had thought I was getting on more civil grounds with my parents. Then, my cousin came to run a marathon down the PA grand canyon and visited with my parents and my brother on Saturday night. My mom knew he was coming on Friday. None of them (can't really count my dad with his memory issues) so neither my mom nor my brother told me they were coming or texted or anything. I am so upset. A few weeks ago my two aunts came to visit and I offered to make lunch for everyone, then took a side dish to my mom's since she said she was making lunch, and texted my brother that they were here. He did not text back. So then my parents ended up taking my aunts and Dan and me out for lunch. My aunt texted my brother-no response. We went home afterwards and they stopped at my brother's house and he was not happy or interested in seeing anyone. Sorry to vent to you about all this I just feel like my family doesn't like me. I had been stopping in, taking food over, etc. I left their house crying after they told me about the great visit with my cousin and his new fiance that I have never met. I'm exhausted about the whole thing. My mom called me last Monday to see if I would come over on Mondays to sit with my Dad. I told her I would since I'm such a doormat. It won't be every Monday-just some. Anyway-I have not heard from her since. So she only calls when she wants something. I am crying again now. Aah!

I have to get ready to go to PT. It's my day off and I need to figure out dinner and am doing a loaf of bread.

Hope you are well. Thanks for listening.

Beth
 
I'm finally feeling better. The only thing I've managed this week is to walk 3 miles 2 days this week. The temps have been great and it is so pretty walking around the lakes. I plan on starting back with legs tomorrow. I need to get back into my routine.

I'm off work today-yayyy. I had a pedicure and got my haircut today, and did a load of laundry at 6am. It's been pretty productive so far.

It seems so strange that you would be left out when your cousin came to visit. I'm so sorry. You know you are doing the right thing, even if it not reciprocated or recognized. 2 of my siblings and most of my nieces and nephews are here. One of my nieces is in the military stationed in Virginia. She doesn't come home much, but my sister and I never hear about it until after she's gone home. We've both asked our brother to let us know when she'll be here, but he never does. It's frustrating. My younger sister and I talk at least weekly, and sometimes several times a week. I see my brother at Christmas, and I call him every other month. He lives 30 min away. He has colon cancer and has decided against any kind of treatment.

Well I hope the PT helps. Exercise is so important as we age. It unfortunate we don't have the energy we did when we were young. Seems there is always something missing, now add in more core work on top of everything else.

ttyl
 
Well, thank you for putting things in perspective. You are right-I do try and that's all I can do. I do feel like my mom just wants me to keep my distance and just help her when she asks. So that's what I'm going to do. Plus knowing it's not just my family makes me feel better, but I wish it didn't have to be that way for anyone.

Your brother has colon cancer? Oh, my, so sorry. You have a lot of family health issues to confront all at once. How is your MIL? Has she been able to start treatment, yet? I'm glad you're feeling better! I did upper body on Thursday after PT. I'm going to do it again today as well as ab work. He stresses planks to do front and back muscles so during soccer matches I can hold planks for a while!

Our 3 kitties are still working things out! The one from my aunt just hisses at everything and is sleeping in the basement now. Sammie doesn't scratch at all and seems really chill. She does like the under the kitchen sink garbage and has tried to get into it as well as food on the counters when we're cooking/eating. We got the spray bottle out to deter her. She is still super tiny, but eating well. The cuddler (our tiger) just rolls with everything. She's the best cat in the world-to us! We had wanted to get a kitten and thought Sammie was one so the tiger could "train" her, but that's not how it worked out!

I'm doing some change of season chores this weekend-cleaning off the back porch, bringing in the hanging baskets, etc. Also planning on trying a new recipe for Cauliflower Shawarma. The weather now is sunny and cool and only getting colder as the week goes on.

Have a good weekend!

Beth
 
Well I finally worked out today, after being off for at least 3 weeks. I have walked, but no structured workouts. Today was a leg/cardio circuit. The cardio in between each weight exercise was stepups. I have lost so much endurance and strength. I'm sure it will come back pretty quickly with some consistency. I love the plank idea. I should add that in to.

I mowed the lawn, pulled weeds, and washed our bedding. We had a our lawn aerated, overseeded and fertilized back in September. It is looking so good right now. The grass is so much thicker and darker. Very few weeds too. We have clay soil and it absorbs all the nutrients and doesn't release them into the roots. We will probably do this again next summer too. After 2 applications of the fertilizer-fine powder manure-covered 1/4" thick should be enough of a change for a lawn to thrive.

My MIL had the port put in last Thursday and will start chemo this upcoming Friday. It is for 18 weeks, 2 weeks on, 1 week off. They told her she would be able to drive herself and the infusion would take an hour to an hour and a half. My sister in law is not happy about that and wants David or her drive. She is very pushy about it, and DH wants to let his mom decide what is best for her. It comes off being obstinate almost. She says things, like my October schedule is very busy instead of just saying can you take mom on this date. She is very passive aggressive and DH hates it.

Sounds like Sammie is keeping you on your toes! The cauliflower dish sounds delicious.

bbl
 
Just rolling along here. I've been trying to get two upper body weight workouts in a week between my lower body rehab exercises. Plan is to go to the pool this morning for a bit of cardio.

After nearly 60 years, I took a stand and put a political sign in my front yard on Monday. It was stolen Thursday night. I guess the other side is really worried!

Otherwise, all is good! I got a 1/2 bushel of apples and have been making baked apples a lot. I finally got a head of cauliflower and am definitely making that dish today. DH also bought a bunch of turkey breast so I'll cook that up. We're going to have a fire today and watch a little soccer and football later.

Sounds like your yard is in great shape!

Beth
 
I got in 4 workouts last week and feel great about that. I did a lower body circuit, full body, upperbody and core, and glute day. I also walked 3+ miles 2 days last week. This morning I did GS BSB and another 3+ mile walk around the lakes. I've lost so much strength. The weather is so nice, in the mid 70's. I'm trying to enjoy it for as long as I can.

I have another week of work before we go up to the condo again. I wasn't going to go, but my job is so stressful and I could use some time off.

How is you rehab going? We don't put out any signs either. Political signs have been stolen out of yards in my neighborhood since we moved here. It's very frustrating. Most homes have doorbell cameras and other cameras.

I love baked apples. Have you tried making an apple coffee cake? They are delicious. If you have too many this is an easy gift to make.

ttyl
 
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