Healing Thoughts

Good News!

My physical therapist told me last week I could begin exercising outdoors.

As soon as I returned home from his office, I got myself ready for a walk.

I left from the house and walked a half hour on the plowed dirt road nearby.

I was careful.

I was v-e-r-y slow....

I was exhilarated!

At one point, I realized my face was wet with tears.

How embarrassing - I was crying tears of joy.

I pulled myself together and kept striding.

Now, I go for a walk nearly every day.

I take a hiking pole but only use it if there is an icy patch.

I'm able to walk over an hour most days.

My ankle is stiff by evening, but I see improvement daily.

I continue meeting with my PT.

storm clouds hide Red Mountain

Winter landscapes are constantly changing.

Clouds move in and bring snow.

Each dawn bestows the gift of a new day.

 

This photo is for a blog friend who loves foxes.

She recently received a troubling diagnosis, so I send her healing thoughts.

My One Good Thing today is the body's ability to heal.

I wish you strength.

I wish you sunshine.

I wish you healing.

Barb

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We Hope for Snow

 

Our melt/freeze cycle will soon end.

Colder temperatures may bring some much-needed snow.

Waldo is happy no matter the weather.

He's lived on our tree for about 16 years.

I greet him every morning with a smile.

He always smiles back at me.

Do you see the cockatoo head on the stump?

It seems too cold for such a tropical bird!

It will disappear to warmer climes if temperatures plunge.

The dirt road is a morass of mud.

I'm hoping the approaching snow storm will make it walkable again.

We downhill skied on the mountain yesterday.

It was our first time using our pass this season.

It's a different experience during Covid.

We smile remembering our beginner ski lessons.

We did a lot of falling at first.

Luckily, we persevered. 

I'm happy that we can still link turns.

This season is our 50th year on skis.

I hope more snow is in our future.

We like to play in it.

Mind and Body - Not Always in Sync

We're having spring-like weather at high altitude.

Temps are just 10 degrees above freezing, but the sun is warm.

I've been walking all week with no gloves.

My jacket is tied around my waist.

Yesterday, I started walking and immediately felt tired.

Reaching the first big hill, I considered turning around. 

I hadn't even gone a mile.

I started making excuses:

exhaustion, slippery surfaces, aches

old, old, old

little tree among big trees

I know from experience that the mind doesn't always cooperate.

The body feels even worse with the mind's complaints.

I decided not to listen to it.

I forged onward.

Slowly....

small tree casting shadow

Today, I had a change of attitude.

I smiled at the blue, blue sky.

The sun warmed my face.

The air felt refreshing.

My mind remained peaceful.

My body responded in kind.

Exercise is important to me.

My body is old but accustomed to movement.

The mind is old, too, and doesn't always act in my best interests.

I'm very lucky.

I have no debilitating illness - no chronic pain.

My aches often disappear with movement.

In a couple months I'll be 77.

I'm grateful for my body's ability to move.

I'm thankful for the natural beauty that beckons to me.

I need to keep moving even when my mind would rather take a break.

I hope you'll keep moving, too, in any way that you're able.

Sometimes mindfulness requires ignoring the mind!

Bald Mountain - Small Stone - 22

I see Bald Mountain on my walks through the neighborhood. It rises above the valley opposite the Tenmile Range. I've hiked up Baldy several times, once on snowshoes when I was in my 50's. Hiking the ridgeline you encounter at least 2 false summits before finally reaching the top. It's about 10 miles to the summit and back. Hiking mountains is like navigating life. You must keep going, moving forward, and not be discouraged by setbacks (or false summits).

I must remember to tell my oldest grandchildren this! 

I hope they don't roll their eyes....

Baldy is 13,690' in altitude (4,173M). It is one of many 13,000' peaks surrounding Breckenridge.

small stone

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Winter Shadow - Small Stone - 23

Days hover around freezing. However, high altitude sunshine is warm. As I walk, I feel body heat increasing. I tie my jacket around my waist and peel off my gloves. Some days, I walk over 6 miles. I don't feel tired and wonder if I should keep going. However,  I worry my legs might ache by evening with more mileage. 

So, I follow my shadow home.

small stone

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I hope you find time to be outdoors with your shadow, too.

Connections - Small Stone - 22

the plowed, unpaved road near my house where I like to walk

I met a neighbor and his dog this week while I was walking. They live several miles from us, and I haven't seen them since this Covid isolation began. Actually, we only recognize each other from meeting on the road - years ago we introduced ourselves, first names only. We usually stop and chat a bit. Of course, on this occasion, we stayed a road-width apart to keep our "social distance". His dog, Rosy, an ancient black lab, couldn't understand why I didn't approach to scratch her ears. I tried to ask "J" about his wife, but he raised his hand to his ear. "I'm so deaf now, I can't hear you," he said sadly. I put my hands around my mouth to funnel the sound and yelled, "Your wife! HOW IS YOUR WIFE FEELING?" A smile lit J's face, "Thanks for asking! She's great. We're both fine." 

J is much more stooped than last winter. I'm glad he's still getting outside to walk Rosy, who seems more padded around the middle than a year ago. She waddles now and moves slowly. However, sweet Rosy still wags her tail so hard, her whole body shakes. She definitely remembers my head pats and ear scratches. 

None of us really "knows" people we meet. Our hopes, goals, beliefs, happiness, and sadness are usually private matters. We meet on the road of life, say a few words, then continue on, keeping to our own course. However, there are times when even brief encounters offer much-needed uplifting connections.

Though I'm sure J didn't hear, I said quietly,

 "May Love and Peace abide with you."

Rosy looked me right in the eye.

I'm sure she understood.

The J's and Rosy's of the world are my good things today...

and the connections we manage forge.

small stone

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Fall Down - Get Up

We skied through the forest this afternoon.

The sun shone, but it remained below freezing.

Our usual route is uphill for about 1 1/2 miles.

Then comes the thrill of the homeward downhill.

snowing while the sun is shining

It was hard work climbing on a packed trail, and I started sweating immediately.

I unzipped and let my hat dangle from its bungie, happy that I was wearing wicking garments. 

When we finally got to the top of our loop, we followed a lesser-used ski trail through dense forest.

I fell on that trail, my ski catching on a small, partly buried limb.

I sweated even more with the effort of standing to get my skis under me again.

Remember me rising and lowering myself to and from the bottom step without using my arms and hands? 

(I have blog friends who say they can rise from the floor to standing, but I need the step.)

This muscle memory is key to lifting myself off the ground when I fall on skis. 

Bob waited patiently but didn't help by pulling me up.

I use the poles and my muscles to leverage myself upright.

It's not a pretty sight and takes a few minutes arranging body and mind to the task.

I need to know I can do it myself for the times I'm alone on the skis.

Pattern of animal tracks from ground level.

The second time I fell was on the steeper downhill.

This time it took me longer to get the skis and myself situated properly.

I was covered in snow with it stuffed down my gloves and up my sleeves.

I may have cursed a little under my breath.

 However, I managed to rise.

Tonight, I am pleasantly tired.

Tomorrow, I may be a bit sore and stiff.

But, knowing I can still stand the skis and get up if I fall makes me thankful.

The beauty of the snowy forest as I view it both upright and from the ground is my good thing today!

Stay well.

Try to stay upright.

(But if you fall, get up....)

Barb

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May Love and Peace Abide

start of snow

We had 11" (28 cm) of snow about a week ago.

It was our third snow since September.

We thought this might be our base for winter.

However, temperatures have risen above freezing.

The warmth of the sun is melting it quickly.

Today, I decided to walk the streets in my neighborhood.

It was gusty, and I'm worried about huge lodgepoles falling in the forest.

I'm wearing a lightweight neck gaiter called a "buff" when I walk for exercise.

If I meet someone, I raise it to cover my mouth and nose.

Our county recently adopted more stringent Covid rules.

Residents may have only 6 people in their homes from no more than 2 households.

Rentals may have 10 from no more than 2 households. 

I question (to myself) why tourists may have 4 more people than residents.

(It doesn't make sense, but what does when the "rules" constantly change?)

On my walk, I passed a home with many cars in the driveway.

I wondered how many people were inside.

We've been warned about parties and gatherings.

"Only 2 at my house," I thought.

As I continued onward, a young man came my way.

I switched to the opposite side of the street (we have no sidewalks). 

I covered my face with the buff.

He wore nothing to cover his face.

Just as he was almost across from me, he forcefully cleared his throat and....

SPIT!

WHAT? 

I was appalled at his crude and rude behavior.

I immediately thought of my grandchildren and chided them in my mind:

take note - this behavior is not OK!

I looked where the young man was going, and, of course, he turned into the "party" house.

I felt upset by the encounter, but on reflection, I knew he was not disrespecting me.

Instead, he disrespected himself (and the family who raised him). 

Immediately, I said quietly, "May love and peace abide with you."

I felt he needed the blessing, and I needed to give it.

This happening obviously affected me, or I wouldn't be writing about it.

But, the blessing set me apart from anger and negative feelings.

I continued on my way, calm and happy.

I smiled to feel the sun on my shoulders and the wind in my face.

a light in the forest

May love and peace abide with you.

Thank you for visiting.

Photos were taken during my walks this week.

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Greetings from Breckenridge at the End of April

We're having spectacular weather at the end of April.

There is no snow in the immediate forecast.

dawn from our front deck

Of course, we can't go too long without some moisture.

With a warming trend, we hope it comes as rain.

Breckenridge Ski area - still lots of snow

The snow in the forest and on the mountain becomes very unstable in the spring.

For safe exercise, I walk the streets in my neighborhood.

It feels good to wear a lighter jacket and walk in my trail shoes.

Mount Baldy in morning sunshine

Others pass me infrequently - I rarely have to pull up my mask.

We wave, and one of us crosses to the other side of the road.

no lift lines (melting snow at base of Peak 9)

Bob and I go 3 weeks before grocery shopping.

We tried on-line shopping and pickup at a nearby store last week.

It worked fine, so we'll do it again.

We went into Whole Foods to pick out our produce and fruit.

Blue River still low in its banks

Colorado and our county/town are lifting some of the isolation rules.

Next week, salons and small businesses can open with restrictions.

Restaurants and bars remain closed except for takeout.

People cannot gather in crowds.

No short term rentals are permitted.

People are asked to wear masks in public.

where you can find me most mornings waiting for dawn

This Covid lifestyle  isn't too much different from our normal way of life.

We tend to be stay-at-home, quiet people.

However, normally, we don't spend so much time disinfecting! 

Today, Bob and I teleconferenced with his urologist about his prostate cancer.

He must go to a lab tomorrow for bloodwork.

That exposure is a bit scary, but he'll wear gloves and mask.

He'll shower, and we'll launder his clothes when he returns.

We won't relax our own isolation and social distancing for awhile.

Though we feel healthy, we have friends with the virus who are very sick.

One of our acquaintances died.

In our mid-70's, it's up to us to limit our exposure.

swing still buried in snow

I know that during this time, people are suffering physically, mentally, and economically.

We do what we normally do to stay healthy and sane:

stay in touch with family and friends electronically

go outside or open a window to breathe fresh air

meditate/pray and think positive thoughts

limit the news

eat healthy

exercise

it will snow in May, but I'm not encouraging it

Bob took this photo of me today.

My hair has grown from a short dandelion puff to an unruly tumbleweed!

Don't worry - I'm putting that pillow away - no use tempting fate.

Stay well!

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Pandemic

I'm sure all of our worlds have changed dramatically since I last posted.

The Governor of Colorado issued a state of emergency earlier in the week.

dawn

In Breckenridge and throughout Summit County, CO, places where people congregate are closed.

This includes schools, shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, rec centers, and ski areas.

People are asked to keep away from others, staying in their own homes.

Outdoors we should keep a safe distance from others and avoid crowds.

Some popular parks and sledding hills are off-limits.

None of our shuttles or buses are operating.

Short term rentals and hotels are closing.

Tourists and second home owners are supposed to leave.

the fox is curious - what's happening Barb?

Bob and I hunker down in isolation.

Even prior to the government edict, we asked our family not to visit.

Before the emergency, we stocked some groceries and supplies.

Unlike families with children, our supplies last a long time.

Meals are simple - we don't eat a lot.

We can exist on what we have for awhile.

the pine marten visits - he abides by social distancing

We maintain a similar schedule to our normal one.

I wake early and give thanks for another day.

I answer e-mails and do some reading.

We work around the house and property.

We get fresh air and exercise.

exercising on snowshoes

We discuss what's happening here and around the world.

If we get sick, we'll care for each other just as we've done for over 53 years.

We don't feel panic though we've never lived through quite this kind of situation.

Each morning we ask each other, "How are you feeling?"

So far, so good.

Perhaps we all can get outside and breath fresh air.

Keep in touch with family and friends electronically.

Smile and remember happy times.

Let ourselves believe that this too will pass.

deserted ski trail

I hope wherever you are, you're well.

If you're able, offer help to someone in need.

May peace and love abide with you.

Barb

A friend sent me this meaningful poem:

Pandemic

What if you thought of it

as the Jews consider the Sabbath—

the most sacred of times?

Cease from travel.

Cease from buying and selling.

Give up, just for now,

on trying to make the world

different than it is.

Sing. Pray. Touch only those

to whom you commit your life.

Center down.

And when your body has become still,

reach out with your heart.

Know that we are connected

in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.

(You could hardly deny it now.)

Know that our lives

are in one another’s hands.

(Surely, that has come clear.)

Do not reach out your hands.

Reach out your heart.

Reach out your words.

Reach out all the tendrils

of compassion that move, invisibly,

where we cannot touch.

Promise this world your love–

for better or for worse,

in sickness and in health,

so long as we all shall live.

–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

sunset

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Small Stone - Dawdling

At some point, he'll realize I'm not directly behind him.

That straight line of tracks to his distant red coat needs a photo.

After all these years, he'll wait patiently just out of sight.

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Small Stone - Gliding Homeward

frigid morning skiing through white

breaking trail through old-growth woods

gently gliding homeward

Some days we must force ourselves into the cold. When we do, we're rewarded by the purity of new-fallen snow and the quiet welcome of the forest.

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Sit/Stand Exercise

I'm trying to keep fit in my old age.

It's suggested that a measure of fitness at any age is if a person can lower him/herself to the floor and get back up again without using hands, arms, or knees as supports. If you can do this simple exercise, you have a strong musculoskeletal foundation which is a predictor of good health. 

(If you Google sit/stand test, you'll get a million hits.)

I'm unable to do it, much to the delight of 6 year old Sam who gets up and down without any problem at all (even when giggling the whole time).  However, I'm practicing daily, so maybe I'll be successful at some point. I can sit down on a 7" (17 cm) step quite easily and rise again with no problem. 

I practice doing this several times a day.

What about you?

I hope you're as flexible and strong as Sam!

PS If you have problem knees or back, don't even try it.

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Pop Pop and Sam - possibly thinking up a new exercise to keep Grammy occupied