My bum wrists are acting up, so I’m taking a break from golf, even though golf has never been the culprit. Just experimenting a bit to see what makes them feel better. I have a doctor’s appointment in June, so the question is will I last that long without even hitting a few balls?
So far, reading a heavy book hurts more than golf. I’m switching to my Kindle until these wrists are under control.
On the bright side, not playing golf gives me so much time back. It’s like, where did all these hours come from? I’m somewhat a slave to routine, but I’m finding the change of pace is good for the soul. Doing different things makes me think about different things and helps me gain a little perspective in how I spend my precious retirement hours.
I’m walking a lot. This is another experiment to find the best balance of distance and frequency. So far, I think I’m better off keeping the distance to three or four miles but walking every day. I never have pain when I walk, but if I overdo it, the leg on my sciatica side hurts at night and messes with my sleep.
I can sort of see the beginning of the end of my dream to do a long-distance walk. I don’t think my body will hold up. But I can still do a lot, so I’m not complaining.
The NY Times recently featured a recipe for chocolate overnight oatmeal. I made it their way first and then tweaked it to my liking. The taste of chia seeds was fine, but I didn’t like the texture. Same for dates. I adore dates, but they were gummy in this oatmeal.
The chocolate is another variable. I used cocoa powder the first time, and it was delish, but then I saw a bag of cacao powder hanging around the pantry and decided to use that. They are equally yummy. I believe the only difference between the two is the degree of processing.
For one serving, here’s my modification:
In a mason jar, add ½ cup old-fashioned oats, ¾ cup milk, 1 tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Cover tightly, shake well and refrigerate overnight. I like to add 1 tablespoon of grated coconut.
I had low expectations, but I love this oatmeal.
Speaking of low expectations, I was pleased Trump was found liable in the E. Jean Carroll case. For some people, it was a long shot, but I’ll share a conversation I had after playing golf with my women’s league a few weeks ago.
Our group is a mix politically, as everything is, so we try to be careful about delicate conversations. I was talking with K. about how we wanted Trump held accountable when another woman sat down, overhearing the tail end of the discussion. She was incredulous. After all this time? How could this so-called victim remember anything? Come on!
K. was quiet and then looked up. She said, “I was sexually assaulted 30 years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday.”
Well, there you go. Mouths open, mouths closed.
By the way, this is irrelevant and possibly offensive, but I liked E. Jean’s hair and the way she dressed. Although I am not nearly as chic, I had a similar style when I was working. Pleated skirts, tights. Heeled Mary Jane’s. Fitted jackets. She made me want to wear skirts again. And bangs! I don’t think I’ll go there, but they looked great on her.
For those of us who have used our bodies with ease when younger and pushed our limits, I think that it’s a fine art to learn how to use them as our bodies change during the aging process.
Before I knew about the need for a hip replacement, I had ordered an e-trike from Lectric Bikes. Although I walk my dog daily using my Swedish all terrain rollator, I wanted to feel the wind in my hair and figured that a trike would be balanced and if I couldn’t pedal well, I’d have e-assist. The trike arrived a few days ago. While the battery charged the first day, I tried to ride it without e-assist. Brought tears to my eyes and not because I could finally feel the wind in my hair. That lasted less than two minutes. The next day, oh the joys of e-assist. I was having so much fun, experimenting with it in our cul de sac. I didn’t have to pedal at all; you can do 100% e-assist. But of course I had to try….ooh, hardly any pain at all, less than I have walking on that leg. I pedaled on and off for probably 10-15 minutes total.
Three days gone now and I’m only now able to not see stars when I walk WITH assistance, or have my leg ache the rest of the time. My husband said to me “honey, why would you think that pedaling would be good for bone on bone?” He was with me during my consult with the surgeon and saw the x-rays. I said “I don’t know, I thought that the exercise would be good for it, bring nourishing blood to the joint and all that.” (Wry smile here.)
Like you however, I have found that the change in my routine over the past three days has been kind of nice. My dog has been upset because no walks with the rollator in the morning but I think I’ll be able to be back at that tomorrow.
I’ve never tried overnight oatmeal. Also never considered cocoa in oatmeal but I like your ingredients. I think that I’ll whip one up and put it in the fridge overnight and have something different for breakfast.
I too liked E. Jean’s clothes and hair. Classy. I’ll always be a tomboy in my dress, I have no fashion sense, but I very much appreciate those who do, and who do it well.
This really sounds like a page right out of my book. I always think I can do more, and I feel great while I’m doing it, but I pay the price later. Actually, I don’t think the golf break is doing my wrist any good. I think it needs movement, but I do have to be careful.
That trike is pretty darned cute! Fortunately, I do not have the desire to feel the wind in my hair. One small blessing.
I didn’t think I’d like the chocolate in the oatmeal, but it’s delicious. I had to measure the maple syrup, or I’d pour it on like Buddy in Elf.
Many people might consider three to four miles a day quite a distance. How are your shoes? Sometimes shoes affect gait which could trigger issues. I have to get new shoes fairly often otherwise my knees start hurting.
Yesterday I returned two books to the library unread because they were too heavy. Not something I would have done when I was younger. I really wanted to read them, too. I hate having to buy books to read on my tablet (electronic copy not available at the library), but my desire to read them is overcoming my frugal nature.
just a thought re, the not having the books at your library (I’ll comment more later). There are multiple library systems that have annual fees in the 35 buck range for non residents that makes it easier to get ebooks. Cheaper than buying but obviously not free. To my knowledge the fairfax County Virginia, Houston texas and Brooklyn systems all have these and there are probably others. I may not be exact on the price.
Great point. Our library system is free, even if you’re not in the same county. My card with our neighboring county expired, but you’ve reminded me they have more e-books than my regular library, so I think it’s time to renew!
I replace my shoes every six months. I, too, can feel it when they start to wear out.
How interesting. Yesterday, I returned all my books to the library unread for the same reason. I just can’t hold them up comfortably. The Kindle is a breeze, but I’m also frugal by nature. I splurged and bought an e-book. Our library has e-books, but it’s hit or miss.
I replied earlier that I changed shoes every six months. I went back and did the math, and it turns out it had been longer. In addition to that, based on my mileage, I should probably change them at least every three months. Anyway, I replaced them, and I feel a big difference. Thank you! This time I made a note in my calendar so I know when to change them out. You can’t always tell by how they look.
My hairdresser in a trumpite and we generally avoid politics but she had to comment on the case. She said “Can you imagine prosecuting him for something that happened so long ago!??” Well, duh. I am shocked at some republican women’s views on this to say the least.
Walking: I have had some off and on foot issues. I keep my walks to one hour max. On treadmill or outdoors. Once every two weeks I do a 90 minute hike with husband on flat sandy trail in the mountain sand that’s ok if I don’t do it too often.
Decided to fix an old shoulder issue:Went to P.T. and have lost a week’s sleep with MUCH more pain.Done with that.
With age,come necessary modifications, ugh.
I really don’t understand how some women can gives these bad actors a pass.
I’m still experimenting with my walking, but I think you’re close to the sweet spot. No more than an hour on hard surfaces. I walk when I play golf, but most of that is on turf. I wear the same brand/style of shoes for walking and golf, and the golf shoes last a lot longer — I presume because of the softer surface. Maybe I will last longer, too?
So, I went and hit some balls, and what do you know? My wrist feels fine. I will keep my doctor’s appointment, but I’m not going to baby it anymore.
I’m not enjoying the limitations of my body right now. I really need a knee replacement, but am having to wait as I cannot afford to pay for this op after wasting the payment for the previous op which proved to be an unnecessary step. But, hey ho, I’m learning to adjust. Not well, I’m still at the grumbling internally stage and not doing much practical stuff to improve it. I’ve reached the end of the grumble phase (at least I hope I have).
You never forget. I was only “manhandled” but I remember it as if it were yesterday. I’m glad your friend K felt able to speak up. Those who dismiss it as nothing need to hear that it’s not. I’m also glad Trump was found liable, but there’s still a long way to go (and I hope it’ll go the full distance).
Hope the bum wrists give you less gip sooner rather than later.
I’m sorry the body isn’t cooperating right now. It is such a drag! And thank you for commenting on being “mishandled.” You are so right that people who dismiss is as nothing need to hear that it’s not. You said that so perfectly.
My wrists seem to have improved. I’m still going to see the doc in June, but I’m optimistic.