I’m hanging in there on the physical therapy for my lumbar spine issues. I was close to quitting because everything hurt, but my massage therapist said she could feel a big difference in my flexibility, so I decided to stick with it.
And it has improved, so that’s all for the good. Some of the stretches are difficult. I told the PT I’ve modified the exercises a little, and he was OK with that. One of the exercises is called the dead bug. I said it makes me feel like I’m going to have a stroke, so I changed it up a bit and am now calling it the bug on life support.
At least he laughed. A key component of this program is to strengthen my core, which is non-existent. As we say around here, cores are for apples.
He said it’s about learning to isolate the stomach muscles, because that puts less stress on the back. I’m pretty sure most of the world walks around just fine without the ability to isolate the stomach muscles, but sure, I’ll give it a whirl.
Esprit de core. Spirit of the body? I know it’s really corps, but my version kind of fits, don’t you think?
I finally finished number 42. This one took me a long time. Some of that is because I work in the garage, and it gets cold out there. I do have a portable heater, but I’m reluctant to use it for some reason.
Although I like this piece, I keep thinking of the Progressive commercial about becoming your parents — the one where they make the woman get rid of her Live, Laugh, Love sign. So, this is mine, but I’m not getting rid of it.
I finally figured out how to see it enlarged. Just click on it! It takes a sec or two, but it will show up bigger.
My sister suggested I try an engraving tool to add a different element to my art, and I think I’m going to get one. That could be fun to play around with. If somebody had told me that my retirement hobby would be making art out of pallet scraps, I would have assumed they were smoking crack. Such a surprise to me, but I really enjoy it.
This is another busy golf week. And then we have a wine pick-up from one of the local wineries. That’s about a 30-40 minute drive one-way.
I never knew these clubs existed, but we have tons of wineries nearby. You join the ones you like for free, and you get free tastings. With most of them, you’re committed to buying a few bottles quarterly or something like that.
As of now, we’re in two clubs. It’s a struggle, but we manage (hee hee). This week’s pick-up is from Vino Noceto, which specializes in Sangiovese, one of my favorites.
Dinner tonight is what we call “Health Food.” Basically, a bean and cheese tostada with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheddar cheese and guacamole. Dale makes the beans from scratch, and look at all those fresh toppings! Hence the name.
Oh, and if you like the idea of non-alcoholic beer but haven’t found one you like, I highly recommend Heineken 0.0. I seriously can’t tell the difference between this and the real thing. I still drink regular beer, but I like having options.
I like number 42. Your art is quirky and fun.
Thank you!
Dear Donna, well, here I am, the first to comment! I am still going (strong), well relatively. I enjoy reading your thoughts, I do not agree with everything you say but I accept it. I sincerely hope you have a ‘good’ time. Alan
Hi Alan, glad to hear you are still going strong!
Core strength is a swine, especially when you don’t have any. But the PT is right in that it does make all the difference. I find the tricky bit is not putting out my back while I try to strengthen the core, so that my stronger core will support my back.
Love no 42 and love your sister’s suggestion of trying out an engraving tool.
I should have paid attention to the core a long time ago, but I’m giving it all I’ve got now.
Your art always brings a smile to my face. As for stomach muscles, my are so isolated, I can’t find them.
I’m so glad you like my art. As for stomach muscle, they are elusive …
No. 42 is wonderful! You kind of get a glimpse into your life ( cat, wine grapes, good food).
Dead bug is a great core exercise especially if you have osteoporosis and shouldn’t flex your spine. Those and planks are my go to core exercises. I don’t crunch.
Thanks for the great feedback on No. 42. I do get stuck on cats.
I let my head rest on a pillow while I do dead bug. If I lift my head, it feels like it will explode. I still think I’m getting all the benefits of this exercise. I don’t see planks in my future, but you never know! Congrats to you for doing them.
My brother and SiL live in Benicia and belong to several wine clubs in Sonoma Valley. We always enjoy visiting and taking advantage of the free tastings and extra attention membership brings them.
I don’t drink beer much and knew absolutely nothing about the non-alcoholic versions until I had the opportunity to try Heineken 0.0 a few weeks ago. I’m certainly no expert, but I agree, it tasted just like the “real” kind.
We do enjoy the wine clubs! I like beer — too bad there aren’t beer clubs. But maybe there are, I don’t know. Glad you liked Heineken 0.0.
#42 is great. Is that a grilled cheese sandwich?
My back is angry with me, crushing my big nerve. Surgery May 1st. I tried to make it better with my core and such but there’s no hope fixing it on my own.
It is indeed a grilled cheese sandwich!
Surgery — argh! I hope you get fixed (I mean that in a good way). I’ve already had my lifetime allotment of surgery, so I’m trying everything else.
Long ago and far away it was called a dead cockoach and was used often during basic training. I also fo.alot ofvcorevexercisescwith good old osteopenia. Ps; when I got my new laptop,I created a brand new Gmail/Goodlettsville address. Everything populated to that email and I can’t access my own blog even to shut it down. Sigh. Off-topic create new retirement and art blogs!