Your Neck of the Woods part5 11/122013

Happy New Year, Mid Ats!!
Lots of firecrackers gone off hereabouts.

Happy New Year to all. Alfie spent 10 minutes in the backyard barking at the fireworks at Round Top Ski.

He must have won, because they stopped.

Happy and Healthy New Year dear DGers. Here's to a wonderful year!!!

Ended the year with black eyed peas over rice.
Started the New with a visit to the high school track (yay exercise) and now eggs and corned beef hash. (Don't want to get TOO healthy now do we)

You go Sally, I have been making it to the gym a bit more often myself. New Years hikes seem to be a theme around here. Jen's family is doing a small one today, Josh and Courtney did theirs last night and JR is with his other GF somewhere in MD doing one today.

We have several family members coming over for the traditional Pork and Sauerkraut meal this afternoon and then some other friends coming later tonight. I taped the Rose Parade on HGTV to sit and view later.
Wishing you all a good New Year.

Hehehe, nOPE!!

After getting off the cruise on Dec. 14th and feeling very grateful for elastic waistbands, I REALLY tried not to keep up the rate at which we ate. Jeff had lost weight while I was gone and I said that I FOUND what he lost. When we got home I was pleasantly surprised to see that I weighed less than I did when I left on Dec. 2. Woohoo!! Now to continue the trend. Just need to remember -moderation.

After living a life of hating 'exercise' I am changing my tune. I found a class I really like, have a DS and DH on the same page for reminders. My goal is 3 x (classes, or something) a week. That is shown to have many health benefits. I am very lucky to have a work schedule that can allow this. My cardio fitness level really needs work!
And if I miss that goal, I will not beat myself up! Anything is better than nothing. Gardening is not nothing.

Well said

I am very happy that YOU had a pleasant surprise with your post cruise weigh in! Maybe you were more active than you thought, between the meals. Those meals are great though!

I hate if I sound preachy about exercise, but have recently heard a new book by a doctor about how exercise stimulates anti-inflammatory stuff in your body and benefits you so many ways. And I ponder our aging relatives who are sedentary and not well- which really came first?

Mostly I say this because a few years ago before I started that class I would have NEVER EVER EVER believed that I would learn to like it and feel good. I always hated exercise for its own sake. I think my body type was so unathletic (skinny does not equal healthy) that I felt overwhelmed by anything "forced" upon me, and that is very discouraging. The class I lucked upon lets you self determine difficulty , and the teacher was very encouraging and yet understanding, pointed out that taller people have very different joint and muscle things going on, some of it CAN be more difficult for me just because of that, and to just keep trying.

SO here's wishing everyone finds or continues an exercise method that really feels right for them, has the time to do it and support from those nearby, and then enjoys feeling better!!!!!!

Glad you have found something that feels good and more importantly that you enjoy it.

I have found that I do seem to have a bit more energy than I did. I really think it has to do with needing to step up and do everything around here. It got me moving more than I had been and now that Ric is able to do more I still seem to have a good bit of momentum that I am using to get some things done that I have been wanting to work on. Plus with the diet changes I have made and the weight loss all those things are making a difference. I am doing so well with my diabetes that the Dr. has cut my meds in half and if I loose another 10 Lbs will take me off the blood pressure meds as well.

Holly, that is Fan Tas Tic!!! What a testimony to the benefit of getting moving!!!!! I'm glad you FEEL more energetic, not just getting to cut down on meds. WAY to GO!!

I think it was in a weight watchers site that I read that gardening was one of the highest point burning exercises. If I remember correctly it was like twice that of walking or cycling. I personally like water exercise, very low impact and something like 3x the resistance.

GREAT news, Holly... good progress... what a great feeling when your body starts doing more as you'd like again! Good going!

I just started using a pneumatic sleeve / pump on my left arm, having finally pushed it through the insurance maze just (barely!) before the end of the year. I think it's really going to make a difference with the lymphedema swelling that's being so stubborn. Using it for an hour twice a day will be easier than doing the massage twice daily -- and my right hand will be free to type, flip pages, or play a game with Joyanna.

I've been making good progress with PT on the right shoulder, too, gradually increasing activity with that hand/arm, very thankful for the improvement! Found out one of my PT's is an Ironman triathlete -- one of the top in the country -- no wonder he has such strength when he's massaging or stretching my shoulder!

Sally, glad you're sticking with your class and still enjoying it. We'll be getting back into the swim of things at the Y next week, with the start of their winter session. Swim lessons continue for Joyanna, and I'll be doing that low impact class in the warm pool twice a week, maybe check out a couple of other classes too.

She likes ballet better than swim class... well, I told her I like gardening better than water exercise, too, but sometimes we need to stick with things because they're good for our bodies. I'm not sure she's buying it... LOL She does understand getting to stop for a treat at the dollar store or whatnot when she's done especially well in class. I've got a special Mermaid Barbie waiting for the time she jumps in with no help, a milestone I think she'll reach soon. And she has 2 hooded towels now (ladybug & princess ones) for completing the 2 fall quarters with good reports from her teacher. Bribery works.

Hmm, maybe I need to use more bribery with myself... not, "I will order cheesecake at my favorite restaurant when I've lost 10 pounds, " but "I will get that variegated whodathunkit at my favorite nursery." LOL

LOL Jill,

Way to go on the exercise and fitness accomplishments!

I wish there was an easy answer and the motivation needed to get and stay healthy. It SEEMS easy, but for me it has been a two decade long challenge. Weight has been an issue since I hit my 30s, but it is only within the last two years that flexibility and strength have become issues as well. I started going to the gym a few months back with my brother-in-law. I've not been doing anything too strenuous, just focusing on getting there and doing something/anything. We reward ourselves afterwards by sitting in the hot tub. Maybe I need the mermaid barbie to motivate me to start the water exercising that I've been meaning to do too LOL.

Wow, Holly, a testament to the healing power of FOOD!

Sally, I've found that if I don't connect with the exercise instructor, I can't continue with the class at all. I've been spoiled in the past with couple of fantastic yoga instructors (when I wasn't living in MD), and now I can't take yoga with anyone else.

I'm all about self-bribery! Right now I need to bribe DH to join the local Y with me...

Mermaid Barbies for everyone. LOL
Teri, It took a health scare to seriously motivate me. I had gained weight for a variety of reasons, some connected to the meds I took for my Asthma, some to lifestyle and diet. When my weight got to a certain point many years ago I thought this is ridiculous and did loose some of it and kept it off. But even though I wanted to loose more and get healthier I didn't have the drive to do much about it. I have found that it was all pretty easy to do given the right motivation.

I am so very encouraged by all your reports of healthy eating and movement. Thank you....oh and the thought of a mermaid Barbie...that nails it!

mermaid Barbies for everyone!!!!!! (even Ric??)

I didn't have a health 'scare' , but was waking up gradually, after one of those free health checks at a promotional fair. She told me my posture was bad etc..also after a bone scan I have osteoporosis Not just osteopenia I now fit the definition of osteoporosis. Maybe that is a scare.

My sister has done yoga and said that is really a workout too! Zumba can be fun, again instructors vary a lot in their style so it bears trying others if you haven't liked the first. THere are bike 'spinning' classes which are led by instructors and some 'go places' so the instructor leads you with some visualization of a setting.

There's a lot out there, and gyms have good advice too. And don't forget just parking farther away, or using the stairs.

Holly--
How can you stay skinny with all the amazing foods Ric cooks for you?

I often think about taking some kind of exercise classes, but i also know that
I will not make the time to stay faithful to it. Zumba at the Sr. Center does
interest me, as I like dance music, but it is offered on a day I work--Wed.
.
I think, physically, I am OK, even though my body has problems--mostly arthritis
in most joints. Lately, my right arm and hand is tingling and going numb when I sleep
Right now, as i type, all my fingers are tingling--an unpleasant feeling..
I know it is, probably, carpal tunnel stuff...or a pinched nerve in my neck??

My BP is OK (I take meds for it)--My bones are normal--pretty good for my age.
My weight is pretty same old-same old over the years, give or take 5lbs.
What I know I lack is Cardio fitness. The kind where the heart starts pumping
harder and I keep breathing heavier. Zumba would help there...
I could also do the steps thing at home..Step up--step down--up--down--up down...
Walking would not last--as my hips start hurting after a few minutes.

Now that I am back in Garden at the HD--I walk a few miles every day throughout the store.
I bend...I lift...and do other heavy work. Doing packdown includes all that.

At home (except in gardening season) I do veg a lot...right here--at the "C"..
Friday--I will get to shovel snow....YEAH!

Stay safe--you all! G.

I have become more of aware of what Holly can eat and like. I try to focus on those, proteins, some fats, and veggies can keep blood sugar more stable. Sugar is not as bad a processed carbs and comes may ways. Fruit sugars, like an apple are easier to breakdown than processed sugar, and although it's a small amount, you use some of it too digest the fiber. Whole grains, red, brown and wild rices and much better that white bread. Studies have shown that the enzymes and some dairy fat will help burn fat. A gallon of ice cream isn't healthy but 4 ozs. of yogurt or a snack of cheese is a good way to get the recommended 4 servings of dairy.

Good for you, Ric.

I try to stay away from all the "bad" stuff too--but I have a sweet tooth.
Always grab a few jelly beans--or a fun-sized chocolate candy.

I crave sweets.....so I keep tiny ones around.
I seldom eat carbs..don't even want the roll of a hamburger or pasta or such.
The only bread I buy is "Miltons Multi Grain Bread"--hard to find...it is 99% fat free
and loaded with all kinds of whole seeds and grains.
It is hard to find. The wrap has purple on it. I find it at Walmart.
Trader Joe's also has it. maybe the "Whole Foods" places have it?
Not sure.....never shop there...

Here is what it looks like....you can google it...

http://www.schwebels.com/freshly-baked-breads/whole-grain-and-multi-grain-breads/miltons-healthy-mutli-grain

Although I won't answer for it's "karmic value," many folks don't realize that converted rice (eg, Uncle Ben's) has about the same glycemic index (how quickly its sugars go into the bloodstream) as brown rice. The bran is still there (or mostly) on converted rice, since it's been driven into the grain rather than polished off. Basmati rice is just a little "worse" than brown or converted... but jasmine rice and regular white rice are definitely higher, and if you're watching glycemic index then stay away from instant rice (or instant anything), as it's pretty much the same as eating a serving of white sugar.

We sound like we all have some New Year's Resolutions in mind this week! Good for us. :-)

Have I told you all just how much I "LOVE" heating with coal??????
It is a stunning 9* outside and a balmy 81* inside. Between the coal stove and the heat gain from the passive solar I am just so toasty and warm....
Well I am when I come back inside from doing the outside chores that is. LOL

Glad you're staying toasty, Holly!

Hope everybody is safe, especially with slippery sidewalks & walkways. "Ice Melt" just doesn't work when temps are this low!

I'm doing well with using that compression pump & sleeve, and it gives me a good excuse to sit on the couch for an hour straight twice/day! It's definitely helping to reduce the volume of swelling, although I still need to do some manual work to make sure the built-up extra proteins (from the prolonged lymph swelling) move out of my arm, too.

Shoulder is way better, so I'm definitely mending! Hoping to switch from twice/week to once/week PT after Tuesday's evaluation.

AND my favorite garden helper just came back home, still doing an outpatient program but home by 3 every day. You should have heard the shrieks of delight here when she called -- not all from Joyanna, either. We missed our Meghan! :-)

I told her any day we can get a shovel in the ground, I want to hire her for a couple of hours! Actually, I should hire her on the in-between days, too, as an organizer/mover/etc. Joyanna could use some Meghan time, too! (wonder if she would play Barbies? LOL)

Critter, so glad to hear the compression pump is working and giving you some relief!!

This morning I need to go out and clear the car off and get ready to do some driving. Better get my super warm gloves and boots on!

Be careful out there! Super warm -- good choice. :-) A bag of kitty litter in your trunk is also good in case you get into a wheel-spinning situation. Be sure you have your cell phone -- charged! :-)

Blue skies right now, but I think "they" are still forecasting snow today/tomorrow.

So glad that you are doing better. I was thinking that our neighborhood sure could use a few friendly teenagers that could use a few $$. I am so glad that Joyanna is taking swimming lessons, hopefully with a few more she will learn to love it. I remember that Lucas wasn't thrilled with them at first but he has since become a water puppy. I finished up the last of the shoveling yesterday morning. Just had a few spots secondary paths that needed cleaned up. Only thing not done is the parking area out front. Ric's cold came back Sat night and I wasn't pushing (actually needed to say NO) for him to go out and run the plow.
I am finally taking the ornaments off the tree and starting to put away all the Christmas decorations. The new camera came in yesterday so I will have plenty to keep me busy.

Critter, it's wonderful that you're getting some relief from the swelling. When I shattered my wrist, most of the discomfort came from the swelling due to disturbed lymphs. They took a long while to settle down, but after a year and a half the swelling subsided for good.

If I lived closer, I'd come to play "Barbies". With 8 grandsons, we don't do any of that stuff and I'm sure I'm missing something.

Great that you have Meghan!

Anybody who would like to play Barbies is welcome any time! LOL I was never "into" dolls as a child, and that really hasn't changed. Joyanna, on the other hand, is just dolls, dolls, dolls. Barbies, "my little pony," various stuffed animals, smaller figurines... Santa did indulge that passion (although I rolled my eyes a couple times and wondered what I was doing), so she has a big dollhouse in her room now and plenty of dolls to populate it. Must arrange more playdates!! :-)

Checked the forecast, and now it's freezing rain & rain today, then temps plummeting tomorrow. Praying for the roads to be as safe as possible!

LOL Roses, Didn't realize that you had 8 GS. WOW I bet that is really something when they all get together. I know the older ones keep the younger ones busy but that really is a lot going on. I must say that your drive and stamina always amazes me.

Guess I had better get out there this morning and fill the coal buckets and take out the ashes while the weather is decent.

Glad to hear the pimp is working, Jill and that the swelling is easing some.

I wasn't much in to dolls either, but now have 7 granddaughters. Hehehe.

Sometimes the littlest of typos can really give a chuckle. Gotta love that pimp LOL.

Funny, I wasn't in to dolls either. I liked reading, building puzzles, and tree houses.

I was reticent to point out that typo!!! My mom bought me a beautiful baby doll and coach carriage in hopes of diverting my interest from the schoolyard across the street where the boys played basketball and stick ball. I took that thing around the block once and made the decision that the boys' forms of recreation were MUCH more interesting.

This message was edited Jan 5, 2014 4:09 PM

I think Jan and Roses need to exchange a few Grands. LOL