Weighty Subject

No, I'm not referring to the tree which by the way was light as a feather HAH!

No...I'm referring to my own weight.

I did something I've never done before while at the doctor's office last week but forgot

to mention it in yesterday's post.

The nurse wanted my height and weight.

Nothing unusual about that.

When I stepped on the scale I just looked at the ceiling.

YUP, never done that before. 

Usually I anxiously watch the scale and want to tell the nurse that my

clothing must weigh at least 10lbs so please deduct that from the overall total!!

But...I don't need to know my weight any more or obsess about it.

I don't care what I weigh. 

It took me awhile to find a photo of myself in my khaki hiking pants

but I finally did. Why?

These are my favourite pants of all time.

As long as they fit then my weight is perfect!

There have been times when the zipper is hard to do up so

I modify my diet a bit and/or exercise more.

But when I put them on last week for my jaunt through Kilally Meadows 

they slipped on and did up easily.

That's all I need to know.

I'm the perfect weight!

Retirement Update

I noticed a blog post the other day (http://ndchicscents.blogspot.ca/) entitled "Retirement Update" which motivated me to provide one too.

Yup, still retired!!

When I was approaching retirement I thought I would give myself a year to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. It turns out a year wasn't long enough.  Bear in mind that a lot of life-changing events occurred over the past year and a half in addition to retirement: relationship ending, loss of future plans, 20 year old pet passed away, had to sell house in PEI, living on half the income I was used to, and a back injury.... which all contributed to low level depression and anxiety. Adjusting to retirement isn't as easy as it would seem!

So...where do things stand now?

• health: medication is helping both with both back pain and mood enabling me to get physical once again; riding my back  bike (thanks for catching that typo sis!) and going to yoga and meditation has also helped me both physically and mentally. I still see a counsellor and am on a wait list for "group therapy"
• social contact: staying in touch with people is so important but not easy for me being the introvert than I am: every day I try to connect with a few people through texting, emailing, Facebook, blog, phone calls, going to social events, getting together with family, becoming more of an activist and so on. I still have days when I'd rather not see anyone 
• reviving old hobbies: my brother said to think back to childhood when we naturally gravitated to the hobbies and activities that we loved: for me that included biking, sewing and reading as well as sports, board games and playing cards. I also loved to draw, play piano and be creative. So far I have done one sewing project with another in the works, I have purchased a book about drawing as well as an "adult colouring book". I am working (slowly) on carving a piece of soapstone and indulge my love of reading every day. As a child one of my favourite things to do was to put a book and a bagged lunch in my bike's basket and ride out into the countryside, then climbed a tree to read and eat my lunch :) These days I try to get out on my bike every day but so far haven't gone out into the countryside with a book and a lunch. I'll add that to my to do list! I go to a "sports night" once a month in addition to a monthly "games night" and last week I started going to a weekly "euchre night" which has been fun. Usually I get out to see one movie a week with a friend
• new hobbies/activities: what would I like to do that I haven't tried yet? Painting, particularly water colours, learn a new instrument or purchase a keyboard, go back to school (tuition at my alma mater is free at age 60) so I'm considering attending part-time next year - perhaps a degree in film or getting back into the visual arts
• volunteering: haven't made my mind up about that one yet - I want to volunteer but not sure about where or how often. I sort of dread being on a schedule
• part-time work: at this point in time I don't feel inclined to get a part-time job
• travel: planning a trip or two each year is fun and exciting yet expensive. Once my Canada Pension Plan kicks in next May I'll be able to travel more frequently.
• redecorating: still working away at this though things have slowed down now as the weather is too nice to be inside as much. Hopefully I'll feel more motivated in the fall...

So things are moving along. I would say the biggest barrier is lack of "motivation".  I get things done but at a much slower pace than in the past and have to push myself to move some days. I feel that I'm on the right path and need to be more patient with myself. It's been a HUGE adjustment and it's not over yet. 

I'll be OK.

A Lost Day: Stupid Toe

I lost a day yesterday.

It all began when clipping my toenails Monday. Just so you know I'm NOT going to show you any photos! There's nothing to see here folks, just move along!

One of my toes started hurting a few days ago so I figured the nails were due for a clipping. I don't really examine my toes closely on a daily basis - they're just there at the end of my feet and make themselves known when they need some care. I do trim my toenails on a fairly regular basis as when they get too long they can start digging into the toe beside them.

The one toe that hurt a little did look a bit red. I noticed the nail was lifting up too and that there was something between the nail bed and the nail. At first I thought - FUNGUS - HORRORS! But then as I clipped the nail I knicked the skin and it drained like a blister. From my reading it appears that I could lose my toenail (but grow a new one) and that's ok with me as long as it's not FUNGUS!! 

So yesterday was spent researching and gazing in horror at fungus photos, blister photos, trying home remedies (just in case) and generally being in a funk. I have a doctor's app't tomorrow.

I was so focussed on my stupid toe yesterday I forgot to put out my recycling (actually...I took it out this morning and then realized I missed a day...) I forgot to exercise, forgot to go to meditation...a lost day. Stupid toe. Here it is Wednesday but I'm thinking it's only Tuesday.

Drat!

It's the Little Things in Life...

...that annoy me!! This has been a week of getting those little annoying jobs done. I've been working away at my list and while it's getting shorter I keep thinking of more things to add to it. Grrrr...it seems like the to-do list never really gets to-DONE!!

So far this week I've changed the furnace filter - Luna and I have been sneezing a lot so I thought perhaps there's too much dust in the air? But it needs to be done on a regular basis anyways....
*(Luna has not sneezed once in the past two days...so success??)

Then I returned a pair of Icers to Lee Valley for a refund:

I've worn the "icers" over my hiking boots several times since I purchased them in November and haven't enjoyed the experience. No matter how I adjusted them the toe straps would end up coming off and I'd be trailing one or both icers behind me. They are also heavy and clunky and I think may have contributed to my sore hip. Happily I received a full refund even though I was over the 90 day return policy. I didn't say a word about it and thankfully neither did the cashier!

**(Just so you don't think I'm in danger of sliding off into the ravine here's a picture of my hiking boots - the very amazing Lowa Renegades. I've worn them without Icers on many occasions over snow and ice and find they work very well on their own. Look at that tread!!)

Another nagging errand that's been hanging around for awhile involved a gift I received at Christmas. Kazi bought me several hand towels and wash cloths in "Anchor Grey" from Home Outfitters. Just what I wanted! (she can take a hint hint) But when I washed them prior to using one of the hand towels frayed around the edges. I dutifully went to exchange it but they were out of stock and gave me a gift card. So yesterday I gave them a call to see if they had them in stock now. (after 2 months - see how long I can procrastinate??)

After being transferred a few times and then ultimately cut off (!!!) I managed to reach a real person who set aside a hand towel for me. Well wouldn't you know it came to $2.62 more than the value of the gift card??  Hmmmm...yes, it was on sale originally and now it wasn't!! NOT MY PROBLEM!! The cashier saw it from my point of view (I can be persuasive when I need to be!) and after keying in a discount or two I left with my new hand towel. It sure better not unravel!!

Another odd little errand I had involved this:

I don't know if this will amount to anything but I found an old roll of 35mm film in a drawer whist rummaging for something else. I'm very curious to see if there's anything on it. I can remember when I started using a digital camera - Kazi and I went to Nova Scotia for a highland dance competition when she was 15. Now she's 24 so this roll of film is at least 9 years old! I don't want to get too excited about this but I'm seeing a potential Christmas gift for Kazi (my main photo subject!!)!! Keeping my fingers crossed!  Oh, and by the way...Walmart doesn't do "film" anymore but Shoppers Drugmart does!! But not quickly...

My exercise chart in the sidebar has been updated - "due to weather beyond my control" I've biked inside for the last two days. Today, however, the sun is shining and it's a balmy -2c so after I have lunch I'm going for a hike along the river!! March Mojo Madness continues!!

Spring is in the air!!

Famous last words!!

Have you had any odd, annoying little errands/jobs to complete lately?

March Mojo Madness

March is dedicated to getting back my mojo - my "exercise" mojo that is. I glanced at my sidebar today and noticed I hadn't hiked/biked/walked or much of anything else (I've done a little yoga) since Feb. 8th! That must be when we entered the hellish deep freeze of 2015!

Today the temperature registered as slightly less bone-chilling than the last few weeks so I managed to drag my sorry butt out for a hike of 5km. I'm "treating" you to 5 photos from today's hike, 4 of which showcase our remarkably hardy Canada Geese. Though I heard today that even the geese are struggling with frozen bills!!

Can you imagine living OUTSIDE the past couple of months?? Even worse - having to stick your legs in ice cold water??!!

I was feeling sorry for the geese today...

So I am challenging myself to MOVE!! EVERY DAY!!  For the month of March and beyond! Maybe it'll help me feel warm!

Do you get sluggish in the winter?

Best Laid Plans...

... gang aft agley...!!

Although I said I was going to wait to see my "tax situation" I've gone and booked my flight!!

Into Manchester!!

To hike Hadrian's Wall with my friend and fellow blogger Annie!!

Most of you know Annie - but here's her blog url, just in case you haven't met her yet: "Northern Living Allowance."  If you are a regular reader of my blog you'll know that Annie and I met up for the first time in person on my last trip to England. We forgot to take a selfie during that visit so I decided to make another journey across the pond :) We connected through our blogs... oh I don't know...5 years ago? 6? Annie used to live in Canada, in the Yukon no less!! But she felt the call to move to England and is enjoying new adventures there and LOVING it!!

(**I thought I was getting a great deal on my flight until I discovered it was in American dollars!! Once converted into Canadian dollars ay yi yi!!)

So I'll keep posting wonderful photos to make myself feel better - I mean...who can put a price on THIS!!

 Or THIS!!

And then there's THIS!

I've been pouring over my big map of England which is spread out over my dining room table to decide where I'll spend a few days after our hike is over. I'm considering one of the following: Liverpool, York, Edinburgh, the Lake District... right now I'm most interested in York or Edinburgh. Decisions, decisions!!

Thanks Mike for the advice about the waterproofs - I realize I probably won't be so lucky a second time around. Last year's trip saw me carry my rain gear daily in my back pack where it stayed - for TWO weeks - no rain!! But I am realistic and know that was an anomaly!! (Though I'll keep my fingers crossed that the good weather fairy will follow me around again!)

Having this trip to plan for and look forward to has really lifted my spirits - I read recently that we get just as much joy and excitement from the planning stages as we do from the actual trip. Ain't that a trip?!

Plus I needed some motivation to get eating right and moving more - this should do the trick!

Now I need to plan my trip to PEI this spring!! I'll be busier than a rooster in a henhouse!

My glutes hurt maximus!!

...but I'll spare you any photos of my glutes!!! You'll just have to take my word for it, aren't you relieved?!

Yesterday I decided to challenge myself. After 2 two hour hikes earlier in the week (Tues. & Thurs.) I signed up for a 4-5 hour hike on Saturday with a hike leader who is known to keep a brisk pace. We left at 9am and were back by 2pm and I was never so glad to get into my truck and SIT DOWN!! Wow, what a workout! The trails were frozen slush and I never knew before what part our glutes play in maintaining one's balance while walking/hiking/climbing on ice. We ended up slipping and sliding our way through 19 kilometres!!

We hiked along the Thames River - the temperature hovered around 0c and we encountered some freezing rain for awhile - really lifted our spirits!!

I didn't have a lot of time for photos - occasionally we would stop for 2 minutes to have a drink of water and blow our noses so I snapped what I could during those breaks.

Drink break!

Listening to our leader's instructions...the guy is turning 73 next month and looks about 50! I think I'll keep hiking - maybe I can turn back time!!

 No sunshine unfortunately, it was a pretty dreary day...but the company was good!

This call's for you! (not)

Stopping for lunch - this guy's an experienced hiker - he had a rubber pad in his pack to sit on while he ate.

 Here I am using a handy log to put my stuff on during a break.  You have to be fast - take off backpack, get water - glug glug glug - grab some almonds or a cheese string for protein - munch munch munch; blow nose, snap a photo if there's time, put backpack back on - trudge trudge trudge!

What luxury!! A park bench to sit on while eating a quick lunch -  rice crackers and hummus (gotta have lots of protein), a cheese string and an apple. Still lots of almonds in my pocket if I need them.

Once home I ran a hot bath and had a good soak and at bedtime I popped a couple of Advil. My hip joints were feeling it along with my glutes, other than that I was fine. I even managed to go to Games Night at a nearby school with some of my hiking friends. But by 9:45pm I was ready to crash on the floor so I went home to bed. Today I was a bit achy but not bad. I thought I'd better get out for a walk and loosen up my tight muscles and achy joints (such a gorgeous sunny day today but COLD!) so walked 4 km to Timmy's and back. I'm surprised that I have so little pain - surprised and HAPPY!

I've been keeping track of my mileage in the sidebar - since October I've walked/hiked and biked 711km give or take. I'm pretty proud of that. 

Did you get outside this weekend? What's the weather like where you are?? The East coast is in for a MASSIVE storm!!

Paddington Station to Moreton in Marsh

My luggage situation was this: a large purse to carry everything that I might need while travelling - my passport, my wallet, my tickets along with things I might need quick access to such as camera, phone, iPad, iPod, rechargers, lip balm, snacks, a newspaper. Then I had a backpack (my carryon) which had my raincoat, rain pants (both never used on this trip), first aid kit, packaged snacks for my walks, binoculars (never used), waterproof cover for backpack (never used), wipes, hand sanitizer, water bottle etc; and a medium-sized suitcase with clothing for hiking and post-hiking activities, extra shoes, toiletries, socks etc. I used almost ALL of my clothes.

 I took the London Express from Heathrow to Paddington Station because from Paddington there was a direct train to Moreton-in-Marsh where my walk began. I used my Oyster card to pay for the trip. A seasoned traveller now :)

Paddington Station seemed huge! And noisy and busy! I wandered aimlessly for a few minutes taking in the sights.

 the large windows...

the many platforms...

Then I found a place where I could store my suitcase so I could go outside and have a look around at the big city of London. It cost L6 per suitcase for 3 hours so I only stored my suitcase and continued to wear my backpack and carry my purse. Perhaps not the wisest decision but I am forever frugal!

 One thing I got into the habit of doing was taking pictures of my surroundings in the hopes that if I got lost the photos would help me find my way back! Thankfully I never had to test that theory!

 so this is the intersection nearest Paddington...

 this one I took because of the palm tree - it still amuses me that there are palm trees in England!

You will see a lot of architectural photos - I studied architecture, specifically churches & cathedrals while studying Visual Arts and Art History when at university so I can't help myself. Feel free to zip on by them.

While walking around I came across this quiet little lane leading into some residential housing - doesn't it look like a nice little sanctuary in the middle of the busy city?

 Speaking of sanctuaries - this is mine! I found a quiet place where I could sit, read my newspaper and watch people go by. I am by nature a people watcher. I just wish I could find a sneaky way to take peoples' photos as they walked by but I thought that could be a dangerous habit so I mostly stuck to buildings. Mostly :)

 I kept thinking (hoping) Dick Van Dyke and the rest of the chimney sweeps from Mary Poppins were going to pop out of those chimneys! No such luck!

 Back I went to Paddington...

I went up to the 2nd floor and found a spot to sit in a restaurant where I could people watch to my heart's content.

 I hadn't had anything to eat yet and it was almost lunchtime. So I had some fortifying tea and eggs on toast. I made sure I ate lots of protein on my trip as I expended a lot of energy on my walks.

I collected my suitcase and watched the screens to see which platform I needed to access for my train to Moreton in Marsh.  I really enjoyed the trains in England - very comfortable, quiet and fast.

Though difficult for taking pictures clearly though this one isn't bad...

 One of the stations along the way - it was about a 2 hour trip.

The little station in Moreton in Marsh. People were getting taxis and limos but High St. (Main St.) was only a block away so I walked it and found my hotel easily.

Dear Diary:

Kittens are trying to write this entry! Why do kittens love keyboards? pft==97he3[ But it a=== makes no sensee=!!  Oh my![

Well I thought I was over my jet lag and then I overslept by 2 hours this morning!! What the heck!? Sigh...good thing I don't have to go anywhere today! I have two outings tomorrow and one on Friday plus on Friday I will buy the last few things I need for Thanksgiving dinner. I can't believe it's Thanksgiving weekend already! Yay - a long weekend! Who cares? Everyday is the weekend now:)

Went to El Ranchito for dinner with a former colleague last night which was yummy, very filling and fun getting caught up after not seeing her since early September. Then we met up with 2 other former colleagues (except they're not retired) to see the movie "Gone Girl" which I would highly recommend. It has a different ending than the book which sets it up perfectly for a sequel. Ben Affleck's penis WAS on display for a split second LOL!! as I had read in a review. Not long enough to form an opinion however! 

The sun is shining though it's only going up to 11c today and we're supposed to have some major winds. So I think I'll stick to riding my bike in the basement as my exercise du jour. And now...to read the newspaper. Life is tough.

Heathrow

The flight from Iceland to Heathrow was uneventful and quiet. We all snuggled down into our seats as much as we could with pillows and blankets but with seats that only reclined about 6 inches it wasn't easy. I wasn't able to sleep but at least I was resting in anticipation of the fun that is Heathrow Airport.

I was able to take a few photos of London from the air on approach to Heathrow. Although I was exhausted by this time I still felt the excitement of being in London, England!

Oh, did I mention I got patted down twice going through security? At Iceland and Heathrow. I was wearing hiking pants that had several pockets that snapped shut with metal clasps. The full body imaging scanner doesn't like those. That was my first, no second, "note to self" - (the first being never ever ever to take 3 flights again!!)

Anyways I finally got my suitcase - mine was nearly the last one, as per usual! I had my Heathrow experience all planned out and it went quite smoothly...after the pat down!  I found my way to the tube station where I purchased an Oyster card at a self service machine. An Oyster card allows you to travel on the tubes, buses etc. Much handier to have a loaded Oyster card than go digging for change or having to buy a ticket at each connection/stop. 

I had to get to Terminal 5 from Terminal 1 and during my research saw that the Piccadilly Line ran between the two. I checked with someone though, just to be sure. I got into the habit of always asking someone working at the stations I went through as I have a phobia that I'll end up going in the opposite direction I need to go...I'll be on the wrong side of the platform or something and I'll never be heard of again...so check, check and triple check! Everyone was very helpful, thank goodness and I only felt like an idiot on a few occasions :)

Ok, I got to Terminal 5...now what? Oh yes, I have to get outside somehow and find the bus stops. There was a free shuttle to my hotel, bus #423. I didn't have too far to go thankfully and it was a relief to be outside in the fresh air, as fresh as it can get anyways with dozens of double decker buses coming and going.

 It was about a 20 minute wait for the 423...

and it dropped me off near my hotel. I did have to walk a couple of blocks pulling my suitcase along behind me but I wasn't alone so I felt safe. I checked in and went to my room. It was pretty small but I was only there to sleep then go back to Heathrow in the morning to take the London Express to Paddington Station for the next leg of my journey.

I went to open my suitcase to get out my pjs only to discover that I had locked the keys to the suitcase padlock INSIDE the suitcase!! Oh great...I pulled my suitcase down to the small lobby and one of the employees went on a search for some tools. The first of my "idiot" moments. Within about 20 minutes he was able to pry off the lock. Fortunately I had brought two locks with keys so from then on I was VERY careful about where I put the keys!

 I managed to sleep 7 or 8 hours which was MAGNIFICENT!! 

I noticed when I arrived at the hotel that there was a pub right across the street with a sign that said "serving breakfast all day!" so I thought - wonderful - this is where I'll eat in the morning! However, in the daylight I was able to see another sign that said it opened at 11am. Rats...

So around 9:30am I was back on the 423 to Heathrow in order to catch the London Express to downtown London, Paddington Station to be exact...where my story will pick up tomorrow.

Dear Diary:

The girls are down for one of their several naps per day. I wondered if it was too soon to get new pets but Kazi really wanted to take advantage of the Pet Rescue Adoption weekend and I hoped a kitten (or two) would help to heal her heart. And mine. After being home for a couple of days and knowing that Tisky wasn't there...well, it was really hard. Especially when Kazi was out at work and I was alone in the house. It felt so empty. 

Kazi picked out the two tabby sisters and named them Luna and Lily. The cute factor in the house has gone up by 200%! Having new life in the house, newly rescued life, has really helped me with the loss of Tisky and also the letdown that always occurs after a trip. I got home and thought - now what?

I still don't know what's in the "big picture" for me. I'll continue to write and there's a project I can work on that will involve more travel in the future. I do feel a bit purposeless however, and in talking with my brother (also a retired teacher) and other retirees I know it'll take a while before life feels "normal". 

Although being retired is wonderful in many ways it's hard to let go of what was my life's work, my reason to get up at 5am every weekday and head off purposefully into the world. 

One day at a time.

Yesterday I decided I need to get back into an exercise regime - I don't want my newly discovered leg muscles to atrophy!! So I took one of my remaining gift cards (for The Bay) and walked to Masonville Mall and back. It took 1 hour and 10 minutes each way for a total distance of 12km. I tried out my new hiking shoes but found walking on concrete sidewalks is not a pleasant experience for my back, legs and feet. So I may stick to hiking paths for my exercise as much as possible. I must get back on my bike too.  Last night I popped the HUGE blister on my baby toe that I got from walking for miles and miles around the city of Norwich. I hope it doesn't take too long to heal.

I purchased a pair of Tommy Hilfiger dark denim jeans, a quirky sweater and a patterned top for fall. AND I ordered a sweater from Beyond the Rack, an online store here in Canada just to see what their quality is like. I started to clear out more stuff from my closet too with the goal being to have a much leaner but better quality wardrobe. I'm thinking my style will evolve totally into "casual and sporty".