Testing Your Home for an Unexpected Fall or Injury

 Recently I incurred an unexpected joint injury.  Although I had read numerous articles on preparing your home for retirement and old age, I had put off some of the changes, thinking that I had plenty of time. 

Generally, we don't plan to fall, get sick, or have an accident.   The situation we have created at home is what we are stuck with while limping or hobbling around, unable to put weight on one of our legs.  In my case, I was relieved  that I had stored my mom's walker in the closet in case of such an event. 

It enabled me to take the dogs out, (by sitting in it on the deck, like a wheelchair, and using their retractable leash,) I could put the ice bags in the pouch, get my dishes done, and prepare my coffee for the morning.

One thing I didn't anticipate was the level of pain.  I nearly passed out, and felt like I was going to vomit.  I laid on the floor with my legs elevated and practiced my yoga breathing.  The dogs sensed the intensity of the situation. The pranayama practice calmed me down, and then I took a Motrin.  "Take two," I heard my mom's voice say.  I did.  She always was big on "staying ahead of the pain."   The effect was immediate.  I was SO glad that I had a bottle in the medicine cabinet.  The over-the-counter variety works like a miracle on me.  I almost never take anything, even an aspirin.  In this case it brought me from agony to a level of comfort and the ability to ice the joint for hours.

The previous owner left several ice packs in the freezer, so they were ready to go and really helped to reduce the pain and swelling.  The golfball shape reminded me of having a lump on my head as a kid.  

If you were to get hurt suddenly, would you be able to get around and take care of yourself?  I am so glad that I saved my walker from my hip replacement surgery, and my crutches from when I broke my toe.  A visit to the emergency room would have been stressful, crowded, and probably would have taken hours.  It also would have been very expensive.  It pays to be prepared.  After one night, I was walking unassisted again, and off the pain medication.

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Merry Christmas!

 Happy Holidays to all of my blogging friends and readers.  I appreciate all of you.   I hope you had a wonderful time, however you spent it.  Last week, I was fortunate enough to see the touring company of "Ain't Too Proud" at The Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles.  It was a fantastic experience.  The talent was superb. 

It was a show about the life and times of The Temptations.  Their songs and dances were so inspiring.  Sergio Trujillo did the choreography, which was fabulous.  He is such a master.  I feel like I am watching an extension of Fosse when I see his work.  It's brilliant.

Traffic was congested on the way there.  Fortunately, I had allowed plenty of extra time.  The show was well worth it.  I think there were more cars on the freeways because of the holidays.  The people sitting near me were friendly and social.  

I heard from many friends across the globe calling or writing to wish me a Merry Christmas.  It warmed my heart to see and hear each message.  The Internet is quite amazing.  We are able to keep in touch with so many people.  Did you hear from anyone special?

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Winter Chores Keep You in Shape

 

When you heat your home with wood, there are numerous trips to the woodpile that have to be made.     The logs need to dry out, you must plan for raging storms and dark nights, and you certainly don't want to run out of fuel.

It's important to clear the snow and ice off of your deck.  All of that water does damage if it's just sitting there for days.  The snow does melt it, but it will leave a mark on the side of your cabin if it's not removed.  I had a lot of discoloration on my home's exterior because the cabin had been sitting empty for two and a half years.  

It's invigorating to be out in the mountain air, shoveling snow.  You don't need to pay for a gym membership, and your muscles will feel it!  It also provides the trees with much needed water.  Clearing your deck means you are far less likely to slip, which is easy to do when it's icy and the temperatures are at or below freezing.

The more of these chores you can do yourself, the less expensive it will be.  If you get out and clear your driveway while it's still powder, the work is much lighter and easier.  I invested in winter tires this year, and I haven't needed to put on my chains.  I still keep them in my trunk, in case we experience extreme conditions.  It's important to start your car regularly, so that you don't wind up with a dead battery.  

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You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - (Original version)

The Grinch and the Garden

 

I found this set of Christmas characters from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas today.  Aren't they cute?  I adored that movie as a child, still do.   I have been singing the songs from it all afternoon.  What a brilliant piece of art it was, and so funny...

I have roses opening in December!  I think it's because I didn't prune back them for winter.  I'm hoping they will become huge.  We have had some nice rain, too.  The soil is rich and healthy, thanks to the straw mulch.  I love roses...they are the perfect flower to have in a cottage garden.  They make my heart sing.

The Algerian Tangerine tree is loaded with fruit.  Each year it gets bigger and stronger.  Eventually it will be three times this size.  In the early days, many of the homes in Southern California had fruit trees in the front yards.  Green lawns then came into fashion, but that has changed, with the drought.  There are a lot of squirming earthworms in this soil,  When I first bought the house, the front yard was hard, red clay and tangled bermuda grass.   It is rewarding to see the growth and improvement.  The tangerines are a bit small, but they taste delicious.  We are expecting rain, so that will help them to become bigger and jucier.

How is your garden right now?  Are you growing any food?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please reply in English.  Those with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Enjoying Your Cabin in the Winter

 

The weather has been a little warmer this week, and we have been feeling cozy and warm by the fire.  I love this time of year.  The daylight ends so quickly.  It's amazing.  Our cabin was designed perfectly for this weather.  I close off the main area and it stays comfortable and holds the heat well.  

The dogs konk out in front of the fire, snoozing on the couch.  I found that sweet little oak rocking chair at Alice's Vintage Cottage.  She has the prettiest things.  It's a cozy spot to sit and watch the sunrise each morning.  That vintage marble slab happened to fit perfectly on the coffee table.  What luck.

Last week I had the beach to myself when I went kayaking,  It was a gorgeous day; I saw a few sea lions relaxing on the dock.  There were two pelicans with their sweet babies in the water.  It was thrilling to watch them soar, dive, and fish. 

 I thought there would still be tourists in LA from Thanksgiving, but it was very quiet.  

I do love where I live.  How are things at your place right now?