Intense Reaction After My Second Moderna Vaccine

 On Thursday, I went to Vons for my second Moderna vaccine.  I felt fine for the rest of the day.  Yesterday, however, was a different story.   I got up early and did my watering.  That alone completely wiped me out; I crawled back into bed, feeling flattened. 

I had to cancel an appointment because I was so weak.  It was like having Covid all over again.  Fortunately, I had made a pot of beef stew the day before;  I knew I might not have the strength to cook.   I had heard that the reaction to the second shot  is worse for many people.  I felt like I had been poisoned.  

I developed a headache, broke out in a sweat, felt sick to my stomach, and was emotionally overwhelmed.  My main concern was not being able to meet my responsibilities.  My car was in the shop, and I needed to pick it up.  I called my neighbor, and she said she would drive me there by 5:00 p.m.  She suggested I tuck myself in and drink lots of fluids.  

At around noon, I felt strong enough to walk the mile to the mechanic.  I texted my neighbor and headed out in the sunshine.  It was a relief to drive the car home and take it easy for the rest of the day.  Today I feel back to normal.  The whole experience was a reminder that health is wealth. 

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What I Learned From Capsizing my Kayak

 After I had collected all of my things, which were floating away from me in several directions in the ocean, I placed everything in the sand.  I was careful not to do it too close to the water.  mindful of the tide.  I tipped my Oru kayak on its edge, and drained the water out of it.  It's twelve feet long, so it was a stretch.   At least there is a space which allowed the water to flow out.  Trying to salvage everything was stressful, and I felt self conscious.   I should have thanked the people in the sailboat, I think they were drifting my way to  check on me.  They probably saw the whole thing.  It happened so fast.  I was probably in shock.  I had packed a couple of rags to wipe the kayak down; they were wet and covered in sand.   I needed something clean and dry, so I used a small towel.  

I was very fortunate that all I lost was my shoe.  That short experience really shook me up.  I felt kind of overwhelmed with the cleanup.  I got it done, though.  I had to vacuum out the car the next day, which is par for the course.  I drove home barefoot.  I had been planning to stop at my mechanic's on the way home, but instead needed to pick up a change of clothing and shoes before going over there.  I didn't want to show up barefoot, or wearing one shoe.

A strange thought floated through my head as I was getting ready to leave the beach.  "At least my kayak is still alive," I heard myself think.  "How materialistic," a different side of me chided.  I felt like my intuition had clearly warned me to go home, a couple of times.  I thought I was being lazy.   The adventurous side of me fought my gut, and won.  Next time I will listen to my inner voice.   It made me understand why there are so many accidents with hikers and outdoors people.  Nobody thinks it's going to happen to them.  

Back to being relieved that my kayak wasn't damaged. It is my favorite toy, I must admit.    "At least I am alive," I corrected myself.  I had no idea that my kayak would feel like a paper plane in the ocean when a small wave hit it.  The manufacturer makes it clear that these kayaks are for still waters and lakes, yet I thought that I could handle it.  How foolish.  Paddling around the marina had given me a false sense of security.

Had I not packed my pouch in the dry bag, I could have lost my keys, debit cards, identification, etc.  I need to make more spare keys and keep them in a safe place.  I am also glad that I didn't bring Lula.  She had wanted to go.  I knew it wasn't a good idea.

I did have a life vest on, and I tightened it before boarding.  I stayed calm and remembered what I had seen in the safety video.  They stressed hanging on to your paddle.  Mine hit me in the mouth and I had a slight fat lip, with a little bit of blood.  

I talked with a senior kayaker in the parking lot as I left.  He was very wise and understanding.  He told me that the canoes they rent out capsize in the wind, too.  

More about him in the next post...

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My Kayak Capsized!

 On my latest kayaking adventure, I visited  a small beach in Ventura, near the harbor.  As I drove in, I spotted a few people loading their kayaks onto their cars.  I decided to park there and explore a new location.  

I had spent the morning bicycling along the beach bike path, watching the surfers, and wading in the water.  The waves were strong, and the undertow current was intense.  I normally go to the beach earlier in the morning, but had decided to wait for the fog to burn off, and the sun to appear.  I had an uneasy feeling about going kayaking, but decided to push through the resistance.  Before leaving, I had loaded up all of the equipment in my car.  I chided myself for not trying something new.

Getting out into the water  was slightly challenging, because the inlet had some small waves near the shore.  I paddled hard through them, and quickly made it to the deeper water, which seemed much calmer.  I was concerned about the wind, though.  I stayed in the view of people on the  beach, just in case.  After a short journey, I decided to head back to shore.  My plan was to ride a small wave in, and jump out of the kayak.

All was going well, but when my kayak hit the sand, the wave knocked it. It flipped the kayak upside down as I was getting out; it was such a shock.  I quickly grabbed the kayak and pulled it onto the sand.  It was filling with water, and getting heavy.  I reached for my paddle, as well, grabbing one in each hand.  The kayak felt weighted down because of the sand and water inside of it.  Luckily, I had inflated my float bags and placed them in the stern and bow of the boat before leaving.  They take up space and keep the kayak afloat.

I ran back into the water and saw  all of my things floating away from me: my dry bag, my white, wide brimmed vintage sun hat, my rubber gardening shoes with the pink tulips on them, I even spotted  my cane!  I snatched up everything as quickly as I could.  Thank goodness for the dry bag.  It was securely fastened, floating, and worked perfectly.  Inside of it was my pouch, which had my keys, my identification, vaccination card, and phone.  Phew!  I was missing one shoe, which I never found.  I felt very guilty about that black piece of rubber floating around in the ocean with the sea lions, whales and dolphins.  

To be continued...

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Heating Your Cabin With Wood

 

Last week I ordered the new wood burning insert for my fireplace, in brown.  It is being shipped from Colorado, and will arrive this week.  The installation date will depend on the contractor's availability and schedule.  I am so excited!  It's a beautiful looking piece, made in Canada.  Some of the parts are from Ireland.  Both locations get very, very, cold, and the craftsmen there know how to deal with the bitterly chilly weather.  

Many of you have been asking me to post photos of my home and possessions.  I'm sorry, but I don't reveal information about my whereabouts, schedule, or what I have recently purchased.  I have a friend who documented his move from Las Vegas to Canada on Facebook.   He had been very successful in show business, bought a house, and had furnished it with beautiful things.  He carefully  packed up all of his possessions, rented a U-Haul, and headed back home to help his mother.  He woke up at a motel in Utah to find that someone had stolen the entire U-Haul.  They had unhooked it from his SUV, (which he had also shown us, online.)  Nearly everything he owned was gone.  He had to go and buy socks and underwear at Walmart.  

I felt sick when reading his news.  Often people assume it is just friends reading their posts, but police have found that this is one of of the most common way thieves steal.  They follow your Facebook or blog posts.  People upload photos of their homes, their prized new purchases, and their vacation plans.  It makes it very easy for criminals to break into your house when you are out of town.

During times like this, we really have to be aware.  No one wants to be negative, but we do have to be realistic and mature.  Some things are better kept private, in my opinion.  Many of our blogs attract international audiences.  Mine has  readers from countries that I never even knew existed.  Networks can be vast.  It's better not to advertise certain things, in my opinion.  

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Debbie Downer: Disney World - SNL

Putting Things Away After a Remodel

 

The new  flooring is almost done, and it looks spectacular!  I am so happy that I chose the dark oak wood.  It looks very dramatic and impressive.  I am enjoying sweeping and using my new Swifter mop.  The owner gave me a cleaning kit, which was so sweet of him.  I used to be the queen of vacuuming.  

Yesterday afternoon I cleaned the end tables, the antique lamps, and carefully put everything away...it was like moving.  I replaced all the hand knit blankets and shawls.  I get very anxious and irritable when I have my stuff all over the place.  It felt so much better once everything was cleaned and put in its place.

Today I'll be making a trip to the dump to drop off the old throw rugs.  They look like they are about fifty years old.  The house feels so much better with less stuff.  I am going to donate the televisions and stereo system to the Salvation Army.  The seller left them here when she moved.  I use a lot of her stuff, but some of it I need to release to where it is needed.

The new ligt green carpeting feels incredibly squishy and soft.  I absolutely love it.  The old stuff was from the 1970's.  It's amazing how different a home feels with new carpets and floors.  I am excited to vacuum!  There is more work to be done, but it is very rewarding.   I can't wait to go swimming and kayaking again.  

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Oprah Winfrey Narrates This Is Broadway Short Film

Knowing What You Want in Retirement

 Retirement comes for many of us sooner than we expect.  It is crucial to have a plan for this stage of life.  It takes preparation, self knowledge, discipline, and focus.  For those over fifty, it can be shocking how difficult it is to find a new job if you become unable to work.  We don't realize we have gotten  behind in technology, or that an  injury or surgery might set us back and change our physical abilities.

I think one of the most important pieces to the retirement puzzle is owning your own home.  Having a paid off living space gives you peace of mind.  You don't have to worry about your rent being raised, or being evicted.  Timing is crucial, and finding a place with affordable property taxes makes a huge difference.

Smaller is better, in my opinion.  One of my friends lives in a tiny home.  It is challenging in some ways for her.  She has to climb up into a loft and jimmy her way into the bed at night.  She has back issues and has had her hips replaced.  She told me that she plans to move to another model with a bed on the main floor.  

Hers also only had a bench for seating.  She said it was extremely uncomfortable to sit there at her age.  There is not room for a couch.  She now has a recliner and is much more relaxed when she is lounging, talking on the phone, or reading.  She can pay her bills, though.

I basically rehearsed  my retirement for decades.  I learned to live on less, wrote out a detailed budget, and planted numerous fruit trees, vegetables, and berries.  Since I love my antiques and vintage items, I didn't need to go out and make any major purchases.  What I own is very well made, and will last me the rest of my life.  I have been making final upgrades to my home so that I don't have to worry about things like a new roof when I am a little old lady.

Are you prepared for retirement?  Will you stay in your current location?

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Bernstein : Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

I Got Vaccinated!

 Last week I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine.  I went to Vons and had it done there.  I was surprised at how painful it was, even though I used my yoga breathing to relax.   I had just been kayaking for several miles in Marina del Rey, so that may have had something to do with it.  The nurse told me to relax my arm even though it was relaxed.   The injection reminded me of a novocaine shot.  It was definitely worth it, though.  I appreciate that we have these vaccines available and that they are free of charge.

I have been watching the Youtube videos of parents in their thirties and forties dying of Covid.  It is just tragic.  So often both parents suffer with severe breathing problems  and then leave the planet together.  I am very worried about all of the orphans.  Covid is such a frightening way to die.

My arm was tender and swollen for a few days.  Last night I also had some intnse pain deep in my hip joint.  It caused me to limp and lose sleep, but all is well now.  I iced it last night and took a hot bath in epsom salts this morning. 

 I had some lower abdominal cramping the day after I receive my vaccine.  It felt like when you are on your period.  I normally never got cramps, thanks to yoga.  I have read cases of women menstruating after having after the vaccine, even though they have gone through menopause.  I also developed some small pink spots on my arm, but they have faded.  Phew!

If you have been vaccinated, did you have any side effects?  

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Lining Up Contractors for Home Repairs

 Yesterday I received a beautiful, hand painted mailbox in the mail that I had ordered for my cottage.  The old one, (which was handmade,) needed to be replaced.    I ordered the replacement on Etsy from TheFlowerPicker@etsy.com.  I knew as soon as I saw her work that she was the artist for me!  The outside looks like a romantic painting.  I love the pastel shades and the exquisite detail.

I have  a representative from a vinyl fence company coming to take measurements to replace my very old and worn wooden fence.  Keeping it painted and repaired has been a hassle.  It's time for a change.  He asked if I want to install a picket fence, but I am going to stick  with the ranch style.   Its suits this area, where the neighbors have horses, chickens, and goats.  It also frames a small home nicely.    Simpler is usually better, I find.   I will have them replace the mailbox post, as well.  

I am also looking into having some masonry done on the outside of the cottage.  The paint tends to peel along the bottom of the house.  I think the stone work would alleviate that; plus I like the look.  I will even get a quote to see how much it will cost to cover the entire house with rocks.  Less work in the future as I age appeals to me.

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No Gas For a Week

 Last Wednesday, the gas was shut off at my cabin.  The gas company informed me that my usage had increased, and they were concerned that I had some  leaks.  I didn't smell gas, and my carbon monoxide alarms hadn't gone off, so I didn't understand where the leaks could be.  My intuition had told me that I would probably need to replace the heaters from the fifties very soon. 

My bill was about five dollars higher than last year at this time.  I checked the history and usage.  At first they thought it was the sauna, but that was wrong.  It turned out to be the gas lines under the house that went to the floor heaters and to where the dryer used to be.  

I may purchase an insert for my fireplace that will turn it into a wood stove.  That way the whole house will be heated.  There are small electric heaters in the bathrooms and pantry.  I am replacing the hardwood floors this month, so the timing is perfect.  They can place the oak panels over where the vents used to be.

The girls who did all the work were amazing!  They laughed together as they crawled through the crawl space, wearing their coveralls and knee pads.  I was so impressed with their talent, enthusiasm, and positive energy.  They went way beyond the call of duty for me.  They were delightful to have in my home.  Tonight I was finally able to take a bath and use the sauna again.  All's well that ends well.

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Sleeping Under the Stars, Walking Barefoot on the Grass, and Stepping on Wet Rocks

 

I have been implementing more of my favorite naturopath remedies and habits over the past week.    I have to say that the results are incredible!   A lot of these behaviors are things that many of us did naturally, as children.  

 As a little girl, I always wanted to sleep outside on the chaise lounges with my best friend.  I regularly  spent the night at her charming  home in Hillsborough, California.  It was surrounded by oak trees, and there was an abundance of wildlife in the area.  Raccoons, mountain lions, deer, and squirrels were frequent visitors.   We agreed to camp outside one night, placing our sleeping bags on her family's plush, redwood lawn furniture.  I loved it, the sound of the crickets, the fresh night air, and the excitement,  but  Karen decided that she wanted to go back inside, and sleep in her own bed.   She ignored my begging, and  I reluctantly followed.  I didn't want to get eaten by a wild animal, and was too afraid to stay out on her deck alone.  

Nudity is also an element of what some of the naturopaths teach.  In Europe, people are relaxed and comfortable with using the sauna, whirlpool, and cold plunge naked.  Sunbathing in the nude can be incredibly liberating, but you need privacy.  (or to be in a country where it is considered acceptable.)  Some balconies are built in such a way where you can't be seen.  They look like boats, and are usually upstairs, away from prying eyes.

When I was in Vienna with "42nd Street," I loved to visit Krapenwald, an outdoor swimming pool set in a gorgeous lawn, with my show friends.  The place was filled with swanky people, all very beautiful and chic.  It felt like a resort.  The women sunbathed topless, and the pool was surrounded by the enchanting Vienna Woods.  I remember watching some of the women, (who looked like models,) drinking buttermilk from slender milk cartons.  It was very popular with them.  Their bodies were smooth, feminine, and sleek.

The last time I was in Malibu, I pulled over to the side of Pacific Coast Highway, and climbed down on the large, black rocks that were stacked on the shoreline.  Lula and I listened to the waves crashing and absorbed the salty air on our skin.  It was hypnotic.  I swear the energy from those rocks charged me up in a way that I've never felt before in  my life.  They were huge, and felt like vast storehouses of life force energy.  

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