Best Of

Harley, I once had an orthopod who responded, when I asked if my weight had contributed to my foot fracture, "I don't like to discuss that on the first date." At this point, I would just let it roll off my back—the trend now is for doctors to zero in on lifestyle issues no matter the reason for your visit (likely because they're trying to cut back on prescribing meds and especially procedures that cost the system $$$ or affect their capitation compensation). It is what it is and they are what they are. Alternatively, you could be proactive and start the discussion with an acknowledgment that you know you are several lbs. away from a desirable BMI, and then move on to the actual medical issue at hand.

I had a Fitbit Blaze (with the integrated band) that overheated and gave me second-degree burns on my wrist beneath the LEDs. Traded it in on another model with interchangeable bands—but after a year it would no longer hold a charge and it, too, got hot. So in 2017 I switched to an Apple Watch Series 2. I'm using the Series 9 now—and really appreciate the cardiogram and O2 sat features (the latter feature is no longer available due to a patent infringement lawsuit). Mine's costlier than a Fitbit because I got the cellular version (comes in handy if I've forgotten my phone); it also will send a 911 signal with my exact location should I fall or be injured and be unable to respond. Downside (besides price) is the battery life is inferior to a Fitbit (in good working order), so that I remove it at night to charge it, which makes sleep-tracking impossible (as if I couldn't tell the "old-fashioned way"). I wear my cheap old Indiglo to bed so I can see what time it is in the dark without having to stretch over and hit the Apple Watch in "nightstand mode" to find out.

The hits just keep on coming. Went over to the house to drop off laundry for Rinse. Landscaper was there. He was going to start sodding the yard, but it turns out the contractor (and his plumber) screwed up the hose-bib reinstall and the landscaper has to get a part to fix it and set up the hose & sprinkler. Turned on the dishwasher to test it with a Rinse & Hold cycle…instead I got a flashing red light next to "Intake/Drain." Yup—screwed up that connection too (probably when hooking up the disposal). Finally, over the past week our garage door opener has been intermittently refusing to acknowledge our remotes (fresh batteries installed). And now the wall button sometimes works & sometimes freezes up: the door opens & closes only part way the first few times I try to operate it. (Unrelated to the fire, as it's a detached garage). So tomorrow I have the garage door repairmen coming over—hope I don't need a new door & opener (ours is 20 yrs old).

I sent texts to the crew chief, contractor liaison & electrician about the various woes I described earlier (as well as to light a fire—pun intended—unter the contractor to measure and install the mini-blunds as promised). Contractor called me back, incredulous that we're still in Lincolnwood. He said "why haven't you moved back? The house passed inspection." So I let him have it: we can't get our stuff moved back till 8/8 (the few things we have were a rush order). I told him in no uncertsin terms that I have no intention of "camping out" like we did at our first apartment until we got some furniture. He backed down.

DGS helped with weeding the big daffodil hill bed near the driveway and he did a decent job. We finished it but decided to quit after we dumped 6 bags of mulch. One nice thing about sloping flower beds is you can use the laws of gravity for mulch distribution. Open the bag, dump it, and let it slide down the hill. Then rearrange it to your liking. So he learned something today that the gravity citations he gave me when questioned were used and the theory proven. Science works.

Carole, I have a Fitbit Inspire 3 and love it. It cost less than $100 and records what I want: steps, zone minutes (for activity levels), calories burned (estimate), sleep dutation and quality, cardio load, exercise days (don't use), hourly activity, heart rate (activity and resting), and will do food and water recording but I don't bother. It synchs to my phone and I charge it using my computer but you can purchase a charger you can plug into an electrical outlet.

Reward for DGS is going to Barnes and Noble which I am sure will be expensive but a trade off for the weeding. DD called and she got us tickets to see the newest Mission Impossible film at the IMAX theater. She can reserve seats and hopefully since it is at 8:30 we don't doze off. DH has been working outside, too and the plan is for DD and DSIL to come at 4 to work on the fencing. Hopefully it won't be too hot because there is a good breeze and it will be in the shade.

DGS is taking a shower, I'll get one next and we'll have tlunch before we venture out to B & N.

harley07, so glad you were able to make it to shore after the kayak debacle. Sounds like someone forgot to do their job with the plug. Seems like you still got some pleasure and lots of exercise from the experience. I am not a fan of swimming so I have not taken up any water sports. I have a healthy respect for water but perfer to float on it rather than be in it. Kudos to you.

Chris, glad you got relief from the TENS. Sorry to hear about your brother's oxygen concentrator and hope he is able to get a replacement without too many hassles.

Illinoislady, thank you for your comment. This left knee replacement was a real brat and it seemed to take forever for it to get to the point where I could be mobile, have less pain and resume what I consider a normal routine. Night pain is manageable even if it wakes me several times a night, I am able to drift back to sleep after a position change. The Voltaren and Tylenol Arthritis seem to help immensely.

I really chomp at the bit when post-op courses don't progress to my liking and the fact that the post-op course for the hernia repair was a nightmare still lingers in the back of my mind. I need carpal tunnel repairs on both hands but am trying to hold off for a while hoping I don't lose function in the meantime. I've just had too many necessary surgeries since October of 2021 until now. It has taken its toll, too, but sometimes that is the price required for survival. I plan on remaining upright for as long as possible.

Sandy, glad your HK can come to assist you with reorganizing your house. She will be a big help and it is good that she remembers so much about the contents required for your house. I hope you have a nice visit with her.

It's a lovely sunny day with temps at 77 now but expected to hit 83. However, the humidity is low and so it is tolerable.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Sandy - my head is spinning just reading all that you need to do to move back into your house. It’s good that your HK is coming back to help you get settled. You have my admiration for dealing with this without completely losing your mind.

Chris - I continue to be amazed at Tippy - what a special dog. What kind of person would steal an oxygen concentrator? People are so cruel.

Carole - to me an occasional rainy day sounds wonderful. I feel like it gives me permission to curl up on the couch and do nothing. Unfortunately I have no specific recommendations for an activity tracker. DH swears by his Fitbit and I love my Apple Watch.

Cindy - I’ve noticed that more and more stores have reserved most of the ‘close in’ parking spots for pick up leaving the rest of us to get in lots of steps. I think it is shortsighted as some people like to go into the store but if they make it too difficult the stores may ultimately lose customers.

Betrayal - DGS sounds like a wonderful and hardworking kid. Beyond pulling weeds, he will have lifelong memories of the close bond with you. B&N is a great reward.

A few days ago we were discussing our activity levels. I’m grateful to be able to be active and it helps with my mental health. I’ve mentioned that I lost 44 pounds after my BC diagnosis, however, my weight remains the #1 focus of my healthcare providers. Every appointment I am reminded to lose 12-15# as I am increasing my risk of cancer at my current BMI. It’s gotten so bad that I actually start to get nauseous a few days before each appointment because I’m so nervous about my weight. I’ve asked my providers to ease up on the reminders to no avail. I guess I need to develop selective hearing and shut out that part of the visit.

DH had a skin biopsy two weeks ago and today went back to have a malignant melanoma excised from his back. I had been nagging him about the spot for at least a year so I’m glad it got it taken care of.

We went for a walk at dusk tonight. The temps were 81 but the humidity was really high. We are looking at 90+ temps the next 2 days with a real feel close to 100

Take care to all.