Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group

@fiesty76 Oh, how I wish we had temps in the 70’s. I waited until it got to the mid-20’s before I ventured out! But the sun was out full force so nothing got cold except my fingers! And I even walked further today than yesterday. I’d better get a lot of walking in before the snow and ice are here to stay

I'm happy to say that after a short down-time, I have my walking back on track. Four happy days in a row, with temps in the 20's - yesterday was especially pleasant as I walked in a brand new place. I had to wait "outside" while my husband had cataract surgery, so I walked for an hour in the neighborhood surrounding the surgery center - just across the Interstate from where I worked for over 30 years, but I had never had "boots on the ground" there before - only driven to various places nearby. (Yes, surgery went well - he is pleased he can see better than before already. Second eye in 2 weeks!) It was in a neighborhood with homes dating from the 1890's to 1930 or so - fun looking around. Today while he has his followup appt, I will walk near the clinic, boring and suburban.

Becky - I got new mittens like my grandsons' - wind and waterproof - and my fingers stay toasty warm. With alpaca cap from my daughter, wind pants and wool socks, I'm pretty well set. All I need now is a face gaiter for when I turn into the North wind - going to shop my fabric stash this afternoon for something suitable.

Sue

Another beautiful day today! Brilliant sun and in the 30’s. Only got a short walk in yesterday because I had so much to do and didn’t get any of it done. I’ll definitely try again today. Who wants to walk along?

Heading out in a little while. My walk yesterday was a fun one - grandson and I walked (at 4yo pace) the 1/3 mile to the closest woods near his home - park dept had been in there cutting brush & left the piles behind. He had a great time climbing on and under the brush and figuring out how to navigate through the area with all the paths blocked - it was so fun to watch his little brain at work. Today is my long walk for the week - shooting for 4 miles, around both nearby lakes.
Then at 4pm we have a Zoom Happy Hour with 4 of our best friends.
Sue

There was another big brush fire a couple of days ago with high wind, woke up smelling smoke inside the house. The air outside was smoky. Thousands evacuated again. Fortunately it is under control now. Been walking short distances, hip, back and leg pain still bother me. Then I had a back spasm for five days... Still there! If anyone can invent something that can help apply topical pain reliever to areas in the back hands cannot reach, there's a fortune to be made! Looking forward to PT Monday.

When I needed to solve this for my Mom, we took an inexpensive backwash brush and put a cotton sock on it. Put the cream or gel on the sock and rub it on your back. The sock can be easily taken off and washed once in a while. I bought a cheap foam one at the dollar store, but I think any would work - slightly curved handle was best. My husband has done the same with his back scratcher, but the surface for applying the gel is pretty small.
Sue

@sueinmn. Thanks for the suggestion. I looked around my house and found a hand held massager with a long handle. There are different attachments, I found a round one that looks like a roller. I squeeze some Biofreeze on it and use it like a roll on. My son has a 3D printer, he's really creative, I'm going to ask him if he can make something to help with this problem.
Won't the towel absorb the cream?

You are a genius! Many of the people in this group have great suggestions and paths to follow. All of you inspire me! @joybring1

Actually there are such things! I use a topical called Outback Pain Relief and I know they used to sell something such as you describe. The product I use is a roll on form, it might also come in a pump bottle - look for a photo of a guy in an Australian type outback hat and then check and see if they sell an applicator. Also check Arthritis Foundation website, they might have something to use. P.S. I am not in any way related to the product I mention. I just found it several years ago, have tried many products and really like this. It is a bit oily but rubs in quickly and I don’t mind the odor of the tea tree oil in it.

Yes I agree, the temps in the 30s has been a giant relief. I have walked everyday, sometimes as much as a hour because I know that the frigid temps will eventually slow me down. Everyone is cheerful and waves or a brief hello ... are all welcome. I have stayed close to home, still cleaning out and organizing. Yes, I am tired of it, however it feels so good when I can cross one more thing off my list.
Time spent giving on Tuesday when donations were doubled and one even tripled also lifted my spirits.
The sky has also excited me, as the stars will come closer and closer and on the 21st they will look like a Christmas star, shedding a bright light of hope and peace.