Please let us see your cane, @shamrock5jeg, @artscaping, @becsbecsbuddy, @stefspad and everyone....

I've been using a cane for balance assistance for more than 15 years. It was the first step in recognizing my balance and changing body issues and a big step in learning this new life. I wasn't a happy person, but it helped so much and saved me from falls. It's funny, but it also was kind of nice...folks got nicer, opened doors for me most of the time, stepped aside to let me go first in or out the door, or walking on the sidewalk folks were more observant and helpful. I saw positive changes in a lot of people and kindness that became more common.

And, Chris, that's when I first made the decision if this is going to be my life, dog-gone-it, it's going to be a good part of my life. I simply decided to make this an extention of my personality, to match my outfit or the occasion. My cane is with me always. I never go out of the house without it or I may end up on the ground on my nose. It has happened several times, even on my deck or patio. A cane goes with me now. It only takes one fall, one tiny trip or stumble.....

I have the same attitude now about the walker. I've mentioned my new hot pink walker with the black and white zebra seat and bag to hold things below the seat and on the back......bottles of water, phone, protein bars or nuts or banana or something for energy/sugar to keep me ok. I use it for paperwork when I go to the bank or to the doctor or Mayo. My keys - which I lost last Monday when I took Uber to Mayo for my endoscopy procedure. Please add a prayer for them to find me! Sunglasses, drinks, wallet or whatever you need. I still take a purse, but don't have to. For me now, the walker is certainly the easiest for carrying things.

Ck online, youtube probably has a good video with measuring directions. I sold canes in my shop in my last lifetime, and had a little hand saw we used to cut off the bottom, put on a rubber tip after we measured the cane with the person standing straight, arms to the side. The top of the cane, where the handle is, should hit at the break in the wrist. We have wrinkles there now! You should try several different heights of canes, stand straight and tall as you normally stand and walk, not at attention. Measure the height and cut the bottom to be perfect for you, The handle is of utmost importance, especially with arthritis and weaker hands, wrists and fingers that don't want to or can't grab/hold. There are some wonderfully comfortable handles. All really logical.

A good USA company I used to buy from for my shop is the Harvey Cane Company, in business since 1999? in Washington State, family owned. They will custom make, repair, repair antique sticks, use good hardwoods. I also got 'walking sticks' from the UK, the best in my opinion, but more costly. Since we have Harvey, I have several of them.....be careful to get a cane that is designed for your body-heavy, tall, short, slight....But, have fun with it. I've used a Hurrycane also, and liked it because of the added stability I needed at that time.

OK, now I've given you too much information. All you really need is to look online and find something well made from a good hardwood by a reputable company. Function and quality are first, then fun or elegant. Get several. One for shopping, one for walking, uneven ground w/added stability. Different colors, different occasions, fancy, simple...Enjoy your new steps with blessings, elizabeth