Thursday 13 March 2014

I'm darn glad to be retired today; knee-deep snow fall yesterday!

What a storm. I'm happy to be retired.


Even the birds complain to Ontario meteorologists today from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
The feeders are full, birds complain; the fire is on. I'm darn glad to be retired today. Doctor's appointments in the morning Wednesday, and we high-tailed it home. My client cancelled for today, he's too well to need me!
All is good with us. Our doctor is a fabulous man, from Ethiopia! He's modern, knows his stuff, and managed to fit us in within 24 hours of our frantic call.
He reviewed our respective hospital reports, we listed our symptoms ( I have some back pain = insomnia), he figured out the best course of treatment. I'm having a strange mole removed at 7 a.m. Monday morning. He's on call in the ER. My skin always breaks out when I'm stressed. Sigh.
I explained to him that despite the fact that I ran some blood pressure clinics in Muskoka, yes, I have high blood pressure!
Yes, I know what to do for it:
  • reduce salt (harder than it looks – it's hidden in many foods, I read labels trying to avoid diary for hubby, and find good food for him, as he has had no appetite), 
  • regular exercise ( 30 min/day on the elliptical), ✔snowshoeing, ✔ shovelling snow,
  • eat a healthy diet (DASH diet: What is the DASH diet?, get proper vitamins/minerals, e.g., potassium),
  • take your BP at home, regularly to monior it
  • limit alcohol (no comment!)
  • complimentary therapies; ( massage,  ✔ Reiki, ✔forest walkies with cats, meditation, yoga), ✔ medication (some high BP pills contraindicate with my anti-depressants✔ breathing exercises (I've found a good one: breathe in for 4 counts, hold it for 7, breath it all out slowly for the count of 8.),
  • reduce my weight (✔  I lost 10 lbs. in January prior to hubby's surgery!). 
Mostly, I'm trying to reduce my stress. That is the big thing. Having back pain is terrible. I think I slipped on the ice. As hubby heals, I'll get better.
Thursday, it was balmy. Well, in comparison! Deep breath.
Today, -15 C.
 
Shovelling the wet snow from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.
It was bizarre the way the snow piled up as I pushed it along. We had about 5cm on Sunday, March 9th (may late father's birthday!). It was warm, was going to melt, but I figured I might shovel it for exercise!
Buster decided that he needed to get some fresh air during the storm Wednesday afternoon. He decided that was a mistake. He's such an outdoor cat. I woke at 4 a.m., and he was hot to trot. Every door I opened, however, he shook his paw in anticipation, and withdrew. He's on the bed cleaning Dorah's face in resignation. A little grooming is called for. What the heck.
Mommy, let me in!

I mean it!
Today's exercise regime will consist of clearing the driveway! I was trying to figure out Sunday if I should put more gas into the snow blower. I will have to, now!
Daisy couldn't get over
the snow. She shook her head.
Hooray for the snowblower!
This is me, last year.
First, I have to have my coffee!

7 comments:

Judy said...

I am glad you can look out the window and still sound cheerful!!! We might have sunlight on the snow, but the wind chill is -30, and I am not poking my nose out the door any sooner than I have to...

Hilary said...

With all your snow, it's no wonder your back is sore. I hope the stress can ease and that you'll be feeling better soon.

Olga said...

Oh, boy. I am not feeling good about my early April return to Vermont these days.

eileeninmd said...

I heard about the big snowfall, so glad it missed us this time.. Your kitty looks cold.. Have a happy weekend!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I'd need a boatload of coffee. I so admire you for maintaining your joy and sense of humor through all the weaqther and health woes...Keep it up.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Mercy...our little miniburst of summer promise of course dumped it's bubble and today couldn't see past the roof next door. But hey, it kept me focused on what needed doing inside. Love the vids and Buster's expression is priceless. The doctor sounds fab, you're doing all the right stuff, what else to do?? Blessings, YAM xx

Red said...

Yes, our news has been telling us about your storm. You've had about enough for one winter. Look after yourself. Really get on top of the blood pressure thing.