Much Better

I hate to even mention on the blog when I am sick or injured.  This is a blog about dogs and cats.  What is going on with me is not story material.  However – this back thing is more than likely “related” to dogs and cats.  I turn 55 this May.  For years and years now I’ve been lifting dogs, containers of kitty litter, and 50-lb bags of dog/donkey/pig  food.  I’ve always been lucky to be strong and able.  But my mom and my husband think that I’ve treated my body with, well, less than the respect it should have gotten over the years.  (I suspect they are right.)  My back has occasionally gone out, sometimes pretty severely, but because I always bounce right back I have never considered that I might have to start thinking about my age.  Ugh.  Many of you who have reached Middle Age will relate to what I’m about to say.  Regardless of the chronological age of my body, in my mind I’m still strong and young.  When I went down this past Sunday with my back, there were lots of things I still had to accomplish on a daily basis.  My family offered to help where they could, but so much of what I do would take longer to explain to someone than just to plug along (more slowly) and do it myself.  As I went about my daily animal chores (at a snail’s pace and in some tall pain), I kept thinking about being in the best shape possible to continue my work for another twenty years (at least).  I believe this event has convinced me that I now MUST begin to respect my physical body.   I have ordered an exercise tape designed to increase flexibility, strength, and balance.  I don’t have TIME to add an exercise program to my world, but I can’t afford to be slowed down with an injury more often and for longer periods of time . . .     (grumble).

Thank you for your nice comments here on my blog when I posted Monday about my back.  I’m definitely feeling better today.  And here are some nice things that would make anybody feel better . . .

I’ve mentioned “Fairy Land” before.  When my girls were growing up, they named this spot on the bluff overlooking the river.  After a LONG Winter (that extended into March this year), it is always so nice when Fairy Land bursts into bloom.  (We have lows in the twenties coming this weekend, so I must view these pictures multiple times in the days to come . . .  )

 

 I have received an early report on Peeta and Toast in their new home.  Jessi says Peeta is exploring, eating great and even getting on the couch with the girls.  Toast is still hiding.  Jessi has a great attitude about this.  She says she understands that this is a process and knows it will be worth it.  She says she already loves them both.

Peeta (the one who is NOT hiding)

 

 

Winnie’s Wish received this  Fulfilled Wish from The Wish List.  The note that came along says - Happy Spring Chrystal!  It sure took a long time getting here!!

Maria - THANK YOU.

 

See you tomorrow.

Comments

[Renee Phelps]

So glad you're feeling better! Sounds like Peeta is doing well, and I'm sure Toast will come around soon! So happy for these babies!

[Annabelle]

I am so glad you are feeling a bit better and I hope you continue to do so. Yes, I can totally relate to what you're saying. I was out working trying to clean up in the yard yesterday and I can certainly feel it all over.

[Random Felines]

awww - sounds like the boys are in good hands. :) love the spring pics

[John Bellen]

I'm glad to read that your back is better. I know what you mean about thinking you are young. Time passes, our attitudes evolve, we mature, yet for some reason we think that our bodies are pretty much the same, even when confronted by contrary evidence. I bicycle 50 minutes every day and think 'I'm in great shape!' yet I'm tired by ten o'clock that night. There was a time when I could bicycle 50 hours every day, and not sleep for weeks. Or so it seemed.

Toast will of course come out when he is assured. If my foster-cat Cammie will allow me to pick her up - and she now does - any cat can come around, and Toast will.

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

Age is a number! But yeah, gotta respect the back especially because of all it does. Have you considered a back brace for when you're lifting all that heavy stuff? Like the ones the guys wear in home improvement stores. They do help. So glad you're feeling better, but please take it easy until you are ALL better!
Yay for Peeta! Come on Toast, you can come out too!
Friends, lets work hard to get more kitties adopted! Share everywhere! And please, use the gofundme, it's getting close, but not close enough!!

[The Poupounette Gang]

So glad you are feeling better. DO be careful. As your elder and someone who wrangles 2000lb horses, I KNOW!!!

[Pawesomecats]

What beautiful daffodils - we're sure looking at these will make you feel better. Take care of yourself! Purrs x

[Maria in CT]

So glad you're feeling better Chrystal! Oooooooo, I love Fairy Land! I think I'll keep looking at your pictures, too, because they're talking snow showers here Friday night. UGH! Oh well, spring has to be here someday! I know what you mean about being strong and young in your mind. I notice it when I squat down to get something in a low cabinet, and I can't get back up! Keeping in shape is a good thing!

[ginny & the Fur Family]

So glad you are feeling better. Backs are nothing to mess with- Andrea had a good idea - wear a kidney belt or back brace lifting. I see very young people doing this at the building stores. I too am not getting any younger. ONWARD and upward. I thought about age when I stood on a step stool and painted a high up condo for our out side cat - Miss Tiger lily. Getting ready for the temp drop this weekend. Wonderful gifts from Maria for the kitties. love the Fairy land. IT LOOKS SO SPRINGY. That must bring back happy memories of young daughters who still believe in magic even grown up - they have seen many animal miracles at kennel by the river.

[meowmeowmans]

Fairy Land looks wonderful! We are so happy you're feeling better, Chrystal. It's true ... none of us are getting younger, so we have to take care of ourselves a little more. Sigh. :)

Hooray for Peeta and Toast, and Mom Jessi!