Hi Everyone :)
I hope your weekend is treating you well. I remember when weekends meant something more to me - a time to get away from the hustle and bustle...Well, I stopped working in 2003 due to burnout so I consider Monday to Friday my weekends and I hide away on Saturdays and Sundays to avoid the loud weekenders!!!
Oh burnout...not what it seems...it was a LONG recovery and I only really started to feel better in 2011 after suffering years and years of anxiety, depression, panic and physical pain that seemed to manifest from nothing. I still have my daily challenges, but I'm very grateful for my quiet country life with my pets and Alex. I mentioned on my Thoughts Blog the other day that I stopped walking the dogs in early July because there was a dangerous loose dog that attacked Jack. The owner was absolutely self-righteous so the police got involved. Once the law was there, there were fervent promises to tie up that dog...I hold no grudge against any animal, it's the human behind the incident that I don't trust. So I stopped walking my dogs out of fear, sigh. Don't worry though - Jack is okay. Marlene (to the right), the sweet, timid, insecure Marlene - WAS A WOLF protecting Jack, it was a little scary but I'm glad I have HER on my side!!!
My friends know that one of my most favourite, spiritual and healing activities is walking the dogs in the woods, so I was suffering depression for a while because I didn't feel safe walking in those woods anymore.
Yesterday I decided EFF IT!!! 😊 I went looking for a new spot and I found one! A very quiet road, one house only, no loose dogs and a rather barbarian entrance into the woods. There are old snowmobile trails there after you get through the thick brush to enter, so I walked the dogs there and I will continue to do so every day until the snow stops me! I have to drive about 10 minutes to get there and park on a deserted road (which suits me!) but at least I FEEL SAFE so life is happy again for me! :)
Oh burnout...not what it seems...it was a LONG recovery and I only really started to feel better in 2011 after suffering years and years of anxiety, depression, panic and physical pain that seemed to manifest from nothing. I still have my daily challenges, but I'm very grateful for my quiet country life with my pets and Alex. I mentioned on my Thoughts Blog the other day that I stopped walking the dogs in early July because there was a dangerous loose dog that attacked Jack. The owner was absolutely self-righteous so the police got involved. Once the law was there, there were fervent promises to tie up that dog...I hold no grudge against any animal, it's the human behind the incident that I don't trust. So I stopped walking my dogs out of fear, sigh. Don't worry though - Jack is okay. Marlene (to the right), the sweet, timid, insecure Marlene - WAS A WOLF protecting Jack, it was a little scary but I'm glad I have HER on my side!!!
My friends know that one of my most favourite, spiritual and healing activities is walking the dogs in the woods, so I was suffering depression for a while because I didn't feel safe walking in those woods anymore.
Yesterday I decided EFF IT!!! 😊 I went looking for a new spot and I found one! A very quiet road, one house only, no loose dogs and a rather barbarian entrance into the woods. There are old snowmobile trails there after you get through the thick brush to enter, so I walked the dogs there and I will continue to do so every day until the snow stops me! I have to drive about 10 minutes to get there and park on a deserted road (which suits me!) but at least I FEEL SAFE so life is happy again for me! :)
I also mentioned on my other blog that I've been suffering really bad sciatica that became unbearable lately. Sitting or lying down for more than one hour is excruitiating. I was told that I had to wait four months to see a doctor...REALLY??? Free medicare isn't all it's cut out to be, trust me. I decided to take my healing into my own hands. I am now on a gentle daily yoga program. I also have learned how to properly sit in my chair, my car and my bed. I do exercises a few time a day to help my muscles and joints and I hope that by Christmas, it will be either gone or at least manageable without pain killers. I refuse to let this conquer me. I think that stopping my daily walks made everything worse so I'm happy that I'm active again - seriously! SITTING is BAD. Wish me luck! I'll keep you all posted on my recovery!
So let's talk food!!!
Pizza-ghetti, with a new Puglia wine from Italy called Vanita Primitivo - mmmm! Puglia is my favourite region for wine!! The wines are from the Primitivo grape which was cloned and brought to the States to make their wonderful Zinfandels.
I started to pick the green and yella beans. I only planted 6 plants of each this year and they produced so many beans. I also picked some green onions.
I made a nice fresh Green and Yellow Bean Pasta Salad.
This picture is really bad but the dessert is awesome....it's an ice cream sundae. I made a Cherry Coulis and poured it on top of vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake. (Cathy, it's such an easy recipe...and really good on ice cream!)
I had fun with this meal! I made a Roasted Tomato Soup with Pizza Twists! The pizza twists are messy to make, but they're really delicious and fun to eat!
To satisfy my sweet tooth...chocolate covered Oreos. You just melt your favourite chocolate and dip in the Oreos. I put them in the deep freezer to set. You guys know I'm not a fan of anything processed and I strive to make everything from scratch...but Mr. Christie sure does make a good Oreo cookie! :) (One fine day, I tried to replicate the Oreo and failed miserably!)
Thanks so much to everyone who has enjoyed the posts about the squirrels! They are out in the big wide world now. We do see them daily though. Algie and Frasier stick close to each other and we know it's them because they visit us together. Spunky - the most independent of the triplets...is a loner, but he sleeps in the cage every night! (Alex has been watching with binoculars!) Here's a video of Spunky coming into the cage and taking a peanut! They are so sweet!
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| Spring Peeper - rare find this time of year! |
Thursday's Art Date Theme is GREEN. Please click on the link for inspiration and ideas and I hope to see you then!! :)
Awesome to hear about the little squirrels, Rain! You and Alex are fabulous foster parents! Sorry to hear about your pain. My Mom is staying with us until September, and she suffers with that same trouble. I know that walking for her is very helpful. She walks around the barn a couple of times a day, and at 89, I am super happy she is so mobile! Thanks for sharing your story about the Jack attack...You hit the nail on the head...it's always owners who give some dogs a bad name! LOL! Glad your back to walking in the healing woods!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you have suffered in the past - you're not alone. Also, sciatica is a bugger. Physio is the best thing although really good anti-inflammatories are good too. I hope you find some relief soon. Just take it one small step at a time with your stretches and exercises.
ReplyDeleteI'm very, very nervous around dogs I don't know, so I can imagine your fear taking your pets to an area where there is a nasty dog. Dogs are the big reason why I don't go for walks by myself, or go biking.
And again, your food... oh my, your food. I would never make those chocolate dip oreos, because I would never be able to stop at just one, or two! -Jenn
Poor Jack. Why does he get picked on? Because Marlene IS A WOLF. So glad she protected the pack. I would be scared to walk that way again too. So glad you found another route to take. The video of Spunky is precious. Will you continue to lay out nuts this winter? Your food always looks so yummy. I agree.......oreos can not be duplicated.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated reading this post, Rain. To get to know you better. I would love to take walks in the woods, but I just don't feel safe alone. I'm not enough of a dog person to ever have a dog again (I don't think), but I can see that having their company (and possibly protection) could make all the difference in how safe one feels. Then again, worrying about the dogs' safety is another thing altogether.
ReplyDeleteI imagine so much here depends on where one is located, but when we've had issues that required seeing a specialist, it usually takes a couple of months to get an appointment (and that's near a fairly large city with lots of resources). Two months is a long time when you're in pain and worried. Four months sounds crazy.
Sitting is bad. I really feel it if I sit around too much. Ugh. I think it's better, physically and mentally, to be active.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear you went for a walk. Fear is the mindkiller, as the recitation goes. That's from Dune. Kinda nerdy reference. ;-)
"Puglia is my favourite region for wine!"
This made me laugh. You have a favorite region for wine?? Ha ha... not laughing at you. That just sounds so dang fancy. My favorite region is aisle four at the grocery store!
Glad that you have found a safer road to walk the dogs and be safe. I have known others who suffer from the pain of sciatica and hope that your approach will work and give you some relief. Sometimes, we have to find ways to heal ourselves when the medical world is unavailable at the time. The food all looks delicious, especially the tomato soup and pizza sticks and I won't mention that dessert and those chocolate covered oreos...whoops I just did! Glad the squirrels are doing well and enjoying the wide world around them and nice that they return "home."
ReplyDeleteThe law around here is that when a dog attacks another dog, animal or human that dog is put to sleep. No ifs ands or buts an aggressive animal is forbidden. They claim that they cannot be trained out of it.
ReplyDeleteI am delighted that you found another good place to walk.
Your meals always look amazing. You that such time and detail into making each meal a special experience.
Here's to healthier days. You're in my prayers.
Connie
I am so sorry for your back pain. I know how that is. We have parallel lives . I have such anxiety, too.
ReplyDeleteHugs from here.
I'm glad you're back walking the dogs! And I hope your sciatica strategy gives you progressively ongoing relief!
ReplyDeletei am sorry about attack on jack by barbarian dog dear Rain how brave of you other pet to protect him :)
ReplyDeletei am glad that law was there to help and you have found another place to walk :)
i believe walking is therapeutic for mind and body both and you must continue
having squirrels back must be great relief that they are doing fine :) you raised them so well indeed
ah you food is ENCHANTING :))) it's overwhelming to look this delicious and tasty dishes :)
wishing you all the best for BEAUTIFUL AND PEACEFUL LIFE YOU HAVE SEATTLE HERE MY FRIEND!
hugs!
It's sad that you have to go out of your way just to walk the puppies. I Found that Tai Chi works great for my back pain and my husband has found me outside in the courtyard so many times at night before bed doing it. I just can't get him to do it with me. Awww the squirrels. Spunky is so cute. I have to look into those pizza twists. That sounds so good. Okay, the Oreos are just a little too much. I can come over to help you eat a few though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dino :) Oh my gosh, when you said your mom is 89 and suffering sciatica, my heart went out to her...so happy she's mobile and walking. The more I walk the better I feel. And also the daily yoga is REALLY helping a lot. I hope she beats it. Pet owners are so self-righteous lol...of course I'm generalizing...but really, take ownership for your dog attacking another one already!!! I hope your punkins are growing!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn :) I tend to want it all NOW...so your advice is very sound and I needed to hear it. I've only been at this three days and I can't expect miracles, though I'm finding the yoga to be very helpful already. The oreos were SO SWEET that I was forced to stop after two lol...I'm a dog person but honestly, I can sense an aggressive one and they scare me too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marsha :) Jack is the smallest, but he's very tough. He held his own while I tried to break up the fight, but Marlene...if I could draw a picture for you...heckles up, teeth bared, tail down, shoulders up...head down...growling...my gosh, not the timid insecure little sweetie who is afraid of loud noises, let me tell you. She loves Jack, follows him around everywhere so I'm very glad she was there that day. I think we will continue to feed them...in fact, I know we will lol! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Becki :) I'm so comfortable alone in the woods. For many years, I've hiked alone in forests where I've seen various wildlife like deer, moose, coyotes and I even saw bears. It's scary but honestly...I'm more uncomfortable in a city around PEOPLE who I see as more violent and aggressive...having the dogs with me is always okay until something like that happens and I question my ability to protect them. They need to be walked (I do to lol) so finding another spot was great luck. I know they will defend themselves and me, but the idea of any of them getting hurt is tough to think about. Four months is to see MY FAMILY DOCTOR by the way, who would inevitably just whip out the prescription pad for drugs and refer me to someone else who will take maybe a year to see me. The system is really bad here.
ReplyDeleteHi Sandi :) Oh you made ME laugh...Aisle Four is a great region lol! And yes, you're right about fear. And omg, Dune...does that make me a nerd too lol? I only watched it twice to be honest, Alex has the full FOUR HOUR UNCUT VERSION and I REFUSE to watch it lol...thanks for the giggles! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dorothy :) I've changed a lot over the years. I tend to try to self-heal before even thinking of calling a doctor - or even a vet. We try to heal our pets at home and I'd say 90% of the time, we are successful. So far, my efforts are proving to work well. My pain isn't gone, but I can ALMOST sit through a movie now!! I'm really pleased about that! And I've learned that this will be life long. Even if the pain goes away, I need to make sure I do things for prevention because I cannot handle this chronic pain!
ReplyDeleteHi Connie :) I feel kind of sad hearing about that law...I wonder if that knocks sense into the bad pet owners or not. Owners are so irresponsible and the animal pays for it. If the dog would have done damage to Jack...anyway, I don't want to think about that!! :) I watch Cesar Millan and he's able to rehabilitate even the most aggressive dog...I commend him for his love of animals! But there is something to be said for LEASH LAWS...if only the dumb humans would obey the laws...anyway, that's up for debate lol! :) Honestly I'm SO HAPPY I found another spot to walk them! I hate looking over my shoulder. Thanks for the prayers dear friend :) xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenn :) The anxiety is the worst! I'm finding meditation and yoga to be helping A LOT!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Debra :) So far so good!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Baili :) I'm so happy that I found a new spot to walk them. That house with the dog that attacked Jack is RIGHT on the corner where I would have no choice to walk just to get to the trails, so I had no choice. But now I found a better place! :) Thanks again for your wishes! Hugs!! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Leanna :) Yes...I found it EXTREMELY depressing that I have to go out of my way to walk the dogs IN MY OWN VILLAGE...people suck. Lol, but I found a solution so I'm happy again. :) Oh, Tai Chi...I never thought of that! It's something I always wanted to try! Thanks for the suggestion! I'll have to look up some stuff on You Tube because I don't know anything really about it. The pizza twists are good but VERY messy to make, worth it though! :)
ReplyDeleteI love watching the babes grow and learn. I think it is really cool that they keep coming back for a visit everyday and that the one seeks the comfort of the cage at night. That is so neat. Your meals always look so good. Glad that walking is helping you and you are able to get back out to enjoy it. Keep telling myself that I will get out and start for an early morn walk but lately I am dealing with that weaker leg thingy from the extra issues brought on by the stress of the last six months. Walk a step or two for me.
ReplyDeleteenjoyed your post and glad you found a place to walk that feels safe. I would be sad if I couldn't get out a lot and walk our mountain trails. Hope that sciatica eases up soon - i had some three weeks ago and took a lot of advil but kept walking and it's gone now. thank God.
ReplyDeletethe dishes you cook look good.
Years ago I made the dipped oreos, and they were gone in an hours.
ReplyDeleteI loved to hear the peepers sing.
I know of some of the depression and sadness that you went through, and the reason tied to a good bit of it, and glad you got away from that nightmare! So sorry to hear about Jack and the trauma it created, but glad things are somewhat back to normal now. That sundae looks fabulous and I'm a fan of anything with real cherries. Did you save me some, Rain?(lol) Sending some HUGE hugs your way! RO
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam :) It feels so good to call the squirrels then hear chirp chirp chirp in the distance, then see them, very cool! I wonder if they'll continue to hang around or finally find their independence? I'll walk a little for you Pam, I hope you can get out each morning, it does a world of good. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy :) I'm happy to hear your sciatica pain is gone! Those flare ups are so painful. Keep walking!!
ReplyDeleteHa Susan...ours are gone too! :) The spring peepers are my absolute favourite sign of spring...I love to fall asleep to their song, there's nothing like it!
ReplyDeleteThanks RO :) SORRY I didn't save you any cherry coulis, awww... ;) It was too good to share lol! I have to make more because I want to add that to my Boursin type cheese. I'm so happy I found a new place to walk the pups, it's actually a fun trail. There are little streams to jump across, fallen trees to hop over and lots of little obstacles that make it a nice workout too! :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard so may people say that walking can help sciatica … I do hope yours improves soon.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love the squirrels! So pleased they still visit you, loved seeing spunky in the video.
Take care
All the best Jan
P.S. Also meant to say your food looks delicious :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks Jan :) The walking and the yoga is helping more than I thought it would! The squirrels are very dear to us, I'm so glad they keep visiting! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rain, sorry about the sciatica I get it in my left leg and my gp suggested a special support chair which my employers bought for me to use at work, it helped almost immediately as the pressure was off the sciatic nerves and I also choose to stand up a lot at work (desk job) which helps, I don't get pain often now and no meds. I hope you can get some relief from this I know how bad it can be. Also I go to the gym/weight lift which I think is good for this - your walking is so important for your well being the new walk sounds lovely, pretty and safe. I have stress currently and am going to start some quite walks but with no dog don't feel very safe (from weirdos!) so will pick routes carefully. I hope your little dogs don't encounter any more aggressive dogs, it's impossible to avoid if other owners aren't responsible and no doubt the dog who attacked is insecure due to a bad owner.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wood Fairy :) I totally agree with your last sentence!!! Be careful on your walks. I always carry my cell phone and I have one of those air horns in case I need to scare off a wild animal. At one point I carried bear spray, but I don't need it here....though it would scare off weirdo humans lol...I think that might be illegal lol! Nice to hear your sciatica is nearly gone! I can't wait to say that. I'll post about it tomorrow but we set up an area where I can stand and it's helping a lot. If you come back to see this reply, I wonder if you can provide me a link to the support chair you use if you can find one? I have weights at home and I'm just biding my time before I start them again, I want to make sure the sciatica is manageable first! Fitness is so important to good health! Good for you for going to the gym! I would, but the budget wouldn't allow it, mind you, I'm finding more frugal ways to work out and so far so good! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Rain, long time no comment ... from me at least. Please know that I read your blogs faithfully and check in several times a week to see any updates. I so enjoy your stories, food ideas and of course pictures of the fur babies and local wildlife :) So glad you found another location for walks after your scary encounter. I hope your healing from your sciatica pain is progressing. Unfortunately I don't have any tips for that, but what I understand is walking and gentle stretching like you are doing is the best. I would love to walk more and definitely need to which would help with my anxiety and menopause symptoms which have been out of wack lately :( We have been having several weeks of excessive heat here in Maryland so hopefully when the weather gets a little cooler :) Lisa
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa :)) Nice to hear from you! :) Yes, the walking and yoga have been helping me a lot, I'm so happy I didn't just give in and wait to see a doctor who just wants to write me a pain killer prescription! Walking is great for everything. I definitely think it helps anxiety. My morning walks ground me and make me very relaxed first thing in the morning! Oh the excessive heat, we've had it too! But it's okay...I keep reminding myself of my frozen eyelashes when I feel like complaining about the heat and humidity lol! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your past and present journeys. I'm sorry you suffered so much while working and when you couldn't walk the dogs. I hope this yoga program works for you and helps you with your pain. Your food looks amazing. You know how to cool, lady.
ReplyDeleteI love your comments Stefanie :) Thanks so much! Well, I'm back to walking the dogs and the yoga is REALLY helping! The test will come tomorrow when I have to do about 3 hours of driving!!
ReplyDeleteOMG sis, I hope your sciatica will give in to your yoga routine ans bugger off. I have been having issues with scuatica for the last 5 years and buggered up my left leg and knee because of it. Yoga mde it worse for me but I do daily exercise for my back and sometimes it helps but mostly it doesn't. What I really hat about it is that it seems like my legs are getting weaker and weaker because of it. I am always desperatly looking for sonething that will make it better...I just started a new stretching programm ... I had to give up horse back riding because of it and that is somethibg I can not just accept.
ReplyDeleteYour food looks delicious !!!
I am glad you effd it and found a different way to get into the woods. ❤
Rain my office chair was purchased by occupational health outsource at my uk workplace so i cant say where they got it possibly via our nhs i will check any labels i may have kept for a source and update you if any info. It is mesh with a very curved edge on the seat and a lumbar pad to the lower back, unbranded, it has arm rests and wheels, height and tilt adjusters. Before it arrived they gave me a memory foam seat cushion for my old normal office chair which was nearly as good, they are affordable around 25 uk sterling and can be found on amazon, i hope this might be a help to you. Betty wood fairy
ReplyDeleteThanks Sis :) I sent you a text btw with the info on the yoga site. I think it sucks that you have to give up horse back riding, I really hope you find some kind of relief for the sciatica, giving up stuff we love is NOT fair. And yeah, eff this village and those irresponsible people!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Betty :) Oh, arm rests...now that's definitely a good thing to have. And the lumbar support. I've been looking up ergonomic seating and the chair I have for my computer is just all wrong. If you do come across a label, yes, please let me know. A memory foam cushion is something I've been looking into as well! I'm glad your workplace was open to helping you out, that's very cool!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about the dog attack! Happy you have found a new place to walk! About your sciatic pain, ice is your friend! Start icing everyday, for at least 15 minutes each time. Maybe 6 times a day, if you can??? Believe you me, it will help!! Take it slowly!! Rain, your food always makes me hungry! LOL! I love Spunky!! Big Hugs!
ReplyDelete