Saturday, December 13, 2008

Winter Wonderland

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I have to admit, I haven't been getting outside like I usually do. I blame it on my refurbished home. It's so nice and cozy that I just enjoy being at home. Not that I didn't enjoy being at home previously. I will need to get the layers on and just get out.

The shoulder is OK, no surgery!!! Just physical therapy, which I'm having trouble fitting into my schedule. I think I will do the excercises as soon as I post this :)

I have been pursuing the wrist pain. Have gone everywhere from lupus (NOT), to different length ulna and radius bones (NOT), to ganglion cyct (maybe), to tendenitis (this is where I'm personally leaning towards). Anyway, at this moment, the wrists are fine. :)

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It's 11 below zero right now and spectacular outside. White world with full moon hanging in a pink sky fading up to light blue, above the mountains. Wind blowing snow off the mountain peaks...I wouldn't want to be up there right now. No wind this low.

It's also vitamin D season. My Dr. suggests 3000 IU's a day. Will do.

Still pedalling to nowhere in the shop. I really like going out to my shop at 5 a.m., the stars are out bright, the moon is full, snow sparkles like diamonds.......I gaze at the sky and soak in the beauty of it all, then I trip the motion sensor lights and am blinded...damn....I feel my way into my shop, turn up the oil heater because I haven't figured out how to set the time so it comes on automatically, struggle into my shoes and pedal.....slowly at first until I'm warmed up a little, then faster and settle into a good pace. I turn on CNN so I have an idea what is happening in the world and go for the next 30 minutes. Now I'm ready to start my day.

Wasilla has been plowing their sidewalks, I have been cruising routes to see if there is a clear path to my work, comtemplating riding, if only a mile or two, to work. I found one that may work. The problem is my bike and storing it at work. It's ok so far in the summers, as long as I wipe it down, to keep it in my office but I think they will frown on the studded tires, unless I carry the bike thought the office building to my office. With all the junk I have to bring to work now...I don't know. I will think about it some more.

Colony Christmas today in Palmer, we will go to the lights parade, drink hot toddy's and watch the fireworks. All bundled up to hand the below 0 temps. It's ALL fun in Alaska!

And in closing, my dog, KC, all dressed up for Christmas. I know it's stupid to derss up dogs but this actually is his punishment for non-stop barking the other day...humiliation...but I think he kind of likes the attention he is drawing.

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Have a Merry Christmas, everyone! Drinks are on me!

6 comments:

Jeff Moser said...

I've had shoulder pain for quite a while, and after it started getting worse, I went to the Doctor for an X-Ray. Calcification tendinitis. He mentioned surgery if it got too uncomfortable.

I checked into physical therapy instead, doing weights, stretches, and ultra sound treatments. I quickly learned that I've been avoiding using my right arm to avoid pain, and as a result, had lost most of the strength in this arm. After a month of specific exercises (ultrasound on the shoulder twice a week), I can say it's definitely different. Certainly not better yet. I've gained shoulder motion and strength. When my shoulder starts to ache, stretching always seems to make it better. Sharp pain has turned into stiffness.

I'm going to stick with the exercises and stretching for a few more months and see where it takes me. Surgery is a last resort. I may even go back for more ultrasound to break up the calcium deposits.

I'm not sure if any of this helps...

Unknown said...

Don't listen to Jeff. He is a big wussy boy lame-oid! :^)
Just kidding Jeff; really.
Actually, I would follow any suggestions involving rehabilitation. If you do what I did and completely ignore that, you end up with a little pain in your shoulder the rest of your life.
Good job there old man.
Winter looks beautiful there. Beautiful and COOOOOOLD!

Jeff Moser said...

I love you Brian. Following me around the globe to to put in the old man slam.

shawnkielty said...

Ok -- so -- cool -- if you really think you have tendonitis or bursitis I would consider taking cod liver oil capsules to help with that -- like 2 a day. Watch not to exceed the max dosage for vitamin A -- and avoid seal livers while taking this therapy.

and for the ganglion cyst, often referred to as the "Bible" cyst -- just smack it with a bible until it breaks or wait until it pops of it's own accord. It will hurt. But it will improve.

Merry Christmas Michelle.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Beers! (did i really just say that)

Beautiful pics and a good looking dawg.

Hope you're better in time for spring riding. Are you doing your 12oz curls? I think they qualify as both physical and mental therapy....

Michelle said...

Jeff, I hope your shoulder gets better soon. Mine is great one week, bound up the next...sigh.

Brian, stalking Jeff via internet. You guys always make me laugh.

Shawn....all I can say is OUCH. I think their must be better uses for a bible! I don't have any bump like a cyst has, so I doubt the smack would do any good - now maybe if it was a smack in the head something would sink in... :)

I do take Omega 3 oils (salmon) on a reg basis.


I've slowed down on the 12 oz curls, those muscles tend to sink down to my waist. However, it is very good mental therapy.

Merry Christmas to all!