~ Lily of The Valley ~
Muguet des Bois is the name in France...
its scent is intoxicating and heady.
We have masses of these plants in The Humble Bungalow Garden.
They seem to love the clay soil and multiply very fast.
I am enjoying picking small bouquets for the bathroom...
when I walk into the room the scent envelopes me.
Pure Bliss
I've been dealing with some health challenges
Not surprised to discover that I am not the most "patient" of patients!
My ankle injury is still an issue...
slowing me down when I want to be free to do as I please.
This morning I went for an x-ray...my doctor thinks I might have a fracture.
In other health news I got the results of my bone density test.
I had one in 2008 which showed osteopenia...
my latest one shows osteoporosis and I have one fractured vertebrae.
My doctor wants to put me on twice a year shots.
He told me they are generally well tolerated and seem to offer good results.
Will be having a chat with him next week...
~ OOTD ~
Pale Denim vintage shirt worn over top of a white linen Tank top
black Michael Kors pants.
I posted this on Instagram and Joanne suggested it was Coastal Grandmother Style!
We live in a coastal location and I am a Grammy to 3 lovely kiddos!
Happy to be wearing casual clothing when it suits me.
In the wake of this new information....I have been doing my own research.
Only choosing reputable websites.
I need to get way more calcium into my meals.
Also the health experts research indicates that older women need more protein.
Suggesting 30g of protein at each meal.
I've already started buying Siggi plain yogurt which has 19g of protein per serving.
I bought this one by mistake...
it is Vanilla and has more sugar and only 18g of protein than the plain.
I add 5 dried prunes 20 g calcium and that is my new go to breakfast.
I am going to be very mindful and add more protein and calcium with each meal.
Will also be adding a calcium supplement.
(need to check with my doctor on type of calcium and dose)
I already take a higher dose of vitamin D
(doctor suggested this last year)
a daily multiple vitamin and a tablet of Magnesium.
Enough of that health stuff...
Let's move onto something NEW.
I've discovered a new tool...
Rose Quartz facial roller.
Use on a freshly washed face ~ add some serum
gently roll from the inner to outer areas of the face.
Smaller roller is good for the eye area...
(roll from nose upwards and outwards)
Helps to reduce puffiness and encourage lymphatic drainage.
~ Very relaxing ~
My face feels like I have been to the Spa for a facial and it only takes a few minutes.
These rollers have been around for ages
I never tried one until I read how good they were for the face.
Besides a little pampering is always a good thing :-))
My local Oak Bay Pharmasave have them in stock.
I surprised myself with this meal...
I needed something fast and when my husband was outside in the garden
he discovered that there were some asparagus stalks ready to harvest and some radishes ready to be picked.
I had no lettuce!
Made a salad of celery leaves, cucumber slices and thinly sliced radishes.
~ Creamy Pasta ~
Boiled up some dried pasta noodles.
Sauteed sliced asparagus
(I would have used some grated lemon rind and juice if I had a lemon)
in a couple of tablespoons of butter
added 1/2 tsp freshly grated pepper
added 1 cup grated parmigiana reggiano
1/2 cup of pasta water
stir well to melt cheese and combine.
Then add the noodles and serve!
~ Bon Appetit ~
Auricula Primulas are blooming!
These wee plants are perhaps a CULT plant in the UK.
I discovered them a few years ago and have been growing different varieties.
They are such a sweet and cheerful flower.
Do you have any health challenges?
Osteoporosis?
Life feels very much like a balancing act as I age.
(I am only 69)
Positivity, Optimism and Gratitude are attitudes I embrace.
They continue to prevail as I navigate
aging as gracefully as possible.
Seeking JOY everyday is something I intentionally do.
It makes such a difference especially if one is in pain.
Hope that you are well and enjoying life as much as possible.
Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
26 comments:
What a bountiful blog post! Love the flowers. I too am osteoporotic, and have changed from a twice a year shot to an infusion that’s given once a year. That and lots of calcium rich foods (when I remember!) has resulted in a bone density gain. So don’t be discouraged. Wonderful meal you’ve put together from the garden.
Yes, gardeners in the UK love auriculas. Often displayed in specially made shelving, called auricula theatres. You'll get hooked!
I am sorry to hear about the osteoporosis…my challenge is arthritis! So difficult to eat enough protein; I love cottage cheese but commercial ones are so watery that I may try my hand at making some. Those primulas are really amazing. Keep us posted on that ankle…
It’s a good idea to increase protein and I’m now going to a seniors’ strength and mobility class. Those garden walks and neighbourhood walks are very important.
I meant to add..that jade roller is like the gua sha stone I use. It feels good…I think it stimulates the lymph glands.
Oh, no!! I hate this for you. I have osteopenia, but it is under control. I’ve always drank a glass of milk in the mornings, and try to get calcium in other foods. If I don’t feel I’ve had enough in the day I take a calcium supplement. I also take vitamin D. My health issue is plantar fasciitis. (Foot problems) I’ve always been a walker, but that has stopped. I do other exercises though. I find it helps to share my thoughts on aging and listen to others. I learn from others, and I don’t feel alone.
Take good care. Linda T
Having health issues as well. Physio and recovery exercises. Pain is keeping me doing what I love dance and Zumba. Hopefully I’ll get back to it. Need to get back to a low fat or Mediterranean diet for health reasons. Wish I didn’t have to. Ignoring it didn’t work.
Hello,
Long time reader, should comment more as I enjoy your posts. Words of encouragement: I have had Osteoporosis for ten plus years, I am 62. Took Fossimax, Boniva ( with some improvement) and now doing Prolia injections twice a year. No negative reactions to Prolia after last injection. Sure hope it works.
I do take calcium supplements as well as Vitamin D. Im terrible at exercise but do take a walk several times a week to keep moving. You sound like you have a good health plan going, good for you and you have me th8nking I need more protein.
Thanks for your insights and inspiring posts. 😀❤️
Hi Leslie,
I too have osteopenia, I received the diagnosis 3 years ago. I have had good success with adding protein via Vital Proteins Collagen; 2 scoops daily in my morning coffee. (available at Costco) As per my physical therapist, I also take MK-7 Vitamin K-2 100mcg daily plus a vitamin D-3 5000IU capsule (increases calcium absorption rate). I have done this for 2 years now. My latest bone density showed bone gain in hip and no further loss in spine. My physician is very pleased. This maybe a helpful regime for you. Take care and good luck!
Jeannie
I too have osteoporosis and take a 'bone pill' as I refer to it once a week and am due for another bone density scan this year. I like the sound of the twice yearly injections. I became aware of the need for more protein in my diet last year and added Quinoa, not sure how it ranks on your list for grams. I eat a big vegetable salad most days and never use lettuce, Quinoa being the base. Your Auricula photos are Fab, if I had stayed in England I was going down that route for sure! Marguerite
PS I wear a weighted vest when I walk as I don't want to go to the gym and lift weights! - Marguerite
Hopefully, the shots plus the diet increaseswill help stabilize any further damage. I had a torn ACL and meniscus last year and I'm only now getting back to some regular exercise. They don't do surgery anynore at least for someone my age. My main health problems are treating my cancer. I'm almost 20 years out with Myeloma.( blood cancer). I've had periods of no treatments when my numbers were stable but right now I'm doing a once a month treatment. It's quite easy really as it is a subcutaneous shot. The more difficult part is the steriod I take with it. It raises my BP and it makes sleep difficult. But it's only once a month so I try and look at the positives.
BTW, I had a foot fracture a number of years ago( a hairline ) and it took about 6 weeks for it to heal. No walking, though and had to wear a boot thing. I hope it goes well for you. Getting older is not for the faint hearted that's for sure.
At my stage in life (56-7) I'm working on getting strong and staying strong, so mostly preventive "medicine."
Love seeing your flowers. I always wondered what those rollers were for!
I was diagnosed with osteoporosis last summer and after seeing a rheumatologist was put on Prolia and have had no side effects. She also recommended, in view of the results of tests, that I take my calcium through food, 1 cup of milk (any kind), 2 small pieces of cheese and a yoghurt a day plus of course other calcium rich foods. This needs to be balanced with green veg. In addition to walking and yoga I have also been doing weight bearing exercises on instruction from a kineisologist. The Canadian osteoporosis site tends to err on the cautious side and he advocates the Australian approach to stress the muscles to build bone. There is lots of info on the Australian site. I didn't want to give up what I was already doing so have been following this path.
Love the auriculus.
Oh dear! I am sorry about the health challenges. Sometimes it seems like it's always something or it's one thing after another. I guess we're in the age group that that is how it goes. Still frustrating. Love the Lily of the Valley. I potted up a large pot of pink peony tulips in the fall. This spring I added some purple viola between the bulbs coming up. The tulip blooms are now just past their peak. I'm hoping I can get them to bloom again next year. I've never tried pots with bulbs before, but it worked out really well. For what it's worth, a friend has one of those small trampolines (rebounder) and the reason for it is to help with osteoporosis. JEasy on the joints and yet, apparently, the "jarring" of the bouncing helps the bones. Just a thought that may be a help. I always enjoy the variety in your posts.
I too was on Prolia and saw improvement so now once a year infusion of Reclast.
Meal planning is always a challenge to get enough protein.
Dianne ~ There seems to be a lot of us with osteoporosis! Good to hear that you are getting an annual infusion...I haven't been offered that treatment but understand other women get it. Eating foods rich in calcium are so important. Keep up the habit!!
the veg artist ~ I have a bamboo shelf unit on the porch for the auriculas...am copying the UK gardeners who have those sweet theatres!! Already HOOKED :-))
Laura J ~ Oh my BFF is suffering so much with arthritis...I do empathize. Living with constant pain is so hard...take care of yourself.
Oh yes I saw those smaller stones...I opted for the roller as it seemed simpler to me.
Linda T ~ Oh dear, I empathize as I worked with a teacher who had plantar fasciitis and she wore supportive runners for about a year before it went away...sounds like you are being very proactive and staying on top of your health issues...we really can't do much more than that...take care.
Joanne Long ~ Good to get those walks and classes into your routine...more calcium and protein in our daily diets requires much more thought!! Working on it as I want to see better results in the future.
Anonymous ~ The Mediterranean diet seems very popular and for good reason...very balanced and healthy assortment of vitamin rich foods. Hope the physio is going well and that you are getting some relief...Zumba will be there when you are on the mend!
Pam Zweig ~ Good to hear that you have had the injections with no adverse side effects! Walking is good for building bone density so keep going...our diets can help too and even lifting some weights...apparently YOGA is good as well...doing lots of reading so I am informed on what to do to keep myself from literally "falling apart."
Jeannine ~ Good information that you have shared...I will check those out...so much to learn now that I have a diagnosis..sounds like you are doing the right things to build bone. Great results after your initial report :-))
Marguerite ~ Quinoa is a "complete" protein and I should have looked that up...will do it soon. Lettuce is mostly water so it makes sense that quinoa is a much better option...fibre as well as protein. Easy to cook up a batch and keep it in the fridge for convenience...auricula primulas are adorable wee plants!
tahoe girl blog ~ You have a lot of things going on...I admire your open and positive attitude. I do have a fracture on the tip of my fibula...I am continuing to wear the brace...I just found out it was fractured today. The dr will have another xray in 2 weeks to see if it is healing...in the meantime I will try to stay amused by reading and knitting. The sun is shining and the birdsong is like a symphony outside :-))
Sheila ~ Keep up that positive attitude and adopting healthy proactive habits...they will pay off!
Christy ~ Interesting about the Australian site vs. the Canadian one...will pop over and take a look. Sounds to me like you are doing all the right things...hopefully your next bone density test will reflect all your efforts.
Jeannine ~ The flowers in your garden sound lovely! It does seem like there are more things to contend with as we get older...I have friends dealing with a myriad of issues right now. My sister likes those small rebounder trampolines too. Weight bearing exercises are very good for the bones...yoga, walking, weight training. Am looking into all kinds of things that help build bone. Enjoy puttering in your garden!
Anonymous ~ Good to hear that you are tolerating the Prolia and Reclast. Meal planning is going to be a bigger part of my regime from now on...
Take care.
I'm a faithful reader, Hostess, but never commented. Of course your question about health challenges did it for me, and apparently for all those other commenters, too.
Putting things into context and hopefully not whining), I am 80 and lead a full life despite cardiac disease, hypertension, kidney and liver disease, osteoporosis, bulging disks in the lower back, and a wonky knee. Thank goodness for medication, good nutrition and an outward focus.
I know our bodies become old cars and need more attention but they enable us to (more or less) move through this world.
Good luck in your health journey. And I love your photographs!
Frances Ray ~ Greetings! Welcome to The Humble Bungalow Blog and thank you for your comment.
You are an "inspiration" determined to lead an active life while dealing with health challenges...you are so right about our bodies needing "more attention" as we get older!!
Take care and I am off to check out your posts on Substack.
Love lily of the valley... tons growing around my childhood home and we would take bunches to school for our May Altars. So very sorry to hear about your osteoporosis...and same here. I took Boniva 15 year sago, had infusions about 10 years ago, and just had a scan - good - and finished a 5 year regime of fosomax - take calcium and D. Thought
i was great until I tripped on a curb last week, fell, fracture my wrist in two places...one bone in 6 pieces. Dr. said due to osteo. Had surgery on Monday. Plates and screws in both breaks. Lots of pain...and was to leave for a river cruise in Holland yesterday. Sorry for the typing errors..one had pecking. Wonderful care from my husband and caring friends. Return to doctor next week to take off splint and see what is next. Will be following your progress and tips to stay strong. Take care ...old age is no place for sissies!
Reading your comments. Seems like we all have Osteoporoosis. I take the Prolia shots and I think I no longer have osteoporosis. I still would not want to fall down. Who knows. I also take liquid Vitamin D. I couldn't absorb the pill. Love your lunch. And Always your mother' pearls. Trust me, we all seems to have our social life in seeing doctors. What is the name of that chartreuse green plant? Love it.
Ann ~ Oh my goodness I am sorry to hear of your recent injury...good to know that you have been taking care of your bone density over that past 15 years...it must have helped. Good Luck with your appointment. Sissies we are NOT :-))
Sandra Sallin ~ Yes many of us are experiencing bone loss...I know my situation has probably been aggravated by an early surgical menopause following a hysterectomy. Prolia will be on my radar if my doctor says it will be agreeable...I have a kidney stone so it might not be a good fit...will know soon.
The chartreuse flower is an auricula primula...they come in many varieties.
Take care.
XO
I have just started exercising at home with a Mother and Daughter team on utube called yes2next. The daughter does the full exercise and Mum does the modified. There are lots of exercise options. And from short to long times. They have a lovely, gentle relationship which I find cheering and uplifting in itself. Because there is so much choice I can choose what I need or am up for. And because their relationship is so kind, I like seeing them and feel more positive about tuning in - multiple motivations. Hope this helps someone.
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