~ Last Week of Summer at The Cottage ~
The weather was warm and sunny
with a whisper of wind...
The pool was open and there were only a few cottagers on site.
This particular afternoon we had the entire pool to ourselves.
It was so relaxing floating with my pool noodle and moving my legs.
I find the movement in the warm water very helpful for my arthritis.
I've started taking Canadian made TruMarine Collagen...
apparently skin, hair and joint pain will benefit from Collagen.
It's been a few weeks and I am pleased to report that my hair has stopped falling out!
Seriously that was FAST!!!
My skin is clear...
Joint pain in my hips may take up to 5 months to be reduced.
(according to the research)
IF it helps it will be a real bonus.
I am also changing up my diet...
working hard on eating a diet of anti-inflammatory foods.
Cauliflower is a powerful veggie and is reported to reduce inflammation....
Recipe is from Barefoot Contessa's Modern Comfort Food.
Roasted cauliflower with anchovies, capers, lemon juice, rind
topped with a bit of grated parmesan cheese.
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Cauliflower
SO GOOD!
I found some "good things"
(isn't that what Martha Stewart used to say?)
at the Thrift Shops last week...
Two Vintage German porcelain Egg Cups.
Found a day apart in two different thrifts!!
Our Quarter Share Cottage,
(why I named it Quarterdeck Cottage.)
At Otter Bay.
The ferry dock is very close...
we watch the ferries come and go.
We wondered if the ferry traffic would be an issue when we purchased the share.
Surprisingly it has turned out to be a form of entertainment.
When we see 5 ferries out on The Salish Sea we all shout FERRY YACHTZEE.
~ OOTD ~
Akoya Pearls and a white TEE
worn here with my new French Dressing Jeans
&
Thrifted Ralph Lauren Striped Oversize Tee.
Thrifted Vintage Paste Crystal choker...
I hummed and hawed...
Should I buy it?
Would I wear it?
I did buy it...
Still not sure...
I know 2 darling granddaughters who might have fun wearing it :-))
No Regrets...
Time will Tell.
I captured some lovely sunset images...
with the mild weather we sat outside after dinner.
We don't watch much TV or stream shows when we are at the cottage...
daytime we walk, read, swim, play crib ( I lose)
and I knit.
We savour the views and keep an eye out for sealife...
otters, seals, whales,
So much birdsong with many new songs that the Merlin App help to identify.
Home here back in The Humble Bungalow.
All is quiet...
Mr. HB is out in the garden weeding and planting bulbs.
I've been reactivating my sourdough starter, a batch of dough is on the counter.
Laundry is done...
So moving forward...some dietary changes are afoot.
Hopefully some weight loss might occur.
I meet with the surgeon this week,
will find out if I am a candidate for a hip replacement.
I do wonder why my hip is worn out...
did I walk too much?
Have I been negligent of not getting enough calcium?
I have Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis.
I had a Hysterectomy in my early 40's so perhaps the lack of estrogen is to blame?
Whatever the case, I plan to fight.
If you've got any sage advice about inflammation and diet...
or arthritis
or hip replacements...
I am all ears.
Don't be shy...
Share your thoughts.
Women need to stick together and share their wisdom.
These fluffy clouds felt like waving handkerchiefs at sunset..
were they waving hello or goodbye?
I appreciate you
stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog :-))
In this vast world which is undergoing uncertainty,
we need to focus on making a positive difference in our daily round.
If you are able...
Do something nice for your family, friends, neighbours.
It need not be a BIG thing...
simple gestures can be such a welcome gesture.
OK that's all from me...for now, until next time.
~ Be Well and Be Kind ~
43 comments:
I am an introvert and don’t typically “chat” as I might go on my rounds to the grocery, pharmacy, etc and am guiltier than most about the perfunctory “thank you”. But here in the US where civility and connection are falling by the way and so many seem to walk around with their nose half out of joint, I’ve started my campaign of “aggressive courtesy”(tm). I began with clerks, who just deal with so much rudeness and my intent was to acknowledge them as real people. We all want to be seen, right? “Thank you for taking my order - I come here a lot.” “I hope the rest of your shift goes well.” Just a little beyond the routine and automatic.
I’ve expanded - instead of just coming and going to my exercise class, I might ask about someone’s tee shirt. Again, “I see you.”
Might not sound like much to a more outgoing person, but it’s a change for me. Not difficult - just a different level of presence and awareness.
You know where this is going, don’t you? I’m enjoying it too.
It doesn’t seem like the summer could possibly be over. You are doing all the right things for your hip. My sister had surgery last winter and recovered well. That cauliflower dish looks yummy!
Dear Hostess, after following your blog for many years without commenting, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate it. It is like letters from a very nice friend on the other side of the Atlantic. In these days, feeling this connection between continents is more important than ever before. A heartfelt thank you from me in Sweden, Northern Europe. Wishing all the best to you and yours, Helena
“Women need to share their wisdom”. Great words. I wish I had some wisdom to share, but I will tell you, my sister had a hip replacement fifteen years ago and has never had a problem. Also, my eighty year old friend had one twenty years ago and again no problems. Maybe some encouragement from that if that is the direction you need to go. Hoping for some helpful news from your doctor.
Linda T
Such a lovely post on this Sunday morning, unfortunately I do not have advise for you. I will also be checking your comments for advise. Have a great day.
Leslie- my husband had hip replacement 11 years ago and wishes he had done it sooner. There really is nothing you could do to avoid it. We are living longer and things wear out. Just follow your surgeon’s instructions and live healthfully. You will have a good outcome. And thank you for your blog. Its gentle discourse, lovely pictures and a place to chat with others provides a welcome respite from the news of the day. I’m an American and it’s been difficult.
You need to reach out to Cindy Hattersley she has had two hip replacements and all went FANTASTIC!Beautiful photos!I love that necklace.I too have one just like it but really old I’m afraid to wear it!For fear of losing or breaking.I made that CONTESSA’s chili the other night delicious!!
Cauliflower is my least preferred vegetable!Ugh!
We eat a lot of broccoli and Swiss Chard!
Food is JOY!Dont be too hard on yourself!
Xx
When we travel on the ferry through Active Pass, I look at your island and think of you, wondering if you're currently there. We live in such a beautiful part of the world. The pool looks lovely. Swimming is one of my favourite activities, yet I do it rarely as I hate getting ready to go to the pool, changing in the locker rooms, etc.
I've taken up doing some light weights for my osteoporosis - just three pounds. I have some back issues so can't do much more according to my physiotherapist. I walk a lot.
Lately, in an effort to lose some weight, I've been trying to eat 80-90% of what I have been eating. I stop before I'm entirely satisfied. It's early days yet, but I'm not finding it too difficult, and have lost a couple of pounds.
The roasted cauliflower dish looks delicious!
When I had a necessary hysterectomy in my 40's I asked to save my ovaries. Unfortunately I had a doctor who was (I have been thinking of words and am going with) rude and nasty (so there) and talked down to me about it. I do think I would not have the bone issues now if I had kept the ovaries. However, last year I had a friend die of ovarian cancer. It is hard to detect until it is too far gone for treatment. My wisdom based on nothing is that studies need to be done on a diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. Women could keep their ovaries, not die of cancer and have stronger bones.
Another osteo girl here - and I started taking collagen a few months ago. Not marine...it's Orgain Collagen Peptides with Probiotics. Grass fed with 20g of collagen. I get it at Costco. Before we left on our cruise last month my knee and hip were hurting all of a sudden. I walk the stairs from our apartment on the 2nd floor to the 5th floor for breakfast. Our building has complimentary breakfast on the 5th floor and it is a wonderful way to see neighbors and catch up. It was hurting as I walked up and I thought - oh, I better take a knee brace on the trip. BUT...our cabin was on the 3rd deck, breakfast was on the 7th deck....we walked those stairs - up and down - several times each day for meals, activities, etc. We never took the elevator! After a few days the pain went away. I think it was my own form of PT! And, I think the collagen helps. Nails seem stronger, hair is a little better, and hoping it helps the joints. I take it in a cup of warm milk before bed. Good luck with your visit to see about a hip....I feel like you - is this happening because I have always been a walker??? Your pearls and "diamonds" are gorgeous. Yes, this world is CRAZY - getting together with college friends of 50 years this week for coffee at my home before we head out for a day of shopping. Making pumpkin muffins to enjoy...and share. Kindness is contagious!
Lovely post as always. These 2 Canadian doctors are quite informative and sensible. This video especially! And a laugh or two. I found collagen helped my hair too…some interest in creatine..but I can only deal with a limited number of supplements!, lol. https://youtu.be/nRmd9rbISrI?si=Rilizwh9MvWhf3xH
I have been suffering from hip pain also, actually for a year and a half. I've had cortisone shots in both hips and that helped greatly for about 6 months. Now my doctor (in June) told me I cannot have another cortisone shot. It seems you can only have 2 over your lifetime. I've been using a heating pad, doing the stretches and strengthening exercises, and take a daily over the counter anti inflammatory. I turned 70 in June and have always been very active, slim, exercised. We just never know, do we? I see the doctor in a couple weeks and will be anxious to find out what the next step will be. I am confident that we will overcome this!!
Aches and pains at least tell us we are still here!!
I think what you are doing in your community is wonderful!
Keep it up...People who serve us food, check out our groceries, bank clerk, medical staff, hairdressers, child minders ~ basically everyone likes to hear a heartfelt thank you :-)) Kindness is never out of style.
Today the skies are rather grey...there is a wee chill in the air...so summer feels like it's over. Good to hear that your sister had a great outcome after her hip replacement !!
Hope you are enjoying France and England :-))
Lovely post with lovely pics as always. That cauliflower dish looks very scrummy and I am rather partial to cauliflower! Sending good wishes re the hip but cannot offer any advice. I do take collagen everyday and it certainly helps. My hair felt out a lot last summer and that was due to a change in the formula of the shampoo I was using. It has regrown since I changed shampoo.
Helena,
Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself and leaving a comment...connecting with people across the globe with my blog posts is truly amazing.
Linda T. It is reassuring that so many people know the success stories from family and friends who have have their hips replaced...Thank you for sharing this news :-))
Thank you...and I hope that you enjoy your day too!!
I can only imagine how stressful life might be in America...we hear things on the news but I never know if they are actually true...only what our friends and family in Oregon and California are telling us. We have problems here in Canada too.
I guess my hip(s) were destined to fail as I have always been active from my teen years biking and skating to walking great distances...then walking for my health and weight management...which has become very challenging of
late...hence the weight gain. I look forward to getting back to a new normal!!!
Oh my goodness I never knew Cindy had had her hips replaced!!! This necklace might be old...but I cannot say what era it was made? The cauliflower recipe tasted nutty and the anchovies and capers gave it a complete makeover!!! You might like it served this way :-))
Weight loss is difficult as we get older...congratulations on your progress so far.
I have a couple of friends who use the pool at The Hotel Grand Pacific...they sell swim punch cards...I used to go there after work for an hour swim when I worked in James Bay. The change rooms are very clean and tidy and they have decent showers and lockers...you might enjoy a swim better in that location and it is not too busy unless it is summertime.
Sad to lose a friend to that cancer...so few symptoms. I suppose experts advise women to err on the side of caution.
My ovaries were removed as well...at the recommendation of the specialist who was a female...and I oddly later I heard that she passed away from Ovarian Cancer herself which is rather tragic.
Enjoy your meet up with those friends...a few of my former staff are having an alumni luncheon...it should be fun seeing and chatting with these wonderful women after working with them for so many years...we have lots in common and so many great memories...good to hear that your hips and knees are still taking you up and down all those stairs and in less discomfort now that you are taking that Collagen.
Oh Laura I am with you on keeping pills and potions to a minimum!!
Our doctor has us taking vitamin D and K and because of my osteo issues I take calcium and magnesium....and that long time prescription for my hypothyroidism...will check out the video.
We are both 70...mine was in March...I haven't always been slim...so I wondered about the extra stress on my joints when years ago I would walk all those miles...(now kilometres) Good luck and stay in touch after you hear what the dr. recommends.
That they do! A virtual symphony of sound :-))))
I can relate to your enjoyment the arrivals and departures of your ferries. We live in a house on a busy street in Toronto and I understand that some people would prefer a more secluded location but, for me, my dining room table is like the window table in a restaurant.
I salute your bravery! A smile or "hello" can create moments of connection in our daily lives, enriching us more than we expected. For me, it creates a sense of community, something that we need in our lives today.
My younger friend had a hip replacement a couple years ago at age 58 and got along beautifully. I believe you will too, if you go that route! I so enjoy your blog and instagram—- the variety of topics and the kind, curious, and encouraging tone!
Lori in Kansas City
Leslie,
I'm 63 and have had 2 total hip replacements over the last 5 years. Like you, I had OA and was in discomfort with many of life's daily activities becoming limited.
The reality is, OA doesn't get better or go away, there is only one option for these worn out joints and that is surgery.
My new hips are a godsend, I'm thankful for them every single day and I'm sorry I didn't get them sooner. I'm now completely pain free and am back biking, swimming, powerwalking and dancing with gusto. They have given me a new lease on life and I feel 10 years younger. The joy I now get from being able to get down on the floor to play with my young grandchildren is immeasurable.
So.... here's my 5 pieces of advice Leslie:
1. Get the hip replaced sooner rather than later - what are you waiting for, your life is now.
2. Get a good surgeon, someone who has done hundreds of the procedures and one you have faith in.
3. Find a good physiotherapist. You'll need their support before and after the surgery.
4. Do as you are told - not any more, not any less - exercises & stretches are prescribed for a reason.
5. Be kind to yourself. The surgery isn't awful but the recovery takes a bit of time so be patient and know the rewards are totally worth it.
OA is a right royal pain in the hip but you'll be a new woman with the old one gone.
And.....that's my rant, the one I now give to anyone who is suffering like I did - it may be blunt but I've been there and know that life can truly be better.
I wish you nothing but the very best and hope you can get relief soon. Then you too will beep when going through airport security :)
In the meantime, keep the posts coming, I just love your blog and have been reading it for years
Adrienne
Hello Leslie, we live in a country town in NZ. Overall, newcomers say how friendly the area is, and we agree. I have had a hysterectomy also. I do try to keep fit, watch what I eat, (most of the time) and meet up regularly with family and friends. Spring is upon us, and that brings me joy. Thank you for another enlightening blog post
Keep the bling necklace- it looks great. Hips wear out, and I'm sure there is never anything you did or didn't do to cause it. My dad had his done at 70 and wished it had been done sooner. His pain was greatly reduced.
Wonderful post, the cauliflower recipe looks delicious. You mentioned in a recent instagram post you were looking for a vegetable cookbook. I have taken a book called River Cottage Veg by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall out of the library and although I haven’t tried any of the recipes as yet, I am enjoying reading the book. I live just outside of Toronto so maybe your library in Victoria might have it. Hope your appointment goes well this week.
Leslie, your necklace is fabulous, keep wearing it. In a situation like that, my response tends to be, "why not?" At this age, 70 in November, I take more interest in my appearance and fashion than I ever did and it is so much fun. I too have OA and will be looking to try Collagen. Despite aches and pains it is a 'use it or lose it' for me. I am fortunate not to be to the point of replacements but am trying to encourage sis-in-law not to wait on hip replacement. Life is short and so much to be gained. I have followed you for years and years, you are such an elegant voice of calm and thoughtfulness
My hubby has had both of his hips replaced, 16 years apart. They had him up and walking within a few hours. It takes a bit to get back to “normal” but it is worth it. I hope your doctor approves your surgery.
Oh you would probably really enjoy that cauliflower recipe...good to hear that you figured out why your hair was falling out!!! Perhaps that shampoo had something rather harsh in the formula?
Ah you've got a table with a view :-))
Toronto must be a very vibrant city...like London or Paris...sitting at a cafe in Paris was a fun activity on my trips...people watching...like a non stop fashion cat walk!!
Hello Lori in Kansas City,
Nice to hear from you and delighted that you enjoy this blog, and my Instagram posts. They are a fun hobby. Great that your friend had a good result from the hip surgery :-))
I will share more info after my appointment...
Adrienne, Thank you so much for your newsy response!!!
I love that you are now dancing with GUSTO...and powerwalking. Congratulations. I have been referred to a local Clinic that specializes in surgical procedures and has a physiotherapy area attached to the clinic. Wait times for surgeries vary here...10 -12 months is what I have heard from other people. I have waited 9 months just to get my appointment so in the meantime I have been actively looking for drug free pain management strategies....Yoga, Waterfit, Collagen, etc...you could be the poster gal for new hips!!!
Keep enjoying life XO
Colleen...enjoy the fresh start to Spring. It is a lovely season and it feels like a breath of fresh air...so many possibilities. Joy can be found in the smallest of things and you seem like a joy seeker like myself, Carpe Diem .
XO
I am 70 now and so I understand how your Dad must have felt after enduring discomfort and reduced mobility. The Joy and relief upon getting that new Hip...I read an article about reasons why hips and cartilage break down and there is no one big offender it is a multiple of factors...it can even be genetic so there is no sense in looking for blame or shame...I must go with the flow and stay positive.
Certain hip replacement operations are day surgeries here...they get you up and walking with crutches and walkers quite quickly. Lots of physio follows...fingers crossed I get a surgery date.
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