Showing posts with label parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parks. Show all posts

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Playfair Park ~ A quiet and serene walk in the Gardens ~ Arthritis Walking update

 


~ Playfair Park ~
A scenic oasis of beauty in our city.
Camas, azaleas and rhododendrons dot the landscape.
The Birdsong is heavenly.
This park is situated between two major streets and I didn't hear any traffic.
It a lovely spot to escape to and be in a lush green space.


A reader asked me to share any tips on my arthritis journey...

It's very early in my journey but I will attempt to share a few tidbits.
I am easing into this new phase taking baby steps
avoiding at all costs 
going down a rabbit hole of gloom and doom.


New beginnings...


Embracing Daily Delights
Snippets of beauty
Gorgeous Fawn Lilies.


Like the famous Nike slogan says...

Just Do It!

Walking with intention...
slowly and mindfully.

A gentle warm up helps prepare the hips.

Moving sideways and backwards first to get the hips to get ready
then moving forward, slowly at first and pace yourself in a comfortable speed.

Each day my hip feels different, some days there is more pain than other days?
I have no clue why?
All questions to ask my physiotherapist when I meet with her.

My goal is to halve my usual walk into two shorter ones.


These steps and km were accomplished by taking three shorter walks.

I am feeling weary now and have taken an Advil.
My doctor told me that I could take them during the day and the most important one
 is for nightime to help me with pain and allow for sleep.

It feels weird taking a pain pill as this is so not on my usual radar
but Needs Must...for now at least...in time who knows?
But hey let's check out the flowers...


Camas grows in large areas below the Garry Oak Trees.


Camas close up, 
the First Nations People used this as a food source.


A lovely rhododendron, one of many here in the park.


Pink, red, white, mauve and yellow dotted throughout the gardens.


Last week I walked in Playfair Park, along The Esplanade at Willows Beach
then I met up with a friend for a walk near her home in South Oak Bay.

I feel like I have accomplished something positive...
these are the most steps that I have recorded since my initial diagnosis.

One other thing that my doctor mentioned was to take extra vitamin D.
He indicated that there is a lot of scientific research to support its use.

I am enjoying lots of salads with fresh lettuce harvested from the Humble Bungalow Garden.
My lunches are focused completely on salad.
I am getting creative by adding nuts, feta and cooked quinoa to the lettuce and veggies.
I use a simple Kraft dressing that is oil based.
One type has Italian pesto and spices and the other one has Greek Feta.
Both are 35 calories per tablespoon and they add a LOT of flavour.

That's about all for now as I need to get up and move.

BTW
Thank you for your many supportive and encouraging emails

I am excited to be taking charge of my Health and continuing to explore new options.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Grandchildren ~ Play time and memories...

There's nothing quite as special as time with the grandchildren...
their seemingly endless energy, unbridled enthusiasm and love of spontaneity is part of what I love so much when we are together.

These precious hours never fail to put a smile on my face and time passes so quickly that I always snap a few photos to preserve these special moments.


Gyro Park Octopus
children can climb inside the head and slide down the arms of the octopus.


A glorious September afternoon for a some playtime at the park.
Henry loved the zip line!
(you can see it on the right of the image)


Cadborosaurus
The mythical sea creature that has been seen over the years
swimming in Cadboro Bay.
(like the Loch Ness Monster)


Peek a boo!


GRRRR!


Our darling Mira loves to play like the big kids.
She climbs up the steep steps of the slide and then delights in sliding down.


Henry sitting on the fin of a blue whale.


Dallas Road Beach
the waterfront staircase and turret painted by Victoria's artist in residence.


A driftwood hut
a great spot for the grandchildren to explore and use their imagination.
Pirates?
Buried Treasure?



Isla had fun playing inside the structure and after playing inside we hunkered down and got serious about digging for beach glass!

Our September weather has been mild and sunny which makes it easy to get out and have fun in the afternoons and on the weekends when Isla is not at school.

I remember start of the school years as a young student...
new pencils and fresh pink erasers
clean scribblers
pots of glue
new shoes
white socks
 new skirts and blouses
gym strip
a lunch kit

all the things that I needed to make a great start to the school year.

So many years ago...
but the memories are still fresh.

And now it's Isla's turn to experience 
the newness of her books
the fresh pencils
clean pink erasers
a new pencil box
a backpack

Time to forge memories of her own which she'll keep for years to come.

My goodness but time passes quickly...

At the age of 62
looking back...

I have countless memories and experiences
enough to fill up many many books!

Feeling so grateful that I am able to share such lovely days with my family.
September is fresh with newness and I am starting a few new projects of my own.

How about you?
Have you got something new on your radar?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~