mea culpa

It's been a while since I've added anything I apologize. I tend to want to report only good news( don't we all?)
My new hip, as I refer to it, is doing well. I lack some strength in the muscles to lift the leg up when lying prone keeping the hip bones down on the floor. But I have been using my neighbor's pool to exercise in. I also continue with PT doing the "nustep" and lifting wieghts on my ankles.

I have been limited somewhat this last week as first I had a painful and swollen left knee and then the swelling moved down to my ankle. Now I have a painful instep on the same leg so walking is still not fun. All of these are on the "undone" hip, which has also been giving me a fit.
I'm at the point now where I want to get the other hip done ASAP. I plan on calling the doc to see what's allowed.

I'm going on Friday for a week's yoga retreat in Durango,CO with Patricia Walden. I signed up for this a long time ago and expected to be back in shape for it. I worry some about the long day's airline journey to Durango, and hope I'm up to that. Stay tuned.

in the garden

We have had a lot of rain this summer which means my garden is alive with color. It also has not been too hot or humid to get out there and enjoy it(at least till today). I took some pictures the other day and although they did show what was in bloom they were not great pictures. Like everything else if you want a good product you have to spend time at it- that's not me, I want instant gratification. Of course I don't mind spending hours in the kitchen preparing a good meal but to sit at the computer and try to bring focus and beauty when the time to have done it was in composing the picture!

This week has been up and down. I have been plagued with a back spasm that just won't quit. My new hip is doing great although the last several days my knee has been speaking to me. I spent some time in my neighbor's heated swimming pool- that was a blessing. I did my version of PT exercises in the water- what a luxury.

I have a friend who comes on Sunday's and we sit for 45 minutes. I chose our spot badly today and ended up in full sun. It required every bit of my yogic discipline to stay with it.
thee sun was too hot, the birds were too loud and on and on. As usual just as I surrendered to "we'll be here all day" the bell rang for the end.

stronger

I can feel my new hip getting stronger with every day. I walked down the driveway yesterday with Jack and could almost keep up with him. Today. at the suggestion of a yoga teacher friend who had 2 new hips, I will practice walking with hiking poles instead of a cane. It should feel more balanced and give me more mobility in my upper back, which I sorely need.
I have gone back to my normal teaching schedule and it feels funny to teach without demonstrating. Although I am limited in what I can do for several more months still it feels good to be teaching again.

A word of caution- Jack contracted Lyme disease and got on antibiotics in time to not feel so badly, but I have heard of several cases. Certainly we have many ticks this year. So be sure to check yourselves if you go out walking.