Personal Care Archives

Slightly Pink

Leave a Comment / BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Slightly Pink 🌸 Today’s Featured Product! CyclingDeal Unisex Bike Sandals New!! Dynacraft Magna Throttle For our full list of products, visit the SpokEasy Store! I notice that I often finish my rides slightly pink, as my sister puts it. This, despite my using sunblock; and no, I’m not trying to match the Mr. Pork Chop bus. This slightly pink look seems to fade away by the following day; so maybe it’s wind exposure? The main thing is that I don’t actually get sunburned. I look for sunblock with an SPF rating of 50; and when I’m riding, I keep an eye on the time if I’ll be going farther than 10 miles. All the sunblocks I’ve used say, reapply every 80 minutes. When I take a day off from riding, it not only lets my legs rest; it gives my skin a break from all that sunblock! I think I need that, too. Day Off 😴 A day off from riding lets my muscles recuperate; not that I push them terribly hard. It makes me wonder at times how badly I really want to get faster. I still don’t have my new road bike; but I hope to get one soon. My body will forget how to manage a road bike if I wait too long! Today I’m taking a day off from riding; and the forecast for tomorrow includes — again! — fog. UV rays can, indeed, penetrate the mist; and I’d rather avoid getting slightly pink, never mind red. So on goes the sunblocfk! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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I Know Winter?

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

I Know Winter? ❄️ 🥶 Did I think I know Winter? After watching this, I don’t think I even know what Winter is! I’m not sure I could survive a Winter like the one described, even with indoor electric heat. And if the power failed, I’d really be up a creek. The stove here is electric; and every time the power fails, I sure miss having a gas stove! I can’t cook; I can’t even heat water for hot chocolate. Fortunately the water heater is gas; but even so, who wants to take a shower in a frigid room, even if the water is hot? I had to do that in the first apartment I had; and it was not pleasant! In fact, I was prone to griping about it. So — do I know Winter? Bundle Up 🧥 I’d have to learn to bundle up, that’s for sure. I don’t like having heaps if clothing on me while I’m indoors, but if it’s cold enough to snow; and the electricity has gone out; then I’d have to do it. Last January’s snowfall was a freak event; for us, weather cold enough for snow usually means we’ve had a cold front that pushed all the clouds away. Thus snow in New Orleans is a rare thrill; and, incidentally, one that’s likely to shut down the entire city. We locals don’t know how to drive in the white stuff. We’ve barely had Fall, so it might be early to think about Winter. Even when it comes, I’m highly unlikely to have to go into survival mode, like the Ingalls family. So no, I don’t think I know Winter. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Carry On

BACK ISSUES, Outdoors, Personal Care / CAL

Carry On 📦 Today at physical therapy, I got to carry on. The therapist had me do a few exercises with small weights; but he says not to try them at home yet. Testing my strength, maybe? But I can’t yet carry a bicycle case, of course. Not even with my arm unweighted. Maybe my elbow isn’t sufficiently recovered to do the weight exercises daily; so if I want to carry on, I’ll have to use a backpack! At least my walking pace seems to have recovered; and that’s something. I seemed sluggish for weeks. Faster walking keeps me warmer; and I’ll need that soon. Per the forecast, the temperature will fall to the lower 40s Sunday night; so I’ve got to get the jacket ready. Get the Jacket Ready 🥶 Yep, get the jacket ready. Not only is it expected to get cold; the forecast is for some stiff wind. It’s not my favorite thing to carry on a bike ride in a headwind; so I think a part of me will actually be relieved that I’m not riding! When I can finally ride again, I’m going to start with rides in the park. It might be better to stay off the levee for a while; especially if the wind is strong! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Reach Out

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care / CAL

Reach Out 🫱🏼 I can reach out more now! Today the physical therapist extended the splint; and I can extend my arm farther. I’m looking forward to being rid of that thing. Even though I can reach out more, using my left hand is awkward. My arm gets tired quickly because the splint is not weightless. For that reason, I’ve developed the habit of keeping my elbow flexed and the arm close to my body. Thank goodness I’m no longer worried about how I’ll manage if a hurricane heads our way. Evacuation would be enough of a hassle even if I didn’t have an arm out of commission! I just hope we don’t get a late-season storm. Late Season 🍁 A late season hurricane isn’t impossible; but the tropics are expected to remain quiet during the coming week. So we can relax for a bit! And I’m waiting to be able to ride again. How well must I be able to reach out before I’m able to manage the steering? I don’t ride with my arms fully extended; the elbows are supposed to have some bend in them. If your arms are straight and rigid on the bike, steering will be a lot harder; and you also will have a harder time if you hit a bumpy patch in the road. When I’m out of the splint, I have to get back some arm strength, too; but I don’t know how soon I may add a bit of weight to my therapy exercises. The scar area still doesn’t take well to weight! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Same Thing Every Year

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care / CAL

Same Thing Every Year! 🍂 🥵 It’s the same thing every year! The calendar says it’s Fall; but the weather seems to have other ideas. Yes, it’s finally dropping to the mid-60s overnight; but afternoons still get into the 80s. Morning temperatures are about perfect for cycling; but of course I can’t do that just now. I wish I could walk more; but I get tired sooner than I like. For another thing, I like to walk early, while there’s still shade — so I can skip the sunblock. It’s the same thing every year — the need for sunblock never ends, no matter how cold the weather gets. Not if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors! Sunblock 😎 Sunblock is important to keep UV rays at bay. Sunburn isn’t only unattractive and painful; over time it can lead to skin cancer. So I have to put up with washing off sunblock after riding. Yep — same thing every year, all year long. I hope we don’t get an onslaught of bad weather just as I get clearance to ride again. The lack of rain at present is a good thing. I have to keep that splint dry; and I have three medical appointments in as many days. It’s gotten tedious, though. I never knew that I took being able to get wet for granted! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Elbow Room?

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care / CAL

Elbow Room? 💪 Have I got some more elbow room? Yesterday I had a follow-up with the orthopedic surgeon. They X-rayed my elbow; and it’s coming along fine. Then they extended the range of motion that my brace will allow; so I guess you could say that I’ve got more elbow room. In one week I begin physical therapy; and I see the surgeon again in four weeks. By then I’ll have seen the neurologist who follows me for NF-1. I messaged the doctor about my accident; and I want to discuss whether I may have had a concussion. So far, nobody has definitely said that I did. I’ve been keeping my primary care physician on board about this, and the PCP says to stay active; but don’t overdo it. So what’s overdoing it? Overdo? 😮‍💨 Is walking one mile a case of overdo? Ordinarily, it isn’t; but things aren’t ordinary at present. My energy level fluctuates from one day to another; and that makes it hard to plan physical activity. What seems like overdo one day, is more tolerable the next day; and vice versa. I’m getting tired of sitting around; and I wish I had more “elbow room” for doing things. At the same time, I’m relieved that my existence doesn’t depend on my being able to perform physically demanding things. I can’t even use a broom yet! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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How Soon?

BACK ISSUES, bicycling, Personal Care / CAL

How Soon? 🕰️ Of course I’m wondering how soon I might ride again. Before I left the hospital, I thought they said, five weeks; but I suspect it will be longer than that. Yesterday I got the surgical dressings off. I may take the brace off to shower; and it was wonderful to be able to wash my hair. I wasn’t like being at a spa; but it still felt good. I’m now allowed to walk to my heart’s content. I hope I feel more energetic tomorrow; but the sheer difficulty of finding a comfortable position in bed makes sleep very difficult. No wonder I’m sort of spacey. I’ll soon be starting some physical therapy; a home health care person is coming in a few hours to give me an evaluation. Physical Therapy 💪 Once I’ve had the physical therapy evaluation, I might have a better idea of how soon I may ride again. I hope it’s not too long! When I get the green light to ride, I’ll start with the hybrid. It might be some time before I get a new road bike. The poor road bike that I had can’t be salvaged. You should have seen the wheels — some spokes gone; and others sticking out at weird angles. The front fork had been damaged, too; and the frame might have sustained damage that doesn’t show externally. That can happen with carbon fiber; and they say you should never ride on a cracked frame. It might fail drastically at any time. Then you could be in a situation that no physical therapy can fix. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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In the Nursery?

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care / CAL

In the Nursery? 👶🏻 I feel like I’m now in the nursery. Today someone from a home health care service came to see me; and we discussed my medications; upcoming physical and occupational therapy, etcetera. I’ll have some further home nurse visits; hence the feeling that I’m in the nursery. I was relieved to learn that I might get medical transport through my health-care plan; and I’m happy to know that I might not always have to bum rides from friends when I have to get to appointments. I sure won’t be able to ride places for a while; and I need to get a new helmet first, anyway. So I’ve got a list of phone calls to make come Monday; and I want to get back to what off-bike exercises that I may do, Squats will be OK; but little else. And at present, medication for muscle spasms has me rather groggy. Monday 📞 Monday has many of us feeling like this; and reaching for an energy gel. But for once I’m looking forward to Monday; I have a lot of things to take care of; I want to get them done; and I can’t stay in the nursery! I must make phone calls for this and that; I need to get my will finalized; and I’m sure more will come up. It admittedly sounds rather exhausting; and right now I’m working to chart my post-op medications. There are four to keep track of, in addition to my usual meds. It’s a bit overwhelming; but I’ll get through it somehow. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Summer Cold

BACK ISSUES, Personal Care / CAL

Summer Cold 👃🏻 A Summer cold is no fun; especially when it hits just as you’re starting the biggest cycling adventure of your life. I first came down with a cold about three weeks into June; and by the time RAGBRAI rolled around, it still didn’t seem quite gone. Now I’m not sure whether I’ve still got the same cold; or whether I’ve caught a new one! A Summer cold is the worst type, they say; and I’m inclined to agree. About halfway through RAGRAI, my throat started to feel dry; and when I tried to talk, it would catch; and make me cough. After I got back home, it continued to happen; so I suppose that my hydration status wasn’t a factor. I visited a doctor after I was back home, to be sure I didn’t have strep throat. Fortunately, I don’t. There’s not much you can do for a cold but wait it out; but that’s tedious! Wait It Out ⏱️ I’ve got a Summer cold; so what can I do while I wait it out? Well, I’m working on drafts for my blogs about RAGBRAI; one for each day of the ride. I’m continually editing them; and I don’t want to start publishing them until all the editing for all seven posts is finished. Would warm tea help me feel better? I don’t know; I’m not crazy about hot drinks, especially when the ambient temperature is at least 80 degrees! As I type this, it’s 91 degrees; with a heat index of 106! I can ride slow and easy while I wait it out; and soon I must start cooking big batches of food to freeze. I didn’t dare leave too much in the freezer while I was gone, for fear of a possible power outage. But here’s the test: I read this somewhere years ago. Put a cup of water in the freezer. When it’s frozen solid, lay quarter on top of the ice. Then, when you’re back home, look to see whether the quarter is still on top of the ice. If it is, there was no power outage; and you don’t have to throw food away. It reminds me of how my brother used to joke about cold cash and hot change! This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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Roll out the Kinks

BACK ISSUES, Food, Personal Care / CAL

Roll out the Kinks 😌 Roll out the kinks with these Massage Balls! You can get a massage in the comfort of your own home! Set of three balls: Orange (long, soft spikes); Yellow (medium-firm spikes); and Red (short, hard spikes). Their tennis-ball size makes them easy to carry; and allows you to target small, specific areas. Great for sore muscles after any ride! While you roll out the kinks, enjoy some Muscle Milk. Its protein content helps to rebuild your muscles; each serving provides 25 grams of protein; and no sugar. Muscle Milk comes in Chocolate (shown); Strawberry; Cookies & Cream; and S’mores. This blog/page may contain affiliate links. “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” ABOUT ME I began this website primarily as a way to present the story of how I accomplished a century ride on an adult tricycle. Other riders of adult trikes might want to know whether it’s possible. It sure is! You can read all about it in My Story. I live in New Orleans; and retired in January 2023. More time for cycling! Website designed by Cecile Levert © This website is the property of its author. DISCLAIMER I am not a cycling coach; nor a health professional. This site is based on my own experiences, opinions, etc. If you need help, please consult the appropriate professional. FRESH FROM MY JOURNAL No Layout Found TRANSLATOR

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