Hi Elizabeth,

Your adventure tomorrow sounds good.  Its a promising sign that your husband has suggested it I think.  I have been to Queenscliffe actually, and have a very vague recollection of it.  I was there in about 1997 I think?  It was with my work at the time.  But I do remember that its a very nice area, so I really hope you enjoy the day.

Today I didnt go for much of a walk I'm sorry to say.  I was pretty tired, and feeling very low all day.  Definitely lacking motivation!  But around 6.30pm when the sun had gone down and it had cooled off a bit I did go for a bit of a wander around out yard.  We live on 3 acres, so it's not as bad as it may sound!  

So I took Holly, my little dog off for a walk down the bottom of our block and she was very happy.  She doesnt like going off down there on her own, preferring to have company on her little adventures.  So I took her down there and checked the mangos, and the citrus trees.  The remaining mangoes are not yet ready to pick, but I need to check them daily almost in order to beat the birds to them once they do start to ripen.

Anyway Holly got the scent of something down the bottom of the paddock.  Probably a rabbit I'd say, and got very excited about it for a while.  She has a good 'nose' on her does my little Holly.  She would probably be a good recruit for Starwolf's tracking trips.  So between that and dodging several angry plovers who kept swooping me, I did get a little bit of exercise.  Those plovers can be mighty angry when they are nesting!  By the time you dodge, duck and weave to avoid them, its almost like doing a gym session!  Other than that, I picked up and stacked up some more fallen timber from the gum trees, and saw a few little birds.  And Holly chased some black cockatoos which she really hates the sound of.  They do have a horrible screach!

But for me today, that was it...............   Sorry folks.

Have a great day tomorrow Elizabeth, and take care.

Sherie xx

                                               MyDailyWalk

I was struggling a bit yesterday within myself, and it is a challenge to motivate ones self to do anything including walking. But I did choose to walk and I am thankful I did.Once I actually got into it, I found myself enjoying it.

I ended up walking along the path again out near the beach. It was extremely late, when I ventured on out. There were no crowds of people on the path at this time. One thing I noticed was the amount of outside showers, that have been provided for our use. I never noticed so many before and will count them next time I walk along that path. Sometimes I think, well it was my son that had this thought and said to me, "we are a rich country". I started to feel thankful , because some people don't even have running water. As I am now writing this I do feel a little sad for those that don't.

I think it was Dools here on this thread that mentioned that she starts to be thankful when she is walking. I think that is a good idea. To use this opportunity to remember to be thankful when we are walking...

   be thankful when walking.......be thankful when walking.......

Shell xx

Nice one Shell.  We sometimes need a little bit of a nudge to enable us to get things back into perspective.  

You've just done that for me.  Thankyou ......

Sherie xx

Hey Elizabeth, I hope you are having a good day today. Even catching all that public transport sounds like an adventure to me. The trains, the buses and the ferry. Good on you!...

Shell xx

Yes Shelley I agree Elizabeth's day does sound like an adventure.  I hope you can enjoy it to the full Elizabeth.

My exercise (and adventure) today is likely to be limited to watering the garden and pots in our gardens this morning.  And then walking the isles of Woolies whilst battling a wonky shopping trolley as I do my weekly grocery shopping.            ( - :

Sherie xx

Hey Sherie... A good morning to you

I am glad you went for a walk with your little Holly yesterday. Those plovers, are they the birds that make that unique sound? I can't quite describe the noise they make. But if it is the same bird I am thinking of, the noise is enough to scare me a bit. For I too have met up with them. A bit of a threatening sort of noise they make. I think they lay there eggs in the grass, don't they?

Hugs

Shell xx

Yes Shelley, that sounds like them.  They have long legs are grey and white in colour.  A bit of black on top of their heads and a patch of yellow around their face.  I think there are a few different varieties of them, so some may differ a little.  But they are very common around here.  They do make a very threatening noise as they dive-bomb you.  They can be pretty ferocious.  And when they swoop its amazing that they go so close, and yet dont actually hit you.  Or not often anyway.  I have noticed them swoop Holly when she has inadvertently gone anywhere near their eggs (yes they lay them in the open, and are very hard to spot due to perfect camouflage).  Just missing her many times.  And they are as big as her, so they could do some damage if they did get her.  I have to protect her when they are bad, as they dont swoop me as much.  Bigger I guess, so they are less likely to take me on.  Needless to say, they are very protective of their eggs and their chicks.

Do you have any problems with swooping birds during your walks?  Magpies are often a problem of course, but usually only in Springtime.  Plovers seem to nest any old time.  And many times.

Have to get a hard hat for next time.  One for me and one for Holly too.

Sherie xx

I haven't had many problems with swooping birds lately when walking. Those plovers are down in the rec area near my place. I just stay away from them though. But a few years back, when I was living somewhere else. And I was walking with my dog at the time, they did swipe at him and me.

When I was a little girl, I was pecked on my head by a magpie. I sometimes carry a stick for protection now. So if one flies over me, I just wave the stick above my head.

My dear mum was chased by an emu when she was little. I think that would be quite scary to have one of those things chasing you. I don't think they are that nice to look at either. 

A hard hat....that sounds like a good idea. Holly wearing a hat....real cute. Didn't our mutual friend CW have picture of her doggie with a hat on?

I will be food shopping today as well. So when you think about it, we are walking the isles. Gosh...now I have the" fresh food people song" in my head. Ha Ha

Happy isle walking Sherie.

Much love

Shell xx

Glad we are not having problems with swooping birds. 

We had our adventure. The trip home was very long with 3 bus rides. I prefer trains.  We go plenty of walking in: walk to station, walk between different trains & buses, Got off in centre of Queenscliffe so had longer walk than planned to get to ferry. We climbed an   observation tower. We did walks along the coast at Queenscliff & Sorrento. The weather was cooler than expected so it was pleasant. I was surprised at the amount of boats moored at Sorrento. Now feel exhausted.

Ha Ha Elizabeth, I feel almost exhausted just reading your words. It does sound like you walked a lot. I love adventures, it just makes life seem a bit more colourful or something. Anyway good on you......Do you think you will sleep well tonight?

Hugs

Shell xx

Hi Elizabeth Shell and Sherie

My friend I am talking about is my ex girlfriend....(Pixi) She does want to walk...which she can...sort of..but I would like to create a new thread in the 'Womens Section'? Or under Depression? about her problems. She has been suffering from occasional anxiety but the depression has increased after she tore her Achilles Tendon a few months ago.... they have rebuilt the AT and she is progressing okay...but the depression is setting in even more now.

The wheelchair has gone and the crutches have gone too..but she has adhesions after a gall bladder removal 5 years ago and she had a 'peg' inserted for feeding but not anymore...which is good....

Pixi just wants to help an 'Agoraphobic' friend of hers around the block.....bless her heart. Pixi lives approx 2 hours away through the city and is caring for mum who is only in her 60's recovering from removal of anurism which has left her in a bad way.....This has been going on for while....I am only trying to support 'Pixi'

Where on here do I post this girls? (I know as a supporter to 'Pixi' I have to look after myself) Do I post this under womens issues? Or just post it under Depression?

She does wish to walk like she used to but its mainly limping now...I have done my homework on Adhesions and her difficulty eating but I am really stuck on RA...

Thankyou for being there everyone....I have been having some issues with my PC....if you dont hear from me its not for lack of my ability to respond....

Blondwolf x

                                          My Daily Walk    

 Around the Block  I walked out of my front door, down the steps and out into the fresh air of the nighttime. I walked, but my legs felt weird. I felt like I was willing each leg to move. I am trying now to look at the positives of venturing out. I did notice the now coolness of the air, I did hear the crickets. I know that physically the walk was good for me. I have to be honest, because of how my emotions are at the moment, it was hard to focus on much else. My heart just felt overwhelmed. I wanted freely to just have a good cry as I was walking, but the night time was too quiet. And I fear others would hear me anyway. But I am glad that I walked. I am sorry, I wish I had encouraging words for you.  All I can say is that I care about you all.

Hugs

Shell xx

Hi Paul

I am sorry about your friend Pixi. That is kind of you to support her. I am not entirely sure where you should post the new thread. But I am leaning towards the depression forum. Maybe the others would be more certain, and could give you a more definite answer. 

I do hope you are OK Paul, you and Prince. 

Hugs

Shelleybelly xx

lly

Hey Shell

Horses for Courses...Everyone is different and has there own limitations.

You are so strong Shell...I am sad that you wanted to cry and that the night was so quiet...(Hugs) if that is okay.

You have tried so hard...I do hope you have had some joy from your walk...Nice1 Shell

Paul x

Hi Paul

 Thank you for your encouragement, I appreciate it....Ah thanks for your hug too, I really needed one. To tell you the truth, I always seem to need hugs for some reason?? Thank you for reaching out and giving me one. I did feel it..... 

I was thinking about your dear friend Pixi. I just checked out all the different headings for the BB forums. I am thinking the forum titled " Supporting Family and Friends" might be more suited. Did you consider that one? The description of that forum seems to fit your circumstances I think.

Much love and I was right before...You rock!

Shelleybelly xx

Hey Shelleybelly :-)

Pssst...just a secret...and dont tell anyone lol....My sister's gorgeous little dog is called Nellie....so for a long time I have nicknamed Nellie...Nellybellyjenny :-) Yes...I know I need to get a life :-)

I have had technical problems since mid afternoon today....just trying to fix them Shell

Just my very humble opinion Shell but I somehow think the majority of people on here and who I know 'Have a need for a hug'......The only thing that makes you special is you have the guts to say it. You are a gem Shell.

I need more support for 'Pixi' not myself on this one and thankyou though Shell..I am still gently trying to get Pixi on here. The Rheumatoid Arthritis and her post op adhesions are medical in nature and require specialised medical assistance (specialists aren't really doing much)....Its a hard one....and I have 30+ years of experience re depression/anxiety but not skilled in her combined issues with depression/anxiety....I feel like a fifth wheel...but I am always there for her ShelleyNellie

You have made my week by saying that 'I Rock' (again) .....that is the nicest compliment I have had for a long time and for that I thank you Shell....and I also need hugs....very much.

WOOF! xx

Hi everyone, I just did a short walk. Got up a bit later but once my husband was up felt I needed to get things ready for him & then can't go back to bed. Still catching up from lack of sleep. Have started waking in the middle of the night. Very annoying. It is a bit warm hence the short walk.

Shelley you did great doing the walk & then writing the positives. I imagine you feeling like me at the moment so I imagine it took a lot of willpower to walk & then write so positively. Your comments help motivate me.

Paul re Pixie The 'trauma & medical issues'forum would be appropriate for Pixie's post since the anxiety /depression is strongly linked to medical issues. I am an occupational therapist so we studied how to treat different conditions including RA. It is a specialised field & I couldn't give specialised advice over the web. I would encourage Pixie to see her doctor & request a referral  to physio & OT who specialise in this area. If you have a chronic condition the GP can set up a plan (similar to the mental health plan) providing medicare funding for allied health professionals including physio & OT. I am unsure how affected she is but the OT can provide advice on equipment to assist her doing things which currently are difficult. The aim is to stay as independent as possible without causing further damage. They can also advice on ways to do things which are currently causing increased pain etc. Physio may give exercises targeted to her needs including walking & provide advice on signs to look for to stop doing something before becoming overtired or sore. There is a fine balance between doing enough to maintain function & doing too much & causing increased pain & possible damage. At a later stage there are splints available for the hands / fingers to reduce the deformity & loss of function caused by RA. 

Good luck with helping her find the assistance she needs.

Hi Paul,

Your friend Pixi has gone through a lot lately hasnt she?  Diagnosis of RA is a life changing thing for so many.  Especially for someone who has always loved being active.  Although at the moment it sounds like it isnt the RA that is preventing her from doing this.   It is more likely the depression (not helped by the gall bladder complications, the recent achilles tendon op and now the diagnosis of RA).  Would that be true to say?

Elizabeth's post is all spot on.  And just elaborating on something she touched on, Pixi can obtain Medicare funded treatment for anything related to a chronic illness (which RA is).  To do so she will need to see her GP and ask him to do a GP Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements and then develop an Enhanced Primary Care Program.  This will enable Pixi to access 5 services in a given year to allied health services.  Your GP will discuss with you which services you need and will provide you with a Referral for each service.  You have access to services including - Occupational Therapy and Exercise Physiology.  Great idea Elizabeth and I would highly recommend either or both of these for your friend Pixi.  But she would also be able to access other health care which would be relevant to her RA as well, and those services would include - Chiropodist, dietition, osteopathy, physiotherapy, psychologist.

And also Paul, we had a discussion about the benefits of ginger before?  Well it is very relevant here also. RA is  an auto immune disease where our own body is in effect attacking our joints by inflamation and subsequent degradation.  I am sure her GP would have suggested that she eat as much natural anti-inflamatory food as possible.  And that includes fish oil and ginger and curacumin.  But it is very important that they are able to stop the degeneration of her joints before further damage is done to them, and it is likely that she is already on medication to do that.  Natural stuff will assist.  

Make sure Pixi knows that RA sufferers often have periods of remission with no symptoms, so that is something she can hopefully look forward to.

But it is very important that she does some form of gentle exercise to maintain mobility of her joints.  Although the best is probably swimming, a gentle walk is also good.

It is probable however that her depression is what is currently the most pressing problem.  It is not allowing her to move on with life. 

I hope some of this info may help with your friend.

Sherie xx

                                          The Hoon head Walk

Yep I ventured on out again aiming to walk further than around the block this time. I started off the usual route, down the street. Around the corner to be greeted by the same sawdust scent, of the house that now has the beginnings of a roof. 

Following the straight narrow road again. Past all the opened doors, hearing the chatter of a few televisions. Looking down I could see the round circle of light that the torch was making. I wasn't feeling particularly sad or happy. Maybe a bit numb. The road has trees lining it. I walked all the way to the service station, which was still opened for business. I am glad I didn't have any money, otherwise I probably would have gone in and purchased a chocolate.

It was time to head back, so I walked down a different road heading back home. It was pretty quite, I didn't even see any cats. Someone had a beautiful arch with ivy growing over it in the front yard. Then all of a sudden I was startled, and heard my voice say " What a complete hoon head"!! I hardly ever say things like that. This "hoon head" driver all of a sudden made some sort of loud screech with the cars tires and accelerated with force right past me. I can't say this walk was boring........

This route took me past shops, some even empty with for lease signs plastered on the glass fronts. Even an abandoned police station is in this small town. Which in the day time, if you look on the roof of the station, you will generally see masses of pigeons.

I am still walking along, getter closer to home. At the pedestrian crossing near the primary school, you hear beep....beep....beep. It sounds real loud at night, the button you press and then wait to cross. I didn't bother pressing. There were no cars now, not even the car of the "Hoon Head".

I am now home again, my legs are aching a bit. And I had a large drink of the good H2O. Well I have to say, I ended up enjoying this walk.

Much love to all

Shell xx

​

Hey Elizabeth...

I am glad my comments helped motivate you.....that is way good

Hugs

Shell xx

Hey Paul........

Here is a massive hug for you then.

Shelleybelly xx

Hi Shell,

I love the beautifully descriptive way you write about your walks Shelley.  This was a particularly good one.  I suspect that 'Hoon" was showing off on your behalf?  I was particularly pleased to read your last paragraph where you said you enjoyed your walk.  Good one!  I did too ...........    ( - :

My exercise for today has been limited to visiting the old peoples retirement home where I visited my old friend. They were playing Bingo today so I was assisting a number of them with their numbers etc.  And distributing the prizes to the winners where they get a bag of chips or a little chocolate each  time they win.  And at the last game they all win anyway.  So everyone wins!  Including me.  And I selected a little Boost Bar.  Yum.  

Afterwards I helped clear away all the bingo equipment and helped some of the less able bodied residents up to the dining room for their lunch.  Then I took my friend Shirley back up to her room where she wanted to unload all her 'loot' from the morning's bingo.  Then helped her back to the dining room where I left her tucking into lunch at 12 o'clock.  I then came home and got a nice fruit salad ready for hubby's and my lunch.

Ahhh, so thats the morning gone, and a little nap is in store for me now.  Maybe time for a walk with Holly later if it cools down a bit.  

Sherie xx

Thankyou Elizabeth & Sherie...Really helpful and kind info about Pixi's health...I have printed it out for reference

I am still managing my 30 minutes a day which I find a help....I will slowly deal with the agoraphobia but I am still very lucky to have such a 'minor' issue. I am happy and blessed to be in very good physical shape to be able to walk in the first place :-)

Hope your day is good to you everyone...and thankyou Shell for the hugz too

Paul

Hello Sherie

I imagined you walked a bit, whilst helping the dear older folks up to the dining room.

Yes I enjoyed writing that post about the"Hoon heads" walk.

I still haven't gone for a walk outside today, it feels too hot still. Though I did walk around a large "Westfield Shopping Centre".  today. So I am glad I did that.

Hugs

Shell xx

Hi everyone

I am not sure about anyone else, but sometimes I come across articles, blogs, websites, books and "You Tube" clips that encourage and inspire me to keep walking. I came across this one on "YouTube"

            "Breaking the cycle of depression with exercise"

              By The Healthy Reflection

It runs for about 6 minutes, and the counselor talks a bit about motivation in regards to depression and walking.

Much love

Shell xx

I don't think I reported yesterday as I was too tired by the time I had time. The last two days were hot & horrible so didn't do a proper walk. Started attending a 'ladies shed' yesterday afternoon. My husband srarted th Mens shed recently & enjoys it & the facilitator mentioned the 'Ladies Shed which is mainly Carers similar age to me so I thought I would try. They are still stetting up so spent the time putting things away to get things organised Maybe I will build some cupboards in mt lounge to replace the TV cabinet I could make some nice wooden doors. Just a crazy thought. That way I get what i want rather than what is in the shops at a price I can afford. 

Yesterday had to take my husband into a city hospital for an MRI so my walk was just from the station to the hospital but I used the stairs rather than the lift so I am counting it as exercise.

Today went for my normal walk to the steps. Motivated by Shelley I looked around to see what I could notice. Noticed a small gap in the grey clouds where the edges of the clouds gleamed white as the sun hit them making a nice contrast to the grey clouds & blue sky. Also saw a tree with yellow/green bottlebrush type flowers covering it The flowers were so numerous you hardly saw the leaves. Going to visit a friend for lunch. She lives in a beautiful house surrounded by gorgeous gardens. She has the talents I don't have. If I decorated my house like hers it would look like a bad junk shop whereas hers exudes old fashioned charm. She is also a very good cook and lovely caring person as well. 

Hi Shell.  Well I think that if my helping all the old folk getting to the dining room and to and from their rooms yesterday counts as exercise, then definitely walking around Westfields counts for you as well.  ( - :

Its our hottest day here today and I just returned from work.  Its 1.30pm and nearing peak heat for the day.  I wont be walking anywhere today.  I have been getting painful back spasms for a couple of days now, and I had an appointment with a physio this morning before I went to work.  So I am meant to rest up a bit for today and tomorrow to allow things to settle down.

Just had a feed of watermelon which is nice and refreshing on a hot day.  About to go and lie down now for a while.  Hubby at golf today, so I wont be disturbed.  His eye is improving nicely and looking much better.  His stitches come out next Tuesday.  But he is obviously feeling good enough to play golf.  ( - :

Hugs to you Shell.

Sherie xx

 Hi Elizabeth,

I have never heard of the 'ladies shed' before.  But what a good idea.  Is it on at the same time as the Mens Shed?

I gather that if they were still setting up that they have only just started.  So what sorts of things do they plan to do?  Exercise classes perhaps, walks, craft?  Do you think you will go again?

Its good that you took the stairs, instead of using the lift.  Using lifts can become a bad habit, when we would all be far better off if we used stairs.  Naturally many people are physically unable to, and thats who the lifts are for.  But while we are able to, I think that we should motivate ourselves to walk rather than ride.  Good move.

I think your area is a little cooler today?  Probably the heat has moved on to our states now!  So its good that you had a nice walk this morning.  And I see that you are using your 'mindfullness' skills again.  Well done.

I hope you have a good day Elizabeth.

Sherie xx

Hello Sherie

Ah yeah......yeah......yeah. I will definitely count that walking around Westfield Shopping Centre, as my walk yesterday.

I am sorry about your painful back, I can't imagine how it feels. So did the physio help at all? Hope you will be OK?

Cool sweet fresh watermelon....yummy yum yum.

Much love

Shell xx