Walking Backwards

 Walking Backwards

A few years back I asked a friend, “How do you know when you need a knee replacement?” Her response - “Easy, it hurts like hell.”

For several years I’ve been vacillating. Should I go forward with a knee operation? There certainly was pain, but was it bad enough? I’ve talked to my family doctor, gotten X-rays, seen a city doc twice, seen a surgeon and a physiotherapist, all who have told me my knees were shot. But they could see I was riding the fence, not quite ready to say sign me up. They gave me an exercise plan, said be careful not to fall, and told me to call when and if I decided to go ahead with a knee replacement. I haven’t called yet.

To be honest I tried but mainly failed to establish an exercise routine. I always find something more important to do. But a few months back my husband broke his ribs and was not inclined to move much so I got out my trekking poles and took over the morning dog walk. The only place free of snow was our driveway - it’s long, hilly, curvy, uneven, closed in by trees and beautiful in all seasons. But walking up and especially down hills can be challenging for someone with bad knees. It was hard work at first, some days it still is. I had to stop at the top of the second hill to catch my breath. At times my left knee locked up and movement was pretty painful. But I’ve become a convert to the benefits of walking. I can now use both legs to go upstairs, not easily, but I can do it. I’m convinced it’ll get even better with time.

My son is one of those folks who think you can fix almost any chronic ache by the right exercise. He’s physically fit, incredibly strong, practices Ninjitsu and has made a lifelong personal study of mind and body. He told me I should try backwards walking, talked of its benefits. I thought that was a bit crazy but he’s my son. I’m his Mom. I trust him… So, on a more or less level section of the driveway I added walking backwards to my daily dog walk.

According to google university (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-walking-backwards) backwards walking can: help to strengthen different muscles, burn more calories, help to prevent joint pain, give your brain a workout, and improve your posture. Other sites make even more claims. I’m only at the beginning of this walking journey but I know first hand that walking daily, forwards and backwards, really does benefit both mind and body. Now that the snow’s gone I’m thinking of getting out my step counter and going further afield, but then it’s Spring, my garden is calling me…

The Geese Return

The Geese Return

March 25th

There is something so cheering, uplifting, PROMISING, about the return of the geese each spring. They herald a season of light, warmth, rebirth, renewal. Neighbours remark to one another about their sightings. Everyone notices their arrival.

Our small farm is surrounded by boreal forest causing our fields and the lake to the south of our house to be shaded from the slowly lifting sun. When the larger farms in the area are snow free we are still shrouded in snow and the lake remains ice covered. Nevertheless the geese return, meeting and greeting on the icy surface and having many animated discussions over territory and nesting sights. But they need to fly off to find food and safety so don’t stay until the water opens up. Yesterday morning I heard what I hoped was “our geese” returning to their summer home. When I looked out the window I saw a lone coyote crossing the ice. He sat quite awhile and yipped, looked this way and that and yipped some more. Perhaps he was mourning the loss of a near catch. 

My morning dog walk down our 1/4 mile driveway came to an abrupt halt today when the second hill shone with wet slippery ice from edge to edge. Time to find somewhere else to walk! So I set out towards the partly open field to the north, zigzagging to step on snow free ground wherever possible. The snow remaining on the south edge turned out to be hard enough to hold my four footed weight (trekking poles provide me with a couple of extra limbs). Ahh it was wonderful! What a feeling of freedom it gave me to walk on snowless ground, check out territory forbidden for many months by Mother Nature to anyone but a skier or snowmobiler. Maybe a few more sunny days and Spring will truly be here!

March 28

Oops, my ability to walk on the fields was short lived. Spring has retreated once more. Now there’s snow  up to mid calf and moving anywhere in it is a struggle. The poor geese, but I guess, like us, they’re used to it. It is Alberta after all.