The Pencil Tree

The pencil tree. 

This year's Christmas tree is just perfect for our apartment. It's slim size still allows for me to open and close our patio door while it fits snugly in the corner.  At first I considered using a small table top tree that we had at the farm, but I knew I would be limited in the number of ornaments I could hang.  

Last year in our attempts to downsize we cut down our own tree, and decorated it with homemade ornaments. Although, that fit well into where we were at this time last year, I knew this year I wanted to be able to decorate in a more traditional manner. 

Needless to say, I was happy to be reunited with all my favorite ornaments that I have collected over the years.  I personally prefer an artificial tree, especially a pre-lit one over a real tree. I know that many people love the smell of pine, but unfortunately my sense of smell is not the best, and a real tree means daily watering, and vacuuming up pine needles. 

Decorating the apartment took very little time, and I was happy to display my Willow Tree navity scene sans a few farm animals on the decorative ledge in my dining room. Unfortunately there is no fireplace to hang the stocking from, but that won't keep them from being filled and delivered on Christmas Day. 

We also purchased a wreath for the door, and a little countdown to Christmas snowman with exchangeable numbers. On the patio railing we affixed three Christmas bells for a festive touch, and they look really nice. 

Even if you live in a smaller space, you can still pull out some of your favorites, and enjoy that holiday feel without too much effort. I'm enjoying viewing my little pencil tree each night while sipping on a cup of tea, and am looking forward to Christmas this year. 

Ornament Abduction

Ornament abduction. 

One of the things I've really enjoyed about technology is the ability to actually see my grandson in real time. Watching him play with his toys is one of my favorite things, and yesterday did not disappoint. 

Apparently, ornament abduction is a real thing, as his family's Christmas tree looked a little sparse near the bottom. As it turned out the culprit was my adorable grandson. Of course, who could blame the little guy for wanting to play with the Santa on a tractor ornament? And who would deny him a tiny Christmas apron ornament to hook on to that said tractor?

Snatching the Fisher-Price barn ornament, was quite understandable when you noticed the horse tucked inside. Who knew ornaments could be so much fun? Between the tree in the living room and the smaller version in his bedroom he's really enjoying the Christmas season this year. 

As much as a picture perfect tree might be desired, I'm glad my daughter lets him rearrange all her handiwork, and I'm glad technology shortens the distance between us. 

Dreams

Dreams.

I think we all have some type of dreams for the future. While some have very specific ideas, others may be more vague, but not any less important. 

When we are young we have health and time on our side. We generally have the health to make many if these dreams come true. However, as you age the reality that you are not as young as you once were becomes clearer each decade.

Perhaps for me this began around the age of forty when I realized I couldn't sit on the floor "criss cross applesauce" with my kindergarteners anymore without resulting in aching hips. I guess it was around that time that my move to second grade made more sense. Sitting in a chair to teach became my new norm. 

As I reached my fifties I realized that standing on one foot became more challenging. My balance just wasn't what it used to be. Packing up my house and moving during my sixties was much more exhausting than I had remembered it almost twenty years before. 

Now my reason for pointing this out is that  although our dreams may still be the same in our heart and head, our physical self might not want to cooperate anymore. I have a dear friend who is finding this to be the case in her circumstances. Even the difference of three years can be felt as she and her husband work hard to accomplish their dream. 

In speaking with her the other day I mentioned the fact that, your health really is your number one priority to living your dreams. As I wrote about the other day, unfortunately we don't always have full control over this factor. My friend had experienced this many months ago when she suffered an unexpected injury, that out their plans on hold. 

I am convinced, though, that despite this fact we can have control over what we choose to eat, and the level of activity we include in our life. Just beginning with small changes might help to get the ball rolling in living a healthier lifestyle. At my age I also ascribe to not choosing any extreme forms of exercise in hopes of returning to that first century body we may have once sported.  

If our physical body is not in good health then it doesn't matter what our dreams may be, if we are physically incapable of achieving them. That is why taking our health seriously before it is too late is so important. 

The good news is that there are so many resources readily available today. I suggest beginning with discovering how you meet expectations, both inner and outer. Taking Gretchen Rubin's Four Tendency quiz online is a great way to start. It will enable you to understand yourself better, and what strategies will work for you. As an upholder I'm completely clueless as to what will work for a rebel. However, Rubin's research can guide you in the right direction. 

As you begin to research what eating styles will work for you don't just jump on a bandwagon. Some "fad" diets have been shown to be unhealthy in the long run. Although, weight loss is generally a good thing make sure you are doing it correctly. Look for credible resources as you do your research. 

Although, no relation, Langston Hughes pens it quite eloquently when he writes, "Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die, Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly." Don't allow your dreams to be grounded by not taking good care of yourself. 

Would You Want To Know?

Would you want to know?

In perusing the Black Friday ads this year I came across a sale on a DNA testing kit. Now a few years ago I did have my DNA tested to determine my ancestry. To be honest it pretty much confirmed what I already knew, but it was interesting. 

This DNA test, however, not only tested your ancestry, but your genetic traits and health risks as well. One of the markers tested was the risk of Late-Onset Alzheimer's. One thing I learned during my father's stint with dementia is that if you live long enough your chances of having this disease is about one in two. Technically, these really aren't very good odds. 

Would knowing twenty-five years in advance make any difference in preventing this disease? Or would the impending doom make for a life filled with anxiety and fear?  Interestingly, they included the disclaimer that even if you do not have the genetic traits you still might end up with Alzheimer's in the future. 

I wonder how my Dad would have felt if he had known ahead of time that the last two years of his life would be spent in Memory Care? Or was there a blessing in that he did not have have complete awareness of his circumstances, and primarily lived in the moment, not worrying about tomorrow or regretting the past?  

I think I'd rather not know, but take actions to do all I can to prevent the disease. I have read about building brain reserves, kind of like a cognitive bank account. Through diet, exercise, socialization, faith, and providing experiences that are "novel and hard" the brain has been shown to combat this cognitive decline. 

 There is so much we don't know, but what we do know is that our population is aging and living well into our eighties and nineties. Starting today we may be able to provide a brighter future for ourselves and our families, not by ordering a kit, but by taking personal responsibility over the things we may have some control over. 

Smarter

Smarter. 

"You have to get smarter first. If you do not know good advice from bad, any advice will do."

Robert T. Kiyosaki

In my quest to think more critically I have come to realize that I must continue to learn new things. However, what I am finding to be true, is that it seems a little harder today than it used to be.

I'm not sure if there truly is a cognitive reason for this, or if it has more to do with the kinds of things I'm learning? I'm finding myself branching out into areas I have not studied before. 

As a reading teacher I learned that in order for a student to comprehend what they are reading they have to have some sort of background knowledge about the subject. The more real life experiences or background knowledge the easier it is to understand what you are reading. 

Today I find myself reading about finance, economics, business, religion and even some sciences. Unfortunately, my formal education was limited primarily to history and educational pedagogy. My background knowledge, or schema is limited in these other areas. 

I am finding some information to be going completely over my head, and I can relate more clearly to some of the struggles of my former students. However, I don't let this keep me from preservering. 

Information is coming at us at such a rapid fire speed today that it can be overwhelming. However, the ease of access should not be overlooked. Although, easier to depend on someone else, taking personal responsibility, and putting forth the effort required is probably the most beneficial in the long run. 

My goal to continue to become "smarter" allows mt to always be learning something new. My desire to think more critically results in putting this new learning to good use. 

I encourage all to be on this path.

Thanksgiving Memories

Thanksgiving memories. 

Growing up Thanksgiving was generally spent with my immediate family. Of course, eight people make for a pretty good crowd, and since we rarely lived close to extended family I never really knew any different. 

Mom would baste a Butterball turkey throughout the morning, and would stuff it with the best stuffing ever. She would use an old New England favorite called Bell's Seasoning. It's familiar packaging with the turkey on the front still brings back memories of Thanksgivings past. 

Her famous mashed potatoes, a daily occurance at our house, became more special with her pan drippings turkey gravy. Her delicious fruit cocktail salad with mini-marshmallows, coconut, and whipped cream was always a fan favorite. 

This delightful meal unfortunately was always marred by her insistence on serving bright orange squash, which I found completely disgusting. Luckily, I think she bent her rule of plate clearing on that special day, so it left more room for cranberry sauce, and hot rolls slathered in  butter. 

As I compare my Thanksgiving preparations to hers my turkey has always been cooked in a roasting bag, my stuffing has become cornbread dressing, the squash has been replaced with sweet potato casserole, and my daughter has even added homemade macaroni and cheese to the menu. Although, my gravy comes from a jar I do mash potatoes each year sometimes with her potato masher. Cool whip is the go-to in the fruit salad, and my homemade pumpkin pie is my husband's favorite. 

Regardless of the menu, Thanksgiving has always been a favorite of mine, and I have enjoyed hosting the feast at my home over the years. My love of history always made teaching about  the first Thanksgiving to my students one of my favorite units. It didn't seem quite right my first year of retirement not crafting a Native American vest out of a brown paper sack. 

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving, and a reminder not to forget the blessings that abound. 

"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest."

William Blake

Water

Water. 

What is it about water that I find so appealing? Why do I seem so drawn to it, and why am I enjoying the close proximity to it now?

According to Wallace J. Nichols, author of Blue Mind, "We are beginning to learn that our brains are hard wired to react positively to water and that being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what's broken."

After viewing the lake that surrounds my apartment complex for the first time, my initial reaction was, "I could live here." The interesting thing was that at the time we had not really seriously considered relocating from our home of eighteen years. In other words, we were not looking for a new place to live. What had brought us out that direction was Chuck wanting to show me his new work location.

As it turned out the trajectory was set in motion that day for our move. As we considered the benefits of him living close to his job, we never once considered another apartment location. The lure of the water was too great. In a matter of months we had signed a lease, and made arrangements to sell our home and move.  

As I sit here on my patio I have a view of the water before me, and it's calming presence is reassuring. Each day as I walk Cooper we enjoy the beauty of the water, and the wildlife it attracts. It seems to restore my soul daily, and I truly believe that just like the 23rd Psalm, we were led beside still waters. 

I have since discovered after my last trip to Florida, that although, I do find the ocean intriguing, I seem to be more drawn to calmer water, as opposed to the crashing waves of the sea. Either way, though, I see the benefit of spending time near water, and am happy to do so. 

Studies have shown that we seem to be more creative around water. Even taking a shower sometimes results in that Eureka moment. It appears water contributes to a more relaxed mindset, resulting in the flow of ideas. 

What I do know for sure is that having the opportunity to spend time outdoors enjoying the beauty of the lake around me is one of my daily blessings, and certainly something to be thankful for. 

Truck Watching

Truck watching.  

Leave it to my daughter to figure out an activity in her rural community that affords my little grandson great fun. 

A quick trip to the Sonic, and then parking at the local convience store to watch the trucks go by has become a win-win in my grandson's book.  Believe me there is a nonstop parade of trucks in all shapes and sizes making their way down the main drag of their small town.  

This provides great joy to an almost two year old boy who finds trucks to be his most favorite thing of all. As each one drives by he pumps his small arm up and down hoping that a generous truck driver might honk. 

As we sat back and watched his sheer delight I couldn't help but join in the fun as well. Seeing the world through a child's eyes is a blessing, and one I'm happy to share. 

It really doesn't get much better than watching the trucks pass by while nursing a chocolate shake, and the pure excitement in my grandson's eyes proves it to be so. 

Handcrafted

Handcrafted. 

I don't know what it is about things that are made by hand, but I find myself drawn to their craftsmanship. There was a time when all things were homemade, and learning the art of such things was just a given. 

Today most everything comes from a store, usually big box, and is often times mass-produced in a far away factory by a machine. That is why my stop by an unsuspecting artisan soap shop in a small country town was so surprising. 

I found inside a plethora of handcrafted soap, from oatmeal to olive oil, and was delighted by each. I splurged that day on several bars, and have found myself enjoying them ever since. The difference between my usual storebought soap, and these handcrafted bars is evident by their quality.

Although, they cost considerably more, I liked the idea of supporting an artisan, and their attempts to continue a long lost art. I have considered making my own soap after viewing several examples on Pinterest. 

My hesitation has been that they are made of lye which apparently requires caution. However, after my soap experience of recent, I might just give it a try. I like the idea of learning how to make things on our own, and not be so dependent on others for all our consumer needs. 

As Chuck and I consider our next adventure in a few years after he retires,  we would like to relocate to some land in the country. I see myself raising chickens, learning how to garden and can the produce we grow, as well as making things like homemade bread and soap. 

So for now I'll continue to enjoy my bars of soap each time I wash my hands, and know that the little specialty soap store is right on my way to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. 

Reconnecting

Reconnecting. 

I had the great pleasure the other day of reunited with one of my childhood friends whom I had not seen in over forty years. 

Once again the power of Facebook made it possible. We met for lunch when she came in town to visit her parents, and spent a couple of hours quickly trying to catch up. 

I had so many fond memories of our friendship, and we found ourselves laughing at our former antics. One in particular was the summer we spent spying on an elderly gentleman at the local mall, convincing ourselves that he was former CIA. 

We also spent countless hours playing at the vacant lot next door which I had affectionately named Czechoslovakia. At the time it sounded very far off and exotic to my eleven year old ears. I think I liked the way it rolled off the tongue. 

We found at lunch that we still had much in common, and made plans to get back together when she returned to town again. I also was able to visit with her parents which brought back so many memories of when our parents had been friends. 

Some childhood friends are only your friends because of proximity, but I've been fortunate to reconnect with two whose friendships were much deeper than that. What a blessing. 

The Illusion of Control

The illusion of control. 

As you know control is something that I struggle with. I'm always trying to convince myself that I have ALL situations under control. 

Recently, I had come to believe that if I took control of my eating habits I would be able to control my future destiny. By preventing chronic diseases my life would automatically be better. 

Now there is some truth in this, and I still am a proponent of healthy eating, but after experiencing my knee injury while on vacation I realized really how little control I actually had. 

Now of course, questioning whether climbing 105 step without having trained at all for such an endeavor was within my control. Except to be honest, I never even questioned whether to climb or not once out tour guide said go. I just did it. Step by winded step I continued my climb to the top. Stopping along the way to catch my breath, and realizing when I made it to the top I felt a little light headed. 

My instinct was to climb back down, which I immediately did. Half-way to the bottom I began to feel like my old self. The only consequence of the climb was the next day my calves and thighs were sore. 

I just assumed that my over sixty body could easily handle what turned out to be an extreme circumstance. Each step I took literally was a beating for my knee.  Luckily, it was just inflammation from over use, and not something to require surgery. A few days on the couch, and I seemed to be on the mend. 

What I did realize was that as hard as I might try there will always be some unbeknownst circumstance that I will not be able to control. However, I think I'm okay with that. 

Here We Go Again

Here we go again. 

A year ago Chuck and I began the process of downsizing. We probably culled down to about a third of our possessions, but there were some things we were not ready to part with yet.  

They were packed and moved to our new apartment where they found their home in our second bedroom closet/storage facility. They have remained there for the last eight months untouched, partially because they were impossible to retrieve. 

As time has gone by I have begun to realize that some of the things I could not part with last year are really no longer that important to me. To be honest a lot of my possessions were decorations for a full-size house which I no longer own. 

So this week I drug everything out of the closet, and began the decluttering drill all over again.  As I'm going through the mountain of stuff I'm finding it easier to part with most of it. Possessions that spend their time tucked away in a closet are not really useful or practical when they take up valuable space. 

Of course, there are still sentimental pieces that I want to hold on to for now. It appears that this downsizing thing is kind of like peeling an onion. It keeps getting smaller as you peel away the layers, but you might just end up with a good cry. 

Our end game is to take a lesson from the younger people in our apartment complex who seem to be able to pull up with a U-Haul when moving, and drive away in about thirty minutes with all their worldly possessions in tow.

So for now I'll go through the things I own one more time, and hold onto the things I still find important, knowing that I may change my mind a year from now, and let go of a few more things. 

The Switch

The switch. 

As hard as it is to believe my grandson will be celebrating his second birthday this month. Where has the time gone? But if truth be told he is just so much fun at this age I really am enjoying being a part of his world. 

My daughter and son-in-law have done a great job at parenting, and realized that now that he was almost two it was probably time to give up the pacifier. Up to this time it was basically only using it at nap time and at night, but now that he was able to ask for his beloved "pass" they felt it was time to let it go. 

Of course, the paci did provide comfort at bedtime, so my daughter decided to replace it with something new. On their way down the hall for his nap she remembered a box of toys that had not been unpacked since their move. She opened the closet door, ripped open the moving box, and pulled out a small stuffed horse. 

She gave it to him, and he seemed quite satisfied. In fact, she sent me a video recently of him cuddling with the horsy while sitting in his crib after waking up from the night before. Everything seemed to be falling into place until the next time he went down for a nap. 

He took off like a shot, ran down the hall, opened the closet door, lifted the lid of the box, and deposited horsy back where he came from. He closed the lid, and shut the closet door and proceeded to head to his crib. 

Now the interesting thing was that he still wanted the horse at night. Two days in a row he repeated the same nap time ritual placing horsy back into his own box. After waking up he returned to let the little guy out a few hours later. 

Now what intrigues me the most is trying to figure out what he is actually thinking. He obviously remembered where the horse came from, and felt the need to return it, and yet he insisted on sleeping with it at night. 

It will be interesting to see if the pattern continues. One thing for sure this little guy really keeps us on our toes as it appears nothing gets past him. 

Critical Thinking

Thinking critically.

If you were to visit Study.com you would find the following definition for critical thinking: 

Critical thinking means making reasoned judgements that are logical and well-thought out. It is a way of thinking in which you don't simply accept all arguments and conclusions you are exposed to but rather have an attitude involving questioning such arguments and conclusions. 

It's easier not to think critically. Critical thinking requires time and work, something we may not be willing to invest. We may catch our news from our phone, the mainstream media, the car radio, or maybe even the newspaper. However, only relying on one source may not allow you the complete picture. 

We may not even be interested, and chose not to know what is happening around us. Of course, the decision is up to each individual, but I think in knowing the truth we can make more informed decisions. Taking time to think critically seems almost more important today than ever. 

Over the last year or two it has become very apparent that media bias works on both sides. In fact, it has become more difficult to know exactly who to believe or trust. I find myself quite frustrated because I wish that somebody else would do the work for me. 

Sometimes we have to trust our gut when it tells us that something isn't right. Don't just accept what they are telling you is correct when what you see with your own eyes tells you something different. 

Don't think it is wrong to ask questions. Don't just assume that the "experts" have all the answers. Don't fall prey to The Emporer Has No Clothes. Don't be afraid to speak out if need be. 

"It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority."

Benjamin Franklin

The Friendly Skies

The friendly skies. 

If you've traveled recently you may have noticed that your flight attendant looks a lot like you. Now this may not seem remarkable, but there once was a time when this was not the case. 

To be a flight attendant, or should I say stewardess, in the 1970's it was required that you were young, beautiful and a woman. I can remember considering the career, but quickly discounting it because although I was young and a woman, I didn't feel confident that my looks were enough.  

In fact, my best friend, and I decided that the only way we could receive the flight benefits was to work the ticket counter. Being a stewardess seemed an impossible dream. I know it was for my sister who was turned away because she was just a little too short. 

A friend of mine flew with Southwest back when they were known for their hot pants and roasted peanuts. She was the first attendant to fly while pregnant which was considered very cutting edge at the time. 

Now flight attendants today are my age with corresponding waist lines. Men have joined the ranks as well. I think it's probably better this way. However, it's interesting how things have changed when it comes to flying the friendly skies. 

Tiny Homes Revisited

Tiny homes revisited. 

Well my bubble burst a little over a week ago when I attended the Tiny House Jamboree. I had fallen in love with the romantic notion of living tiny, but the reality faced me square in the face when I got to actually go inside about twenty of these tiny abodes.

No matter what their actual size they ALL were WAY too small. I used to think that maybe one person could live alone in these tiny dwellings, but after my encounter with the real deal I'm afraid the width alone is just too prohibitive. 

As I made my way through the crowd of giddy potential home buyers, I couldn't help but wonder how they might feel after living a year or two in the micro hermitages? One thing for sure, if you choose tiny you might as well forget about clothing. Apparently these homes come sans closets. 

One thing that I noticed that seemed a little disconcerting was a young couple with three young children, and one on the way all crammed together in a dwelling less than 250 square feet. It was a modern day Old Woman and the Shoe!

As much as the dream of the tiny house may seem appealing, some recent research is finding that living in such a tiny space may not be good for your mental health, as well as locating land that accepts tiny homes are few and far between. One couple I read about gave up the life because they tired of rural living and missed the local coffee shop and the library. 

I've even read about tiny home theft being a real thing. I guess they really are just a little too portable. My practical side wonders about things like insurance, and resale value. Do these things depreciate in value? I'm also finding that these homes can hover around one hundred thousand if you prefer luxury amenities. 

The tiny house mindset of living in a home you can afford, allowing you to have more money for other pursuits, and being able to easily move from place to place may be appealing, but then again its downfalls might just be too difficult for day to day living. Downsizing is one thing, but this may just be too extreme. I suppose only time will tell to see if this trend becomes a viable lifestyle or a passing fad. 

The Garlic Press

The garlic press.

Well it's a sad day in our household, as my beloved garlic press has finally bit the dust. Now I know that most people may not have such an attachment to a cooking utensil, but this  little press symbolizes so much more than a convenient way to mince garlic. 

It was about twenty years ago that I attended my first Pampered Chef party, and was introduced to quality cooking utensils. Now although, the garlic press was not my first purchase it ranked right in there with the first five. At that time I was still uncertain about the difference between a clove or a pod of garlic, and had relied on the powdered version in my cooking. 

What my garlic press did for me was open the door to a whole new way of cooking. Up until then I considered myself the queen of the twenty minute meal. Of course being a working mom didn't really allow me too much time to devote to culinary endeavors, and I had gotten pretty good at opening cans and boxes in order to provide a nightly meal for my family. 

What I discovered with the addition of real garlic to my meals was a total flavor explosion.  The garlic press then led to a chef's knife which I had always avoided due to too many scary movies as a kid. Paired with a large chopping board, I found that ingredients like onions and peppers could make a bland hamburger goulash rise to a new level. 

Today I've ventured even further with new recipes, new ingredients, and new cooking utensils. I'm finding that using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in the world, and I have to pay tribute to that hard working garlic press who gave his all over all these years. 

I'll be making a trip to the store to find a new one, but can't help feeling a little sad as I put this little guy to rest. Just like a mechanic depends on quality tools, cooking is no different, and investing in the proper equipment can make the job more enjoyable and the results more tasty. 

A Ladies Man

A ladies man. 

Well apparently Cooper is a ladies man. Chuck and I recently traveled to Florida, and left Cooper with a wonderful pet sitter who lives just around the corner. Each day she would send an update, and a picture or two. 

It all began with a crush on a cutie named Genie, with whom he liked to snuggle. Per his babysitter, though, he was a perfect gentleman. However, a few days later he became quite smitten with a new little beauty named Mini. The two became inseparable, and I think Cooper had officially fallen in love. 

I was so pleased and relieved that he was having such a great time, and couldn't help but smile  when I learned that he had also won the sitter's heart. She told me that she generally did not have favorites, but Cooper was quickly becoming one. 

I found out that one night Cooper had escaped his kennel, and found his way to her room. Now not even her own dog is allowed to sleep in the bed, but I guess she didn't have the heart to turn him away. 

I know he has won my heart over the years, and apparently at least the hearts of three others this past week. I sure did miss him, but knowing he was in good hands made the trip even more enjoyable. 

Lighthouse Lamentations

Lighthouse lamentations. 

Chuck and I just returned from visiting his father in Florida. We enjoyed getting to visit with his Dad, brother and nephew, and had a fun time checking out the sights, including dipping our toes in the ocean. 

One of our excursions was a tour of an historical lighthouse which included the opportunity to climb to the top. Now what was I thinking, or perhaps I should say why was I not thinking! I embraced the challenge with the heart of a thirty year old. As I made my way to the top, all one hundred and five steps, I found myself winded and a little light headed when I got to the top. To be honest I don't remember my knees protesting at all. 

All I remember is wanting to get back down before I toppled back down those steps due to feeling light headed. Apparently, my knees were beginnng to pay the price, and continued to do so for the next few days as we walked quite a bit.

However, it was an encounter with an innocent recliner that might have done me in. After watching a movie in a reclined position with my leg flopped over on its side, I noticed a twinge of pain when I got up. It only continued to get worse, and I found myself in a wheelchair at the airport. 

That night my pain level rivaled childbirth, and I knew I was in trouble. After a trip to the doctor I was relieved to learn that I had strained it, and probably had pulled a ligament. I had already imagined a possible surgery, and was not relishing the thought. 

Per doctor's orders I'm on bedrest for the next few days, and my sweet husband is taking care of all three of us. (Cat and dog included.) 

What I've come to realize is that I really need to make sure my calves and thighs are strong enough to help support my knees in the future. My advice to you is probably don't seek out a lighthouse to climb! Especially if you are over sixty.