Sometimes we get sick - think and do what you can

It is hard to write a blog coming down with a respiratory virus. One thing I tried to do was to drink alot of fluids and load up on fruits, veggie soups, hot tea. Last night fever and coughing spasms. It is easy to get discouraged when sick and losing sleep. To keep my attitude positive  I used music to take my mind off my coughing and spent my time with brief reading and devotions. I also did some brief walking around the house to help breathe a little deeper. Rest plays into this and that isn't easy when it hurts to breathe.
I feel a little better this morning. With a weaker immune system, I've noticed aches and pains in the joints.Nothing helps joints like water. Check in with Real Age or Mayo Clinic for things to do when flu and colds visit us. Doing things that help us gives us a more positive outlook.
Drink or eat more fluids.
Oatmeal and nuts and fruits
Soup is good
It is a little harder to recover as we age but keep in mind we do get better (go to know when temperature goes up and aches increase)
Take it easy, everything is a little harder when sick
go for small walks to boost ease of moment and immune system rest is first, walking is more relaxed
Sometimes we have deal with symptoms as best we can, A cold is easier to keep hydrated. Keep your spirits up, and prayer doesn't hurt also. 

The fat man's top ten blogs

Based on the number of hits these are the top ten blogs. Near the top are those I wrote about finishing well. Emotional blogs and walking blogs were well recieved. Most of the hits happened this past year. Thanks for your visits. Linda Baldocchi Gill, life lived well Jul 14, 2012
Walking, resistant training and stretching help ou... Jul 19, 2012
Walking with out falling...hoorsed ah! Mar 18, 2012
A Shelter is Everything in a Storm Jul 28, 2012
The Big Year and walking Jul 10, 2012
The fat man's Christmas card Dec 21, 2012
Hello anxiety my old friend Sep 15, 2012
Moving feels good, you know it Aug 28, 2012
Expected summer slump didn't happen - Da fat man a... Aug 21, 2012
Remembering Jack Ellis, pt 2 Jan 26, 2012, 1 comment

Thankful to friends and family - key to long life

Diane Winter's backyard, what a pleasant place for a
devotion and reflection, or to get lost in thought.

One of the elements cited to live a long life is to be socially active. Many centenarians share regular talks with family. With growing technology we can talk to our love ones face to face right on our computers and now cell phones. These technologies will only get better. The key will be our willingness to build relationships in our families and friends. Growing research suggest we give it a go. It actually adds time to our lives. We will be able to share our trips and highlights right on location.
Had a nice evening with my wife's family tonight. Holiday experiences walking happens later at night for me. Dr. Ken Cooper had a TV program a few years back and sometimes it is a good idea to walk the dog or do an indoor walk for a mile. Even a stroll can be helpful. A walk can also help with holiday stress.
I have enjoyed photos of the season shared on the Internet. I am glad to have connected with friends on facebook and email. I follow several blogs and fell like I have gotten to know a few more people. There are also websites that have encouraged me in health and spiritual things. I like on-line crossword puzzles, travel, art and entertainment options. If the net has gotten you down focus on how it can bring the stuff you like.
Well I am off for a mile indoor walk, then read a bit. The last couple of days I been up late. Keep walking
PS - I walked a mile off to my devos and read
 

Christmas Eve with the fat Man

Missing in action are Tanya, Liam, and Mason

Merry Christmas. I am writing as Christmas Eve comes to a close. Because Christmas was spent with grandparents my family celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we would travel to my parents homes and Barb's parents. There are still strong connections with family so we continue that tradition. We start out with the cookies Barb and Kendall make with coffee that Billy brews, um! Then we take the family picture and read the Christmas story from the Bible. I usually read a different story every year. My comments are brief, which is best for all are looking forward to the gifts. Then the youngest passes out the gifts followed by enjoying each gift opened.
At the meal we gather in the kitchen and share funny stories past and present. We crowed around the table and used counter space. It sort of just happened. Then it is game time. The family gave me NCIS mystery game where we role played the characters and worked out the mystery. It was fun to see the reasoning skills in our youngest players. There was a lot of laughter. The dinner was good but simple too. Barb was outstanding in putting it all together. Probably why I think it was simple. I think what I will remember the most in the laughing.
Since gifts were fun, I think of the at least two wise men and probably many more giving Jesus the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. J Vernon McGee shares, "Gold speaks of His birth. He is born a King. Frankincense speaks of the fragrance of His life. Myrrh speaks of His death."

McGee, J. V. 1991. Vol. 34: Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13). Based on the Thru the Bible radio program. (electronic ed.). Thru the Bible commentary . Thomas Nelson: Nashville

Frankincense Tree

Others believe the gifts speak to His deity, humanity, and death. The Bible doesn't tell us for sure what the gifts signify. I know this poor young family would have used the gifts to help them escape and live in Egypt until Herod died. For me gift giving is tied into the gift God gave me when he saved me and gave me eternal life. Giving gifts to my loved ones is a joy. It has never been about giving huge or expensive gifts, in fact this year it is just a little less. For me the gift says I love you. For many years now Barb and I go out after Christmas and shop for each other, we will spend the whole day together sharing ideas and finding the perfect gift. 

I have never returned a gift unless it was to exchange it for a size that fit. The funny thing is the kids gifts have always been perfect. I remember a gift I gave Billy, it was a Fort Apache cowboy and Indians set. I really loved it as a kid. Billy never really played with it. I learned my lesson again. When I was a kid I gave my dad a football. He never complained, but next year he gave me a fishing pole. I am a horrible fisherman. Lesson learned. A gift should fit the one you give. Not much walking today, but tomorrow Barb and I will take one in the morning.  

Merry Christmas and keep walking

The fat man's Christmas card

Am I lucky or what
Merry Christmas from us to you

J.R. Miller I cannot do it alone; The waves surge fast and high. And the fogs close around, the light goes out in the sky; But I know that we two Will win in the end, Jesus and I. Cowardly, wayward, and weak. I change with the changing sky; Today so eager and bright, Tomorrow too weak to try; But He never gives in. So we two will win, Jesus and I. I could not guide it myself, My boat on life's wild sea; There's One who sits by my side, Who pulls and steers with me. And I know that we two, Will safe enter port, Jesus and I.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

In our politically correct world we live in we have entered a time where we almost apologize when we wish each other Merry Christmas. “Have a happy winter break.” How silly we are?

No, I am thinking Merry Christmas with the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Throw in some shepherds, angels, animals and a star. Taken as a whole, I give thanks for the One who came to die to bring peace between us and God. I am all for the idea of love God and your neighbor as yourself.  Give gifts, Celebrate, have a feast. Enjoy family; maybe simplify Christmas gifts and meal to really just enjoy one another. Are you alone? Get together with other alone people you know, have an alone Christmas gathering. My gift to you this year is this poem written by J. R. Miller. The gift is to be read when you need it at a time most in need and dark and remember you are not alone.

Love in the Lamb,

Bill and Barb

 

In Home walking

Leslie Sansone

I like to write about "In Home Walking" with Leslie Sansone. Here in the Midwest work ends as the sun is going down and weather turns colder, with ice, sleet, snow and every day being a little unpredictable. Some go to gyms, others use treadmills, walk in malls; all are good ideas. In home walking has some strong points:
Walk in the warmth and safety of your home
The walk can be done in small places
Your entire body moves
You can add resistance to the walk
The movements are easy and can be adopted to you and you fitness level
There are different walks for varity
If you are used to walking outdoors you will find the in home walks worksmore muscle groups and it will help you maintain your walks on bad weather days.
It works
Real Age has two one mile walks on line and her DVDs area good bargin for your health.
You can check out her website at http://www.walkathome.com/

News to get our heat pumping

This stuff leads to good things

Reading reports today on health issues encourage us to walk, use resistance training.
The oldest person living died today at 115. Dina Manfredini her grand-daughter reports

Logli said her grandmother was known as a great cook who baked Italian bread every Sunday for her family, and meticulously made pasta by hand. She called Manfredini a hard worker. "She was active her whole life," Logli said. "She was a very giving person." Logli said Manfredini also looked very young for her age. She had salt-and-pepper hair until she was about 110 years old." It looks like the Medditrenian diet works. She held the oldest living person for two weeks.

Real Age reports yaga, water workouts and band exersizes help our ailing backs. Check out these band exercizes.

http://www.realage.com/fitness/resistance-band-exercises?src=edit&chan=chronic-pain-management&con=tip

CBC reports a Duke study that supports aerobic exercize to lose weight. Resistant exercize helps fight type 2 diabetes and as we get older we need both.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/12/17/sci-aerobic-fat.html

I don't always report on sex and way to improve it, but Real age gave interessting advice, "

"Skip the music and candlelight. If it's romance you're after, try watching a heart-pumping action flick, laughing your head off at a comedy club, or even doing some aerobic exercise. Research has shown that anything that arouses rather than suppresses the nervous system -- that is, anything that hikes your heart rate and works your cardiovascular system -- can significantly enhance sexual response. "

Activty like aerobic walking gets the heart going and that leads to good things. Keep walking

Hard issues like a moutain path easy to slip

NET©73:2 But as for me, my feet almost slipped;
my feet almost slid out from under me.

 One of the passions I have pursued the past seven years is to understand abuse not only in my life, but in others in need to understand their story and move on with their lives less painfully. The shootings Friday are the most base of abuse to those killed. The families will take lifetimes healing. It is too early to see how abuse may have factored into Adam's life. For all I know it may not be a factor. Each of these insane attacks gives us a look into why it happens and what we can do in response.
The onset of adult life and mental illness we have to find ways to help families suffering. Mental illness won't go away. If we choose to own a gun we must secure the gun from those in our families who are suffering from mental illness or disability. If we can not make the gun secure than we should remove the gun from our homes. There are many who own guns and secure them. If our children or young adults suffer from illnesses that impair their judgement then we must take extra steps.
Family insights vary but usually families know there is something not right. If there is a problem secure the gun, if it it still a threat than remove the gun.
Can we prevent family owned guns for murderous intent? No. But can we help a family whose children are at risk because of disability or illness? Can moms and dads make their home safer for their children who suffer from mental illness or a disability that impairs judgement? Can we treat one Adam and prevent a suicide and murder?
I believe this will happen many times what we saw on Friday. We have figured out that drinking and driving don't mix. People still do it, but many choose to designate a safe driver. There are options people are choosing rather than drink and drive. Guns and mental illness don't mix either. Other options can be chosen. Seeking safe interventions for our young people, removing guns if we have too, Tonight I am walking to end abuse and the evil it spawns. Weigh in on this. Keep walking

In light of today I feel helpless

MSG© 17:9 "The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out." Evil visited a school today, what a loss.
Today's events in Connecticut I have no words for. Murder of innocents shocks me.
NIV© 6:11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence.
There are many occasions all over our planet when people do harm to people. There always seems to be  no end of it. The Bible is often scorned and ridiculed because it gives record to our violent ways. The call for repentance is viewed as radical and old fashioned. But we really do need a change of heart. The young man's actions are insane, but there is more to it than that.
A school, a church, a home should be places of safety. When they are violated we see evil and sin out in the open. I know these words are old, but they ring true today.
I read a quote from Fred Rogers from his mother, "in times a tragedy look for the helpers." What a wise mother. No wonder Mr. Rogers was great with children. In Tolkin's trilogy Lord of the Rings, he chose hobbits, the smallest people to be the hero's in face of great evil. Today I feel small, what can I do in light of this evil that we seem unable to prevent. We see this murder copycatted and it strikes with little warning. The fact that it will happen again rips me apart.
I don't know any of the parents who lost their child, "weep with those who weep" pray, yes, but what? Please God help us turn from our violent ways, Please help those who weep and morn, I believe with all of my heart those little ones are with the Lord, but what a loss.
NRSV© 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
In my life I walk with God, a long time ago a dear friend shared a verse to me that I adopted as my life's verse, NASB© 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" Instead of finding ways to do harm to one another we should find ways to care for each other. I have been far from perfect, (which is silly to think anybody can be perfect,) least of all me, but I still look for ways to be kind and caring for the people in my life. Walking here is the habit or way of life. Tonight Look to the Lord and look for the helpers.
 

One day full of life

winter cactus in bloom

12, 12, 12 has just about come and gone. It was a beautiful day. I was playing my juice harp with my grand daughter's flute. She sounded better. She is learning to read music and play the notes. My instrument does well playing in a cow pastor. We had fun anyway. Liam was laughing and giggling the whole time. He likes Kendall's hair.
I like the freedom ebooks give to have books any where. But late night reading to relax doctor's tell us paper books are better to unwind. My latest books are a Longmire mystery and a Spencer book and A new Sherlock Holmes novel. I have spent about 8 weeks in the summer times in Wyoming and Montana. tenting and hiking. I have spent other weeks with the Sou ix Indians, Navajo and Crow and Hava Supai. My Grandad Father was 1/2 Cherokee. Each tribe was very friendly to me. I even was treated by a Crow doctor who did a very good job.  I m am getting into the Longmire series and books. Takes me back to my travels. In the Summer it is fun to tent but if I were there in the winter a very well stock cabin would be in order. Hiking in the hills and mountains you have to think different. A 6 mile walk is a good walk in the mountains. It is very aerobic and stresses your muscles as well. Walk trails you can do and don't put yourself in danger. Keep in mind the higher altitude and stay hydrated.

I am so proud of my good friend Debi, what a gal

Indoor Walks between 2 1/2 and three miles. One mile is 14 minutes, one mile is a 12 minute mile and the third is 16 minutes. I am breathing good. op off the walk with 24 sit ups, 20 push ups, 20 squats of the bed and four strength moves with a resistant band.
I am awful proud of the kids in geometry. I am amazed what they are learning. Hurray! Smell the coffee. Can we take a step back and and enjoy the moment. Also a thumbs up to my three AVAC kids who have learned to do work in the computer and have made good progress in reading. Everybody is different but fro I have seen it was a good experience for them. My therapist reminds me to find things about work that turns my moter and kids learning in pat because of my contribution I don't mind touting my horn. I love it when there are difficulties and I can be part of the solutions. What the kids do s the coo data! Keep walking  

Running with Liam

Constant motion

One thing to improve your walking in the winter is the use of a pedometer. One good goal in walking is 10,000 steps a day. Some fitness experts share to walk 10,000 steps any way we can in a day is like a 30 minute workout for our heart and body. I use a pocket pedometer because it is a little harder to loose. Walking more indoors a pedometer can help you walk as it motivates you to your goals. Walking through out the day, shopping, parking further from store, using steps, take walk breaks from the computer, indoor walking, treadmills, housework, yard work, mowing, shoveling, (take breaks in shoveling, listen to body) work and play has step conversions, run with Liam in the house. Workouts also add to our steps. walk to chase away the winter blues.
Winter is also a good time to use a band or resistant tube. Joint pain, muscles, heart health all improve with this tool. Just a free tip for us older people, muscle looks better than to thin and to fat.
A dusting of snow today. Keep walking   

This old house has been a gift

Sometimes you just have to bundle up

Sitting in my house today, the furnace comes on and off; my home is worker’s home from the 19^th century. Three homes were built for three sisters. My home was built right on the boundary of one of the sisters. Today you could not build a home like that. The three houses have had different add-ons and dormers, so they don’t exactly look alike. Plumbing and electricity was added later. The heat went from coal to gas an apartment was made upstairs and then converted back. Other families have lived here and changes happen. I have added insolation and upgraded things as needed and this place has cared for me and my family for 25 years.

This old house has seen its’ share of storms through the years. For my part this house has protected me from cold, snow, ice rain, bugs and heat. Life has been under the old beams from trees that may have gone back to the days of the revolution or civil war. Christmas is coming and what a gift the Lord gave me with this old house.

I was thinking how alien we might be sailing the ocean and a problem or storm came that threatened our ship. But then I was thinking what our homes do for us right where we are. In the times we live, think of your home not just as your place, but what it could mean for your kids in need or your friends or family. If these old houses could talk, they would tell us of parents, kids, grandkids brought in in tough times where storms could be weathered. Many of us “boomers” don’t think like that, but we may need to reconsider.

Sometimes you are the only one who knows the storm you are going through. You may need a shelter. Read the words of Psalms 55:4-8 NIV

“My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. ⁵ Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. ⁶ I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. ⁷ I would flee far away and stay in the desert; ⁸ I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.”

The emotions here are extreme, but sometimes we are there. It is good to be someplace safe. David writes in verse 16, “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me.” And ends the Psalm with “But I will trust the Lord.” Another thing I have noticed about storms is they pass.  There may be a clean-up or repair and it can be anything small or great, but whatever the extreme God is there.

Thank you, Lord for my old house. Keep walking

Evil can't destroy being made in God's image

It has been a while since I have written about mental health, my own journey dealing with depression and anxiety continues. I see my psychologist about once a month, and my psychiatrist about once every three months. My time between visits I continue to implement the things I have learned and explore books and articles. One of the passions I picked up along the way is understanding abuse and how it affects the way we live. Some paths I have looked at have been war and how the hell of it spins a life time of recovery for many who lived through it. After reading Elie Wiessell’s book Night in one of the classrooms I worked in, I am convinced the book should be read by young adults, but below 15 I think it is a tough read. Wiesel chronicles not just the brutal deaths and experience in the holocaust, but I think he shares what the extreme abuse does to the human soul.

Victor Frankel shared how faith grew in the death camps and Wiesel shares how his own childhood faith was destroyed. When you read Night he shares many who prayed and lived their faith in the worse of conditions, but for Elie his spiritual struggles were shaken. Many who prayed died, and Elie shares the breakdown of life itself. In face of evil how would we respond? At 60, I would not have survived. Survival itself wasn’t based on reason, but on the evil forces at work on a world wide scale. Elie’s was broken, yet he moves in faith as he prays for his father on page 87. Listen to his words:

“My God, Lord of the Universe, give me the strength never to do what Rabbi Eliahou’s son has done.” The Rabbi’s son gave up on his father who fell behind in a death run to the next camp to save his own hide. Elie’s father demonstrated great love for his son, giving his son everything he had so Elie could live. Elie wanted to do everything he could to help his dad live. The evil generated by Hitler and his thugs overtook Elie’s father, but they could not take away the love between the father and son. Elie’s prayer I believe was answered.  

War and abuse of any kind is hellish, and our responses to it are multi layered. It may take the rest our lives to recover from it, but is worth it. The violin player in the book, was playing Beethoven before he died, I will never hear Beethoven the same again. Hitler and hosts of evil cannot take away that me are made in the image of God. They may take our lives but not our souls.

Health may be poor, hope may be weathered by life’s trials but we are created in the image of God. We can pray in faith; we can take the start right where we are. Life is more than our brief journey on the third rock from the Sun. Keep walking  

Nice hear from old friends

We had good shade for people as they waited to be treated.

I heard from Maggie today who with her husband George were very helpful to Barb and I in Africa. They had very practical advise on how to run a bush clinic. We charged 25 cents per patient and we able to pay for all our medicines with that revenue. If someone didn't have it we treated anyway. Our total budget was user $700.00 a month. Money they gave went for the medicine not us. We ran a clinic and school, paid for gas and food. When I came back to the states I had $1.00 in my pocket.
George was a WW2 pilot who had flown the highest ranked generals through an ice storm. George is with the Lord but Maggie and her daughter live in the Houston area. She is quite the lady.
Went and watched Skyfall over the weekend, the view of Scotland was cool. I don't think I want to walk in the tunnels under London. It be easy to get lost.
Here is another article on how exercise builds brain muscle. Keep walking

 http://healthmeup.com/news-buzz/exercise-mental-activity-vital-for-brain-health/17908