peddling along

A summer day in the '70s, I'll take it. I went for a very long bike ride. On my Liberty bike peddling is not hard at all. I kept my bike at the lower speeds cruising along at 7 miles an hour. Going up inclines I put the power up a notch or two. I wore my sun shirt and it was perfect. Along the way, an elementary girl was selling lemonade like in the old days. I took a second look and said to self, "I got to stop." The drink was cool and I threw it in the basket when I was done.
I am still in the game with my app to lose weight. The one thing I noticed is how easy it is to regain the weight. Vacation I stayed pretty close to the target and I got a lot out of swimming every day. I still enjoy swimming in the Gulf. I think I was quite a sight with my hat, sun shirt. In the water it all worked, no burn, no tan swimming was easy.
Listening to The Grey Mask written by Patricia Wentworth 1928 of a retired school teacher now investigator mostly of thefts. The reader with a British accent sets the

mood for the mystery. Always nice to go back in time without the writer rewriting history to make it fit today's trends and sensibilities. The time period goes back to when my parents were born. My paternal grandparents were in their 20's. My maternal grandparents were a little older. My grandfather Criss would have been 43 and Grandma Criss would have been 30. Before the depression and after WWI. Just imagine if they had the live photos you can take today. To see them in animation. The book was popular in its day and like many novels, we read a different place, people of money different from our own. I enjoy audible books.
My Florida book this year was a Jack Reacher novel. Nothing like a hero who can do anything he wants to defend or get justice and keep moving.
Finished my month with Dr. Roy Zuck devotions on Ecclesiastes. In Devotions for Kindred Spirits the month of May, Dr. Zuck challenge me to rethink the book in a more positive message. A life lived with God pondering life's difficulties or a life without God leading to its own consequences.
Summer cool to experience. Keep walking

Like most crime novels we vicariously enjoy the world of the rich and famous. Life is full of puzzles to solve or not

Sitting at pool site in Naples,
Florida. Looking out waterway
to the Gulf

It is said, you can't take it with you. This was my first trip to Naples, Florida other than a prior pass-throughs on the way to the everglades. Stayed at a Charter club in Old Naples. Affluence everywhere. Water, tropical and money. We all seem to love it.
Looking at the homes of the rich and famous tell interesting stories. Many of the homes are not even lived in but for a few weeks a year. One home bought a neighbor's home, for around 20 million, tore it down and uses the land for a dog park for their dog.
Tom Selleck built a home designed like the one used in Magnum PI. He never lived there. Politicians from both parties live there and the who's who from business, writers, famous from all walks of life.
Where I was located is near the city's dock where boats are entered. Took a sunset cruise and had the view these homes have every night. That day had rained all day but the evening the skies cleared had we a had a great sunset.
Vicariously I think we all enjoyed being in the world of the rich. Our novels, movies,

A floating mushroom

media place our imaginations with the rich and powerful. No matter your political view we strive to be on top. One of the themes of the wisdom books of the Bible deals with our relationship with money and power. It can be a blessing or a curse. Wealth can benefit many or oppress many. Reading the ancient writings helps us gain insight
"For he will take nothing with him when he dies; his wealth will not follow him down into the grave." Ps. 49:17
Along with the homes of Port Royal, the home valued at millions will be torn down upon the sale or death of the owner only to be rebuilt for bigger homes or even a dog park for an owner's dog to do his business. One owner needed 8 more inches in a room for a statue he bought traveling to Italy. He tore down the mansion and rebuilt the same mansion only the room was given 8 more inches. I have many friends travel to Italy and take in the sights (we all like to be affluent) and wish they could buy art, products but don't have enough room to fly it back. Unless they are a hoarder there is no room in the house. 
The problems of wealth and poverty will always be with us and it is good to read, study, meditate, apply what we learn in Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon throughout our life. Not that we figure it all out, which is impossible, but that we grow in skills with our relationship to God and others.

Out on the Gulf- Can you see the curve of the earth? God's paintbrush

Consider the blessings of wealth enjoyed or not.
Ecc 5:19 To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God.
Ecc 6:2 God gives a man riches, property, and wealth so that he lacks nothing that his heart desires, yet God does not enable him to enjoy the fruit of his labor –instead, someone else enjoys it! This is fruitless and a grave misfortune.
In my devotions the other night I came across curious verses, 
"Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?" ESV "It is best to take hold of one warning without letting go of the other warning; for the one who fears God will follow both warnings." NET 
I know we are all sinners and we all sin, but thankfully we did not sin to our deaths. We learned from our past sins to a wiser life. I also know we can never reach perfection in this life, nor solve every life riddle we encounter. No, it is good to enjoy a sunset, enjoy the blessings God gives and learn from our trials to trust the One who can take us to heaven. Politics, power, money, poverty are always in conflict. How are we living, loving, sharing and caring? We have enough to deal with ourselves. Keep walking

Helping the little grey cells spiritually. Online support - cool

One of the challenges we face as we get older is continuing our own growth spiritually. I have been personally talking to friends fighting burn out and are depressed. As they share their stories it helps me in my own life to focus on activities that build up and encourage the mind and spirit.
It seems my interests are many but new studies through the net have really encouraged me. Listed below are 6 sites with excellent resources for continual growth.
For my friends they have their work cut out for them.
https://www.biblicaltraining.org
I am taking a graduate class on Proverbs that is really stimulating my mind and spirit. Many of these teachers have different theological prospectives than I do, but the desire to know the truth of it makes it worthwhile. Good stuff
http://bible.org is a Cadillac of Bible study. The Lumina study tool is outstanding. Follow the menu and there is a lot to experience and learn.
https://www.biblegateway.com tops
https://www.studylight.org I have used this site for years. With many of these sites, you will find interactive material with great library support.
https://waynestiles.com/livethebible/ I do a lot of internet travel with Wayne to the Holylands. I am doing a study with the podcasts in the Gospel of Mark. A very good study.

Below is a blog entry on Biblegateway. It gives you reading levels of various popular translations.

Two levels are given for example. I worked 15+ years helping kids improve their reading. A Big thanks to Nancy, Dee, Marci who helped this ole boy learn how to help the kids.
KJV 12+ - 17+ which means it was written at 12th grade+ reading level and is best understood at a graduate level after 4 years of college. Many people through the years through vocabulary acquired have learned to understand this Bible at a lower reading level but it takes work. It can be a great Bible to work the little grey cells as we age. Much like studying a foreign language.
My favorite Bible NASB 1964 11th+ and understood with a senior college 16+. It definitely helped raise my reading level. After reading the NASB the KJV was a breeze.

My new favorite translations for study and reading pleasure the NIV, NET, NKJV, HCSB are at 7+ level and best understood at a 12+ (senior in HS) reading level. These translations are easy to read as you grow in vocabulary understanding. Not everybody agrees with the writer including me. Working with HS students generally finding books that are 2 years below their own lexile level they could read well for comprehension and understanding. So I would say NIV 7+, 9+ and so on.
Newspapers tend to be a 5+ understood best at 7+-10+ reading levels.
What happens if one has a lower lexile level than the Bible translation? Over time low readers may have higher listening skills and audio Bibles are wonderful. People can gain experience and growth in vocabulary acquisition. With greater recognition comes understanding. It takes work and learning coping skills such as listening, The Bible acted out. Preaching and explaining the meaning in language and experience people understand. Why Bible art in churches? Was this a way to help lower readers understand? A picture is a thousand words. We can never underestimate people who are often smarter than you might think. Of course, there is the other side of it where people have college degrees and are dumber than rocks.
Of course, there is God Himself interacting with the reader revealing His truth to the simplest of saints. How do you measure that? Keep walking

bible-translation-reading-levels

Watson, bring your revolver...late night rides

Moving along in week 10 I push more in short walks and biking. Short walks came to over 4 miles this week. Many of the walks were for a 1/4 of a mile. My back is able to go a little further. With my CP these days it isn't about walking where I could fall occasionally. Now days I would not be able to pop right back up. My walking program now has to be fall free.

The game's afoot

During my bike time, especially at night I like to listen to mysteries. Many of the modern Sherlock Holmes writers are able to write a good story and keep it in the times of Holmes in the late 19th and early 20th century period. Most writers today writing period stories spend to much time framing the stories with today's sensibilities. For me it is fun reading mysteries written in the times past, with all their strengths and weaknesses.
There are many writers today or in my adult life that are fun read. The key for me are the characters and story. There are stories where I am OK if they all die. I would like them all to be done away. In a story like that, I probably won't get to the end. The digital books from the local library is a good place to try reading new authors. Audiobooks that are well read I really enjoy, sometimes a chapter or two rolls by when I am on my bike. That is true test for me that I am hooked. Keep walking and read something you enjoy.

Wounded warriors and disabled give back in many ways. Thanks!

When we think of technology it pushes ahead with an idea, competition, but often in advances because of the desire to overcome the bad things that happened life. I came across good story from the Washington Post, you might have read about it. Rob Jones, marine Corps veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan, runs 31 marathons in 31 days in 31 cities to raise money for the wounded veteran charities.

War and prosthetics have come along way from the hook and peg leg. Rob has lost both legs fighting in Afghanistan. Raising money for the wounded warriors he ran 806 miles in a month. Like Forest Gump people run with him. Making it possible are the adapted prosthetics for running. War has brought many medical advancements that help us all. 

Another unwanted conflict that inters the human experience are all kinds of handicaps. Over the years technology gets

Run Rob Run

developed to help with these handicaps. It is often costly project but what we learn and experience often can benefit us all. The vets wanting to stay active in their lives use technology that in turn benefits ready handicapped people, who do now can act more independent an active. Their experience benefits the rest of us went through some unwanted injury or aging we can use what we learn from them to help us. 

So this Thanksgiving season, give thanks to the wounded Warriors and the people with handicaps with their own struggles to stay independent and active because what they we learn from their situations well come around help us when we most needed. Keep walking. Thank you Rob for using your struggle to help fellow vets. Hurrah! Keep walking

Vive la vie, continue la marche, biking at 106

Robert Marchand, age 105 a Frenchman sets a new one hr. cycling record where he petal more than 14 miles an hour. He is more aerobically fit then most 50-year-olds. The new benchmark had to be created for him since he is the 1st 105 year old to do this. He was born in 1911 and while he was working as a truck driver, gardener, firefighter, and lumberjack he did not exercise. Most of his jobs would have been physical.
Since his retirement he has been biking under trainer or roads near his home and at a leisurely pace. at 100 years old he set the record for that age at 14 mi. an hour. Then he started a program of of interval training, where 80% of his biking was at a leisurely pace and 20% and a more strenuous pace 20% percent harder. There was a 20 point scale of effort. Leisurely was 12 or less and strenuous was 15 or more.
By the numbers:
Mr. Marchand’s VO2 max was now about 13 % higher than it had been before,  as good as a healthy 50 year old.
His pedaling increased by 40% power.
At 103 he maxed out the test at 17 miles per hour for 60 minutes.
He takes no medicine.
He weighs hundred and 15 pounds at 5 feet tall.
He is very sociable
He eats a simple diet of yogurt,  soup, cheese, chicken and a glass of red wine for dinner.
My take on how it work for him. I have noticed that most people who live long time tend to be smaller. Also most people who are still in competition in racing picked up the habit even after retiring so what Mr. Marchand was doing in the 60s to a hundred gave him the opportunity to set these marks. The biking help him to prevent diabetes, maintain a strong heart and clean arteries, and helped his immune system with other diseases. The biking that he does is over one hour and day. There was no discussion within his family related to living longer so I don't know the genetic factors, besides the obvious he must have good genes.
We were from him that we can improve our aerobic, strength health as we age. Also interval training can be beneficial in our fitness goals. For him to get these benefits he did work at it. And it's a good point for us that if we are to improve our fitness it will take work. His work was consistent over time.
It is pretty wild to be in good health at 105 with a desire to improve at 106.
Moving helps us age. A simple nutritious diet would also help. OK it is time to get on my bike. Thank you Robert, Vive la vie, continue la marche.

Giving thanks at the end of a day, happy thanksgiving

I am thankful for several things. I finished writing a book 1 in my devotion series, walking with Jesus. Now comes the next step of publishing it. When you are basically unknown I think it won't be easy. But first I had to write it. More than the book I am really thankful for Barb. I am thankful for my mental and physical health. I am grateful for people who encouraged me not to give up but keep on "bodger on" as the Brits would say. I think it is a good philosophy, since life isn'y always easy.
I am thankful to Wayne, Styles, Irwin Lutzer, Leslie Leyland, Gene Getz for online ministry and encouragement.
I am thankful for returning to my ministry in Liberia. To actually be doing something that I trained for so many years is really something.
I am thankful for family and friends in very profound ways. Thankful for a home that is a true shelter.
I am thankful for two real good years of Cub baseball and actually seeing with my own eyes and ears winning a world series. Not even the Chicago sports writers could discourage me.
I am thankful for audio books, mysteries, and the enjoyment of reading for the fun of it.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Especially times like this when I can sit back and take it in.
I am thankful for video phone chats with family, for texting watching baseball.
Tomorrow for many will be a great day. Some may be by themselves. The cool thing is we are never alone. To God day and night make no difference. He doesn't sleep. He is there and not silent.
I am keeping the movement up. Yesterday throughout the day I climbed stairs, one two flights at a time. Worked in tube resistance.  Today 1 did biking on my indoor recombant. The key now is to stay consistent with the activities. Keep walking

Beat the heat...thinking outside the box...freeze underwear

I was reading some articles Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times. Summertime is upon us and we may find yourselves outside in the heat. I was reading where a heat stroke is caused by our core temperature in our bodies being raised. The problem comes when we heat up quicker than waiting get rid of the heat. There is a bit of uncertainty about this but the temperature rises in our bodies 2° for every five minutes. If the body temperature does not cool itself down when our core temperature gets to be about an 105° we are in serious trouble. 

For athletes the problem comes when they are not used to the heat their bodies are ready to handle it yet. They can be hydrated but it may not be enough. 

When I lived in Africa my mentor Louie Orta recommended drinking hot coffee. He swore by it it that it helped him stay cool. Have been water that has been boiled will help you a lot in tropical Africa and prevent a lot of things I can give you fever. 

One day it was 105° and I was outside all day at a pool party. I jumped in the pool with my swim suit and T-shirt and went sat under a tree and when my T-shirt dried I went back and jumped in the pool again. With the cooler filled with cold drinks it was a good day. The wet T-shirt made all the difference in world.

When I was coaching tennis the athletes where in shape but they were not ready for the first hot day. They would be hydrated, bananas etc. but their bodies were not used to get rid of the heat yet. In the middle of summer they would be able to handle hot more heat because by that time their bodies got used to it. 

In Gretchen's articles she gives several ideas to cool down if you're working out in the heat. My experiences with slushes are head busters. The roof from your mouth gets very cold and your brain reacts with intense pain. You immediately remember the many times you've done this and have never learn to slow down. If you do slow it down if can lower temperature. Pouring water over your head and when your T-shirt may also help to cool down your core. Wearing frozen underwear may also help you stay cool little race a little while longer. 

I thought was funny. But if you do feel dizzy, heated, take time to slow down and get to a shaded area. Douce your head and body with water. As it evaporates your core temperature may start to cool down. 

Many of you race or walk during the summer. As you work on your principles of hydration and training it deal with keeping your core temperature healthy in competition. If you tried frozen underwear let me know what what you think. Now I know you laughed at that. Keep walking

Check out for yourself PS. barb thought I flipped with this one.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/how-to-avoid-heatstroke/?em_pos=large&emc=edit_hh_20160621&nl=well&nlid=66362823&ref=headline&te=1

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/05/27/slushies-vs-frozen-underwear-for-hot-weather-workouts/?em_pos=medium&emc=edit_hh_20160621&nl=well&nl_art=3&nlid=66362823&ref=headline&te=1 

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/15/strategies-for-hot-weather-exercise/?em_pos=medium&emc=edit_hh_20160621&nl=well&nl_art=2&nlid=66362823&ref=headline&te=1

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/29/lessons-from-exercising-in-the-heat/?em_pos=medium&emc=edit_hh_20160621&nl=well&nl_art=1&nlid=66362823&ref=headline&te=1

Happy father's day, think three good thoughts...

Ok I think we all would have liked the name Liam

Today in a few minutes will be Father's Day hear in the United States. For 364 days everybody in America shoots down the dad. Poor old dad takes a beating at work, comes home and everybody is down on him. Poor guy can't even watch a comedy without being the brunt of the joke. You can't say nothing about anybody else, but everybody can take a pot shot at the old man. Political correctness is a one-way street for men. 

Liam my grandson

But for one day year, people sort of take the gloves off and they share a little kindness to the old man. But even there, they might say something like this, “Dad, I forgive you and I hope you have a good day.” Now read that last line and give it your best Jack Nicholson impersonation will you sweetheart. If your dad is still living put away the axe. This week think of three reasons a day why the old man ain't all that bad. In fact, I would go one further visit the old man as often as you can. Each time you see him, just tell him one of the things you came up with. 

When nobody's looking you will be surprise when you think of the things he's done for you. 

If by chance he's gone like my father is gone from my life these past 21 years, think of three things you're glad the old man past your way.

Here are my three:

1. Thanks for the sacrifice of working two jobs so I could put my heel on the floor.
2. Thanks for coming home after work and playing a game of catch.
3. Thanks for telling me about the bad guys and to watch for danger.
4. Thanks for taking me to a Cub game, not only to see the Cub greats, but Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Maury Wills,…

Oh did I give four… there you go

Keep walking

Our home adds to the quality of life.

In 2003 Diane Lane stared in a movie called Under the Tuscan Sun. As she rebuilds her life as she remodels a home in an ideal location. The movie takes on interest with many offbeat characters. Personally, I think we are all off beat and that is the fun of it.

Barb and I made our home in a house built in the early 1880's. It was one of three homes a father built for his daughters. My kitchen and two rooms added upstairs came later. The original toilet was out back. The water was a pump in the back yard. A fire stove was between our dining room and front room. There was a front porch and cellar. Later dormers were added, a kitchen and bathroom. Indoor plumbing we take it for granted. 

How many people added to the original home? We each leave a trace of ourselves. Maybe others will improve the home for themselves in the future. 

We bought the home in 1989. Friends from Michigan came and sided the home. My dad and I took on many projects and now Barb and I are managing some of the remaining touches we wanted to do. New windows, new design, rip up carpet and discover wood floors. We have one or two projects to go just to improve our living. I definitely think it is all part of better state of health.

New ideas with old, it's a mystery. 

I think of all the characters who helped us. Grandkids, kids, friends, people looking for work, our dads both of them were great. A home that is similar to homes of my grandparents in the depression, yet improvements in energy and design. Big enough when I need it and small enough to live. 

Feeling good in a home is there a price tag? I don't have rolling hills or seaside, but today was a good day. Keep walking

Kindred spirits can be broken by politics

With politics brewing it seems we are in for nasty times. Anger, bitterness, and resentment will follow. In David McCullough’s book John Adams, he made me interested in Adams who was both passionate and intelligent with a story worth knowing. Insights about the friendships of Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin were worth the the time reading. These three men were the thought and soul of our independence. Their bond during the drafting and struggle for independence was very special indeed. 

Franklin the most flexible of the three died before politics drove a wedge between the friendship of Adams and Jefferson. Once kindred spirits they became bitter foes. Ideology took priority over friendship, They died on the same day 50 years later after their work on the Declaration of Independence. It is one of the best political documents of all time. Along with the Constitution I wish every american could read them or listen to an audio. 

I think most of us had classwork to pass a constitutional test in 8th grade. When it comes to historical documents or literature I agree with C. S. Lewis that I would rather read the document myself then have somebody explain it to me. Interpretation of others usually has a vested interest or motivation that underlies it. Reading a document that is 20 minutes to read is better than reading a 500 page explaination. 

Adams and Jefferson were first rate minds. Their friendship was genuine. What they did together was better than what they could do themselves. Politics and power can destroy the best of human relationships. Politics can enter into any human experience at work, church, or home. 

I think something was lost when politics destroyed the friendship of Adams and Jefferson. It seems it bothered them until the day of their deaths. Make no mistake about it politics is costly in human value and relationships. 

In the social media where you have friends of different political opinions, treat them with respect. Keep an open mind or least be willing to listen. I know I am cynical, but I am not sure politicians have my best interest nor do I think the media is looking out for me. It gives me pause before I articulate my two cents. Social media is a new beast for most of us. 

For me I prefer friendships over politics. Keep walking

P.S. John Adams was a walker, often for 10 miles or more even as an old man.

It is possible that you do not consider yourself an old fat man.

It is possible that you do not consider yourself an old fat man. Certainly if you're at the fairer sex such a label would be awful. If you are younger some of the things I write about me do not directly pertain to you. But I would think that in your mind anyway you would like to reach a ripe old age.
To improve your opportunity to live to be older here are some things that you may find helpful:
1. Start where you are - The younger you are the more preventative medicine makes more sense.
2. Develop your own medical team. A good GP is a good place to start. Other medical personnel can be added to your own needs. Having a doctor that can overview your medicines, and help you manage your care can really be helpful. Because I've had people in my close family have heart trouble and my grandmother died of cancer all in her 60s I was mindful of my health risk when I was even younger. If you have risk factors don't wait start your medical team.
3. If you are in your 20s or 30s you may still be in competitive sports. And your fitness training may be geared for that. As you move into your 40s look at your fitness from a health perspective. You have been fit and active you have already have done some good choices to add years to your life. Thinking of fitness as it relates to health will create new challenges for you but you like the changes.
4. If you're somewhat sedimentary then there's nothing like today to start. Take time to research a good fitness plan that involves aerobic, strength training, and flexibility.
5. Change your mindset about food, "eat to live, not live to eat."
6 My blog has a tendency to develop from my experience. My experience may be helpful to you, but health is really a personalized program. Some of my ideas may be very helpful, others may need to be modified, and others may be disregarded for something better. I am coming at this thing as one who is trying to improve my health. My awareness is from that perspective. I am not a medical expert. But I do investigate and do my best to research what I write about so I hope I am not wasting your time. Always check with your medical team for the things you need.
7. When you look for information that can be the most helpful don't leave your mind behind. You are in charge of the information at your disposal. This includes decisions that you make at the doctor’s office, articles, books, or digital information that you read. You are in charge of your health nobody can do it for you. If something smells like snake oil, it is likely a scam, be aware of it. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn't true. Sometimes when we are really hurting we could fall prey to scams.
Remember the earlier you start to care for your health, the more years you add to your life. The quality of your life for however long it may last will be better. Keep walking

Sex in Assisted living an "OOOH" moment

Your in trouble now buddy!

I imagine everybody will at least laugh a little bit in my article today. But Paula Span for the New York Times wrote an article Sex in Assisted Living: Intimacy Without Privacy.
Older bodies having sex is something that has what I call “oooh” response! It does remind me of Billy Crystal recounting the story when he discovered his parents having an intimate moment on the kitchen table. From a child's point of view that's an "oooh" moment! Another person might think “icky pooh”.
But apparently this is a problem in assisted living. Older couples are often interrupted by people coming in at any time of the day. Lack of privacy and even lack of respect can become part of an issue. Health and dementia cause various problems to be sure.
But living and the experience of life you know continues for a long time and with some couples they can remain in relationship sexually into their 90s. In our youth orientated society we are uncomfortable with older people and thinking you know of them in sexual situations. Seniors raised in the 30’s, 40,s and 50’s have different values from the baby boomers starting to moving into these communities.
Often married couples and romantic couples are moved away from each other into different rooms, or even at different tables in the dining room. While I think this is probably good with situations that are abusive or unwanted; I think it's a violation rights for those that are consensual. Married couples I believe have to be handled with dignity and respect. Health for one or both may be a problem.

If you have read the Bible Abraham (100) and Sarah (90) were intimate and Abraham, David and others were old when they were intimate with others. Sex has always had its complications.
A sexual life is a reality for those who have health for long time. And we should expect it and encourage healthy sexual life whenever possible. I value marriage. Romance is not only good for the soul but its also good for the heart. And it's good for our immune systems which fight cancer and also it helps with diabetes.
Aging and health may also put a decline to sexual activity with people and we need to be understanding.
There are problems with a growing number of sexually-transmitted diseases. Dementia often causes a breakdown of inhibitions. And while there is sexual activity that is consensual there's also sexual activity that is not. Anyway it's a part of living and that living continues. Read Paula Span’s article and think through both the living well and problems that may occur. Get over “oooh”! Keep walking

http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/10/sex-in-assisted-living-intimacy-without-privacy/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

Another article about life style change – can do it but it is hard

http://todayiwill.com/

Baby its cold outside

I know there are hearty walkers and runners outside today and I know they know how to care for themselves in frigged weather. Layer's, skin covered and care to protect lungs. But for many of us there are days when it is too cold to be out in the cold. Extremes require care. How do we move on cold days?
Exercise bikes, treadmills, In Home Walking, can all be a big help. Yesterday clearing the snow was a workout. Today was a visit to the arctic. Tomorrow it will start to warm up but likely to cold to be outside. So these are perfect days for indoor fitness. For me I walked with a Leslie Sansone Workout. These walks can be a total fitness workout. Barb and I get a new one every year to add to our variety. Learn the four basic steps and you can walk watching TV.
It is easy to do circuit training with bands, dumbbells, body exercises like squats, crunches, lunges, dips, push-ups. Do a movement like curls and walk for a minute with walking in place, side to side, knee raises, kicks and move to a different strength move. It is really easy to do 10 minute, 20 minute, 30 minute workouts. Be smart and know what you can do and check with doctor if you have been sedimentary. Most of us can become movers.
Indoor walking can help with the winter blues.
When it comes to seasonal mood swings winter is here. Cold, shorter days, harder to be outside need a little thought how to make the most of it. Here are somethings I am exploring: A wood project right now I am looking for a wanted project. I can do somethings but others skills are a work in progress. Perfection won't be my expectation, but maybe an improved technique? Working with the kids in wood shop the biggest tip I can pass on is take time. Do a step at a time. I have enjoyed my reading. Reading for fun is something I have learned to do with dealing with anxiety attacks. Read the authors you like and enjoy your own recommendations. Having this blog gives me focus on other reading I may do. It is like having something to do that gets you going. Along these lines find ways to help others. One way I find is to pray for others. Since God hears very well I don't have to repeat my prayers over and over. Have a shut in friend, visit and share a movie or audio book. From all my outdoor cooking I figured out how to follow and cook book, share a meal. A lot of older folk have not not had a meal with good taste. That may be a real encouragement. Good smells out of the kitchen can make a cold day better for anyone.
There is no doubt about it texting is here to stay. So I text my grand-kids and they return them pretty good. Send pictures and kids will send pictures back. Cold days are good days to make a call. But don't over do it. As funny as I think it would be, don't call at 5 in the morning, unless it is an life and death emergency.
With the internet winter is a good time to watch funny shows. Barb and I watched the Doc Martin series and did a lot of laughing. If you give it a thought I bet you can come up with some good things for winter season. Keep walking

I have one resolution

"Brrrrr! it's cold out side" 2013 coming to an end. Usually a time for passages, reviews and resolutions. many bloggers list their top 10 blogs of the year. When you were a kid did you ever think what life would be like in 2014? There has been a lot of changes. I remember as a kid watching or reading a Dick Tracy strip and imaging a wrist watch where you could talk to people any where you were at. Recall the badges on Star Trek. Well we have those things now and what do people do with them? They text, don't talk. We finally got the technology and we don't use it. It is harder to talk to someone now than when we had party lines. We have ID calling and I guess that cuts the call before it can happen.
Maybe your experience is different than mine. You may get calls all the time.
Cars are more efficient, but not enough. Insulation has improved our winter experience and air conditioning our summer. But in so doing it has taken us off the porch in the summer to escape the warm indoors and has made our outdoor experience less safe. TV has changed, more choice bigger screens and sound. Computers and pads expand our virtual world and experience. I miss the beach club in the summer.
As far as the good old days one has to be careful. If we don't experience some new old days we may have missed the point. That is my resolution to have as many good days as I can. Keep walking

Independence in Retirement? a few thoughts

If he is like me there may not be bait on the line -
Sorry dad and Rich

Independence in Retirement? I read an article today where people over 45% of people 65-69 will need some assistance in their daily life. That may include devises and Tech stuff that are used independent of others such as a cane. Many of us have already used eyeglasses and in the future hearing aides. Life can be adapted and enjoyed. In my blog I have talked about walking, strength training and flexibility as a way to slow down the aging process with the idea of greater control over our activities and life. In retirement now I have been able to get back on track to lose weight. Why? I want to live better in the years ahead.
I have been thinking about independence has to be more than self reliance. Independence has to be more than a second childhood. You and I have seen the ads, retired people walking the beach, dancing, eating in restaurants in exotic locations. I am all for that stuff on vacation, dinner dates and times to relax. Not doing that stuff all the time keeps it special. Today I was watching my wife and grand-daughter making cookies and doing homework together. Listening to them, they were having fun. Both of them were sharing their memories together. We actually had the privilege of being to the beach with that grandchild and it was a memory. But I can't say it was better than what I saw today.
Working on our health is about the ability to move and think; but it is also about to feel the ones in our lives, friends and family still kicking and enjoying the day the Lord has made. Independence to not be lonely. I got a big kick out of my three grandsons doing stuff for me this year. To see them flex their muscles and brains to do some projects around the house. I could have hired it out, but their help was better. They did most of the work and I mostly watched fetched, and talked. My littlest grandchildren bring their own joys.
Time brings its challenges and we may need a little help from time to time, but that ain't all bad. Keep walking.

How Does God develop thankfulness, a few thoughts

From J Burkey's Vacation

Some of you have been shopping today. If you enjoy shopping, today would be a good day. I am one that hunts when I shop and I am not a good match for one who likes to shop and compare. Get it and get out of there, on to the next mission would be my attitude. Needless to say I am little fun at it. If you enjoy to shop, don't let my attitude stop you, shop and enjoy.
Amy Norton reports for Health Day that being thankful can be good for us. Apparently it lowers blood sugar and deceases inflammation in our bodies. That can be a boost in our immune system and help fight diabetes, cancer, and heart disease just a little. It also can help with our relationship with others and increase the willingness to cooperate together. http://news.health.com/2013/11/28/giving-thanks-could-be-good-for-you/

Wayne Styles blogs, "A heart of thankfulness comes from one simple word—perspective. In particular he implores the idea of loss and how it develops thankfulness. Wayne loss his mother ten years ago on Thanksgiving and that has forced him to  reflect on how God develops a thankful heart. He sights several examples of how trials and loss increase our thankfulness. One we can all relate to. Our car is totaled and our family escape serious injury. We may have had a fight earlier that day, but now we are grateful for each other. He cites Bible commentator Matthew Henry's experience:

"fell prey to robbers one day. That evening he made the following entry in his diary:

Let me be thankful—First, because I was never robbed before. Second, because although they took my wallet they did not take my life. Third, because although they took my all, it was not much. And finally, because it was I who was robbed and not I who robbed." Lose something and later God provided to care for the loss, causes us to be thankful. http://www.waynestiles.com/thankfulness-comes-from-one-simple-word/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+waynestiles+%28Wayne+Stiles+Blog%29

In yesterday's Our Daily Bread explored the opposite type of experience, How to Enjoy things. I am sitting here in my dining room looking at the sun coming through the room, my indoor garden and flowers including my Christmas cactus in bloom. My Red gardenias in bloom. I had just finished my morning workout, showered and continued various projects I am working on. My home is a 130+ years old, but it is remodeled and a few other things planned. All in all a very nice place to live these 24 years. Painfully I am aware of others who are without. None of us knows the future, but today I am thankful for what I have. Reading through my Bible I read Ecclesiastes 5 yesterday, but it came up again in Our Daily Bread I read this morning. Being thankful for things is a good thing. Loving people and using things is a good attitude.     

"18 Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. 19 God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, 20 for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart." Eccles. 5:18-20 HCSB

Paul shared his experience in Phillipians 4: "11 I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content — whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me."

I was sleeping on a cement floor on a hike I was on. My equipment was already sent on ahead so I was there with out my usual bedding. I thought on the highlighted verse all night to no avail. I was not content. Sometimes our experience or trial has to be endured. I think of Band of Brothers who had to endure the cold winter at Bastone. To the day they died, they probably get cold thinking about it. Sometimes we go through trauma where we need support just to survive. Pain may actually be used to help us make it. Later upon reflection we may give thanks. I was thankful for the hike, and not that one night. I became a little wiser.
Keep walking through the holidays. Yesterday the meal was great!  

 

Enjoy the holiday, Be almost healthy

New possibilities

Skyler Reeves, she is gorgeous

I woke up this morning with the thought of awakening new possibilities. When you have done something for over 30 years it is a bit of a task to consider doing other things. I am mulling over the possible routes my life may take and it is clear to me it will be a work in progress. Hopes, dreams, thoughts will work into reality and for me there is a bit of risk involved. Risk, a leap of faith a chance to do things even better. There is always the backdrop of living in retirement, but I have a desire for something yet to do before I finish my course. I feel good that I am going to act so I don't have the regret I didn't go for what I hope, dream and think in my service for the Lord, people and fulfilled purpose in the years that remain.
Keep walking 

Sharing romance as I recall my honeymoon in Israel

When we walked wall there was no safety fence. added to the
adventure, but I like the fence

Getting over my first viral bug. Bad timing to get sick. I just viewed a video of Jerusalem in the
evening. When Barb and I studied there we were often out in the evening capturing memories of the city to last a lifetime. In the evening Jerusalem being a low mountain city is very windy. Barb and I stayed at the school in a professor's room at the highest point at the school on the highest Mt. In Jerusalem! Traditional Mt. Zion. It actually isn't Mt. Zion but was so named because it was the highest point in Jerusalem. There are a lot of locations so named because looking at them they were the most impressive. It was though a great place to be on a honeymoon. The room was old and painted a light blue green cement paint. We had two twin beds that we pushed together. We studied and because we were on our honeymoon we had the energy to love as well.
I competed with Barb for grades but it wasn't a contest. She got the highest marks in A+ the class. I came up with the line that I got the big idea and she got the details. The truth is she kicked my but. I posted a video on Facebook and Twitter of Jerusalem in the evening, it reminded me of that time.
We also spent a week in a convent where are room was off to the side of the chapel. It had a wonderful bed and the ceiling was similar to a chapel. The nuns we from Lebanon and they fed us and treated us like royalty. They knew it was our honeymoon. They would often join us for prayer in the evening. It was a hoot.
That memory gave me a boost sharing it. Keep walking