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OldBaldy1701E

(5,088 posts)
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 06:46 PM Jan 2021

The Cold Consequences

I just recently returned from walking around my block. Now that I live in Minnesota, that can be quite the trek. But, I had to do it. You see, earlier today I had some spicy fried chicken. (Darn Cub.) And today was a 'walk' day. As some of you know, I am three months out of quadruple bypass surgery. So, fried chicken is a no no. This only doubles the reason for walking. This is Minnesota folks, and it is a balmy 19F at the moment. (Around here, that is outside weather.) As an old southerner, I am not built for such conditions. However, sixteen years of land surveying did 'toughen' me up some. (Yeah... I just learned what to wear and what to do). So, I set out. Let me tell you, it is freaking cold out there. And, it was no fun plodding along that icy sidewalk. But, I had to do it. I needed to do it. I have gained a decent chunk of weight since I moved up here and I had long ago planned to start. But, the chest tightness also started. Since then, I have made little progress. Now, I have to. Now, my spouse needs me more than ever. I froze to death for over 40 minutes, but I did it. My face feels like I shaved it with a year old razor, but I did it.

I tell this story to make a point. (D'uh). There were consequences to that walk. It was cold. It was late in the day, so it was colder than it had been earlier. But, I am not a child anymore. I am a responsible adult. And, as a responsible adult, I know when the time comes to take the consequences of my actions. When I make a mistake, I take responsibility for it. As Americans, we are about to have a socio-economic shift in our culture that will be leaving a decidedly corrupt regime behind. Those former office holders and their enablers have done some things that require being held responsible for. There has been talk of 'healing' and 'moving on' and I agree that we need both. But, neither will happen until we see some consequences for the evil fostered by those former office holders and those who did their bidding. And, not just a bit of theatre, but somer real accountability. My opinion is that if we do not see these things, our culture will shift in a direction that will make the past four years look like a toddler's birthday party. I don't want that. Do you?

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The Cold Consequences (Original Post) OldBaldy1701E Jan 2021 OP
Well,as someone whom used to live in the land of Wellstone ruled Jan 2021 #1
I agree 100% with your premise, and good for you for getting out and walking The Velveteen Ocelot Jan 2021 #2
You are correct OldBaldy1701E Jan 2021 #5
I tried to walk with my regular boots the other day, and quickly returned The Velveteen Ocelot Jan 2021 #10
Great post OldBaldy1701E malaise Jan 2021 #3
Blasphemy!! OldBaldy1701E Jan 2021 #6
ROFL malaise Jan 2021 #9
Your ending words led me to this thought. Arne Jan 2021 #4
100% we will only have a democratic republic as long as we can hold on to it Bluethroughu Jan 2021 #7
Another vote for ice cleats. I picked up a cheap set at Dicks a few years ago and it was like night TreasonousBastard Jan 2021 #8
I whole heartedly agree. IsItJustMe Jan 2021 #11
 

Wellstone ruled

(34,661 posts)
1. Well,as someone whom used to live in the land of
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 06:55 PM
Jan 2021

frozen Gopher's. Anything above ten degrees was considered mild. As my spouse use to say,nine months of Winter and three months of tough sledding gets to you after several decades.

Always remember to bring in your Brass Monkey on those Cold Nights

BTW,better days start Wednesday 11:01 Minnesota time.

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,584 posts)
2. I agree 100% with your premise, and good for you for getting out and walking
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 06:55 PM
Jan 2021

so soon after your surgery. I am also in MN, and I have also been walking every day as part of a so-far successful weight loss effort. As you mentioned, the weather is not only cold, but there is ice everywhere. The sidewalks are awful despite efforts to clear the ice because it keeps thawing and refreezing, and now it's uneven and lumpy as well as really slippery. So, my advice is that if you don't have a pair of ice cleats, get them! Your walks will be much easier and less scary. I'd also suggest a pair of walking poles for a better workout and a little more stability. I know my advice is a little off your underlying topic, but I also just got home from a walk and got to thinking about how hazardous just walking on city sidewalks is these days, and had to toss in my two cents' worth.

OldBaldy1701E

(5,088 posts)
5. You are correct
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:03 PM
Jan 2021

and I have my hiking boots with the knobby cleat-like things, and I have my trusty walking staff. (One of them has a metal cleat on it.) I guess it is more that now I know where I am as far as what will happen if I slip and hit the ground. In the past, I would just get back up. Nowadays, my rickety old ass would probably need an ambulance!

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,584 posts)
10. I tried to walk with my regular boots the other day, and quickly returned
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:28 PM
Jan 2021

for my ice cleats. My rickety old ass was definitely at risk!

malaise

(268,682 posts)
3. Great post OldBaldy1701E
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 06:59 PM
Jan 2021

A group of us try to walk four days a week but most of us also have a stationary bike or a treadmill at home.
These days you can get both very cheap from a gym that is closing and many are closing.
You need the exercise but you don't have to face that cold.

And here's a trick re the fried chicken - just don't eat the skin.

OldBaldy1701E

(5,088 posts)
6. Blasphemy!!
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:05 PM
Jan 2021

The skin is the best part! You are right though, and I am still working through the changes in my diet. Changing from 'whatever' to 'dried sticks and yard mulch'...

malaise

(268,682 posts)
9. ROFL
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:18 PM
Jan 2021

You can fry skinless chicken and with the right seasoning is tastes real good. And yes it took a while to adjust.
The feral cats get all the chicken skin here - I boil it up and chop it up and mix it with their dried food.
By the way I agree with you on matters consequences.

Arne

(1,997 posts)
4. Your ending words led me to this thought.
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:01 PM
Jan 2021

It doesn't relate much to your post, but we remember at least historically
when WW II started because it was going to be a quicky, blam blam and done.
They hadn't really assessed how powerful the latest weaponry was, the damage toll.
Now, a single slip, wrong move or simple malfunction and I stop writing this post/////

Bluethroughu

(5,141 posts)
7. 100% we will only have a democratic republic as long as we can hold on to it
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:08 PM
Jan 2021

Accountability first, healing will come naturally from the truth of accountability.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
8. Another vote for ice cleats. I picked up a cheap set at Dicks a few years ago and it was like night
Mon Jan 18, 2021, 07:11 PM
Jan 2021

and day on icy streets.

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