I just walked 2.5 miles in the newly fallen snow. It was heaven to me.

[Botany]

The snow was only 2 to 3 inches deep, the sun was out, it was about 18 degrees so it wasn’t
wet or slushy, and the fresh air was a tonic to my soul. 3 months in hospitals, rehab, and a
nursing home (my roommate is dying) can really be depressing.

The snow had ice crystals that sparkled like diamonds and I met a nice couple and their
dog on the path by the little Cuyahoga River we all laughed about the deadly dangerous
conditions that the TV weather folks keep talking about.

Btw the hike showed me that I still need to work on my balance and endurance but
considering that I almost died and had to learn to walk again less then a month ago
I am doing OK. And I didn’t fall too.

[Diamond_Dog]

1. You're no slouch walking 2.5 miles so soon after your hospitalization!

Be careful not to overdo. Although I can surely appreciate the bright sunny afternoon and the glistening snow. A real upper for the soul.

[Ocelot II]

2. It's great that you're out walking so soon after being in hospital.

Would suggest getting walking poles and ice cleats for your boots if you're walking in the snow, especially if you still have balance problems.

[brewens]

3. I love that. I'm lucky if I can catch it just right once a year. It needs to be newly fallen or while it's snowing hard.

As long as it's cold enough, that isn't really slippery.

I've told people for a few years that if you walk for exercise, offroad it for balance. Just walk across any grass or take a dirt trail. Get off the sidewalks and asphalt paths for balance.

[Botany]

9. Balance is one the reasons I am walking outside ... grass, a little topography, and just walking are good

Btw I have years of outdoor experience and I can read the conditions pretty well.

Btw one of the physical therapists showed me just how much I need to work on
my balance a few days ago. He had me stand up without pushing off with my hands
from a bench.

[brewens]

13. I'm 62. I can do curls standing on a balance board. This trainer I had showed me how to build up to it.

He just had me try to balance using an empty barbell as a balance pole.

[badhair77]

4. That's an amazing accomplishment.

I’m in a similar boat and I’ll never take walking for granted again. I’m glad you had a great experience and met some friendly faces.

[Botany]

7. Ever since I could I have been doing doing rehab stuff

Btw I had to learn to sit on the side of a bed or chair again with my legs
over the side.

[blm]

5. 🫶🏽

[gab13by13]

6. Fantastic, walking does wonders,

I have cut back walking because one of these days I probably am getting a new knee. I do ride my bike inside for an hour 11 minutes.

The number 111 means something to me, too long of a story.

Keep on truckin' love to hear about stories like yours, I made it through a couple of medical situations and I always felt the same way afterwards, Lucky.

[democrank]

8. Talk about fortitude!

Glad you were able to experience this head-clearing beauty. Take good care.

[2naSalit]

10. Good for you!

It's good to rediscover the simple joys. I love the sparkle on snow in the cold cold.

Sounds like you're doing better every day.

[WhiteTara]

11. I'm delighted that you are experiencing life with such

exuberance. My beloved was in hospital, rehab, hospital, rehab, hospital for one and a half years!!!!! Congratulations on your hold on life. You're such a big part of DU for me, I'm glad we're on the planet together.

[Fla Dem]

12. Sounds like your spirit was rejuvenated during your wonderful walk.

Nothing like walking in fresh snow with the sun glistening off the surface. Congratulations on walking 2.5 miles, a major accomplishment considering your situation.

All the best to you as you continue to recover and restore your vitality.

Just as side note. While you still have some balance issues, when you go for a walk make sure you have your phone with you as well as your name and address listed on a card with your "in case of emergency" contact listed.

[Botany]

16. I forgot my phone and they wanted to call the police to look for me.

I already told the nurse that I going out for a walk but I just went a little longer after I saw
a path to a walking/bike trail by the river and the short cut back to the facility didn’t look
anywhere as inviting as the walking path along the river with some old structures from
a lock on the Ohio and Erie Canal.

Btw I will be back home shortly and p.t. and walking are keys to be able to do it safely.

I miss my neighbors/friends and cooking my own food along with my doggie.

[KS Toronado]

14. You're braver than I would probably be in your shoes.

[ancianita]

15. So glad you enjoyed heaven.

Even if tomorrow might be a taste of physical purgatory, I'm sure it was worth it!

[mountain grammy]

17. You're an inspiration for me

A bulging disc ended my daily walks 3 months ago. Improving to a walk around the block and grateful for that. We gotta keep moving Botany.

[Botany]

27. And your posts are an inspiration to me too.

Check with medical people but see what you can do to keep moving. Pool therapy?

[mountain grammy]

30. It's complicated.

I feel fortunate to have gone this long with few issues and the treatments have helped tremendously but a 2 mile walk is out of the question. Oh how I miss that. You keep healing and keep going 🚶?♀️I’ll be right behind you

[SWBTATTReg]

18. Nice to see you remaining active / keeping active. This is important. BUT, don't push yourself, and make sure

that you let others know of your whereabouts, take your cell phone w/ you in case you need help.

AND: Keep up the good work!

[Botany]

20. I took it slow, stopping when I was unsure of the conditions under the snow, walking across the ....

….slope on a couple of times when I was going up or downhill, and avoiding anything that looked
like it might be tricky.

[MLAA]

19. I've found being outdoors is healing to the body and soul. So glad your recovery is going so well and quickly!

[70sEraVet]

21. Glad youre doing so well, and finding so much joy in what youre doing!!!

[barbtries]

22. i miss that.

here in Durham NC, we haven't had a decent snow in 5 years at least. I'm afraid it's gone for good. Moving out here from LA one of the things I loved about the place was having seasons. I fondly remember walking by the lake after the snow. It was beautiful and silent. I do miss that. Glad you were able to get out and enjoy it, especially with all you've been going through. Nature can be a nightmare but she can also be a gift.

[surfered]

23. Photos please...

…for those of us living farther south.

[Hekate]

24. I am so happy for you! 💕

[Richluu]

25. So nice!

Congrats for getting through it all! I understand the tonic and healing of walking outside in the fresh, sunny snow. Keep it up!

[pfitz59]

26. nice

i love walking in fresh snow. so clean, quiet and peaceful

[Goddessartist]

28. How wondrous!

What a healing, magical experience!

I am jealous, as I can't walk far at all now, without braces or support or pain. But I can run and fly in my dreams.

I too almost passed a few times, and am now content to just be sometimes.

I'd love to see pics of your diamond like walk.

I'm so very glad that you are recovering so nicely and are so appreciating everything.

That is one thing; i appreciate so many little things daily.

[Botany]

29. I wish you well and may you find comfort in just being and in things too.

N/t

[TygrBright]

31. Thank you for sharing this experience with us.

I was able to breathe deep and imagine the crisp air and sparkling snow, and rejoice in your resilience and returning strength.

It was a great start to my day.

appreciatively,
Bright

[BigmanPigman]

32. I love snow, too.

I wish I were there with you.

[Botany]

35. The conditions were perfect yesterday. The snow will be gone w/in 2 or 3 days.

Funny how so many people get so weird about snow.

[BigmanPigman]

41. I like watching the weird things

dogs do when they play in it, especially the first time they see it.

[malaise]

33. That is wonderrful

[peggysue2]

34. Impressive, Botany

And I'm sure exhilarating for you after being cooped up so long.

Wishing you good health and good days ahead!

[AllaN01Bear]

36. eggscllent . keep it up. u will go back 5 steps to go foreward five steps . been there , done that multiple times .

[flashman13]

37. Keep on Truckin'

[Niagara]

38. Way to go, Botany!

One day at a time!


This is great news!

[RestoreAmerica2020]

39. Sorry about your roommate. Happy your feeling better-- 2', 3' of snow..unheard of

..in Albq N.M. ..well get a dusting and the entire city comes to a halt..well there is that black ice thing-- usually clears up by noon. Pero, but we do have 365 days of sunlight which is good for the alma [ soul.]

Buen dia y paz. Have a good day. Peace.

[Botany]

40. A me mi gusto tostadas de la chihuahua. Muy sambrosa.

Muy mananas. Mi amigo (a). Yo soy un tonto gringo.

[a kennedy]

42. Good for you.......and so sorry about your roommate

It’s always so funny how just being out in nature can so refresh the soul. Here’s to so many more happy days ahead for you.