R.I.P. my hairy friend

 Yesterday, while I was on a brief vacation in Duluth, my girlfriend contacted me. She informed me that she had to make the difficult decision to euthanize Jackson, the most exceptional Golden Retriever I have ever known. She felt compelled to do so sooner rather than later. Similar to Annie before him, Jackson had recently been afflicted with numerous health issues in his advanced age (over 77 dog years). For nearly two months, his health had progressively declined. He had lost approximately 20 pounds and over 70% of his fur. We had already been administering medication to him for several months, as Shelley took him to the veterinarian yesterday (the day following Thanksgiving). He was experiencing difficulty breathing and, at times, was unable to stand.

She was informed that she could medicate him and potentially receive a few months of treatment, but the quality of life would be significantly compromised. We have been in denial for several weeks. This decision is not an easy one, particularly for her, as this is the most loyal and affectionate dog she has ever had as a companion.

Shelley and her new friend, Jackson, met 11 years after her divorce. Jackson was just over six months old when I met Shelley. I’m not close to dogs because I know they die before me. I’ve lost loved ones, including a dog I loved as a child and six high school friends. Death is inevitable and painful unless you’re the one who dies.

Jackson was different. He admired me and wanted to be my friend. I was reluctant to show him my gratitude, but after five years, he became my buddy. The love and appreciation grew. Over the past year, he was just as much my best friend as my girlfriend’s. Putting him down hurt, but it was less painful than it was for her.

Jackson knew that sticking by me was a win-win. He greeted me every morning, met me at the door, and we went outside for a while before coming inside for a treat and a good scratch.

When I was at my computer, he’d lie next to me, sometimes putting his wet nose under my arm for affection. I appreciated him as a great friend.

On walks, he’d put his leash in his mouth to avoid barking and loved eating grass, sometimes making me think he was more like a cow than a dog. He was a protector, barking at strangers but becoming docile when challenged.

Dogs are all different. Jackson was exceptional, even within the same breed. Annie, my girlfriend’s older Golden Retriever, didn’t care if I liked her, unlike Jackson, who wanted to be my best friend. He never gave up, and I now feel the pain of losing a dog, a feeling I never wanted to experience again after my first at a young age. I know I’ll get through this.

I worry about my grieving girlfriend. I usually downplay pet loss, though I’ve read that my father was more affected than I thought. I once thought I’d have fewer issues if I died than if the dog did.

When we returned from Duluth, my son tried to cheer her up, and he succeeded. This was a blessing to her. He made a snow dog for the front yard as a memorial.

In the mid-1980s, I dismissed the emotional pain of pet loss, believing it insignificant. My father’s abandonment of me after I let the dog out, prioritizing the dog over his family, solidified this belief.

In 1989, I learned from grief expert Kenneth Doka that pet loss, like perinatal death and induced abortion, is “disenfranchised grief.” This means that the relationship between the deceased and the grieving person is not adequately recognized, leading to insufficient social support for recovery.

Pets are also beneficial for people and couples. A 1995 study found that couples with dogs experienced greater well-being, especially those with high attachment and who confide in their pets. Talking to dogs, in addition to spouses, was linked to greater life satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and physical/emotional well-being. Confiding in pets to discuss difficult life situations alleviated stress.

A 2002 study measured cardiovascular changes in 120 married couples during two stressful tasks: rapid subtraction and an ice bath. Participants had lower heart rates and blood pressure in the presence of their pets compared to when they were with their spouses.

Pets offer unconditional support without judgment. The study suggests social support can cross species.

This research highlights the value of dogs and my bond with my lost one.

One question remains: how long to wait before getting another dog after losing one? We can now leave for days without worrying about dog care, but there are benefits to both.

I frequently contemplate whether individuals who acquire the same breed of dog experience a sense of comfort upon encountering a similar set of canine characteristics in their lives, or if it merely serves as an unfortunate circumstance. While I lack definitive knowledge on this matter, I do possess a profound understanding of the profound emotional impact that dog loss can have. Jackson was an extraordinary dog, possessing an exceptional bond with me. He exhibited unwavering affection and joy in my presence. The memory of his companionship will forever remain etched in my heart, and I will deeply miss his presence.

 
RIP my friend, RIP!  You and Annie have a good ole time!

All you dreamers, carry on!

Christmas List

If you’ve read my typical late November post about Christmas wishes, you’ve likely seen my list of items, which I usually get one or two of each year. A week before Christmas, I edited the post and removed the items. Some find it mean, while others are unaware, and some suggest I should tell them what I want. But what about Christmas gifts?

Giving gifts is a modern tradition, but the practice of exchanging gifts at Christmas dates back to ancient times. In Christianity, it’s traced back to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Christ child by the three Magi. The Magi, wise kings from the East, traveled a great distance following a star to find Christ and bring him gifts. Their visit was initially celebrated on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. 

Giving gifts became more associated with Christmas than with Epiphany over time. The Church calendar recognizes the period from Christmas to Epiphany as the “twelve days of Christmas.”

The ancient Church observed Christmas as a holy day, not as a celebration. The tradition of giving gifts to loved ones at Christmas gained popularity in the modern era, particularly after the Middle Ages. Various countries and peoples made gift-giving a regular part of the holiday. By the time the Americas were settled, many settlers had begun to practice giving gifts at Christmas. The early Dutch settlers introduced St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, to the New World. In contrast, the early French and English colonists were more likely to give gifts at New Year’s or Epiphany.

A shared Christmas culture developed, with gifts given on Christmas. In the nineteenth century, gift-giving took on new dimensions, influenced by the works of O. Henry, Charles Dickens, and Thomas Nast, who shaped our concepts of Santa Claus and other aspects of the holiday.

Today, we all give gifts at Christmas for various reasons. Some celebrate the Christian holy day, while others express care for family and friends. However, sometimes giving gifts becomes mechanical and burdensome. In such cases, it’s worth reflecting on the purpose of giving.

Christmas is not about gifts but sharing love and friendship. Recently, I visited my father and told my sister that if he dies tomorrow, he will die happy. Giving happiness is more valuable than any gift and is not easy.

This year, I need something on my Christmas list. Here’s what I want:

• My father wants to find peace with all the things he regrets
• Addie Grey to find happiness and stability
• Get back on track emotionally and physically
• After having two children, my niece finds a promising future, and then has a worthless father.
• My Girlfriend’s daughter is to be safe as she prepares for her first child
• For people to smile and help a neighbor shovel the driveway 

You get the drift. Be kind to all you meet and yourself.

All you quiet dreamers, carry on!

When enough is enough

In the past, I experienced a period of optimal health. During this time, I possessed an abundance of energy, effortlessly navigating daily tasks while maintaining a state of perpetual well-being. Sadness was an unfamiliar emotion, replaced by a sense of contentment. However, this idyllic state was abruptly disrupted by the pervasive influence of advertisements promoting energy drinks as a solution for America’s fatigued populace. Consequently, I found myself feeling a sense of superiority, believing that I was spared from the hardships faced by others.

Regrettably, this perception has been shattered. I now find myself grappling with the challenges of the cold and flu season, a period that previously brought me no discomfort. Furthermore, I have witnessed a growing trend of germophobia among my peers, a phenomenon that I had previously observed in myself.

The introduction of two significant factors into my life has had a profound impact on my well-being. Firstly, the allure of sugar has become irresistible, leading to a constant craving for its consumption. Secondly, the complexities of career advancement and the accompanying emotional turmoil have significantly affected my physical health.

Reflecting on my past, I recall consistently completing three-hour marathons without fatigue or illness. I compare this era with the present to understand the changes. My job was simple: come in, do a task, and go home. I could always stay caught up and carry the work home. I never monitored people or had a job at risk. I had little responsibility for anything but myself. I ate very little processed sugar and never had a craving.

I’ve been denying this for a while, but I recently heard disturbing new information about the effects of sugar. Experts have scientific evidence that sugar is causing many Americans to become overweight and sick. This makes sense because one in seven Americans has metabolic syndrome, which also impacts sleep. I have major sleep issues, and one in three Americans is obese. The rate of diabetes is skyrocketing, and cardiovascular disease is America’s number one killer. Many theories suggest that all of these maladies can be traced back to sugar.

Today, I’m on a mission to avoid foods with added sugar. It’ll be tough, but I want to eliminate anything with sweeteners, such as table sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup, agave, or fruit juice. I’ll also avoid anything made with fake sugar or sugar alcohol. Unless the sweetness comes from its natural source (e.g., a piece of fruit), I’ll avoid it.

Sugar is everywhere: tortillas, sausages, chicken broth, salad dressing, cold cuts, crackers, mayonnaise, bacon, bread, and even baby food. Why do they add so much sugar? It’s to make these items more palatable, increase shelf life, and reduce the cost of packaged food. It’s all about maximizing profit.

I’ve noticed the benefits of avoiding added sugar for a year. My girlfriend, who couldn’t run before, now competes in biathlons. Removing sugar from my diet and reducing unnecessary salt will be challenging, but I’m convinced it’ll improve my health. My girlfriend’s positive experience with sugar-free eating motivates me. I believe sugar is the culprit, and I’m willing to try, though it may take up to six months to see the full benefits.

The longer I abstain from sugar, the more energetic and improved I anticipate feeling. While I will eventually succumb to sugar cravings, my objective is to comprehend the situation without deviating significantly from my goals. Consequently, I have established a rule, rather than an allowance, to alleviate guilt when consuming sugar. I am permitted one actual sugar-containing dessert per month. I anticipate that in a few months, I will observe a shift in my palate, gradually diminishing my enjoyment of the monthly “treat.”

I recall a time when I was primarily sugar-free and presented with my favorite dessert, COCONUT CREAM PIE. I vividly remember not only not savoring my slice of pie as much as I did when I indulged in sugar, but also not finishing it at all. Currently, I not only complete the dessert but also experience a strong desire for the entire pie, potentially consuming a second if it were available. My girlfriend has informed me that consuming excessive sugar can cause dental discomfort and induce headaches. Additionally, it can lead to a rapid heart rate and a general sense of unease. She has expressed that she now recognizes sugar as the culprit behind her negative feelings, but due to its pervasive presence, she had previously overlooked it.

I intend to eliminate one of the six-letter words that have become ingrained in my vocabulary. I anticipate that my body will express its gratitude for this change. If my prediction holds true, I will no longer be concerned about experiencing energy depletion. Furthermore, during flu season, I will no longer feel compelled to seek refuge under the bed. I believe I will experience a reduction in depression. Consequently, I will contract fewer illnesses and recover more swiftly. If my assumptions prove accurate, this will be a significant achievement for everyone.

I have been reading the book “Salt, Sugar, and Fat.” I have realized that I am responsible for my health, but food processing companies do not make it an easy task. It is all part of the shareholders’ greed to take any measures necessary to increase their profits. To achieve this, they must stimulate my desire for more. It is a mind-altering substance, and it is legal.

Wish me well and carry on, my friends.  

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

wildknits

That is a great goal, but it's also a tough one when working in a stressful career. Good for you for recognizing the link and stepping towards eliminating one of the six-letter words from your life.  And thanks for being willing to share it with the rest of the blogosphere.  Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 9:03:20 PM CST

Mike W.

I agree with Lisa, a book that I am reading (Fitness Confidential) is big on NSNG, no sugar, no grains. Good luck with it, I may be joining you shortly :-)  Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 9:34:48 PM CST

Peroneal Tendinitis

Since July, I have experienced ankle pain that has progressively worsened, making it challenging to walk at times. I initially felt soreness after the Colorado to Minnesota bicycle ride and followed it with Grandma’s Marathon three weeks later. While I felt fine for a few weeks after Grandma’s Marathon, the pain gradually returned. I should have anticipated some issues, but I delayed seeking medical attention for three months.

Upon examination by an orthopedic surgeon, I was diagnosed with severe peroneal tendinitis. The surgeon recommended physical therapy as the treatment. The physical therapist identified tightness in my ankle. The typical range of motion for plantar extension is 40 degrees, while I have 18 degrees. The average range of motion for dorsal extension is 20 degrees, and I have 4 degrees. Additionally, I have significant inversion at 32 degrees, which is considered normal; however, my radial extension is only 6 degrees, which is ideal at 20 degrees.

Physical therapy involves challenging exercises to enhance mobility and alleviate pain.

After three sessions, I have experienced some improvement, but the pain persists. I have gained a deeper understanding of the significance of maintaining muscle elasticity throughout the body. Consequently, I have temporarily postponed my stretching routine. I had forgotten that there are multiple reasons to enhance muscular elasticity or flexibility. Regular stretching routines offer numerous benefits, including improved range of motion, enhanced athletic capabilities, stress reduction, and better sleep. This aligns with my past experiences, as sleep has been a recurring issue for years.

To address this, I intend to establish a comprehensive full-body stretch routine every other day and monitor its impact on my sleep.

My primary focus will be on improving flexibility and range of motion to enhance muscle elasticity through regular flexibility training exercises. Muscle elasticity refers to a muscle’s ability to stretch into a specific shape. As the human body ages, it naturally loses some of its inherent muscular elasticity, making flexibility training an invaluable addition to any exercise regimen at any age. Surprisingly, I had overlooked this fundamental concept.

Despite the initial discomfort and the fact that my movements may appear awkward for those familiar with the concept, I am determined to persevere.

Any suggestions for a routine?

Carry on, my friends, carry on.

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Mike W.

I had an issue a year ago with this type of tendinitis, which made running painful. Once I started stretching my calves, I was able to resolve the issue. Keep working on the flexibility, and you should be back to pain-free in no time.  Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 9:32:27 PM CST

A day in Vermont

Our first night at the High Hill Inn was memorable. The attic room had a charming atmosphere, spectacular views, and low ceilings. Unlike other rooms, we had our own TV room.

We woke to the sound of cooking in the kitchen. Ann-Marie and her husband were preparing breakfast of homemade cranberry bread, maple bacon, and eggs. After breakfast at 9:30 AM, we departed for Burlington, Ben & Jerry’s Tour, Smugglers Notch, the Trapp Family Lodge, and Stowe. 

Upon our arrival near the Ben & Jerry’s tour location, we determined that it was too early for ice cream. Consequently, we proceeded to the Trapp Family Lodge. This expansive establishment retains a significant amount of turn-of-the-century charm, while also incorporating modernized elements. The modernization is necessary to meet the demands of visitors, but it does result in the loss of some original features.

After departing from the Trapp Family Lodge, we made our way to Stowe. During our journey, we encountered our first covered bridge. Although it was relatively small, it was well-maintained. We were able to access the creek bed, which was exceptionally cold, and capture some side shots.

As we continued our drive to Stowe, we began to feel hungry. Unfortunately, we encountered limited options for dining and decided to proceed to Smuggler's Notch. This was a captivating color drive, although there were few designated stops, resulting in a limited number of photographs. Near the summit, the gaslight flickered, but we were uncertain of the location of the next station. We descended the hill and eventually discovered a station in Jeffersonville, Vermont. 

We searched for covered bridges and found two. One was long but closed to traffic, while the other was small and open to traffic. Hungry, we headed back to Stowe for a late lunch/early dinner. However, there were few restaurants, and the city was busy despite it being a Tuesday. We decided to go to Burlington instead.

We arrived in Burlington just before 5 PM and parked at the waterfront. We walked up Church Street and headed north to find a nice place to eat. Leunig’s Bistro & Lounge, Church Street Grill, and The Farmhouse Tap and Grill were all overpriced or not what we were looking for. Halvorson’s Up Street Café, a family-run establishment, was moderately priced but lacked skill.

I found myself conflicted. The servers appeared to be recovering from methamphetamine addiction. While I was pleased to see his progress, it was evident that he was slow-witted. I suspected that his behavior was a result of drug abuse. Consequently, I overlooked the subpar service and left with a sense of satisfaction that someone was attempting to improve their life.

On our way back, we visited Ben and Jerry’s local store. I declined the ice cream, as I had experienced discomfort in my stomach. We proceeded to the lakefront, where we captured some beautiful sunset photographs. As the evening progressed, we felt fatigued and decided to return to the High Hill Inn. We watched the evening news before retiring for the night.

Carry on, my friends, carry on.