fitbit

I've backed off of my goal of 10,000 steps per day because I am going to an orthopedic doctor tomorrow.  I've had an MRI and want to ask what will aggravate a torn meniscus in my knee.  So I'm trying to take it easy...at least until tomorrow.

One Would Think

We have a lot of porch space.  One would think that somewhere I could find a bit dry enough to pace.  One would be wrong.  The wind is swirling the rain every which way.  It is June 9 and I had taken a blanket out so I could have my coffee, cigarettes, and Kindle on the porch.  Well, if I weren't afraid of electrocuting myself from the multiple outlet, and didn't mind a soggy blanket, then that idea would work.
Well, now what?

Garden Tools, Weeding, but No Steps

Once when I was working in my garden in Germany, a woman stopped and explained (across the fence) that I was using the wrong tool.  She was speaking German and I was doing my best to understand what she was describing.  So I went immediately to the Bauhaus because the tool I was using wasn't working well at all.  Well, since I didn't have a clue what the name of the tool was, I just called it a scratcher.  It had two stout prongs on one side and a blade like a hoe on the other side.  I've used it for decades.
Today I happened to use Larry's hoe.  It was sharp and the work was much easier.  My tool didn't cut the weeds off...it pulled them out by the roots.  That always seemed good to me.  But today I just wanted the greenery gone so it wouldn't get tangled up in my little tiller and stop it.  Then I'd have to get the greenery and mud out of the tines and start it again.
So I asked Larry if he would show me how to sharpen my scratcher. He took me down to his shop and started up a bench grinder.  I didn't even know "we" had one.  Anyway, now my scratcher is sharpened and works nicely. 
So I started down the edge of a really long flower bed, happy in the idea that I was getting steps in and weeks out.  After I'd worked for a while and put my tools away, I realized I'd left the fitbit on the charger!
Well, at least the weeds were still gone in that section.
I was whining about it and Larry suggested just charging it while I sleep.  I hadn't put it on the charger to charge it; I was trying to get it to sync!

Relegated to the Back Porch

I was pacing on the front porch when my husband pointed out that every time I pranced by a hummingbird feeder the hummers were disturbed.  He said it would be better if I walked on the back porch.  I knew it disturbed them but didn't care all that much.  He said they should attack me and I'd go away.  So I picked up the fly swatter and just looked at him.  Then I moved to the back porch.
 I like nature just fine, but it's still mine.

Diet and... well, Diet

I keep hearing about diet and exercise.  I am convinced of the efficacy of diet, but I really am not a fan of exercise.  My doctor is willing to consider walking as exercise but since nothing hurts and I can breathe, I may not be doing it right.  But I'm not planning on having joints replaced if I can help it.  Larry did all kinds of sports and was thin.  He hit a certain age and wham!  Bad health hit.  I wasn't thin and did as little as possible.  I hit a certain age and wham!  The type 2 diabetes monster started stalking me.  I think maybe exercise is a lie from people who own gyms and sell fitness equipment.  Or not.  I don't know. 

Shoveling Counts as Steps

 I've dug a trench around a little over 1/4 of the outside of the tire garden.  I was happy that my fitbit counted it as steps.  It did NOT count it as high level activity.  I wonder how it determines that because I honestly felt that it was pretty high level for me.  I guess I should have shoveled faster.  Right.

Here are some of the day lilies I plan to put in the trenches.

Fitbit Spurs Me On

I have to say that it is difficult to get my 10,000 steps in when I spend time on the ladder holding screen so Larry can staple it.  Weeding isn't very mobile, either.  But fertilizing my roses and tire garden got some steps in.  Deadheading irises gave me a few more.  I still ended up walking on the porch and in the house trying to get to 10,000.