Everything Fred – Part 228

7 February 2024

If I keep feeling as well as I am, I may have to start traveling again. This is several days in a row.

Since I had this burst of energy, I cleaned out the pool of large pieces of debris from the wind the last two days. Next was to scrub down any algae growing on the steps and sides of the pool. Then I put the top of the filter canister back on and turned the pool pump back on after a week or so. Everything seems to be working fine. The Great White is working perfectly so far. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Still no word from Hollywood Chrysler Jeep as to the missing part. I’ll call them sometime today or tomorrow. I’m sure it’s “out of sight, out of mind” with them. It’s really nice to have my Jeep back but, if you can believe it, I’m having to readjust to driving it because I drove Joel’s Camry for so long. I forget all the bells and whistles on the jeep. For example, I noticed that for all this time, the steering wheel seemed too far away. I only noticed it because the Camry was perfect for me. I fooled around on the steering column and found a button that lowered the wheel and actually brought it forward for a more comfortable grip.

Shannon put me through my paces at physical therapy. She rolled out some new exercises on their very expensive equipment. I did OK and felt pretty good during and after the workout. There was nothing too strenuous and she’s trying to build my strength slowly.

This cooler weather is nice. Next week we’ll be back into the more “normal” range for South Florida. We’ve been below normal in temps for the last couple of weeks. Towards the end of February, I’ll probably turn the pool heater back on and try to get back to some exercise in the pool even if it is not swimming. Just call it water aerobics for the physically challenged.

Tonight is movie night with Chris and Tucker. Hopefully they will not be too mad that I looked at some old movies this week in their absence. Movie night always results in a couple of glasses of wine and good conversation.

Tomorrow I have a 90 minute massage scheduled with Tom at 5 Points Massage. He does a great job and I’m completely limp when he’s through with me. I knew it was good for me but even Shannon, the physical therapist, wanted to know if I was getting massages.

The first time I ever had a massage was around 1991 when I lived near the old YMCA in Fort Lauderdale. I could walk the two blocks there. I mainly used it for the junior Olympic size pool and the weight room. One day I noticed they had a massage therapist that came in two or three days a week. On a whim, I scheduled a 60 minute massage with Scott and since that time, I’ve sought out massages everywhere I can, especially on my long trips. It’s a great way to get the knots out of your muscles after sitting so long or after a long hike.

To this day, I’ve never had massages as good as the ones Scott gave at the Y. He had magic hands. He could find knots in my muscles I didn’t know I had. Back then I was teaching and after class sitting in front of a computer screen for hours on end and my muscles were a mess. I generally go with the deep tissue massage and really appreciate it when they really work my muscles.

Friday is another physical therapy day. The following week is two more physical therapies and the follow up with Dr. Chamley where he sticks needles in me to see the muscle response.

Stay tuned!