Just as a reminder: PFTR = ponderings from the recliner and these are posted on Sunday and written by Vince.
I had many big plans last week, but my old shoulder didn’t get the message. I don’t know exactly when I hurt it, but by the end of the week the pain was pretty intense. I still managed to get a few things done but a good bit of rest is going to be in the plan for this week. In fact, as I am writing this, I have a heating pad on my shoulder.
Learning and Sharing
There were a couple of things I focused on this week. One was a continuation of learning calligraphy and better cursive writing and the second was getting the parts necessary to automate the chicken coop doors. After I get past my neophyte stage (practicing with pencils and markers), I hope to graduate to ink dip pens. The best part is, I will be able to turn my own nib holders. Turning the wood should be fairly easy. The part I have to learn is how to bend the metal flange which inserts into the bottom of the pen and holds the nib. I ordered a couple of special tools and the metal to make the flanges. Now all I have to do is dig out my lathe, bandsaw and belt sander, set them up and get turning. Of course the old shoulder has to cooperate.
The other thing I researched was automating the opening and closing of the chicken coop doors. I watched a number of youtube videos and decided I would try to use an automobile antenna as the moving mechanism. This was the lowest cost alternative. However, looking at the design of my coops, I didn’t see an easy way to install the antennas because I didn’t have enough clearance above the doors. I could make it work but it would end up being a major deconstruction/reconstruction project. Realizing my time had value, I did some further research and found what’s called a linear actuator. They cost a lot more than an antenna but they would fit the available space. In the long run, I am sure I will be happy with this decision. I will let you know how it goes once all the parts arrive. Maybe I can even get Judy to make a video of it working.
Maintaining
There was lots of yard work last week. Cutting grass, weedeating, watering trees, moving plants around and bush hogging dominated the activities. The hard part was cutting all those beautiful wildflowers. I had to get the place looking good for Judy’s return. Work continued on the pipe fence. I did finally finish the painting except for the gate itself. That was put on hold until I heal up a bit. I think it was all that work on the fence that took my shoulder over the edge.
Creating
I did practice a bit on my writing and started to learn the calligraphy strokes. There’s not too much to share yet, but I will down the road a bit.
Minimizing
Minimizing took a back seat to all the other activities this week. There was so much to do outside while the weather was nice, I hated to be cooped up in four walls digging through stuff. That all changed on Saturday, when the thunderstorms arrived. I was able to get through a few boxes and I also need to find some electronic parts for the chicken door project.
That’s about it for last week. Hopefully, a few days (and not weeks) of rest will allow me to have a fuller agenda this week.
Carolyn says
I have a long term injury to one of my shoulders the chiropractor has done some work on it, but his suggestion of 10 ice 10 min heat at night alternating x4 had the most amazing results.
Diane Russell says
Glad to hear that you are not over doing the shoulder. Essential oils are wonderful for sore muscles. The is a mixture called Morphine Bomb that works great for me. It would be something different for you to check out. It will be interesting to see how the chickens will act with the auto door. Hopefully they won’t be to scared of it. Calligraphy is fun, my husband and I played with it several years ago. I might have to get the book out and take a look at it again.
Linda in Texas says
You got me at automating the chicken coop doors. I never miss your (or Judy’s) postings but sometimes I have to just laugh out loud cuz I’m having so much fun reading all the stuff you have going. I sure wish you lived closer – it would be so much fun to see this all in person!
Tricia says
Seems like you had a busy week despite your shoulder pain. Can I ask what impact you think your pretty vigorous outdoor exercise has had on your amazing diet weight loss? My husband is following the keto diet, but has only seen moderate weight loss using just the meal plan. Thanks for your insights!
Vince Laquidara says
Tricia For me, exercise is critical to success with the diet. I find on days that I don’t have much physical activity, I don’t lose weight. I try to stay active at least 4 to 5 hours a day. Also, you have to keep changing things up or the metabolism stalls. I change how much I eat and when I eat it throughout the week. Hope this helps. V
Liz says
Check out the “healthy shoulder handbook” by Dr. Karl Knopf. Lots of good exercises for preventing frozen shoulder as well as working on general shoulder health. I got the book on Amazon after I noticed that my shoulder was very sore & stiff after sailing.
Eileen Wheeldon Eisner says
Sounds like you gave that shoulder a busy workout!! I hope it heals fast. I second the opinion of alternating heat and cold.
dezertsuz says
I guess that means those rainy days are good for something! I’d still like the ratio to be more like 5 sunny days to 2 rainy ones … or 6:1 maybe. =) It sounds like a wonderfully busy week. Calligraphy is so beautiful, even before you are perfect.
w jordan says
I’m sorry to hear about your shoulder. That makes it rough to get any work done. And yes getting old is the pits. Seems to me we work harder than we did before we retired. I always thought retirement would be easy street.. Nope not at all. Who in their right mind decided to call it golden? Only god I see is my money flying out the door daily. Something always coming up that you need more money. Why does everything have to break down including us? I want to go back can you build us a time machine please, pretty please.I don’t like this old age stuff one bit……Enjoy your post very much..
Val says
Why did you have to cut all the wild flowers? The bees rely on them and then they will help your garden.
Judy Laquidara says
Because they were growing amongst the weeds in an area where we walk and where Rita (chihuahua) walks and the snakes are already out. Safety first! We have 45 acres and what he cut was less than one acre. Trust me . . there are plenty of wild flowers still out there.