Good news and more

Golden Chain tree in bloom

I took a picture of this tree while I was on my solo walk this morning! Yes, I walked more than two miles at a reasonable clip and felt little to no pain in my knee. It's getting better very quickly, at least to anybody else standing by watching. When I saw my fantastic doctor yesterday, Patrick, he listened carefully to my description of my knee woes and then twisted it this way and that. We discussed treatment options, but he was so positive and upbeat about the possibility of being back to normal in just a couple more weeks that I was ecstatic. He treated me like an athlete rather than a creaky old septuagenarian, and I thanked my lucky stars that he is my new doctor.

He told me he would send me to a specialist if I felt the need, but he suggested that I begin to try some walks and see how things go. Since it has not hurt that much lately, I went out this morning for that walk and enjoyed seeing how well I could do. By the end of the two miles, I could feel my knee but it still didn't hurt that much. I'm resting now, and for the rest of the day I'll spend time in the garden but otherwise take it easy. He suggested an MRI, but I told him I didn't think I could have one because of metal in my hip.

So, to find out the scoop on my old hip fracture situation, he ordered an x-ray of the pelvis. This morning I got the results from the radiologist and found that I could indeed have an MRI if necessary. She also noted that I have mild osteoarthritis in both hips, which surprised me since I don't seem to have any pain from them. Maybe it doesn't always hurt. I suspect that three decades of running contributed, not to mention more than 4,000 landings under my parachute, not always perfectly. But in general, I am pleased that I am doing so well!

Carol crossing a downed log with help

Several people sent me pictures of last Thursday's hike, and this one (from Bob) was my favorite. Apparently the windy winter caused lots of fallen trees on the Noisy Creek trail, some of them huge like this one, and there was nothing to do but crawl across, with lots of assistance from fellow hikers. Eleven Trailblazers enjoyed a ten-mile hike complete with adventures like these, and great views of Mt. Baker.

Would you eat one?

I finished my walk this morning with a visit to the Farmers' Market and saw this booth with "Jurassic Snacks." Yes, powdered crickets pressed into little cookies! I listened to the spiel and considered whether or not I'd have one, but I finally declined and took a picture instead, which I can share without having to ingest any insects. Maybe some day, but not today.
:-)