Friday, February 27, 2009

Friday Fragments

It's another beautiful Friday in the desert with many thoughts bouncing around in my brain.

I woke up this morning thinking about fibromyalgia. That being because I suffer from this odd malady and spent the night waking up with pain. Faye posted some random facts about this condition the other day. One of the fallacies of this condition {which I have always wanted to believe} is that it is better in warm, dry weather. I always say, "Just wait until I get to the desert, I'll feel better." Let me tell you today, it just isn't true. I'm not sure what exactly causes me to have a flare up, but it's not weather.

Faye mentions in her post that stress effects it and that is true. But I couldn't be under less stress than I am here in Nevada, and here I am struggling with pain in my neck, shoulders, ribs and more.
I'm not writing about this by way of complaint. I am so grateful to be able function. I never miss out on things I want to do, I never have missed work as a result of my fibro, I can walk, hike, life is good. So, then why did I even mention it? Good question.

What else is running through this mind of mine today? Oh yes...

The Grocery Cart Phenomenon



This is a collection of grocery carts just outside our condo complex. We pass these carts every morning on our way to walk in the park nearby. These carts will sit here all week, sometimes being joined by others through the weekend. Then, mysteriously, by Sunday evening, they will disappear only to start the process all over again on Monday or Tuesday. Strange, huh?

A Walk in the Park

This is the park where we walk most every morning. Jim has been waiting for me these mornings so we can walk together. Well, I say we walk together when I should say, we walk at the same time. Our paces differ some and Jim walks a little faster than I.



Here he is passing me this morning. He is a very serious walker. His walks encompasses a little over three miles, while mine, much slower is probably about 2-1/2. I bring my coffee along and sit and drink it while he finishes up his walk and then we walk back to the condo together.


Canine friends in the park





One of the things I like most about the park is meeting new dogs. The top picture is two girls I see almost every day. They are very nice, friendly dogs. The bottom photo is of two guys I just met this morning. We tried to get them both to sit, but they were just too excited.


Signs of Spring




There are a few signs of spring coming to the desert. The red flower is blooming in one of the courtyards of our complex. The yellow bush is blooming in the park. With temperatures in the 70's, I'm, sure we will be seeing more flowers and buds soon. I'm really looking forward to the desert in bloom soon.



We had email from our friends, Jason and Linda and it looks like they will be coming to spend a week with sometime in March. We are so excited. The list of things we want to do with them is long. One thing I'm excited for them to see is views like this

The snow capped mountains in the background {we hope to take them up to Mt. Charleston} and the Las Vegas Strip in the foreground {of course we'll visit the strip}.

Monday we're off to California to spend a couple of days in Joshua Tree National Park with Brian and Gretchen. Until next week...

~Hippo Hugs~


9 comments:

Renie Burghardt said...

Oh, I'm sorry you suffer with fibromyalgia, Pam, but I am glad you don't let it keep you down. You are a real trooper!

Love the pictures. The doggies are cute, the desert blooms and the snow capped mountain are beautiful, and you are having a lovely time, which is the best thing.

I am looking forward to your next post about Joshua Tree National Park. Have a grand weekend!

Hugs,

Renie

Monogram Queen said...

Sorry to hear you are feeling poorly. I hope it gets better quick!

Jim does look very,very serious!

Cheryl Wray said...

It looks truly beautiful out there. I sure wish we were having some nice weather (rainy and cold here!).

So sorry to hear that you had a flare-up. My Mom has fibro, so I totally understand.

Ooh, I can't wait to see pics of the Joshua Tree park.I've always thought that it looked so cool!

camport said...

The only time I miss Phoenix is when you're posting from Vegas. The desert is beautiful when it's in full bloom...and not ruined by 115 degree heat!

:)

Winifred said...

Hope you feel better soon. I've enjoyed reading your postings and seeing your photos. My, you certainly do drive long distances.

Look forward to seeing your photos of California.

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

I do hope your flare-up doesn't last long. I am looking forward to seeing the desert in bloom!! The mountains are so beautiful.

Nancy said...

Hi Pam!

Looks like you are at home there...walking, meeting some new canine friends, travelling, etc. Nice that you can do things together like walking every morning...I would rather sleep in myself. ha-ha But then I burn the oil all night most nights til daybreak.

Hope you feel better soon...I have that fibro along with the lupus, so it's not much fun when they both flare up at the same time. The arthritis is always with me, and it bothers me as it affects my knees so badly.

When you get a chance, check out my snow pics...YES, ma'm, we had snow Sunday night! The newspaper said 7 inches! It just brought the entire area to a standstill...except for the medical workers, and they get them in using 4-wheel drives. The interstates were a literal mess, with traffic stopped for 7.5 hours! It was beautiful, and the kids all enjoyed it, as the kids here don't get to see and play in snow very often. Have to see some good in everything, as Grandma Jenny always said.

Enjoy your trip to CA with Gretchen and Brian! I'll keep checking back for a new post from you!

((( HUGS )))

Laura said...

Oh, I hope you getting to feeling better soon, Pam! That gorgeous view is no fun if you can't enjoy it!

Midlife Mom said...

Having a sister with fibro I know how you must suffer. She doesn't find any rhyme or reason to it either. She went vegan for a while as she was told that would help but it doesn't so she is back to eating occasional meat again. I admire your strength and attitude so that you enjoy life 'in spite of'!

Looks like lots of fun out walking and meeting some new four legged friends. Do you see many horses in that area? The mountains are just beautiful!

Enjoyed your post on Ash Wednesday. We don't celebrate it either but I think it is a good reminder of what Christ did for us on the cross. I too fall very short in so many areas. Devotional life being one of them. I do good for a while and then seem to let it fall by the wayside. You have inspired me to get back on track! Thanks! xoxo