Sorry, I was away. Belated hugs. I have been closer to my animals than to some family and I know you loved your fur kids so much too.
The July 4th deadline is near. Used up all the sod reserved for sprigging. The most recent round was early last week. After that we had several days of highs 95 or above and clear skies. You could probably fry an egg on the ground. Not good. It looks like only half of those are going to survive. Many of the first rounds have started to put out runners, some 8" long already. No measurable rain for 20 days. I'll cannibalize a couple of pieces of sod from somewhere and fill in a few places this week. That's it until we start getting some rain. You can still sprig up to 90 days before first frost. That would be through July. The sodded section after first mowing today... The ryegrass finally died. The green around the edges is mostly weeds. Better than nothing this 1st year.
(6/30/24) Sunday Early this morning, just by chance, I saw a bluebird chasing a squirrel from in front of the bluebird house. They do this only when the young ones are about to fledge. No activity all the rest of the day. I guess I missed it again. Went back and checked dates and it's certainly possible the second brood left the house today. I'm all mixed up in time lately.
(7/2/24) Tuesday Break in the weather. High only 91F. Humidity 35% midday. July 4th predicted 96. Cleaned out bluebird house. One unhatched egg buried deep in the nest with a large hole pecked in the shell. Was there an intruder? Sprigged more grass in two locations. I'm done unless, or until, it rains. Thinking about treating the fence will make it start raining. My preference would be to stain it old fashioned telephone pole brown. However, the color will probably fade in the sun and have to be touched up too often just for looks. And you can never go back to something lighter.
For almost 12 weeks I've been playing whack-a-mole with injuries. At one point managed to chalk up 4 pulled muscles and sciatica all at the same time. Went from limping on the right leg, to the left, then both. A noteworthy accomplishment. Just when everything was getting better, a new thing started a couple of days ago. Lower body locks up while sleeping. Legs seem permanently bent at the hip in the morning. The first time it happened it was scary. But it's OK once you finally get straightened out and moving. I needed a plan. Head for Google. Rule out Zebras. They say everyone gets some degree of spinal stenosis eventually. Usually due to arthritis, which causes bone spurs that narrow the spinal column. That has to be it. An MRI is needed for confirmation. Maybe later. There is a chance this too will pass with time, at least for a while. One spinal surgeon had a possible explanation, "Typically what happens the patient has pre-existing narrowing of the spinal column. It might just be that they did something, like go to the gym, and the nerve starts to get pissed off and swollen, and now it's pissed off and swollen in a small space. So there's a cycle of inflammation." He recommends first trying NSAIDS, but in order to break the cycle you have to take them for 14 days. "You have to build up a base line level to actually have an effect." I started that today. We'll see... Also ran across a new surgical procedure using ultrasound that seems not so bad. . Non Surgical Treatments for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: VIDEO (12:00 mins) What is Ultrasonic Laminaplasty?: VIDEO (2:15 mins) . .
I have constant back problems since my lumbar spine was fused after my "near death experience", but they are relieved somewhat by stretching and exercise. Lately my thoracic spine has been giving me problems, but I think it is of my own doing. I was given an old walk-behind lawnmower, and starting it with the recoil starter is something of a strain. It recovers somewhat after three days of rest, but I have so many things to do during our short summer that I can't afford to rest. A combination of naproxen and acetaminophen gives some relief however. I don't take them for extended periods though--usually just a day or two at a time. I hope your injuries resolve @Nancy Hart. We have to keep going
Age sucks. I keep thinking that things are going to heal or that pains are going to go away if I just leave them alone, but it takes a lot longer now. A few hours spent working on the yard can result in a week of pain. Something as simple as stretching a muscle can result in the most painful cramp I can imagine. When lying in bed, sometimes I'm afraid to move an ankle for fear of a painful cramp.
Yes, we do, Don. I'm sorry about all your spine problems. Hope you continue to find some relief with the meds. Does your doctor suggest anything? My injuries are not that serious. I was sort of poking fun at myself for getting into such a predicament.
Sod? . What Sod? Actually 2 injuries can be blamed on getting in and out of the Ranger---it needs running boards.
Yes. I've tried to pull my toes up hard to get rid of a calf cramp lying in bed, and immediately caused a cramp in opposing muscle in front---like shin splints. Sometimes both are sore the whole next day just from the cramps. I usually have to jump out of bed in the dark and walk it off. It wakes you up fast.
No real suggestions. My original surgeon said I didn't need PT because my lifestyle was so active. He was wrong.
Starting a temperamental lawn mower can't be a good thing. How much lawn do you have to mow? Weed mowing season here can run from April through October some seasons.