THANK YOU WENDY for the book reference on s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g! The book came yesterday and I love the content. I have just ordered some of the tools mentioned in the back of the book and can hardly wait to test them. I think my Papita, the nearly 82 year old tennis star, will enjoy these tools as well.

Again, thanks so much, Wendy!

Happy to help, it is a great book, I need to get iit back in my library. Did you get the latest version?

Yes, Wendy. It's the 30th Anniversary edition. It even has stretches to do before, during and after extended computer use. Really GREAT!

In the last few days I have been walking upstairs able to alternate legs/feet!!! WOO HOO! It's cautious stepping but it's there.

I also have found the Anderson stretching book to be excellent. It isn't one to loan out... it never comes back! But that is good.

Beckie- sounds like you are experimenting with interval training. We will be talking about that as we enter the third quarter. Will be interesting to hear how you progress with it. BTW, loved your evaluation of the diet Rite cola and craving connection. I bet you are right.

Yes indeed, Carla, it was interval training. It was touted on the site as a better way to burn fat with the suggestion of doing it for the last ten minutes of a workout. My legs are not yet strong enough to sustain that time but I keep adding, day by day. By the way, the site is: www.nowloss.com/weight-loss-activity-calculator.htm It's a fun way to dream even if there are variables that disallow perfect accuracy in calculating.

About the Diet Rite... It seems I have an ultra sensitive body to artificial sweeteners. Carla, is it true the body can actually become tired due to them? And they rev up the cravings for sweets? Disgusting!

Godd job Beckita
You impress me with your will to keep moving!

Thanks, Lise.

BOY! My right knee was feeling quite strong and all I did was get on a chair to adjust Little Lola's shade in her room and came down with a little bounce and BAM! Immediately I felt that pre-patellar bursitis kick in as well as the Baker's cyst tightening my calf.

Lots of tearfully expressed frustration. I'm astounded that life has changed so dramatically as I'm back to the cane and navigating slowly.

With rest, elevation and ice, I've got to dig deeper. I'm exhausted and subsequently hounded by cravings for yet another reason. Sugar was an old soother. To cave now would be buying the lie that this quick feel good would actually do ANY good. I'd fall behind on my much needed weight loss... I'd be sluggish... I'd be betraying my committment to HHO. I deserve so much more.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

In the old days, I was a critical care nurse. Over and over again, a patient would take two steps forward and there was such relief and happiness, then they would take one step back and emotions would crash.

Pain is wearing and exhausting. I won't try to say anything more than how impressed I am by your ticker progress and your attitude!

and that I wish that knee will calm down quickly again!

There ya go,...always doing for others, sorry you bummed your knee some more. The good thing is you know how to get on the mend and you know what things don't help. I'm rooting for you to stay on track, make the right choices and be kind to YOURSELF!

Carla, you said exactly what I needed to hear and it's most validating and encouraging. Thank you.

Thanks, Wendy, for your positive feedback as well. Your kindness and spirit stretch across cyberspace with a lotta' heart.

I had no real idea of just how miserable arthritis could be. I had heard, of course, but experiencing it has upped my sensitivity to the reality that this can be a nasty health issue. Amidst my tears, I am so grateful that we can hire someone to help with housework... that I don't suffer without caring people around me... and for at least a million other things... no exaggeration, at least a million.

I'm thinking of a short bike ride since I've been elevating, icing and resting I'll have to be ultra honest about pain. I'm not at all uncomfortable with stopping right away if it's a no go. Even an easy 20 minutes would give me a mental boost. GOSH! Even going to give it a try is as good as a ride.