After a tumultuous 2023 fourth quarter, I couldn’t wait to change out the calendar in hopes of a fresh start and better things to come. Obviously, this was merely a mental game I was playing with myself. For some illogical reason, I hoped the flipping of a calendar would somehow make a difference and all would be right in my world.
What happened fourth quarter?
Oh gosh, where do I begin? Let’s start at the beginning of October when I underwent a scheduled surgery. Knowing I’d have to take it easy for two to three months to recover, I figured that would be a great time to schedule cataract surgery. I had everything perfectly scheduled and planned. Little did I know that the universe would have other plans.
I was less than three weeks post-op from my major surgery, and had not driven a vehicle during that time, when I found myself unexpectedly behind the steering wheel rushing Al, my husband, to the nearest emergency room. After a bunch of tests, he was admitted to the hospital and later underwent gallbladder surgery His surgery was a success and he was home three days later, but unfortunately, that’s not the simple ending to his story. That surgery shed light on some other issues. Sigh!
Due to circumstances, my cataract surgeries were rescheduled, and eventually, I had both eyes completed; one in November and the other in December. To make a long story short, I encountered a few additional visits to my eye specialist due to a posterior vitreous detachment before and after surgery as well as posterior capsular opacification. Thus, additional laser eye surgery is in my future as well as I continue to deal with annoying floaters and flashes of light.
And just to add a little more drama into my life, let’s add in a couple of colds, flu, holidays, and a computer crash.😔
Not feeling sorry for myself!
With all the required downtime following surgery or illness, it’s easy to start feeling sorry for oneself. At one point, I realized I was nearing that pity party point and needed to do something. Initially, I turned to my first love; photography, and pulled out the external hard drives, but that was short-lived.
Amid all the medical drama, my expensive laptop which was dedicated exclusively to photography decided to crap out. What timing! My old everyday laptop isn’t powerful enough to run Adobe Lightroom which left me unable to download and edit photographs until a fix was found.
What’s a gal to do? Now I really was feeling sorry for myself and ended up going down the YouTube rabbit hole in search of self-help videos. We all know YouTube is where you find expert advice on any given subject (she says sarcastically).
A rabbit hole, indeed! From Andrew Huberman to makeup tutorials to anti-aging videos to various diets, travel, exercise, and then onto baking channels. Baking channels and SUGAR … sugar being the root of all evil. The bad stuff! I needed the comfort of a little evil white stuff in my life. 🤣 A diversion for sure.
During my recovery in October, I binge-watched The Great British Baking Show on Netflix and then moved on to binge-watching baking channels including ones on YouTube. Recipes were printed. Notes were taken. So, when I needed to find something to do with my funky vision after cataract surgery and avoid screen time, I stepped into the kitchen and started baking, baking like I had never baked before.
I had some flops but mostly successes. Even the flops tasted good though. As the piles of cookies accumulated, neighbors and friends were gifted a plate of holiday cheer.
Now that it’s January and a new photography laptop was purchased, I’ve stepped away from the evil sugar … wink, wink, and am more focused on fixing healthier options and returning to my love of photography. It’s time to pull out those hard drives and venture down memory lane. I still enjoy baking but am trying to limit that hobby considering its impact on my waistline.
A favorite!
Except for the cookie image, all photos in this post were taken near Page, Arizona, back in 2018. We’ve been asked many a time, what are some of our favorite travel destinations? Al and I agree that the five weeks we spent along the Arizona-Utah border will always rank in our top five favorites. We have the fondest of memories of exploring such a unique and mystifying landscape.
Sifting through thousands of images from our travels, served as something entertaining to do during my downtime. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t add the therapeutic effect baking offered. Baking allowed me to be creative yet kept me away from the computer screen giving my healing eyes a much-needed break.
‘If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.’ – Jim Rohn
Chin Up!
Well, the hits keep on coming. A week ago, I was sitting at a packed Urgent Care waiting for my name to be called. Ninety minutes later, I walked out with a prescription and recommendation for additional over-the-counter medications to use. It had been years since I last had a sinus infection, and I seriously did not need the reminder of how unpleasant they are.
Alas, today I am feeling better. Although, not yet 100%. The sinus infection seems to be gone. I’m fully recovered from the October major surgery. I’m adjusting to my funky vision with high hopes of improvement with time and YAG laser eye surgery. Al has a plan for his ongoing health issues. So yeah, the flipping of a couple of more calendar pages, and we’ll be on our way back to some form of normalcy around here. 🤞
Normal may not look like it did six years ago, but we’ll adjust to a new normal.
Whether I’m out and about with my camera or remain home in the kitchen, photography and baking will always keep me busy and offer me something to do.
Till next time,
Terri over at Second Wind Leisure Perspectives has asked us to showcase images of something to do for today’s Sunday Still’s photo challenge. Check out her post and others to view more images depicting the challenge.
Live Laugh RV 
97 responses to “Something To Do”
Sorry to read of your health issues. Here’s to better health in 2024.
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Thank you Linda. 😊
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Very inspiring, thank you for sharing your difficulties and achievements with us!
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Thank you for stopping by and commenting.😊
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Wow. Insightful and encouraging plus touching blog post Ingrid. I am so sorry that you underwent a surgery in October 2023. I am glad you are recovering well. God bless and all the best for February 2024🙌🙏🙏
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Thank you! In time, I’ll be back out hiking our beautiful desert.
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You must do that. Enjoy your travels Ingrid and do take pictures🔥👌😀
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Hang in there! I also enjoyed the great bake off great show can really keep you in a relaxed mood.
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Thanks! Yeah, watching those baking shows can be relaxing and also serve as inspiration.🍰
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Sorry to hear things haven’t been the smoothest but glad they’re slightly normalizing.
A few years back I was in a really rough space and I turned to baking and that turned out to be one of the most therapeutic activities I’ve ever encountered. Not great for the waistline, lol, but there’s something about the whole process and the outcome that gives you a good sense of satisfaction and purpose.
Hope things get better for you and Al.
Beautiful pictures, btw. We’re hoping to make it to Arizona by 2025.
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Oh, I can so relate. Baking is a fun hobby but the end result does not do the waistline any favors. 😋Thanks for stopping by and commenting and if you need any suggestions/tidbits for your AZ visit, please feel free to reach out. Plus, I’ve shared a lot here on the blog. In the Phoenix area, Lost Dutchman State Park is a favorite.
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Will do! Thanks for the offer
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I also felt like the calendar changing would magically make the course of my life change. Like flipping a switch when January 1st hit, lol. Wasn’t the case. I realized I couldn’t help the date change, but I could help change my mindset. We are remaining optimistic! Thanks for sharing your story 😊
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Some days it’s tough to be optimistic but then I remind myself that eventually this too shall pass. Cheers to flipping the calendar and better things to come. 😊
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True and true. Cheers! ☺️
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Ingrid,
Hang in there, girl. I know you’re made of tuff stuff and can handle a few setbacks…Al too! We’re camping in a fishing village in Florida where the Wi-Fi/Cell connections are spotty, so I haven’t seen this until today. Great to have you back online. Oh, if you need something to do, we’ll take a dozen of those cookies. Have a great weekend. Joe
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Hey Joe, always nice hearing from you. Looks like you and Helen are enjoying your FL excursion and got out of Knoxville in the nick of time. On your next time passing through AZ, you’ll need to swing by for some cookies 😋
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Maybe there will be an upside to having everything happen at once! One and done, as the say.
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That’s exactly what I’m hoping for … one and done. We’ll get all of the unpleasant stuff taken care of and then able to move onto more fun adventures. Once you get to AZ, feel free to reach out. We have a lovely group of bloggers that try to get together once a month and usually meet in Scottsdale off Shea Blvd.
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Thanks for the invite. We just arrived and are busy getting the house up and running again. About the time we get settled back into the routine here, Canadian visitors start to arrive – but if we get a break I’ll reach out to you!
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Wonderful post 🌹
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Thank you! 🌵
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Ingrid, I feel your pain. No pun intended. Our wings have been clipped while hubby waits for surgery. In the mean time we’re coughing our way through some unknown pesky virus and gazing longingly at our caravan all parked up and gathering cobwebs. I guess we have to look at it as preventative maintenance. All the best for a brighter and healthier year ahead. 👍
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Oh no! So sorry to hear you guys have been under the weather as well. Sure puts a damper on those travel plans. That pesky virus seems to want to hang on. Could it be that we’re dealing with the same bug continents away? Fingers crossed all goes well with your husband’s surgery. Sending cyber hugs and well wishes.
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Thanks Ingrid, and you take care fellow curious traveller!
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What do you know, life at this stage has becoming to be a B…. Im so glad that you and I are recovering and weathered the medical storm this winter. Take care and hopefully those floaters will sink 🙂
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Haha! Yes, I’m hoping the floaters will sink with time 🤞and glad you are on the mends as well. 😊
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Oh!! I am so glad you shared this with everyone. I had an episode of PVD a couple of years ago, went to a retina specialist? and went through the exam (not fun), but frustratingly was never given any sort of a diagnosis/cause/reason. Just told “it appears to be ok – well if it happens again, let us know”. Reading this today, I now know what it was that happened. So grateful for this information!
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I’m glad I could provide some helpful information. The eye stuff was initially really scary and then it became frustrating as I tried to dive back into the world of photography. I still have good days and bad. On the good days, I’m able to spend a couple of hours on the computer and edit photos. On the bad days, the computer is not my friend… sigh.
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I found a lot of solace in baking when I had a sudden distressing loss of vision. It’s amazing how much the simple making of things can provide some solace and delight!
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I can totally relate. I think I’ll be baking something today 😋
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Thanks for sharing
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You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
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What a crazy adventure, not so fun all the time either. So happy you are both back on the mend, new adventures are waiting for you both, and what beautiful photos you will add to your already library of beautiful photos. Happy traveling and photography adventures to you both.
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Thank you. I appreciate the comment. I’m hoping to get back up to northern Arizona sometime this year 🤞
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Oh my goodness Ingrid… you both have had a time of it! Health challenges are never fun!
Glad Al is doing better and prayers for you to get through the next surgery in February.
I would love to go Wildflower hunting with you and Donna! 🌸🌺
Sending hugs to you!
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The trailhead head at 7th Ave and Carefree Hwy usually offers a wonderful showing of wildflowers. Let’s hope this season is equally as stunning and my health issues are behind me. We’ll need to set a date for wildflower photography. 🌵🌺😊
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Indeed, my friend… but hopefully, a coffee time before then if possible.
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Absolutely! ☕😊🌵
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Challenges to say the least! I’d admire you for hanging in there. And finally, great photos. I love that part of the country.
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As much time as we’ve spent in northern AZ and southern UT, I’m always ready to go back. The landscape never ceases to wow me. Fingers crossed that the health issues are behind us soon and we’ll be back out venturing.
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Oh I hope so, Ingrid. Peggy and I have a similar passion for the area.
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Oh, my, Ingrid. You two have been through the wringer, haven’t you? I think a spoon full of sugar was called for. 😉. We love the Great British Baking Show, but seeing how much butter and sugar are in many of the creations tells me I’ll never be making them. 😉. Hope you’re both much better soon and this year is a healthy one. Thanks for the lovely photos, especially that last one.
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We’re at that stage in life when health issues start popping up. Hopefully, by leading a healthy lifestyle, we’re able to combat whatever is thrown our way. That’s the plan anyway. 😊
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I bet it. Aging does that to us or at least
makes it more likely.
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So what’s the BAD news?! Kidding of course. GREAT photos. Be well, or at least much much better.
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Haha! Yeah, it has been a fun time…. not. Fortunately, our issues don’t appear to be overly serious in comparison to what others are facing. So, I’ll count that as a win, but geez, I’m ready for the doctor/test appointments end. Time for me to get back out with the camera.📷
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I haven’t checked in on you for a year or better and this is what I find 😉Sounds like you had a rough last quarter 2023, wishing you a better year ahead. I’ve shied away from posting on my blog but I’m still traveling. Celebrating the end of my tenth year in February. The body is definitely slowing down now 😂 I’m heading to Plamosa Rd Thursday, I think you were the first to tell me about that boondocking spot. Take care! Gary
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Hey Gary. So nice to hear from you. If I remember correctly, you too had some health issues to deal with several years ago. Hope all is going well for you and kudos for keeping those wheels rolling. I’m grateful we settled down but still miss aspects of the RV life. Our plan is to get our health in order and then find something small and nimble to RV part-time 🤞
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Wow, you have both been through a lot! I had PVD a short while after my cataract surgery but we were travelling at the time and I decided just to ignore it! Luckily I got away with that as it settled down quite quickly but knowing more about it now I would definitely have got it checked out sooner. I’m glad you did 🤗 I hope this year proves a calmer one for you as you adjust to your ‘new normal’. Meanwhile I loved seeing these photos as that was an area of the US I also really loved when we visited, decades ago! Thanks for taking me back 🙂
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Nice to hear from you, Sarah. The PVD was initially scary because of possible retina issues and permanent damage. Thus, I wasted no time getting it checked out. Mine still hasn’t settled down even though I’m doing my best to ignore it. Oh well, I know in time it should improve.
Northern Arizona and southern Utah will always hold special memories for me, and since I live a mere five-hour drive away, I have no excuse to return to the area for more photography. Fingers crossed, my travel plans for this year come together. 😊📷🌵
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Oh. my! You’ve had quite the journey the last few months. Let’s hope 2024 brings better health and healing. Love your photos.
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Thank you, Kirstin. I’m hopefully 2024 will find us on the mends, and I’ll be back out and about with camera in hand.
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Wow, you guys have been through it and reading this makes my issues seem trivial. Sorry about your last five months and hopefully you are now on the other side of it all. It’s always good to hear from you.
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Thanks for stopping by. Time is our friend, and we are definitely doing better. 😊
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Well, your waistline may not have been happy about all of your baking, but I’ll bet your husband was! Your Christmas cookies are works of art, Ingrid. I especially liked the “Christmas cactus”. Kudos to you for channeling your angst and boredom into fairly harmless activities rather than more dangerous and self-destructive ones. There’s nothing wrong with a little YouTube escapism. That’s why it was created, right – to help us fix the toilet and to while away time being thoroughly entertained? Plus, I’m sure your generosity with your delicious baked goods was well-received. Being kind to others often brightens our own day. Wishing you complete success with the additional, necessary eye surgery. May 2024 prove to be a year of improving health and grand adventures for you and Al! 💙
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Thank you, Mary. YouTube has definitely provided some entertaining escapism. The baking continues but on a much smaller and less frequent occurrence.😋 I too am hoping things improve with my eyes because I do have a couple of adventures up my sleeve. 🤞Fingers crossed!
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Sorry to read about all the health issues you and Al faced last year and the beginning of this one. Yes, your memories and thousands of photos of all your travels will bring the distraction and enjoyment required. And the baking, of course. I’m feeling hungry and in need of sugar, all of a sudden!
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Haha, Liesbet. Me just looking at the cookie image sent my brain down the baking rabbit hole. Perhaps heart shaped cookies our in my future. 😉 Fingers crossed Al and I will be in tip-top shape for a few adventures this summer.
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What an impressive landscape, Ingrid!
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The landscape is truly bewildering and offers plenty to photograph. If you’ve never been to this part of the country, I highly recommend.
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I hope you’re recovered from the surgeries. Last November, I also had cataract surgery. Luckily, there were no side effects to that surgery. I thank my lucky stars. I’ve been to Arizona but not that region shown in the photos. I need to go back.
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Awesome that all went well for your cataract surgery. As photographers, there’s nothing better than clear vision. Definitely put northern AZ/southern Utah on your travel list. You won’t be disappointed.
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So many problems and conditions to deal with. I love the hoodoos.
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I’m so glad we did the extensive traveling when we did. 😊
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Nothing like “one thing after another ” . I am glad you are diligent in keeping yourselves healthy even thought there are uphill battles. I love the British Cooking show too. So funny. Sending continued healing thoughts your way. WE often talk about doing what we can while we can. You have modeled that for so many people in your travels, and how wonderful you can continue sharing the photos.
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Thank you Donna. Little by little, I’ll gain my strength back. I need to get back into hiking shape soon because wildflower season is just around the corner. I’m so glad we did the extensive RV travel when we did but I’m not done traveling just yet. Look forward to connecting with you in person one day. 😊
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Yes. AND wildflower season should be good this year. I would enjoy that together.
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Not sure how the showing of wildflowers is at Deem Hill but the trailhead at Carefree Hwy and 7th Ave is a favorite of mine for wildflowers.
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Deem is OK. But I know exactly where you mean at 7th. Let’s keep track. I would love a wander over there. Not too far from me.
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When we lived in Anthem, I would hike at the 7th Ave trail regularly, and last spring, I had a great time shooting wildflowers there. Absolutely, let’s keep track.
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Sorry about the health challenges. The only thing worse is having them all at once. Glad your both on the mend. Sounds like a mini road trip is in order 🥰
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A road trip is most definitely in order. Unfortunately, it probably won’t happen until June, but I’ll take it.🌵
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When it rains, it pours. Get well soon, Ingrid. Perhaps the next few weeks events will subside! Great photos!
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Thank you Mitzy. Time is my friend right now.
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That’s a good thing.
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Ingrid, So sorry to hear of your rough fourth quarter last year, I’m glad to hear that you and Al are recovering and you are getting back to a new normal. It sounds like you have gotten through it all with a good attitude,
When things are going smoothly for us it seems like a series of things happen to cause a huge change in our routine, I won’t go into it now but we have had a really rough start to 2024 after a good ending to 2023,
Here’s hoping everything is looking up for you and Al!
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Oh no Beth. I’m so sorry to hear that your year isn’t starting out great. Fortunately, you did enjoy some nice adventures in ’23. Hopefully, we’ll all be healthy enough to continue to travel in some form. At least we live in places that offer us photo opportunities in our ‘backyards’. Hugs!🙏
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Such a great post, Ingrid! The scenery is stunning there. I’m so glad that Al is okay and that your surgery was successful. We never know what life will throw at us from dad to day. Be well!
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Thank you John. Yep, we’re at that stage in life where it’s time to expect the unexpected. Each day and little by little, we’re gaining our strength back. Thank goodness!
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Be well!
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Even though too much screen time is no good for us, can you imagine the recoveries we’ve both had without our screens at least some of the time? I’m glad all the surgeries for both of you were, ultimately, successful. They’re all ones that people usually end up very, very happy to have had, so once some adjustments are made, I’m hoping the same for you both. Your time in the kitchen yielded not only soul-soothing but some very pretty results! Thanks for the positive post on some very trying times ❤
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If it hadn’t been for TV streaming, the computer rabbit-hole, and a mix-master, I may have died of boredom. 😆 I was mildly exercising and getting fresh air and sunshine at the park prior to the onset of the nasty cold. After this latest round of couch living, I’m hoping to get back out today … although slowly. Al and TBG seem to be dealing with a similar issue but Al’s is currently ongoing. Hopefully, the camera test will shed light on the actual problem.
I’m sure in time, he and I will be back to our ornery selves.😊
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So sorry you went through all that but sounds like you’re definitely on the up swing.
I have found as we age we have definitely more aches and pains and issues. You definitely have to keep busy and try not to let you slow down too much or let it get to you mentally.
I am so happy you’re back into your photography. You take amazing pictures and even if we donot get to some of your places you have been, we definitely enjoy the photos.
I am working on planning to keep traveling as long as I can. It’s great for the mind as well as the body!
Keep taking those shots!
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Thank you. I do hope to get out and about with the camera much more in the coming days. Our weather is near perfect this time of year.
Yes, keep on traveling as long as you can. I have a couple of trips I’d like to do this summer/fall. So, fingers crossed they pan out. 🤞
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I’m glad to hear that thing are looking up, Ingrid. Sheesh! We too, encounter more challenges as we age. I had to buy a new computer for my photography, also. Lots of challenges! One of my external photo drives decided that it didn’t like a few things, and crashed. I said no problem, I have a backup. It crashed, too. I had to call in an expert, and he was able to recover my photos. Now, I have a couple of new SSD drives, and they are so small compared to what I was using. It was a good month before I started taking photos, again. ONWARD!!
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Oh bummer! That’s one of my fears as well, that the hard drives crash. As it is, I realized one of the external drives had a bunch of photos missing. I wonder, did I not back it up properly? Who knows, but I was grateful the other drive had the photos I was looking for. Yep, onward we go!
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Oh goodness, that’s a lot going on in a short time. I’m glad the surgeries all went well, and I hope your upcoming one does as well. Hopefully you’ll be out there taking photos again before you know it! Also, those cookies look very tasty!
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Thank you Diana. Yeah, sometimes life throws us a few curve balls. The cookies were tasty indeed and I’m already thinking about baking some heart shaped cookies for Valentines Day. I’m sure one, or two, or three won’t hurt the waistline. 🤪
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Besides, calories don’t count on holidays! You can tell everyone you heard it from a dietitian so it must be true 😜
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Haha! Love it. 😆
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I loved everything about this post, except reading about Al’s gallbladder surgery (did he and Vince drink from the same well? 😉), and your medical trials, Ingrid! Wow! Thanks for sharing the details and I sincerely hope you will get back on track soon, with or without the calendar flips! Hans went through laser eye surgery in 2019 to correct a detaching retina. Not fun! And on top of it all, I your computer misbehaved. Aargh! In any case seeing your beautiful imaged of southern Utah/Northern AZ made me smile, as well as picturing you baking cookies in order to rest! They look great! I know you have a strong and well-developed leisure ethic, so draw on that every time you need something to do. And take good care of yourselves! Miss seeing you both!
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I was so bummed that I missed your visit, yet again. It has been a time over here. I know, funny (not funny) that Al and Vince both had emergency gallbladder surgery.
I’m enjoying the new laptop and hope to jump back into blogging on a bit more of a regular basis. However, when it starts feeling like a job, I tend to step away for a break. Happy New Year and cheers to new adventures in 2024.
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Hang in there, both of you! Attitude is everything. I also have been to the place where I realized I had to do something to avoid slipping down into a dark hole. The key is to recognize that place and then pull your boot straps up and act. I am sending good vibes your way.
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Thanks! It has been a challenging time for sure, but I’m hopeful there’s light at the end of the tunnel. I know many of us can relate. 😊
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Great post !!
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Thank you! 😊
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