The cold is creeping in...

Yep, it's getting blooming cold here in Canada and boy am I feeling it in my back. Really missing our hot tub... Not having one here is becoming a bit of a bore and Dr Vic has "cocked a deaf 'un" to my whingeing! Nevertheless, it's tops my Santa list. Ho-Ho-Ho! Dream on girl... Things ain't so bad though - the gym I've joined has a lovely sauna and we do have a rather large bathtub that I can skive off to now and again for a long soak, surrounded by candles and the sound of Enya!

The lead up to Crimble is always a challenging time for us 'spineys' and those dealing with disability or illness. Most of us feel about 100 years old by the time the actual day comes; too fagged out to really enjoy it! So please... don't be too hard on yourself, allow others to help AND remember to be 'healthily selfish' when you need to.

Good recommendation from a fellow 'spiney' living in Calgary (which was colder than Alaska last week, OUCH) - Thermacare HeatWraps http://www.thermacare.ca/EN/home.aspx The back one comes highly recommended especially when participating in winter sports. Will deffo try them out when we eventually get on the piste! Word to all you spineys walking around in snow and icy conditions (yep that means you guys back in England too) - be careful! Abs. terrified I will fall over.

Lastly and most importantly... my dad is now also suffering with a back condition - identified as scoliosis (which is obviously not new) and inflammed arthritis the full length of his spine which has put him in tremendous pain these last months and walking with a stick. He is going in for a procedure tomorrow that will hopefully give him some relief from pain. I'm hoping it's successful and that he gets well real soon so that we can get him over here and spoil him rotten. Dad, you're in my thoughts and prayers, as always. God bless.

Back in the pool...

Well... at long last I feel settled enough here in Canada and in our new house to join the local gym. David Lloyd it ain't! It's a bit dated; changing rooms and shower facilities are basic and there's no 'bistro' for a drink or lunch pit-stop (as you do!) BUT the pool is clean, has lanes for laps and has been fairly empty every time I've been, so that's a good thing. I guess I've been spoilt in the past with the lovely clubs that I have belonged to. They must have them here in Canada just not in Simcoe!

Other than that, purchased some FitFlop suede clogs for schlapping around the house, which are every bit as back-friendly and comfy as their flip-flops. Would recommend. And in the same week purchased some Uggs for the extreme weather, which are lovely and toasty but deffo NOT back friendly! Way way too flat - ended up with really bad leg pain yesterday after wearing them for just a couple of hours. Would not recommended for fellow spineys as a walking boot for the winter season. Suggest you try Merrell or Sorel boots for warmth and support - both of which I can highly recommend.