This Thanksgiving, I cut all my vegetables using the leading leg of my walker
A quickie here just to express my gratitude: I’m still reading, still writing, still walking. Well, the walking part is more complicated, because a few weeks ago I had a hip replacement, and because I like balance, this is on my right leg, complementing the hip replacement I had two years ago on the left.
Because I often played pickup basketball, often full court, often on asphalt for 40+ years, I had plenty of wear and tear. Or make that tears, to various joints. That has resulted in multiple surgeries on multiple limbs.
The consequence is that the old gray mare ain’t what she used to be, but she still gets around. For instance, last week I graduated from a walker to a cane. Soon, I’ll drop the cane and wobble about on my own. After that, god and my titanium implants willing, back to my bike and my hikes.
But I really am thankful that I’m lucky enough to get the medical care I need, and that I can afford to make interesting cocktails on the weekends.
And if you want to read an amusing tale about a surgery that wasn’t exactly on one of my limbs, take a gander at this: Vasectomy, the Unkindest Cut of All
I hope all of you had a happy Thanksgiving, and that the holidays to come are warm, safe and stirring.
Linkability
Here are a couple of my recent articles, followed by some from other writers, mostly on the mental health front, and which have been helpful in these unhelpful times.
A Dazzling Invitation to Johnnie Walker Whiskeys Opens in Edinburgh
The Johnnie Walker folks have built in Edinburgh what can only be described as a whisky temple: eight stories of history, tastings, consultations and drams. Many drams. Published in November 2021 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
A Wiseguy Loses His Wisdom Teeth
I had a spectacular misunderstanding at the dentist many years ago. Let’s just say I became a little, just a smidge, paranoid. Published in October 2021 in An Idea (by Ingenious Piece).
Other Writer’s Posts
4 Simple Practices to Help Train You to Really, Truly Live in the Moment
“Here’s the thing about living in the moment: It’s not as complicated as you might think. You’re not looking to eliminate distractions because, well, you can’t. You’re just recognizing when you’re pulled away and then re-gathering without judgment or self-criticism.”
On the Hidden Value of Hard Things
“The Stoics warned us to never look at outcomes. Just like the illustration at the top, look at your next step, not at the finish line — otherwise, you risk slipping on that banana peel.”
33 Ways To Be More Selfless… And Experience Greater Happiness
“Take a moment to wonder what the person who just slighted, upset or offended you is going through. It’s easy to judge, but a moment in their shoes – even if it’s just imagined – is the first step to cultivating empathy. Broadening your perspective is a great gift to yourself and others.”
7 Tips to Help You Develop a Quiet Mind
“Do not try to get rid of thoughts. Simply attempting to push thoughts out of your head almost never works and results in over-efforting, which is the opposite of the desired state.”
