236

52

I still like sitting and looking and covering my toes with pebbles.

234

No surgery required, for which I am grateful.
Long term patience necessary.

I have a 'frozen shoulder'.
I am in the right age bracket for such. 
Celestone and local anaesthetic injected into the glenohumeral joint.
I felt it touch the bone.
He told me that my condition could last for two years
(Thankfully one year has passed).

I asked him when I could swim again,
he smiled but would not be drawn on a date.

Next appointment in a month.

So, no swimming... yet.
 I WILL get back to it.
Instead, Dog and I walk our little socks off.

233

I discovered swimming late in life.

I found a moment for me at the local outdoor pool.

At 5.30 am, I would be there.

Two laps to warm up, eighteen to stretch and feel the 'zen'.

Flowing with the water, mind blank, eyes closed.

Just me and the water.

Up turn and back. Up turn and back.

Then my left shoulder sparked bright white pain.

I was told to stop swimming.

  I had an examination by ultrasound.

Months of physio exercises.

 A perfectly placed cortisone injection.

No relief.

I give in.

 I want to swim again.

I need it.

Today I talk with a surgeon.

200

The 200th post

A challenge for Herhimnbryn.

Hallo.
Would you like an image,

dedicated to you?

Decide on a subject and

 leave a request in the comments box.
I will post the images here.

(keep it clean, people!)

189

51

A personal list

1. Walk daily (with Dog) to sleep well at night.
2. Read, read, read.
3. Love is often evident in the mundane.
4. Be absurd.
5. A room of my own is a joy (thankyou A).
6. Crying is often helpful.
7. Think outside the box.
8. Observe hands, they tell a story.
9. Tell beloveds that they are indeed be-loved.
10. Rage when necessary.
11. Butter tastes better than margerine.
12. Running away does not fix it.
13. Grey is good.
14. I am an artist.
15. Cleaning the shower 1x wk is easier than 1x mth.
16. I have become quieter.
17. Walking towards a problem, often clears the view.
18. Accept with grace.
19. Solitude is a balm.
20. Get the vacuuming over and done with.
21. Say 'No'.
22. Say 'Yes' and leap.
23. Eat plenty of fibre.
24. Feet are important, look after them.
25. Wear a hat.
26. Make time to hold a hand.
27. Always carry a camera.
28. Perfume is good (but be subtle).
29. Gather/collect/display.
30. Cwtch. (Welsh for cuddle up).
31. Friends are valuable.
32. If I were rich I'd collect Netsuke.
33. You can't mend someone's life for them.
34. Swim to relax and stretch.
35. Make time to do something creative.
36. Tea cureth all evils.
37. Get up early and enjoy the peace.
38. Just laugh.
39. Bluebell blue/dirt red/linen white/eucalyptus green.
40. Rust and found objects can be beautiful.
41. Give back.
42. Talk it over.
43. Mascara and a good 'concealer' can work wonders.
44. Listen and hear (then ignore if necessary).
45. Insist on a 'date' night once a week.
46. Well made shoes/clothes are expensive, they last.
47. Good bread makes a meal.
48. Gardening is good for thinking.
49. 'Dragonfly-blue' toe nails.
50. Stay in touch.
51. Rules can be broken.

144

Hat

One on a shelf by the back door,

with the dog lead by the front door,

on the front seat of my ute,

on the back seat of his car.

If out, wear it.

116

'Half a century obtained'

Thankyou to all who got me here

(you know who you are).

95

Approaching 50 years

My jawline reminds me.