Today we had breakfast out and a plan to visit a current art exhibition in Winchester. As we left Wetherspoons, I said hello to another customer just finishing his breakfast at the next table. He looked at my walking poles and asked me if they help.
I assured him that they do help and explained I can walk further more comfortably now and he told me of his knee problem and the dilemma of what action to take, saying that his daughter works in the medical profession and can help him to decide. A short discussion ensued on hip/knee operations and the variable success rate of the latter.
I held out my poles to him and suggested having a try, expecting a response of withdrawal and refusal. However he stood up, and took them, had a short walk, thought they might be a good idea.
My iPhone was in my pocket so I asked for a portrait, introducing myself and explaining how I would use it. Meet Bernard, who readily agreed. I set the iPhone camera to 'portrait' mode and took a few shots.
Bernard told me that, although now retired, his career had been as a lecturer in economics in a sixth -form college, and that he had also taught worldwide, including two years in China. As well as enjoying walking, he is a keen cyclist.
I showed Bernard the photos and, before we said our goodbyes, Ray took his email address so I can send the best to him and the link to his story here.
We continued to The Arc to visit 'Rising Splendour' an exhibition of the work of Fred Appleyard, an artist new to us, who lived the last part of his life in Hampshire.
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
Lovely photo of Bernard Hazel. Nice story & it’s always good to swop ideas & experiences! Its a subject that Harry & I discuss a bit at the moment…whether to take the walking sticks with us? Bernard looks a friendly approachable guy!
Beautiful portrait. I have a similar dilemma to Bernard, whether to operate on my injured knee. I am currently exercising my muscles and walking with a cane to relieve the load on my injured knee.
The physio I saw last week did seem impressed by the amount of exercise I do in the hydrotherapy pool and at home. Although the problem is just on one side of my back she told me it's best to use two walking poles to help. I also find good boots/sandals with cushioned soles a lot of help. Good luck to you!
Portrait mode is an excellent setting on iPhone, I find. What a lovely photo and story. I do wish him well and continue to wish you well too. You do a grand job, I think. I admire your persistence, well done!
Pat, the poles are deinitely a much nicer 'accessory' than two walking sticks! I've just found up the results of the MRI scan which was carried out before I had my new left hip and it shows the beginnings of what I have now in my right back and I am consoling myself that I am as good as I am because of all the hydrotherapy and exercises I have been doing since then (2021)!
@quietpurplehaze You are an inspiration Hazel….i remember how bad you were & how restricted in your mobility….keep on with the good work! It must be fantastic to get out & about. We are pretty good with the walking but my balance isn’t as good as it was.
Àlthough my back problem is only on one side the physio told me that using 2 poles/sticks is best as it helps one's balance. Thank you for kind words and encouragement!
September 8th, 2024
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The physio I saw last week did seem impressed by the amount of exercise I do in the hydrotherapy pool and at home. Although the problem is just on one side of my back she told me it's best to use two walking poles to help. I also find good boots/sandals with cushioned soles a lot of help. Good luck to you!
I find that the walking poles now make an appreciable difference to me, Pat.
Thank you for your confidence in me! I use portrait mode on the iPhone for all sorts of shots now!
Pat, the poles are deinitely a much nicer 'accessory' than two walking sticks! I've just found up the results of the MRI scan which was carried out before I had my new left hip and it shows the beginnings of what I have now in my right back and I am consoling myself that I am as good as I am because of all the hydrotherapy and exercises I have been doing since then (2021)!
Àlthough my back problem is only on one side the physio told me that using 2 poles/sticks is best as it helps one's balance. Thank you for kind words and encouragement!