Ahhh...Alaska was beautiful...& cold! We flew into Anchorage and spent some time downtown - it was very pretty with baskets of flowers hanging from lamp posts. Then we took a bus to Whittier, AK, very quaint small harbor town. We walked around quite a bit before getting on the ship. We enjoyed the "small town-ness" of it all.

Two days at sea = boring! I read lots - thank you to Pam & Lisa for the book recommendations - I read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas (5 stars), The Red Tent (5 stars), and Helter Skelter; regarding the Manson murders in the late 60's in California (4 stars). Poor husband felt ignored but it lent itself to a perfect vacation for me.

Skagway - wow! We actually went on a hike. The description was "...2 miles of uneven ground followed by a float down the river..." UNEVEN GROUND??? How about 1/2 mile up an ascent of 300' and 1/2 mile of descent with rocks and roots to climb over. The guide had my left hand, Husband had my right hand and I still fell twice! The remaining mile was on very easy ground. I felt so incredible after such an accomplishment (more on this later).

Juneau - whale watching. We saw plenty too. Humpback whales engaged in cooperative feeding. What an amazing sight. It is sure to make anyone feel very small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Ketchikan - We took the walking tour and boy oh boy did we walk plenty. About 6 hours worth. It really tested my stamina, strength, and balance. Up hills, over bridges, small sidewalks.

One day at sea, not as boring as I left the books behind and we played giant checkers (the pieces were a foot in diameter) and shuffleboard, and ate of course.

The trip really taught me a lot. It showed me that only *I* hold up my progress. I wanted to quit so many times during the hike or walking due to strain and fatigue but I kept going because I knew that I wouldn't see this again anytime soon if ever. That and shame and embarrassment are great motivators. :big_grin:

I am trying some constraint induced therapy today - using crutches with all of my weight on the 'bad' leg. I know it is good for me and I will keep it up for the remainder of today but it is more exhausting than I could have ever imagined. It took me almost 1/2 hour to get from my car to my office & I was sweating.

Since returning from the trip, I have realized that I need to change the way I think about myself and my progress. Despite anyone else's progress or limitations, I have made as much progress as I possibly can for me. I need to keep testing myself and challenging myself.

I have an incredibly difficult time communicating this much less recognizing it for myself; No matter how helpful this website has been for me, & it has been fabulous, I need to limit my time here. I find myself getting 'down' on myself and thinking of myself strictly as a stroke survivor. I am more than that. We are all much more than survivors or caregivers. I have gained so much information and support here, but it is time now for me to back off and visit less. Not that you know me, but I feel as though I know you & I have gotten to enjoy you as such a good friend of mine.

Take care, you. :hug: