Several things to talk about, first back to what this blog started out to be about. Two new gizmo's to talk about. We found a battery operated can opener and a battery operated jar opener. Both were in a Dr. Leonard's junk catalog, cost $30 each, use two AA batteries and really work well. We got them both for mum (she is 85) for her use in New Zealand. We opened everything from a coffee can to a bottle of salad dressing, both worked as advertised. I couldn't help but think about those that may only have one hand to work with. I would love to post pic's, but am currently relegated to the old computer, the "new" one is in the shop.

We finally got about six inches of snow a few days ago, most welcome here. We are ready for winter.

Mum will be leaving us at the end of the week unfortunately.

A bit on stroke rehab. I don't talk about it much anymore, it has been almost a year now, but in the past month or so, it seems I have hit another gear. It is a real joy to put on a shirt or coat with either arm in first, walk walk up or down stairs without using the hand rail, and wash my back easily. Foot drop is a thing of the past, I even can run a bit, not a thing of beauty but getting better all the time. As you can see I am a simple guy, easily pleased. Simple things are exciting to me!

A tip on arm rehab, at least it has worked for me, my active release therapist in Canada said for me to stop heavy weight lifting with my affected arm. He felt it was causing my scapula and upper back to be spastic and tighten up because other muscles were helping lift. He was right. Now I am concentrating on strengthening my bicep only with small weights. The rest is getting stronger with normal activity. I am also doing some ankle strengthening, really has cleared up the foot drop.

I hope this does not sound like bragging, it is not intended as such. I tell it only to hopefully inspire anyone else that may need it. Don't ever give up. The body seems to keep improving as long as the mind continues to challenge it.

I got a call from our family doctor a few days ago. She asked my if she could give our number to to a 54 year old male patient in her office that just completed the stroke rehab program I went thru. I assured her I would help anyway I could.

Some good friends of ours visited last evening. A joint camping/canoeing trip was dicussed for next summer. We have camped with them before, hope it comes to pass.

Anyway, enough for now, keep on keepin' on, I feel very blessed, the glass is getting more than half full.