Minor stuff

Tackling some items, nothing exciting.

Mom’s estate is practically done. Tax returns are done. There had to be two final returns done, one for the last return, and a separate one because there was a death benefit that was received from the government. Back in September the funeral director told me to apply for it when I did not want to, it was a small amount that I felt was inconsequential. The director talked me into it. That $2,500.00 is considered income and therefore had to be claimed resulting in more paperwork not to mention more money to the accountant. I await final paperwork from our wonderfully efficient government.

I have a few boxes of mom’s documents I want burned. Old bank statements, financial reports, and so on. I have a few friends where I can do that. It is a matter of waiting until the snow and ice is gone. Shredding companies want an arm and a leg to get rid of small amounts. You spend a lifetime accumulating stuff only for someone to get rid of it when you pass.

I have been cleaning out some stuff of my own. I have some aids to daily living that I have not used lately and I would love to donate. Things like a shower bench, walker, crutches, stuff that I hugely needed but I am not needing as I get better. In a few months I will clear those out.

I renewed my driver’s license. When I was recovering in the hospital in 2024 checked my license and found it needed to be renewed in 2026. I was concerned about that as it took me many months before I was able to drive again and if my license had expired for a significant amount of time I did not want to reapply. I did not have to renew until this July but better to get it done now instead of forgetting about it later. 

I have underground stall for my car and I rent another where I have two motorcycles parked. Yesterday I put the key on the 2019 Can Am Ryker, a three wheeled motorcycle, hit the start button and it immediately started. That felt good as I parked it to store it las October and never hooked up a battery charger or used gas stabilizer. I should do those things, I never have and never had an issue. I have thoughts of taking it out for a spin except for the Jekyll and Hyde weather we have been having. Spring will inevitably arrive and I will have a better time this time. My legs are stronger and I could get on the bike fairly easy. I am looking forward to it. 

Jamey Johnson - I Remember You

Elevator Friday - Spruce Grove, Alberta

Spruce Grove Alberta Wheat Pool. Built in 1958, it is designated a Provincial Historic Resource and is a working museum run by volunteers.

Thank you to Dale Redekopp.

Update

Doing some walking with a cane. I walk like a penguin. I do some walking over the course of a day then my knees and hips rebel and I have to knock it off for a day, or two, or sometimes three. I cannot do long distances but I can notice improvement. I have used crutches once in the last week as I did not trust the surface of a sidewalk enough to use a cane.

There are times when I am taking steps and it feels like one of my femurs is going to break. I know that will not happen as the bones are solid and there is a lot of metal holding them together. It is odd how you second guess yourself. I can feel a few new minor things. When I got up from a seated position I used to have to stand in place for a bit before I felt I was on solid enough footing to take a step. Now I can go from sitting to standing and waiting less to move. Jogging will have to wait until 2027.

Have not been posting much lately . . .

Trying walking unassisted has proven to be a little difficult. I have been concentrating on putting the crutches aside and using a cane. That has been not too bad. The effort over the day has been very tiring and sometimes painful. I have been snatching at every little bit of progress and trying to build on that. If anyone has been wondering where I have been this is what I have been doing.