Welcome back! I was too lazy last winter so began having difficulty walking, stiff knees, etc. The doctor said more exercise was what I needed. It helped a lot to do garden work. I went on a maybe once in a life time trip to Italy with a small group led by an artist friend. I took collapsible hiking poles with me which I needed very much. I did have to skip exploring some old ruins but I had a nice time sitting with another slow walker enjoying lemon granitas and watching people. Best wishes for a wonderful trip to Jamaica.

Oh my goodness, thank you all for the warm welcomes. I think when you are recovering, you can feel a little isolated. I have been doing exercises and isometrics, and pool work devotedly since August 2018...okay, I have slacked off a little this month. But it is good to be back here, and not in a vacuum. Although, I have to say two people from work, who I didn't know that well offered help, and were just wonderful. My pool class instructor came to take me out to lunch so I wouldn't get cabin fever.
If the surgeon I didn't choose because of his bedside manner hadn't scared the living daylights out of me - do this now before your knees freeze up and even replacement won't help- I might not have taken action. Do you know, the surgery only took an hour,, and they had me in physical therapy 2 hours after I woke up. Now I feel like a whole new person. My assistant calls me "bionic".

I have been invites to go on a medical mission to Vietnam in June, so I am researching that, and I want to go to Italy. I can't believe how crazy expensive the airfare was to Jamaica. Suze - I made notes on all your Jamaica answers/posts dating back to 2014. I am going to post on the Caribbean forum/ Jamaica with questions, if you would be open to checking in there. I emailed clives to get some transportation quotes and information, awaiting a reply.

Thin - I am sure you are as fab as ever. Do I lose cool points for still suppressing an urge to yell out "Jonathan!" at passing seagulls? But only when I am alone on the beach.

Bsaingstoke - my father and I used to listen to Jean Shepherd, thanks for that memory

dfrosty, I am sorry to hear of your discomfort - gardening is restorative in so many ways, I miss kneeling with my mother. I am happy to scan, (or describe those not written down) all the exercises I have and give them to you, not sure how the features here work; let me know and I can email them to you. Very doable. There are about 6 you can do supine in bed before you even get up. I ordered a collapsable walking stick recommended by one of my poetry friends who went on an African safari. I have to find it and take some walks before I go. We will be staying at a school friend's grandmother's villa out in the country. They said they will find hiking paths at a more gradual decline for the spots they want to show me. Local artist groups here do plein air trips to Tuscany. They are pricey and my painting aptitude is not really up to it. It is difficult to find adult classes in the eve or weekend. Last month I took 2 watercolor bird classes at Ward Waterfowl museum, where I belong, and that was marvelous, and I even made a new friend there. I would love to hear about your trip to Italy - is there a trip report?

We had snow overnight, just a sprinkling. A big hug and a very good day to you all.

Sure, will watch for your post. Not sure how much help I'll be as my 3 Jamaica trips were spread out decades apart and even the most recent one not so recent, but I have always loved that island, the people there, and my Negril trip experiences. It's a magical place.

Thanks suze. Jubi - the watercolor class I took was with someone at the local university. Yes, it's a problem here.

Thanks for the exercise instructions offer but I'm still too lazy and undisciplined. I kept my gym membership so I would go back. Yoga would be a big help and a set schedule of classes is best. On my own to use the equipment I never get there. I haven't done my trip report yet. The trip I took was led by an oil painter but she gave people the option of working with whatever paint they wanted. I chose artist grade acrylics. But, the real problem was going to a new town each day and having the option of painting or wandering around so I usually wandered around. I have taken one or two brief seminars with two watercolor teachers who are offering a trip to Tuscany in October 2020 but Lina also announced she is going back to Italy. Her trip was less expensive since we stayed in very spartan accomodations at a monastery. I didn't mind spartan except for the steep walk up to the building each day. I liked the college dorm atmosphere and was fortunate to have a considerate and friendly roommate who I had never met before. Most of the group were Lina's regular students.

Hi Jubi,
I took it at the museum. Their membership fee just went up 30%. I will rejoin this year, and then see if I use the benefits enough. I only went to 2 other events. One of the women that helped me a lot when I was out is an avid birder, and I bought the membership as a gift mostly for her. They let "family" membership include any people you like, which is great. Going to their holiday party tonight, which is always fun, and their atrium is very pretty and overlooks the water - it is a water fowl museum.

dfrosty - I think I would have wandered around too. You had me nodding and smiling as I read your post. Hope your knee feels better.

Hello All - Thanks again for the warm welcome back. I posted my questions on Jamaica in the Caribbean forum under new post "Jamaica for the holidays". If anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it. Suze, are you out there? I also need to replace my camera. If you have one that has the LCD screen and a viewfinder, that is my preference. Andrew? Thanks! Work let us know that they are closing next Monday and Tuesday, so I will have an extra day of prep before i leave early Tuesday morning.

Hey Mon!!! have a good time in Jamaica !

That is my best Jamaica accent ;)

Welcome back indeed, ninasdream! After welcoming you on WFD, I didn't check this one. Great to read that your surgery was a success. It does take great discipline to follow up on the PT. Nice that you'll be able to travel now.

Hope to see you soon, TDude

Percy - your accent is so good that it comes through in print! Thanks. One week away.
Tdudette - yes, hope I'll be able to get to some GTG's now and we'll see each other, or I'm open to travelling within Maryland to meet up. . If you have any recommendations on a camera with an LCD screen and a viewfinder, I need to replace my camera. Though I think you are way ahead of my in skills level and so equipmemt. If anyone has Jamaica suggestions, I created a post there. Need transportation help. Thanks!

hi - i'm here. i answered :-) but i'm not much help. What you are doing is very different than my Jamaica trips (3 of them) where each time I flew into Montego Bay and went directly out to Negril for the entire trip.

My travel camera is a little digital PowerShot. I love it. Just a point and shoot. Completely automatic and takes great photos. Plus doesn't call attention to itself, not worth stealing, like a smartphone might be.

Suze, thanks - I saw your replies. Canon Powershot is what I have, two, both had problems - careful as I was, grit got into the telephoto lens, camera doesn't work at all. I read online it;s a common problem with them. I bought that one to replace a battery compartment that won't shut, so I miss shots. If you have a model #, I might consider it, maybe they improved upon these issues. It's difficult to find cameras that still have viewfinders.

No, mine's a really old one my office was getting rid of after being used for years on a construction site. Mine has none of those problems. I'm not careful at all with it, it's never even been in a case, just the bottom of my purse.

You're right though, I don't use a viewfinder (don't even know if it has one, I'd have to look at home) I just use that screen on the back of the camera. Since it's digital I don't fret over individual shots, I just shoot shoot shoot, then sort and delete at the end of the day.

Welcome back Nina. I feel your pain. I had my right knee done on November 7. Unfortunately, had complications. Doing better, but pain after PT has been intense. Frustrating. Have a great trip and happy you are feeling well!

((H))

Oh no maitai! Keeping a good thought for you- ice it and continue with PT. There's a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for the good wishes.

Thanks suze. Frustrating to have two duds. I bought the second one online for $35 it arrived 3 days before my trip to New Mexico. I am thinking 2 strikes and they're out on the model.

I was thinking about you the other day....really ! I was wondering how your knee Physio was doing.

I hope you are getting a wee bit better every day

Merry Christmas