January 2, 2015 (THR +183)

I think it's time for this blog to change focus.

I'm on the cusp of my six-month hip operation anniversary and all is going well. I've added more physio to my daily routine to help with the stiffness. I'm pain free and feel no physical restrictions -- but the stiffness continues. This could be from my less-than-firm bed or all the hard chairs and stools I'm sitting on.

I've also got to be conscious of my weight. It has definitely edged up and I've got to reverse the trend by increasing exercise and cutting calories. Beer is the culprit, methinks.

But there is much more to life than my hip. My experiences here in Guatemala should be written down and saved for posterity. That said, writing is my job -- and extracurricular writing has to be fun, or I won't do it. How to make it fun? Write about the silly stuff here.

I mean, there's the crazy dog lady (there are several, actually) that feeds street dogs outside a house where she no longer lives -- and I do. There are all the high school hijinks of the ex-pats here. The trouble is they're my friends, so how do I write about them without offending them?

So far 2015 is good.

After a quiet NYE party that featured an incredible view of Lake Atitlan and the combined fireworks shows of all the towns the ring the lake, I made it home and to bed at a reasonable time.

On January 1 I left my computer and backpack at home (a rarity) and headed into town to have lunch with my buddy Daniel on the balcony of a restaurant called D'noz. We spent the afternoon chatting away before meeting up with other people at Mikaso (hotel/restaurant) for wood-fired pizza.

It was a nice relaxing day and very necessary.

What will the rest of the year offer up? Let's see...

THR +175 (Christmas Day, 2014)

December 25, 2014

Not much to say, other than I got the best present EVER 175 days ago.

The new hip is good. The recovery continues -- no pain, just occasional stiffness.

Merry Christmas to all... especially those who supported me this year.

GRACIAS!! 

 

 

THR +154 (5 months + 1 day)

Friday, December 5, 2014
5 Months + 1 Day

The recovery continues. Still some stiffness, etc. But there isn't much I can't do.

I moved into my new house in San Pedro. It's OK. I need more furnishings and the place needs a really good cleaning. Hopefully I'll get that done this weekend.

Not much more to report.

-30-

THR +150

December 1, 2014

So far so good.

I've wrapped up my first month in San Pedro and I'm finally moving into a house. Tomorrow. The house is at the top of a big hill which should help the hip and shed more weight.

My weight has plateaued (and even increased a bit) since I arrived on Hallowe'en. But I still walk everywhere and the hip feels more normal every day.

The shoulder is good, but my right hand still hurts a bit. Nothing major, but it's still not back to the way it was. I am able to use it without difficulty.

San Pedro is as crazy as it ever was. I really should blog about the antics of the people here, but they'd disappear me. Best keep quiet.

All-in-all, things are good. But I would like more work to keep me busy.

And so it goes.

-30-

THR +137

November 18, 2014

The healing continues. That's good. Shoulder is much improved. Hand is... stiff. Hip is good.

I'm planning to start yoga in a few days.

Craploads of work keep me from enjoying the surroundings too much... but I still get the occasional chance to take it in -- especially before sunrise.

Some recent pictures:

Volcan Fuego Erupting

San Pablo la Laguna, Guatemala

Heron on Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan Morning

Clothespins and Coffee

Updates to follow as events warrant.

-30-

THR +130

November 11, 2014

Here's a short update:

I've been busy here in San Pedro with work, trying to find a house and socializing. The hip has taken a bit of a beating from walking and tuktuk rides. I've actually had to take a bit of a break as I was experiencing some discomfort yesterday.

Other than that, all is good.

Lake Atitlan, November 2014

-30-

THR +125

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Things are coming along fine. I'm still a bit lax on the diet and physio, but I am walking around a fair amount.

The 'high school' drama continues in town. Such is village life. But I should have more news about housing soon. There are some good options, but lots of competition.

A group of us are heading to San Juan for wine and cheese today. Can't wait!

UPDATE:

YUM!

-30-

THR +123

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Today is my 4 month anniversary and so far, so good. The hip works well and seems to be adjusting to the 5000ft altitude here.

I went for a bit of a walk today, and although I was a bit stiff from physio yesterday, I had no problem navigating some hills and sketchy trails/roads.

My hunt for a house in San Pedro continues, but there are some interesting options. There's even one that would come without cost. That, perhaps, is the best solution.

Not much more to say than that.

Happy Anniversary to Me!

THR +122

Monday, November 3, 2014

It was a beautiful day here in San Pedro:

Late Morning - Nov 3, 2014

I haven't really pushed the hip yet. Mostly I've just been getting settled and saying hi to people. I went to the BBQ on Sunday (11/2) followed by a very late night.

I spent today working and poking away at various tasks. And I did the full regime of new physio -- except balance board stuff. I've asked a local carpenter to build me one.

And so it goes...

exercise: physio, some walking

-30-

THR +121

Sunday, November 2, 2014

I'm finally settled in San Pedro. It was a long journey, but the hip performed well. Flying was easy and I was careful to do lots of exercises while in the air.

The hardest part of the journey was the trip to Lake Atitlan. After a long day of shopping, we crammed into a pick-up truck for a three hour drive. The first two hours were fairly easy as the highway is quite good. But from the main highway to the lake, the road is pretty poor -- especially up and over the mountains.

Here's the route:

Guatemala City to Lake Atitlan

The hip was ok, if a little stuff after arrival.

That was Friday. Today is Sunday. So far so good. I've done some walking, but I haven't attempted any big hills, mostly because I want to acclimatise to the 5000 foot elevation.

more to come...