Another week flew by

Posted on August 3, 2009 by ruthek

Mage, I'm just fine. I still have some interesting marks on my face, but they're fading quickly. I've been concentrating on the book so too busy to write. Often I write things in my head as I go through the week. Most of it never gets put in type. Eli thinks some day we'll have a direct hookup from our brains to the computer. I'm not sure I want to see that.

I went to two of my classes last week: stitching and Rachel Carson. Never got to the third one, fabrigami. Instead, I went on an Osher sponsored bus trip to Amish country in Ohio. Spent most of the time on the bus stitching.

Finally got to the plastic surgeon as instructed by both the ER doc and my GP. He was great; looked at my nose, which looks about the same as always, assured me he would fix it if it came out crooked (no age discrimination just because I'm an old lady) and told me he wouldn't do anything in my case–exactly what I wanted to hear. Told me, using other words, this was a 'cover your ass' situation. Ain't American medicine great.

I come away from this experience, as I always do when I encounter our medical system, with many thoughts about it. When I finish the book I'll do another post about health care.

Since this one is for you, Mage, I'll tell you a little about shopping. The most exciting part of it is that I can now get into regular sizes. I'm still under tall, but that's a condition I can never fix. When I was in New York I bought one pair of black pants, two tee shirts, one yellow, one beige, and a jacket I haven't worn yet: white with a black print that almost looks like embroidery, all at Chico's.

Mostly I've been shopping in my own closet. Yesterday I went to Nordstorms with Robin and Charna. I bought, on sale, a very handsome pair of black pants and a black and white print top. This will be for fall. I hate to pay Nordstrom prices, but I like wearing their clothes. The pants are size 16. Years ago, when I was somewhat thinner than now, I would take a 14 or 16 top and 18 pants. That says much more about what's happened to sizes than what's happened to me. Also, the more you pay, the larger the size.

One last thing: I'm back to walking–three miles in Frick Park on Saturday.

Exercise can be dangerous

Posted on July 27, 2009 by ruthek

I'm not really an obsessive personality, but once in a while something will get to me. I think of these things as waking nightmares. When I lived in New Jersey and worked in upstate New York I constantly worried about being hit by a truck as I crossed the George Washington Bridge twice each day. After 9/11 when my Chicago friends asked me if I was worried about a terrorist attack I realized I was much more concerned about those trucks. Over the years I've had a number of these concerns, most of which never materialized.

When I lived in Chicago my concern was about the possibility of getting stuck in Cabrini-Green, one of those notorious housing projects unwisely built very close to the most desirable areas of the city. On New Years Day, 1985, I went to visit a friend, mistakenly sailed past the North Avenue exit of the highway, and foolishly got off at Division Street, putting me right in wrong place. I was driving a VW something; I don't remember the model, and it had an electrical problem that the dealer hadn't been able to find. Needless to say, as I got to the stop sign in the middle of the area, the car stalled. Two men came over and tried to help me–actually, one tried to help–I wasn't sure about the other. The car wouldn't start, they pushed it to the curb, I gave them whatever money I had (about $25) and left as quickly as possible. I also got rid of that car as quickly as possible.

My most recent waking nightmare is about falling: either on my face or breaking something important like a hip. Friday morning, after finishing my tutoring gig at the library, I decided I would take the bus to the Strip if it came before my usual bus. I got there, had a fish sandwich at Benkowitz, went to the Society for Contemporary Craft to see the current exhibit and continued walking to downtown Pittsburgh. It's not very far, about a mile and a half. I got to Penn Station and decided to take the bus on the East Busway, giving me about another half mile walk on the other end to get home.

The area had been newly fixed up. There was a park-like place in front of the building and the walkway leading to the bus stop was newly paved with red brick. I never saw that the pavement was uneven: my foot hit and I went flying, landing on my knees forehead and nose. My glasses cut into my forehead, my nose was broken and I've never seen so much blood except on television.

I laid there for a moment unable to move, decided I'd better do something or I'd be soaked in blood. A man passing by came over to help me. He was wonderful. I'm sure he must have had some EMT training. He helped me sit up then moved me to a shady spot. He picked up the book and jacket I was carrying and helped me take my bag off my shoulder; picked up my hearing aid, which came off when I took the bag off, and found the case for it in my purse; each time showing me and telling me exactly what he was doing. I realized how vulnerable I was and how very fortunate that he had stopped to help me. I wish I knew who he was. I'd like him to know how much I appreciate him.

Someone else called for help. The police showed up, my good samaritan left, the paramedics came. Everyone was great. The paramedics cleaned most of the blood off my arms: I looked like I had been bathing in it. They took me to the ER at Shadyside Hospital (my choice) where I was cleaned up, CT scanned, (fractured my nose), the cut was glued (not a good place for stitches) and Steve and Charna came and took me home. I look terrible–like one of those Kabuki masks you can see here, but I feel OK, even went out for dinner with the kids on Friday night. So, don't worry Carol.

Monday, going no where

Posted on July 6, 2009 by ruthek

Woke up feeling awful this morning. Something I ate yesterday is trying to kill me, but I think I'm winning. At least I've opened my eyes, dressed, and have enough energy to sit at the computer.

Continuing my story of last week, I met Rose at the Jewish Museum on Thursday. Knowing we would never be able to look at an exhibit until after we spent time talking, we went down to the cafe, bought coffee and sat for more than an hour, catching up. Then we went upstairs to a marvelous exhibit: They Called Me Mayer July: Painted Memories of a Jewish Childhood in Poland Before the Holocaust. You can see lots of it online. We spent an equally long time looking at the exhibit, then finally went back downstairs for lunch.

I met Rose when I was working on my MA at Fairleigh Dickinson U. We had several classes together and being the older people in the program even though she's considerably younger than me, became friends. She's a young grandmother and very involved with her family. She is also an Orthodox Jew, which sometimes makes it difficult for both of us. In spite of everything we remain fond of each other and enjoy spending time together.

Thursday evening I went to Phyllis's for dinner. She still cooks lovely things and enjoys it, not like me.

Friday morning I walked over to the Guggenheim to see the Frank Lloyd Wright exhibit. Nice show. In the evening I met Ann and Evy for dinner then went to the American Folk Art Museum, primarily to see a quilt show by Paula Nadelstern

Saturday I met C, the daughter of one of my dearest college friends. We had lunch then spent the afternoon walking through Central Park.

Sunday I went down to Chinatown, actually to go to a fabric store where I bought some netting, then had the lunch that probably did me in. Back to the Stitch and Bitch in the evening.

I have now seen all of my New York friends, except three. I'm meeting Mary B for dinner tonight, even if I don't eat, and I imagine I'll get to one of the others, also.

Continuing New York

Posted on July 4, 2009 by ruthek

Monday I went shopping. When Renee was in Pittsburgh she kept telling me my clothes were too big for me. I decided I'd get something new before she came back next week. It's not easy for me to get anything. I've lost weight everywhere but my waistline, making pants very difficult to find. I took a long walk and managed to get a new smaller pair of pants (elastic waist), 2 shirts and a jacket. Jackets are my favorite thing. I have a closetful, mostly too big at this point that I'll try to alter. Still tired from Sunday, I spent the rest of the day at the apartment.

Tuesday I met my friend Phyllis at the Metropolitan Museum. We spent most of our time at a great show of treasures from Afghanistan, had lunch and looked at another couple of exhibits. I especially liked this one on the roof of the museum, a gigantic tree root by Roxy Paine.

In the evening I met Julia and we went to an off-Broadway play about addiction, Dance of the Seven-headed Monkey. It was interesting, but, as with many off-Broadway efforts, needed work. Here are some photos from Times Square.

The indoor ferris wheel at Toys R Us.

Wednesday, after I finished that last post, I met Sybille in Central Park for a walking tour of part of the park neither of us had ever seen. The tour was called Central Park Adirondack. It began near the Harlem Meer and went to 100th St. and Central Park West. Then Sybille and I spent the rest of the afternoon talking, something we do best.

Walking around

Posted on May 4, 2009 by ruthek

I saw the last two
runners in the Pittsburgh Marathon at 11:30 this morning. They were
walking separately, each with an ambulance, a police vehicle and a
truck or two achingly, slowly, riding behind. I intended to get out
early to see the front runners, running just a block away.
But I forgot all about it until I heard the winners announced on the
news. I can't imagine walking a marathon, let alone running, so I
really admired those last two women. I was walking one mile to meet
Robin over at the Center for the Arts. I almost never walk on Penn
Avenue near my apartment—too much traffic. The street was
blocked off this morning; I took the opportunity to walk the two
blocks I never see.

There always seems to
be something strange or interesting or wonderful as I walk in
different areas. This was just inside a gate in a high fence. Since I never walk on that block I don't know whether the gate is always open or this was special for the marathon.

When I walk to class
this tree appears just as I round a corner. It's a flowering crab
with wonderful pruning. I've been looking at it for weeks now
thinking I ought to take its picture when it was full of blossoms.
Somehow I actually like this better.

This is one of those awful public housing projects that were built in the early days of urban renewal. They are getting ready to implode it; you can see where some of the facade has been removed. I wish I knew when they were going to do it. I'd like to be there to watch. This is on my way to Whole Foods and other good places and will be replaced by a Target.

UPMC, my medigap insurer, sponsors zoo walks twice a month during spring and summer. You can get in at 8:00, well before the crowds come. I love walking in these kinds of public spaces when they are empty.

The queen of beasts, lounging around while the king loudly announces his presence. Another male, housed separately, answers him, like an echo.

Mama is getting a shower while baby tries to steal the treats given to Mama as a reward. Baby did not want to participate in the shower.

The guy with the burlap bag was carrying it around just like Linus with his blanket.

Wild turkey in the children's zoo. There are lots of wild turkeys around Pittsburgh but I've never seen one strutting quite like this.

No news on the health front

Posted on April 30, 2009 by ruthek

That hard won medication seems to be working well. I won't get back to the cardiologist until July, but I'm comfortable, happily taking those long walks and trying to do other healthful things. The root canal problems awaits a consultation with an endodontist. My dentist described too many scenarios so I want another opinion. Next week I go to my primary care doc, who will probably want to put me on Lipitor, or some such. I've been resisting this for years. We'll see…

I'm about to get ready for another long walk. I have more to write so I promise to come back here this afternoon after my driving refresher course.

Sunday walk

Posted on April 19, 2009 by ruthek

Sunshine of the early morning rapidly moved into the gray tunnel of Pittsburgh’s usual sky. The sun lured me out of the house; walking was easier under the gray sky and I went to Phipps for the last day of the spring flower show. Pittsburgh is beautiful at this time of year. Trees are in bloom; tulips and daffodils bring blazing color to the pink and white of magnolias, Bradford pears, weeping cherries and flowering crab apples.

I don't know if this is supposed to be sculpture or a child's installation, but it really caught my fancy.

Some of the landscaping here makes wonderful use of the hillsides the houses are built on. I so much prefer this to grass. And it's very Japanese.

I was happy to sit down to lunch when I got to Phipps, resting up to be able to walk around the conservatory. It was pretty crowded but big enough that I was able to enjoy walking around.

Some of the spring flowers.

The Red Hat Society was also visiting. I love the purple boots.

This is a huge fern. The fronds uncurl just like the smaller ones.

This is a cycad, and it's huge. Supposedly something like that is inside the wrappings in this picture I took in the botanic garden in Kyoto, but I have some trouble imagining it.

Day and day after

Posted on April 10, 2009 by ruthek

Last night was the Seder: family, good food, the usual. Renee got a new Haggadah for us: The 30 minute Seder. I like to think of myself as open to change, and I often hated the books we used in the past, but I didn't like this one either. I appreciated the brevity, but found it a strange mix of instruction and poor story-telling. After all, we are telling a story during the Seder. Earlier on this wonderful spring day I walked from First Ave. & 93rd St. to Lexington and 56th to have lunch with friends. We sat, talking, almost two hours, then walked in Central Park. Lovely afternoon.

I ate too much last night and didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I didn't drink enough wine to call it a hangover, but that's sort of what it felt like. I had two dates today: big motivation. Met Jacqueline for coffee and a look at her proof sheets–lovely photographs of temples and gardens. Makes me want to return to Japan. I'd like to go from October to May so I could look at the gardens in all seasons. It won't happen, but I can dream.

Met Jean for coffee in the afternoon. We met when I was active with Empire Quilters, years ago. She and Mary are people I've maintained as friends. I come to New York now as much as to see my good friends as to do things in the city.

Walking around New York is

Posted on April 9, 2009 by ruthek

my favorite occupation. Renee is cooking for tomorrow night's Seder and most of my friends had other things to do. I took the subway down to Bowling Green, at the bottom of Manhattan, and went to the Museum of the American Indian. It's one of my favorite places, second only to the Met. They had two exhibits I hadn't seen: wonderful native women's dresses and some of the work of Fritz Scholder. The women's dresses were the best; each unique and a work of art.

I walked from the museum to Chinatown to meet Julia for dim sum. Broadway abounded with tourists taking photos of I don't know what. Then again, perhaps my photography mystifies other people. I walked past the famous bull, past Wall St, past a new red sculpture that looks almost like the construction machines working at the ground zero site. I'll post pictures next week when I return home.

After we finished dim sum, Julia and I walked around Chinatown. We came upon a wonderful scene on Eldridge Street: several large cherry-picker type machines being used to install red silk Chinese lanterns. This will become a movie site next week for some kind of Disney movie. This is the block that houses the Eldridge Street Synagogue, now museum, next to a Buddhist Temple.

I walked down Canal Street after I left Julia, but there was nothing as exciting as that movie set.

Monday morning

Posted on March 23, 2009 by ruthek

The class went well. There is a small description of it at Silver Streakers. Since most of you who read this already have blogs I didn't go into detail about how to start a blog. There are several detailed instruction videos on YouTube if you need to know. I think I scheduled too much content for the first lesson and now I'm thinking the next class, about images, will be even worse. I plan to give instructions for downloading Picasa, but we won't be able to do it on the University's computers. Using Picasa and scanning images will both be lectures with no hands on component. Unless I can find good material online I'll make my own screenshots, then email these instructions to the class and post them at SS.

I have been dogsitting this weekend. My family went to New York where Charna is singing with Hazamir, the same choral group she sang with in Baltimore last year. This time I took Darcy to my place instead of moving in with her. I'm going to return her to her home in about an hour, thank goodness. If I ever entertained the notion of getting a dog, she certainly has cured me. She's a little easier to deal with since she's gotten older, but she's certainly not an obedient dog. I fed her and walked her before 8:30 this morning, but she still wants something from me and I haven't a clue.

100 Books Before I Die

Ruthe Karlin

Category Archives: Walking