I was pumped up and ready to lead an outstanding refuge tour this morning, but nobody showed up. Aw, shucks! I hate it when that happens. I took myself on the tour anyway, in hopes of spotting a wolf along the back road, but that didn’t happen either. Oh well, maybe another day. That finished up my work week, so I headed back to the rig.
This afternoon, I sat outside taking some pictures of the hummingbird war that is developing over the one feeder I have left. I had a second oriole feeder that the hummers were using, but the other night some raccoons totally destroyed it.
I wanted some pictures so I could try out the suggestion that Rick made on uploading pictures to Picasa when you have Windows 8. He knew I was feeling frustrated with the convoluted process I have been using. I followed his instructions to a ‘T’.
However, it didn’t work. When he clicks on change PC settings, he gets a different screen than I do. I couldn’t find the “Autoplay defaults” anywhere. I then went to Google+ to see if I could start a “hangout” session with him, but he wasn’t available. I’m sure he and Paulette were out walking the mutzoes somewhere.
Just two minutes ago, as I was composing this post, I had a brain cramp and went back to read his post once again. Somehow, a light bulb went off, and maybe, just maybe I’ve figured out the Autoplay thing. I’ll have to take some more pictures tomorrow to see if I’ve really solved the problem. I sure hope so.
I have the next three days off, and I’m just not sure what to do with them. While I was down in Rochester last week, I had my son Andy take my bike, which has been residing in his garage for the last three years, to a bike shop to be reconditioned.
I was sick all that weekend, but the kids came through for me and picked up the bike, and also had a carrier installed on the back of my car so I can transport it with me. I took it out for a very very short ride this evening. Oh my. I could immediately feel what muscles I haven’t used in my right leg since the hip replacement. I’m thinking if I do some practice riding this weekend, I’ll help myself get past the plateau I seem to have reached with that hip. There’s another refuge about an hour away from here that I’d like to visit, but the only trails are for bikes. If I can slowly build up the strength in my right leg, I’m hoping to ride those trails before I leave here. Tonight’s little excursion let me know I’m not ready for that just yet.
I’ve been a little down on myself about the hip, but I think this will help me get out of the dumps. I guess it’s time to get into a senior training mode.
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Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
Wow, I just love woodpeckers and your photos of them are great! Don't be too hard on yourself over the hip. I have never had knee problems or pain in my knees. But lately I have trouble just getting up off the toilet seat - why they make the damn things so low to the ground I'll never know. I don't have pain, just no strength. I'm thinking about eventually getting a gym membership so I can do some effective workouts in the areas that no longer function well.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, sorry for the confusion, but if you re-check my blog you'll find the screen you want is in the Control Panel. Just go back to the main Windows 8 Start Screen and immediately start typing "Control Panel" and you'll find it. Then, Hardware and Sound > Auto-Play - voila!! I'm using Windows 8.1 that's why you couldn't find the Personal Settings screen I use.
ReplyDeleteWe were probably down in Victoria earlier today when you called.
When I started riding my trike I thought my legs were going to fall off. We had to leave it behind in AZ so I'm going to have to start all over again when I get back down there. But I would think it would be really good for your knee and for stretching out those muscles.
ReplyDeleteLove your hummingbird pictures. Fantastic wing shots! Hope the bike works out for you. I just did a post today on a nice ride we took. Some places are really great for bikes. You might want to go to a shop and make sure the seat and handlebars are at the exact right level for you and your hip before doing too much.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures today. I hope the bike helps out with your hip, I enjoy riding my bike around campgrounds and on some trails.
ReplyDeleteA little at the time...you will get there!
ReplyDeleteJust have to say the pictures in tonight's post are amazing! You sure got some great shots of the hummingbirds and the woodpecker with the seed.
Hummingbirds little wings go a zillion flaps a second ... your photography is amazing. caught in mid air... don't suppose there's any swimming pools anywhere near you? I've been told that swimming really helps with joints. great exercising. I belong to one ... do I go?
ReplyDeleteOK your hummingbird pictures make mine look sick...I'm so jealous. Art said I need a better camera. Maybe I do, or maybe I'll just let you take the great shots! But seriously they are fantastic. I especially like the one where she looks like a bomber going in for the kill, so cute.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had my knee surgery they told me to get a stationary bike (recumbent)and it would help with the pain. I thought huh? movement for the pain but boy were they right. When my knee started to tense up and hurt I would ride and the pain would go away. I sure hope it helps with your hip.
Good luck with the bike - hope you can build up some strength. I have no doubt that if it's doable - you will do it!!
ReplyDeleteSomeday I hope Craig and I will be able to go on a tour with you.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures of the hummingbirds. They are hard for me to capture in photos. Not sure if they are too quick or if I am just too slow.
ReplyDeleteThe bike riding should help. Also some stretching, Jane Fonda has a terrific AM, PM yoga out. It is about 15 minutes in the morning and 15 in the evening. Catherine and I have been doing it. Nice shots of the hummers.
ReplyDeleteIf you are taking these photos with your new little camera, they are fantastic. I think you have master that machine!
ReplyDeleteYou have come a very long way with your new hip in what I think is a very short time. Keeping you in my prayers for a great ride!
Love your hummers! Hope your bike riding days happen soon... with me, it's not my legs that suffer... it's my butt that has to get "seated" in.
ReplyDeleteWe have one hummingbird that flies through the campsite. Thought about putting out some sweet water or fruit, but don't need to attract any more of those small flies that love to come inside the rig every time we open the door ... they too seem to like all things sweet, too.
ReplyDeleteLove your little hummers! Patience and a steady hand . . .
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the biking - after my knee replacement, biking really helped and since it was 'fun' physical therapy, I stuck with it more than the more tedious exercises. Hope you will find it so as well - and it's nice to have those trails as a concrete goal!
Your pictures are fabulous. I think I have the same hummers at my feeder. The tail feathers look the same. I usually only have one feeding at a time. There might be two birds, but one will intercept the second on his way in, and he never makes it to the feeder. I love photos with multiple birds feeding. I did finally get a couple of shots of two birds yesterday. Beautiful woodpecker shots, too.
ReplyDeleteDon't be too hard on yourself about your hip. I think we always reach a plateau in these things, even diets and learning, etc. Maybe our bodies need time to get used to the changes before they get going again. You're determined - you'll do it. :)
What a pretty feeder. The pictures are great.
ReplyDeleteI just filled my feeder but it is so humid out there I can't stand staying out there long enough to take pictures.
What astounding photos of the hummingbirds! I've never seen so many in focus at once.
ReplyDeleteGood idea using your bike to get your hip back to normal. In no time we'll be looking for you in the Tour de France... :cD
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE LOVE those Hummers. We have a few here, but my windows have screens, and the minute I walk out the door they disappear!! I've been getting P.T. on my arm, but it still hurts..Could be I will have to just deal with it...I'm sure your biking will strengthen that hip and leg...I love riding my old lady bike.
ReplyDeleteSo you actually had a private tour this morning:) I need to get back on a bike, as well. First I have to get a new one. We had nice bikes, but six years hanging on the back of the motorhome, mostly is salt air did not due them any good at all:(
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Hummers, I wonder if they are bulking up because of the cool weather. We had one buzzing around here earlier this summer. We don't feed them because of the bees that like the sugar water. Sorry no one showed for your program...good luck seeing that wolf! :)
ReplyDeleteI laughed at your description of "the muttzoes"!
ReplyDeleteGreat hummer photos!
What ever you did, Judy, the hummingbird and woodpecker pics look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! I had a female hummer buzz me while I was weeding in 'her' garden this afternoon. They sure are brave little birds. I was too close to her red bee balm I guess. So I decided after the 3rd time that I didn't really need to weed it after all. She won! Little stinker!
ReplyDeleteHope the bike riding helps the hip. I think you are right, it couldn't hurt and it will be fun and you will feel very accomplished when you make your goal! :)
Wonderful photos! I had a female hummer buzz me while I was weeding in 'her' garden this afternoon. They sure are brave little birds. I was too close to her red bee balm I guess. So I decided after the 3rd time that I didn't really need to weed it after all. She won! Little stinker!
ReplyDeleteHope the bike riding helps the hip. I think you are right, it couldn't hurt and it will be fun and you will feel very accomplished when you make your goal! :)
Wonderful photos! I had a female hummer buzz me while I was weeding in 'her' garden this afternoon. They sure are brave little birds. I was too close to her red bee balm I guess. So I decided after the 3rd time that I didn't really need to weed it after all. She won! Little stinker!
ReplyDeleteHope the bike riding helps the hip. I think you are right, it couldn't hurt and it will be fun and you will feel very accomplished when you make your goal! :)
Good luck on the bike riding. It doesn't take long to get all the body parts working on unison. You've done great with the replacement; looking forward to hearing about your first big ride.
ReplyDeleteBy now you've probably been pedaling it all over town! ;)
ReplyDeleteLove the hummer photos (is that the Rebel camera?)
I hate it when you are all set to lead a tour, but nobody shows up! I think that has happened to all of us tout leaders at one point or another.
ReplyDeleteI think that bike riding should be a great way to work your hip some and generally get you out and about. I can imagine that you'll continue to have good days and bad, but your energy and spirit will get your through them all. Hang in there!
Mark