We are blessed to have a way to share our extraordinary lives that prove why for us, Walking Is, Way Overrated. You'll see... Stories, Life lessons, Problem Solving, Aging with a disability, all intended to encourage and help out anyone who may be new to using wheels for legs, aging, have a loved one facing challenges or you may just be interested in reading something unique. You may even smile! All glory goes to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Saturday, September 17, 2022
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Vlog The Morning After Sleeping In My Wheelchair- Embarrassing Topics
Don't you just love this monarch butterfly on my thumbnail? This deserves it's own little blurb. A couple weeks ago I noticed them on her butterfly enjoying our zinnias. Then there was the time I almost got hit in the head by the hummingbird poking around our zinnias. Love it. This day I was observing the butterfly from our window, believing there was no way I would be able to take a picture of it. I decided to ask God to keep the butterfly there long enough so I can get outside with my camera and get a shot. Well the most amazing thing happened. I cannot lift my arms at all from where I sit in my wheelchair or at any time for that matter. So I took my little Canon PowerShot camera pointed up to where the majestic butterfly was sitting on the tallest zinnia flower. Not an easy shot because like I said, I cannot lift my arms and to mention I also can't see through the screen to even see what I'm shooting at. So I trust in God, guessed that I had it in frame and click. And the butterfly went and that was that. When I checked the viewfinder, I was thrilled to see it was the perfect shot. Nothing was blurry and even the composition seemed perfect. I am quite sure that God help me with that because, that butterfly on top of the Zinnia was far too high for where my camera could point to to get a decent side view of the butterfly. So all glory goes to God and I'm thinking him for a once in a lifetime shot that I get to enjoy and hopefully paint eventually.
Watch Below!
Last night we camped indoors, which for those of you who don't know me and Anita, that's me slept in my wheelchair. The problem with that is I don't usually get a lot of sleep. By the time I settle down, and close my eyes it's usually about three hours. I've realized that I think it's because I'm so used to having to go to bed when someone here has been pre-scheduled to come and help me into and out of bed, then having the freedom to move around at any time whenever I like. It's just too wonderful for me. So these are the only nights I get to live unfettered, and yes that's where the hyperactive part of my ADHD diagnosis seems to come in to play. I had to laugh when I thought, maybe that's why God allowed me to be in a wheelchair, because he knew I'd be all over the place if I was on my feet. I hope I remember to ask him that one day, these days I've been choosing basically, to sleep in my wheelchair about once a week. But the driving force behind it is having limited personal care attendants, and wanting to make sure that works out the best way possible. Plus I really like the idea that I get to choose as well.
Seating clinic for new wheelchairs
I believe that was mentioned in this video a little bit. If not they're somewhere else. But I am thrilled that I am entitled to a new wheelchair a year sooner than I originally thought. Our government provides 75% funding basically, every five years for things like power wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs. The funny thing is they don't cover very expensive wheelchair batteries. But we deal with it. Craig has a decent healthcare plan from his days as a letter carrier. What will be great about this is it has a power tilt along with a power recline and power foot rest that raise up and down. I will be sharing all I can and the blogs and that in case anyone else is interested and want it all is. Because I didn't know about it until after it was too late when I got my last year. Or I would have applied for that kind. It means that I would be able to sleep far more comfortably in my wheelchair. Even though I already sleep pretty decently. It will just be good because my hips and legs will be able to stretch out and the circulation can flow better. I have chronic lymphoedema which means my legs and feet and ankles have been swelled for a lot of years. Including the left side of my face and left arm. .. That's why I wear my wedding ring on my right hand.
I know I shared the last process about five years ago with you everyone here at walking railroaded. This time it won't just be my process by Craig's at the same time because he's going through a different vendor but is still seeking a new power assist wheelchair. Pretty exciting now we just gotta find the client portion of the funding which can get pretty expensive, but it's worth it. He actually has his power assist wheels that he bought without any government funding only about two years ago so he will just be getting a regular manual wheelchair and then they add rackets so he can use his emotion M25 wheels. That he loves so much. Makes life a lot easier when your shoulders are battling things like rotator cuff damage and osteoarthritis.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
VlogVenture: Believe It Or Not. Conspiracy Theory?
Fifty Celsius has never been reached in my life time, that I know of. Today, our thermometer reached the highest we've ever seen. No doubt it may be out by a few degrees, but still, pretty jaw dropping. Especially for September. Conspiracy theories abound regarding not just the moon landing, but also about the sun. Conspiracy theorists are often scorned or looked down upon. I confess, we do consider theories because we realized we can't always believe what we are told. Let's face it some events just don't compute. Critical thinking is critical. There are too many events throughout history, that leave us scratching our heads, wondering...did whatever it is really happen that way?
Not say I believe the sun is not our original ball of light made by our God and Creator. But, there's definitely something that makes us scratch our heads. Why?
Take a watch.
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
VlogVenture: Will My Batteries Make it. Wheelchair Test
about 17 years old, the batteries needed to be changed out every year. During the modern era, my batteries seem to last for years. About three or four. Mind you, I don't trek around the countryside like I used to. Once we got married and had a vehicle, there was no need to be bouncing around the streets. But recently when I spend the night sleeping in my wheelchair, (that's if I even sleep, I'm usually waking up and moving around napping and moving around again). By the next evening my chair battery light jumps from having power to no power. Which is a very alarming thing when your wheels are your legs.
Watch Video Below
Craig and I have a seating clinic to go to this week. We are both qualified to get new wheelchairs through the governments assistive devices program. This program cover is 75% of the cost of a wheelchair. The bizarre thing is they do not cover batteries which are quite expensive these days. So far I haven't decided if I want a whole new wheelchair, because we have to cover the other 25%. And since this time I definitely am in need of a power tilt, with the reclining feature which also means electric foot rest that go up and down... I am guessing the entire price goes up another $10,000. Because my chair is a special teacher, and it's quite expensive the provincial government technically owns my chair. Even though we pay 25% and have to pay for maintenance and new batteries for however long we have it. I am thankful that we are blessed with such a program. At the same time a bit confused but that's OK. in the meantime I have this chair, dying batteries and an odd sound that's been coming from my left we'll pretty much the whole time I've had the chair. I have been paid for a couple of check ups, to find out what was wrong but to no avail. That's one of the main reasons why I also think I might go for the new chair and not just a new cushion and a new back. You are entitled to get a new cushion and a new back every two years through the government program.
Unfortunately when I started filming this video, the phone was having problems with storage space. I thought I cleared everything out to film but then sure enough it cut out after four minutes. The silly thing is I kept talking and filming not knowing it had cut out. So I really was talking to myself.
The answer to the question that I set out to answer by going for a walk to the location of our seating clinic this week is..... Yes. Made it there and back and my battery light says full. I will see what happens this evening because that's when it could jump to red meaning empty. The nerve-wrecking thing is the chair still moves around on red so I don't know if it just stops suddenly or what. All my older wheelchairs I always gave me a warning and they literally started to slow down to a tortoise pace.
Thanks for stopping by Hope you have a great day.
Friday, September 2, 2022
Craig Shares His Latest Nostalgic Acrylic Painting Progress, Vlog
First of all I am really excited to say welcome to a new subscriber from Japan. They took the time out to make a comment and we just wanna welcome them and say how thrilled we are to know that someone from a completely different country across the world is interested in our channel content. We would love to know more about Japan and even visit there. Unfortunately due to our physical challenges Craig and I can visit through things like Google earth but not on an actual plane. That's why there are so many great YouTube videos and blogs where people share their lives from other countries. For folks like us who can't literally travel I can virtually travel.
And thank you to all of the other subscribers it's hard to believe, that we're up to 783 people. And it definitely helps if you're feeling like it, to like comment share and subscribe to our YouTube channel and any other social media sources.
Today's video is primarily about the progress of Craig's latest acrylic painting. When he has been working on for months and months. At the same time it's a bit bit of a collide as we talk about some other things like we were in a log for walking way overrated. So I will definitely be posting the video on both blog pages.
Enjoy
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Vlogventure: Campout Indoors Night Talk And Falling Asleep While Filming...
Hi guys. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Well I guess we're in the middle of the week so it's a little late to ask that. I'm a little late in sharing this Vlog that I posted a few days ago. But it's worth the wait after a couple of failed attempts at filming in the wee hours of the morning. To find out why you have to watch the video of course. So if you need a diversion or are just plain bored, check out a couple days worth of vlogs below.
Saturday, August 20, 2022
Walking Way Overrated: VlogVenture: Why Am I Still Awake at 430AM. Life Talk. Van Gogh To Sure Hope
It's another camp out night, indoors (where I sleep in my power tilt wheelchair).and it's already 4:30 in the morning. Craig passed out on his futon over an hour and a half ago and as usual, my artistic brain seems to kick in if I don't get to bed fast enough. Decided to go outside in this beautiful weather and make a video yapping about a few Life things. Everything from Vincent van Gogh to current events in our lives. I am working on a new video that I'm excited about because my dad has let me take over promoting his artwork ina whole new special way. It's 18 I plan on posting it by the end of the day.
Watch Below
Saturday, August 13, 2022
VlogVenture Raw- Uncut. Unedited. Marriage Sitting Down And "I Can't Walk?!"
Happy Saturday everyone. Join us as we share life experiences as they relate specifically to life and marriage with a disability. Including some of my childhood ones that stand out well.
In no way are we mocking those who have given us these adventures. Just trying to make light of what can sometimes be a challenge.
As well, maybe we will answer a question or two regarding political correctness. What words, if any should we use when addressing someone like us? Or does it even matter? All based on our own opinion of course!
Watch Below
Thursday, August 11, 2022
Vlog. ELVIS, Walk With Us @ 230am And Finally The Answer About The Stink!
It's an indoor campout night and we splurged on the new Elvis Movie. I figure for $30 to purchase this masterpiece, it works out the same as attending it at the local theatre. Since the movie was over two and a half hours long, by the time we were done, it was already late. That prompted me begging Craig to go for a walk at 2ish in the morning.
Watch Below
What Stinks, Marriage Or The Fridge?
In a previous shimmer watercolour video, I was mumbling about telling Craig how bad the refrigerator stunk for a week. Responding with how he can't smell it or its the garbage. But it never was quite the source. Until The other day when he finally decided to clean the fridge or I am moving out until I can breath! Ha ha. So I made a video but unfortunately a bunch of files ended up corrupted. So disappointed because we had physical evidence. So to substitute for the missing video, we covered what he found in this vlog!
Sunday, August 7, 2022
WORLDS COLLIDE: Part 1- Vlogventure. My Shimmery Handmade Water Colours. ART Stuff And Marriage Stinks?
Another gorgeous day outside. Perfect time for me to Basque outside and breathe in the fresh air, letting the sun's rays show off my new shimmery handmade watercolours. I've already posted some videos about how to create these watercolour paints. but after recently trying to purchase a set from amazon that ended up not working out, the notice claimed that they were undeliverable. It all worked out how it was meant to so I i decided i would just continue making my own.
Another big lesson learned
I also learned that you should watch reviews about items like paint and art supplies before buying them online. So I'm glad it worked out that the product never arrived anyway. Because the day before they were supposed to arrive I was watching other artists on YouTube swatch out and test these shimmer paints and I was quite disappointed at what I saw. I remember saying, oh man my paints are far more pigmented, not worth $55. So I actually ordered up some more chameleon pigment powders to make more paints. My husband keeps telling me to just paint already.
I don't know about you but, it feels like I need to have everything in place and organize just right, and then it means I'll be able to create some great artwork. So far what I've learned in my decades of existence, no matter how organized or how many variations of art supplies I may have, my artwork doesn't get any better. What does make artwork get better, the act of actually doing it. Not worrying about how good you are at it or whether or not you have the perfect brand or colour or paint brush.
Enjoy this Sparkle Watch Below
This video is just an intro into our stinky fridge debate. It's called Worlds collide because when two or more of our blog subjects collide, for instance heartfully creating is intended to be a creativity art blog with tutorials and anything art related. Where as our other Vlog/blog Walking Way Overrated, primarily focuses on anything to do with our unique married life as a couple living with physical disabilities. Sometimes we just can't keep the topics completely separated so today is one of those days, I get to share the beautiful colours from my DIY Shimmery watercolours and then the other subject, our stinky fridge! Worlds Collided.
A Sad Shock During Our Supper...
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
VlogVenture. indoor Camping Increasing. Worlds Smallest...
Short update on life and our worlds smallest zinnias and sunflowers. Brown thumb Gardner, that's me.
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
A Saturday Night In The Dark. A Short Unedited & Uncut Indoor Campout Vlog.
These are definitely crazy days as we watch the news and hear about areas in Europe experience burning temperatures like we have been having in our City in Canada. Along with a lot of other news events that cause us to contemplate what it all means. All the more reason for somewhat comedic relief moments or even diversions just to interject into "real" life, with our real life.
Last Saturday night we had another indoor campout. As I try to master these indoor "adventures, " it's fun to share what's happening with us as some what of a video journal/vlog record. After all, one day, we may be really bored and want to be reminded about what we did on July such and such 2022!
Watch Below
Wound Update
Thank you for those who are concerned about Craig's battle with Veinous Stasis Ulcers. We will post a video update after there is something more to share. I have been doing his dressing changes after trying the local community homecare nursing system. For details just check out this previous blogpost.
Take care everyone and thank you so much for helping our channel and vlog /blog to grow!
Like, share and Subscribe!!
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Veinous Stasis? Craig's Condition And Serious Wound Care And Our Home Care Nurse Experience
❤️Hi guys. Hope you're having a great weekend. If you've been following her blog or the YouTube channel portion that coincides with this and a couple of other blogs, you may know that Craig has been battling pretty risky wound in his foot something called Veinous stasis ulcer. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you can just check here or below to find out what happened in the first video we posted about his wound care and what causes it. I have been doing his dressing changes because I know the basics. and the local wound clinic only sees him every 2-3 weeks! Even after trying to arrange a home
care visiting nurse to do his dressing changes, assuming that would be far better than me doing it. Since I can only work with one hand, which I do improvise and make it happen. But nevertheless of course the best care for my husband is what matters most to me. However the company that was supposed to arrange the visit never made contact after Craig called them. When we heard the name of the company, we were pretty cynical anyway due to the very negative reputation they have in our city. Whether it's from employees I've had it worked for them or people who've tried to have them come and help out a relative or themselves, the news on the street has never been very good. So he said Anita will take care of the dressing changes between visits to the wound care clinic. I learned a little bit from seeing what they did to his dressing and ordered up some supplies from Amazon. And it didn't hurt that I have spent months having fun oozing wounds pouring out of my back for weeks after spinal surgery when I was an early teenager. I may not have been able to see them because they're on my back, but I sure do you remember what was done to them all the time to keep them clean and safe and free from infection.
Part one of this video that we did about a week ago it's not for the faint of heart because I do show some of the collection of photos I've been taking along the way. It's good to have a record of wounds so you can see how much progress you're either making or not making and then assess whether you're going to need to seek a doctor or go to emergency. The number one priority with Craig's wound is to make sure that he does not get any infection. For anyone who doesn't know the woman caring for his foot at the wound care clinic confirmed what I already knew, by telling me you're watching for things like redness and heat around the wound source. Of course fever is never a good thing, and most definitely when the fluid changes colour from white or clear to yellow to green and the edges of the wound become inflamed and red… I think you get the idea get to Emergency. But of course our number one goal for these many months has been to avoid that ever happening.
Watch Part One: What Is Veinous Stasis? Craig's Condition And Serious WoundCare
Update On Craig's Wound Care, Comparing A Home Care Visit From A Nurse VS Craig's Wife, Anita.
Watch The Update Below: For details about our experience withe the so far, only home nurse visit, read the article below
Our Home Care Nurse Visit Will It Be The Last?
Unfortunately, yesterday a day after Craig attended a wound care clinic and they changed his dressing and sent back a note explaining to me about what to watch for if it got infected. Oh yeah there's also not great order that can come from the wound which is another sign of infection. In the morning and informed me that the band they put on fell off which meant is open wound was rubbing up against the sheets.
I freaked out a little bit because I was so scared of it getting infected. Knowing that he had finally been able to arrange a nurse to come to our home and tend to his dressing, I said we can't wait for him because we didn't know when they were coming. (another con about having this particular company come to your home) so instead of waiting I changed the Band-Aid that Craig knew to put on when he saw his vulnerable and exposed wound. He sprayed it with Bactine which is kind of an emergency spray use for small cuts and burns or things like that. But I wouldn't recommend putting it on the type of one he has. But he did a good job working with what he knew. Needless to say, when I went to change that Band-Aid, for the first time in months it didn't look as good as it had been. And I'm talking more about the area around the wound. There was a specific Swath of pinkness in his skin, I was slightly warmer than normal. So I was a little relieved that a nurse would be coming so they could assess the situation.
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| earlier veinous stasis ulcers on Craig's leg |
chin and across the bridge of the nose. Craig has a beard but generally it does when you can to keep it trimmed fairly short. It's not perfect but it's better than a bushy beard where it just floats and all the bacteria and viruses can come in all around that mask. May all of you with your beard wearers please learn more about this for your own safety and the safety of your family. I realize that masks are not the be-all end-all to keep me out viruses but, it's been drilled into our heads so much since Covid began, it's hard not to take it seriously.
Wanting to give this person a fair chance and knowing it was in the nursing department, I was hoping it would be a great experience and we could continue on with it if it would help Craig heal faster. And then we could say positive things about Bayshore. What's interesting as we learned that this company is the only one available because the other companies that we would like to choose such as VON end, have no openings available. Makes us wonder if it is really true about the hiring standards of other company.















