meli-melo designs

dance of the planets

The Dance of the Planets is here yet again, with a conjunction of the planets Venus, Mars, Uranus, and the crescent Moon, all visible together in the evening sky.

Venus and the Moon will of course be the brightest of these, but the reddish body of Mars should be fairly visible as well, of a similar magnitude to that of other bright ‘stars’. Uranus can sometimes be seen as a very dim ‘star’ with the naked eye, but use of binoculars will make it far easier to spot the distant planet.

This dance of the planets is a relatively rare occurrence, and the planets of Venus and Mars actually haven’t appeared as close together in the sky (as they will tonight and tomorrow) since all the way back in 2008.

So bundle up, get out and go out exploring with your cameras!

This particular image reminds me of the Mad Cat smile!

Brilliant Venus and faint Mars will be paired remarkably close in the sky. And on Friday evening, the crescent Moon joins them in a tight bunch, a beautiful sight. On Saturday Venus and Mars appear even closer together, with the crescent Moon now looking down on them from above.

- See more at: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/press-releases/close-conjunction-of-venus-and-mars/#sthash.CEq9UymU.dpuf

i'm running!

Blind-contoured line drawing of my racing flats runners.

 

I am so excited I just had to share this with you! 

I'm running!!! I'm running!!!! I'm running!!! I'm running!!!! I'm running!!!

 

 

Officially one week ago at physiotherapy. But unofficially since 2 weeks. 

 

2 weeks ago, I would walk the dog and she had a few moments where she wanted to go fast. Enough walking she would "say" to me! She looked at me and I looked at her and I gave her the signal to "go"! We "ran" slowly! I just wanted to keep going and so did she! I was grinning the entire time! It has been a well kept secret between Jy and I because it felt like it was illegal to run. That someone/something would steal that moment from me again. But last week, it was official. I can run! Still smiling while writing this post!

 

My physiotherapist made a circuit for me to do. First go through the agility ladder with a specific set of drills, then side bunny hops over the little hurdles then run. Run? Run! A word that was rather foreign in my language for a long time. Run. Like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Run. I think he was testing me out and holding his breath at the same time. Run. Enjoy the moment!

 

Just after 2 months after ACL surgery and I can run!

 

I am looking forward to my next set of knee "homework"!

 

2 months later...

It has now been 2 months since my acl reconstruction surgery. For the purpose of comparison and where I've gone and the road ahead, I've posted a before and after surgery picture of my right knee. Not to mention I now have more scars to my already battered knees!

Here is my check list

Walk like a normal human being    √
Though it was fun to walk like a zombie!

Go up and down the stairs like a human being   √
This was a big step, especially going down the stairs to get to my favourite coffee shop!

Flex my quads    √
An important step. When I was able to flex my quads, many things linked together and my range of motion improved dramatically

Kick my heels to my bum    1/2√  
I can with some assistance. My hamstrings are still very weak. This is of same importance as flexing my quads. It took FOREVER to get to a certain point but once you get there, there is no stopping this runaway train!

Jumping    1/2√
I can jump on a bosu but not very high yet, especially with 1 leg. I can jump, and feel safe at about the height of 2 text book. bohoo...

Agility ladder drills    √√
I feel like a ninja doing these drills!

Bike    √√ 
I still have difficulties with standing drills, especially at the top end dead spot that I just discovered     

Swim  
Not yet but soon

Run   
We are not even going there...

Working on the range of motion of my knee and strengthening the muscles around my knee is ALWAYS a work in progress. I even take the time to do it at work.

Nothing hurts as much as when someone points out that your muscles have atrophied. My muscles shrunk? What? Merde! Yes, my muscles have shrunk in no time and building them back to their pre-surgery state will take time. Last week my physiotherapist pointed out my little quad and hamstring bulge. That's right, I have little muscle bulges now! Woohooo!

To think that surgery took 1 hour and recovery to pre-surgery shape can take up to 6 months.

 

Now, this is the physical aspect. We cannot forget the mental game. In a day, I spend about 1.5 hour doing my knee exercises. They are rather challenging and keep my mind busy but I cannot help myself but think how much I would rather spend that 1.5 hour going for a run/bike outside or a swim. I miss training and I miss the social aspect that comes with training. Then there is the aspect of going back on my cyclocross bike and race again. What mental game will be playing in my head then? I know part of me will be scared but in time, I HAVE to get over that barrier and just let it go!

 

art by gmb chomichuk

j'adore février

Hé ho! Festival du voyageur is around the corner and I cannot wait for all the sweet treats, drinks, and activities!

1) In the 17th and 18th centuries, beaver fur was very popular in Europe. During the large majority of the fur trade era, most of les voyageurs signed contracts with the two fur trade giants: The Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company. They used the beaver pelts as a type of bartering system.

2) The ceinture fléchée, entirely woven by hand, was an essential and very sought after accessory in Canada from the late 1700s to the beginning of the 20th century. It would keep les voyageurs warm and was very efficient in supporting les voyageurs’ lower backs while they were carrying bails during portages.

3) Caribou is a sweet Québécois alcoholic beverage composed of red wine, hard liquor, usually whisky, and maple syrup.

4) Sugar pie is a typical dessert of the western European countries of Northern France and Belgium, and the Canadian province of Québec. I cannot wait to get my memère's yearly sugar pie!

5) Tire d'érable is a made by boiling maple sap past the point where it would form maple syrup but not so long that it becomes maple butter or maple sugar. It is poured onto the snow and then lifted either with a small wooden stick.