It feels like we might be through the bulk of our “false spring starts” and might be leaning into actual spring! And although we do have some chillier overnight temps in the forecast for next week, most days are in the 50’s (and warmer!)
I am really ready for this change of season. Here is a peek into the things that are filling my days and my thoughts!
Baking (still) —
I have found a very good sourdough rhythm and I am baking a loaf roughly every 10 days or so. I have found the “sweet spot” of dough hydration. (82% for a “white loaf” and a bit higher for a loaf that has a higher percentage of whole wheat flour) I have also figured out fermentation times… for the temperature my house is currently. All that will change with the changing seasons and warming weather! I have a “baking journal” in which I record every aspect of each bake, so I am hopeful that the warming weather won’t be too much of a hurdle!
Reading (less) —
Inadvertently, I found myself reading less in February… thanks to that visit with my doctor and a frank discussion about my insomnia. Who knew that reading on an iPad would have such a significant impact on my sleep… certainly not me! So I ended February with only 6 books completed… but I had a significant improvement in sleep and a noticeable improvement in the quality of my reading. I remember more about the books I read… and I really liked the buffer of time between books that I gave myself last month. Even though the goal was to sleep better… having the unexpected result of reading better was an added bonus!
Adjusting —
I don’t really remember the moment that it suddenly occurred to me that Sherman is getting old (he is 11) but since last fall he has struggled with ongoing and almost continual ear issues. Ear infections, inner ear problems, loss of balance, and complete hearing loss… makes for a depressed pup. I have been working on hand signals with him, but it is as slow-going as he is! He has become the “barometer” for weather changes as his stiff joints are stiffer when the weather changes. Our walks are slower because he needs a slower pace so he does not trip and fall. He is happiest when we are close… and so of course he remains the best “sit and knit” companion on the planet!
Re-adjusting —
In January, I tried something “new” with my calendar/word journals… and it has been an epic failure. (Apparently teaching this “old dog” something new is as challenging as it is for Sherman!) Anyways… Yesterday, I removed the word journals from my calendar notebook and put them back in their “word notebook” and it felt so right! I got February all caught up and started March. I need to remind myself that sometimes the way I do things is the “best way” and I don’t need to fiddle with it! (Not always, but sometimes!)
And there you have it… a peek into what I am focused on right now! See you all back here on Wednesday!
Happy Monday, everyone!
It sounds like you have found/are finding what works for you (and Sherman)! I seem to go through cycles with reading; sometimes I have lots of books lined up and read continuously, and other times I have big stretches between books. I think I like the latter better, so I can think about what I’ve read. Sleeping better and reading better sound like big wins!
So glad to read that you are sleeping better. I had a rough night last night, but I know why (going to bed right after watching a movie, too warm, etc., etc.). It is chillier here today than I was hoping/thinking its would be. Best of luck with the hand signals for Sherman. Watching a pet – or a human – age, is not always easy.
Awww….it is hard getting older whether you are human or pup. Hope he has a good day today.
I have cut out any night time screen time and I have seen a difference in my sleep. Not every night is a winner, but more are without the screens in my face.
Poor Sherman — I suppose our pets have their struggles with getting older just like we do! I know you’re looking out for him and getting him the best care, though.
I’m glad to hear that changing up your reading routine has made for better sleep. I’ve gotten into a pattern where my before-bed reading is often on paper. I don’t know if it truly makes a difference for me, personally, but it feels like it’s better for me than staring at a screen more.
I’m glad to hear you are sleeping better, that’s great news! And getting your journals set up the way that works best for you is very personal, good for you for recognizing what wasn’t working and fixing it.
I too am glad you have found some solutions for insomnia. I do best if I shut down the screens at least an hour before bed. I am impressed with your systematic approach to baking with sourdough. Well done. It’s hard to adjust to aging all the way around. I hope you have many more good days with Sherman.
What a sleep/read win!
I’ve known a few pugs with inner ear challenges — it seems like an especially difficult hurdle. Our Newfie is 12 1/2. His vision and hearing are both so impaired that now we have to gently touch him to communicate. I know what you mean–that realization that, suddenly, they’re old. Sending him love.
Well I wouldn’t have equated Kindle’s with poor sleep and reading. So glad one change sorted two things. Sorry to read about your dog, cherish everyday.
It never hurts to try something new, Kat. (And then not beat ourselves up when it doesn’t work the way we’d hoped. . . ) And I was amazed a few years ago when I discovered that, for me, reading less = reading better. Like you, I realized that I retained more and enjoyed the reading more when I gave myself a little space to breathe and think between books. JoJo . . . is also 11. And definitely slowing down. Sigh. XO
Frodo is 14 (!!!) and the vet wanted him on some kind of pain management so he is on a low dose of gabapentin and it has done a world of good, it does help with his arthritis and his anxiety. Thought I’d share with you. Frodo is DEAF and we use hand signals as well, it took a while before he caught on. I agree with you, they make the best knitting buddies ever.