Life is a Journey – Page 155 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

Living with Arthritis – Update

Posted on April 5, 2012November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Thankfully, things have improved since my last post on living with arthritis.

As you might know a month ago I saw a dietician and started to cut down and dramatically decrease the amount of nasty additives and preservatives in my diet. Almost immediately there was a tremendous improvement with my arthritis. My pains levels went from 5-7 to 2-3 on a daily basis. It has meant reading food labels, making more things at home (which has been possible due to reduced pain levels) and eliminating some foods from my diet – at least on a daily basis. Hence I have not had one iced chocolate or packet biscuit in a month. It’s really not been too hard and it’s a bit scary to think that these food additives have contributed to cause me so much pain.

I started walking my dogs again, alternating with riding my bike so my heal spur doesn’t get too sore.

I half felt unwell (upset tummy) a few times after I had eaten out – I assume due to consuming more preservatives and additives than I’m used to. Other than that it had been a really great 4 weeks. So much so I went to my doc to decrease my meds. But, of course, the day after I had a bit of a flair. I saw the dietician again last week and she assured me this might happen from time to time.

Unfortunately I’m in the middle of another flair – this one lasting a few days. Not sure if it’s because of the hot, humid weather or that I’ve been overdoing things or just one of those things. I’m not happy though. We are headed to the Easter show tomorrow and I don’t know how I’m going to manage. I really feel uncomfortable about using the wheelchair that Kevin got for me when things were really bad, but I don’t know how I”m going to manage otherwise. Still so much to understand and learn about this disease.

On the positive side I’ve gotten back into almost daily exercise and I’ve lost 3.5kgs :-).

The Week that was

Posted on April 3, 2012November 7, 2026 by Libby Withnall

It was the week that all about beautiful skies and lovely, warm days. Summer has finally arrived….just a few months late.

I’ve been alternating between riding and walking and love going to the lake each day.

It’s just magical.

It was the week I got some fun mail – planning books and a DVD for Disneyworld….

I got even more excited when I saw that it was personalized. Gotta love those Disney touches…..

It was the week we went to Jamberoo….

and enjoyed a nice cheese and fruit platter for afternoon tea…

And this week it’s Rosie’s turn to be the featured Goldie…

It was also the week I didn’t seem to take a lot of photos…. besides a day in my life :-).

Family Fun Day at Jamberoo

Posted on April 2, 2012November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Finally the weather co-operated and we were able to get to Jamberoo Action Park. We’ve had the worst Summer but so far a brilliant Autumn. For some unknown reason I have hardly any photos to share. Maybe I was having too much fun or too relaxed.

We discovered that half the park now has heated water which was just gorgeous. Kevin and I were too chicken to brave the unheated part but the girls did. And Christy was thrilled to discover that she is now tall enough to ride the tobaggons by herself – which of course she did a number of time.

The girls have been getting on really well this week and it makes me so happy to see them enjoy spending time with one another.

Unfortunately it clouded over and cooled down around 2pm and we ended up leaving around 3.30pm

Until next Summer…..

A day in my life – 31st March, 2012

Posted on April 1, 2012November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Had a bit of sleep in this morning and didn’t get up until nearly 7am (yes, that’s definitely a sleep in for me). In fact I really only got up because Kevin was up getting ready. Kevin had called the dogs up so it was nice getting to snuggle with them.

Unfortunately Bailey decided to rub himself all over the bed and he was having so much fun I didn’t stop him…… oops…. lucky our bedding is getting due to be replaced….

After letting the dogs out it was time for a cup of tea

before saying goodbye to Amy and Kevin who were heading off for some more diving training.

Then some computer time. Got sidetracked watching Enrique videos.

Christy finally woke up just before 9am so I made her some french toast for breakfast.

then headed out with the dogs on the trike. Such a gorgeous day.

After the dogs workout it was time for my workout. 15mins interval training on the exercise bike.

While Christy did some yoga…

and the dogs recovered from their run.

Time for a green smoothie while I cooled down…

and to hang out our bedding. Luckily I found a spare bottom sheet in the linen cupboard (Kevin bought a few cheap spare ones when Bailey was a destroying streak a while ago).

Not sure why but the pups love to lie beside the house in the sun.

I went up to have my shower and get dressed. Just I was finishing up around 11am I heard Kevin and Amy arrive back. They got to work washing all the scuba gear.

Amy is now officially an open water diver. So proud of her. She’s done really well with the course and managing her gear. And I love that Kevin and her have something special to do together.

I made myself a shopping list and Christy and I headed out. First stop was to return some library books.

Then to the supermarket. Christy’s mission was to see what she could buy with the money we would have given her for showbags. After researching the other night we realized they aren’t very good value these days and she could do much better buying EXACTLY what she wanted from the supermarket. This will last her for the whole of the school holidays and she’s so happy with her haul – which she isn’t allowed to touch until the Easter Show on Friday.

Groceries done, there was a stop at Bakers Delight before we headed home.

I got things put away and made lunch – which starred a very delicious baguette.

Kevin and the girls headed out to get a few things and I sat and put my feet up for a bit. Later I made some popcorn.

Kevin dropped the girls home and headed back out. Christy got to work on her project. Don’t you love the little hammer that Kevin got her?

I whipped up a batch of carrot cake muffins – healthy and yummy – I’ll share the recipe soon.

I also made some almond milk….

and cut up watermelon for everyone to eat. Kevin and Amy worked on a trident for a mufty day costume.

I fed the chooks and collected eggs. 15 today. Only 9 chickens so I must have missed collection yesterday :-).

I started dinner. Lisa’s Honey Pumpkin Risotto – which is now a family favourite.

Yum.

Okay, it’s actually not everyone’s favourite. We’ve been getting tough with Christy and making her eat ALL the dinner I serve her (which isn’t very much). She now has the choice between eating dinner or going to bed early. She almost went to bed tonight, but being family night and knowing we had ice-cream for dessert, she finally ate it all. While we were waiting for her to finish (you can see her at the table) I sorted out my magazines.

I then got into my pjs and painted my nails China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy (flurescent orange – much to Amy’s disgust). Then finally it was time for movie night. Having watched Back to the Future I and II last weeken it was time for no. III.

Midway through we had intermission for some ice cream. I haven’t had any for nearly a month so it was very much enjoyed, esp as it came with an Easter egg.

After the movie everyone headed up to bed. I let the dogs out and got the kitchen all cleaned up. LOVE when it looks like this.

I ended up starting a new book – The Lance Mackey (of Iditarod fame) Story – which I bought in Alaska last year. Such a fascinating man. Loving the book so far. Had to force myself to put it down around 11pm.