New and Experienced Climbers Over 50 #14

Frank, I'm so sorry to hear this. I visited your website and it is full of the emotions that only another person in battle could understand.  So glad you're putting it out there.

I don't know you well, but I browsed a bit to see earlier posts in other places... so I know you've got gumption and you can be a force of nature.  On this last day of 2020, perhaps this, too, can be in your rear view mirror.  Fight on, let's believe your best is yet to come.  Please keep us posted whenever you feel like it.    

I've been having a ball here in Josh, roaming far and wide in the Park... every climbing day learning something new.  I climbed yesterday in probably the one area that was warm... just dress in layers so you can peel them on or off as needed.  Every route seems to go better the 2nd time, 3rd time... and so we just climb.  I can see where this is going, finally... 

I bumped into rgold's original "How To Get Asked On A Second Date"...and had to laugh.  I think the first time I read it, 2+ years ago?, I said I needed therapy.  Today I understand most of it... could actually DO most of it.  It's nice to have a measure of progress.  And rgold said "The relatively slow mastery of various aspects of climbing that you and I enjoyed has now been drastically truncated, with the result that people are getting on moderately challenging routes with none of the simple skills and procedures previous generations learned over time."  

There it is.  It is a slow process.  Fortunately, I never expected to just tie in and go... but sometimes it is VERY slow.  

---------------

On the New Year's List is to get those raised beds going.  Was it perhaps Russ who had experience with this?  I'm not going to attempt to build these on my own, so I put a question out on Next Door.  One guy said "Sunken beds are the only way to go out here... saves water, keeps plants cool."  https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/sunken-gardens.htm

"Sunken gardens help conserve or divert water, alleviating runoff and allowing water to soak into the ground. They also provide adequate cooling for plant roots. Since water runs down hill, sunken gardens are created to “catch” available moisture as water runs down the edges and onto the plants below."

I'm still thinking raised beds, with a cover that can be lifted open is the way to go.  

it was a wee bit cold and windy where we were yesterday. 

frank minunniwrote:

Cancer again

Hi out there.  Some of you know me, most don’t I assume but I’ve come down with cancer for the fourth time.  
I’ve started a website in hopes of providing hope and support to those with cancer and those supporting them.

Please stop by and let me know what you think.

Frank

fightingcanceragain.com

I'm sorry to hear that, Frank. Amazing website. That will really help some people. You're an inspiration. 

Lori, poke around in your local Extension office stuff. That's where Master Gardener programs and a whole lot more, reside. It's usually part of the land grant universities, and is USDA. Research, farming, food, nutrition, education. You may even find classes that are fun! I've both presented (seed saving) and attended (garden and cooking). I've also done "what's this bug???" with them.

https://ucanr.edu/sites/anrstaff/Cooperative_Extension/

You will likely find more info than you would ever expect, and, the opportunity to ask questions. The people on the other end live for this, lol!

Nick, your photos always make me jealous of the climbing you're on! 

Best, Helen

Lori Milaswrote:

.....Really, the most pressing need is finding a solution to the glare that comes off the rocks when I'm climbing.  I seriously think I'm burning my eyes.  

So, I'll be getting polarized, UV protected prescription sunglasses with a good magnification for the rock.  But she also sent me home with the directions: "Avoid air conditioners, heat, wind, cold."  Hmmm.    

Does anyone else need glasses when climbing, and if so, what have you found to manage glare and sun damage?

Lori... get some Polarized, UV protected prescription sunglasses! But work with your optometrist to get the “up close” to be down around your feet. That’s were you need to be able to see details... 

Like these... 

If you’re getting out on snow you can add side blocks... 

Frank- best of luck to you, you’re in my prayers. 

Guy Keeseewrote:

Lori... get some Polarized, UV protected prescription sunglasses! But work with your optometrist to get the “up close” to be down around your feet. That’s were you need to be able to see details... 

Oh my gosh, Guy!  SHIT! Another thing I should have known. The optometrist asked me to show her specifically how far I need to see.  I held my hand about 12-18 inches in front of my face and her prescription is based on that.  You are right... it’s the crimps above and the edges below that count.  I think I have to start over.  Thank you! 

Dude Man wrote:

Personally want to thank the angels of this thread that kept my interest.

Old Lady H - for being yourself 

Rgold - for imparting wisdom regarding life/climbing 

Please please please please, I hope this is not a statement of your intent.  If you are contemplating suicide, PLEASE call a help line.  

I am so relieved to hear this. Thank you for easing my mind, and fir your kind words. I’ve lost people to suicide. It’s haunting.
I miss Supertopo too. Happy New Year!

Dude Man wrote:

Rest easy phylp. I’m not checking out yet. And thank you for your concern. I’ve known too many people that have unfortunately checked out by their own hand (5) and yet I believe Kevorkian was on to something important.

Like choosing when to go. That choice should be legal.

You are another of the angels here, I’ve always appreciated your content.

Sad to see another good website go down the shitter.

Supertopo was great, so was MP. Not anymore.

You are a real gem. Thanks

MP is a community. People. Individuals. Some of us meet each other, eventually, some of us never meet. 

But? 

I have cared very deeply for many here, including a few never met face to face. 

And mourned losses. Losses that we share. Because that's how climbing is. People. 

Whatever it is you are going through? You are hardly alone. And? People care.

Even people you may never have met.

.............

As it happens? I am just about to leave the house for a long walk.

First stop? 

The vet. I will be picking up the ashes of the other old cat, who was put to sleep last week. There is still the sweet little outdoor kitty, but this one is the last of the long line of cats that have lived here. 

The next stop?

The cemetery.

I plan to leave this legacy cat's ashes at my husband's grave. The first cat of his, in this house, was 1980. She is the last.

So?

Today I cry. Lay quite a lot of losses to rest. Mourn everything. All of it. 

Good riddance to fucking 2020.

After? 

I walk on.

Best to all, Helen

A long time ago, when I was enjoying a New Years in Josh, I woke up really early at sunrise, the wind was howling so I went for a walk. At the top of Intersection Rock I came to a realization... “nothing changes on New Years Day” ??!!

Happy New Year to you all!!

Be well 

@ Frank- sorry to hear your news. We met at Wake Up Wall several years ago and in the back of may mind I always thought we'd get a chance to climb  together on one of our trips to Red Rocks. I still hope that happens. Good luck with your treatment. 

@ Lori- I have experimented a lot with my contact lenses wrt improving distance vs near vision. I try to optimize distance vision, but realized, as Guy mentioned above, that being able to see your feet clearly is critical. I don't trad climb, so not an issue for me, but I find seeing gear placements hard too, if I optimize distance. Otoh, if you give up some distance vision you can get more near...

It's a trade off that's easier to tune with contacts, unless you can get loaner glasses?

frank minunniwrote:

Cancer again

Hi out there.  Some of you know me, most don’t I assume but I’ve come down with cancer for the fourth time.  
I’ve started a website in hopes of providing hope and support to those with cancer and those supporting them.

Please stop by and let me know what you think.

Frank

fightingcanceragain.com

Very good of you to start a website like this Frank. I lost my brother a few years ago and relied heavily on the support of others to help me through it. Your site will provide another avenue of understanding and support for many. 

Your willingness to open up reminds me of the honest and touching thread a few years back by s.price titled Solitary Refinement. Truly inspiring. 

I don't post here often but know we are all here for you if needed.

Andrew

Thanks to all for the encouragement.  I'm hoping the site helps at least one person.

frank minunniwrote:

Thanks to all for the encouragement.  I'm hoping the site helps at least one person.

Frank? Based on feedback I have gotten on hard stuff I've shared, on and off of here?

You have already helped. And more than you know.

Gimmel's ashes standing in for each of the cats...

And the people, too. It's good to acknowledge pain, but it's also good to carry it forward as simply a part of the big, glorious, messy thing we call living.

Literally and symbolically walking away, yet carrying it all with me. 

I really like that it chose to happen at the very end of 2020. Yeah, New Year's is just a day on one particular calendar (I operate in the Jewish calendar also), but still.

Best wishes for 2021, all! Come climb at City of Rocks with me! 

OLH

Like watching me puke after doing route? LOL

Old Lady H you are barefoot!  I climb barefoot quite a bit.  Not many of us. 

Ward Smithwrote:

Old Lady H you are barefoot!  I climb barefoot quite a bit.  Not many of us. 

Bit of an understatement...

Pretty fantastic group of folks on here