New Physical Therapy

Two weeks ago I started physical therapy (again) for my tendonitis. I've been so busy I haven't had time tor write about it. It's hard to fit physical therapy into my work schedule, but my arm has been hurting too much for me to wait until the semester is over.

Good news! I had an evaluation today and the physical therapy is clearly working (there's measurable improvement in my flexibility and grip strength, there is less swelling, and, best of all, there's a lot less pain)!

What are we doing differently this time? In addition to the usual stuff (stretching, strengthening, cross-frictional massage, and ultrasound treatment), the therapist is using a low-level pulsed-laser treatment to promote healing. This is sort of new and no one in Flint does this kind of therapy, so I'm going to Lansing twice a week. It's worth it! It doesn't hurt and is effective 80% of the time. Based on how well it's working so far, I'm hoping it will mean an end to my chronic tendonitis!

A Long Winter

Ooo! Look! The first sign of spring in Michigan: the deer are starting to move around:


















Several people e-mailed me this funny picture and I couldn't resist including it here.

This winter has been unusually cold and snowy, like "winter when I was growing up" everyone keeps saying. I found the reason why in meteorologist Mark Torregrossa's column in Tuesday's Flint Journal (Feb. 3):

We know it's been snowy this winter, and it was certainly very snowy last year. The two combined have made for a record. For the calendar year of 2008, a record was set for the most snow in one year. MBS [Midland Bay City Saginaw] Airport near Freeland had 102.5 inches of snow. To do what I attribute this large amount of the white stuff? I believe we are in what I call a cyclical stormy pattern caused by the temperature pattern of the Pacific Ocean. I'm talking about the north half of the Pacific. This pattern is thought to last over 20 years by researchers. That doesn't mean every year is going to be snowy, but we may have above-normal snow for another 10 years or so.

That makes sense! It was very snowy when I was growing up but it hasn't been for the last 20 years, until now. I don't mind, after all this what winter is SUPPOSED to be like.

Yesterday the February thaw hit. It was 45 and everyone was out enjoying the weather WITHOUT coats. Today it's still warm (in the mid-30s) and the most of the snow has melted. I took advantage of the weather and finally took down my outside Christmas lights. I know spring isn't really here (colder temps and more snow are predicted for the end of the week) but winter gets really hard after a taste of spring.

Tenth Life Fundraiser

Tenth Life is a no-kill shelter that provides love, medical care, and homes for homeless cats. Kitties live in foster homes until they are adopted; funds are always needed for medical care.

Even small donations help! If you can't attend the concert, but would like to make a tax-deductible donation send a check to:

Tenth Life
3415 Hull
Flint, MI 48507

The kitties appreciate your support!

6 More Weeks of Winter

In today's news: Groundhog Day: Phil Sees Shadow, Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter.





















Dear Phil,

Since winter is here to stay, can you arrange for a couple of snow for us? Thanks.

Your friends in Michigan