Midway depression

[Guest guest]

Hi Stan,

Besides England, I have lived in Germany, West Africa, Cyprus, and now Israel - but I've never been to the USA. I've passed through the Canary Islands briefly, back in the early 1950s, when Las Palmas was a port of call for the Elder Dempster liners sailing between England and West Africa. Also travelled across Europe a couple of times, en route between Cyprus and England. And travelled a bit in Greece. That's the extent of my wanderings.

At this moment, I just got back from walking to the nearest general store and back - had to buy a few essential supplies (bread, milk and beer - nothing stronger!) It's only about 10-15 minutes walk each way normally - but I feel exhausted! - as if I just completed a 20 mile hike. It's a hot day as usual here - I'm soaked with sweat and feel half-melted. My muscles are aching less than last week - but it still feels depressing to be hobbling around on a walking stick..... I have to remind myself to be patient, that I'm still less than 3 weeks post-surgery and probably doing very well considering.... and that one day I *will* walk normally again.....

My first few days at home were euphoric (once I got past the fever and swollen leg stage). It felt so good simply to be at home! dressed normally, able to stand on my legs, and with all my home comforts at hand..... This week I'm feeling more depressed... the solitude, being more-or-less housebound (not allowed to travel in a car)... My home-help comes in for an hour each morning, apart from that I'm alone (with my calico cat Ishtar). My days are spent alternating between computer, television, and armchair with book; plus occasional phone-chat with friends (who are all busy with work and their families, so I don't like to impose too much). And I get down to the garden once a day, to water what hasn't already died from the summer heat, and to feed my goldfish. Only just over 3 weeks to go to my 6-week checkup with the surgeon on 31st August - when hopefully I shall be liberated from the restrictions and able to return to normal life!!! My car is standing just across the road - I am itching to get in it and drive!!!!! and to get to the swimming pool.......

Margaret - beginning the countdown to release from my solitary house-confinement.....

----- Original Message -----

Thanks, Margaret, for the interesting response. It appears that you and I both have led fairly adventurous lives. Kansas was never like this, was it Dorothy?I've lived in four states in the US, and three countries in Europe--Gran Canaria, Spain; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and now the south of France. My feet seem to be getting itchy again, so who knows what's next? Maybe it's just because I have trouble washing them!Oh, yes, we must make my collie dog, Frimousse, Popecane.

[Guest guest]

Patience, Margaret. This, too, will pass. Depression and doubt, in

my judgment, are a normal and necessary part of the process that we

go though. You're not unique.

Don't you feel better when you know others are suffering as you are?

You don't? Neither do I. Well, sometimes I do. I'm not sure.

As usual, I'm confused. Choices, choices, choices. With all the

confusion in my head, its amazing that I found my way to France.

Actually, it was quite simple. I merely turned right off of the

turnpike (freeway, expressway, carriage way, autobahn, autoroute,

autostrada, autopista, road), and there I was!

Sounds as though you, too, have been a bit of a Gitane during your

life. It's fun living in different cultures when your mind is open,

isn't it?

The Canary Islands, as have many paradises, has been plundered and

raped by an over-run of tourists. However, there are still some

delightful areas in non-tourist sections.

However, if like many German and English tourists that go there, you

merely want sun, beer, and discos--nothing else--the coastal regions

of the Canaries are for you.

When I lived there I belonged to a mountaineering group that hiked

in beautiful, non-touristy, natural areas in the mountains. I

enjoyed that. There was an old French guy in the group with an

artificial hip that used to go along for the seven-hour hikes. Maybe

there's also hope for us!

Keep a stiff upper whatever, Margaret!!!

Ciao

Staninfr

> Hi Stan,

>

> Besides England, I have lived in Germany, West Africa, Cyprus, and

now Israel - but I've never been to the USA. I've passed through

the Canary Islands briefly, back in the early 1950s, when Las Palmas

was a port of call for the Elder Dempster liners sailing between

England and West Africa. Also travelled across Europe a couple of

times, en route between Cyprus and England. And travelled a bit in

Greece. That's the extent of my wanderings.

>

> At this moment, I just got back from walking to the nearest

general store and back - had to buy a few essential supplies (bread,

milk and beer - nothing stronger!) It's only about 10-15 minutes

walk each way normally - but I feel exhausted! - as if I just

completed a 20 mile hike. It's a hot day as usual here - I'm soaked

with sweat and feel half-melted. My muscles are aching less than

last week - but it still feels depressing to be hobbling around on a

walking stick..... I have to remind myself to be patient, that I'm

still less than 3 weeks post-surgery and probably doing very well

considering.... and that one day I *will* walk normally again.....

>

> My first few days at home were euphoric (once I got past the fever

and swollen leg stage). It felt so good simply to be at home!

dressed normally, able to stand on my legs, and with all my home

comforts at hand..... This week I'm feeling more depressed... the

solitude, being more-or-less housebound (not allowed to travel in a

car)... My home-help comes in for an hour each morning, apart from

that I'm alone (with my calico cat Ishtar). My days are spent

alternating between computer, television, and armchair with book;

plus occasional phone-chat with friends (who are all busy with work

and their families, so I don't like to impose too much). And I get

down to the garden once a day, to water what hasn't already died

from the summer heat, and to feed my goldfish. Only just over 3

weeks to go to my 6-week checkup with the surgeon on 31st August -

when hopefully I shall be liberated from the restrictions and able

to return to normal life!!! My car is standing just across the

road - I am itching to get in it and drive!!!!! and to get to the

swimming pool.......

>

> Margaret - beginning the countdown to release from my solitary

house-confinement.....

> ----- Original Message -----

>

>

> Thanks, Margaret, for the interesting response. It appears that

you

> and I both have led fairly adventurous lives. Kansas was never

like

> this, was it Dorothy?

>

> I've lived in four states in the US, and three countries in

Europe--

> Gran Canaria, Spain; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and now the

south

> of France. My feet seem to be getting itchy again, so who knows

> what's next? Maybe it's just because I have trouble washing them!

>

> Oh, yes, we must make my collie dog, Frimousse, Popecane.

[Guest guest]

> My first few days at home were euphoric (once I got past the fever

and swollen leg stage). It felt so good simply to be at home! dressed

normally, able to stand on my legs, and with all my home comforts at

hand..... This week I'm feeling more depressed... the solitude,

being more-or-less housebound (not allowed to travel in a car)... My

home-help comes in for an hour each morning, apart from that I'm

alone (with my calico cat Ishtar). My days are spent alternating

between computer, television, and armchair with book; plus occasional

phone-chat with friends (who are all busy with work and their

families, so I don't like to impose too much). And I get down to the

garden once a day, to water what hasn't already died from the summer

heat, and to feed my goldfish. Only just over 3 weeks to go to my 6-

week checkup with the surgeon on 31st August - when hopefully I shall

be liberated from the restrictions and able to return to normal

life!!! My car is standing just across the road - I am itching to

get in it and drive!!!!! and to get to the swimming pool.......

>

> Margaret - beginning the countdown to release from my solitary

house-confinement.....

Hi Margaret,

Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well traveled

as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit

here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?

The other surprise, was that you are depressed. I know it is very

common during recovery, at some point. But for some reason, I guess

I thought you may be immume from it. Don't know why I would think

that, maybe I have imigined you with some kind of super powers since

you have done so well since your surgery, and are generally so

acomplished. My after surgery plans during recovery are very similar

to yours, computer, t.v., reading, etc. With a few exceptions. The

closest store to me is about 2 miles, up and down two hugh hills,

both ways. I don't feel I will be able to walk them, with groceries

no less, during recovery, and will have to reley on friends for

that. So I may be even more " house bound " . But one project that I

do plan to work on is getting all my pictures in albums. I got

behind a few years ago, and have just been dreading trying to catch

up. I started looking at some scrappbooking info, just to help me do

a slightly better job than I did before. Not to turn into one of

those scrappbooking nuts, that lives and breathes it. (no offence to

any scrappbooking nuts out there). Anyhow, since I have been looking

at the stuff and getting ideas, I have become inspired, and now am

looking forward, instead of dreading the project.

Anything like that you could get into? Supplies are needed, but you

could order anything you need on the web. while you are " stuck at

home " . Normally the only thing that is not physically demanding and

really captures my attention, is reading true crime books. For some

reason, right after surgery, I feel the blood and guts aspect of them

may be more disturbing than usual.

Hang in there, you are doing great, with your tiny little incicion,

(I am jealous of that), and you are about half way to freedom.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/9/2004 12:46:42 PM Central Standard Time, susanoops@... writes:

1. Surprised as well traveled as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?

_____

I tried to get her to Florida last year, so she'd better say Florida to see y.

But I understand, Margaret. Being unable to get out and go whereever when you want to drives me nuts too......when I have my car in the garage even makes me crazy.

But you could do a few translations and start writing your book.

y

[Guest guest]

Stan:

" there was an old French guy in the group with an

artificial hip that used to go along for the seven-hour hikes. Maybe

there's also hope for us! "

For our 30th wedding anniversary, this past Feb., we went to St.,

USVI. We hiked every day, but only 2-3 hour hikes. My husband's new

hip was a year old then. It was pretty rugged terrain for us. On one

hike my husband was taking some pictures, and I turned around just in

time to see him catch his foot on a root and fall onto his THP side! I

nearly had heart failure, thinking there were no hospitals on the

island, and he was probably dislocating his hip. But he got up, brushed

off, and continued on the hike!

Next year you will be rollerblading down the alps!

Marilyn

>

>--

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Stan,

That was nice what you said to Margaret , I can't picture what its like to live in French .

I'm part french candian Indian someday I liked to go somewhere and meet Indians .

The closest I come to where the Indians use to live is in the bad lands that was something to see. Well you take care.

Susie Stan <sagebush2020@...> wrote:

Patience, Margaret. This, too, will pass. Depression and doubt, in my judgment, are a normal and necessary part of the process that we go though. You're not unique. Don't you feel better when you know others are suffering as you are? You don't? Neither do I. Well, sometimes I do. I'm not sure. As usual, I'm confused. Choices, choices, choices. With all the confusion in my head, its amazing that I found my way to France. Actually, it was quite simple. I merely turned right off of the turnpike (freeway, expressway, carriage way, autobahn, autoroute, autostrada, autopista, road), and there I was!Sounds as though you, too, have been a bit of a Gitane during your life. It's fun living in different cultures when your mind is open, isn't it?The Canary Islands, as have many paradises, has been plundered and raped by

an over-run of tourists. However, there are still some delightful areas in non-tourist sections. However, if like many German and English tourists that go there, you merely want sun, beer, and discos--nothing else--the coastal regions of the Canaries are for you.When I lived there I belonged to a mountaineering group that hiked in beautiful, non-touristy, natural areas in the mountains. I enjoyed that. There was an old French guy in the group with an artificial hip that used to go along for the seven-hour hikes. Maybe there's also hope for us!Keep a stiff upper whatever, Margaret!!!CiaoStaninfr> Hi Stan,> > Besides England, I have lived in Germany, West Africa, Cyprus, and now Israel - but I've never been to the USA. I've passed through the Canary Islands

briefly, back in the early 1950s, when Las Palmas was a port of call for the Elder Dempster liners sailing between England and West Africa. Also travelled across Europe a couple of times, en route between Cyprus and England. And travelled a bit in Greece. That's the extent of my wanderings.> > At this moment, I just got back from walking to the nearest general store and back - had to buy a few essential supplies (bread, milk and beer - nothing stronger!) It's only about 10-15 minutes walk each way normally - but I feel exhausted! - as if I just completed a 20 mile hike. It's a hot day as usual here - I'm soaked with sweat and feel half-melted. My muscles are aching less than last week - but it still feels depressing to be hobbling around on a walking stick..... I have to remind myself to be patient, that I'm still less than 3 weeks post-surgery and probably doing very well considering.... and that

one day I *will* walk normally again.....> > My first few days at home were euphoric (once I got past the fever and swollen leg stage). It felt so good simply to be at home! dressed normally, able to stand on my legs, and with all my home comforts at hand..... This week I'm feeling more depressed... the solitude, being more-or-less housebound (not allowed to travel in a car)... My home-help comes in for an hour each morning, apart from that I'm alone (with my calico cat Ishtar). My days are spent alternating between computer, television, and armchair with book; plus occasional phone-chat with friends (who are all busy with work and their families, so I don't like to impose too much). And I get down to the garden once a day, to water what hasn't already died from the summer heat, and to feed my goldfish. Only just over 3 weeks to go to my 6-week checkup with the surgeon on 31st August - when

hopefully I shall be liberated from the restrictions and able to return to normal life!!! My car is standing just across the road - I am itching to get in it and drive!!!!! and to get to the swimming pool.......> > Margaret - beginning the countdown to release from my solitary house-confinement.....> ----- Original Message ----- > > > Thanks, Margaret, for the interesting response. It appears that you > and I both have led fairly adventurous lives. Kansas was never like > this, was it Dorothy?> > I've lived in four states in the US, and three countries in Europe--> Gran Canaria, Spain; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and now the south > of France. My feet seem to be getting itchy again, so who knows > what's next? Maybe it's just because I have

trouble washing them!> > Oh, yes, we must make my collie dog, Frimousse, Popecane.

[Guest guest]

Marilyn

I was sitting on the edge of my chair reading about your husband's

fall on his operated hip. Ouf! I was glad to read that all went

well. I love mountain hiking, but that is probably as risky, or more

risky, than rollerblading.

,if you are reading this post--you good naturedly advised me

to not try to prove things to others.

I truly don't. I believe that I only try to prove things to myself,

in general. Nor was I competitive in one-on-one sports. I would

often play tennis or ping-pong with my opposite hand/arm so that the

opponent would have more of a chance. Ain't I a nice guy?

Ciao

Staninfr

> Stan:

> " there was an old French guy in the group with an

> artificial hip that used to go along for the seven-hour hikes.

Maybe

> there's also hope for us! "

>

>

> For our 30th wedding anniversary, this past Feb., we went to

St.,

> USVI. We hiked every day, but only 2-3 hour hikes. My husband's

new

> hip was a year old then. It was pretty rugged terrain for us. On

one

> hike my husband was taking some pictures, and I turned around just

in

> time to see him catch his foot on a root and fall onto his THP

side! I

> nearly had heart failure, thinking there were no hospitals on the

> island, and he was probably dislocating his hip. But he got up,

brushed

> off, and continued on the hike!

>

> Next year you will be rollerblading down the alps!

>

> Marilyn

>

>

>

> >

> >--

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Susie

You said, " I can't picture what its like to live in French.¨ [sic]

Imagining what it's like to live in another country is probably

difficult. It really depends on the person more than the country, in

my opinion.

I've known some English and German people for whom living in another

country was not much different from living in their own country.

They seldom had contact socially with the natives, they never tried

to learn the language, and they even continued to eat exactly as

they did in their own countries.

That's their right, but it doesn't really provide them with an

enriching cultural experience, I believe.

A number of English people live in the medieval village near where I

live. I sometimes see them when I go into a cafe there. I always

speak in French, since I've discovered that I can't improve my

facility in the language without using it.

The English to whom I'm referring do speak French. However, when

I've spoken in French to them, they've sometimes responded, " Why are

you speaking in French. "

I usually respond with, " Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were in France! "

Once an Irish acquantance whom I knew from my rollerblading

activities phoned me. He was in a store, and he wanted me to speak

to the clerk to find out the price of something he wanted to buy. He

has lived 17 years in France, and he still doesn't understand the

numbers!

To some, I might seem narrow-minded. However, I personally like to

feel the culture of a country that I live in. And speaking the

language is essential to understanding the culture and people.

A bientòt

Staninfr

> > Hi Stan,

> >

> > Besides England, I have lived in Germany, West Africa, Cyprus,

and

> now Israel - but I've never been to the USA. I've passed through

> the Canary Islands briefly, back in the early 1950s, when Las

Palmas

> was a port of call for the Elder Dempster liners sailing between

> England and West Africa. Also travelled across Europe a couple of

> times, en route between Cyprus and England. And travelled a bit in

> Greece. That's the extent of my wanderings.

> >

> > At this moment, I just got back from walking to the nearest

> general store and back - had to buy a few essential supplies

(bread,

> milk and beer - nothing stronger!) It's only about 10-15 minutes

> walk each way normally - but I feel exhausted! - as if I just

> completed a 20 mile hike. It's a hot day as usual here - I'm

soaked

> with sweat and feel half-melted. My muscles are aching less than

> last week - but it still feels depressing to be hobbling around on

a

> walking stick..... I have to remind myself to be patient, that I'm

> still less than 3 weeks post-surgery and probably doing very well

> considering.... and that one day I *will* walk normally again.....

> >

> > My first few days at home were euphoric (once I got past the

fever

> and swollen leg stage). It felt so good simply to be at home!

> dressed normally, able to stand on my legs, and with all my home

> comforts at hand..... This week I'm feeling more depressed...

the

> solitude, being more-or-less housebound (not allowed to travel in

a

> car)... My home-help comes in for an hour each morning, apart from

> that I'm alone (with my calico cat Ishtar). My days are spent

> alternating between computer, television, and armchair with book;

> plus occasional phone-chat with friends (who are all busy with

work

> and their families, so I don't like to impose too much). And I get

> down to the garden once a day, to water what hasn't already died

> from the summer heat, and to feed my goldfish. Only just over 3

> weeks to go to my 6-week checkup with the surgeon on 31st August -

> when hopefully I shall be liberated from the restrictions and able

> to return to normal life!!! My car is standing just across the

> road - I am itching to get in it and drive!!!!! and to get to

the

> swimming pool.......

> >

> > Margaret - beginning the countdown to release from my solitary

> house-confinement.....

> > ----- Original Message -----

> >

> >

> > Thanks, Margaret, for the interesting response. It appears

that

> you

> > and I both have led fairly adventurous lives. Kansas was never

> like

> > this, was it Dorothy?

> >

> > I've lived in four states in the US, and three countries in

> Europe--

> > Gran Canaria, Spain; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and now the

> south

> > of France. My feet seem to be getting itchy again, so who

knows

> > what's next? Maybe it's just because I have trouble washing

them!

> >

> > Oh, yes, we must make my collie dog, Frimousse, Popecane.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sorry I disappointed you! No "super-powers"! I guess none of us is immune from depression, at least from time to time..... what matters is being able to get past it, rebound, not let it pull us down too much...... I'm generally quite a resilient and self-reliant person (I've been through much worse than this in my life, and survived up to now!) But indulging in the occasional little whine doesn't hurt.......

I think your plans for your recovery period are very good, especially the pictures-in-albums project. I need to do that too - I have a whole bagful of old family photos that need sorting. I forgot to mention that I have been working on my family history - sorting out documents, getting it in order, writing to cousins and family history societies, exploring the genealogy sites on the Internet..... I started a few years ago, but neglected it for a long time being busy with other stuff... so this is a good opportunity. I at last got my papers neatly sorted and arranged in files according to family surnames, so I can plan how to proceed. It's an ideal activity for this recuperation period, as it needs leisure and patience and freedom from other distractions.

Best wishes to you!

Margaret

----- Original Message -----

From: susanoops Hi Margaret, Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well traveled as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?The other surprise, was that you are depressed. I know it is very common during recovery, at some point. But for some reason, I guess I thought you may be immume from it. Don't know why I would think that, maybe I have imigined you with some kind of super powers since you have done so well since your surgery, and are generally so acomplished.

[Guest guest]

Hi Margaret.,

I think everyone who had a Hip replacement or even a Knee replacement had a case of depression I even had it four years ago and I had a hard time getting off the pain pills .

Well I hope you feel a lot better and the best of luck . I think its good to tell how you feel and not keep it bottle up. Well you take care:-)

SusieMargaret Hayon <margaret@...> wrote:

Hi ,

Sorry I disappointed you! No "super-powers"! I guess none of us is immune from depression, at least from time to time..... what matters is being able to get past it, rebound, not let it pull us down too much...... I'm generally quite a resilient and self-reliant person (I've been through much worse than this in my life, and survived up to now!) But indulging in the occasional little whine doesn't hurt.......

I think your plans for your recovery period are very good, especially the pictures-in-albums project. I need to do that too - I have a whole bagful of old family photos that need sorting. I forgot to mention that I have been working on my family history - sorting out documents, getting it in order, writing to cousins and family history societies, exploring the genealogy sites on the Internet..... I started a few years ago, but neglected it for a long time being busy with other stuff... so this is a good opportunity. I at last got my papers neatly sorted and arranged in files according to family surnames, so I can plan how to proceed. It's an ideal activity for this recuperation period, as it needs leisure and patience and freedom from other distractions.

Best wishes to you!

Margaret

----- Original Message -----

From: susanoops Hi Margaret, Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well traveled as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?The other surprise, was that you are depressed. I know it is very common during recovery, at some point. But for some reason, I guess I thought you may be immume from it. Don't know why I would think that, maybe I have imigined you with some kind of super powers since you have done so well since your surgery, and are generally so acomplished.

[Guest guest]

Hi again ,

Forgot to answer your first question. The reason I've never been to the US - quite simply, I never had any particular reason to go there! Most of the travelling I've done in my life has been in the footsteps of my family - my father worked for many years in West Africa, so the family went with him. (which got me interested in African culture at an early age... and led to my getting my first degree in African Studies....). He later worked in Cyprus, so I followed him there (and stayed on for several years after he left - living in Greek villages.....). And my coming to Israel was due to my husband's decision - he was born here (though spent most of his life in England) - when I met him (in England), his plan was to take early retirement and move back to Israel. And I went along with that... (I guess due to some crazy wanderbug in my blood.....)

I don't forsee visiting the States in the near future - can't afford it, now I'm a pensioner - am saving my money for trips to England to see my family. If I were to come..... one place would have to be Florida (otherwise y will never forgive me!). Also I have a first cousin living in Austin Texas, whom I've never met, so I'd want to visit her. Also St Louis Missouri - where my great-grandfather emigrated to about 1870 - he returned to England about 20 years later with all his family, so I have no relatives there now - but would be interested to see what traces I could find of him there. Apart from that, I have quite a few email-friends whom I've never met face-to-face, whom it would be fun to visit.... If I had unlimited money and energy, I would travel all over! But I need to conserve my resources.

Margaret

----- Original Message ----- Hi Margaret, Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well traveled as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?

[Guest guest]

Thanks Susie! Yes, it's good to be able to share.

All the best to you!

Margaret

Re: Re: Midway depression

Hi Margaret.,

I think everyone who had a Hip replacement or even a Knee replacement had a case of depression I even had it four years ago and I had a hard time getting off the pain pills .

Well I hope you feel a lot better and the best of luck . I think its good to tell how you feel and not keep it bottle up. Well you take care:-)

SusieMargaret Hayon <margaret@...> wrote:

Hi ,

Sorry I disappointed you! No "super-powers"! I guess none of us is immune from depression, at least from time to time..... what matters is being able to get past it, rebound, not let it pull us down too much...... I'm generally quite a resilient and self-reliant person (I've been through much worse than this in my life, and survived up to now!) But indulging in the occasional little whine doesn't hurt.......

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message ----- Sounds as though you, too, have been a bit of a Gitane during your life. It's fun living in different cultures when your mind is open,isn't it?

Hi Stan,

Yes it is. And like you, I always felt the need to get inside the culture of the country and to learn the language. Languages I learnt - at least partially - during my life: German [in early childhood - my father worked there after WW2], French [at school], Hausa [a West african language I studied for my first degree], Greek [picked up in Cyprus], Amharic and Ge`ez [Ethiopian languages I taught myself here in Israel], and Hebrew. I subsequently forgot most of them - the only one I can now converse fluently in is Hebrew (with a strong English accent!).

However I must admit - the older I get, the more homesick I get for England..... (yearning for roots.....) And I'm getting very lazy linguistically. My social circles here include a lot of people from English-speaking backgrounds (mostly USA and England) - and although we've all lived here many years and speak fluent Hebrew, when we get together among ourselves, we always speak English! So while I understand your enthusiasm for speaking the language of the country - I can also sympathize with my fellow British expatriates in France, who prefer to speak their own language when with other English-speakers! Having myself been an expatriate in various countries for nearly half my life, it's a complex many-faceted experience.......

Whoops - I keep forgetting this is a "hippie" list! My apologies.... So to bring us back on-topic.... I was greatly encouraged by your French hiking "hippie" companion who did 7-hour hikes. That's something I'm really looking forward to getting back to - I was always a keen hiker, and even (years ago) a leader of hiking holidays in Greece, Crete and Corfu - I became increasingly unable to hike in recent years due to the hip-pain - so that gives me a strong incentive to return to full activity.

Margaret

[Guest guest]

ly, Margaret, your post didn't surprise me a bit. Unless you

are one of the many robots in Will 's lousy new film, " I,

Robot, " you have feelings. And even one of the robots in the film

had feelings.

Ups and downs go with the hobby called " life. "

I'm nine weeks away from my hip genesis and I still feel tired

relatively easily from time to time. When I do, I lie down for about

10 minutes to recuperate.

I doubt that you're the type who will have many downs in the

recovery process.

Courage,

Staninfr

> Hi ,

> Sorry I disappointed you! No " super-powers " ! I guess none of us

is immune from depression, at least from time to time..... what

matters is being able to get past it, rebound, not let it pull us

down too much...... I'm generally quite a resilient and self-

reliant person (I've been through much worse than this in my life,

and survived up to now!) But indulging in the occasional little

whine doesn't hurt.......

>

> I think your plans for your recovery period are very good,

especially the pictures-in-albums project. I need to do that too - I

have a whole bagful of old family photos that need sorting. I forgot

to mention that I have been working on my family history - sorting

out documents, getting it in order, writing to cousins and family

history societies, exploring the genealogy sites on the

Internet..... I started a few years ago, but neglected it for a

long time being busy with other stuff... so this is a good

opportunity. I at last got my papers neatly sorted and arranged in

files according to family surnames, so I can plan how to proceed.

It's an ideal activity for this recuperation period, as it needs

leisure and patience and freedom from other distractions.

>

> Best wishes to you!

> Margaret

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: susanoops

>

>

> Hi Margaret,

>

> Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well

traveled

> as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit

> here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested

in?

>

> The other surprise, was that you are depressed. I know it is very

> common during recovery, at some point. But for some reason, I

guess

> I thought you may be immume from it. Don't know why I would think

> that, maybe I have imigined you with some kind of super powers

since

> you have done so well since your surgery, and are generally so

> acomplished.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Margaret

You will not have seen " my America " if you don't go to San

Francisco, one of the most beautiful international cities in the

world. The people there tend to be open and progressive (and hated

by the rest of the US. Just kidding, I think).

The n architecture is breathtaking. The hills also take your

breath away.

Don't go in July and August, when the flaccid fingers of the fog

furiously flows in frough the Fay, I mean through the Bay.

September 15 at 10 AM is the best time to arrive. No matter if your

a few minutes late.

Ciao

Staninfr

> Hi again ,

>

> Forgot to answer your first question. The reason I've never been

to the US - quite simply, I never had any particular reason to go

there! Most of the travelling I've done in my life has been in the

footsteps of my family - my father worked for many years in West

Africa, so the family went with him. (which got me interested in

African culture at an early age... and led to my getting my first

degree in African Studies....). He later worked in Cyprus, so I

followed him there (and stayed on for several years after he left -

living in Greek villages.....). And my coming to Israel was due to

my husband's decision - he was born here (though spent most of his

life in England) - when I met him (in England), his plan was to take

early retirement and move back to Israel. And I went along with

that... (I guess due to some crazy wanderbug in my blood.....)

>

> I don't forsee visiting the States in the near future - can't

afford it, now I'm a pensioner - am saving my money for trips to

England to see my family. If I were to come..... one place would

have to be Florida (otherwise y will never forgive me!). Also I

have a first cousin living in Austin Texas, whom I've never met, so

I'd want to visit her. Also St Louis Missouri - where my great-

grandfather emigrated to about 1870 - he returned to England about

20 years later with all his family, so I have no relatives there

now - but would be interested to see what traces I could find of him

there. Apart from that, I have quite a few email-friends whom I've

never met face-to-face, whom it would be fun to visit.... If I had

unlimited money and energy, I would travel all over! But I need to

conserve my resources.

>

> Margaret

> ----- Original Message -----

>

>

> Hi Margaret,

>

> Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well

traveled

> as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to

visit

> here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested

in?

[Guest guest]

> ----- Original Message -----

Margaret

I'm not sure if I'll get back to 7-hour hikes myself, but I hope

that 3 to 5 hour ones will be feasible. I just finished my 40-minute

walk, and I think a two-hour hike is still out of the question.

Perhaps because most of the writing I do is in English, and I do

fair amount of it, I don't feel the need to speak English the rest

of the time. I feel very comfortable here, sort of like I've

been " naturally selected, " for France.

I like the people, the culture, the food, the nature, and the desire

to maintain mmuch of the architecture and nature as it was long ago.

The French--to me--try to appreciate life. Some people feel that

they are lazy. I think not. It's just that enjoying life seems to be

equally important to them as working for life.

To Americans, taking a five-week vacation is immoral. To the French,

it is necessary for one's mental health.

I'm not talking about good or bad in different cultures--merely

differnces. I have a 26-year old son in California who works 60

hours a week and says he enjoys it. He told me that he wants to be

rich and retire when he's 45. Everyone according to their own

psychological needs, n'est-ce pas?

Regarding languages, I know British and American English quite well,

I speak French easily, have no problems conversing in Spanish, can

understand and speak a little Italian and German, and can understand

Dutch sometimes.

Ain't that special!

No, it ain't.

It's all a matter of one's interests and motivation.

(Is my punctuation correct in the word " ain't " ? I don't like to make

grammatical mistakes!)

Have a good one today in the Middle East. Are you, to use a common

American expression, in " harm's way " ?

Ciao

Staninfr

>

> Sounds as though you, too, have been a bit of a Gitane during

your

> life. It's fun living in different cultures when your mind is

open,

> isn't it?

>

> Hi Stan,

> Yes it is. And like you, I always felt the need to get inside the

culture of the country and to learn the language. Languages I

learnt - at least partially - during my life: German [in early

childhood - my father worked there after WW2], French [at school],

Hausa [a West african language I studied for my first degree], Greek

[picked up in Cyprus], Amharic and Ge`ez [Ethiopian languages I

taught myself here in Israel], and Hebrew. I subsequently forgot

most of them - the only one I can now converse fluently in is Hebrew

(with a strong English accent!).

> However I must admit - the older I get, the more homesick I get

for England..... (yearning for roots.....) And I'm getting very

lazy linguistically. My social circles here include a lot of people

from English-speaking backgrounds (mostly USA and England) - and

although we've all lived here many years and speak fluent Hebrew,

when we get together among ourselves, we always speak English! So

while I understand your enthusiasm for speaking the language of the

country - I can also sympathize with my fellow British expatriates

in France, who prefer to speak their own language when with other

English-speakers! Having myself been an expatriate in various

countries for nearly half my life, it's a complex many-faceted

experience.......

>

> Whoops - I keep forgetting this is a " hippie " list! My

apologies.... So to bring us back on-topic.... I was greatly

encouraged by your French hiking " hippie " companion who did 7-hour

hikes. That's something I'm really looking forward to getting back

to - I was always a keen hiker, and even (years ago) a leader of

hiking holidays in Greece, Crete and Corfu - I became increasingly

unable to hike in recent years due to the hip-pain - so that gives

me a strong incentive to return to full activity.

>

> Margaret

[Guest guest]

No more than anywhere else in the world. I need to take care I don't get hit by a bus when crossing the road.

Margaret

----- Original Message ----- Have a good one today in the Middle East. Are you, to use a common American expression, in "harm's way"?CiaoStaninfr

[Guest guest]

No - I just want to do "fun" things for now..... I'm researching my family history.

Margaret

----- Original Message -----

From: scottyzpt@...

_____

I tried to get her to Florida last year, so she'd better say Florida to see y.

But I understand, Margaret. Being unable to get out and go whereever when you want to drives me nuts too......when I have my car in the garage even makes me crazy.

But you could do a few translations and start writing your book.

y

[Guest guest]

That sounds reasonable to me, Margaret

SIF

> No more than anywhere else in the world. I need to take care I

don't get hit by a bus when crossing the road.

> Margaret

> ----- Original Message -----

>

> Have a good one today in the Middle East. Are you, to use a

common

> American expression, in " harm's way " ?

>

> Ciao

>

> Staninfr

[Guest guest]

Margaret: when you come to St.Louis, let me know, I am 2 hours west of

St.Louis.

Marilyn

Margaret Hayon wrote:

Hi again ,

Forgot to answer your first

question. The reason I've never been to the US - quite simply, I never

had any particular reason to go there! Most of the travelling I've

done in my life has been in the footsteps of my family - my father

worked for many years in West Africa, so the family went with him.

(which got me interested in African culture at an early age... and led

to my getting my first degree in African Studies....). He later worked

in Cyprus, so I followed him there (and stayed on for several years

after he left - living in Greek villages.....). And my coming to

Israel was due to my husband's decision - he was born here (though

spent most of his life in England) - when I met him (in England), his

plan was to take early retirement and move back to Israel. And I went

along with that... (I guess due to some crazy wanderbug in my

blood.....)

I don't forsee visiting the States

in the near future - can't afford it, now I'm a pensioner - am saving

my money for trips to England to see my family. If I were to come.....

one place would have to be Florida (otherwise y will never forgive

me!). Also I have a first cousin living in Austin Texas, whom I've

never met, so I'd want to visit her. Also St Louis Missouri - where my

great-grandfather emigrated to about 1870 - he returned to

England about 20 years later with all his family, so I have no

relatives there now - but would be interested to see what traces I

could find of him there. Apart from that, I have quite a few

email-friends whom I've never met face-to-face, whom it would be fun to

visit.... If I had unlimited money and energy, I would travel all

over! But I need to conserve my resources.

Margaret

-----

Original Message -----

Hi Margaret,

Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well traveled

as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit

here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Marilyn. It's only in my dreams at the moment!

Margaret

Re: Re: Midway depression

Margaret: when you come to St.Louis, let me know, I am 2 hours west of St.Louis. MarilynMargaret Hayon wrote:

Hi again ,

Forgot to answer your first question. The reason I've never been to the US - quite simply, I never had any particular reason to go there! Most of the travelling I've done in my life has been in the footsteps of my family - my father worked for many years in West Africa, so the family went with him. (which got me interested in African culture at an early age... and led to my getting my first degree in African Studies....). He later worked in Cyprus, so I followed him there (and stayed on for several years after he left - living in Greek villages.....). And my coming to Israel was due to my husband's decision - he was born here (though spent most of his life in England) - when I met him (in England), his plan was to take early retirement and move back to Israel. And I went along with that... (I guess due to some crazy wanderbug in my blood.....)

I don't forsee visiting the States in the near future - can't afford it, now I'm a pensioner - am saving my money for trips to England to see my family. If I were to come..... one place would have to be Florida (otherwise y will never forgive me!). Also I have a first cousin living in Austin Texas, whom I've never met, so I'd want to visit her. Also St Louis Missouri - where my great-grandfather emigrated to about 1870 - he returned to England about 20 years later with all his family, so I have no relatives there now - but would be interested to see what traces I could find of him there. Apart from that, I have quite a few email-friends whom I've never met face-to-face, whom it would be fun to visit.... If I had unlimited money and energy, I would travel all over! But I need to conserve my resources.

Margaret

----- Original Message ----- Hi Margaret, Your post surprised me a little. 1. Surprised as well traveled as you are that you have not been to the US. Any desire to visit here in the future? And if so what part would you be interested in?

[Guest guest]

(Ok Stan, you've been at the rum again - non? )

Right - we have a date. Sept 15, 10am, San Francisco. (ummm - is that a village? do we meet in the village taverna, or what?) I shall be wearing a sprig of lavender and carrying a copy of "Jerusalem Post" tucked under my left arm. ("le bras gauche"??) And *no* walking sticks!

btw - I am proud of myself today - day 20 after surgery, and I walked all the way down the hill to my favourite supermarket! (not the nearest - but they have fresher fruit and salads, and my body is craving fresh vitamins!) I hadn't given much thought as to how I was going to get back up the hill..... but luckily a friend saw me in the supermarket and offered me a lift back... I realised that not only my operated leg, but both legs, need strengthening of the muscles - for many months before the surgery I was walking as little as possible, driving even very short distances, because of the pain..... So now I need to gradually get myself back into a regular walking programme....

Margaret

----- Original Message ----- Don't go in July and August, when the flaccid fingers of the fog furiously flows in frough the Fay, I mean through the Bay. September 15 at 10 AM is the best time to arrive. No matter if your a few minutes late.CiaoStaninfr

[Guest guest]

Oui, Margaret, vous avez raison.

Yes, 15 Sept is the best time to go to S.F. since that is usually

when the fog and the tourists are gone. The city is warmer, and less

packed with tourists.

Walking is good for us post-hip-op hippies. I do some every day, and

I also walk up hills--slowly. At the first the hills were difficult,

but not so much now.

Today I walked 40 minutes, swam 35 minutes, and I'm pooped. However,

I'm going to cycle during the rest of the bad evening news.

My doctor after my operation advised me to " Move, move, move, " as a

means of getting better. I try to, but it's tiring at times. Today

was one of those days.

Ciao

Staninfr

> (Ok Stan, you've been at the rum again - non? )

>

> Right - we have a date. Sept 15, 10am, San Francisco. (ummm - is

that a village? do we meet in the village taverna, or what?) I

shall be wearing a sprig of lavender and carrying a copy

of " Jerusalem Post " tucked under my left arm. ( " le bras gauche " ??)

And *no* walking sticks!

>

> btw - I am proud of myself today - day 20 after surgery, and I

walked all the way down the hill to my favourite supermarket! (not

the nearest - but they have fresher fruit and salads, and my body is

craving fresh vitamins!) I hadn't given much thought as to how I

was going to get back up the hill..... but luckily a friend saw me

in the supermarket and offered me a lift back... I realised that

not only my operated leg, but both legs, need strengthening of the

muscles - for many months before the surgery I was walking as little

as possible, driving even very short distances, because of the

pain..... So now I need to gradually get myself back into a regular

walking programme....

>

> Margaret

> ----- Original Message -----

> Don't go in July and August, when the flaccid fingers of the fog

> furiously flows in frough the Fay, I mean through the Bay.

>

> September 15 at 10 AM is the best time to arrive. No matter if

your

> a few minutes late.

>

> Ciao

>

> Staninfr

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/10/2004 1:25:45 PM Central Standard Time, margaret@... writes:

btw - I am proud of myself today - day 20 after surgery, and I walked all the way down the hill to my favourite supermarket!

_____

Great.

Of course, you know I'm back at work. Its a three story place, and I use the stairs both up and down......really gives this new knee a workout.

y

[Guest guest]

Hi Stan.

I'm sorry what do you mean by [ sic] ? I don't know if you heard that their are so many Spanish pleople living in Califoria they where going to make the spanish language the main language there but I don't think it ever happen . Well when ever you buy something it has two or three differant languages on it I don't care as long as they have English on it .LOL LOL and everything is made in China is it like that by you? Well you take care :-)

Susie

SusieYou said, "I can't picture what its like to live in French.¨ [sic]Imagining what it's like to live in another country is probably difficult. It really depends on the person more than the country, in my opinion.I've known some English and German people for whom living in another country was not much different from living in their own country. They seldom had contact socially with the natives, they never tried to learn the language, and they even continued to eat exactly as they did in their own countries.That's their right, but it doesn't really provide them with an enriching cultural experience, I believe.A number of English people live in the medieval village near where I live. I sometimes see them when I go into a cafe there. I always speak in French, since I've discovered that I can't improve

my facility in the language without using it.The English to whom I'm referring do speak French. However, when I've spoken in French to them, they've sometimes responded, "Why are you speaking in French." I usually respond with, "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were in France!"Once an Irish acquantance whom I knew from my rollerblading activities phoned me. He was in a store, and he wanted me to speak to the clerk to find out the price of something he wanted to buy. He has lived 17 years in France, and he still doesn't understand the numbers!To some, I might seem narrow-minded. However, I personally like to feel the culture of a country that I live in. And speaking the language is essential to understanding the culture and people.A bientòtStaninfr > > Hi Stan,> > > > Besides England, I have lived in Germany, West Africa, Cyprus, and > now Israel - but I've never been to the USA. I've passed through > the Canary Islands briefly, back in the early

1950s, when Las Palmas > was a port of call for the Elder Dempster liners sailing between > England and West Africa. Also travelled across Europe a couple of > times, en route between Cyprus and England. And travelled a bit in > Greece. That's the extent of my wanderings.> > > > At this moment, I just got back from walking to the nearest > general store and back - had to buy a few essential supplies (bread, > milk and beer - nothing stronger!) It's only about 10-15 minutes > walk each way normally - but I feel exhausted! - as if I just > completed a 20 mile hike. It's a hot day as usual here - I'm soaked > with sweat and feel half-melted. My muscles are aching less than > last week - but it still feels depressing to be hobbling around on a > walking stick..... I have to remind myself to be patient, that I'm > still less than 3 weeks post-surgery and

probably doing very well > considering.... and that one day I *will* walk normally again.....> > > > My first few days at home were euphoric (once I got past the fever > and swollen leg stage). It felt so good simply to be at home! > dressed normally, able to stand on my legs, and with all my home > comforts at hand..... This week I'm feeling more depressed... the > solitude, being more-or-less housebound (not allowed to travel in a > car)... My home-help comes in for an hour each morning, apart from > that I'm alone (with my calico cat Ishtar). My days are spent > alternating between computer, television, and armchair with book; > plus occasional phone-chat with friends (who are all busy with work > and their families, so I don't like to impose too much). And I get > down to the garden once a day, to water what hasn't already died > from

the summer heat, and to feed my goldfish. Only just over 3 > weeks to go to my 6-week checkup with the surgeon on 31st August - > when hopefully I shall be liberated from the restrictions and able > to return to normal life!!! My car is standing just across the > road - I am itching to get in it and drive!!!!! and to get to the > swimming pool.......> > > > Margaret - beginning the countdown to release from my solitary > house-confinement.....> > ----- Original Message ----- > > > > > > Thanks, Margaret, for the interesting response. It appears that > you > > and I both have led fairly adventurous lives. Kansas was never > like > > this, was it Dorothy?> > > > I've lived in four states in the US, and three countries in >

Europe--> > Gran Canaria, Spain; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and now the > south > > of France. My feet seem to be getting itchy again, so who knows > > what's next? Maybe it's just because I have trouble washing them!> > > > Oh, yes, we must make my collie dog, Frimousse, Popecane.> > > >