It’s a cold morning. I’ve already ran the dishwasher, I have Hot Cinnamon tea in my cup, and my “Christmas” Amaryllis finally bloomed.
Unfortunately, I also have compression gloves on my hands, as the 7th edit of Maggie did kill my hands a little bit. I don’t usually get carpal tunnel. I end up with cubital instead, where my pinkie and ring finger hurt. There is no weakness this time – I heaved a cast iron pan around to check – but the hands do hurt a bit.
Not sure how this is going to work long term, as Gordon’s shoulder is also hurt and I don’t know how much typing he is going to be doing. (None, at least until the MRI on the 15th, ideally.) The worst part is, he doesn’t remember how he hurt himself. There was no “Ow!” moment. Our doc is pretty sure that it’s a partial tear, but when and where it happened is a mystery.
I’m considering an ergonomic keyboard. I loved my split Kinesis, but unfortunately once you get used to typing on it, you can no longer type on the regular keyboard and that drives me nuts, because I do still like computer games. If only there was a keyboard that would be easy on my hands and still let me game, heh.
I have no idea what to make for dinner, but given the cold temperatures currently in Texas, it might end up being a pot roast. Maybe I will make some bread, too. I had pulled out all of the stop for the holidays and did one of those ridiculous plaited breads. Turns out that Hokkaido Milk Bread holds its shape when braided. I might just take the easy way and make your basic French bread in the bread machine, though.
This morning, I have the first scene of Iron and Magic #2 to work on and the bonus content for Maggie. I might work from home today, as the office is kind of chilly. ::looks at the comment count on the prologue:: Hehehehe.
It’s so nice to have encouragement. Thank you, guys.
All in all, I’m looking forward to the new year. It promises a ton of work, but that’s a good problem to have as a writer. It’s when nothing comes out that things go horribly wrong. Someone asked me what my New Year resolution was. I stopped making them awhile ago. It’s like a curse – whatever I resolve to do doesn’t come to pass. But if you want to share yours, I am all ears.
First?
This year, I hope I can be a friend in new places to new people.
Five of my seven kids have moved out. Their dad and I divorced a couple years ago, which was 20 years overdue. My work has ended. I need to retrain.
I left the church, which is a big deal in this church. Other people leaving huge churches like these know. I believe some of my ancestors approve, but the people on earth may die mad about it.
I am still living in the same house, but it’s like it’s on an alien planet now. And now it’s time to pack myself a PBJ and explore this planet.
That’s a lot of changes. I hope you find the kind of job that makes you look forward to coming to work. ::hug:: If the alien planet becomes too weird, you are always welcome to come and hang out with us here. 🙂
Sending you support from Canada. Leaving any sort of religious institution or community is tough.
Oh man! Hang in there and keep doing what you need to for you to be happy! It’s a lot of change, but it’s necessary and you’ll come out of it better in the end.
🤗 Sometimes, leaving the church helps you come closer to God. I hope you will be able to surround yourself with people who love and accept you as much as God does. 🕊
To get healthy. Hopefully.
Sad to hear about the computer problems ilona! Have you heard of this keyboard by any chance?
https://shop.goldtouch.com/products/goldtouch-go2-wired-mobile-keyboard-pc-mac
It’s the one that I’ve used for the past 3 years and I really like it because the activation force on the keys is really light. When I was injured before, I would never get better because the effort of needing to type for my job was forestalling any progress. My symptoms I luckily was able to quash after 1-2 years of physical therapy/massage 3-4x a week. After that picked up a pilates to strengthen my arms, its the only thing that keeps me from being re-injured.
Sending healing vibes both your ways!
The only resolutions I make anymore are to spend as much time with my kids and grandkids as possible, even if I’m tired or feeling grumpy and just not wanting to be social. I’m always in a much better frame of mind after doing something silly with my 3 grandsons.
I have a Goldtouch keyboard that is at least 20 years old and I still use it! But I don’t game…
a very good cold morning to you…. that plaited bread looks delish.
wishing those hands will get better soon & healing for Gordon’s shoulders too.
snow is still on the forecast in my area but temp is going up. we might be in for another round of roads that are skating rinks 🙁
Your amaryllis is gorgeous. Sorry you both are recuperating but glad your edits push is over.
I am doing a health / life reboot. It started last Fall but it’s good to renew the goals, so to speak, for January. It comes down to taking space for mindfulness and thoughtfulness – from what I eat, to what I spend my day on, to who I want in my life, to taking steps toward the life I want now. I have not been in a place to be able to do this for decades, so I am trying hard to seize this moment after years of familial caregiving and responsibilities. I’ve had a lot of small successes along the way that are propelling me forward. I anticipate some goals are years out from achievement, but that’s okay – I am taking the steps now. Daily journaling keeps me on track and honest.
Wishing you and your families all the best in the coming year.
Thanks for sharing! I hope your hands recover, and you have the stretching/strengthening/rest that you need to thrive.
My new year’s resolution is to eat more kinds of soup.
Eating more of anything is my kind of resolution! LOL!
Making a pot of soup sounds good for this week. It’s very cold even in Texas. I’m sorry about your hands and Gordon’s shoulder. It’s no fun getting older.
I do like my extended keyboard from Apple for my iMac. It takes very light pressure on the keys and it’s easy on my wrists and fingers.
I’ve heard of compression socks but I’ve never heard of compression gloves. Do they help with arthritis, too? I don’t have arthritis in my hands (yet) but I occasionally feel it in one of my arms and knees. I bought a sleeve for my knee but I haven’t tried it yet.
They weren’t kidding when they said growing old isn’t easy.
Yes, they do and there are all different kinds. I find wearing them especially when it gets cold helps a lot. I was an IT person, so working on a computer all day was my life. The gloves help with arthritis pain and just keep my fingers warm. 🙂
These are the ones I have:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076CG3C8Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I hope they help!
happy new year! excited to hear that Iron and Magic 2 is in the works!
hope your hand feels better soon.
whoops, I mean hands
I don’t make NY resolutions either. I do have things I want to get done this coming year, but that’s just aspirations, no pressure.
Cold and snowy here in Colorado so something warm sounds perfect!
I don’t make resolutions – just hope for a healthy and happy year.
Wishing you and Gordon a quick and complete recovery!
I hope “ Happy cracktastic love story with stubborn unicorns” becomes an official not official cover blurb!
Best to hands and shoulders…
hahaha
+1
I’m so sorry about your pains and aches. At the risk of being too whatever, you might want to consider acupuncture, if you can find a good one. I had trigger finger and lots of arthritis from playing violin for years. After trying regular doctors without much success, acupuncture helped a lot. I was really surprised but love the relief. Your milage may vary but I wish you the best. Thanks so much for your wonderful stories, I love visiting them.
A day for retreating and resting, perhaps? Hugs, Ilona and Gordon! 💜💜💜
I normally don’t do resolutions, but this year we have adopted (as soon as the shelter opens for me to sign official paperwork!) a 7 year old Bombay mix cat….after a couple of weeks auditioning for him….so my resolution is to protect the house from a climber!! Hahaha!
hahahahehhehaaa
Hopefully the hands and shoulder get healed very soon.
I don’t make resolutions either. I don’t want to stress myself out. If others around me do, that’s great. To me, life is too short to do that to yourself.
Stay warm down there. In the DFW area we are expected to get 3-6 inches of snow starting very early Thursday morning. I plan on being home during the time. Nice thing is I still get to work from home. 🙂
I’m 73, likewise I no longer frustrate myself w resolutions 😁
Anti inflammatories around the clock for both of you! Yes, getting older has it’s hazards but it reminds me I’m alive! Take care!
Sending healing thoughts for hands and shoulders. You might try some:
Dr Christopher’s Formula Complete Tissue and Bone Ointment, 4 Ounce – I don’t refrigerate mine. It helps me with any aches and pains. A friend healed his torn Achilles heel with it. I get it from Amazon.
I don’t really make New Years resolution either, but every January I try to reboot my body by eating clean for about 4 to 6 weeks.
No alcohol, no grain, no sugar and low starch foods help me reset my body for a fantastic, healthy year.
I’m making beef bone broth soup with left over pot roast and green beans for my next cozy meal. mmm yum! We might get snow in North Texas woohoo it’s been several years since I’ve seen snow.
Sometimes I think about what it was like before my hands hurt all the time. It’s hard to remember because I didn’t really pay attention at the time. I bet it was amazing.
No Dr. here, no advice either, but when those fingers were like that after my car accident, it was nerves in my neck. Now they do it if I sleep wrong or spend to much time at the computer leaning forward and bunching my shoulders up
I also gave up on resolutions a while ago, but this year we lost our 17-yo boy cat on December 20 and have been trying to find an old cat to be companion to our 13-yo girl (Calico Jill) before she decides she really wants to be an only cat. Unfortunately, Europe shuts down from December 24 to January 7, so over half the shelters have been impossible to contact. The other half insist they only have kitten to 2-year-olds, and we’re looking for a 10+. Apparently things are exactly opposite here — many seniors want an older cat, and younger people either want dogs or aren’t ready to settle down with a pet. This is step one. Step two will be adopting kittens*. So our resolutions are:
1) find Jill a roommate
2) majorly overhaul the balcony netting and clean out the pantry and den to be ready for kittens in 4-5 months, once Jill and her new friend adjust to each other.
3) do a really thorough scouring of the coffee maker (not related to cats).
We’ve got applications in all over Wien for #1, and have sorta started on #2, in that we’ve bought shelves. Putting them together is next. #3 will happen tomorrow or Friday.
___
*I’m 50, have only ever had one true kitten, and he just died. I’ve almost entirely adopted older cats throughout my life — especially if the local shelter convinced me they needed special help, because I’m a sucker. I ended up with my boy because he was NOT socializing and the shelter felt he needed lots of patience and love to adjust to humans. He did, and he did. I don’t want to abandon any animal I adopt, and I feel like this is my last chance to commit to a cat who may live 15-20 years.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Furry friends leaving us is one of the hardest things to deal with. I hope you find your new companion soon and the settling in process is smooth.
It is nice to hear senior cats getting love though. That’s my plan once my guy passes (he will not accept a new friend and is terminally ill — he deserves his solo status).
I plan to learn to knit this year. I even found someone who is left-handed to teach me how! I am so excited, because I want to make knit socks with my hand-dyed yarn addiction.
“Eat more vegetables” – year #2. It was a good dietary change for 2024, so it’s back for 2025.
Hot cinnamon tea sounds delicious and very soothing. I am all about soothing these days. 🫖
It’s 24 and snowing here in CO. All the hot drinks are happening – coffee, tea, hot chocolate… Sending you and Gordon (and kids+partners) best wishes for health and happiness this year. That amaryllis is stunning! Also, I keep re-reading the Elara prologue and loving it even more because I know she’s going to triumph over those evil people. Does this make me #teamdark?
I don’t do resolutions but I have a mindful reminder. I will pay attention to my health. Drink more water, build some muscles, get more flexibility and work back up to walking daily.
I don’t believe in resolutions either, never been able to follow through once, so instead of disappointment, I just avoid it all together. It’s a great feeling.
But if I were to wish something for the new year, I wish to be healthier in all my habits.
Happy New Year to you and yours!! Sorry to hear about the pain both of you are experiencing. My husband had a very painful shoulder. It turned out to be something called frozen shoulder. It was very debilitating. It eventually heals itself and there are exercises you can do to speed up the process, but it can take up to a year to resolve itself. Hopefully Gordon’s shoulder isn’t anything too serious and can be healed easily. I hope that your hands feel better soon, after a bit of rest. Enjoy your amaryllis! Flowers do brighten a home. I’m thrilled to bits that one of my dormant orchids is finally producing a flower stem! Take care!
I and my sister both have had frozen shoulder. It is most common in menopausal women but men can get it too. A male kayaking YouTuber I sometimes watch got it last year (he switched to paddleboarding).
No injury to any of us preceded us getting it (adhesive capulitis) which sounds like Gordon. Anyway I just wanted to mention it because it is frequently overlooked and requires different treatment than impingement.
https://clevelandshoulder.com/why-are-women-more-prone-to-frozen-shoulder/
Healing vibes sent to both of you (yes, it works 😂).
My resolution this year is to express appreciation to everyone who helped me get through 2024 (cancer, surgery and chemo). So thanks to House Andrews for writing books that are so engaging that the time in recovery passed like magic! Thanks also to the Horde and Mod R for your comments that always inspire a smile.
Maybe try a voice recognition programme with a headset?
Sending fan support for your work in 2025.
Same resolution as every year:
Stand up straight.
Even if I forget for a few months, when I remember I just pull back my shoulders and voila! successful resolution.
Oh wait! Last year I had a secondary resolution:
Eat more crepes.
Because there is a fabulous crepe place near me. Mmmm, crepes. I think I’ll do that resolution again this year too. Better get cracking on that one! And my “what’s for dinner” problem just got solved.
mmm, crepes!
My parent’s house always has amaryllis flowers Easter. Dad keeps the bulbs in the basement until late February, then plants them in pots in the house until May, then plants them outside until fall when they go back to the basement.
I found a milk bread recipe for the bread machine. It still gets baked in the oven, but the machine does kneading and proofing, making my life easier. 😁
I hope you both recover quickly.
I read something a while ago that I would love to share about New Years resolutions. They don’t have to be big or life changing. You can make a resolution to try a new food, a different hairstyle, or ,my personal favorite, to try all the different pasta shapes you can find.
I’ve been using ergonomic keyboards for almost 30 years after a few RSI / carpal tunnel scares in my twenties, and I’m curious why you think they’re incompatible with gaming? I was playing FPS games pretty seriously at the time and didn’t notice any drop in my skills when I switched over, and there are plenty of ergo options that use mechanical switches if you’re picky about that.
Personally switching was a massive improvement for me – I type a lot at work (IT / development) and I was “rationing” keystrokes due to constant pain in my twenties. After moving to an ergonomic keyboard my issues completely cleared up and now I can happily type all day with no problems, even as I enter my fifties. I’d strongly advise switching, wrist pain was torture.
Worst case – any modern PC will be perfectly happy with two keyboards attached by USB and they’ll both work, so just buy an ergo and a normal keyboard and use whichever you prefer!
I’ve tried Kinesis before, which I loved, and the way WASD keys are set up made it very hard to game. W was designed to be pressed with the ring finger and that just didn’t work long term. What kind of a keyboard are you using?
(I’m an idiot, just realised your complaint was about “adjusting” to an ergo keyboard and being unable to use a normal one, which I do sympathise with as I have the same issue to a moderate extent – I can type reasonably well on a vanilla keyboard but my error rate does rise. That said, I do think ergo keyboards are fine for gaming, with the possible exclusion of some RTS games where you need to be able to access dozens of keystrokes instantly with one hand while mousing with the other.)
I also use an ergo keyboard for work and fun (including PC games!) – I actually bought the same one for both settings so I don’t have to transition my hand placement. If the keystroke combinations are a problem, I wonder if rebinding the keys would help so a split keyboard could better accommodate combos.
In the interests of saving bodily wear and tear, would voice to text be possible and useful?
New Year Resolutions
(To be completed with my partner, sometime in 2025)
13 sunrises viewed
12 library visits
11 bicycle adventures
10 stickers given (each)
9 date nights at new restaurants
8 moments of gratitude
7 new bird species sighted
6 hours of art
5 screen free days
4 travel weekends without our very loved but also anxiety-prone pup
3 island visits (any island boated to counts)
2 newly invented games
1 skinny dip
In other words: the goal is to have more fun in 2025 🙂
This makes me very happy. Happy a fabulously fun 2025!
Yes!
I made a potato and sausage soup which was yummy!
My sympathy on the hands and Gordon’s shoulder.
I had bursitis and a small tear of the rotor cuff from stacking firewood (that’s my guess because I couldn’t think of anything else I’d done). It was surprisingly painful, mostly when I tried to sleep on that side. Took about six months to heal without medical intervention. The Dr. told me to not aggravate it. So helpful.
Could you give your hands a reprieve (even one day a week) if you did drafts using voice typing?
Sending positive healing thoughts your way.
New Years resolution. Get some young person to stack firewood. LOL
I know of one executive secretary with carpel tunnel whose husband was an engineer. He created a completely split keyboard and then attached the two sides to the arms of her chair so she could sit with her arms and hands in a natural, relaxed position while she typed.
This was years ago. I see now that you could simply get a bluetooth split keyboard and put the two sides wherever works for you. Easy peasy. there are even ergonomic options.
Try making some Challah bread. Fairly easy to make and tastes so good!
Look out for Thursday, we might get some ice! Although you are a little further south which might help avoid it.
I use an ergo, not completely split but separated. Not too difficult to go back and forth, but the regular ones always feel weird.
Can’t wait for the new books!
Maybe do/try a speak-to-text thingy?
Get well soon!
What hot cinnamon tea does Ilona drink? I have been addicted to the Harney and Sons hot cinnamon tea (both the black and the green versions) for a few years now!
Adding my support to the pro-ergonomic keyboard stance.
I got one, and an ergonomic mouse, when dealing with carpal tunnel and pinched ulnar nerves in both hands. They were miles of help.
I like to go with the easily achievable resolutions: I will read more books. 🙂
I saw a reel with Resolution bingo. So instead of a big thing it’s a lot of small things. And extra incentive because you can get a bingo!
We are having unusually cold days here in Australia, we should be melting right now but I had to wear long sleeves yesterday. Does make the gym nicer though!
Me and Fat Amy are twinsies, my resolution is to open my mail (and do whatever needs to be done with it).
I believe in your NYE Resolution Curse! was STUPID and I set my first resolution in years this year. I told someone I wanted to go a whole year without a trip to the ER. Since my heart attack 3.5 years ago the longest I’ve been is 6 months. Something KEEPS happening. But so, like a moron, I set that as my goal.
Which is why I landed in the ER the afternoon of New Years Day. I’m okay. Sick but not dying like I was afraid. The one time I didn’t get checked when I had symptoms like that, I dropped dead for 22 mins so I’m now paranoid and have “don’t make my family have to do CPR on my lifeless body ever again” on my Life Goal list. If it has to be done I prefer trained professionals. It’s less traumatic that way. (So says my mother the nurse who would definitely know).
Happy new year! Thanks for the treat! I am very excited to read this next book. Dark beginnings heroes are my favorite. But first and foremost take care of yourselves! My resolutions are a bit silly but successful so far. I try to focus on just one practical thing. Last year I vowed to remember to label my seed trays. I think a 90% improvement is a goal accomplished. This year, I want to remember to weigh all the food from the garden and count the eggs. It would really help with planning the next year’s garden and chick purchase. I do a good job for a few months then just forget for the next six, lol.
my New Year’s resolution is to reread all of your books.
I have a mystery shoulder problem too. I think it’s because I tend to lean over on my left elbow when I’m surfing the internet. Also when I’m driving. I’ve tried to stop but it’s such an ingrained muscle memory action, I must’ve been doing it for years and years.
I’m about 10 years older than you two, so age definitely is playing a role. My hubby has assigned me “halos” with no weight and they actually do seem to help.
Hoping you both have a happy new year without aches and pains going forward!
Hope the hands & Gordon’s shoulder heal soon. Not fun to hurt, doesn’t matter if you don’t know how you did it still sucks to suffer it. Also occurs that aging may have something to do with current issues. It isn’t like we don’t wear out, it’s just that we don’t expect to so when it happens we feel betrayed, especially if we’ve been putting in the effort to stay healthy. Apparently there was a well known Hollywood movie star who had a cushion made saying ‘old age ain’t for sissies’ or something like that. Best wishes for good health to all!
I hope to be kind. It’s in short supply. That’s my resolution.
I hope your hands recover soon and well wishes to Gordon too.
I normally don’t do resolutions but i have one this year: One screen free evening per week.
While i like to read my fiction books with my e-reader, i prefer physical non-fiction books. I somehow remember information better when reading physical books. I hope to make a dent in my pile of books this year and i spend too much time on social media.
Beautiful amaryllis, It is cold in Florida, too1 I do not do formal resolutions – I am just going to try to survive teaching one more year – my students are awesome and so fun (AP Biology and AP Seminar), but all of the extra work is a bit wearing! I hope you both get better quickly!
Don’t do resolutions either as never kept them, lovely 30+ Celsius here in Australia, love your Amaryllis ,my tuberous begonias are blooming beautifully, hope you and Gordon feel better soon.
I’m amazed at how accurate speech to text is these days. I find myself using it often when I need to transcribe something for my students or the college. It even works with my Okie accent!! I wish you all the best! I took chicken cobbler out of the deep freeze and have it slow baking in the Ninja right now. Pot roast sounds good too – and sandwiches for leftovers tomorrow.
I also dont do resolutions, there are small things like making sure to put clothes and dishes away. I look forward to any of your books and in the meantime maybe I will reread either Wellington or Iron and Magic in preparation
Please take it easy,your health is more important than anything,life is short. Wishing you both good health always. xx
I don’t do resolutions. However, I did want to make sure that I hit all the health things this year. So, I’ve had a wellness check, a pelvic, got my eyes checked, and there’s a colonoscopy in the near future. The fun never ends! I just remind myself that I’m doing all this stuff in the hope that I can keep having fun a little longer.
Is there any possibility of using a voice to text system and then doing edits? I teach online and type a lot, so I can definitely sympathize. No resolutions this year except to practice self-care and reread HA until Maggie arrives 🤗
starting year 3 of “I slept wrong” for my left shoulder. I think I tore it, unfortunately the MRI didn’t show anything.
Was a technical writer for 30+ years. Ergonomic keyboard eliminated hand and wrist pain. Go for it.
I use a razer tartarus key pad to play games with. It means I don’t need to use my keyboard for gaming.
https://www.razer.com/gaming-keypads/razer-tartarus-v2
It’s currently 58 degrees and windy in my part of California. Thank goodness I am at the tail end of my cold, but I think the cough will linger a bit. My New Year’s resolution is to clean my closet and get rid of everything in my sock drawer that has a hole in it or lacks a mate. I don’t know where the socks go, but half the drawer is filled with lonely, unmatched socks.
I have a laundry basket just for those loan socks! Every once in a while I’ll find a match but I should just throw them out because its pretty rare but I can’t do it. I can’t seem to quit those dang socks!
You could just wear mismatched socks. 😋 I am currently using a pair of mismatched gloves. I do not care how they look, just that they are warm.
+99
Hand pain from typing drove me to a Moonlander keyboard. There’s some learning curve, of course, but I’ve been paid-free since.
wow …pain-free. pain-free.
I have been paid since!
Just in case you hadn’t considered… why not keep a regular keyboard around for the gaming. Wired or wireless, most computers won’t care that you use 2 different ones.
I use baoding balls for exercise when my hands hurt. Also, maybe see if there a dictation option on your operating system?
Hot cinnamon tea sounds delightful and will do you lots of good I use Razer Tartarus V2 for gaming with keys set up individually for various games too. It is so kind to my hands. I gave up resolutions a long time ago, it’s too stressful, each year, when I failed.
Anyway sending healing thoughts to you both to quickly recover from your injuries, take care
My New Year’s resolution is to reread all House Andrews books and additional material tucked away on their website.
😂 ❤️
hope you two heal soon!!! my main resolution is to cut down on screentime (i say ironically as i read this blog post but it was *intentional* screentime!)
Wishing you good health and much happiness in the New Year! I don’t do resolutions per se…but I am going to try to consume less this year…acquire only things I really need…not want. Give more.
My sister has trouble with her hands and I got her two KT Health Ice Sleeves. I use them for my knees but she puts her hands and wrists in. Super easy way to ice, she says it helps her a lot. You keep them in the freezer and pull them out to use. I got them at a running store but can probably find them online also. Hope you both feel better soon.
I have decided to follow the seasons and make spring my new year. That’s pretty much my only resolution. I feel good about it (winks Cronely).
Rapid and full healing for you both. Stay warm and bread and beef sound wonderful!
Dragon professional or Dragon naturally speaking professional are excellent dictation programs. It might save you two as you heal.
Please stay warm and dry. Pot roast sounds good and I may need to reactivate my bread machine this weekend. It his seems that the loaves never get to cool down before they are consumed. Mmmm, fresh warm bread. I am thinking your compression gloves are probably better that the compressions stockings I need to wear. My calves are ok but my thighs fight the stockings.
The only new year resolution I ever stuck to was not to ever make any new year resolutions ever again ..
I have to finish all my WIPs before I start a new one – 4 more to go!
live in peace when possible and be happy whenever I can 😊 celebrate the wins!
Hello,
I guess my remark will seem like it’s unrelated, but I think it’s similar.
I live in France where automatic cars are the exception, not the norm. When I bought my first automatic car and then had to use rentals for work, I realized my brain had ‘forgotten’ how to drive stick. The first day was a painful journey. Then in the evening, when I got my car back, my left foot kept looking for the missing clutch pedal. As if there was only space for one driving technique in my brain and each one was overwriting the other.
It took several times going back and forth, driving several hours each time, for my brain to understand that it needed to make space for both skills.
So maybe your already tried for long hours, or maybe the time investment isn’t worth it. But else, repetition might teach your brain to let you use both the Kinesis and a standard keyboard.
Anyway, I hope you and Gordon are feeling better soon.
Strange Question – have you tried Castor Oil overnight compresses for relief for your wrists. I’ve heard people have incredible results but I have always been curious.
Anyone here tried it???
Hope your hands feel better. Maybe check into some sort of dictation software.
Maybe consider getting a one hand pc gaming keypad/keyboard. I have used the old Logitech G13 for years and it does help keep my hand in a neutral position while I play. I just put the non-combat keys on the regular keyboard if needed. Between that gamepad and the thumb ball mouse, my hands don’t really move out of position when I game.
Bom dia do Brasil para meus escritores favoritos!!
Sinto muito que estejam sentindo dores, desejo melhoras!
Minha meta para ano novo é passar em um concurso (foco nos estudos)!!
Ansiosa pelos próximos livros de vocês!
Beijos, beijos.
I’m guessing you’ve already considered dictating rather than typing? When my daughter started her first year of college in 1999, she relied on adaptive equipment (back then all they had was Dragon Dictate) to do her school work. Her hands did get better, over the years, and she was able to eventually type on a keyboard again.
Best wishes to you and all House Andrews for 2025!
30 years of working in IT and I’m an avid gamer. Also, I have (and have had since age 18) arthritis in both hands. At work I have an under desk keyboard tray. It makes a difference with regard to carpal tunnel and hand pain. If you don’t have one an under desk tray, try it. It may make all the difference in the world.
Not sure this gaming device would work for you but I have a Razer Tartarus Pro gaming device for my left hand. Might help your hands. Have a look at it online. Mine keeps my left hand (the heel) from resting on the desk while I’m killing monsters in Diablo IV 🙂
Your amaryllis is so beautiful!I hope that it is brightening your day, and I hope you and Gordon are both feeling much better soon! 💕💕💕
My resolution is to keep getting healthier. After years (decades!) of bleeech health due to undiagnosed severe sleep apnea, with treatment I’m finally starting to feel pretty good! Public service announcement for the BDH: if you snore at all, PLEASE get tested.I really didn’t think I had it and only got tested to make my family stop harassing me! If you do have sleep apnea, you will be horrified to realize how many health issues it causes (it can kill you!) and you will be amazed at how much better you feel when you get treatment!
This year, I resolve to tweak my diet further, work on building muscle back, increase endurance, etc. I registered for another 5k that will take place in April, so I’m aiming for that as my first goal. I’m finding that now that I can actually complete 5k’s(even though walking the distance)signing up for them helps me keep on track health wise. Maybe by the end of this year (or sooner) I will be able to run them rather than walk!
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. Haven’t for years. They are just set ups for failure. 😂 If I need to fix something I want to fix and really want to do it I don’t need this excuse to do so. That sentence looks weird for some reason lol. Anyway, I always thought they just weren’t for everyone. Nobody keeps them. Not anyone I’ve known. If that’s your thing do it, if not join the club 😜
I’ve had carpal tunnel surgery in both hands and 3 neck surgeries that leave me constantly in pain in my neck and shoulders so in order to go back to work I had to find a keyboard that wouldn’t agitate everything. This keyboard has been a life saver for me and I can’t imagine ever using a different keyboard now. Even though I’m not into gaming my son who is says this keyboard is great for that as well. https://a.co/d/3OaqDRv
No New Year’s resolutions here either.
It’s 7 deg Fahrenheit here and current cup of tea is Bonfire from Adagio. (Wish there were ‘Hoard’ blends to try based on House Andrew’s characters).
Turkey Enchiladas in the crock pot for lunch.
I too have arthritis and was advised to try voice recognition for typing. (Apparently the technology has improved greatly even for those who have accents so it doesn’t take quite as long to teach it to recognize what you are trying to say) I’m hoping that if I use it for the typing, it will save my hands for gaming and hand quilting. 🙂
It’s so mice having projects to look forward to welling on!
Ihave an older Logitech ergo keyboard I love that is good for drafting and should be good for gaming. It has all the keys and features of a standard keyboard, but in a comfortable arrangement.
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k860-split-ergonomic.920-009166.html
They also have wave keys which are shaped, but not split. The split really helps out my neck though.
I am a doctor, and sometimes we use dictation software because, yeah, the hands are an issue when you’ve been typing your whole life. I don’t know if I’d recommend it, I find that my thoughts are different when processed through my mouth than with my fingers. it’s also frequently incorrect. What I find it really most useful for is actually edits, I can use the mouse to highlight words or phrases, and just replace them with my words. Solidarity in the battle against arthritis and nerve compression!
I did the same thing to my shoulder and I didn’t know it when it happened turns out it was when I was carrying a ladder above my head and called it on a corner and it twisted my arm a little bit didn’t really hurt then but it hurt badly later and I ended up in Sportsmed getting cortisol injections for the next 2 years
I’m drinking my cinnamon tea also this morning! That and Vitamin C tea are my addictions! Hope you and Gordon heal quickly.
I don’t know how it works on a Microsoft computer, but with my MacBook I can just dictate and the computer types it as I go.
It takes a little getting used to saying the punctuation, But even if you add the punctuation later, it’s pretty easy. Maybe you could just dictate and transcribe later.
Good luck and take care of yourselves.
I have cubital in my right hand. Mine is caused by the way I sleep. I end up contorting my wrist in and then my elbow in my sleep no matter how I fall asleep. If the way you sleep is affecting yours as well, I found sleeping in a sleeping glove which prevents me from bending my wrist helps for me. Good luck and love the prologue to Magic #2
An ergonomic key board is awesome, but the mouse is a must have. I have one at home an went in and used a normal one. The pain experienced was horrible. My mouse will travel with me now when I go. For someone with arm, hand and wrist issues, the mouse and keyboard are a game changer.
I tend not to make resolutions anymore. I just do my best not to be an asshole.
I made 3 loaves of bread the other day. I love the smell of fresh bread. It’s also been very cold here so I made a big pot of chicken tortilla soup. Most of it is gone already.
I do have a Logitech ergonomic keyboard that I love. I got it due to some hand issues that aren’t quite bad enough to be considered carpal, but still hurt. Seems to work well. I did a quick search on the Google and it looks like there are ergonomic gaming keyboards. Good luck finding one.
A ball mouse might help if you are not using one. I use a ball mouse and put it between me and the keyboard. This reduces the amount of movement of my arms and cuts down the leaning to use a mouse on the side. I use a Logitech Mx ergo s.
Happy New Year! I hate to hear that about your repetitive issues. I found doing light hand stretches helps. (I type a lot at my job as an attorney). Yes, this cold weather is a fireplace, book, and hot tea vibe for me!
PS. I’ve read all your books. They are wonderful stress relievers! Currently going back and leaving reviews!
I also use a Goldtouch keyboard (also over 20 years of use) for my cubital tunnel issue that comes and goes.
I don’t have a lot of trouble switching to my laptop or portable keyboard, but I’m not a consistent gamer. And my game choices tend to be more puzzle based … when I can find them.
For joint issues, I discovered Kinstretch and CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations), and hope the regular use of that info helps gentle my aging.
Along with “you are what you eat” as a mantra to temper my inner chocolate monster.
“You are how you move” has become my siren call for activity and mobility maintenance and improvement.
Oh
I have cubital too, and about a month ago I had a surgery for it. I hope you don’t need surgery
Sorry about your hands, hope you recover quickly. I hear Texas will get hit with a storm on Thursday. Very glad progess is being made on Hugh!!
Have you been tested for carpal tunnel? The official, really weird testing? So bizarre! I ended up with having the surgery, and aside from the 3 little scars on my hand, (because in addition to the carpal tunnel release, I had no more cartilage on one of the bitty bones right there, so they took it out) I have NO negatives from that surgery. My hand no longer goes numb, I don’t get stabbed by the ice pick of pain when I move my hand randomly, and it’s all good. I recommend it highly! I’m approaching needing it on my left hand, too, I just have to convince the Dr it’s time. It’s been 9 years since the right hand was done.
i hope your hands get better. I had a really weird day yesterday. Partway during the work day our office got notified by the police department that there was a possible threat at the local court house, less than a block away. As the courthouse is right next to a college that was evacuated as well there was a large number of people milling around trying to figure out what was going on. Our staff ended up standing on the lawn at the nearby city hall for about 2 hours in the cold before our boss told us to go home. I had barely made it home when the alert was cancelled. The police of course would not say what the threat was, only that it had been a credible threat. So a bit of excitement in mu little life.
Wear comfy clothes and make a big pot of soup with homemade bread. That is my cold weather survival strategy. I think winter in the lower forty eight feels much colder than in Alaska. At least it’s shorter.
Do you use heated mitts for your hands? I find they help me. I hope that you both feel better soon.
Gorgeous amaryllis. Hope you find a good solution for your hand pain and that Gordon’s shoulder heals quickly. Sending best wishes for you both!
Love the Iron and Magic 2 prologue. Thank you!
About the shoulder tear – I’m pretty sure I did something similar just turning over in my sleep (I am a pretty restless sleeper). I woke up one night pretty certain I heard/felt something pop. But there was no “pain”. And when I went to pilates, my arm wouldn’t rotate all the way. My PT/pilates instructor though I might have torn something in the rotator cuff and the only thing was that incident in my sleep. It has gotten a “bit” better after 6 months, but I still don’t want to do full rotations.
Looking forward to Maggie and especially Iron and Magic 2.
I’m feeling either a white turkey chili craving or a red/black beans and rice Cajun style craving.
I know the compression gloves help me so much, especially when the cold weather kicks in. I hope you get to feeling better soon! The shoulder thing is like your back. It’s years of overuse/misuse and one day the pain just starts. Seems to come out of nowhere. I had a friend at work who was told by her doctor that for women it’s reaching back behind the seat in the car to grab something if they didn’t play sports. For men it’s probably related to sports back in the day.
I love your flower! It’s so beautiful and it’s nice that it waited until after Christmas to bloom. Something pretty to look at now that all the decorations are down. 🙂
Take care and let us know the results of Gordan’s MRI. I hope it’s nothing that requires surgery!
Interesting to hear about your hubby’s injury. I too have been experiencing mysterious muscle/tendon strains and tears on my hands, lower back and ankles. I’ve finally come to the conclusion that my muscles are tightening and shortening up due to too much sitting. And when I try to do my usual daily living motions, the muscles can’t engage so the attached tendons and ligaments must try to do what muscles are supposed to do and end up getting damaged instead.
So my current plan is to figure out a stretching routine that I can do easily, quickly, and regularly.
Wishing everyone good health and fulfilling accomplishments this New Year! 🤗
I sympathise with the hand/arm issues. My right (=mouse-using hand) wrist will completely die if I have to do a lot of clicking on it. Managed to mangle up my shoulder pretty bad that way too.
Now I swear by my Microsoft Sculpt ergonomic keyboard. I use it leaning toward the front, which is soooo much easier on the wrists, and it’s the only keyboard I knew at the time that had a separate numpad. Don’t have to awkwardly rotate the arm so far outward every time using a mouse. Add some 20y-o leg warmers for keeping my wrists warm, and I’m set 😀
If on any other keyboard, the pain in fingers, wrists, and right arm will start after 15min of use.
I hear you on the typing pain.
While expensive, the Kinesis 360 is worth every penny (I have the Pro) version. Split AND ergonomic. When I killed one (kitty had a seizure on my desk and I knocked over my coffee to add insult to injury) I found the funds to replace it ASAP. Since you’re already accustomed to the split, moving to the 360 will be easy. I pretty much don’t have to move my hands at all for normal typing and everything is at the right “tilt” and shoulder width for me. Makes me HATE traveling with my laptop but I truly don’t have the space to carry this keyboard with me (thankfully I don’t travel nearly as much).
Best of luck with the shoulder – I hate when I have a random injury with absolutely no clue why (bruise, sprain, whatever). Getting old sucks LOL.
I’m still rehabbing a shoulder injury that I got nine months ago… from sleeping wrong and being almost 50…
There are many reasons for carpal tunnel. I was diagnosed in 1995. The doctors only had one possible solution – surgery. And one woman I worked with at that time was worse after the surgery. I did some research and found suggestions about B6 or B12. Since I had some Nature Made B complex which had all the Bs, I started taking them. While I still got the numbness at night, the pain was gone! I tried different brands but they did not work for me. Only the B complex by Nature Made. I shared this with a few other people and they were able to stop wearing the braces. I have no affiliation with any company. Over 20 years ago, a doctor speaking at my retirement class told us that only 5 brands of vitamins were actually effective. Nature Made and Spring Valley which is a Walmart brand were two of them. He said Spring Valley was cheaper. However I buy my B Complex Nature Made from Costco and buy whenever they are on sale. Give it a try. My Vitamin B was so low, I would get flushed in my face for about 30 days before I evened out. My carpal tunnel never got any worse. And missing a pill for 3 days returns the pain. It takes about a week to notice it is working because the improvement is gradual. Vitamin is a nerve vitamin.
My New Years resolution is to survive nursing school haha that’s all I got. In the midst of suffering but it will all be worth it in the end. I’m thinking I want to be a labor and delivery nurse but I’m not sure yet!
nothing new or witty, just want to lose weight and am working hard on it
I don’t remember what Kinesis you had before, but did you know they made a gaming keyboard? It’s got the standard key layout, so it’s easier to switch back to a normal keyboard, but it’s ergo split and can be tilted, and it has pretty RGB lights (which is what I think makes it “gaming” lol). Dustin and I both have one for work/gaming and we love them!
Sending healing thoughts for hands and shoulder!!
Unsolicited comment — I work in personal injury law and have had more than one doctor tell me 50% of people over a certain age will have partial tears on imaging. They can have zero symptoms or became symptomatic over time. So there may not have been anything Gordon did to kick it off. Just a lifetime of use. But there are lots of good treatment options out there!
I don’t do resolutions beyond vague “do better” thoughts. I want to stress less, be kinder to myself and others, and read lots. 🙂
Oh, the pain. Have joint pains in my neck, back, shoulders and hands. Neck and back require care by a spine doctor, shoulder by a shoulder doctor and hand by a hand doctor.
Most of the times you can find them in one clinic and the scheduling is relatively easy. But there is no one physician who can manage all three. There are Pain Management Clinics, That clinic handles only one area at a time also.
I asked my Insurance Companies. I have three. Their reply: The AMA says that Pain Management is a problem they haven’t solved yet.
Three things that have helped: Heat pads, Aleve, and surprisingly stop taking Tamsulosin it reduces testosterone. Which I take because of prostate cancer which has been on a Watch and Wait regimen for 13 years. Stopping the medicine relieved about 80% of my pain.
My hand pains are caused by nerve sleeve Carpal Tunnel and arthritis in my thumb joint.
My new year’s resolution is to walk more. Last year was rough on my fitness goals, in prior years I could get 13K or 14K steps a day. However due to increased elder care needs during 2024 I was lucky to get 6K or 8K steps a day. If I want to be healthy into my own elder years I need to step it up. (smirk)
Rotator cuff tears don’t depend on trauma. They can be age-related. They hurt like a sonofagun. Good luck with the MRI. Thanks for the prologue.
I have chronic pain in both hands and carpal tunnel.
I highly recommend compression gloves but it matters very much WHICH KIND you wear!
They’re all different. Unfortunately, you may have to try several brands before finding the best ones for you. When you do, buy plenty because the company will discontinue them.
Always buy gloves that cover the fingers but not the finger tips. Built-in wrist support may or may not matter.
I wear my gloves continuously unless I’m doing something wet like cooking or gardening. Sewing and needlework would be impossible.
I also wear wrist braces to sleep in over top of more compression gloves.
The wrist braces let my wrists “reset” themselves overnight. When you sleep, your wrists will not stay in the “correct” non-inflammatory position without braces. I’ve done this since 2014 and it’s why I can still type and sew. I don’t game (other than computer solitaire) so I can’t comment on that aspect.
The gloves under the braces are important, although they don’t have to be compression gloves. Never, never, never let your hands get cold or they’ll hurt more in the morning. Plain old gloves that cover your fingertips are fine.
Finally keep gloves in the pockets of every single coat and jacket you own so you never have to hunt for them or risk letting your hands get cold when you can’t find a set and you’re in a hurry.
If your hands are still cold at the desk, add a pair of knitted wrist/hand mitten/warmers.
It all helps.