Seeing Stars

[lblanchard]

I managed to get up at 4:00 a.m. yesterday, despite not having set my alarm properly, and was at the venue while it was still dark and before the crew. Today I'm still not quite recovered from the day. I guess I'm not as resilient as I was 20 years ago. But the good news for me was that I spent a good four hours on my feet, maybe more. An inducement to stay on program if there ever was one -- nothing tastes as good as being able to walk feels.

The project commemorated the 225th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. A total of 90 floral designers (okay, 89 floral designers plus me), from 46 states plus Nuneaton in Warwickshire, created red, white, and blue stars to shelter under the wire "umbrella" of the constitution. The sculptural framework was partially assembled in advance, as were some of the floral elements. But the entire production was delivered, assembled, and ready for the opening of the National Constitution Center in two hours -- from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. Here's one photo -- it leads to a massive uncurated set that I slapped up on Flickr so the designers could download their favorites:



The project was the brainchild of Bill Schaffer (the guy who got married at the last Flower Show) and his lovely bride Kris Kratt -- or, if you ask her, of his publicist. It made ABC, NBC, and Fox News locally, and we heard rumors that it would go national. After the installation was complete and Bill & Kris gave the last of the interviews, they and their crew drove and I pedaled up to their neighborhood to a place that serves a breakfast of epic proportions. I had a fabulous omelet that involved capers and jalapenos and corn and I forget what else -- every vegetable you've got is what I told hem.

Last night I was awakened by four separate episodes of calf and thigh cramps -- in both legs, over a one-hour period. I assume that's an artefact of the day on my feet, but I certainly didn't like it. I woke up several times but finally got a good solid four uninterrupted hours between 3 and 7. The weather has changed -- rain and clouds instead of the sun we had for ten straight days -- and my back is a little stiff. But oh, what a glorious time I had yesterday!

Comments

[halfmoon-mollie.livejournal.com]

I dunno, Laura, 'they' say cramping like that is due to not enough potassium. Seriously.

That omelet sounds wonderful...(drool)

And hey. Good for you! These are fabulous pictures. With a sky that blue how could you have anything BUT a glorious time.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

I googled leg cramps and Mayo Clinic offered dehydration and muscle fatigue as two other possibilities. I definitely had fatigued muscles, and I didn't drink as many liquids as I usually do, so I'm going with those two unless/until it keeps happening.

Yes, it was a fabulous day.

[chakolate.livejournal.com]

nothing tastes as good as being able to walk feels.

Wow - I read that and my jaw dropped open (a delightful image, to be sure). That's exactly how I've been able to lose these 40+ pounds: before a bite, I ask myself if it's worth painful knees and glucose damage. You said it in a remarkably quotable way, and I have every intention of stealing it. Thanks!

The other commenter (damn! Just that fast I forgot who it was) was right about leg cramps and potassium, but if you don't get them regularly you may not have to worry about it. If you do, a banana before bed or substituting Morton's Lite Salt on foods will help a lot.

Now I'm off to look at your pics. If nobody hears from me for a couple of days, it's entirely your fault.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

It's a shameless ripoff of a Weight Watchers mantra: "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels." But that has overtones of vanity dieting and thus doesn't work for me.

[chakolate.livejournal.com]

nodnod I don't think being thin is particularly good in itself, although I do like it that my thighs haven't rubbed together since midsummer. Thinness for its own sake is just not motivating for me.
Enjoying walking again is a great motivator.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

I can't say I *enjoy* walking yet, and I think that one of the reasons I was able to do so many hours on my feet yesterday was that I was on the grass as much as the pavement. But I can walk a little longer without pain than I used to could, and I expect that another couple months should make a huge difference, assuming I don't fall apart, program-wise.

[chakolate.livejournal.com]

I don't have to worry about grass or concrete with my Crocs. The shock absorption is great, and I really don't care that they're stupid-looking.

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

That is beautiful...all the stars, I mean.
Love the photos, sky, stars and theme.
:)
And yes. Potassium. I use potassium salt and eat bananas and my leg cramps have pretty much quit.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's potassium, but thanks to you and others who've suggested it. I don't use table salt at all, and I eat very few of the foods that are filled with hidden salt (e.g., baked goods, canned goods, prepared foods). Plus, I eat a ton of vegetables. And I sweat profusely. I get (and keep) waaaaaay more potassium than sodium.

My money is resolutely on a combination of muscle fatigue and dehydration.