Learning How To Float

Floating on your back is one of the most important (and confidence-building!) skills when learning to swim — especially as a senior. It teaches you that water can support your body if you let it. Here’s a step-by-step, gentle guide:

🌊 Steps to Learn Back Floating

1. Find the Right Place

Start in a warm, calm pool.
Stay in shallow water where you can stand if needed.
Ideally, have a friend, lifeguard, or instructor nearby for safety.

2. Relax Your Body

The secret to floating is relaxation, not effort.
Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself.
Remember: your lungs act like natural balloons — the more relaxed and filled with air they are, the easier you’ll float.

3. Head Position

Gently tilt your head back so your ears are in the water.
Your face should be above the water, eyes looking at the ceiling or sky.
Resist the urge to lift your head — that will sink your hips.

4. Arm & Leg Position

Spread arms out to the side like a starfish for balance.
Let legs extend naturally, slightly apart.
If hips sink, bend knees a little and let them rise closer to the surface.

5. Breathe & Trust the Water

Take slow, steady breaths — in through the nose, out through the mouth.
Trust that the water will hold you. The more you struggle, the harder floating becomes.

6. Practice With Support

Start by holding onto the pool wall with one hand while leaning back.
Or ask a partner/instructor to gently support under your back until you gain confidence.
Use a noodle or kickboard under your back or neck for extra support at first.

7. Adjust and Stay Calm

Small movements (like gently spreading arms wider) can improve balance.
Don’t panic if you tip a little — just tuck your chin, bring knees up, and roll onto your side to stand.

✅ Tips for Seniors

Practice for just a few minutes at a time — build confidence gradually.
Warm water pools (therapy or community centers) are best for relaxation.
Floating isn’t about strength — it’s about trust and calmness.

👉 Once you’re comfortable floating, you’ll find swimming strokes and resting in the water much easier — because you’ll know the water is your friend, not your enemy.

Perfect idea 👍 — having a gentle, structured routine for your first pool visit will give you confidence and direction. Here’s a Senior-Friendly First Pool Session Routine designed for about 30–40 minutes, with plenty of rest built in.

🏊 First Pool Session Routine

1. Arrival & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Walk slowly into the shallow end.
Stand where the water is waist-to-chest deep.
Walk back and forth in the pool for 2–3 minutes.
Swing your arms gently in the water — feel the resistance.
👉 This helps your body adjust to the water and builds comfort.

2. Breathing & Face in Water (5 minutes)

Hold onto the pool wall.
Take a deep breath, put your face into the water, and blow bubbles.
Lift your head, breathe normally, and repeat 5–10 times.
👉 This teaches you that you are in control of your breath — very important for water confidence.

3. Supported Floating Practice (10 minutes)

Sit back against the wall, then gently lean your head back into the water.
Stretch arms out wide like a starfish.
Try a supported back float:
- Option A: Hold the wall with one hand.
- Option B: Place a pool noodle under your shoulders or neck.
Focus on relaxing and breathing calmly.
👉 Even a few seconds of floating is success — celebrate each step.

4. Kickboard Kicks (5 minutes)

Hold a kickboard (or pool noodle).
Stretch arms forward on the surface, gently flutter kick your legs.
Keep it slow and steady, no need for speed.
👉 This begins to build stamina and comfort moving through water.

5. Glide Practice (5 minutes)

Stand against the wall, take a deep breath.
Push gently off the wall with your feet, arms stretched out like Superman.
Let yourself glide a short distance, then stand up.
👉 This builds trust in the water’s support and introduces movement.

6. Cool Down (5 minutes)

Return to shallow water and walk slowly again.
Stretch arms and take a few deep, calming breaths.
End by standing still, floating arms on the surface, and just enjoying the water.

✅ Tips for Your First Session

Take breaks anytime — sit at pool edge if you need to.
No rushing — even if you just do breathing and floating, that’s progress.
Celebrate small wins — comfort in water is built step by step.
Safety first — try to go during supervised (lifeguard) hours.

👉 If you follow this routine for your first few sessions, you’ll notice your comfort and confidence in the water growing quickly.

Adults Learning To Swim

🌊 Learning to swim as a senior citizen is not only possible, but it can be a fantastic way to stay active, safe, and healthy. Swimming is gentle on the joints, great for cardiovascular health, and can give you confidence around water. Here’s a guide tailored for you:

🌟 Benefits of Learning to Swim as a Senior

Low-impact exercise: Easy on joints, perfect if you have arthritis or mobility concerns.
Improves balance & strength: Helps prevent falls and builds muscle tone.
Boosts heart & lung health: Increases stamina without straining your body.
Stress relief: Water has a calming effect, lowering anxiety and blood pressure.
Life skill & safety: Knowing how to float, tread water, and swim can save lives.

🏊 Getting Started

1. Choose the Right Environment

Look for a local pool with warm water and accessible entries (ramps, handrails).
Many community centers and YMCA/YWCAs offer adult beginner swim classes—often with senior-focused groups.
Ask about quiet swim times to avoid crowded lanes.

2. Start with Water Comfort

Before swimming strokes, get comfortable in the water:

Practice walking in shallow water.
Hold onto the pool wall and practice putting your face in the water, blowing bubbles.
Learn how to float on your back with support from a noodle or kickboard.

3. Basic Skills to Learn First

Breath control: Exhale underwater, inhale above water.
Floating: Back float and front float.
Kicking: Gentle flutter kicks while holding the pool wall or using a kickboard.
Gliding: Push off from the wall and glide with your arms outstretched.

4. Progress to Strokes

Backstroke is often easiest for beginners since your face stays out of water.
Breaststroke is slow and controlled—great for seniors.
Freestyle (front crawl) can come later, once you’re comfortable.

🛟 Safety & Confidence Tips

Never swim alone—use the buddy system.
Start in shallow water where you can stand.
Consider using flotation aids (noodles, kickboards, or float belts).
Take it slow—celebrate small milestones.
If nervous, private lessons with an instructor can help build confidence.

📅 Suggested Beginner’s Plan (2–3 times per week)

Week 1–2: Water walking, blowing bubbles, floating with support.
Week 3–4: Practice kicks and simple glides.
Week 5+: Add in easy strokes (backstroke, breaststroke).
By a few months in, you’ll likely feel comfortable moving across the pool!

✅ Encouragement: Many seniors learn to swim for the first time in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s. You don’t need to rush—the key is consistency and comfort. Every session builds confidence.

Chuckley Pear Berry

Here’s a simple, classic Chuckley Pear Berry Jam recipe you can try at home. Saskatoon berries or Chuckly Pear (sometimes called serviceberries or juneberries) have a sweet, nutty, blueberry-like flavor that makes a wonderful jam.

🍇 Saskatoon Berry Jam Recipe

Ingredients:

8 cups fresh Saskatoon berries (washed and stemmed)
6 cups granulated sugar
½ cup lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 pouch (57 g / 2 oz) liquid pectin (or powdered equivalent)
1 cup water

Instructions:

Prepare jars
- Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes. Keep hot until ready to fill.
Cook berries
- In a large pot, combine Saskatoon berries and water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. The berries should soften and release their juices.
- Mash lightly with a potato masher for a more even texture (optional).
Add sugar & lemon juice
- Stir in the sugar and lemon juice.
- Bring mixture back to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
Add pectin
- Stir in the liquid pectin.
- Return to a full rolling boil (the kind you can’t stir down) for 1–2 minutes.
Test jam set
- Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
- If not, boil another 1–2 minutes.
Jar the jam
- Ladle hot jam into prepared jars, leaving about ¼ inch (0.5 cm) headspace.
- Wipe rims clean, apply lids and screw bands fingertip-tight.
Process jars
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Remove and let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. Lids should “pop” to seal.

Yield:

About 7–8 half-pint (250 ml) jars.

✅ Tips:

For a richer flavor, replace half the water with apple juice.
If you like a thicker jam, cook berries a few minutes longer before adding pectin.
Saskatoons can be mixed with rhubarb or blueberries for a tasty blend.

Getting Proper Rest

Getting proper rest is more than just “getting enough sleep.” It’s about giving your body, mind, and spirit the kind of recovery they each need. I haven’t been able to rest properly for years as I keep myself too busy physically and mentally. The following is a structured approach that covers both sleep and non-sleep rest so you feel truly refreshed. I will give it a try.

1. Understand the 7 Types of Rest

According to sleep and wellness experts, we need different kinds of rest:

Physical rest – Sleep, naps, stretching, massage, and relaxing the body.
Mental rest – Stepping away from thinking-heavy tasks, journaling, breathing exercises.
Sensory rest – Reducing noise, screen time, and visual stimulation.
Emotional rest – Having safe spaces to be authentic and express feelings.
Social rest – Being with people who recharge you, and reducing time with those who drain you.
Creative rest – Enjoying beauty in nature, art, music, or spiritual inspiration.
Spiritual rest – Prayer, worship, reading Scripture, connecting with God.

2. Create a Healthy Sleep Routine

Set a consistent bedtime and wake time (even on weekends).
Wind down 30–60 minutes before bed — dim lights, read, pray, or stretch.
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet (around 65–68°F / 18–20°C is ideal).
Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol close to bedtime.
Limit phone/TV for at least an hour before sleep (blue light delays melatonin).

3. Rest During the Day

Micro-breaks: Take 5–10 minutes every hour to stand, stretch, or breathe deeply.
Power naps: 15–20 minutes early in the day can recharge energy without affecting nighttime sleep.
Mental pauses: Step away from tasks when you feel overwhelmed — a short walk outside works wonders.

4. Care for Your Spirit

Begin and end your day with prayer or quiet reflection (Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety”).
Engage in worship, Bible reading, or devotional music to settle the heart.
Release worries to God before bed — journaling prayers can help your mind rest.

5. Watch for Rest Stealers

Overcommitment (too many activities).
Too much screen time, especially before bed.
Negative thought patterns before sleep — try gratitude lists instead.
Poor diet and lack of hydration, which can disrupt sleep quality.

Plumber Putty Sink Drain

I had a leak under a new sink with new connections and tried to fix it by turning the nut tight. It didn’t work! I decided to try plumbers putty and it cured the problem.

What you’ll need

Plumber’s putty (use “stain-free” on granite/marble/quartz; regular is fine on porcelain/metal)
Adjustable wrench or channel-locks
Bucket & towel
Putty knife or plastic scraper
Optional: silicone instead of putty for plastic drains or stone tops

Step-by-step

Prep the area
- Place a bucket under the P-trap. Loosen the two slip-nuts and remove the trap.
- Unscrew the big locknut holding the drain body to the sink. Pull the drain pieces out from above and below.
Clean the surfaces
- Scrape off old putty/silicone from the sink drain hole and flange (the top metal piece you see in the basin).
- Wipe everything dry. A clean, dry surface is key.
Make the putty rope
- Pinch off some putty and roll a rope about the thickness of a pencil.
- Lay the rope under the lip of the drain flange (the underside that will touch the sink).
Seat the flange
- Drop the flange into the sink hole from above and press firmly. You should see a small bead of putty squeeze out around the rim—good sign.
Assemble from below
- From beneath, slide on the rubber gasket (against the sink), then any friction ring/washers (if your kit has them), then thread on the locknut.
- Hold the flange from above so it doesn’t spin. Tighten the locknut until snug—firm, but don’t overdo it (you can crack porcelain or distort the gasket).
Align the opening
- If you have a pop-up drain, make sure the hole in the drain body faces the back of the sink so the lift-rod can pass through later.
Clean excess putty
- From the top, wipe away the squeezed-out putty around the flange.
- Good news: plumber’s putty doesn’t need cure time—it’s ready immediately.
Reconnect the trap
- Reinstall the tailpiece to the drain (if separate), then the P-trap.
- Ensure cone washers are oriented correctly (wide end toward the nut).
- Hand-tighten the slip-nuts, then give each an extra ¼ turn with pliers if needed.
Leak test (two ways)
- Standing water test: Close the stopper, fill the basin. Check under the sink—if it drips now, the flange/putty seal needs a bit more locknut tension.
- Drain test: Pull the stopper and let it gush. If it leaks only while draining, the issue is likely the trap or slip-joint—snug the nuts or replace washers.

Tips & common pitfalls

Stone countertops? Use stain-free putty or 100% silicone to avoid oil stains.
Plastic drain bodies often seal better with silicone instead of putty (allow 12–24 hrs cure).
Do not use putty on pressurized fittings or threaded water supply lines.
If the locknut keeps loosening as you tighten, hold the flange from above with a rubber-gloved hand to prevent spinning.
Persistent leaks at the trap? Replace the cone washers and check that cuts are square and parts aren’t cross-threaded.

Vacation Home Checklist

Here’s a vacation home checklist to help you protect your house, save money, and avoid unpleasant surprises while you’re away:

🏡 Before You Leave on Vacation: What to Do With Your House

🔐 1. Secure the Property

Lock all doors and windows (double-check back/side entries and basement).
Set deadbolts and secure sliding doors with a rod or bar.
Close curtains/blinds partially (don’t make it obvious no one’s home).
Notify a trusted neighbor or friend—ask them to check in or collect mail.

💡 2. Make the Home Look Lived-In

Set timers on lights in a few rooms.
Leave a car in the driveway if possible.
Arrange for someone to mow the lawn, shovel snow, or water plants.

📬 3. Pause or Redirect Deliveries

Hold your mail through the post office: Canada Post or USPS Hold Mail
Pause newspaper delivery
Ask a neighbor to pick up flyers, packages, or door hangers

⚡ 4. Adjust Utilities

Turn off unnecessary lights
Set thermostat:
- Winter: ~12°C (54°F) to prevent freezing
- Summer: ~27°C (80°F) to reduce A/C use
Unplug electronics or use surge protectors
Turn off the water main if gone for more than a few days (to prevent leaks or burst pipes)

🧯 5. Safety Checks

Check smoke and CO detectors
Make sure sump pumps and dehumidifiers (if applicable) are working
Empty trash to prevent odors or pests

🐾 6. Pets & Plants

Arrange for pet care, or boarding if needed
Set up a watering schedule or use self-watering systems for plants

💼 7. Financial & Emergency Prep

Alert your bank if you’ll be using cards out-of-town
Leave emergency contact info with a neighbor or family member
Make sure home insurance covers vacation absences (some policies require check-ins every few days)

How To Back A Travel Trailer

Backing up a travel trailer can be tricky at first, but with practice and patience, it becomes much easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you back up your travel trailer safely:

🛻 How to Back Up a Travel Trailer

🧠 Understand the Basics

When backing up, the trailer moves opposite to your steering input.
“Turn the bottom of the steering wheel the way you want the trailer to go.”
Small steering adjustments work best—go slow and be patient.

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plan Your Path

Get out and look first.
Make sure the area is clear of people, pets, obstacles, and overhead branches.
Decide which direction you want the trailer to turn.

2. Use a Spotter if Possible

Have someone behind to guide you with hand signals.
Use walkie-talkies or phones (on speaker) if needed—but agree on signals first.

3. Start in a Straight Line

Begin backing with both the truck and trailer as straight as possible.
This gives you more control and time to correct if needed.

4. Turn the Steering Wheel Gradually

To move the back of the trailer left, turn the bottom of the steering wheel left.
To move it right, turn the bottom of the wheel right.
Wait for the trailer to respond—it doesn’t move instantly.

5. Watch Your Mirrors

Use both side mirrors constantly.
The mirror where the trailer is getting smaller is the direction you’re turning.
If the trailer disappears from one mirror, you’re overcorrecting.

6. Make Small Adjustments

Oversteering causes jackknifing.
Go slow and straighten out the steering wheel often to control the turn.

7. Pull Forward to Correct

If things get off track, pull forward and realign.
Even seasoned RVers do this regularly.

8. Practice Makes Perfect

Practice in an empty parking lot with cones or buckets.
Try backing into imaginary campsites or driveways.

🧰 Helpful Tips

Use wheel chocks and go slowly.
Try using a “pull-through” site if you’re at a campground and nervous.
Some recommend the “hand on bottom of the wheel” rule to visualize direction better.
Consider getting rear-view cameras or mirror extensions for better visibility.

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Here’s a more detailed explanation and visual breakdown of how steering affects trailer direction when backing up, to go along with the previous diagram: Repetition can be the best learner.

🔁 Understanding Steering When Backing Up a Travel Trailer

🧭 Rule of Thumb:

Turn the BOTTOM of the steering wheel in the direction you want the BACK of the trailer to go.

🛻 Basic Scenarios:

▶️ 1. Turn Steering Wheel Right

The back of your trailer will go left
The front of your vehicle will swing right
Use this to angle into left-side spaces

◀️ 2. Turn Steering Wheel Left

The back of your trailer will go right
The front of your vehicle will swing left
Use this to angle into right-side spaces

👁️ Tips for Better Control:

Use side mirrors—whichever mirror shows more trailer is the direction it’s going
Go slow—small adjustments are better
Straighten out often to keep control
Practice in an empty lot with cones or buckets

Early To Bed Early To Rise

The saying “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” is widely attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

📜 Origin of the Saying:

🔹 Benjamin Franklin

He popularized the phrase in his publication, “Poor Richard’s Almanack”, first published in 1732 under the pseudonym Richard Saunders. This almanac was filled with proverbs, witty sayings, and practical advice.

The full quote appeared as: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”

🔹 Did Franklin Coin It?

He did not invent the sentiment, but made it famous.
Similar ideas about early rising and virtue can be traced to even older sources:
- Aristotle said: “It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom.”
- Proverbs in ancient Eastern and European cultures praised early rising for productivity and discipline.

🌅 Meaning:

The phrase reflects the belief that discipline, good sleep habits, and rising early lead to success in health, finances, and personal growth—a value deeply rooted in Puritan work ethic and Enlightenment thinking.

Here is a poem inspired by the timeless wisdom of “Early to Bed and Early to Rise”, blending themes of discipline, peace, and purpose:

A Rhythm of Grace
Inspired by the proverb

Early to bed when the stars appear,
The hush of night so calm and clear.
The soul finds rest from hurried pace,
Wrapped in the stillness of God’s grace.

Early to rise with morning light,
The skies aglow, the heart made right.
Before the world begins to race,
I meet my Lord in quiet place.

The hands are strong, the spirit wise,
Not shaped by chance, but by the skies.
For time well kept and gently steered,
Builds health and hope and life revered.

In waking hours or dreams at night,
Each breath is guided by His light.
So teach me, Lord, this sacred art—
To walk with wisdom, work with heart.

Eternity

Here is a gentle and hope-filled Christian meditation for seniors on the theme of eternity, offering comfort, perspective, and purpose in the later years of life:

🕊️ Meditation: Seniors and Eternity – Living with Heaven in View

“Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day… So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
—2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (NIV)

In the quietness of later life, when the days slow and the world spins faster, the heart begins to ask deeper questions:
What have I lived for? What still matters? And what comes next?

As the body grows weaker, eternity grows nearer—not as a shadow to fear, but as a light drawing us home.

We are not defined by the aches in our bones or the lines on our face, but by the eternal spirit God has placed within us. Each day we live is not a fading ember, but a spark that points to something everlasting.

Heaven is not a distant thought for seniors—it is a living hope. The wisdom we’ve gathered, the prayers we’ve whispered, the love we’ve shared—they are not wasted. They are woven into the eternal story that God is writing.

For those in Christ, the end is not the end. It’s a beginning. A reunion. A redemption. A radiant morning that will never fade.

🙏 Reflective Prayer

Lord, as the years unfold behind me, let eternity shine ever brighter before me. Help me to live these days with purpose, peace, and praise—trusting that my final breath here is the first breath there, in Your presence. Teach me to number my days, and to rejoice in the hope of the life to come. Amen.

A Meditation Poem: “In the Quiet, I Am Known”

by S.H.W.

In the hush beyond the noise,
When silence sings without a voice,
I sit beneath the weight of years,
With softened strength and fewer fears.

The world still spins with hurried pace,
But I have learned the gift of grace.
Not in the race, nor loud acclaim,
But in the stillness of His name.

The hands once busy, worn and tried,
Now fold in prayer and rest with pride.
The lines upon my face reveal
A thousand ways God’s love is real.

I do not need tomorrow’s chart,
For heaven’s hope is in my heart.
And though the dusk may draw in near,
There is no shadow left to fear.

For in the quiet, I am known,
No more to strive, no more alone.
His Spirit whispers, “Child, just be—
Eternity is calling thee.”

Lung Detox Patches

I was going to recommend lung detox patches to my brother, who has major lung problems but after checking out the claims, this is what I found.

Here’s what the research and expert guidelines say about “lung detox” patches like the one you mentioned:

🫁 1. No scientific evidence supports their claims

Health organizations like the American Lung Association point out that lungs clean themselves naturally once harmful exposures (e.g. smoking, pollution) stop. There’s no clinical proof that topical patches accelerate this process (webmd.com).
WebMD echoes this: inhaling only clean air and prescribed meds is considered safe—other methods may carry risks (webmd.com).

2. Marketing claims are often dubious

Some sellers (like “Ourlyard DoubleNano” patches) claim FDA certification, but no reputable FDA listing exists for nanoparticle detox patches (ourlyard.net).
Bold assertions—like resolving COPD in 7 weeks or eliminating discomfort in 10 minutes—are unsupported by published scientific or clinical data.

3. Potential safety concerns with “nano” ingredients

Nanoparticles (e.g. nanosilver, nano-collagen) may be absorbed through skin or lungs. Studies show risks like immune system effects, organ accumulation, or even genotoxicity at sufficient exposures (ourlyard.net, ec.europa.eu).
Inhalation of oils or aerosols can be dangerous (risk of lipoid pneumonia) (webmd.com).

4. Safer evidence-based alternatives

Stop smoking/vaping, avoid polluted areas, maintain indoor air quality, exercise, and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants—these are backed by research and lung associations (lung.org).
When needed, use prescribed inhalers or medications under a doctor’s supervision—you won’t get faster results from miracle patches.

✅ Bottom line

There’s no credible evidence that lung detox patches do what they claim. Their marketing often uses cancer-tested terms like “nano” or “FDA-certified” to imply legitimacy—but these are not verified. Plus, there could be health risks with unknown ingredients.

🛡️ What you can do instead

Talk to your doctor about respiratory concerns or quitting smoking.
Focus on clean air, breathing exercises, and nutrition.
Only use medical-grade, evidence-based treatments prescribed by professionals.