Friday, February 25, 2011

If anyone ever needs physical therapists in Sun Valley area

I was in enough pain from the accident that I was willing to try both traditional and non traditional therapists. Highly recommended was Michael Rollins
who is certified in "Active isolated stretching and strengthening". He also uses ARP wave technology which is similar (but different) to the electrical stimulus used by many therapists. He is also also highly trained in Tai-Chi...guess what... I learned that rather than breathing regularly I hold my breath while in the midst of a focused activity...this could be a life changing discovery!

I also worked with Dean Rutherford who is a Chiropractor in Hailey who did wonders to straighten my neck that was very misaligned after hitting my head so hard. He also added traditional electro stimulus to my treatments.

When Michael had to leave on a business trip he recommended 3 PT's. I chose Jill Pardini who is a certified PT and SCS. Her clinic is Sun Valley Sports Therapy which operates within Zynergy which is an awesome sports facility. Following her treatments I then had access to the clubs aromatherapy steam room and Jacuzzi which allowed for additional stretching/range of motion exercise. She was the perfect match for me....a great blend of optimism and reality!

Today is 2-25. Injured and novice blogger that I am, I am FINALLY going to post individual blogs!

One thing I've learned is that the "post date" isn't really the day something happened. Starting with this series of blogs I'm going to add additional commentary and pics of some of the wonderful people and fun events that occurred during our extended stay in Sun Valley while I was rehabbing from my accident on Jan. 20th. And then continuing with our journey as we left for for Utah on Feb. 12th, and finally arrived in Colorado on Feb. 17th. Although out of order, we hope that you're able to absorb some of the joy we've experienced this past month!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

And to think I always thought "to blog" meant to update info frequently!??

So much has happened in the past two weeks (plus lack of network availability) that it turns out that I am a dud blogger. However, as of last night we are finally settled in Breckenridge so ready to get back at it. In a major effort not to bore any of you to death, I'll try to select the pictures that are the most inspiring and keep the verbiage to a minimum. Yeah yeah I know that is an oxymoron where I'm concerned. More later!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Oh...have I mentioned parties??!!


Another delightful quality of life in the Valley are all the impromptu gatherings! While staying in my "hospital room" at the Dahl's there was much to be celebrated! One night we even went over to Dar's...another Tri Delt seen in middle of photo) She'd recently arrived from Hermosa Beach..so how cool was it to get to celebrate her Birthday with a bunch of her SV friends??!

Walking, Breathing in breathing out!

So one thing that (via some of my latest therapy) has finally penetrated my thick skull is that proper breathing is far more important to health and healing than I've acknowledged so on Sunday we "practiced" proper walking and breathing by cruising the halls and viewing the wonderful old pictures at Sun Valley Lodge. (I also found that walking and shopping throughout the mall was also very therapeutic!)

Recently, while Gary (Faux Pa) was giving a mini ski lesson to our Faux Da we noted that the "baskets" need to be behind you. She had no idea what a "basket" had to do with skiing. So for others who might also ask that question here's, a visual of the poles of old from the pictures displayed through the lodge:
Back in the day when you travelled to Sun Valley via train very long skies were the all the rage:

We love how Sun Valley, Ketchum and Hailey have been modernized without totally losing all the original charisma:

The Birthday Boy!

I recognize that not all of you have ever heard of "Hoops and Yoyo" who are featured in Hallmark talking/singing cards but for those who do appreciate their wacky humor here's Gary modeling the Birthday Kung Fu Master card along with his new after ski boots that are well suited to the zero degree temps we're getting used to"
And since he's currently off working out at Zynergy with our buddy Tom and doesn't get to preview this blog, here's a particularly charming shot of the Birthday Boy!
Last year Sun Valley added a new gondola that goes up to the historic Roundhouse and this year they've extended the hours so you can enjoy a fabulous dinner:
This shot shows the original beams that were used in the original construction:

Ski Odyssey Modified

One of our goals in taking off to "follow the storms" was to also really experience a lot of different areas. Yet, with Laurie's injury (and the new full-time job I have doing therapy!)we've had the chance to spend over two weeks in Sun Valley. Truth be told, it's never been my favorite ski hill, so the initial plan was to just stay 3-4 days with the focus on catching up with friends more than skiing. So many friends who have made this their part-time home always talk about the multitude of activities the Valley offers along with the incredible beauty. Well for sure we now "get it"!! On Friday we took the breathtaking drive up to Frenchman's Glen. The Big Wood River runs through it:
And in a couple spots there are natural hot springs:
It's been years since I read "the Bridges of Madison County" but immediately thought of that when we came upon this view:

And here's the back view of Warm Springs (site of my accident!) as we're heading back to Ketchum:


How could you not be inspired by the beauty of this day?!