HOT PURSUIT

I created a few chuckles the other night when someone texted me asking how I was doing.

My response, “raking all day, aching all night, and then some.”

Ah, the fall seasonal chores are once again upon us.

I took advantage of the lovely fall weather last Saturday to rake my yard. It’s no easy task, as I have some large trees that are very fruitful, at least when it comes to leaves.

I don’t mind raking because it gives me a great opportunity to listen to music and relax, if you can believe that. I just love being outdoors in the fresh fall air, taking in the smell and crunch of the leaves beneath my feet. It may be a dirty job, but as I always say, “Somebody has to do it.” And it may as well be me. I’ve never been the recipient of a rake fairy, though other family members have helped some in the past.

By the time I was done several hours later, I had raked up 27 bags full of leaves. My driveway looked like a parade of brown leaf bags and created a few stares from neighbors going by.

It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time, but I guess this aging body isn’t quite like it used to be. Aches and pains set in later that night as I wondered what hit me. Creaks and groans seemed to take over my body. Of course, I should know better.

Raking leaves involves repetitive twisting, pulling and bending, which can strain muscles in your lower back, shoulders, neck and forearms. I accomplished them all.

I also did something most people probably wouldn’t do. I immediately turned around after finishing the six-hour marathon of raking and went out for my usual one-hour brisk walk. I thought if nothing else, I’ll just walk out all the discomfort. Over the past month, I’ve been on some other fairly involved hiking trails in some picturesque state parks. So walking and climbing don’t hinder me at all.

Once I came inside, a friend immediately recommended I slam down some Tylenol. Another one told me some Icy Hot or a good CBD lotion can help the muscles. I thought about diving into one or both of those recommendations, but only briefly. I held great restraint and didn’t do a thing other than some good old-fashioned toughing it out.

By Monday, I was back to normal, with the leaf-busting soreness and stiffness fully vacated and raking chores in my rearview mirror. I was proud of myself for not jumping to the pain relief medicines, though it was certainly tempting.

Hot pursuit of fall-time chores? You bet!