Monday Musings- Fresh Air
Happy Monday ladies! We are back from the island and staying inside until this thick smoke coming over the border subsides. My heart goes out to all those who live in close proximity to the fires all along the west coast. It is so terrifying and sad.
Here are a few things on my mind this week:
Air Purifier
Because of some underlying health issues, the air quality here is a top concern for my family. Yesterday we headed out to purchase an air filter, given the air quality advisories in effect. There were flying off the shelves and not a lot of options were available in-store, but we were able to find this one that seems to be doing its job.
It’s unclear how long this thick smoke will be here for, but we’re planning to stay inside until further notice. I have never owned an air filter before but reading a bit further about them online, they do seem like a very smart (even outside of wildfire season). They will clean from the air all sorts of things, like pollen, pet allergens, dust, smoke, bacteria, mold, and chemical vapors. We tried to purchase the Dyson model, but it was sold out at Costco.
Sneakers
I’m not sure where my brain was when I was packing for this trip, but I didn’t pack a single pair of sneakers! I did bring my 
They’re super lightweight and have a wide base so they’re very stable. The mesh uppers keep my feet nice and cool, which I appreciate. I ordinarily wear a 9 1/2 in athletic shoes but went up to a 10 in these, which is perfect. I’m not sure I would ever wear these for regular days on the run, but they sure are comfy.
Compression Gloves
Post hand surgery, I’ve been wearing a compression glove on my right hand to help with swelling, etc. It turns out they really do help and are very beneficial for arthritis pain too! The ones I was given from the physical therapist leave a lot to be desired style-wise so I’ve been shopping for slightly more attractive ones. 
It turns out that compression gloves are available in several varieties:
- copper arthritis gloves -Copper is a bit of an old wive’s tale and reported to help with arthritis pain. People claim that tiny amounts of copper rub off onto the skin, which absorbs it into the body and helps regrow joint cartilage that has been lost because of arthritis.
- heated arthritis gloves – these are anatomically shaped to trap heat to provide warmth and compression.
- simple compression gloves – these are made from cotton and lycra which apply gentle compression.
I have no experience with anything but simple compression gloves and I really like them.
I will stay on the hunt for more compression gloves because I believe they will be a staple for me in the months ahead.
Do you use an air filter at home? Look forward to learning more about them with you ladies.
I’ll be on the hunt for compression gloves as well. I’m on the computer all day for my job and since I’ve had wrist surgery as well, I will try them out. Thanks for sharing.
I have worn identical flesh-coloredcompression gloves for about 25 years to ease the pain In my wrists when I type. I have worked for textbook publishers as an independent contractor and use a computer full time. I would say the compression gloves with Lycra extended my work life by at least 20 of those years.L
That’s wonderful to know, thanks for sharing, Leoni
Yes an air filter is a good thing when you or your family has lung issues.
I hate this smoke in our air, we are used to be outside a lot!
Iām looking for good leggings for our next season
Love the look of a tunic top(to cover all the lady parts) over well fitted leggings
Enjoy your daughter
I am too close to that nonsense gender-reveal fire, and the smoke has been so bad, I could not see the end of my street for two days. I have been sneezing nonstop. It also doesn’t help that this brings back bad memories of the forest fire that destroyed my house last year. My grandson has asthma, so his parents took him up the mountain (7000 feet) for a few days where the smoke is not quite as bad.
helpful to wear a mask…Japanese wear mask in their country ALL the time for pollution.
I hope the smoke clears quickly. This much be so awful for you.
We invested……and I do mean “invested”…….in a high quality air filter/cleaner because our grandchild has asthma and my husband has allergies. It works wonderfully. We have a dog and a cat and no one has issues with them at all. Ours is IQAir…..pricey, but well worth it.
Kathy
Thanks Kathy…I will have a look at one.
We have very hazardous smoke conditions here in Spokane, Wa. Everyone is staying home and along with Covid it’s tough not to get depressed. I would love to get an air filter. Thanks for the tips. I’m also going to look into the copper gloves! I have terrible arthritis. I’m surprised my Dr. has not mentioned them.
Our Rainbow vacuum is running continuously on these smoky days. Quiet and effective as shown in the water chamber.
Great idea!!
I think the wind is going to swing around to the north and that will hopefully give B.C. some relief from smoke. And, rain is coming. As much as I love the sunny September days, we need rain. I didnāt check but I hope rain will fall all along the coastal states too.
Itās so nice that you were able to see your brothers during these times. Family is precious. ā¤ļø
Hi Jennifer,
I am praying for rain too, and kindness and empathy to prevail. The air quality has been horrendous lately. They closed the state parks around us to prevent people hiking right now due to the high temperatures, fire risks, covid etc. We open all the windows at night and get a breeze through the house and that helps.
Enjoy family time:)
I am always shocked to see people jogging in this smoke!
We are in Portland, and air purifiers really do help. It is helpful to get good quality filters with a high Merv rating and smoke stop.. I can’t wait to open all my windows and take a deep breath. Heartbreaking for those who have lost their homes and towns…
Hi there
We don’t have an air filter so it’s interesting hearing about them.
I had a walk from Canada Place to Stanley Park on Friday and spent a lot of time outside. I did wear a mask due to the air quality and when I came home I used a saline solution in my nose. Could really feel the difference afterwards in breathing – so recommend people do that if they have been in the smokey outdoors.
I bought a pair of New Balance shoes and also a pair of HOKA recently on west 4th ave – both have been good for my frequent long walks.
I havenāt heard of Hoka, Iāll have to check them out, thanks! Iāve been using lots of eye drops lately and agree the saline nose spray sounds like a very smart idea!
I’m a bit of a “nosy Nellie”, but was wondering what your daughter does that she can be off so much—-first to be with you and family in California—-and now to host you around Vancouver. You never mention her working or zooming about work and both seem to have lots of time for outings.
Just wondering……………lucky you all are to have so much lovely time together.
Keep us posted on the compression glove hunt….
She works from home, as most people do these days.
Well you are both fortunate to be able to have the relationship you do……she is lucky to have you there to “spoil” her and take her mind off work when ‘the day is over’ (which it truly never is with a large corporation). And you are lucky to be able to distract her when necessary, and take care of her. Win, win!
So good to hear about your time with your daughter. I’ve been wondering how your husband is making out without you and when you plan to go home. He’s been on his own for quite awhile now. Take care, stay safe and well.
Heās doing very well and spending lots of time with my son and grandson which fills his heart with joy.
I always find it interesting when people find it odd that spouses can travel separately. As āāThe Prophetā said, Let there be spaces in your togetherness.ā As two of our children live overseas it is often not practical for both of us to visit at the same time and I find it works out just fine. Almost 39 years together!
We are coming up on 43!!
Over the weekend, I was online shopping for everyday sneakers and trying to remember what brand youāve been photographed with. Today you featured them. Perfect timing. Thank you!
I love mine!
We are no where near any fires and hope the people that are get relief soon! We have an air cleaner running constantly because of the 2 cats we have. It’s in the den and covers that room and then we have a small one in our bedroom. It’s made by Honeywell and we got it on Amazon. It’s a hepa filter which is very effective.
I canāt believe I never thought to get one before now. Iāve got allergies and now with my husbands lung cancer they are a must.
There are many high quality air purifiers available today. Sadly, a great deal of the people who would benefit from these can not afford them. The loss of life and the total destruction of homes during a pandemic is just a horrible scenario. I canāt help but think of the hopelessness there must be for so many of our neighbors.
I know that the underlying purpose of this blog is to provide positive ideas and conversation for itās reader but I do need to be real about what is happening. These are life changing events for so many people. It really puts my personal worries and concerns in perspective.
We had shocking bushfires in Australia last summer (Xmas 2019) which affected the air quality so badly, many people wore masks and we kept the windows for a couple of days. Otherwise, I sleep with the windows wide open every night (except on hot summer nights when the aircon is running), even during winter. I am a fresh air fiend and my idea of hell on earth is staying in a hotel where the windows don’t open. The compression glove you are wearing is hardly noticeable
I remember how awful your fires were. Iām a window open gal too. I pray for rain. Lots and lots of rain.
Hoping you are enjoying the visit with your daughter and praying for the fires in the United States. Stay safe people.
Thank you
Oh I hope you find the “right” compression glove to alleviate swelling and pain- so important! And those sneakers- love them!
On air quality- I’m lucky to live in a state with very good air quality I believe, near the top state in the country for both air and wTer quality. (Maybe not number one but close to it). We get snow and rain in different seasons so fires are not happening, and pray they never do. We are a coastal state so ocean breezes are prevalent. We don’t have a need yet!
You are so fortunate Paulette!! Happy Monday
You always share interesting things!
I’m on the hunt for some of these gloves.
I have looked into air purifiers but haven’t purchased yet.