"It takes six weeks for a fractured bone to heal," my doctor said today. My toe feels much better stabilized.

New foot x-rays today. Waiting for the radiologist report. Pending appointment with a podiatrist. Like most Americans, I hate waiting.

Doctor wants to do a bone density scan to make sure I don't have osteoporosis like my grandmother. I'm thin, another risk.

The last bone density scan I had was in 1998. My bones were strong from hiking and weightlifting since age 21.

"That was in the last century!" she said. Twenty years ago.

So much for hiking. I'm benched until July. That reminds me:

I can lift weights for the upper body from a seated position and lying on a bench. Also do abdominal exercises. With the machines: calf raises, calf crunches, one-leg presses, etc.

I'll stay strong.

To safely walk downstairs in this slippery boot, I sidestep holding the railing with both hands.

Just got my old REI soft knapsack with shoulder straps from storage. Will use it to carry things up and down.

The French conquered the Pyrenees carrying knapsacks with just a loaf of bread and salami.