Three factors figured to keep me from posting during the pandemic. One was the pandemic itself, of course. One doesn't get out and/or do much during pandemics. Factor #2 was that I developed heel spurs and plantar fasciitis during the pandemic. All of a sudden I couldn't walk without tremendous pain. When I retired I promised myself to walk every day, or as often as possible. I kept that promise and took a dog and my camera out faithfully. If you've not seen an x-ray of a heel spur, do so. Google them and you'll see nasty little hooks of bone that develop on the bottom of the calcaneous, or heel bone. They dig into the plantar fascia and cause inflammation and pain. Not being able to walk like I was used to caused me to feel depressed and very unhappy. I couldn't get out with the dogs or take photos of what I was seeing. Foot doctors and the Good Feet Store got me back to a level of walking that is not what I am used to, but better than nothing. I'm not walking as far as I would like but I can do a mile again so I am happier for sure. I finally found these nice, soft Keen light hikers that will hold the shoe inserts, 2 levels of foam insoles and gel heel pads plus my feet. I recently purchased new boots for winter that I hope will do the same for me. I never thought of the bodily changes that might keep me from doing what I pleased as I age, but the body DOES change as we get older and and, rather than sulk about it, I think I'd rather try the work arounds. Factor #3 is a subject for another day . . . or not at all.
Finally found the photo of a heel spur I downloaded . . . nasty looking, isn't it?