@sondrals I've been thinking about you and even though I do not post much, I am closely following your recovery. I worry for you every time you mention spikes, canes, snow, ice and freezing temperatures!
I love Alaska, I do. It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. In many ways, Alaska reminds me of parts of the Upper Peninsula Michigan, as well as New England (where I grew up...inland parts of New England more so, not coastal).
Here in Southern Michigan, we had a bit of a freak early November snowfall and bitter Arctic Cold...just a few days after I had surgery on October 30th...about 10 days later. We had about 7 inches of snow & ice here, some of which is slowly melting away but no not really. The cold and ice are here to stay. I know how treacherous walking in ice and snow is...it's frightening.
May sound weird but every time my husband and I contemplate moving to Florida, I think about how much I would miss the peace, calm & serenity that each snowfall brings. I love the solitude of the winter, I really do.
Winter is one of my favorite seasons. I like the calmness.
PLEASE be careful and do whatever you must to avoid a slip, or fall.
You are doing great given all you've been through. Keep up the good work.