Winter’s coming…or, I can’t get out as much as I’d like

"and so I've LITERALLY not been able to get outside – I have to come straight home from work and stay with her…"

Well in that case:

1. learn a new instrument
2. write whatever article Roger has apparently been bugging you about.

If mom isn't mobile, can you drive someplace, put her in a transport wheelchair, and take her someplace on a paved trail? I used to do that with my mom when I was in a similar situation; good exercise for me, and it was good for both of us to get outdoors.

Hang in there; I've been in the situation where parental care trumped my desire for outings, and I understand some of what you're going through. Luckily for me, about that time I discovered BPL and was able to transfer my backpacking urges into compulsively reading and obsessing about gear. You're too far along on the curve for that, though.

You could always do what I found myself doing too many times, which is to take out your frustration by venting in a curmudgeonly fashion at some poor schmo on BPL who happens to post something you disagree with…

edit: Just be careful that you don't get caught up in perusing the senior health aids catalogs with the same fervor that you used to have with backpacking gear…don't ask me why I mention that…

When my mom was sick, I did most of my exercising on my lunch hour, because I was at the hospital with her mornings and evenings. Let me tell you — that quick 45 minute run each day was a real sanity-saver/anti-depressant!

In the evenings with mom — besides all the great suggestions you've already gotten — you might try "arm chair hiking", i.e., reading trail blogs from the PCT, CDT, CT, etc. on a Kindle/tablet right next to mom. In fact, she might even enjoy hearing you read them aloud to her (so you can enjoy your favourite hobby by proxy and bond with your mom at the same time).

BTW, as far as summer activity goes, have you tried starting your hikes just pre-dawn and bringing a hiking umbrella? If your heat tolerance is ok and you finish by about 10am, you should be able to get out for some decent hikes.

…

One called Cree Hunters of Mistassini is a favorite when I can't get out. Lots of other great stuff on the National Film Board as well.

https://www.nfb.ca/film/cree_hunters

Happy People: A Year in the Taiga is on netflix :), that's good too!

"If mom isn't mobile, can you drive someplace, put her in a transport wheelchair, and take her someplace on a paved trail? I used to do that with my mom when I was in a similar situation; good exercise for me, and it was good for both of us to get outdoors."
That just reminded me of Dick Hoyt.
http://www.teamhoyt.com/

+1 on Happy People: A Year in the Taiga

And I loved reading about the Team Hoyt thing – thanks for the link!