Stronger Every Day...

We had a lovely weekend with Handsome's brother last weekend. In fact, so much so that I never even got a photograph of the two of them together! (Bad blogger!)

Handsome gets stronger everyday, and he continues with physical therapy and needed doctor visits. From all accounts, the brain is absorbing the residual from the bleed that was causing the issues. Now that the supply has been cut off, we're hoping that the two area that were causing the problem will just disappear over time. His doctor is happy with his progress, too, which is wonderful.

I'll be at work today, but Handsome assures me he'll take it easy. He'll likely read the latest book he's been enjoying, and except for letting the dogs out a few times, he'll just rest while I'm away.

I'm going to make a pot of coffee and get ready for work. I hope you have a great week. 

All In A Day's Work...

It was actually "an afternoon's play". I don't know why I was so hesitant to make this one, but I'm so happy I finally sat down and figured it all out. I'm shipping it out today, so Miss Ellie will have her gift later this week. 

The actual puppy's face purse measures 6.5" wide by 6" long by 1" wide. The shoulder strap has a 13" drop, so I hope it's the perfect length for a five year old young lady. The following photos show just a bit of the details.

 

Front of Ellie's Puppy Purse

 

Back of Ellie's Puppy Purse, Showing The Tail

Paw Print Lining

 

A Little Corgi Bell Charm is the Final Touch

I can't wait to hear Ellie's reaction to her gift. I'm so glad I've completed it. Truthfully, I didn't take all the photos or write a pattern as I created this. I'm happy that this is a one-and-only creation just for her. I may change my mind and make another in the future, but not exactly like this one. That way, she can always feel special knowing she has the only one like it in the whole world, and I made it just for her.

Sunday Scripture...

Romans 1:16

 

I Have A Plan...

Handsome's brother is flying in for a long weekend today. I'm working tonight - and I just realized tomorrow, too (for a co-worker), but the rest of the weekend will be to myself as the guys hang out and visit with each other. 

I'll be playing in the studio. Now, don't get all excited about how tidy my studio looks. As I told MA in yesterday's comments, it currently looks "post apocalyptic" and chaotic. I'm not going to spend a lot of time cleaning it so I can play. I'm going to mostly work around the piles to concentrate on sewing a purse for a little girl. I can clean next week after I've finished making a new mess.

So, that's my plan and I'm praying I can stick with it. I'd planned an "extended Birthday" for Miss Ellie, but I don't want to get too carried away. After all, she's only five. There's plenty of time to teach her how to really stretch it out! I'll share more tomorrow before I go to work!

Colors Chosen...

I spent some time choosing the colors of cork I want to use for Ellie's Puppy Purse. It's a start, right? I'm in the process of redrawing and cutting out pieces right now...and taking photographs of the process as I go along.

I also canned the last fifteen pounds of tomatoes into stewed tomatoes yesterday. The result was 13 1/2 quarts. I used 1 1/2 for dinner last night. We had salisbury steak with beautiful yellow potatoes. It was a hit, and just a taste of things to come this fall and winter. Handsome was quite pleased with the results, and truthfully, so was I.

I have the tomato skins dehydrating until late morning, and then I'll process them into powder for later use. First, Handsome has his physical therapy appointment (and I'm his driver), and haircuts are on the agenda later. Then, I'll get back into the studio for some serious work. I'll do better for you tomorrow.

Soon...

I must have been really tired last night. I fell asleep reading and only just woke up! Sooo, my plan is to work in the studio today on that little puppy purse for Elizabeth. 

I hope you're having a good day. It's perfect weather to be outside, so I'll have to concentrate to get this done. Let's see how that goes.

Weekend Labors...

It was Labor Day Weekend, so I kept busy in the kitchen. I bought forty pounds of beef steak tomatoes from a local producer, with stewed tomatoes, homemade Rotel™ and tomato juice in mind. I processed the first fifteen pounds of tomatoes, which yielded these gorgeous seven quarts of stewed tomatoes, plus two quarts of juice.

I would have processed more tomatoes, but there was a gentlemen who brought pears and McIntosh apples (Handsome's favorite) to the store where I work. We had this big plastic tub, filled with bags of both. I get our pears from Andy and Shelly, but all our apples from the old tree dropped before they ripened, so I jumped on the Macs. 

I came home with twenty five pounds, so Handsome and I cut them all up and put them in two Nesco™ roasters to cook down while I did the tomatoes. I didn't finish the applesauce until midnight, but went to bed with fourteen quarts cooling on the counter. One didn't seal, so it went into the fridge so we'll eat that first.

I did blanch and peel the beef steaks, so I saved  the peels to dehydrate. Did you know that you can also preserve these to make tomato paste? I only just learned about this. Once dehydrated, I pulverized the skins in my little grinder (dedicated to spices and veg - no coffee) and then placed them into a jar.

To use for paste, mix 1 part powder to 1 part water. It's that easy. In the alternative, the powder can be added by the spoonful to soups or other dishes to enhance the flavor. It takes a while to fill a jar, but I have more tomatoes to process, so there will be more skins.

I took the day off on Sunday to rest and spend time with Handsome, but got back to it yesterday. We didn't have plans as Handsome tires quickly, so I want him to rest. Instead, I processed twenty pounds of San Marzano tomatoes (like Romas) into pizza sauce.

I don't peel these tomatoes. Instead, I cut out the core, and then cut them into quarters to run through my food processor...peels and all. The peels are undetectable when the mixture is cooked, and it adds more texture to my paste. As always, I then season the tomatoes with my favorite, Mrs. Wages Pizza Sauce packets to cook.

By mid-afternoon, I'd processed twenty one 12 ounce jars, and eight 8 ounce jars of sauce. After they cooled, I removed the rings (I do that with all my jars), made sure they'd all sealed, wiped the rims and labeled them. They're now in the pantry cupboard awaiting our next homemade pizza.

I work today, but will process the rest of the beef steak tomatoes tomorrow. Then I'll be taking a little rest from canning to work on some craftier pursuits. First things first. I'd better finish getting ready for work. I don't want to be tardy. See you tomorrow!

Happy Holiday...

Labor Day Greetings from our family to yours,

Donna & Handsome

Bella & Carly

Claudette & Crystal

Sunday Scripture...

 

Getting Back To The Studio...

Now, I can finally focus on my great-great niece's Birthday gift. Talk about an "extended Birthday"! I'm teaching this young lady the concept without even planning for it! lol

So, I thought you might like to see the process for this project. I began with paper and pencil, drawing out my idea for the little shoulder bag I'm going to make for her. I'll be using cork fabric for this project, and of course, I have all the colors in stock to tackle this bag.

I decided this puppy face should have a spot around his/her eye like the old Spanky and Our Gang pup. Then, I thought, "Well, wouldn't it be cute if its tongue was hanging out, too?". Sure it would!

I haven't decided on all the colors yet, but I'm leaning toward natural for the main body, Rust for the spot and ears, black for the eyes and a red tongue. I'll add the muzzle and eye highlights by machine.

When I thought about the back of the bag, what could be more appropriate than to add a fluffy tail? hee hee  My drawings have extra lines and the shape is a bit wonky, but I'll even that all up when I draw the final pattern prior to cutting. 

I'll add a 1/4" seam allowance, and this bag will have a 1" gusset all the way around. It will have a top zipper, rings and a rolled shoulder strap so my niece can wear it as a shoulder or cross body bag.

What do you think so far? I'll take photos of my cutting and sewing as I go, and who knows? Maybe I'll turn it into a pattern for others to make their own, too.

Handsome is doing really well, and so glad to be back home. (So are we!) I'll make sure he rests through the holiday weekend, but I'll be sewing, canning applesauce, and picking up more tomatoes and peppers to do more canning. I'm happiest when my husband is near by, and I'm busy.  This plan should serve me well.

I hope you have a great weekend. Stop by to see what I've accomplished, or just catch up after the holidays. I'll be here when you get time.

Prayers Answered...

 

He's home!!! 

All is right in my world again.

He loves his cookies, the hot meal I made for us last night, and sitting in his favorite chair with the dogs sleeping at his feet. I can't stop smiling.

 

This chauffeur will get him to his physical therapy appointment today, run a few errands while he's getting his workout, and then working on my puppy purse project (say that three times fast) before I have to go to work for a few hours tonight. Handsome promised me he'd behave while I'm away so I don't have to fret.

 

Happy Weekend, friends.

 

Happy Dance...

I needed to run to the store to pick up a few things late afternoon. I'd been hearing them fly over the farmhouse all day, but never expected to see them all herded up in a nearby field. There were over sixty of them. From a distance, sandhill cranes can look like deer when their heads are down, but once they stand straight, there's no mistaking them.

It's God's way of reminding us that time moves along. It's nearly time for them to migrate south again. We used to see them all the time in Florida. We've also seen them in the Dakotas when they gathered by the thousands to migrate from those states toward Mexico and "on". You can't even imagine the ruckus they make when they all start calling and dancing at the same time. It's quite a sight to behold. I'll miss them.

I learned yesterday that Handsome will be released to come home today. As I won't know exactly when until he calls, I figured I'd make a little treat for him. Nothing like a little baking to weasel a bit further into his heart.

Tomorrow I'll share my drawing of the little handbag I'm working on. I still have a lot to do until it's finished, but at least now I'll be able to concentrate of the task. Thanks again for all your prayers. I'll see you tomorrow!

Waiting...

Under The Hickory Hill Farm Maple Tree

My perspective always improves when I'm out in nature. A peaceful calm comes over me and soothes my spirit.

I got a "good morning" call from Handsome shortly after I woke up yesterday. He just wanted to say hi and said he'd call back after he spoke with the doctor. As it turned out, he did stay another day.

He's now on the anti-seizure medication. When I talked with him, he said he'd already been up and walking around, but that he just wants to sleep right now. I don't really blame him. Who ever really sleeps well with doctors and nurses coming in to check on you every hour? His speech was a bit slurred, too, but I'm chalking that up to the new medication. I'll know more about that when I ask the doctor.

Handsome asked me not to make daily trips to Milwaukee at this point. He's busy doing therapy or sleeping when he can, so he prefers that I stay here with the dogs, so they're not crated all day. We do keep in touch, and I can always call the nurse's station as they gave me the direct number should I want medical updates. I'll be doing that today, unless Handsome calls to say they're releasing him. In that case, I'll drive down myself to get him. While I'm not fond of the drive, I can certainly navigate it safely myself. 

Both our sons are on deck should we need help. All I have to do is let them know and they're ready and willing. That takes a huge load off my mind. 

So, today, I'll continue to prepare for Handsome's return. If he's staying another day, I'll be baking a big batch of cookies to take to the neuro ICU nurse's station to show our gratitude. It will keep my hands and my mind busy, as I really can't concentrate on needlework right now. I'll be back with another status report tomorrow. Thanks again for all your prayers. Always.

Handsome Update...

Handsome called me from the hospital Sunday night to tell me he might have surgery on Tuesday. We didn't yet know what time. I then got a call first thing yesterday telling me he was scheduled for noon. I immediately called Son #2, who'd volunteered to come to the farmhouse to get me to go to Milwaukee. He answered the call and we were both in Handsome's room by 10:15 am.

It took longer than expected to take him into the operating room, but they took him in at about 1:30, and he was back in his room three and half hours later. The surgery was a success (thanks for all those prayers!), and the surgeon was very happy with the success of the proceedure.

What we learned was that he had two brain bleeds, and they blocked both of the sources. We're hopeful that the residual blood will be absorbed back into his brain. He was speaking and reacting normally. No facial sagging or blindness, which could have both been side effects. (again, thanks for all those prayers!)

He won't be allowed to drive for at least three months, and he'll be on anti-seizure medicines for a couple weeks. Then he'll be off them to see if he has any more episodes. They believe he was having brain seizures, rather than mini strokes (TIAs). We'll hope whatever they are, they don't happen again. Time will tell.

As usual, I'm writing this before midnight of the day it will post. Son #2 brought me home around 9 pm, and he didn't get back to his family until closer two 10 pm. We're both understandably tired, so I'll close for now. Thank you again for your comments yesterday. I'll answer them all later today.

I'll know by mid-morning whether or not they'll discharge Handsome today, but truthfully, I hope he stays an extra day, just to be safe. Either way, when he's ready to come home, I'll happily go to get him. I'm heading to bed now. By the time most of you read this Tuesday morning, I'll just be finding out how my day will proceed.

My boss told me not to worry about work today. She's personally taking my shift so I can concentrate on family matters. I'm so grateful for the people at work, and especially for her. I'll rest easy now.

What A Weekend...

I was a busy beaver on Saturday. I started my bread dough so that I could get the loaves made before the heat wave that began on Sunday. Then, I progressed to my concurrent project...

...canning a batch of pears. Approximately twelve pounds yielded these beautiful seven pints. Andy and Shelly's tree was extremely prolific this year, being so full of pears that it threatened to break branches. I know my limits, so when offered, I took what I knew I could can in one session.

Neighbors and family came to harvest much of it, but I also picked another two boxes for my niece, Stephanie and her daughter-in-law (who wants to learn how to can from her MIL). I planned to take them to great-nephew, Ethan's daughter's Birthday party yesterday but fate had other plans. I did manage to hand the boxes off to our nephew, Dan who would make sure they got to his Ethan's wife (the DIL). Stephanie and E's wife will take it from there.

So, you wondering what "fate" was up to? It was kind of scary...

After baking and canning, dinner got a late start on Saturday. I decided to do burgers on the grill, as I'd just finished baking rolls along with the bread. I went outside to put them on the grill and then came back into the house.

Handsome was having a cognitive episode similar to the one he had mid-August that necessitated his brain surgery. After a very few minutes of assessment, I grabbed my wallet, Handsome's hand, and we drove back to Sheboygan Hospital's emergency facility.

Again, they immediately got him situated in a room and did their evaluation. He seemed to have resolved, but they did a CAT scan anyway. Results: Nothing abnormal that they could see. Even so, they wanted to continue monitoring him, given his medical history. The doctor said to call him back into the room should anything change.

We were just talking together and Handsome seemed fine, but suddenly, he was searching for words again. I went into the hall and the nurse called the doctor back into our room. He started asking Handsome questions, and the words came out all jumbled. He was having trouble complying with requests like "raise your legs", and can you say "no way, no how". He was definitely having a problem. The doctor ordered another CAT scan, but this time with contrast. Results: Still nothing jumped out at them.

The doctor decided that Handsome should stay under observation overnight, so he was admitted into the hospital. He'd be seen by a neurologist Sunday morning, so I kissed my heartbeat goodnight and drove home. I arrived back at Hickory Hill after midnight.

I went back to the hospital Sunday morning to find the neurologist ordered an MRI, and the results were already back. He has another brain bleed, and Saturday night he was having a series of TIAs - mini strokes - which had caused his alarming behavior.

By 6:30 pm, he was being transported by ambulance back down to Milwaukee to St. Luke's Hospital. The Head of Neurology is his doctor and will be performing another surgery for Handsome this week. They'll decide when he's going to have said surgery this morning, so I won't know when I have to go back to Milwaukee until I get word. I'll go down for the surgery (of course) and our younger son has offered to come up to get me, and then drive me to the hospital as he's well-aware of my disdain for the drive. Other than surgery day, both sons will visit Handsome in Milwaukee in my stead. We'll likely all be there together for his operation.

So, it's no surprise I didn't make it to the party, and I never got the chance to finish my great-great niece's gift. It's something I've designed myself. I'll show you my design tomorrow, and hope to sew more on it today, barring an immediate surgical procedure. I'll mail it when it's done. Don't all five year olds love getting mail?

I think you can already guess my fervent request. If you're so moved, I'd deeply appreciate prayers for my beloved. My faith is holding me together right now. I know every prayer is heard, and I'll continue to update you on his progress. Here we go again...

Sunday Scripture...

2 Kings 20:5

 

New In My Library...

I just received two new books for my needlework library. They're both Elisabetta Sforza books, and wow! Talk about eye candy. These are the sorts of books you reach for for instruction and inspiration. They're filled with gorgeous examples of her handwork, and every single page is a treat.

Sea to Stitch is a guide to creating beautiful ocean-themed alphabet letters. There are waves and seashells of all sorts. I'm looking forward to practicing new techniques and trying to equal her impeccable skills.

A Flower Alphabet is even more wonderful than the first book of hers I own (In A Wheat Field), and I can't wait to create a few of these stunning floral alphabets. I'll definitely be attempting one soon. When I do, you know you'll be the first to know.

I'm making a special handbag for a little girl turning five this weekend. I'll be attending her Birthday party on Sunday, so today I sew. (Nothing like last minute, right? sigh) So, I guess I'd better close and get started. 

I hope you'll drop in for my Sunday Scripture tomorrow, and then I'll be back to chat on Monday. Happy Weekend!

Faerie Garden Strawberry Sachet...

It's Finished!

It's always satisfying to finish something I so enjoyed creating. I took longer to complete this one, simply because life knocked me off course a bit, but I'm so happy with the way it turned out.

I always ask Handsome for input when I choose the wool for the leaves on top of the strawberry. I had leaned toward something completely different, but he made a suggestion that I keep the leaves more subtle to enhance, rather than overpower, the flowers. He was so right! I love the final wool used to crown this strawberry.

If you'd like to see a short video I recorded of the Faerie Garden Strawberry Sachet, you can click HERE. It shows all the colors more accurately in indirect daylight. Be sure to turn on your sound if you'd also like to hear the music I selected for the recording. 

Faerie Garden will be available later today in my Etsy shop. 

August Classmate Gathering...

(l-r: Back Row: Cal, Deb B., Karen S., me, Bruce. Front Row: Brad, Deb O., John and Mary)

I woke up yesterday morning on a mission. I had orders for cinnamon rolls to be delivered to classmates when we got together for early dinner yesterday. I frosted the last batch twenty minutes before I had to leave to meet up with them.

In the end, I'd made five pans of four rolls, and another with only two rolls in it (those were for Handsome and me). I sold four and took the last one up the hill to Andy and Shelly on my way home.

As always, I made sure to get a photo of the group before we parted ways, and we set the date for our September dinner. I always post the photo in our class group on Facebook, so next month we may have more people able to attend. It's always a great time, and there are always hugs before we go our separate ways.

I'll debut that finished strawberry tomorrow. I know you're anxious to see it done. It seems to have taken forever this time. I guess it's my short attention span these days. Oh, Look!! A squirrel!..... lol

Faerie Garden...

I've completed the embroidery for my current Strawberry Sachet. I'm calling this one "Faerie Garden". I've tucked a lovely winged sprite amid the flourishes.

I'd hoped to be able to share this one as a finish, but I was too tired to do that after work yesterday. I'll assemble the strawberry today, and I'll be back tomorrow to share the completed piece.