Sunday Scripture...

Galatians 6:9

 

Tiny Miracles...

 

 

Yesterday was wonderful. I had my physical therapy appointment and hit my goal of 120º bend in my knee. I still will work toward 130º, which was my pre-operation measurement, but getting to 120º was a huge achievement. 

Jenna (and Nicole) have been monitoring my progress, and because I got to 120º and am walking so well, I was told that I no longer need to use the cane, and we're changing my appointment schedule from three times a week down to two. I was thrilled.

Nicole was my therapist for yesterday's appointment and we went from riding the bicycle to stair stepping to some strength training. I also stood on a flat cushion and she evaluated my balance on both legs. I passed everything with flying colors, and I'm so happy.

Even better was that, although my knee muscles felt tight, there was no pain, heat, or inflammation in my knee like there's been before. The best possible news. Of course, once home Handsome and I sat down and I immediately fell asleep for an hour (or two). I guess it was more of a workout than I thought. 

 

Friends of mine who live close have gifted us with pickling cucumbers, zucchini and potatoes, so today Handsome and I will be canning bread and butter pickles. I have a five gallon bucket-full, but that will be my limit.

I also have bread to make, so it will be easy to work back and forth between the two. I'm going to pace myself so I don't overdo it, but I intend to do more canning this next week as my knee allows. I'm looking forward to seeing the pantry restocked with lots and lots of jars this fall. I've already made a list of what I hope to get canned in the next few weeks, and some things can definitely wait until later (canning my dried pinto beans into refrieds; making baked beans from my dried navy beans. Stuff like that.) You can count on me to show you the fruits of our labors, too. 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, dears. I'll be back tomorrow.

 

 

Monster Cookies!...

Yes! I baked yesterday afternoon. I mixed up a double batch of chocolate chip cookies, but rather than make the "civilized" size, I opted for MONSTER sized.

I grabbed the larger of my two scoop sizes and ended up with thick, chewy, 4" cookies. Instead of six or seven dozen, there were two dozen. The first batch turned out lighter as I tested my way through baking times. The second batch was darker, but not as dark as they appear in this late day photograph, and still chewy.

Handsome ran an errand while I made these, and my own Cookie Monster was delighted to see them when he walked in the back door. Made my day, actually.

We both spent a lot of time off our feet during the day, and although my knee still feels tight, I'm pleasantly surprised that there's no longer that intense pain. More like a dull, tight sensation. Have I turned a corner? I'm being optimistic here. I may have.

Physical therapy this morning and then no trips to town for the weekend. Jenna is off today, so I'll have a different therapist. We'll see how hard she wants to push me, and how I do with it. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I can always console myself with milk and a cookie when I get back home. That's if Handsome hasn't eaten them all! I'm not too concerned. They're a bit rich to eat more than one for me, and maybe two, even for him.

Happy Weekend!!!

My Music Man...

Fond du Lac Symphonic Band - Last Concert of the Season

I made it! I got to Handsome's final concert of the season. Rather than climbing up the hill with my lawn chair for my usual vantage point, I opted for a more conservative location down in front on the flat part of the yard. There I sat for the two hour performance.  In case you're wondering, my husband is standing in the percussion section on the left side of this photograph (second from the left). Yep. He's the tall, handsome one.

Handsome on the Drum Kit

Handsome was front of the stage for three or four pieces last night. A Dixieland piece which was well-received by the audience. He also played a Tribute to Count Basie medley which was my favorite. His first love is jazz and swing, so he's always the best choice to play the kit for those pieces. I've witnessed an occasional partial derailing either by the band or the conductor that's he's brought back on line with his playing. It's a beautiful thing to watch. He's not only my heartbeat, but truly the heartbeat for the organizations with which he plays. Can you tell how proud I am of him and his talents?  

Handsome on Kit for the Dixieland Piece

My post is late going up today. We went for a little while to the after party that the band sponsors at the end of each season. Last night it was at a pizza place that everyone likes. We got home around 10:15, and by then, I knew I might have been on my butt and feet too long. Rather than write my post, I took my meds, stacked a few pillows in bed so I could elevate my leg, and called it a night.

This morning, I'm happy to report that although my knee feels really tight, it's not warm to the touch (signifying inflammation), or swollen. Progress! I'll be taking my morning meds, refilling my ice machine and doing a little cold therapy next. I nice hot cup of coffee will hit the spot, too.

I'll be taking it easy the rest of the day, as will Handsome. He'll be taking care of the dogs this morning, and then pampering his back. It's not just the playing. When you're a percussionist, you've almost always got the most lifting, toting, and heavier equipment than anyone else. He doesn't just show up to play and then leave after a performance. He deserves a rest today, too.

Once again, I find myself asking, "Aren't we a pair." I hope you have a great day. We'll just be hanging out in the farmhouse in case you're looking for us.

What A Wonderful Day...

My visit with Kathy D. yesterday made for a great day. We shared lunch - I made our favorite mac n cheese, and Kathy showed up with fruit, fried chicken, and homemade cookies! Handsome joined us for lunch and then he disappeared with the dogs to other parts of the house.

Meanwhile, Kathy and I had a great visit. I saw the counted thread sampler she's currently working on from a retreat she recently attended on Madelein Island in northern Wisconsin. I showed her my stalled progress on the bluebirds, and then we just got caught up. 

Of course, I never took a photograph of a single thing while she was here, so that's why you're seeing a silly photo of sleeping Claudette instead.

Late day today, I got a chance to speak with Mum. She's still in the hospital so they can monitor one of her blood levels that's been off the charts. Once that's regulated - thanks to the surgery results - she'll be able to go home...hopefully tomorrow. She sounded really great and is content to wait there, as she's quite sore from all the prodding and poking. It's the best place for her right now. It was so good to hear her voice and know she's okay. I told her I'll speak with her again soon.

Handsome has his last concert this evening. We're hoping there's no rain so it can be open air at the park, rather than indoors at the fairgrounds. The outdoor venue is so much better. 

It's going to be a busy day, too. Physical therapy, a doctor's checkup for Handsome, a scheduled classmate dinner (I'm not sure how we're going to get to that), and then the concert. We'll see. I'm going to make sure I get a good nap in there somewhere, and ice my knee after we get home from the clinic so I can get around for the concert. That's the one thing I absolutely won't be missing.

How are you doing?

 

117º...

Last Wednesday, my knee bend measured 114º. Then, I rolled into my Friday PT with a swollen knee. Jenna said, "I'm not even going to tell you the measurement, because you'll be upset." That told me that I'd backslid in my progress, so I didn't push to know.

I took it easy over the weekend, icing, elevating, and only doing the bare minimum home exercises. When I went in for my session yesterday, we started on the stationary bike. I took one full pedal slowly, and then proceeded to pedal like I never had an issue with that knee. Jenna was surprised, and then smiled and said, "I moved the seat a notch closer today just to see if you could do it." Sneaky kid. lol I completed my five minutes and we moved on to the table where I have been reclining to do my heel slides and leg extensions. She decided to take a measurement first. 117º !!! I got a "you're fierce, girl!" and a high five. I was really happy. We're back on track again.

I did a few more exercises, but with lighter weights and nothing heroic. Even so, when I got home I knew I'd had a workout. I went back on ice and rested the remainder of the day.

Mum made it through surgery and will now have a recuperation period. One step at a time, but her kids are all grateful for the good news. Thanks to all who lifted prayers and good thoughts prior to her procedure. 

 

I'm looking forward to some fun today. Kathy D. is coming out for lunch and a visit. I'm going to make my favorite Emeril Lagasse mac and cheese recipe, and Kathy is bringing fried chicken and a few sides. I'll be able to show her my bluebirds (so far), and she's going to tell me about a retreat she recently attended. It will be so nice to see her again!

 

Hope you have something fun planned today, too. I'll be back tomorrow with photos and let you know what's going on Wednesday. More fun! 

 

She's On My Mind Today...

Mum with two great-grands - 2023

My mum turned 88 in June, and this photograph is from two years ago. She's much thinner and more frail-looking now. Recently her doctor(s) decided that she needed to undergo surgery. She's been having ongoing issues for a while now, and truthfully, I believe many of her problems are caused by the medicine on top of medicine on top of medicine she's been prescribed.

You know. First they tell you to take this pill, and when you have a reaction, they add a pill for that symptom, and so on and so on. Can you tell I don't really trust the people she's trusting? Well, the last prescription was a second prescription for diabetes. What it's causing is severe weight loss, and after reading up on all possible side effects, another is problems for the thyroid...from malfunction all the way up to the Big C. 

Her doctor convinced her to have a major surgery on her thyroid today. They've also said it's a day surgery! I've had two thyroid surgeries (one when I was 7 and the other when I was 18). I know what it does to a young, otherwise healthy person. I'm deeply concerned about what it may do to my 88 year old mother, and it's inconceivable to me that it could - under any stretch of the imagination - be a day surgery for her.

What that means for me is that I'll go to my PT appointment, and then spend the rest of the day waiting for word about how she is. One of my brothers is her medical surrogate (in the event my 93 year old stepdad can't be - or he hands off that responsibility). He and my sister, Jan will be at the hospital with our stepdad. I've had my fill of medical facilities, so I'll wait at home to hear from Jan.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long day. I hope you have something more fun on your agenda. See you tomorrow.

Sunday Scripture...

Jeremiah 30:17

 

Plymouth Cheese Counter...

Plymouth Cheese Counter - Plymouth, Wisconsin

My therapy session went really well yesterday. I showed Jenna my swollen knee so our appointment was more focused on TLC than PT. I rode the stationary bicycle for five minutes, stretched for two, and then she took measurements of my knee joint straight and bent as far as I was able. I was still over 100º, but she purposely didn't tell me the measurement because she knows I'm a competitor and didn't want me disappointed.

After those things were taken care of, she had me lie down on the table and proceeded to gently work on the muscles below my knee joint. First with mild pressure (which as wonderful), and then by pulling toward her from the back of the knee (even more comfortable). After that, she had me sit and gently used her hands to pull down on my knee creating some mild traction - all to help move the joint, but also relieve some of the swelling. Lastly, I have fifteen minutes of icing and then left feeling so much better. 

Handsome was waiting to take me for our lunch date. We drove from the clinic downtown to a place we'd noticed last week. The Plymouth Cheese Counter. I'd also done a little research online, and we were anxious to check it out.

Map of Cheese Companies in Wisconsin

This map hangs on the wall inside the store, marking every cheese company in Wisconsin, but Plymouth is considered the Cheese Capital of Wisconsin. If you enlarge the image, you can see a yellow "X", which marks the location of Plymouth. Our farmhouse is about eleven miles straight west of there.

Once inside, there are myriad cheese choices from all the local makers, many of whom have factories in or within ten miles of Plymouth. Sargento, Widmer's, Grande, and Sartori to name a few. They also offer local honey, local ice cream, and lots of "cheesy merch".

To the rear left of this image is a food counter where we ordered delicious panini sandwiches, featuring - what else? - cheese, of course. The menu also features macaroni and cheese, and soups. Our meal was delicious, and it was nice to sit down for a meal neither of us had to cook. It was a bit pricey for two sandwiches and a beverage each, but it's a place we'll definitely visit again in the future.

This weekend will be restful, per Jenna's and Handsome's orders. We have nothing planned, so whatever we do will be close to home. I hope you have a nice weekend planned, too. I'll see you later!

Band Concert...

Handsome - Pre-Concert

Well, I didn't make it to his concert last night, but I did get a photograph of him before he left for the venue. This was his second-to-last concert of the season, and then he'll be off until this fall (or later, if he decides to go to Florida to play for part of the winter).

He told me his last concert is next week, and I promised I'll be there, come hell or high water. I don't want to miss him playing on the kit which he'll be doing again for that one. He's playing in a separate Dixieland band which will be out front and center that night. I'll definitely be there as his biggest fan.

Me? I stayed home with my knee on ice. I called the doctor's office yesterday and talked with them about the swelling. His nurse reminded me that it's only three weeks. sigh I also got a refill of two prescriptions, and told that I can alternate Tylenol with the other painkiller as long as I stay under 3,000 mgs. I'm way under that, but I'm not going to be silly about not taking it either - which I've been trying not to do. She reminded me it's a good thing to stay ahead of the pain, and I'm not driving anyway so, there's that.

Physical therapy again this morning, and I'll also discuss the swelling with Jenna to see how we can best achieve our goals and minimize the discomfort afterward. As a special treat, I'm going somewhere special with Handsome today, too. I'll tell you about that tomorrow. I'll let you know how PT goes, too. Gotta run!

Do What You Love...

Unknown Needleworker-via Facebook

Definitely "yes" to this image. PT? Not so much right now. This week, my physical therapist(s) moved to the "strengthening" portion of my knee rehabilitation. I'm not a fan, and neither is my knee. This phase is kicking my butt! I get home and have to do more icing, and I took another pain killer before bed last night. I was hoping to get away from those, but I guess pre-PT and post are still in the foreseeable future.

You know me, though. I'll just pull up my big girl panties and do what needs to be done. I don't complain (at PT or home), except for an occasional "ugh" when I try to get out of the chair, or walk from one room to another. My therapist, Jenna said I'm a "warrior" with a poker face - even when it hurts. Handsome spotted me up the stairs last night "just to be safe". My heartbeat.

No physical therapy today, so we'll see what the day holds after I take my morning meds (I'm still on blood thinners to avoid clots for the next month), along with a couple others, then coffee and a bite to eat. 

Handsome has a band concert this evening, so I'm hoping I'll be up to seeing him perform. He has drum kit pieces this time, so I really want to see that! I guess that means I'll most likely take it easy so I'm well-rested and my knee is agreeable to walk from the venue parking lot to the park where the band will be playing.

Thanks for sharing your current projects with me yesterday. It's really fun to know what you're working on, especially when I'm not busy with my own projects. I even stood back on the the artist trading cards for this month. I'm sure I'll jump back in for September, but I thought better of it for August. 

Once again, I'm off like a herd of turtles. lol See you tomorrow!

Have You Seen My Mojo?...

 

In the meantime, reading needlework magazines, tutorials, watching videos, and sorting through projects will have to suffice. Soon. Very soon.

I'd love to know what you're working on these days!

Let The Sun Shine...

A bumblebee enjoying one of the "volunteer" sunflowers

Imagine my delight when I noticed a quartet of volunteer sunflower plants that sprouted under the bird feeders hanging from the old apple tree. When I went to photograph them, I noticed a bumblebee collecting pollen from the tallest one. Double delight!

I had my physical therapy appointment yesterday morning. As usual, I now start on the stationary bicycle, and move from there to the other exercises. Jenna, my therapist, took my "bend measurement" right after the bicycle, and then again at the end of my appointment - and before the blessed ice machine therapy. At the beginning, I was 112º - a degree better than last week. By the end, I had progressed to 114º!  

We ran a few errands before coming home, and by then, I was wiped. One treat was another package from a dear blog friend with a card and gifts for Handsome and me. I'll be sending a proper thank you out to her, but you can imagine how nice it was to find a gift after a tiring day. It was really wonderful.

I didn't sit to stitch. I elevated my leg and rested instead. Handsome had band rehearsal, which always means late night dinner, and I wanted to make something to surprise him. So, I spent most of the time between getting home and making dinner doing absolutely nothing except taking two Tylenol, and drinking lots of water.

It was so rewarding to look at my blog to find so many kind messages from you. I read each and every one, and am responding to them all, too. Your words made my day. So, I'm back and will update you on my knee progress, as well as anything creative (as soon as I can kick start my artistic muses). Believe me, I'm working on it! In the meantime, hugs to all!

I've Got A New Attitude...

This is my knee as of Sunday afternoon.  I'm blessed to be a good healer, and this is no exception. However, it's been three weeks since my last post, and it sure hasn't been a cake walk. Handsome and I talked about it, and although he can think of one other long recuperation (I was in my 30s then), I think I can safely say this has been the hardest recovery in my life.

Everyone told me the first two weeks would be the worst, and I can concur. I was taking pain meds every four to six hours (along with an anti-nausea pill) and spent what time wasn't in physical therapy, icing and sleeping. I also did my home physical therapy to move the healing along, too.

This is a front and side view from last week's appointment with the surgeon's assistant. Everything is where it's supposed to be, and they're very happy with the results. I'm officially "left side bionic". The joint is secure and stable, and now it's just a matter of getting the musculature healed and mobile again.

My progress is right on schedule, too. They wanted me to be at 90º (for my knee bend) by that appointment, and I was already at 101º. I'm doing physical therapy three times a week, so by the next appointment I was at 107º, and by last Friday, I'd managed to exercise myself to 111º by the beginning of the appointment (rather than getting a measurement again at the end per usual). My therapist was really happy about it, and truthfully, so am I. Knowing how much they had to move things out of the way to install the new hardware, the muscles and tendons were traumatized. Even though they weren't damaged before or during, I still have to give myself some grace to heal everything. I have therapy again today, so we'll see what I managed to accomplish over the weekend. 

I haven't been able to sit at my needlework frame for multiple reasons. The main one being that I didn't want to stitch while heavily medicated, but I also wasn't comfortable sitting upright in my needlework chair. While I've recently graduated to a cane (which I rarely use in the house now), getting around with a walker before that wasn't conducive to being comfortable either. I thought it better to just resort to sleeping and healing.

Handsome has been a great nurse - even though we learned that he has his own issues now, too. He has a bone spur on his spine, so I tried to be mindful of his condition as he was taking care of me. Aren't we a pair, though? Although I couldn't do much to help the first two weeks, I've slowly been working my way back into the kitchen to take some of that burden off him.While there are no three or four-course dinners around here, he's happy that he isn't responsible for our evening menus anymore. 

Even so, he's been a wonderful caretaker, driving me to all my appointments; helping me in and out of our vehicles; and patiently waiting until he can take me home again. That's not even mentioning all he's done for us around the house. He really is the best, and I'm so grateful.

Finally, thank you to those who reached out, sent cards and gifts prayed, and held healing thoughts for me. I think you know by now just how much that means to me. I know it's been a minute since I last posted (July 22nd to be exact, but who's counting - as I raise my own hand), but you're still here, and I awfully blessed and appreciative. 

Thanks from the bottom of my heart. See you again tomorrow.

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 22:22

 

Monday Visitors...

Di and Tom arrived to help us out on Monday. Tom is a tree removal expert, and came to take the dead branches out of our apple tree, and remove some volunteer saplings that were way too close to our new porch and pole barn foundation. 

I got a chance to visit with Di, and they brought their two doggers along. Look who came to say 'Hi"! Grace, Di's corgi. This little girl has a tail, very unlike Tag's little "nub", and she's much smaller and dainty. It was so wonderful to see all of them, but I only took this one photo. I added a vignette edge to hide someone's leg in the background. lol (I didn't think they'd appreciate having it in the shot.)

All in all, it was a perfect day for outdoor work, and we're very grateful that we had the help...and the visit. We're already looking forward to next time - no work involved.

Williamsburg 250...

How would you like to participate in The Great American Birthday Quilt as Colonial Williamsburg celebrates our 250th Anniversary?

Everyone is invited to submit an entry to be a part of our country's big birthday quilt. The rules and all information are located on Williamsburg's website HERE. Some of the basic information is that all entries are due by November 30, 2025. There are size parameters for entries and guidelines, and the site also includes information on where to mail entries.

There's a great video that explains how you can create your entry, too - even if you don't sew. It's on the same page as the link I shared above. It's better than anything I could tell you, so pop over to learn more.

I'm planning to enter, so I'll share more about what I'm thinking of doing once I get past my bird project. So, go over and check it out. Let me know if you think you're going to join in, too!

Family Time...

I had more than a few tasks to complete this weekend, so I prioritized. I didn't really make significant progress on my fencing, but that's okay. I know it will be waiting for me when I'm feeling up to it again (hopefully, later this week).

My sister, Di and her husband will be here today. My brother-in-law is going to help us by removing a couple trees (saplings) we need taken down because they're right next to buildings. He's also going to take a few dead branches off the apple tree. 

I'll be meeting with the surgeon's assistant late afternoon for my pre-op consult, too. I'm so glad this one will be the real thing. 

I've got a really cool post planned for you tomorrow! If you sew or quilt, you won't want to miss it. I'm off to make coffee now. Di and Tom will be here any minute. 

Sunday Scripture...

 

Colossians 3:17

We Have Clearance, Clarence...

If you're ever offered a recreational, chemically-induced stress test, take a hard pass. That's what I had yesterday. The first IV injection was easy. The second came with warnings of "possible shortness of breath, chest pains, headache, dizziness or fainting, or nausea". I thought to myself, "I'm not going to get any of those. I'm not a hypochondriac." Didn't matter, as I had no control over it. I got every. single. one.  Good thing I was lying down.  

The tech told me beforehand the antidote for that injection was caffeine. (Guess that's why they said I couldn't have any for at least 24 hours before the test.) He asked me first whether I'd prefer pepsi, coffee or hot chocolate. Guess which one I chose. (Hint: chocolate) As soon as they completed the test, he handed me a steamy cup of delicious hot coco. All my symptoms calmed almost immediately, and by the time I was ready to leave, there was just the faintest hint of a headache. Before Handsome and I turned for home, he stopped at a Kwik Trip and grabbed coffee for each of us. By the time we drove up the driveway, my head was clear again. (Small blessings)

I went inside the house, changed clothes and spent the next half hour napping in the sun. Then I came in for a little needle therapy. I mostly stitched my base colors, and plan to go back at it today with the other shading. Or, I may continue with all the base and go back in later to do the shading at one time. We'll see. If all goes well, I'm hoping to make serious headway on the fencing though.

I didn't find out until late afternoon, but the cardiologist reviewed all yesterday's tests and cleared me for surgery. So, I'm now good to go for my new knee next week. What a relief! I'll be able to relax a bit more over the weekend now that I know. 

There are a few things I need to do prior to Monday. I'll bake some more bread for the freezer, and probably do a couple loads of laundry. But mostly, I plan to stitch. I'm not going to stress over finishing the fence. If I don't get it done, I'll have it waiting for me once I'm feeling more myself post-op. We'll see how far I get, and I'll let you have a peek on Monday.

Definitely having my morning cuppa today, though! Hope you have a wonderful weekend. See you later.

Not So Fast, Boys and Girls...

Whelp. Yesterday did not go as planned. My optimistic self figured we'd meet with the cardiologist, he'd look at the MRI and EKG results and concur with previous opinions that I could just "skate" into my knee surgery as scheduled. I was soooo wrong.

Instead, he is requiring that I undergo stress testing (chemical, because my knees wouldn't handle physical ones) before he'll clear me for surgery. Because time is of the essence (surgery scheduled for Tuesday next), we had to juggle previous appointments to add in the stress tests. 

Rather than having my post-op consult with the surgeon's assistant today, I'll be undergoing multiple stress tests. If I can't get in to see the assistant this afternoon because of her other commitments, we'll have to drive up on Monday, and then again on Tuesday. That is, if the cardiologist clears me for surgery. He listed a long set of circumstances under which he might not clear me. Mainly, because he wants to be completely sure I don't have a heart attack on the table. He said, "Brain before heart. Heart before knees." I know he's looking out for my well-being, but dang it!

Understand, I only had intermittent clues that there might be anything going on with my heart. I thought they were related to a mechanical device which had been implanted for bladder control (Sorry. TMI), and that was removed a few months ago because I didn't need it, and the doctor thought it might be causing the palpitations. I get an occasional flutter now, but no fatigue (that isn't related to my legs right now), no fainting, and no other symptoms. I left yesterday's appointment in tears. I'm so past waiting for my knee replacement that the thought of a delay really upset me.

Well, I'm on my way back to the clinic this morning and will undergo these tests. I'm going to be as optimistic as I possibly can be, and the cardiologist will give us his analysis before we leave the clinic today. I should know by lunchtime whether or not I'll be getting my knee replacement next week, or have to have more done for my heart.

No morning cuppa today...in fact nothing remotely containing caffeine for twenty four hours prior to these tests, so that's been weird, too. As soon as I'm released today, I'm heading downstairs to their cafeteria for a cup of coffee and a candy bar! I'll give you the results tomorrow. On my way out the door now. Wish me luck!

Flying Colors...

That's what it looks like around here while I'm needle dancing with these threads. As I said earlier, I have at least four - and sometimes up to seven - needles loaded and in play at any given time. I think I got quite a bit done yesterday.

You may chuckle to know this, but I had to take a few extra breaks from time to time yesterday, because I got such a restful rhythm going that I nearly dozed off as I stitched. Pathetic, right? sigh

This is the closeup view of the fencing so far. I'm nearly a third of the way finished on the top piece, so I still have a way to go. I'm not giving up. I'm still working toward my weekend deadline. Call me the "little engine that could". (I think I can. I think I can...) More tomorrow...