Spanish and English...

Donna, Juan and Kim

I was up at 5 and at work by 5:30 Sunday morning. It was Juan's first day of work. Juan recently married Kim's friend and was hired to work in our kitchen. (Kim is the daughter of dear friends, and my direct boss.) Juan's from the Dominican Republic, and we weren't sure how fluent he is in English, so Kim asked me to come in to translate, if necessary. It was definitely worth getting up early to be a participant.

Juan speaks some English and he's working hard to learn more. While I was able to converse with him in Spanish, he actually requested that we speak as much English as possible to help him learn. I happily obliged, but told him if he didn't understand or had questions, we could lapse into Spanish at will. I also confided in him that I'd enjoy speaking Spanish with him to improve my skills.

He's enthusiastic about his new job, and has requested days with double shifts. Kim is pretty darn excited about his willingness to work, as well as how hard he works when he's clocked in. We can see already that he's going to be a dream employee.

When I got home, Handsome asked me if I'm ready to work at the United Nations as an interpreter now. I told him I'll pass, but gosh! I sure had fun. I've been asked to come back on Wednesday for a few hours in the event I'm again needed to translate. I'll be there!

It's going to be a busy week. My doctor's appointment on Tuesday; work on Wednesday; and then work again on Saturday to fill in for a cashier who handed in her resignation. I'll know more about my regular schedule once I have an idea of a new surgery date. I'm just going to keep it simple for now. My legs are thanking me for the consideration, I know.

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 41:13 - Web Image

 

Saturday Silliness...

 

June Classmate Dinner...

Front row: Jay, Bruce, Deb, Mary, and Lisa Back Row: Janet, Brad, Cal, Donna and John

My "social butterfly" day began with lunch with Mum, Stepdad and Handsome. Our lunch was delicious and we had a nice visit, in spite of the fact that the restaurant was a bit noisy. In the bustle, I neglected to take their photo (bad blogger!), but we did have a lovely time.

I ran a few errands in town, rather than drive back home, but the time passed quickly, and before I knew it, I was due for my classmate dinner date. We chose Thursday this month, thinking more people could show, but the weather forecast warned of bad weather, so folks cancelled to avoid being caught outdoors. As it turned out, the weather was just fine and the restaurant was much quieter than on Wednesdays (when they offer half-price pizza). Our core group showed up, with Lisa joining us this month. I certainly didn't order much to eat, having recently finished lunch!

I was on my way home by 5:30 or so, and spent the rest of the evening with Handsome. It was a fun day with all the visiting! We're scheduled for another Thursday next month, and perhaps those who stayed home yesterday will join us in July. 

It's Friday again! I have an appointment this morning with my primary care provider to start the next process for my knees. Then, I'm going to slide into the weekend with nary a care! Who knows what I'll be doing. I'll let you know tomorrow.

I Could Have Danced All Night...

I got to spend time needle dancing today. I added more feathers to my bird's last wing, but I still have more to do. It entails a lot of close work, so I need to take frequent breaks for my eyes and for my legs. If I sit too long, I have difficulty getting up. Right now, I'm standing about every half hour. sigh I'm not complaining, because any stitching is better than no stitching, right?

Today will be the rescheduled lunch with Mum and my stepdad. They had to change our date because of doctor appointments for my stepdad. So, I'll pick them up for an early lunch today and we'll meet Handsome at the restaurant, as he has a few things he needs to do after, too.

Later, I'll meet up with with old classmates for our monthly dinner. We changed it to a Thursday this month because we got word that some people can't make it on Wednesdays. We'll see if it makes a difference in our attendance. I'll share a photo of the gang tomorrow.

I'd better go for now. I have a few things to do before we leave. I hope you have something fun planned today, too! See you later.

Gratitude...

Even though the discomfort pain continues in my knees, I'm grateful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 

I spent most of the day on the telephone setting up appointments and waiting for call-backs. By dinnertime, I had three new dates on my schedule. One with my primary care provider, another for an echocardiogram, and the last for a consultation with a new orthopedist who is in the same office as my last one. I needed to change doctors, as the one I was originally scheduled to perform my repair surgery does not do replacements. 

My appointment with the new one will be to discuss whether or not I can do a partial replacement (less recuperation), or if a full replacement is needed. Either way, both of those surgeries will allow me to walk on both legs post-op, and my non-surgical leg is still reminding me that it's a necessary route.

There was no needlework yesterday, but it is on my agenda for today. Since installing the floor air conditioner unit in the dining room, I've lost my favorite stitching spot, so I need to come up with a new place to spread out with lots of light. I may just bring everything back up to the studio, which is okay, too.

What's on your agenda? I'd love to chat about something besides my knees. The hazard of getting...more mature...is that you tend to focus on the aches and pains, or the doctor's appointments. I really don't want to be that old woman. So, help a girl out here. Tell me about something fun in your world right now. Please.

A Different Point of View...

Over the time I've been working on this piece, more than a few have mentioned that it looks like my birds are coming right up off the fabric. I thought today, I'd give you a different view of my bluebirds. This is the nature of stumpwork embroidery. It's meant to be dimensional.

When I designed this embroidery, I first drew out the design onto paper, then traced it onto my ground fabric. Once that was done, I needed to decide which areas I wanted to elevate. As the bird with the babies is in the foreground, I wanted them to have more dimension than the bird in flight, so they would appear closer.

In stumpwork, the dimension is accomplished with padding, so once I decided on those areas, I stitched down felt, leaving an area I could stuff. When I was happy with the padded area, I closed the opening in the felt and went on to the next piece.

The bird in flight is coming in for a landing behind the other four birds, so I wanted to try to convey that in my work. I did want the bird to have dimension, but I wanted the head to appear closer as it's landing, so I added more padding to the head than to the rest of the body and wings. The rest of the effect is in my stitching and choice of colors.

You've seen my butterfly (the class project from the Royal School of Needlework) as well as my religious hearts, my bridal hearts, my corgi pin, my koi fish, my bird ornaments, and my frogs. Once they were completed, they were released from the ground fabric and finished as pieces to be worn or in some other way displayed, but not flat. I could actually do the same with these individual elements (birds) if I chose, but they're meant to be part of a wall hanging, so they'll stay "grounded". (Funny to use that term when one of them is flying.)

So, do my photographs help explain my process, and the meaning of stumpwork for you? Of course, I still have more to do, but I'm slowly working toward finishing the last bird and starting on the fence post. I'm also contemplating the fabrics and colors I'll use for the quilted portion of the piece. This is, by far, the most elaborate seasonal hanging I've done to date. I'll get there, but slow and steady wins the race.

I'm also contemplating teaching a stumpwork class later this summer. It would be a basic pin that could be taught to all levels of needleworker. What would you think about that?

I've already begun my scheduling with doctors, too. My first appointment will be Friday. My "supportive knee" is continuing to tell me I've made the right decision, so I'm more settled even than before about my choice. I'll absolutely share updates, but I want to focus on needlework for a while. More stitching today. See you tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Mum...

Mum  2025

 

Happy 88th, Mum!

I hope you have a great day.

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 40:31 - Image D. Liljegren, Brynwood Needleworks

 

Settled...

Just like these two ladies - my former barn cats - we've made some decisions and are completely settled in with them. Let me get you up to date.

Thursday was an eye-opening day for me. It began with EKG results that I now know were interpreted by the machine and not a cardiologist. Even so, it opened my eyes to my own vulnerability. 

Then, I had an appointment immediately following the EKG with the physician's assistant for the surgeon who would be performing my meniscus repair. There, I was introduced to the piece of hardware that would lock my leg into position for approximately six to eight weeks. Not only would my leg be immobilized, but I would be required to keep my weight off it for that period of time.

The last appointment was with the physical therapist, who took baseline measurements of my current physical status relating to my legs...one in need of more immediate repair, and the other, bone-on-bone. After she measured my current range of motion, etc., she handed me a pair of crutches (the preferred method of post-op motivation) and had me walk as far as I could, keeping that one leg elevated to mimic the post-op requirement. I managed to crutch twenty five feet, at which point my non-surgical leg said, "Nope. This is not a good idea for six or eight weeks." I didn't say that to the therapist, but at that point, I remembered the first office visit with the orthopedist when he told me that "I could be putting my non-injured leg at risk as I recuperated from surgery on the other one". We also discussed wheelchairs (not really an option for the house, as the floorplan and doorways are not "wheelchair friendly"), and walkers. All options, save for the wheelchair, would require me to keep my weight off the surgical leg and put all my faith in the other.

Handsome and I had a long discussion before bed that night, and he told me to seriously reconsider this surgery and contemplate a knee replacement instead, one benefit being that I'd be able to immediately put it down and walk on it. I went to bed and slept fitfully all night as I thought about it.

I woke up yesterday morning and decided the first thing I should do is have an appointment with a cardiologist to get a factual interpretation of the EKG, getting another test done, if necessary. Then, I talked again with Handsome and said there's every possibility that I could go through months of post-op rehab for the repair, and still need a replacement after that, AND do more harm than good to my other leg, which I know will require a replacement. 

The upshot of all this is to say I called all the entities involved in the upcoming surgery and rehabilitation and canceled everything. I'm going to get an appointment with my primary care provider and get the required referral to the cardiologist my husband goes to. Once I have clearances, explanations, or diagnosis, my next appointments will be with an orthopedist who does replacements. (My current ortho is the only one in the clinic who only does repairs. All the others also do replacements.) 

So, for now, I'm back to square one, but like those two comfy, lazy, content girls in the pictures above, I'm going to sleep like a baby, knowing I've made the best choice for my health, and truthfully, Handsome's, too. I'm going to relax this weekend, as opposed to us moving our house around to accommodate that surgery and my recovery. Then, on Monday, I'll make calls to move forward.

I'm off the work schedule for the next two weeks, which leaves me plenty of options for dates for appointments. I'll know more by the time the next schedule comes out, so I may or may not be on that calendar, either. This should leave me plenty of time to work on bluebirds and puffins, too! Yay to that!

A Little Glitch...

Image via Joy Blossoms

 

I spent the better part of half a day with doctors and tests yesterday. This morning, I have another unplanned appointment with another doctor, closer to home. 

Seems my EKG caused some concern, so I'm going to have to get clearance from another doctor before we can go ahead with my surgery next week. Not what I'd hoped for at all.

I got to try walking around, one-legged, on crutches; using a walker, again one leg only (oh, joy); and getting fitted for the hardware that will keep my surgery leg straight for my recovery time. As I'm not allowed more than "toe-touch" for that entire time, we also discussed that I should consider a wheelchair for longer distances to protect my right leg, which is the one that's bone-on-bone. I'm going to have to rely on that one while the left (with the torn meniscus) heals. 

It was after 5 pm when I drove into our yard. Which is to say, I wasn't home. I didn't stitch. I didn't play. I was tired when I got back. I did however, make four batches of rhubarb scones to put in the freezer overnight. I've made them as a thank you to my boss and two co-workers who are covering my hours until after this appointment today. It appears my last day for at least six weeks will only be a half day.

I'm leaving for the doctor's office soon, and then going to work. Wish me luck. At this point, I'm not sure which I want more. An approval for surgery and the six to twelve weeks of recuperation, or a veto, which means I'd be on two sore knees until I decide to go with total replacements (which is the only option for my right leg). I'm going to take a deep breath, not look under rocks, and wait to see what the expert says.

I'll let you know tomorrow. 

On A Wing...

Today's photograph shows my progress on the bluebird wings. The difference is about six hours' worth of needle dancing. I still have more to do, but I thought you'd like to see where it stands right now.

I have pre-op appointments today, but I plan to sit back at my needlework frame once I'm back home. I'd like to get a little more done before the weekend. 

We'll be setting up my temporary main level bedroom this weekend, and I'll definitely be bringing some of my needlework stuff downstairs. I want to have "spoolie supplies", plus a few other small projects available without having to crutch up the staircase. I'll otherwise treat this like a hotel, with clothes in a tote and small closet, and toiletries in our downstairs half bath. I'll figure out other details as I go. Of course, Handsome will be an invaluable help, too, but I won't ask him to do anything that requires going into the studio rooms. If I forget anything, it will just have to wait.

So, anyway, this is where I am with the last bluebird as of this morning. I'll share more pictures as I have more done, hopefully tomorrow! For now, I've gotta "fly". lol

Life Is Good...

Life Is Good

I'm home today and tomorrow morning. I have pre-op appointments in the afternnoon as we prepare for my surgery next week. I'm going to keep focused on the good things, and being on the other side of the procedure so the healing can commence. 

I'm going to stitch on my bluebirds today, and have plans for the puffin spoolie soon, too. Friday is my last day of work for a while, so I see lots of creative moments in my future. I'll be sharing bluebird updates tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

Love Is In The Air...

The Proposal In France

Handsome and I went on Facebook yesterday to see this. Granddaughter #1 had traveled to France with her boyfriend's family. They left last week. What a romantic her boyfriend fiancé is. He dropped to one knee, completely surprising our girl, and asked her to marry him. They've been together through her high school years, and she's now graduated from college. She said on her post that this was the "easiest yes ever".

Happy Couple

There were a lot of photos of the event, but these two were my favorite. We've all loved this young man, and now it's official. He'll be family soon enough.

We're so very happy for our granddaughter and her future husband. We can't wait to see them when they're back stateside. I'm sure there'll be a celebration waiting for them. Congratulations are definitely in order!

Niece Time...

It's always wonderful when family visits, and even more so when they bring someone special they want you to meet. My niece/Goddaughter, Jen came to visit so we could meet her special friend. You can tell from the photograph that they look quite happy together.

They came out to the farmhouse, so I had a light brunch prepared for them, and Handsome, Jen, her friend and I sat on the porch visiting for quite a while. Jen brought her two dogs...fourteen year old male and fourteen month old puppy, too. Jen was quite sure that neither would run off, but for most of the time, we closed the gate on our porch stairs to keep them close. 

At one point, Jen took her older dog off the porch to air him out, and she was more than a little surprised when he perked up his ears, put his nose in the wind, and trotted off on his otherwise unsteady old legs. The rest of us sat on the porch giggling as she had to chase him down halfway across our neighbor's field. He looked like a pup again, wind in his ears as he loped across the field. She came back with him after a bit. She was winded, and he seems quite proud of himself. It was pretty cute.

After our visit, they were heading to see her dad, and then to a backyard concert at a friend's. Their schedule was pretty busy, so we were more than happy that they'd made time for us. We're already looking forward to their next visit back to Wisconsin.

Father's Day was quiet. Our sons spent the day with their own families, but called their dad to check in. We mowed the yard, and later, I made a special dinner for Handsome. I expect this week will go pretty quickly, so it was nice to just relax.

We're planning on setting up a "recovery bedroom" downstairs for a few weeks. I don't want to try to negotiate a steep staircase on crutches, so this will be the best option. I have to decide what I want to have downstairs, so I'm going to make a list. Handsome rarely goes into my studio rooms, so I'll try to cover all the bases.

Otherwise, I expect to be working on my bluebirds today. I work tomorrow, and I can't think of a better way to rest my knees. I'll share my progress during our next visit. Happy Monday, y'all!

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 25:1

 

Taking Time...

Verse from Life Is Simply Bliss

Yesterday could have been an easy work day, as it was relatively quiet at the station. However, I was training a new cashier. That means, not only am I attentive to the customers, but also helping the trainee at the same time. Thankfully, my boss closed out the till with her at the end of the day, so I didn't have to go downstairs to help with that part. By the end of my shift, I was ready to go home.

Once back at the farmhouse, I went upstairs and changed out of my work clothes, put on something comfy and warm and made a cup of tea to relax. It must have worked well, because in no time, I'd fallen asleep in my chair. So much for actually accomplishing anything once I got home. It was a quiet night, and I turned in early (for this night owl). 

My niece/goddaughter, Jen is coming today. She's traveling with her boyfriend who we've yet to meet. She told me that this introduction would usually have been with her mom, but since my sister, Lyn passed in 2023, she coming to me instead. I told her it would be an honor for me, so they'll be coming for brunch mid-morning. I'm looking forward to meeting her beau, and I'm sure I'll find myself "talking" with my sister about them during my evening prayers.

I plan to take it easy the rest of the weekend, spending time with Handsome. I also see some needle dancing in my immediate future. I'll be thinking of my dad this Father's Day, too. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

June Artist Trading Card - Beach...

My June Artist Trading Cards - Beach

 

I completed this month's artist trading cards so I can mail them out. The theme for June is BEACH, and this is my interpretation.

I began this set of cards using vintage jute webbing as my base. The image is one I've had in my computer for ages, and I'm sorry I don't know the name of the artist that created it. I've always loved it, and thought it was perfect for this theme. I added my own words, and finished it with a tiny, sterling silver starfish charm.

As always, I affixed my label to the back with all my information for the recipients. There were twelve this month, plus the one I keep for myself. Each is carefully tucked into a cello slip envelope, protected with card stock in the mailing envelope, stamped and ready to post.

My June Artist Trading Card Design Detail

Here's a closeup for you, so you can see all the details. I really had fun creating this one, and it will mail out to the recipients today. I can check this item off my To Do list, making my "Must Do" list shorter than before. That's a win for me, plus is was a creative item, so...Win/Win!

I'm working today, so I'll see what I feel like doing after I get home. Will she nap? Will she work on the bluebirds? Will she busy herself with something else? You'll have to check in tomorrow to find out. lol

Today is Friday the 13th. Are you superstitious? I'm not, but I'm not taking any chances. I'll be binding up my knee for work, being ever vigilant in my Explorer, and saying a prayer before I leave the house. That should cover me. Take care and I'll see you tomorrow.

I Have A Date...

Artwork by SamCannonArt

I finally got a call from the surgical schedule department at the clinic. My surgery is now set for Monday, June 23rd. My mum's birthday. I'll be going in some time before noon, and will have the exact time when the hospital calls me next week.

In the meantime, I'll have a day next week that I'll meet with the physical therapy department so I know what to expect of the four weeks of PT (which we always referred to as "pain and torture" when Son #2 had to go through it as a kid), a pre-op EKG, and something else I forget right now. 

My last day of work will be June 20th, until I'm cleared to go back. I'm going to miss my favorite customers and coworkers, but this comes first, and my boss is really supportive. She was willing to give me the time off beforehand because she knows I have a constant Level 10 on the pain scale, but I explained that I have that no matter what I'm doing, so I may as well be contributing at work for the next three assigned days. We have new hires right now that will be able to pick up the slack while I'm gone, and I'm very grateful for that.

I have things that I want to accomplish prior to the surgery, including setting up my space downstairs with my needlework supplies so I can stitch once I feel up to it. There are other things I need to set up before surgery, too. Bake bread for the freezer, set up a few meals "ready to eat" for us, and a bit of laundry. Don't worry. I promise not to overdo. I still want to protect this knee so I don't do further damage before surgery.

I'm actually looking forward to this. Not only will it move this injured knee toward healing, but I'm happy to just be home and doing not much for a change.

I'll pre-write a few posts so that if I'm not quite up to it, you'll have some messages from me. I'm going to do a puffin spoolie next; get my June artist trading cards done; and work on my bluebirds. That should keep me busy, right?

I'm going to get started pulling things together today...after my morning cuppa. I'll tell you more about what I'm going to be working on tomorrow.

A Quiet Life...

Shelby Dersa Quote

 

...and needlework.  Definitely needlework.

It's A Start...

I know it doesn't seem like much, but I did get a good start on the second wing. For those who are wondering, I'm using single strands of Anchor and DMC cotton floss for this entire project. Perhaps that's why it looks like less progress than one might expect.

I am enjoying this process again, and between the natural light coming in the windows and my trusty lighted magnifier, I can see every single stitch so they're placed as they should be. It just takes time, and I don't want to rush this.

I'm working today, so there won't be progress on this for a bit. I also have this month's ATCs on my list, and the prompt this month is "beach". Did I already tell you that? I can't remember. Anyway, I'm still thinking about how I want to create that on my cards. I'm hoping for a flash of inspiration, but it hasn't come yet.

I can't play today, so perhaps you'll tell me what you're working on so I can live vicariously through you? I'd love to know what keeps your creative juices flowing. Hoping you'll share so I have fun reading your comments. Off to work I go...

Wingin' It...

I completed the first wing on Sunday. I added a split stitch to indicate the rib on each feather. I really like how it turned out. I may still add some fringe treatment in the lighter section closest to the bird's body, because that would be the case on the real wing, but I'll do the other wing first and then decide.

I'm so glad I figured this out, because it was making me a little nuts. I know I was overthinking things, so once I identified that, it was easier to adjust and move forward. The second wing will go much faster now.

One big adjustment was that I decided to go to the topmost feather and work my way down. That way I was able to accomplish the effect of layered feathers (lying properly) much more easily. 

I'll likely work on the second wing more today. I'm trying to stay off my feet and wait for the surgery scheduler to call me so we can get the ball rolling on the meniscus repair. This project is a great way to keep my hands and mind occupied.

I'm actually getting anxious to finish the wings now so that I can proceed to finishing the rest of the flying bluebird, and then get to the fencing. I have something really fun planned for that, and can't wait to show you. First things first though.

I'm going to grab my morning cuppa, get a few tasks done around the house, and then I'm going to sit down to my needlework stand and stitch away the rest of the day. See you tomorrow!

Sunday Scripture...

 

John 6:28-29

Saturday Silliness...

I'm taking it easy today. We had a light night at work, so I was home early. I'm glad, too, because it's been a busy two days.

I went downstairs yesterday morning to find a sick girl in her kennel. Carly had a rough night, and it took Handsome and me at least an hour to clean up Carly, her crate, and the room. Bella couldn't wait to be sprung from her kennel to get away from it all. 

Carly had light rations all day and seemed much better by last night, so we think we have things under control. I'm blaming it on her sneaking into the dish of wet cat food, but Handsome thinks she ate some of what she rolled in outside the morning before. Either way, I hope that doesn't happen again. It's not really how we like starting our days.

Handsome and I are going to check out some linoleum remnants to see if we can find something suitable for under the girls' crates. If this happens again, I really don't want to have to take a scraper between the floor boards to clean things up. If I can talk him into it, I may see if we can get a piece large enough for the entire room, which is about 11' x 14'. I do love the original wood floors, but there's the small matter of practicality.

Anyway...as I was saying, I'm going to put my feet up and not do much today. I hope you enjoy the little chuckle. See you tomorrow!

A Different Kind Of Commission...

I got an order this week, but not for anything even remotely related to needlework. I got an order for some of my baked goods. Granted it was for a relative, but still. It's a paying gig. The order is for two four-packs of cinnamon rolls, ten strawberry scones, and two loaves of bread.

I figured I'd do a little prepping because I don't know exactly when my surgery will be scheduled, but I likely won't be baking for a little while. So, I made four trays of cinnamon rolls instead of just the two ordered. They freeze well and I can frost them later. 

I also made extra bread, trying a couple loaves in round form. Then, I tackled the scones. I have to freeze them for at least ten minutes prior to baking, but they can be frozen longer, which was perfect. I made sixteen strawberry scones, which will leave some for us after I fulfill the order for ten. I also made white chocolate/raspberry scones (shown frozen in the photograph), and then I made an experiment...fresh rhubarb scones. I took two out of the freezer and baked those for Handsome and me to test after dinner last night. They got a raving thumbs up from my resident taste-tester. I'm glad I have six more of those, too.

Believe me when I say I was pooped by dinner time. I've had more than a few requests for my scone recipe, too. Now that I'm selling the baked product, I've decided to create a pdf file of the recipe and make it available in my Etsy shop for a minimal fee. I've been fine-tuning the recipe, so it will be ready some time next week - with photographs. Once I list it, I'll let folks know in case anyone wants to purchase it.

I'm frosting the cinnamon rolls and strawberry scones first thing this morning, and then I'll be driving out to deliver them. I work at four today, so I'll get back home toot sweet and put my feet up to relax and rest my knees until it's time to dress and report for duty. I can't believe it's already Friday again. Can someone please tell me where the heck this week went?