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?

On The Bright Side...

I'll have plenty of time to complete my bluebirds - and a few other projects! We had the appointment with the orthopedist yesterday and here's the news:

1) The meniscus is, in fact, severely torn on one side. The doctor likened it to a tree that's been uprooted. My meniscus is not attached to anything on the outer side of my knee joint, and as such is trying to squeeze itself out of the joint completely. This is bad.

2) I have the beginnings of arthritis in the joint (already in my other knee), and that can be addressed along with the tears.

3) The inner side of the joint also has a slight tear, but is thankfully still attached to the bone. It's a minor repair.

4) There is also a buildup of fluid trying to exit the back of the joint, causing some of the constant Level 10 pain I'm experiencing.

5) Post arthroscopic surgery recovery time with only toe-touch weight on that leg, is approximately TWELVE WEEKS. That would include post-op crutches and physical therapy.

I have three choices, only two of which are viable. 1) Do nothing. Not an option. 2) Full knee replacement. I'm not a fan of the option, even though I'm told that's now the only option for my other knee. and 3) arthroscopic surgery to repair the tears with about an 80% success rate.

I'm waiting for a phone call from the scheduling office to set the date for a pre-op physical therapy appointment, as well as the surgery date. I'm told that the longer I wait to do this, the more damage can occur in the joint. If the meniscus completely breaks free, it can't be saved. I'll be bone-on-bone on both knees with no other options but replacement. So, I'll be scheduling this asap.

I called my boss tonight to drop the news. She's wonderful. She said, "Don't worry about us. We'll figure it out. You need to take care of you and then heal." She assured me there will be a job waiting for me if I choose to go back...which I'd definitely do for her.

As the stairs in the farmhouse will likely be an issue for a while, we'll probably set up my smaller farmhouse bed in Handsome's downstairs office to avoid them altogether as I heal. We'll see if we can get help to move the bed down from the attic and set it up in the next week or so. I'll move some clothes downstairs, too, to make life easier all around.

The best possible news - the bright side - is that it appears I'll have lots of time for my needlework. I'll finish this bluebird project, make more spoolies, and also update my Etsy shop with new items for sale.  That means I'll also bring some supplies downstairs so I'm fully prepared for a little leisure time once the surgery is accomplished. 

I'll probably know the date before the weekend, so I'll also have time to make the other preparations. I think it's gonna be a little bumpy for us for a while, but like we always say, "It's what we do." We'll handle this as well.

Handsome is already feeling better, but he saw the doctor yesterday, too. He's scheduled for an MRI next week. The doctor will see him after that appointment, and once we know exactly what's causing this, we can look to help him to be pain-free.

Hope this all wasn't too boring for you, my friends. I don't want you to worry about me. We'll get this all figured out, and in the meantime, I'll be treating my knee with the utmost care to avoid further damage. I guess when I have an accident, I manage to go all in. I keep shaking my head at my rotten luck, but I'll continue to look to the bright side. It can be fixed, and as I'm a really good healer, I'm confident this will heal better than the statistics. We've got this, but prayers are always appreciated. You already knew that, right? Thank you in advance.

I have a baking order to fulfill today. I'm going to be busy, but careful. I promise. I'll show you what I accomplish tomorrow. Thanks again!

Trying To Stay Positive...

 

I'm trying really hard to stay positive, but pain does weird things to a person. I'm sharing this photo again to show you at least one of my knees. It's swollen, and that's the good one. The more recently injured one is much more swollen and red.

The knee that you can see is the knee that's bone-on-bone, meaning there is no cartilage left in the knee joint. I favored it for a few years until I had my silly accident in February. February 7th, to be exact. That's the day the new dog bed arrived from Amazon, and the day I severely twisted my knee trying to place the bed just right in the living room for the dogs. The dogs never used the bed in the living room, by the way. When I finally took it away because it was just taking up useless space, it went into the back seat area of Handsome's truck where the girls love it! Anyway, that's how I know the exact date.

I kept thinking my twisted knee would heal and feel better, but it hasn't. My "bad" knee became my "good" knee, and it's been the stronger of the two for getting me up and down stairs, or for anything else I needed to do. We do what we have to when we need to. (Hmmmm. Perhaps I should embroider that on a shirt?)

After Handsome got back from Florida, I made the first appointment with an orthopedist. He suspected a torn meniscus because of the way it was injured. I was sent home with meds and an appointment for an MRI. That appointment had to be cancelled because I had a device in my hip that precluded the test. My most recent surgical procedure was to remove that device because it was causing its own set of issues, so I was then able to reschedule the MRI. As you know, that happened on Monday.

I decided to check my health care "portal" last night, to find that the MRI results are back. I'm not doctor, but I can understand enough to know that there's no way I'm going to be able to avoid surgery on the knee I injured. The report also completely explains why I've been in such terrible pain since the accident. I did purchase a set of bamboo fabric compression sleeves, which have been an immense help when I'm working or know I'll be on my feet for a longer period of time, but the pain never really goes away. No medicine helps either, by the way, so I take Tylenol when it's nearly unbearable to bring it back to a bearable level.

Handsome and I meet with the doctor this afternoon, and then I'll get all of this explained in layman's terms. I know I'm not going to be happy, but I also know something needs to be done soon. Pain can make a person ugly (at least on the inside), and I fear it will make me ugly on the outside if it's not handled. So, once again, we'll do what's required. I'll let you know the details after I hear them today. 

More Scones...

Farmhouse Strawberry and Strawberry Pecan Scones

I baked again yesterday. I made more scones to take to work, share with Andy and Shelly, and still have a few left for Handsome for the rest of the week.

The last batch was well-received, so I wanted to spread out my audience past relatives to see if the reviews hold up. Personally, I prefer the strawberry and pecan variety, but Handsome loves them either way.

I may try some rhubarb scones, too. My rhubarb patch is huge this year, so I could make some, and if they're as tasty as these strawberry ones, I could make and freeze them to bake and ice later. I'll probably do a trial batch to get some feedback from Handsome.

The MRI went well...at least I think it did. I fell fast asleep listening to music and the whirrrrrr of the machine. I'll see the orthopedist tomorrow to see what he thinks. Handsome will be going with me for his own appointment, as his back has been torturing him for the past two weeks. I convinced him to have a specialist take a look. Poor guy really needs some relief that doesn't involve medication that completely knocks him out.

I'll be at work today, so I hope he takes it easy. The bamboo compression sleeves I purchased have really helped support my knees while I'm at the station, so that's a plus. I guess I'd better grab my morning cuppa and get ready to go. I never want to be late, and the sooner I get there, the sooner I get back home.

I hope you have a great day. Do something creative and think of me, okay? See you tomorrow.

Welcome June...

Well-hidden Robin's Nest

What a lovely way to start the new month. I planted basil plants in one of my raised beds, and some onions in another on Saturday. Yesterday Andy and Shelly shared some of their bell pepper plants with me. Because I'm unable to kneel at this point, I haven't even cleaned up my raised beds from last year. (I know. I'm embarrassed to admit it.) 

So, my plan was to plant a few herbs in one of the beds, and then purchase more gorgeous tomatoes from a local grower for canning. The addition of pepper plants was a nice change of plans, and I'll likely plant a tomato plant or two just for fresh eating over the summer. 

I also learned that one of the "old ways" to preserve tomatoes so they're like fresh-picked all winter is to store them completely covered in clean ash. I may try a small box like that to see if it really works. I'm planning to just save the wood ash from our fire pit for the experiment.

While I was planting, I noticed a robin that stayed fairly close to me the entire time. She'd chirp at me and fly from one perch to another, but never too far away. Once I finished planting the basil and onions, I got on the riding mower to cut the lawn. Usually Handsome and I would do that job together, but he's had serious back issues for the past week and wasn't up to bouncing around on the tractor...so I did it alone. 

As I was mowing, I notice the robin disappear into the honeysuckle bush near the garden. Aha! That's why she was agitated. When I finished mowing, I went over to the bush and confirmed my suspicions. She has a nest in the bush and there are four perfect eggs in it. I was careful not to disturb a single leaf, but took this photograph to share with you. 

After I went back into the farmhouse, I saw that she'd returned to her nest to sit on her eggs. Now that I know, I'll do my best not to disturb her until her babies fledge.

Farmhouse Strawberry Scones

I made homemade scones to go with Sunday breakfast. I saw some gorgeous strawberries at the store on Saturday, and although I hadn't planned to purchase more than the couple things on my list, a box of those lovelies came home with me. 

Rather than just eat them on cereal, I decided to make my favorite scone recipe, adding some of the cut up fruit. They did turn out just as I'd hoped. I had one, Handsome had two, and the rest were gifted.

Family Time with Niece and Great-Nephew

A really nice surprise was that my niece, Stephanie was in Sheboygan with her son for his soccer tournament. She called to see if they could stop to visit on their way home. 

Stephanie is learning to knit with the help of my Florida friend, Ann! Ann now lives in the retirement village where Steph is the Director (of the whole operation!), and I think it's wonderful that she and Ann share this pastime. 

Of course, I went through my yarn and knitting needle inventory, and shared an assortment with her. I also gave her one of my travel totes so she can keep her project supplies together for easy location and transport. She was pretty tickled when she left. I did tell her that I'll come up soon to sit and knit with both Ann and her - and any others who get together for the weekly knit day that Ann organized for the residents.

When Steph and her son left, some of the scones went home with her. She was also kind enough to drop off a couple with my mom and stepdad on her way home. 

I'll be baking again today, and then I have an MRI this afternoon to see exactly what's going on with my knee. I'll know more about the results when I meet with my orthopedist on Wednesday. I'll be glad when the procedure today is behind me. I sure hope they play music while I'm inside the tunnel. 

I'm hoping it's not what the doctor thinks it is either. If it's, in fact, a torn meniscus, that will mean surgery. I'm sure you can understand why I'm not anxious for yet another surgery. I'm pretty sick of doctors and hospitals - even the good ones. I just want this resolved so I can walk normally again. Wish me luck!

Sunday Scripture...

1 Peter 1:16