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...

Kitchen Upgrade...

Handsome got up early yesterday morning and drove to our favorite millwork company (Tom's Custom Millwork, Ashford, WI) to pick up a new countertop we'd ordered about six weeks ago. When we built our "big" house in the early 1990s, Tom's was just a fledgling company down the road from our building site. They provided all the custom wood trim for our windows, doors, and casings in that home. Since then, they've grown from one small building to at least three large buildings and a huge contractor clientele. We're grateful that they were willing to provide custom hickory countertops (a small retail order) for our farmhouse.

Over a year ago, we had a kitchen island installed by our younger son. We ordered the hickory top from Tom's, and said we'd be back. Handsome called them last week to see whether our order was ready, and when told yes, said we'd pick it up this week.

So, this is the countertop that came with the cabinetry we purchased a few years ago. I painted everything this light sage green, which was a perfect match (darker shade) of the color we'd chosen for the walls. The counter was nice and served us well, but we knew the rest of the kitchen would eventually be butcher block, too.

Handsome had given our former carpenter, Jeff a heads up last week, so he was expecting our call today. He only lives about three miles away, and showed up on our doorstep about twenty minutes later. In no time, our new countertop was installed, and we love it!

I haven't styled it yet for this photograph because we will be light sanding and oiling it today. Jeff laid down a bead of caulk along the back edge, so we wanted to give it a full day to dry and cure.

We also have the same countertops for the smaller cabinets on either side of the stove, but I just had to share this one because it completely changed the vibe in the kitchen. It's lighter, of course. The last countertop was black, after all, but it also matches the other counters in the room, now, which makes a huge difference.

I also asked him to hang my new rolling pin rack in the pantry before he left. I knew I'd have a hard time getting it safely secured - and straight - so I asked Jeff, who was happy to oblige. 

I found this particular rack on Etsy from Farmhouseon5th. They have a huge selection of wood products, but after searching through various sellers, I fell in love with their rolling pin rack. (There's another in their store in case you're in the market. giggle)

Now, it's where I asked Jeff to mount it, and it's already populated and waiting for my next pastry project. But first, we're going to treat the countertops so seal them. We'll do the light sanding, and then I brush on heated mineral oil which is allowed to soak in for a bit before it's wiped off. We'll oil it again in another two weeks or so and then about every eight weeks. The other counters will be treated today, too, because they're "due for".

I'll be taking advantage of our countertops a few times before the weekend. I'm making another big batch of bread for the freezer - to hopefully carry us until I'm healed well enough to make more. I'll also make a few batches of rhubarb and blueberry scones for the freezer. They're perfect for those mornings when we fancy a little something sweet with our morning coffee. They're easily pulled from the freezer, brushed with cream and baked. All in preparation for next week. 

Once we've treated the countertops, I'm going to sit back down to my needlework. I have a deadline, after all. More tomorrow...

More Fence...

I did manage to work on my fencing yesterday! This is how far I am now. I'm saving the birds' feet and legs for last, but did enough basic lines to mark off where they would be when I get back to them. 

I'll be working on this again today as I work toward my self-imposed weekend deadline. You know how I am when I set a goal. We'll see if I make it this time. Wish me luck!

July Artist Trading Cards Complete...

I completed the artist trading cards for Jan's Handmade Treasures swap group this month. I wanted to get them out before my surgery a week from now. The prompt for July is "Summertime", and I've been cogitating on this one since it was announced. As I usually do with anything that stumps me, I decided to sleep on it. For some reason, I always get my solutions in my sleep. This was no exception.

About two months ago, Jan came home to find that her and her husband's sweet old dog had passed away while they were at work. She came home to find she had just gone away on her bed and looked like she was sleeping. They were understandably upset, not only that their dog had passed, but there was some guilt that it happened while they were at work and she was alone. I tried to explain that perhaps that's what her pup wanted...to spare them. I also understood how they felt, as I would have felt the same. Their dog's name was Summer. 

So rather than come up with something that wouldn't resemble too closely last month's prompt: Beach, I came up with the idea to appropriately honor their dog. I found a photograph of her basking in the sun atop their picnic table in their backyard, and added touches of happy yellow to the rest of the card. Summer in happier times.

This month there were fourteen participants, so I printed out Summer's image and name on fabric, cut out sunny yellow batik, and added a daisy button. Gluing on the button was the last step after sewing all the other elements to my ground fabric. I added my signature sheet to the back, and finished by adding a label explaining the card to everyone as I slipped it into its envelope. I put them in the mailbox this morning and sent them on their way. I'm confident I'll hear from Jan when she opens hers in a couple days.

I have two pre-op appointments today, but then I'm getting back to my bluebirds. I'd really like to complete the embroidery this week. Then, I can choose fabric for the hanging. I probably won't assemble it until I'm well into my recuperation. I'm planning a little goldwork or woolwork as I heal. I've got most of the projects already chosen from the last time I thought I was going into surgery, so I'll just double check and make final decisions. I may just pull out a book to read, too. 

I'd better get ready to leave soon, so I'm going to enjoy a quiet cuppa and then get to my appointments. Thankfully, these are close to home and routine, so Handsome doesn't have to go along. I'll be taking up plenty of his free time with shuttling me to physical therapy after my surgery, so I'm glad to be able to give him a break ahead of all that. So, I'll sign off now and see you tomorrow!

Sunday Scripture...

Isaiah 46:4

 

A Celebration...

Today we'll be celebrating Granddaughter #2's high school graduation.

It's hard to believe she grew up so fast. 

When it seems like just yesterday, she was sitting on Grandpa's lap.

I'm going to try to recreate this photograph again with them today.

Congratulations, Granddaughter! Grandpa and I are so very proud of you.

I Like Dreaming...

Have you ever seen Chloe Giordano's embroidery? These are two of her books currently in my personal library. I'm completely smitten with her work, and love perusing through them books for inspiration...and a little instruction, too. I heartily subscribe to the "One is never too old to learn something new" philosophy. In addition, when I can't sit down to stitch, I love to dream about my next project(s). Chloe's books are a huge assist in that regard.

I've had this book longer than the other, and was inspired to create small ornaments that I gifted to a few friends a couple years ago. This hardcover book is 175 pages "short", and is filled with images, patterns, ideas, and instruction. I love looking through it, even if I'm not in the mood to read.

This book is newer to my collection. It's a softcover book, and has 191 pages, and is actually an updated version of the other book. She's added new insights and three new patterns. It's brimming with her sweet illustrations and needlework pieces.

Chloe Giordano is a British artist whose first interest was as an illustrator. She studied in England prior to discovering an interest in textile arts. From there, her attention turned to needlework as a way to add dimension and texture to her illustrations. Thus she is able to bring her drawings to life through needle and thread.

If you are interested in her books or her work, I'd suggest the updated version (this second book) as a way to learn more about thread painting, developing a color palette, and so much more. She starts the book by sharing her favorite tools and supplies, and moves from there into the actual techniques, subjects, and patterns. She's an excellent resource and instructor. You won't be disappointed. 

The "party" starts today with my echocardiogram. Next week will be an appointment to find out the results and get clearance from our cardiologist for the surgery. I have multiple other appointments next week, too...lab work, pre-op consult, and pre-op physical therapy (three times a week for six weeks, following the surgery!). Here's keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

In the meantime, I'm going to bury my nose in this book and keep my mind occupied. Our younger granddaughter also celebrates her high school graduation this weekend, so we'll be attending to cheer her accomplishments. We're really looking forward to that!

I'll be back tomorrow to show you my latest completion. Hint: This month's artist trading cards! See you then.

We Have A Date...

Vintage Baking Image via Internet

I baked yesterday to stock up for later this month. I made bread and tried a new recipe for molasses cookies - all while I was busy answering the phone all day with upcoming appointment dates.

Seems I have a surgery date - pending clearance from the cardiologist. Tomorrow is my echocardiogram. Then, I have a new pre-op physical therapy appointment; an appointment with the cardiologist to go over the echo results (and hopefully be cleared for surgery); another pre-op consult with the surgeon's office; all leading up to my surgery date the week of July 21st. It's going to get a little busy around here.

In the meantime, I'm going to be doing more baking; making a few "thaw, heat ,and serve" meals for the freezer; and a little more home prepping for when I'm recuperating. I'm not forgetting about my bluebirds, either. Working on the fence embroidery will keep my mind occupied as I get closer to the day of the operation. It's okay, though. I'm getting anxious to get this over with to let the healing begin. Waiting is the hardest part, I think.

Lots to do today, so I'm going to enjoy my morning cuppa and then set about my tasks. Have a great day, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

What A Difference An Hour (and a half) Makes...

Today I thought I'd share what my needlework looks like while I'm actually stitching. Most days, I anchor and trim all my threads before taking a photograph. This time, I wanted you to see how I juggle threads while I'm working on the piece(s).

For the fencing, I'm working with seven different thread colors. Most of the time, I don't have more than four needles active and in play. Every once in a while, though, all seven threaded needles will be anchored somewhere in the ground fabric. This photo shows four needles anchored as I work the base threads for my fencing.

I only worked on it for about one and a half hours yesterday, but even so, I think you can see the progress I made during that time.

I'll be back at my hoop today, in between half hour rises for my farmhouse bread baking. Once all the bread is done, I'll still have plenty of daylight to do more "fence work". I'd love to get as far as the first baby bird today. We'll see how I did tomorrow.

I've Got (A) Rhythm...

I've found my stitching rhythm for the fencing now, so I'm starting to make good progress. I only stitched for about two hours or so this time, as I was working on a few other home tasks. I can see where this will go a little faster now than when I began this part of the piece.

Of course, I'm sharing a closeup, too. I like that the stitching looks like it's undulating - much like you might find in the grain of an old piece of wood. I'll be back at it today, so we'll see how far I can get this time.

The weather isn't quite so ghastly hot now. In fact, it was downright perfect yesterday. We're in for more of the same today, with a slight chance for showers, so it will be just right for me to busy myself with my needlework. 

I hope you're enjoying the weather where you are. If you're in Texas, my heart is with all affected by the flooding. Such a tragedy, and there really are no sufficient words to cover how I and so many other are feeling. Continued prayers that more survivors are found. 

Such A Lovely Surprise...

Michi and Me

I know I told you that I had one more day of work last week on Saturday. It was a crazy busy day, and in addition it was wicked hot outside - even for this former Florida girl. The air conditioner could hardly keep up at the store. The a/c was set to 73º, and the thermostat registered 84º inside. I felt bad for the ladies in the kitchen, but they said they loved the heat. Truthfully, I was a sweaty mess.

Late afternoon, I had a line of people stopping for bags of ice, water and beer, and I happened to catch the face of one person in the crowd. I took care of my customers and when the line was gone, I noticed this face was with a group watching one of their own at one of the gambling machines. She was leaning again the wall, facing toward me. I said, "Are you Michele?"

She said yes, so I told her, "I used to live with your mom after high school." She came running over to me and I told her my name. You see we're friends on Facebook, but have never met in person. On top of that, her mom is now my step-sister since my mother married my friend's dad. 

Michi whooped and asked for a hug and it was quiet enough in the store that we could chat for a bit. I told her that I lived with her mom and another aunt in our first apartment, and when her aunt got married (I was her bridesmaid), then her mom and I got a different apartment together. 

There was more, but I won't bore you with the entire conversation. Suffice it to say, we had a lovely, albeit short, conversation. Before they all left, I asked one of the guys to take a picture of us together...step-aunt and niece. It really was a lovely visit.

While I don't have an especially great memory for names, I almost never forget a face. In this case, I put the name and face together because I follow her posts. She's had major health issues in the past decade, and I spent many moments praying for her. She's a sweet young woman and I'm so happy that we finally met in person. 

I posted our photograph on FB with some of the same story, and her mama commented, so she knows I saw one of her daughters. A cousin also commented that she couldn't believe I knew so many of her family prior to our families being joined through marriage. Mum hasn't seen my post yet, but I guarantee she'll comment when she does.

After Michi left, I looked at the clock to find I only had about an hour of work left. We got busy again and the rest of the day flew by as quickly as the rest of my shift. I'm now off the schedule for another two weeks. 

I'm expecting to hear from the surgical scheduler this week to set a date for my knee replacement. I the meantime, I'm going to get some housekeeping done around the farmhouse, and get that fencing stitched for my bluebirds. This girl's got goals! See you tomorrow.

Sunday Scripture...

Exodus 14:14 via salvagediving.com

 

Fencing Is Under Way...

This is what I have to show for five hours of needle dancing. I admit, there was more, but I didn't like it, so I took it out. This was what I accomplished on Thursday.

Add another four hours Friday and this is the result so far. I don't know if it looks like old fencing with lichen on it to you, but it seems right to me. This is about half the height of the fencing board I'll be stitching, so I can't even imagine how many hours it will take to complete. I'm working with a total of seven different colors in long and short stitch to get this effect. I anchored and cut the long threads to take this photograph for you.

I'm working today, so I'll get back to it tomorrow. This will be my last shift for the foreseeable future. I'm not on the next schedule, and should have a surgery date by the end of next week. I'm going to relax and enjoy the time off, starting tomorrow night. I hope you're enjoying the holiday weekend, too. I'll share more progress on this on Monday.

Happy Independence Day...

Happy Independence Day, America!

 

Dance With Me...

Except for the feet which will be stitched after I've completed their perch, my birds are done!!! I'm tickled with how the tail finished, and how the birds all look together. It was Handsome's idea to hold the embroidery at an angle to show the dimension here...and his hands are holding the hoop.

I will begin work on the fencing today, and can't wait to show you what I have in mind. I work again on Saturday to cover for someone who quit last week, but then I'm off the schedule for another two weeks. To tell the truth, I don't mind one bit. 

I'm planning to finish the work on this during my down time, and then go forward with the finishing (turning it into a wall hanging). I'm going to start auditioning fabrics for the quilted portion now that I have the birds done. I'll probably share with you, too, for input. I have some gorgeous Japanese fabrics that might be perfect for this, so that's where I'll look first.

Yesterday was a long day, and my legs just won't settle down. This must be what restless leg syndrome is like, but I know it's because of the pain. I hate taking medicines, but I relented last night so I could sleep. They don't really help, but I keep telling myself to go with the flow. Seriously, surgery can't come soon enough now that we've got a viable plan. Until then, I'm planning to keep my mind and hands busy to keep my attention off my legs. I'll share more needlework progress tomorrow!

Tail WIP...

I began work on this in the morning, and then had to stop after about four hours to get to my new doctor appointment. (Yes. This is all I accomplished in four hours.) I did a little more when we got back home, but decided to leave the rest for daylight.

I've begun with the outline for the legs, but what's shown will be the padding for the actual stitching to give the legs and feet dimension. I'll pad them out a bit more, but just needed to get the placement before I completed the feathers.

I'm at work interpreting again this morning, so after I get home (and take a nap) I'll work on it again. I'm happy with the progress so far, though.

About my doctor's appointment...seems my little voice (and Handsome) came through again. In conversation with this doctor, it seems that my "knee parts" would not have done well with a repair procedure. Osteoarthritis is already causing bone issues, and the meniscus - if successfully repaired - would have failed again soon without a viable anchor. Considering the recuperation for the repair would have been 6-8 weeks non-weight bearing, it would have all been for nothing in the long run.

I really like this doctor. He answered all our questions thoroughly, and is confident a replacement will serve me 25-30 years. Our plan is to do the injured leg first, and the other one about twelve weeks later. He expects full recovery and a return to my former mobility...pain-free. Plus, this procedure will have me up and walking the same day. Of course, there will be initial pain, physical therapy, and work on my part, but then I'll be good to go.

We're going to wait to schedule surgery until after my echocardiogram on the 11th, so we have a safe "go ahead" from the cardiologist. I should get a call from the scheduler this week. I'll pick a date as close to that as possible. I'm tired of walking like a penguin in pain, and now I can see a real bright future for my mobility.

In the meantime, I'm going to finish a few projects, and get my head in a healing mindset. I've got this!

We're Gonna Shake Some Tail Feathers...

I stayed with this yesterday until I completed the wing! There was some frogging, but in the end, I won! The last bluebird wing is finished.

Next will be to complete the tail, legs and feet. I'll do this and then it will be time to move on to the fence post. I have my appointment with the new orthopedist today, but there will still be plenty of time to stitch. We'll see how much I can accomplish and I'll share that soon.

Happy July!!