I've Had Enough Of 2020, Thanks...

Brynwood Needleworks - East Fields

If you've been reading my blog at all this year, you'll know all of the things that have happened in our family in the past ten months. Yesterday, Handsome ended up back in the hospital. 

I'll know more today when I go to see him, but I'm thinking he'll be there at least through the weekend. This trip was unplanned. He woke up telling me he'd been ill overnight, and he was feeling sore. Same symptoms he's experienced before that resulted in a three week stay in Boston the first time; a week in the hospital after he first moved to the farmhouse; a surgery two years ago (which we thought would be a permanent solution); and now back in the hospital this weekend (apparently, it wasn't a permanent solution).

Can I cry "Uncle" and just move to 2021? I've really had enough of this year. We jokingly called it a "rebuilding year", with his knee replacement, hernia surgery, then, Covid-19, losing my Dad, and my two recent surgeries. It's not remotely funny anymore. 

I'll spend part of the day with him, and then come home to take care of the dogs and me. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed right now. Any spare prayers or good thoughts you might have would be immensely appreciated. Thanks so much.

Sweethearts...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Valentines

I played with a little fabric on Monday, too. I pulled out my collection of Primitive Gatherings' (plus the dot fabric - not PG) Farmhouse Gatherings line of flannel fabric, and Lisa's "Sweethearts" pattern. I used the smallest heart shape in the pattern, and then used most of my own words for the hearts.

Lisa's hearts had words like "Be Mine", "I (heart) You", "All Mine", "Hug Me", "My Love", "Kiss Me", and "XOXO". I used "Kiss Me" and "XOXO", and then changed out the rest with "As You Wish" and "True Love" (from our favorite movie, The Princess Bride), and the initials inscribed in both of our wedding rings, "AB & A, AML".

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Valentines

 

In keeping with the number nine that I told you about yesterday, I'll be adding one more heart to the display. I like Lisa's "My Love", so that will probably be the last one. 

I have a few more Valentine touches to bring out before the actual holiday, but this is what our dining room table vignette looks like today. As an aside: Don't you love that my Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter cactus is budding out again? Don't ask why. I have no idea. It will be nice to have more flowers for Valentine's Day, though. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Grace's "Dear Heart" Pillow

I have another sweet valentine pillow that I stitched for Mom (Grace). When she moved into a nursing home and her lifelong home was emptied, Deb gave it back to me. I treasure it, and am so grateful that I have it here. I wrote about receiving my gift back HERE after Mom's move. Her pillow is always displayed in my bedroom, but it will be displayed in the living room for Valentine's Day.

Sadly, she didn't live long enough to see my move back to Wisconsin, but I was blessed to speak with her the day she passed in 2014. I wrote about her last day HERE. I'm so glad I got to say one last "I love you, Mom".

Today would have been Mom's Birthday. I wish every day that we had her here with us, but I'll wish her a happy Heavenly Birthday. She knows how much I miss her, and I know she watches over me. I love you, Mom.