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.

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.

Gratitude...

 

Hello November...

I'm going to start this month remembering just how blessed and wonderful my life with Handsome is and continues to be. I'm thankful for family, and friends - near and far. Most of all, I'm grateful for our health and happiness. I'm one lucky girl.

What positive thing is happening in your life right now? What are you thankful for? Feel free to share in the comments.

October Hollyhocks...

October Hollyhocks and Bumblebees

I took a walk outside after I got home from work yesterday. I needed some "nature" to decompress. I've noticed that one lone hollyhock plant has blossomed right next to the porch staircase, and it has about three flowers on it. It's so unexpected and pretty.

As I finished my walkabout and approached the porch to go back inside, I stopped to admire it and noticed it was inhabited. Two sweet bumble bees had climbed into the topmost flower and settled in for the night. I found myself wondering whether or not they're resting, or if they're preparing for the end of their lives.

I'm reminded that everything will soon be preparing for our Wisconsin winters and their long rests ahead. I need to be pulling weeds from my garden beds, and tidying up the kitchen garden to prepare those spaces, too. 

We'll be taking our porch furniture back to the barn and bringing the decorative plants indoors until spring. I reminisce about Octobers past, and how there were even surprise snowstorms not too long ago. I remember Halloweens as a kid, when we wore warm slacks (or even snowpants) under our costumes. I admit, I'm not ready for snow yet this year, but we'll prepare for the inevitable just the same.

We're so glad that Hurricane Milton downgraded as it made landfall last night. Our friends came through the storm with no water incursion, a few damaged roof tiles and downspouts, and electrical outages. In the main, they did really well, and for that we're very grateful.

Like the little bumble bees, it's time for all of us to rest easy now. Hugs to all our Florida friends. We're so glad you're safe.

Surprise Mail...

An unexpected package arrived in the mail yesterday from my dear friend in Arizona. Imagine my delight when I found not only an assortment of lovely metallic threads, but these treasures inside, as well.

The book comes with a glowing review from my friend, and I look forward to reading every page (at least once). There's a lovely bookmark inside to mark my place, too. It's been a little anxious around here lately, so the book is going to be a welcome read. I expect it will become quite dog-eared as I work my way through it.

The fabric case behind it was created just for me. When I sent off a recent box, filled with an assortment of fabric to her, she commissioned a local friend to make some things for her using this fabric (which I knew she'd love). Never in a million years did I expect her to ask her friend to create something wonderful for me at the same time. The closure is a large, vintage pendant repurposed for this application. I think it's just perfect! Now, when I use the case, I know that my dear friend will be using hers in the exact same fabric. 

This package made my month, to be honest. Handsome continues to improve and life is getting back to our normal, but I admit, these gifts really lifted my spirits. Thank you, dear C. You knew just what I needed, and this long-distance hug from you is so appreciated. I love, love, love everything! You'll hear from me again soon. xoxoxo

Indeed, He Is...

God Is Good

I wanted to update you today on Handsome's condition. While I was at work yesterday, our younger son took his dad to an appointment with the surgeon for a follow-up. The news was fantastic.

The surgical site is healing well, and the CAT scan he had done last Friday revealed that there is only a small remnant left in the brain that will assimilate back into his body with no ill effects. His brain "tilt" has nearly righted itself, so for all intents and purposes, Handsome is nearly back to normal.

His occupational therapist said he's already reached the benchmark they strive for following a surgery like his, so the rest of those appointments were cancelled. He'll see what the physical therapist has to say later this week.

Oh, and the best part from Handsome's point of view, is that the surgeon cleared him to be able to drive again. No more relying on this ol' ball and chain to get around. He's independent once again, and happy as all get-out about it. 

We're both thrilled with his progress so far, and know it will only improve from here. All our prayers were heard and answered. Thank you to all who lifted them on his behalf. We're both very grateful to you. God is Good.

Kaleb To The Rescue...

This young man showed up yesterday to tackle the "weed issue" here at the farmhouse. I admit, it really got away from me this year, and even though I tried, I was unable to make much headway. However, Kaleb managed to finish what I started in the kitchen garden, and start his way toward the front corner of the yard in front of the house. The progress he made was laudable.

He was here for five hours, and was careful not to take out the plants we wanted to retain. He turned down multiple offers for water (he brought his own) or even a lunch offered by yours truly. He just wanted to keep his head down and concentrate on the task at hand.

His dad, Lance raised a good boy. Kaleb is 14 years old. His dad told me he gets up at 4 am, exercises, reads his Bible, makes sure his homework is complete (during the school year) and is a straight A student. He assured me his son would work hard for us, and that was an understatement. I can see why he's in demand from other homeowners. He told me he'll return - as soon as he finds another gap in his schedule - to finish our job. We're looking forward to it. He's a wonderful young man.

This is a closeup of our kitchen garden, because I was actually focusing on the teacup bird feeder. Some of the hollyhocks closest to the house are already blooming, so you'll see more photos of them again soon. The "bushy" plant on the right is English lavender just starting to open up. It smells soooo good! My hostas can breathe again, which is really nice, too.

As requested by Charlene, here's a photo of my teacup feeder installed on the shepherd's hook I bought for it. Ha! The dangly bits were swinging in the breeze when I took this picture, so it looks like some of them have disappeared.

This is the button I glued on the back of my teacup. It says "Free as a bird". I think it's the perfect finishing touch for my project.

I'll share more photos of this area as soon as the hollyhocks open up over the next few days. For now, I'm off to work for the next six or seven hours, so I've got to fly. I'll see you again tomorrow!

Thank Heaven For Andy...

 

We purchased this property in the fall of 2016, and moved in the spring of 2017.  We brought our yard tractor from Florida, and then purchased a second larger tractor with a bucket and mower attachments once we got here. Most of the time, they serve us well, but in the winter, no one moves snow like Andy.

Every snow day, he gets out his truck with a snow plow attachment. He takes the first pass of his drive as he heads to our neighbor, Mary Jane's down near the south end of our road. She's the first drive he clears. Then he heads back north and clears Connie and her husband's drive. Once he finished there, he comes to our place, which is where his in-laws used to live. Thankfully, we're still on his route. He moves all the snow that accumulates on our drive, and when I'm here alone, he will frequently shovel the walk and garage approach, or help me to do it. After he leaves here, he finished his drive on the way home, before he puts his truck away until the next time.

This last big storm, we got a whopping twelve inches of snow in a twenty four hour period, with more that came in the following twenty four hours. Then the winds came up and moved all the snow into drifts across our drive and yard. In some places, it was thigh-high on me. Even though we had shoveled our walk so the dogs could air out when they needed to, there was absolutely no way Handsome and I would ever be able to move all that snow in one day, let alone a few hours. Andy to the rescue. Rather than bring his plow truck this time, he'd planned ahead, attaching a huge snow blower to his big tractor. Seeing him come down his driveway got me all teary-eyed.

 

 

He traveled his usual route, and then started blowing as he came up our driveway. The bad thing about a snow like this was that our ground wasn't fully frozen, so there were iced areas under the snow, where his wheels just turned with no traction against the snowbanks. He got frustrated that he "couldn't do a better job", but we were beyond grateful that he accomplished all he did.

At one point, as the guys were talking in this picture, I opened the front door and called out to Andy to tell him how much we appreciated his help. He responded with his usual, humble "No problem", but I said thanks again, and told him (with a choked, emotion-filled voice) that it meant the world to us. I went back inside before he saw me in tears. It really did mean the world to me.

When Handsome came in for a bit, he asked me if I was starting to cry when I said thanks to Andy. I said I had. I also told him how grateful I was that he was home instead of in Florida. I told him being snowed in for multiple cloudy days was bearable because I was with him. Alone would have been too lonely for me. I guess I just didn't realize how much it meant to me that he wasn't in another state until just then. 

I told him that when he goes, I just put on my big girl panties and do what needs to be done. I didn't come from "whiner stock", and I consider myself a strong, strong-willed woman. I do it so he can do what he loves...making music. I wanted him to know, though, just how much I appreciate the strong, protective men in my life, and in this instance it wasn't just my husband. It is also the man who lives with his kind and generous wife up the hill from us.

After Andy moved so much of the snow drifts and cleared our drive, Handsome got out our tractor and moved what was too close to the buildings for Andy to get to. We also have a blade on the back that Andy loaned us last year "just in case", and it's come in really handy. He helped my husband put it back on last week, anticipating the storm. Handsome can pull snow away from the buildings with the blade, and then scoop it up with our bucket on the front. After another hour or so, the yard was again passable. 

Of course, the wind blew snow around over night, but that was more easily dealt with. The ice underneath is another matter, so after being holed up for the weekend (we've been home since Thursday because the heavy snow started before daybreak on Friday), we'll need to get out this morning for sand and salt to cover and deal with the ice. We have a ten foot long slab of quartz arriving this afternoon to be installed, and I don't want a single thing to interfere with that!

As an aside, as the temperatures dropped in the minus category, the barn girls were allowed into the house. As soon as the temps rise above zero again, they can go back to their cozy accommodations in the barn, but for now, they're safe inside.

Poor Tag and his short legs will be here to chat with you tomorrow, but I'll have lots of photographs to share on Wednesday. By then, the counter will be installed, the plumber will have completed his work, and with the possible exception of the electrician, we should be wrapped up on the project.

I just wanted to be sure that I wrote a special tribute to a wonderful man, neighbor, and friend today. Thanks for indulging me - and a million thanks to Andy for his kind, generous, and gracious heart. If it weren't for him, I sometimes wonder just how we'd get along here at the end of the road. He really is a gift in our lives.

The Cardinals Are Home Again...

 

While I was at Primitive Gatherings yesterday for Sewcial Sisters, I collected my Winter Song quilt to bring home. In the package along with my cardinals and First Place ribbon, were two surprises...prizes I earned for first place in my category.

I earned a fat eighths full assortment of Red and White Gatherings from Primitive Gatherings, along with a $300 gift card for the shop!! When I realized what I'd received, my first words to Kathy D and the ladies were "I'm gobsmacked!" When Lisa Bongean joined our group after her live YouTube video earlier in the afternoon, I thanked her for her generosity. I'll be sending out a thank you card today. 

I've made and competed more than a few quilts (and my quilted elephant) in the past. They've been shown from SW Florida to southern Wisconsin - and even at the World Quilt Show - and I've earned beautiful ribbons, but this is the first time I received prizes, too. Generous prizes. I'm so very grateful.

I'll be hanging my ribbon with the others, and Winter Song will join Song of Spring in my studio. Every time I glance at them, I'll remember that 2022 was a quilting year to remember. Thanks again, Lisa!

Farmhouse Flowers...

Brynwood Needleworks- Farmhouse Flowers

Yesterday was a perfect day to walk about the farm and take a few photos near my favorite props...the wood shed, and our old farm wagon (parked behind the woodshed).  

Brynwood Needleworks- Farmhouse Flowers

I love capturing images of the "volunteer" flowers around our yard. I haven't been able to remove the "weeds" from the garden around the front porch, some of which will grow into flowers like these. I won't remove them all, because I think they actually belong in all our landscaping. I'll plant some, and God can plant some. Seems only right to me.

Brynwood Needleworks- Farmhouse Flowers

  Especially, when His plantings are so much more random and glorious than mine. I'll get to the weeding later. For now, I'll just enjoy and continue to add this to the list of our many farmhouse blessings.

A Beautiful Chair...

Brynwood Needleworks - Brocade Chair Detail

A beautiful, heirloom chair has now returned to the farmhouse. I received a message from Shelly, asking if I'd be interested in this piece. I responded with an enthusiastic "Yes!".

When Shelly's parents still lived in our farmhouse, this chair did, too. After they moved to a care facility, family members moved some of their family treasures to their own homes. This chair moved to Shelly and Andy's daughter's home until this week, when it was offered to me.

Brynwood Needleworks - Brocade Chair

 

Shelly brought the chair to us on Tuesday, and explained its history to me. This beautiful, well-made chair belonged, first, to Shelly's aunt. It then belonged to her parents, moving to her daughter's home, and now it has returned to the farmhouse, where it will continue to be loved and admired.

 

The fabric on the chair is a beautiful brocade, with a dancing couple surrounded by lovely flowers. It looks very much like needlepoint, although it isn't. The shape of the chair is decidedly feminine, and it's a comfortable sit, too! The wood has carving that adds to its loveliness.

 

I'm so tickled to have this lovely, meaningful chair sitting in a place of honor at Hickory Hill Farm. I'm so grateful to Shelly and her family for so graciously sharing it with us. They can rest assured that it will continue to be well-cared for now - and always.

 

It Was A Great Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Weekend Booth Setup

 

My youngest sister helped me work in the booth yesterday, and I really regret I didn't get a photo with her beautiful self with me! She took this one, so we had a record of how the booth looked before we got any customers.

We were busy all day, and sales were better than last year! I even had customers who purchased last year, come back for more. I think that's the best validation for what I do. We drove back to the farmhouse last night "happy, happy".  

I like how our small booth looked, but think when I go back next year, there will be fewer tables and more vertical displays. I've got some great ideas from other bagmakers and how they set up their booths, and I'll take that to heart next year. I'm also thinking about adding another venue around the same time.

I took Posey, thinking she might want to move to a new home, but (happily) she came back home with me. As it was, she brought a lot of people into my booth, giving me the opportunity to spread the word about cork - and add a few sales at the same time.

I've found two of my designs that aren't selling as much as they used to, so I think I'm going to mark them down for closeout, to make room for new designs in the coming months. I'll be discounting  them in my Etsy shop in the next day or so. You'll have to check my shop to see which ones I'll closeout (I'll put it in the title), if you're interested in a good (and even better price point) idea for gift-giving. 

Handsome is having cataract surgery this morning, so I'll be working on my Etsy shop while I wait. New things will be photographed and listed after we get back home. I think I'll take it easy - no sewing - for the next few days. Instead, I'll be planning for a family Thanksgiving, and be grateful for all the blessings in my life...including you!

Tag will be back tomorrow. Who knows what he's got planned for this week, but I'm sure he'll be his usual irreverent self! Come back to check. See you again on Wednesday!

Thankful...

Brynwood Needleworks via web

 

Every day, I'm thankful for my husband, my family, my friends, my blessed life, and you. Wishing you many wonderful things.

 

Today I'll be painting railing materials, enjoying our beautiful Wisconsin weather, and spending time with Handsome, Tag and Bella. Have a great weekend!

 

Blue Skies and A Good Book...

Florida has some of the most amazing skies...especially before, during and after storms. This view is facing south from a road near our home, and those clouds are out over the Gulf. I took the photo in the early afternoon yesterday, after one storm had already passed. By late afternoon, these clouds reached our neighborhood, soaking us again.

When the heavens open up, the best thing to do is to find an inside diversion. Turning on computerized sewing machines in thunder storms isn't always the wisest thing to do, and I'm trying not to do handwork when I'm sitting at home.

This book, "Elm Creek Quilts Companion" by Jennifer Chiaverini was a lovely gift that arrived in the mail yesterday from my friend, Marydon of Blushing Rose. She knows my love for books, fabric, quilting and history. This book tucks all that (and more) between two covers! It's a perfect alternative to creating. I mean, if you aren't creating something, isn't it the next best thing to read about creating something?

Thank you, Marydon. Your gift arrived at the most perfect time. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in a good read, and can't thank you enough for the generous surprise you sent my way. You're one of the very first friends I made in Blogland, and I'm so blessed that we found each other in all this wide world. Blessings always, my dear friend.

Thanksgiving Blessings...

 In all things and all ways, remember to give thanks.

This Thanksgiving Day, I am especially grateful for the love and support of family and friends, near and far. I have read all your messages and notes. Although it may take a while for me to respond, please know how much I appreciate each and every one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours.

Memorial Day 2014...

Web image

 

Happy March, Everybody...

 I'll be spending the day in the studio working on a few things I'd like to

finish today. I don't like having UFOs and I have more than a few right now.

  I'll also be reflecting on my deep "attitude of gratitude".

I searched the internet yesterday for images that show how I'm feeling.

 Images exemplifying love, protection and contentment.

 I hope you take just a minute to reflect on the gifts in your life,

and perhaps think of something you're grateful for today.

Gratitude for friendships that nurture...

 The children who bring joy into your life... or

 those whose lives you enrich simply by being in theirs.

 My class was just great yesterday. We got a good start on

"Over The River" and everyone went home with assignments to

finish over the next month when we'll meet again for more.

Handsome's foot is doing much better than we expected. He said

it hardly hurts at all! (I'm so glad.) Thank you to everyone who sent

a note for his quick healing. I'll be busy today, but I'll be back tomorrow

with something new and creative to share with you. Happy March, everybody!