Salad For Breakfast...

This is how we "roll" around here. Sorry. I couldn't resist. Work was a chore yesterday, so I really took it easy last night. I'm going to try to get back to normal today, and I'll let you know how it goes. 

Same Stuff. Different Day...

not me

It's officially another stinking cold. I have many thoughts on why, but I don't want to be labeled a "conspiracy theorist" by my blog friends. Suffice it to say, I've been taking really good care of my health, apparently to no avail.

Anyway, it started with a day of sneezing, and by dinnertime I was miserable. I made a batch of chicken soup for us (which really felt good) and headed to bed. 

I never did sit down to stitch. I'll try again today, but I'm really sick of being sick. Either way, I'll be back tomorrow. 

I'm Back!!!...

I think it's appropriate to describe the first few weeks of 2026 like this. I feel like I was on an out-of-control Big Wheel careening down a hill. Don't ask me what I had. I have no idea. I can tell you it began as a mild sore throat with a bit of a fever that quickly morphed into full-blown cold symptoms. LOTS of coughing. Extreme fatigue and aches. I mostly slept to try to recover. Just about the time I was feeling better, some of the symptoms returned, and yesterday...YESTERDAY, I finally started to feel human. I haven't been ill in over ten years, so this really hit me hard. (I take good care of my health, too, which made this even harder to swallow.)

I haven't been to work since before New Years Day, and until yesterday, I didn't even feel like doing needlework. I made a couple of Facebook and Instagram posts, thinking that if I acted positive I could just will all this away, but I was wrong. I set everything up for doing a bit of needlework, and then either went back to bed or settled into the recliner. I can tell you that after the first ten (bad) days, it made me stir crazy! I'm really praying it's all behind me now.

I'm still taking Mucinex DM™, which has helped immensely, along with my regular daily meds and healthy meals, so I'm hoping they support me as I try to get back to a normal life.

One of my coworkers has been stepping up to cover my Tuesdays, and another on Friday nights. I've missed three weeks of my shifts, so - barring anything catastrophic - I'm planning to go back tomorrow. One more day of taking it easy (I have been stitching more feathers), and I should be good to go. Of course, I'm not planning to go overboard, but I'm going to cover my own shift for a change and plan to swap out my work clothes for sweats as soon as I get home. I'm sure it will be an early night, with a cup of hot tea to send me to La La Land. 

I'll be sharing photographs of more feathers tomorrow - just to show "proof of life". lol I'm ready to get back to normal, and I have a list of things I want to do. I'll save the canning and heavy lifting for a couple weeks from now, but I do plan to share a few needlework projects as soon as I can.

It's good to be back. Thank you for all the notes, cards and gifts while I was sick. I read them all, but just didn't have the energy to respond. If you sent something and haven't heard from me yet, you will soon. I hope you understand. See you tomorrow, my friends.

Keeping The Faith...

We had a really nice, productive weekend, and I thought we were going to uneventfully slide into the new week. I was wrong. 

Around 9 pm last night, I got a call from my sister, Jan, to tell me that she'd been at the hospital most of the day with my mother and stepsister, as our stepdad (and Sherri's dad) was taken by ambulance earlier in the day. They were supposed to host a birthday party for one of our nephews yesterday, and instead spent the day undergoing tests, getting a blood transfusion, and scheduling more tests for today.

Jan had already dropped Mum at home, aired their dogs, and was on her way home when she called to update me. By the time we finished our conversation, it was late, I was spent, and I went straight to bed.

Today will be a day of uncertainty and prayer as we wait to find out his prognosis. My stepdad is 92 years old, so any trip to the hospital at this point is a bit nerve wracking. I'll be staying out of the way as we await word on what happens next. My understanding is that he'll be discharged from the local hospital today and possibly sent home. His doctor is in Milwaukee, but travels to a hospital closer to them, so I'm certain they'll be making calls to set up appointments and move forward from there. 

I'm going to work on my fencing for my bluebirds. It's a great way to occupy my mind as we wait for news. In the meantime, hug your loved ones and keep them close. 

Seven Weeks Post-Op...

Honestly, I keep trying to do something creative...anything. I don't know if it's the meds, healing, or just laziness, but I can't seem to focus on needle and thread right now. If you know me, either in person or through my posts, you know this isn't like me at all.

So, I hope you'll indulge me while I attempt to figure this out. I'm able to do needed things like baking bread, or canning fresh local produce while it's available, but I keep trying to get back to what my heart knows I love; my mind knows I love; but my body is just holding me back right now.

Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I've stopped all the painkillers, thinking they might be the culprit, and I'm adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to our menu. I'm open to any and all ideas.

She's On My Mind Today...

Mum with two great-grands - 2023

My mum turned 88 in June, and this photograph is from two years ago. She's much thinner and more frail-looking now. Recently her doctor(s) decided that she needed to undergo surgery. She's been having ongoing issues for a while now, and truthfully, I believe many of her problems are caused by the medicine on top of medicine on top of medicine she's been prescribed.

You know. First they tell you to take this pill, and when you have a reaction, they add a pill for that symptom, and so on and so on. Can you tell I don't really trust the people she's trusting? Well, the last prescription was a second prescription for diabetes. What it's causing is severe weight loss, and after reading up on all possible side effects, another is problems for the thyroid...from malfunction all the way up to the Big C. 

Her doctor convinced her to have a major surgery on her thyroid today. They've also said it's a day surgery! I've had two thyroid surgeries (one when I was 7 and the other when I was 18). I know what it does to a young, otherwise healthy person. I'm deeply concerned about what it may do to my 88 year old mother, and it's inconceivable to me that it could - under any stretch of the imagination - be a day surgery for her.

What that means for me is that I'll go to my PT appointment, and then spend the rest of the day waiting for word about how she is. One of my brothers is her medical surrogate (in the event my 93 year old stepdad can't be - or he hands off that responsibility). He and my sister, Jan will be at the hospital with our stepdad. I've had my fill of medical facilities, so I'll wait at home to hear from Jan.

I have a feeling it's going to be a long day. I hope you have something more fun on your agenda. See you 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.

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. 

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.

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. 

All Is Well...

Hickory Hill Farm - Lily ©2024

Just a quick check-in to let you know that everything went really well yesterday. The surgical team loved the jokes I told so I could drift off to la la land listening to their laughter. The anesthesiologist said he'd definitely be repeating them. My doctor even told me a joke when he came into my room for the pre-op consult! He had us laughing out loud, and I told him I'd be telling that one again, too.

Surgery began exactly at the 7:15 scheduled time, and Handsome and I were back in the farmhouse by noon. I've only been up long enough to have a bite to eat for dinner, and then write this post. Sleep is how I heal best, so I'm going back to bed as soon as I sign off here. 

Thank you all for the prayers and good wishes. I know you know just how much they're appreciated. I'm actually feeling good, except that I'm groggy from the anesthesia and the one pain pill they gave me before I left. Tylenol should cover it for Friday. I'm extremely grateful for the skilled hands and excellent care given to me by the entire team at BayCare Hospital in Green Bay. Everlasting gratitude to Handsome, too. I couldn't do any of this without him.

I'm heading back to bed now and if I'm up to it, I'll work on my new spoolie during the day. (Hint: You'll roar when you see this one.) Otherwise, I'll spend one more day sleeping. I know you understand. Hugs.

Well, That's Disappointing...

Web Image from imgflip.com

Handsome had a doctor's appointment first yesterday morning, and then we headed right to my MRI appointment an hour away. Once there, the tech came out and asked if I had the controllers for my Interstim unit so they could be sure it was turned off.

Have I told you this story before? Please stop me if you've already heard it. I had an Interstim unit installed in my upper hip/lower back in 2022 as part of the treatments for the bladder issues that we refer to as "The Troubles". (I know I've told that story). Fast forward to 2024...

I began having heart palpitations, and I knew the Interstim wasn't doing its job no matter how many times I changed the settings. As I sat having yet another episode of palpitations, it occurred to me that the Interstim might be to blame, so I completed shut it down. The palpitations stopped. Just to be sure, I turned it back on two weeks later, and the palpitations started up again. 

I don't know whether or not you've ever had palpitations (or AFIB), but it's not pleasant. I turned the Interstim off for good in June and haven't turned it back on since.

In January of 2025, I contacted my dear Uro/gyno who I knew was scheduled to retire and we discussed the issue with the Interstim. (For the record, he wasn't the doctor who installed it.) I told him I'd searched the internet and was unable to find this as a side effect of the unit in my hip. 

He explained that the lead meant to help with the bladder issues might be too close to the vagus nerve, and that would cause the heart issue. I told him I hadn't had the thing on for months now, and wanted to know if he could remove it. He informed me that he'd already relinquished his surgery privileges in anticipation of retiring, but he trusted his partner to accomplish the task. 

I made an appointment to see his partner (after Handsome returned home from Florida). He told me he'd consulted with my favorite doc, and read my voluminous file. He was now familiar with my trials and tribulations. He agreed the Interstim should come out. As I'd had the thing turned off for so long, I left the controllers with him and made the surgical appointment (which is next week).

In the meantime, my clumsy arse twisted this knee causing what is suspected to be a torn meniscus. Hence the reason for the MRI. However, when we were called to go in for the test at the hospital yesterday, the tech requested the controllers for the Interstim because they needed to confirm it was off. I explained it was, but that the controllers were with my uro-gynecologist and the unit is being removed next week.

They went in the back, made some phone calls to the manufacturer, and were told they would have to reset it to "MRI MODE". As that wasn't possible without the controllers, they couldn't do the MRI on my knee yesterday. I wasn't upset, and said I completely understood. I mean, when I turned over the controllers, who would have thought I would need a test requiring them before the unit was removed? What would they have done had it been a medical emergency, I wonder?

Well, we cancelled the MRI for now, and I contacted the orthopedist's office to cancel the appointment I was supposed to have post MRI, explaining why. 

I'll have my surgery next week to remove all the bits and pieces associated with the Interstim, give myself time to heal the incision(s), and then reschedule the MRI. The ladies who would have performed the test told me that if scheduling puts it too far out on the calendar, I can call them directly and they'll squeeze me in sooner. So, there's that.

Handsome and I trudged back to the truck to drive home, but not before a well-needed side trip for lunch, which, for me included a vanilla malt with extra powder. I was hungry and being fed helped me feel better, plus I managed a little nap on the way home. Once inside, more Tylenol™, elevating my feet, adding a little heat ,and a lovely cuppa tea delivered by my Handsome was just what I needed. I'll set my sights on next week. One (careful) step at a time...

I'm Still Here...

Daisies From Last Summer

I'm sorry for another tardy submission. Here's the skinny on my day yesterday. Let me begin by saying if anyone ever offers you a recreational "EMG", please feel free to turn it down. I'm glad I didn't do any internet research prior to the procedure, because it wasn't fun.

I'm not afraid of needles unless they're the huge, hollow type, so that wasn't the issue. The needles involved were comparable to those used in acupuncture - which I found helpful and quite enjoyed when we lived in Florida. However, they were soon attached to electrodes to ascertain whether or not I had nerve damage in my left knee. 

Each time the doctor engaged the electricity, I flopped around like a fish out of water. I tolerated that well until he got to the area where I injured myself. I ended up in tears. The great news is that there is no nerve damage. This doctor suspects soft tissue damage, which aligns with the orthopedic doctor's suspicion of a torn meniscus. That will be confirmed (or denied) when I have the MRI on the 10th.

Once it was all over, my dear husband helped me back into my sweats (I had to wear shorts for the procedure), and he took me home.

We walked in the back door to the farmhouse around 9:15 am, I took two (dr. approved) Tylenol; went upstair;, changed clothes and went to bed. I nearly instantly fell asleep and didn't move until around 1:30 pm. 

My gallant white knight stayed close while I showered, and then helped me put on my socks (I could handle the rest of my clothes), and I got dressed for my three-hour shift feeling 1000% better. He even made ham and eggs with toast for me so I'd have some nourishment before going to work. Two more Tylenol and it was off to the store.

He was there right on time to bring me home, and I had two fish dinners in tow so neither of us would need to cook. After dinner, I went back upstairs to bed, watched a little television and went to sleep. Just what this body needed after a strenuous appointment.

I'm feeling so much better today, so I'm not going to overdo anything. I'm planning to sit in the living room and make a few more spoolies. Your suggestions here and in the Brynwood Needleworks Facebook group have been written down, and I'll work through the list. I'll share my completed critters on Monday.

I hope you have a restful, peaceful, love-filled weekend. Of one thing I'm absolutely sure...Love is best shown when someone you care for needs it most. It's shown through unselfish acts of kindness and concern. How you treat them (or are treated) exemplifies the depth of affection. Handsome shows me every day just how much he loves me. I pray every day to be equal to it.

Thank you to everyone who left comments yesterday. You shared your concern for me, and I'm so grateful.

See you Monday!

Stronger Every Day...

We had a lovely weekend with Handsome's brother last weekend. In fact, so much so that I never even got a photograph of the two of them together! (Bad blogger!)

Handsome gets stronger everyday, and he continues with physical therapy and needed doctor visits. From all accounts, the brain is absorbing the residual from the bleed that was causing the issues. Now that the supply has been cut off, we're hoping that the two area that were causing the problem will just disappear over time. His doctor is happy with his progress, too, which is wonderful.

I'll be at work today, but Handsome assures me he'll take it easy. He'll likely read the latest book he's been enjoying, and except for letting the dogs out a few times, he'll just rest while I'm away.

I'm going to make a pot of coffee and get ready for work. I hope you have a great week. 

Waiting...

Under The Hickory Hill Farm Maple Tree

My perspective always improves when I'm out in nature. A peaceful calm comes over me and soothes my spirit.

I got a "good morning" call from Handsome shortly after I woke up yesterday. He just wanted to say hi and said he'd call back after he spoke with the doctor. As it turned out, he did stay another day.

He's now on the anti-seizure medication. When I talked with him, he said he'd already been up and walking around, but that he just wants to sleep right now. I don't really blame him. Who ever really sleeps well with doctors and nurses coming in to check on you every hour? His speech was a bit slurred, too, but I'm chalking that up to the new medication. I'll know more about that when I ask the doctor.

Handsome asked me not to make daily trips to Milwaukee at this point. He's busy doing therapy or sleeping when he can, so he prefers that I stay here with the dogs, so they're not crated all day. We do keep in touch, and I can always call the nurse's station as they gave me the direct number should I want medical updates. I'll be doing that today, unless Handsome calls to say they're releasing him. In that case, I'll drive down myself to get him. While I'm not fond of the drive, I can certainly navigate it safely myself. 

Both our sons are on deck should we need help. All I have to do is let them know and they're ready and willing. That takes a huge load off my mind. 

So, today, I'll continue to prepare for Handsome's return. If he's staying another day, I'll be baking a big batch of cookies to take to the neuro ICU nurse's station to show our gratitude. It will keep my hands and my mind busy, as I really can't concentrate on needlework right now. I'll be back with another status report tomorrow. Thanks again for all your prayers. Always.

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.

Tell Me, Have You Seen Her?...

I'm looking for my mojo.

I really tried all weekend, but it seems I was content to mostly sit around and spend time with Handsome. I had no energy nor interest in doing anything else. 

It's not like I had nothing else to do. Laundry. Cleaning. Weeding. Gardening. Baking. Of course, I have books to read, and needlework I could be starting. None of those held a bit of interest for me over the weekend.

This week is going to be fun. Work tomorrow; dinner with classmates on Wednesday; and preparing for Handsome's brother to arrive on the weekend. So what do you do when you've misplaced your mojo?

Today, I'm going to "fake it until I make it". I'm going to act like my mojo is sitting on my shoulder, pushing me to get my butt in gear. "Do something. Anything. You can do it, Dee."

It's Been A Month, So Far...

My life revolves around him, and since July 1st, it's been either a month to remember - or a month to forget - depending on perspective. I figure I should explain my recent absence from my blog.

On July 1st, Handsome underwent a medical procedure to resolve an irregular heartbeat. The surgery went exactly as planned and did what it was supposed to. His heartbeat restored to normal rhythm, which is important for a percussionist.

The rest of the week went well, so on Saturday the 6th, we decided to cut the lawn as we usually do. I rode around on my small yard tractor, and Handsome mowed the upper yard on our larger tractor. We met back at the Compass Barn at the same time, having completed the task after about an hour and a half. I closed my side of the barn and told him I wanted to grab something from the garage, so I'd meet him at the house. He just had to close his side of the barn.

When I came out of the garage, he was leaning against the door of the Compass Barn and told me he needed "some assistance, please". He told me he couldn't motivate forward, only backward, so I helped him to the house. Once inside, he sat down for a while, and then things seemed to return to normal. This didn't seem like a "heart thing" to me. It seemed more neurological, so I suggested he call his doctor on Monday to get a recommendation for a neurologist. In retrospect, I wish I'd been making the calls.

He called the cardiologist and was only able to get an appointment for two weeks out. I admit, I was irked that he hadn't done what I'd asked, so I suggested he call out primary care physician's assistant to get that recommendation. I worked on Monday and Tuesday, and was off the rest of the week.

I came downstairs on Wednesday morning to find him wrestling with our coffeemaker. He was upset because he couldn't put it back together. He was trying to put the coffee reservoir where the cup usually goes to pull brewed coffee. When I asked if he was joking around, he assured me that he was not, and wondered why it wouldn't assemble. I put it together in front of him and he went to feed Bella and Carly. We always crate them when they eat to avoid any possible conflict. They finished eating about the time the coffee finished brewing, so Handsome dispensed a cup and went to let the dogs out of their crates before sitting down. He told me he couldn't get the door on Bella's crate open, so I let her out, and told him I'd be in to sit down with him soon. It was obvious to me there was something really wrong.

I went outside with my cell phone and called my sister, Di who used to work in elder care. She took care of our dad when he was diagnosed with cancer, until he passed away four months later. When I told her what was going on, I said, "Di, I'm convinced this is not heart related. What do you think?" She immediately conveyed that she thought Handsome may have had a mild stroke, and I should get him to the hospital immediately. (I told her I had to change out of my short shorts first, as I wasn't going to be seen in public wearing them!)

Within minutes, I had Handsome in the truck and we were off to the hospital in Sheboygan. I explained why we were there and they got him into a room right away. The doctor ordered a CAT scan, and when the results came back, we learned Handsome had a "significant subdural hematoma which was pushing the midline of his brain off-center and toward the right". The ER doctor had already called St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee where he'd secured a neurologist for Handsome. Then he ordered three different IV meds for my husband - one to counteract the effects of a medicine he's been taking for a while; a second to keep his blood pressure low; and a third being an anti-seizure, as seizures are not uncommon with patients who've had a brain bleed. As soon as a bed became available in Milwaukee, he would be transferred by ambulance to the other hospital. By 7:30 pm, he was on his way, and as I wouldn't be allowed into the hospital since the Covid-induced visitation rules, I reluctantly came home.

I was at the hospital early the next morning, and my husband had surgery to repair the bleed. By God's grace, the surgery (which they told me could last up to four hours) was over in one hour and twenty minutes. We were told that everything went really well, and that he would be in the hospital a few days for observation. 

Over the weekend, we were told he would be staying up to a week for physical therapy to be sure he could climb stairs, walk without feeling lightheaded, and function normally. It will take a little time for his brain to shift back into normal position, but they wanted to be sure he would be safe in the meantime.

Thursday evening, Handsome called me to let me know that he was going to be released to come home yesterday morning. We were elated. I drove back to Milwaukee to bring him home and we were on our way north by 1 pm. I could see the relief and gratitude in his eyes as we pulled in our driveway. As we came out of the garage, Andy was coming out of their barn up the hill. We all waved to each other, and by the time we were in the house a "Welcome Home!" message from Andy was on Handsome's cell phone. 

My guy lost eleven pounds while away from home, but the last thing I want to do is "fatten him up" now that he's here. Of course, he'll be getting the home cooked meals he loves so much, but he's going to get more TLC than large portions to help him stay healthy. Stitches come out on Monday, so we have one more trip, but then he can concentrate on getting stronger and doing some of the things that were slowly slipping out of reach when we didn't know why.

The ER doctor said we deserved gold stars for getting to the emergency room so quickly, but I told him and will repeat for you - my sister deserves all the accolades for sounding the alarm to get him there before something worse might have happened. 

I was supposed to spent the past week camping with her, but am grateful my instincts told me I needed to stay home instead. I'm still planning that trip before the campground closes for the season, but there's plenty of time for that. Right now, I'm where I need to be.

I apologize for not responding to all the comments offering prayers and support - and for keeping you in the dark for so long. I was so worried, that I was physically and mentally exhausted by the time his surgery was over. Two words I never use and "exhausted" and "depressed". I've always thought what you think about you bring about, so I've just excluded those two words...until last week. 

I got home from Milwaukee after 9 pm the day he had surgery, and kind of fell apart. Unbeknown to me, my oldest and dearest friend was in town from Georgia. She'd been talking with Di, who told her what was going on. She was at the farmhouse within minutes of me getting home. We talked for an hour and then prayed together. She was exactly what I needed. After she left, I took care of the dogs and then we closed down for the night knowing that all would be well.

So, again, I apologize for not responding to your wonderful messages of support and prayer. I read them all, but had no energy to reply. Now that Handsome is back where he belongs, I'll answer them over the weekend. I'm really going to try to do a little stitching, too, so you have something creative to see on Monday, and I can do something fun just for me. We'll try our best to get back to normal very soon.

Gratefully, 

I'm Back - Mostly...

What did I miss? This was me for the past twelve days. I've been sick, sick sick! I haven't had so much as a sniffle for the past seven years, but this reminded us of when Handsome and I both had pneumonia at the same time nearly forty years ago. It's been ugly! I'm finally upright and coherent enough to write a few paragraphs to you.

We both stayed in bed for the first week, only getting up to let the dogs out and feed the animals. Handsome was actually better than I was. I didn't even eat for a week, losing ten pounds in the process. When I did get up, I ended up under a quilt on the sofa, sleeping again. I was guarded by Claudette or the dogs to make sure I hadn't expired. The deep chest cough has been the worst for both of us, and I think that's finally under control now.

I think I'll be cancelling my participation in the Winter Quilt Show coming up February 10th, as I just have no stamina yet. I also haven't been able to work in the studio at all, and have no new items to take with me.When I feel up to it, I'll get back in and create the wallets and handbags to list in my Etsy shop instead. 

I cant' tell you how disappointed I am that I won't be vending at this show. I really enjoy it, and love seeing all the beautiful quilts, but going this year would just be wildly unwise. I haven't been to my other job all this time either, and really want to get back there for Fridays, but I still have to stay home for now. 

In the meantime, Handsome and I'll continue with our vitamins, meds, lots of hot tea and soups, so we can completely heal. Thanks for waiting for me. I hope none of you have experienced this. It really stinks. Tomorrow will be better.