Under The Weather...

Last weekend must have been more excitement than I could handle. I worked my two early shifts on Monday and Tuesday, only to come home from work Tuesday tired and with a cough.

I crawled into bed when I got home, and never got up until some time Wednesday morning. I've got a doozy of a cold going.

Jan came down for a while Wednesday, but as soon as she left, I went back to bed. Handsome got some meds for me which are helping, but I'm mostly staying upstairs, away from polite society. I don't want him to get sick.

So unfortunately, I have nothing exciting or even mildly interesting to share today. I still feel like garbage. I haven't been sick in a long time, so I forgot how much I dislike it. Hoping tomorrow's better.

Wildlife Welcome Here...

This is how I feel when the deer, turkeys, raccoons, opossums, or other critters stop to visit. So blessed.

I may get another in-the-dark, early morning call to work today. Otherwise, I may just stay in bed a bit later than usual. I'll let you know how it worked out tomorrow.  

Dream Life...

Via Old Fashioned Life on FB

They're Still Here...

One of three feeders on the front porch

Sorry my post is late today. Google wasn't uploading my images. Anyhow, I wanted to share a couple photographs of our wee hummers who are still visiting my feeders.

I've been changing out the nectar and cleaning the feeders to make sure they get safe food as they fatten up for their long migration south.

Feeder outside the pantry sink window.

I leave the feeders out well past the last sighting, just to be sure any stragglers are nourished. We've had at least three (probably more) here all summer. 

I've read that they remember where the feeders are placed from year to year, and they return to them. Also that they remember faces. I like that thought a lot because they're never far away when we're rehanging the feeders, and sometimes they even hover around us when we're outdoors.

So, I'll continue feeding these little bugs this season, and look forward to their return next year and beyond.

 

A Lost Day...

All my Monarch supplies are still waiting for me. We had a family emergency today that completely derailed my stitching plans.

I won't go into details because we want to honor our family member's privacy, but I can tell you that Handsome and I are fine. This will be ongoing for the foreseeable future, but I should be able to get some more work done today. 

My first job will be to remake the body form slightly bigger. Once that's finished I'll be inserting the wings onto the stitched body and securing them to the back. Then I can remove the body from my hoop and begin encasing the form with the stitched body. These steps will take a while, but I'll make sure there are photographs to share  

Thanks for any prayers you may want to lift for my very vague family member's healing. God will know who you're talking about. Big hugs for all of you from me.

 

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. 

That's Me...

If you could see my garden right now, you'd understand. We never planted anything this year, so my garden beds have completely run amok. Perhaps I'll be able to clean them out soon, looking forward to next year's planting.

I work tonight, and we've finally had enough rain that we can mow the yard again. I'll be avoiding a few previously clipped areas, because the chickory, clover and Queen Anne's lace have taken up residence. I love them more than grass, so I'll go around them so we can enjoy the color they provide a bit longer. I don't consider them weeds, and truthfully would prefer a yard filled with that over tamed grass any day. So I guess today's image is more appropriate than I originally thought. 

I hope you have a wonderful Friday, and I'll see you again tomorrow.

My Current Mindset...

After a full day of (for me, arduous) work, this is where my mind is today. I got the dogs out for a bit of romping, made coffee, and Handsome and I are currently enjoying our morning cuppas.

My knee hurts. My shoulders are sore, and my mind is weary. I'd love to stay in bed and sleep, but I'm too achey to be comfortable. 

So instead, I'm going to sip my coffee with my feet up, be grateful for another day, and not complain. I'm going to simply "be" for a bit, and decide where the rest of this day will lead me.

If you're feeling the same, know you're not alone. You're never alone. Someone you may not even know loves and cares that you're here. It's okay to just "be". 

Have a blessed, peaceful day, my dears.

Truthfully...

 

I haven't been stitching at all the past two days. I've been busy sending "stuff" on to new homes. Between my sisters and nieces, I've cleaned up an overstuffed buffet, china cabinet, and at least one cupboard. 

I have so many useful and nice things I don't use anymore that I decided to let them go. What I've pulled that they don't want will be donated. I have to say, it feels pretty great, too.

I'm not finished yet either, but I work tonight, so I'll take it easy today, and get back to it tomorrow. 

Now, about this picture of my butterfly... I'm sure you must be wondering what the white thing is next to it. I can tell you that when I was in Kentucky with Owen and my classmates, there were a lot of jokes about its appearance!

What you're looking at is actually off-white muslin, sewn into a tapered tube, filled with emery (it can be sand, too), and then sewn closed. This will actually be the body structure for my Monarch. 

When I finish stitching up the body "cover", it will actually encase the filled muslin piece. Before I can do that, I'll release my wing parts from the ground fabric so they can be attached and the wires imbedded inside that cover, too. 

You can imagine, it's going to be a bit futzy manipulating all those parts. I'm going to see if I can get a short video of that part of my process to share with you when I get to that stage.

I have a little tidying up to do this morning, so I'll close for now. I'll see you tomorrow! Have a great weekend, friends.

Home All Day...

No appointments today, so I'll be doing things here at home. I'll start by checking the bird feeders and cleaning the birdbaths so they have cool, fresh water. Next is to put in a load of laundry, and then im going to sit down to my needlework frame. 

It's hazy and smoky here from the Canadian fires, so even though it's a bit cooler, having the windows open isn't wise. I'm praying for safety for the wildlife and people to our north.

Our lawn is filled with wildflowers - Queen Anne's lace, chickory, clover, wild oregano, wood sorrel, bird's foot trefoil, and a few others - taking over our yard these days. They thrive (because of their deep roots) when grass browns due to lack of rain. When it doesn't rain, we don't mow because it just browns and stresses the grass. Between you and me, I love the riot of wildflowers taking over. I think wildlife does, too.

So for now, I'm the wild child walking barefoot through our yard, enjoying how Mother Nature takes over when we allow her time and space. I'll definitely be spending some time enjoying the display today.

It's That Hot...

I've got another doctor's appointment this afternoon. I've already filled the bird feeders and refilled the bird baths with fresh, clean, cold water.

Bella and Carly had their morning run around, so as soon as they're settled I'll feed them. I'm giving Handsome a break today.

Yesterday and all of this week our temperatures here in Wisconsin nearly match what they've got in sw Florida! I thought we moved back to get away from that. I promise, my northern friends, we didn't pack this weather to bring back in our moving trucks!

Well, enough whining for me (today). After I get back from my appointment, my plan is to do a little more stitching on my Monarch project. I think whatever I'm going to do will be low exertion, for sure.

Take it easy and drink lots of water. Stay safe, friends. I'll see you tomorrow.

 

 

Work went well yesterday, and I was busy the entire shift. I brought dinner home with me, and Handsome and I had an early meal after I changed from my work clothes into "home" clothes.

After dinner I made the mistake of putting my feet up and enjoying a hot cuppa. You know what happened next. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I spent the balance of the evening not stitching. 

I have a normal day today, meaning I'll get some needlework time in, too. I'll definitely make progress to share tomorrow.

Officially Twenty Two Inches...

According to our friends who live a few miles north of us, we got 22" of snow from Winter Storm Elsa (along with a lot of wind and drifting).

As far as I'm concerned about this winter, I'm past ready to "let it go"!

Andy came down with his tractor with the big snow blower and managed to move most of the white stuff for us. Late afternoon, Handsome and I got out our tractor with a front bucket and rear blade and managed to move what was right in front of our garage door. Andy continues to be a blessing to us (for many more reasons than just this).

Thankfully, Handsome's band rehearsal was cancelled, following the lead of local schools and many businesses (including the station until mid-afternoon, when the owner had my boss go in to open back up. (Nuts, if you ask me!) 

I'm working today, and will get to see just what the "outside world" looks like from the station. I'm pretty sure I'll be quite happy to accomplish my shift and get back home. I'll let you know how things went tomorrow. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day and more importantly for our family, Happy Anniversary to Son #2 and his bride!

Donna

My Happiest Place...

No more work until Friday. If you're looking for me, I'll be right here. 

Now We Rest...

Work went really well yesterday. I did what I said I'd do when I got home...immediately changed into my sweats and took off my makeup. Teresa made an excellent batch of broasted chicken that came up just in time for me to leave for home. So we had a hot meal ready to eat when Handsome brought me back to the farmhouse. It was perfect. As you can see, the girls were down with the resting program, too!

Today, I have a few "office" things to do, and then I'm going to finish my bluebird feathers. Handsome and I are going together to my classmate dinner this afternoon. The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse with record low temps late today, but we'll be settled back at home by then, and not going anywhere again until I work on Friday evening. Our plan is to stay tucked in and safe here until then.

If you're in for some of this bitter cold and snow in the forecast, please stay indoors as much as you're able, and please don't take any chances outside. I'll be praying for everyone's safety. I'll be back tomorrow with our monthly classmate dinner photo. See you then!

This Date Forty One Years Ago...

Our Wedding Day

Forty one years ago today, I married my Handsome. Twenty eight of our family and closest friends gathered in the living room of our first home (another farmhouse) to witness our vows. Afterward, we went to a local venue for dinner, and then opened our reception to two hundred fifty of our friends. It was the best day ever!

In 1984, the snow melted and the temperature reached 60º F. We had a jazz band perform and we danced until closing time. We were the last two to leave our reception, thanking every single guest before they departed. Two days later, we boarded an airplane for a two week honeymoon in Grand Cayman, BWI. 

Handsome and Me 41 Years Later

This year, we're expecting 2-6" of snow with winds up to 45 mph. Quite different from our wedding day. We'll stay safely home together with the girls this time. 

I've called Handsome "My Heartbeat" many times before, and it will always be so for me. I'm never happier than when we're together, and so I'll make a nice dinner for us, and I'll spend this day grateful for the life we've built. Looking forward to many more celebrations.

Happy Anniversary, Love.

A.B.& A., AML BW

Onward, Birthday Girl!...

Me At Seventy One

I spent the day in the studio (Big Reveal tomorrow!), and then Handsome and I went to Wendi's for my hair appointment. By the time we got home, the temperature had dropped into the 20ºs and it was windy. I was freezing, and so were my newly-uncovered ears! lol I went straight upstairs and changed into my warm, comfy sweats!

Handsome had gone out in the morning to the butcher shop up the road that sells local beef, and chose two tenderloin steaks for dinner. When I opened that package to grill them, they were huge! I cut one in half and then butterflied the halves for our meal, freezing the other for another time. 

While I was with Wendi getting my hair cut, he went to the grocery store and bought a birthday cake for dessert. So, I was telling everyone we were having steak and cake for my birthday dinner! 

I finally started to warm up after a steaming hot cuppa and dinner, and the sweats didn't hurt either. Before bedtime, I asked Handsome to "take my picture" and this is the result. This is who I am most of the winter. Of course I dress up to go out, and there's my work uniform, but at home, I'm most comfortable in this attire. Function before form, right?

I'll be debuting my completed bluebird project on Instagram, Facebook and here tomorrow. I can't wait to show you! For now, I'm making my list of Christmas projects so I can get started on those next. 'Tis the season!

Happy Thanksgiving...

Sharing my favorite Thanksgiving image again this year. We got the wind and snow that was forecast for our area yesterday, so our plans to stay tucked in here at the farmhouse work out perfectly for us. 

Whatever your plans for today - good food, family, friends, or just peace and quiet at home - I wish only the best for you, my friends.

Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours.

Donna & Handsome

(Bella, Carly, Claudette & Crystal, too!)

Do What You Love...

Unknown Needleworker-via Facebook

Definitely "yes" to this image. PT? Not so much right now. This week, my physical therapist(s) moved to the "strengthening" portion of my knee rehabilitation. I'm not a fan, and neither is my knee. This phase is kicking my butt! I get home and have to do more icing, and I took another pain killer before bed last night. I was hoping to get away from those, but I guess pre-PT and post are still in the foreseeable future.

You know me, though. I'll just pull up my big girl panties and do what needs to be done. I don't complain (at PT or home), except for an occasional "ugh" when I try to get out of the chair, or walk from one room to another. My therapist, Jenna said I'm a "warrior" with a poker face - even when it hurts. Handsome spotted me up the stairs last night "just to be safe". My heartbeat.

No physical therapy today, so we'll see what the day holds after I take my morning meds (I'm still on blood thinners to avoid clots for the next month), along with a couple others, then coffee and a bite to eat. 

Handsome has a band concert this evening, so I'm hoping I'll be up to seeing him perform. He has drum kit pieces this time, so I really want to see that! I guess that means I'll most likely take it easy so I'm well-rested and my knee is agreeable to walk from the venue parking lot to the park where the band will be playing.

Thanks for sharing your current projects with me yesterday. It's really fun to know what you're working on, especially when I'm not busy with my own projects. I even stood back on the the artist trading cards for this month. I'm sure I'll jump back in for September, but I thought better of it for August. 

Once again, I'm off like a herd of turtles. lol See you tomorrow!

Niece Time...

It's always wonderful when family visits, and even more so when they bring someone special they want you to meet. My niece/Goddaughter, Jen came to visit so we could meet her special friend. You can tell from the photograph that they look quite happy together.

They came out to the farmhouse, so I had a light brunch prepared for them, and Handsome, Jen, her friend and I sat on the porch visiting for quite a while. Jen brought her two dogs...fourteen year old male and fourteen month old puppy, too. Jen was quite sure that neither would run off, but for most of the time, we closed the gate on our porch stairs to keep them close. 

At one point, Jen took her older dog off the porch to air him out, and she was more than a little surprised when he perked up his ears, put his nose in the wind, and trotted off on his otherwise unsteady old legs. The rest of us sat on the porch giggling as she had to chase him down halfway across our neighbor's field. He looked like a pup again, wind in his ears as he loped across the field. She came back with him after a bit. She was winded, and he seems quite proud of himself. It was pretty cute.

After our visit, they were heading to see her dad, and then to a backyard concert at a friend's. Their schedule was pretty busy, so we were more than happy that they'd made time for us. We're already looking forward to their next visit back to Wisconsin.

Father's Day was quiet. Our sons spent the day with their own families, but called their dad to check in. We mowed the yard, and later, I made a special dinner for Handsome. I expect this week will go pretty quickly, so it was nice to just relax.

We're planning on setting up a "recovery bedroom" downstairs for a few weeks. I don't want to try to negotiate a steep staircase on crutches, so this will be the best option. I have to decide what I want to have downstairs, so I'm going to make a list. Handsome rarely goes into my studio rooms, so I'll try to cover all the bases.

Otherwise, I expect to be working on my bluebirds today. I work tomorrow, and I can't think of a better way to rest my knees. I'll share my progress during our next visit. Happy Monday, y'all!