What A Weekend...

I was a busy beaver on Saturday. I started my bread dough so that I could get the loaves made before the heat wave that began on Sunday. Then, I progressed to my concurrent project...

...canning a batch of pears. Approximately twelve pounds yielded these beautiful seven pints. Andy and Shelly's tree was extremely prolific this year, being so full of pears that it threatened to break branches. I know my limits, so when offered, I took what I knew I could can in one session.

Neighbors and family came to harvest much of it, but I also picked another two boxes for my niece, Stephanie and her daughter-in-law (who wants to learn how to can from her MIL). I planned to take them to great-nephew, Ethan's daughter's Birthday party yesterday but fate had other plans. I did manage to hand the boxes off to our nephew, Dan who would make sure they got to his Ethan's wife (the DIL). Stephanie and E's wife will take it from there.

So, you wondering what "fate" was up to? It was kind of scary...

After baking and canning, dinner got a late start on Saturday. I decided to do burgers on the grill, as I'd just finished baking rolls along with the bread. I went outside to put them on the grill and then came back into the house.

Handsome was having a cognitive episode similar to the one he had mid-August that necessitated his brain surgery. After a very few minutes of assessment, I grabbed my wallet, Handsome's hand, and we drove back to Sheboygan Hospital's emergency facility.

Again, they immediately got him situated in a room and did their evaluation. He seemed to have resolved, but they did a CAT scan anyway. Results: Nothing abnormal that they could see. Even so, they wanted to continue monitoring him, given his medical history. The doctor said to call him back into the room should anything change.

We were just talking together and Handsome seemed fine, but suddenly, he was searching for words again. I went into the hall and the nurse called the doctor back into our room. He started asking Handsome questions, and the words came out all jumbled. He was having trouble complying with requests like "raise your legs", and can you say "no way, no how". He was definitely having a problem. The doctor ordered another CAT scan, but this time with contrast. Results: Still nothing jumped out at them.

The doctor decided that Handsome should stay under observation overnight, so he was admitted into the hospital. He'd be seen by a neurologist Sunday morning, so I kissed my heartbeat goodnight and drove home. I arrived back at Hickory Hill after midnight.

I went back to the hospital Sunday morning to find the neurologist ordered an MRI, and the results were already back. He has another brain bleed, and Saturday night he was having a series of TIAs - mini strokes - which had caused his alarming behavior.

By 6:30 pm, he was being transported by ambulance back down to Milwaukee to St. Luke's Hospital. The Head of Neurology is his doctor and will be performing another surgery for Handsome this week. They'll decide when he's going to have said surgery this morning, so I won't know when I have to go back to Milwaukee until I get word. I'll go down for the surgery (of course) and our younger son has offered to come up to get me, and then drive me to the hospital as he's well-aware of my disdain for the drive. Other than surgery day, both sons will visit Handsome in Milwaukee in my stead. We'll likely all be there together for his operation.

So, it's no surprise I didn't make it to the party, and I never got the chance to finish my great-great niece's gift. It's something I've designed myself. I'll show you my design tomorrow, and hope to sew more on it today, barring an immediate surgical procedure. I'll mail it when it's done. Don't all five year olds love getting mail?

I think you can already guess my fervent request. If you're so moved, I'd deeply appreciate prayers for my beloved. My faith is holding me together right now. I know every prayer is heard, and I'll continue to update you on his progress. Here we go again...

My Sister, Lyn...

 

This is one of my favorite photographs of me with my sisters. In this one, we're top to bottom, oldest to youngest. Through all the years, we've taken many pictures like this.

 

This was all of us (left to right = oldest to youngest) at Dad's Celebration of Life in August, 2020. My sister, Lyn was leaning on my brother as she stood between us. She was already frail from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. There is no cure.
 

 

 

Here are the Four Sisters again at Lyn's Birthday party July 2023. She could barely make it from their vehicle to the house, so she sat here until it was time to leave.

 

Saturday, I got a call that she was back in the hospital in the intensive care unit since Friday. She now has end stage COPD. Her daughters are here from Minnesota and Colorado, our 86 year old mum, Di, Jan and I are all here and we've been to the hospital to be with her. Our youngest brother came home from vacation in Georgia yesterday to see her, and I assume our other brother will be here soon, too. This weekend has not been good.

She's improved enough so that she can probably leave the ICU in the next day or so to go home. She's scheduled to again meet with a transplant team on November 21st to assess whether or not she's a candidate for a lung transplant. She is 5'6" tall and currently weighs 98 pounds. (That's not good.) Her husband is hopeful that they'll approve her for a new lung and that she'll be fine. Lyn has said she'll see what the team says and go from there.

Sunday brought Handsome's last concert of the season with the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band. It was held in St. Paul's Cathedral in Fond du Lac. It was a wonderful and moving concert, at one point moving me to tears. Why does that always happen when I've left all my hankies at home? It's been an emotional weekend, and the music released all that I'd repressed. It was all I could do not to weep out loud. I was sitting next to Mum and she whispered, "Are you alright?" I could only nod. I was finally able to pull myself together before the piece was finished, and maintained my composure the rest of the afternoon. Between the venue and the music, I'm surprised there was a dry eye in the place. 

I'm going to town again today to spend time with Diana and Mum. I'm not sure about going back to the hospital right now. Lyn spends most of her time sedated, so acknowledging visitors takes a lot out of her. I'll get updates from her daughters about if and when she's going to go home, and will see her in the next day or so.

 

If you have a prayer or kind thought that you might spare, I'd sure appreciate if you could lift it for my sister. We're praying for her to be comfortable and pain-free, as she's neither right now. I'm going to grab my travel Yeti, fill it with coffee and go meet up with Di soon. Thanks for listening.

Distracted...

Heart Applique Quilt - Web image

 

I've been trying to keep my mind busy with some sorting and cleaning, but my head is in another place. The sister closest in age to me (all my siblings are younger than me) has been very ill for a while. Five days ago, she was taken to the hospital in grave distress and was subsequently flown to a Milwaukee hospital for urgent care. She has spent that time in ICU until today, when she is scheduled to be moved to an inpatient room.

 

She had surgery during that time, too, and my nieces have been keeping our family informed with updates as they're available. Visitation is limited to two at a time, so our mother, brothers and sisters have stayed away in favor of her daughters who both came from out-of-state to be with her. 

 

We're not sure what the future holds for her. Her condition has been a roller coaster this past year, and she's very frail. We're all praying that she'll come through all of this, and in the meantime, my mind is barely able to focus on any tasks. I move from room to room, waiting for more reports.

 

I'm going to try to accomplish something positive today. I'll keep praying and trust in His will for my sister. Aside from being here if my nieces need me, it's all I can do. 

 

Prayers Answered...

Bynwood Needleworks - Outside The Farmhouse Last Night

 

Handsome's brother and (our) sister-in-law have had their western Wyoming home for sale for some time, but we knew the closing was imminent. Before Handsome ended up in the hospital, we'd all made arrangements for them to stop on their way back East (where they'll be moving to be closer to their kids and grands).

When Handsome ended up in the hospital, they had decided to by-pass Wisconsin and just keep moving toward the east coast. They were going to call on their way through (or around). But, then, all our prayers were answered!

Handsome called me from the hospital this morning to tell me that the doctors said he was well enough to come home TODAY!!!! He spoke with his brother before they had pulled up stakes in their Minnesota campground, and plans changed back to stopping here for the night.

I made pork carnitas enchiladas for us for dinner, picked Handsome up from the hospital, made an apple crisp for dessert, and brother and SIL pulled in the driveway before dark. We had a lovely night, catching up over a meal. (No. Handsome was served a tasty tomato basil soup per his dietary restrictions for the next few days.) 

After dinner was cleaned up and the kitchen closed for the night, we took the dogs out for their last evening walks, and I caught this image of their cute teardrop camper on our driveway. Doesn't it look peaceful?

Thank you, all, for your prayers and good thoughts for my beloved husband. I believe in the power of prayer, and know that they're always heard. I'm grateful that this particular prayer was answered so quickly, and that Handsome could be back home yesterday. This was a true bright spot for us, and I know you had something to do with it. Thanks again. I'll go to sleep happy tonight.

Prayers For Paris...

Prayers for the people of France.

An Irish Prayer From My Little Leprecaun...

Although it's not officially one of Tag's post days, I can't imagine anything better than photos of my own little Leprecaun with his favorite playmates. Taggart loves kids!

Especially little girls!

I offer a St. Patrick's Day prayer courtesy of my friend,
Marydon at Blushing Rose Boutique:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial,
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Blog Anniversary Post (click here) for a chance to win my giveaway. Perhaps you'll have your own "Luck of the Irish"!

The Happy Couple on their wedding day.

Before I close, Handsome and I would like to send Happy Anniversary (#11) wishes to our younger son and his beautiful wife. May you always find delight in each other. We love you both!

Sunday Scripture...

This image hangs in Grace's home

 "Pray without ceasing."

                                                       - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God."

                                                                - Phillippians 4:6

A Scrappy Update...

I played in the studio most of the day yesterday. I am enjoying the quiet process of hand stitching. My needle was dancing and I smiled with every stitch.

I placed nearly-finished blocks on the fabric I've chosen for the sashing, and imagined how it's going to look when it's assembled. Adding the centers will really make the plates pop. I had originally chosen the aqua fabric for the centers, but am doing a rusty red now. Perhaps I'll do some of each!

Late in the day, I received word that my dear friend, "Mom" Grace is not doing well. As I continued to sew, I stitched prayers for her into my quilt.

I've always believed that if I'm going to pray, I shouldn't worry, and if I'm going to worry, I shouldn't pray. I know worrying accomplishes nothing, but prayer can move mountains. So, I prayed that God will care for Grace.

I'll know more about her condition later today, and I may decide to go north to be with her and her family. In the meantime, if you're moved to add a thought or two on her behalf, I would appreciate it, and I know she and her family would, too.

I'll be attending a training class today with Handsome. We're learning to work at our local polling place. I'm looking forward to "doing my part" for the process.

When we get back home, I'll finish tacking down the last two plates and then work on attaching the rest of the centers - and praying.

By the way...Tag is doing great. I think my little bug was just pulling my leg!

The Patchworks Of My Life...

My next sewing project is patiently awaiting my attention in the studio. Before I embarked on all my Christmas creations, I had sewn together an assortment of Moda's French General "Rouenneries" charm pack squares. Then I hung the assembled fabrics on a hanger on my studio door. It's right there where I can see it whenever I enter or leave my studio.

I am completely in love with these fabrics, so I'm looking forward to turning this into a quilt for the master bedroom. In addition to the charm packs, I have jelly rolls (2.5" strips of each fabric in the line), fat quarters and yardage. I have all the fabric I'll need for the back of the quilt, too.

I'm just sure it's going to be one of my favorite quilts ever! I also will remember the time surrounding its creation, as I do with most of my larger projects.

This particular quilt will remind me of this week in my life. I'll associate it with healing, family and friends who sent up prayers for my quick recovery, and Handsome leaving the hospital with me in his own wheelchair, following an unforeseen turn of events.

We're both home now, both healing and feeling better. And the quilt pieces awaiting my touch will represent more pieces of our life together.

Thank you for your prayers, your kind thoughts and your good wishes. I'm feeling so much better already.

An Answered Prayer...

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven. For where two or more are gathered in My name, there am I among them.” - Matthew 18:19-20

God always listens to our prayers and then, in His time, His dove descends and showers us with His grace.
Within the time span of two hours last night, many prayers were answered, burdens were lifted, and the healing was complete.