Well, That's Disappointing...

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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...

A Party Weekend...

Saturday found me at a 70th Birthday party for a dear friend and high school classmate, Karen. She hasn't been able to attend our monthly dinners because she's been battling cancer, but we were all invited to her party. 

Her two daughters and two sons hosted a wonderful celebration for her, and although she'd had her treatment the day before, she showed up. When she got tired they had a rolling chair for her, but she mostly went from table to table, thanking everyone for showing up. The kids had hired a professional photographer who followed her all evening, taking pictures with friends and family.

The food was outstanding - all buffet style - so no one went home hungry, and the cake and cookies were fabulous sweet treats. The cookies came in the same colorway as the dogwood cookie above, some with her name on them, some with "70", these flowers, and hearts. They didn't miss a single detail to celebrate their mom. It was so heartwarming to be a participant, and I'm sure Karen must have been exhausted by the time she went home. We continue to pray for a miracle that will remove all the cancer from her so she can live a long life with her children and grandchildren...family and friends.

On Sunday we celebrated this two-year-old sweetheart. He's my great-great nephew. As soon as I walked in the house with his wrapped gift, his mama got all excited and said, "I think I know what that is!" She could hardly wait until later in the day for him to open it, and she was a tickled as he was. Perhaps more.

His daddy has a smoker, so there was delicious smoked, pulled pork as the headliner for lunch. His mama made her tasty macaroni and cheese, and there were lots of other sides - and cake. At one point during our meal, my nephew said, "Must be good. Nobody's talking." He was right. 

I got back home by mid-afternoon and for the rest of the evening, Handsome referred to me as a "social butterfly" because I'd been to parties both days. Then, as we sat down before dinner, I got a message from "sis" Deb inviting me to lunch today with another group of ladies. Of course, I jumped to accept the invitation, furthering the cajoling from my husband. 

I have a few things I need to do this morning. Time for my annual doctor's wellness visit next Monday, so I need to go for my lab work today. Off to lunch after that. THEN, I'm coming home to celebrate this guy's Birthday!

I've already given his gift to him, but when I get home, I'll be making a special dinner and dessert. Have I told you he loves my cooking? We'll be spending a quiet afternoon and evening here at the farmhouse, but it's going to get busy soon.

He's seen all four of his specialists who've given him a clean bill of health. All his "troubles" from this summer and fall have healed, and he needs no further treatments. That being the case, we've decided that he's healthy, willing and able to go to Florida for a little while and make music with his friends. So, he's currently finalizing plans, and he'll leave some time this month. Happy Birthday, Darlin'.

One more celebration...My dear friend, Linda shares a Birthday today with Handsome. I want to wish her a wonderful day today, too. I'll be making a phone call before the day is over. Happy Birthday, Linda Mae.

Tuesdays With Tag - I Was Awesome!...

Brynwood Needleworks - Corgi and Deer via Google

 Hi, Everybody!

No, this isn't me...but it could have been!

Christmas Day, we all went to visit our grandson and his folks. It was a great day. There were food smells galore, and Bella and I got lots of attention. We were sad that our buddy, Duncan wasn't there, but he passed over The Rainbow Bridge last June. They've been dogless since, so they were happy to have a little dog hair in the house again. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Late in the afternoon, #1 Son thought he'd help out Mom by lettin' me outside to do my business. I was kinda crossin' my stumpers for a little while, so I appreciated the break. He and I headed outside, when...there it was. Big as life. A deer in their backyard. Bold as brass, I tell ya.

Well, you should know me well enough by now. I wasn't gonna let this opportunity go by. The chase was on. Deer headed West, and I was as close behind as these little legs could carry me! To the Hunt!!!

I ran through trees, leaves and the wooded area behind #1 Son's house, and then the next door neighbor's, and then the next-next door neighbor's, and before I knew it, the deer was out of sight and I was standin' next to a frozen creek. I'm thinkin' that the deer jumped over it to make his getaway, but I wasn't gonna try that. I act like I'm a big dog, but I know my limitations, and all of a sudden, I was alone in the woods next to a creek, and it was gettin' dark.

I looked to my right and to my left. I heard Mom hollerin', but with the woods I wasn't sure where it was comin' from. At first, I thought she was somewhere right behind me, but then, the direction changed and I thought she was callin' from somewhere else. I admit it. I was confused. I could see lights from somebody's back yard, so I decided to go left toward the lights.

Well, dang! That wasn't our house! I didn't smell a single thing that was familiar. I was so confused, I just started runnin' around in circles in that backyard, tryin' to figure out what to do next. Then, I saw some people. They said, "Hi", and I ran right to them. I asked if they knew my Mom, but I don't think they could speak Corgi. They scooped me up and put me in their car! We didn't go anywhere. They just kept me there so I'd be safe, I think.

Next thing I know, I saw #1 Son. The people heard him calling for me from his car, so they called him over. Then, they gave me to him so he could take me home. I was happy to get in his car. I figured by now, Mom must be really worried. It was dark and cold, and she was still standin' on the street (still hollerin' for me to come home) when we drove up to her and told her I was in the car. She got in and we all drove home together. 

 

Dad and Grandson were in their own cars right behind us. #1 Son had seen them, and let them know he had me with him, so they could call off the search, too. We all got back to the house, and I ran right inside to find Bella. I needed a little drink of water, too. I was parched from all the excitement.

We stayed a little while longer, and then Dad said it was time for us to drive home. About an hour later, we drove up our driveway and into the garage. We all went in the house, and Dad gave Bella and me our dinner. 

 

We loved our Christmas Day visit with our family, but I have to admit. That deer gave me a little more excitement than I bargained for, and I was sorry to give Mom a scare. I don't think I really thought out all the consequences. 

 

I'd like to think I'd know better next time, but truthfully...I'd probably be just a stupid if there ever is a next time. I mean...really...who can resist the thrill of the chase? I really don't think Mom or Dad will give me the freedom to do that again. They'll probably insist that I go out on a leash when we're away from home from now on. I guess I asked for that, didn't I?

One more thing...today is Mom and Dad's anniversary.

Happy 36th, Mom and Dad! 

I'll be a good boy today. I promise!

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

My Thanksgiving Turkey...

Brynwood Needleworks - Thanksgiving Tag

We all hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. I can't say ours was uneventful. Tag gave me a bit of a scare, but he reminded me it's his story to tell. I'll just let you know that he's okay, and he's making all of you wait until Tuesday to tell you - in his own inimitable way - what happened. 

I can say that our celebration was subdued. I shared a midday meal with Andy and Shelly, and took a homemade turtle cheesecake to them for dessert. We ate and visited for an hour or so, and then I came back to the farmhouse and took a nap. 

Sorry I can't tell you more, but Tag would be a real pain if I don't let him tell you all about it. Handsome will be home Sunday, so that's where my attention is right now. He left Florida early this morning, so I'll be keeping in touch with him as he makes his solo trip home. Bella will be beside herself to see him...and so will Tag and I.

You know I don't do Black Friday, so I'll likely spend most of my day in the studio. I'll be back tomorrow to show you what I've been working on. If you're going out, please be safe. 

Tuesdays With Tag - Adults Only...

Brynwood Needleworks - Chillin' Tag

 

Hi, Everybody!

 

One might ask why I'm so darn relaxed. I mean, I can't usually chill out like this without gettin' my face smooched by a certain annoyin' kid. Well, I can tell you that if I could do the underwear scene from that Tom Cruise movie, I'd be slidin' across the floor and partyin'!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Road Trippers

 

Dad and Carlita Puppita Mom's nickname, not mine!) left yesterday mornin' for Florida! I might miss her in a couple of days, but today, I'm celebratin' this bein' an "adults only" house for a while. We're all (especially Mom) missin' Dad already, but he'll call every day and let us know how they're doin'.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - ©Ron Schmidt - Loose Leashes "Vote"

 

Now, if you don't know what today is...you must be livin' under a rock. This picture was done by our favorite dog photographer (next to Mom), Ron Schmidt of Loose Leashes. It says it all, doesn't it?

Everyone who's legal in our house has already voted. Mom usually works at the polls, but can't help right now 'cuz of her surgery issues, so she got her absentee ballot a few weeks ago. Dad got his, too, because he knew he was gonna be travelin' soon.

I asked if there were any Corgis on the ballot (there weren't), so I'm not gonna trot off to the polls. Bella said she's gonna stay home, too.

Brynwood Needleworks - Day Is Done

 

So, when it's all said and done, I can just jump up in my own little chair, and I won't have to worry about bein' accosted (unless Boo can't resist kissin' on me from time to time). I'm so relaxed, I don't even know where to start. I guess I'll just chill.

 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then...

"Just Do It...but not on the rug."

 

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.

Recharging...

Brynwood Needleworks - Great Smokey Mountains

 

You know we're home, safe and sound, but I'm not in the studio yet. When we pulled in the driveway on Thursday, the yard was begging for attention, so Handsome and I tackled that in time to beat the rains that fell the rest of the day.

Afterward, I took a shower, dressed, and got back in the car to go to see my Dad. If you're a person who prays, I'd appreciate some prayers for comfort for him. He's in end-stage cancer, and is comfortable right now. It's hard to watch your childhood hero being slowly taken away - and hard to see that man who loves life, fighting to hold on to it. While I do my best to stay strong for him, I'll admit this visit was difficult.

Today, I'm going to bake bread and pull weeds in the garden. I think it's just the therapy I need to clear my head and recharge my soul. I hope you'll enjoy the picture I snapped as Handsome and I drove away from the Smokey Mountains toward Florida. It reminds me that there is a greater being watching over us - and that brings me a sense of calm when I can use it the most.

Have a safe and happy weekend, my friends. I hope you choose to spend some of your time with loved ones, and some of your time doing something creative. I'll be back on Monday.

We're Back Home...

Brynwood Needleworks - Last Night's View

  I had to share one more picture from last night. This is how we slept.

Brynwood Needleworks - Three Road Warriors

Coming home, there were two in the back, and the little one on my lap. I accepted the role as "puppy entertainer", so if she fussed, we could keep traveling. It worked out great!

Brynwood Needleworks - Carly's Favorite Traveling Spot

...with one exception. Carly loves Handsome. She was sleeping on my sweatshirt, but kept rolling up onto the console, so she could sleep with her head touching him.  I had to take a picture of her efforts. It made both of us smile.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - A Whole Lotta Happy

We arrived home right around 5 pm, so we still have plenty of daylight, and Carly needed to be tuckered out. Thanks to my crack physical ed teachers, Miss Bella and Uncle Tag, puppy really got to stretch out!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Carly's Really Trying

 

Carly continues to get in Tag's face to try to make friends. Tag isn't sure yet. Bella is keeping a watchful eye in case Tag gets too rambushionist! She continues to act like the mama. No one messes with her kid. We'll  make sure of that.

 

See you tomorrow. Coffee waits for no man - or woman - and I'm going to see Dad again today.

 

Homeward Bound...

Brynwood Needleworks - Ready To Go Home

First to come to the truck from Mike's kennels was Miss Bella Dog. Can you tell from the picture just how excited she was to see us, and know that she was leaving in our vehicle? She was practically walking on her tippy toes! She couldn't wait for the door of our truck to open and let her in.

It was difficult leaving yesterday morning. 1) Because we were leaving the rest of her litter behind, and 2) We were also leaving our friends for a long, exciting ride home. 

Brynwood Needleworks - And Then, There Were Six

Once Bella was loaded up (with Tag), it was time to extricate little Miss Carly from the rest of the litter. They were all cuddled up and sleeping after their breakfast. Carly is second from the left in this picture, and looking right at me. Bubba (now Rocket) was under the whole pile - as you can only see a little yellow sticking out from under all that black fur!

Brynwood Needleworks - Mike Sommers and Rene, His Assistant

Uncle Mike brought Carly up from the kennels to our waiting truck, and I got him to pose with his kennel/training assistant, Rene, before we loaded her up.

Brynwood Needleworks - Tag, Bella and Carly

 

When all the critters were loaded, Tag looked at me like I was playing a cruel joke on him. Poor devil was starting to enjoy being an only dog. He's not quite sure what to make of the tiny furball, and he wasn't sure how to share the backseat with her and her mama.

We got on the road, and it didn't take long for us to learn just how "melodic" this puppy could be. It was funny at first, but soon lost its luster (at least for me). Of course, she was letting us know she had to get out, but by the time we'd found a safe place to pull over, it was too late. Her timing (or ours) was off three times between our departure and our evening destination. Stop. Clean up. Air out (just in case), and then drive a bit more.

We'll tackle Leg Two today. We're hoping it goes better than our maiden voyage. Wish us luck, and we'll update tomorrow. I need coffee.

Road Trip - Day One...

Brynwood Needleworks - Silly Faces

 

We left Hickory Hill Farm at 7 am yesterday, ready for our road trip to get to our Bella and her puppies. Of course, we're looking forward to seeing Mike and Mrs. Mike, too. 

 

By the time the truck was loaded and we were ready to drive out, I was "glistening", and my silly expression makes me look like I'm sitting in a mound of cream cheese. lol Tag looks like he's curious, but he's really wondering how long it's going to take me to give him the little Milk Bone™ I'm holding to get him to look at the camera. Steve is sporting his new glasses, and he's ready to hit the road. "Just take the picture, already!" Did you notice that my girlfriend and hair stylist, Wendi, squeezed me in to give me my favorite hairstyle? I'm so tickled to be "short and sassy" again! (Especially as we head into hot, steamy Florida weather!)

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Good, Little Road Warrior

It didn't take long for Tag to realize that we'd be in the truck for a while, so he just settled right in like a good, little road warrior.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Beautiful Indiana Skies

The skies were beautiful most of the day. We only had a bit of rain when we were about a half hour from our destination. By the time we got to the hotel, the rain had (thankfully) stopped so we could get our luggage and supplies into our room without getting soaked.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Crossing The Ohio River

 

By the end of the day, we'd traveled 645 miles, and we arrived in Lexington, Kentucky. The dog-friendly La Quinta was a welcome sight. Handsome and I both had paralyzed butts, even though we made frequent "leg-stretch" stops.

 

Our goal for today will be to drive to Savannah, GA...approximately another 650 miles. sheeeew! We're trading seats, so I'll drive today (at least until I start to whimper). We're taking a loop toward the east to avoid what we've seen on the news as possible trouble spots...so Nashville and Atlanta are off our list this trip. We're hoping for another beautiful, uneventful day. Good thoughts would be appreciated. 

By the way - Do you want to know what we've decided on as a name for our little girl? Let me know in the comments, and maybe I'll tell you tomorrow. hee hee

Wisconsin Lady Glampers...

Brynwood Needleworks - Holiday Rambler Glamper

I went to see Dad on Monday. He lives about an hour and a half from me, so sometimes I need to stop for fuel. What a delightful surprise to find that I'd pulled into a station where two ladies - sisters - also stopped to top off their tanks.

I saw "Barbara Jean" first. That beautiful turquoise caught my eye as I came around my Explorer to go into the mini mart. I couldn't resist telling the lady who was pulling this colorful package down the road how much I liked it.

Brynwood Needleworks - Frolic Camper

I then saw the vintage Frolic™ right behind her, and said something similar to the lady pulling this one. I mentioned how much fun they must have camping in these sweet, little trailers, as I headed into the building.

When I came out, the ladies asked if I'd like to see the interiors and I said I'd love to! I asked if they would mind if I took photographs so you could see, too. They were both so gracious!

I found out that the ladies are sisters, Janet and Jane, and that they (of course) named their campers after beloved family members. The sisters both belong to a group on Facebook (and in real life) called "Wisconsin Lady Glampers". They regularly meet for weekends of camping with like-minded gals, coming from all over the state. Doesn't that sound like fun?

I told them about the Airstream that Handsome and I had for nearly ten years, and that, although we don't have "Aluminati" anymore, I would love to do what they're doing. Janet invited me to join their Facebook group, and I requested membership before I left the parking lot.

Although I don't have a little vintage camper - yet - I'm looking forward to getting to know the Lady Glampers better, and will follow them on their adventures.

Brynwood Needleworks - Back On The Road

 

After our visiting, and we'd finished filling our vehicles with fuel, we said our goodbyes, and all turned for home. What a delightful end to a nice day. Thanks again, Janet and Jane! Hope to see you down the road some time. Stay safe!

It Was A Funday Sunday...

Brynwood Needleworks - Almost Family-Friends

I drove off mid-Sunday morning to attend an annual Christmas gathering with dear old friends. This is our annual photo together before I had to leave to get to my niece's Holiday Cookie Exchange.

It's always so much fun to get together, catch up, and make new memories. Dear Linda (my hand on her shoulder) and I have been friends for over forty years. I first met her when I applied to work at a business where she was the manager. We quickly became fast friends, and remain so to this day. She and Handsome share the same birthdate, too!

Over the years, I've also come to love and admire Linda's children, her grandchildren, and now I'm meeting the next generation. Pictured with Linda and me in this image are her daughter, Marie and her granddaughter, Adrienne. I stood up in Marie's wedding, and was there when Adrienne was married, too.

These are good people, and I'm blessed to know them. I'm already looking forward to the next time I can see them, as this visit was much too short.

Brynwood Needleworks - Cookie Exchange Participants

I left Portage, Wisconsin where my friends live, and drove north to Neenah, Wisconsin for the Cookie Exchange my niece, Stephanie hosts. In this picture, Stephanie is in the middle row on the left side. I'm next to her. Her brother's fiance' (my dear nephew, Dan) is on my other side, and her sister is next to her. My great nephew's girlfriend is in green, holding my great great niece, Elizabeth.

We shared snacks, played games, and exchanged cookies. Prizes were awarded, and fun was had by all. 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cookie Contribution

 

I hadn't planned to make cutout cookies again this year, but the new recipe I tried was an epic fail. I'm not even going to show you what they looked like. Suffice it to say, they were tasty and ugly. Not at all something I would take with me to a party.

As we all gathered and shared our cookie contributions, it seems I wasn't the only one who improvised. In the end, the (most generous) ladies said that my cutouts are always the best, so I guess I'll plan to just stick with what I know from now on.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Cookie Booty

 

At the end of the evening, the exchanging commenced, and I came home with quite the selection. These ladies (and Stephi's husband, Jeremiah - a culinary school grad who made the beautiful cherry thumbprint cookies in the top right corner) are some talented bakers. These should carry us through the holidays quite well.

Plans are to get the tree up today and do a little inside holiday decorating today. Tag will be back tomorrow. Who knows what he's got planned for you. I'm sure it will be good. Silly boy.

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 15...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch Progress - South Elevation

 

The pillars were nearly finished yesterday. There's still a bit of stonework to do on the back side of those on the far left. Our family plaque was installed into the stonework of one of them, and there is also another special piece that will be imbedded in stone on the back of another. I'll show them in closeup photos once the porch is entirely finished.

The stonework on this south elevation isn't done yet, as our workmen are waiting until the staircase is formed up and installed. The stonework will be wrapping from the wall around the stairs, so I'm guessing that's why that's on hold.

Brynwood Needleworks - Preliminary Excavation for New Sidewalk

Loads of gravel were hauled in and dumped yesterday, too. We're replacing a cracked concrete entryway for the "friends and family" entrance, and adding a walkway from the back door to the newly highlighted side porch entry.

The black dirt was removed from the yard, and replaced with gravel to build up the elevation. Once it's completely placed where it needs to be, part of it will be covered up with black dirt again. I really appreciated that they leveled off what is in front of the back door so I could safely get out of the house to air Tag, or get to my hair appointment yesterday afternoon. They'll do more work with that today, before they take off Monday for the holiday weekend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Canning Tomatoes

 

While the guys were working outside, I was busy with my tomato haul. I processed fourteen pounds of them into seven quarts of tomato halves in their own juice. Once packed, they were processed for an hour and a half, cooled and labeled. (I missed removing two rings before I took this photo, but all my jars "pinged"...a sweet sound to every canner.)

After I put these on the counter, I headed to my aforementioned hair appointment. When I got home, I cleaned up the kitchen, made my dinner, and then collapsed into a chair. My plan for today is to sit in my favorite chair and stitch the rest of today. I think I've earned it!

I'm talking with Handsome everyday. They'll arrive in San Antonio today, so tomorrow will be Bella's "big day". Her reaction to her boyfriend (and his reaction to her) will give us a sense of how long my husband will be away. I'm crossing my fingers that things get under way sooner, rather than later.

I'll be spending time with family this weekend. If you're going to be traveling, please do so safely. See you tomorrow!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 14...

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Day 14

 

Day 14 is behind us, and this is how the front porch looks at day's end. All four front pillars are complete, and one of the side pillars is done, too. All the stonework has been placed on the front, and the crew will be working on the south exposure until that's finished.

 

Today, Tom R. will be on the excavator, moving around dirt and gravel to lift the grade for the new back entry and staircase to the porch. Gosh! It's all so exciting, and now the look changes daily.

 

Tom told us the project would take three weeks for their crew from start to finish. The rails will be built and painted after the Wendels' crew is done, so I'd say a month, just to be safe.

 

All I know is, right now, I'm falling in love with this new porch! (That yellow ladder is so the guys can get from ground level back to the porch as they work. In fact, there will be no staircase on this elevation anymore. We omitted it as we rarely used it. I'll be planting beautiful little clusters of flowers in front when all the grading is done.

 

I bet you'll be surprised to see how much gets done today! I'll surely have photos to share with you tomorrow, as well as pictures Saturday of the rest of this week's work. 

Brynwood Needleworks - PG Wool Box Project Peek

 

I know I planned to be canning tomatoes yesterday, but my hip kept me awake the night before last, and when I got up I could hardly walk. Rather than spend the day on my feet, I decided to settle into my stitching chair and do a little needlework. I'm 3/4 finished now, so I'll likely share photos of the completed piece on Monday. That way, I can get the finishing work done on it, too.

Handsome made it to St. Louis by the end of his first day of driving. He called to tell me Bella is doing well, and he was glad to see the end of his first day on the road. He was tired. Today, he'll move another five hundred miles, stop for the night, and then be in San Antonio on Saturday. It's a long way to take Bella for a date (or three), but we're praying for a fruitful outcome. 

I'm off to get a cup of coffee, and then I'll start in on those tomatoes. I'm hoping to make a big dent in the crate today, so I can enjoy the holiday weekend without canning on my agenda. I'll let you know how that goes.

 

Before I close, I just want to remind you that I'll be putting my Brynwood Shop on Vacation mode effective August 31st. Until then, I'm still having a sale on current stock, and the coupon code for a 20% discount is: AugustSale20. Enter the code at checkout to get your discount. 

 

See you tomorrow!