Doing better

 Sophie, just because! 

It’s been a little while since I’ve jotted some thoughts down here.  For someone who’s been laid up with a broken kneecap, it seems like I’ve been very busy.

Last Friday I started to drive again. Getting in and out of the car can be a bit of a feat, but it’s doable and once I’m in the driver seat driving just comes naturally.  Being able to get out and about on your own is such a blessing. You don’t realize it until you can’t do it. Relying on others and asking for help isn’t always easy. I don’t know why people say these are our golden years – I think they are more rusty.

I am healing, in my opinion, well. I am able to bend the broken knee much more than I could and I’m trying to use it more as my dominant leg. Seems like the better the right leg gets the more the left knee hurts. Next week I go to the doctor and hopefully he will agree with me! I’m hoping he will say, “yes! You are getting better now let’s schedule that surgery“. 

We’ve gotten a lot of our chores done around the house. The attic is insulated, the gutters have a nice sturdy gutter cover installed, the leaves have been collected and put on the curb on a regular basis and Rick installed foam gutter fillers in the garage gutters.   The garage gutters needed a little repair, and he did that. I am so incredibly happy that he is feeling better. Seems like we have the swing of taking care of each other pretty well established. Last year he was unable to do much of anything due to his health, this year he can do almost everything and I can do very little! I guess that is the ebb and flow of life. 

So, Now that I have chatted a few thoughts down I can check this off my list of things to do for today.

Brrrr, and not the weather

 

This little machine can’t really put a chill on you!  My dear brother had his knees replaced last year and the year before and lent me this ice machine. I use this most of the day every day and all night every night. I do believe the ice is probably the best pain reliever when it comes to broken bones.   When I broke my shoulder(s), several years ago, I did not have one of these machines but have ice packs. I found that using the ice really cut down on the amount of pain reliever that I needed to be more comfortable. Narcotic type pain relievers or not really helpful for me. I didn’t hurt, but I couldn’t rest while taking them. I would have strange nightmares.

I am so happy to have this little machine and so incredibly happy that Rick is so incredibly good to me. I know it’s not fun to take care of someone who isn’t able to do everything for themselves. I am very grateful for his kindness and his generous spirit.

I am still not able to drive, but I don’t think it will be too long. I need to practice/figure out how long and how much I can bend my leg. I would like to get a pedicure, but sitting in the chair might be too much for me yet. I guess I will just keep taking care and hacking at my toenails by myself for a while! Even though I can’t bend the leg enough, I am able to bend over and reach my feet.  Glad I am pretty flexible!

Weatherman used these words

   The weatherman used the words “wintery mix” in the forecast.  Not very nice words to use in mid-October, but I guess it’s inevitable.  To add insult to injury, my phone has dinged twice to tell me we are expecting a freeze in our area.

I am “itching” to sew something!  Not sure it’s doable with this knee, plus things are out of the cubbyholes and in my space.  I will have to settle with planning what they do next and be patient.

Autumn

   Autumn is in full force here in Kent, Ohio. 

Finished and gifted

  

I got the quilt finished for Peter and Beth’s grandson.  I have tons of half square triangles in many colors, so creating a baby-size quilt is not terribly time consuming.  This particular quilt was messing with my creativity because I was trying to incorporate more colors.  Once I changed to just hues of blue, it came together much easier.  A trip to the fabric store for more white-on-white and 2 coordinating blues made it complete.  The back is pieced so not much leftover fabric.

Supermarket Friday

Fridays are normally spent with my sister.  We usually start off about 10 am and are home by 2pm.

Today we went to Giant Eagle and I shopped while riding in the electric cart.  It was kinda fun, but checkout was challenging.  We had lunch at Subway and it was delicious.

Rick goes to Peter’s place this afternoon, so I will be staying home. Kinda sad, I want to be able to drive.  I went to the car to see if it’s possible, but I am not quite ready for that yet. (sad face)

Sweet Jennifer and her family sent me an Edible arrangement.  It’s beautiful and we will enjoy it, for sure.  She knows I am a little down as today was my scheduled date for knee replacement surgery and the broken kneecap foiled that.

Tuesday Tuesday!

 Isn’t she just adorable?  That’s really not a question it’s a statement because no one can argue that she is not super adorable!

Today’s been a good day, I got to get out to the store to return an item I purchased and didn’t want. I also got to go for a drive and see the gorgeous autumn leaves.  We stopped by our friend Pat’s house to visit with her. She loves Sophie so much and she likes us too!

Kelly called today and we visited for quite a while on the phone. It’s been such a long time since we’ve had time to do that. It was wonderful. Also Hadley got her braces off and sent me a picture. What a big day for her.

I think we may have a fire on the deck tonight since it’s quite a nice evening.

Monday Monday

I just love this song by the Mamas and the Papas – Monday Monday. I like all the songs that the Mamas and the Papas have recorded.

It’s been one full week since I fell and broke my kneecap. I am taking care of myself as best I can by resting, icing my knee and taking ibuprofen. Rick is incredible. He takes excellent care of me and waits on me for everything that I ask him to do.

It’s been one full week since I fell and broke my kneecap. I am taking care of myself as best I can by resting, icing my knee and taking ibuprofen. Rick is incredible. He takes excellent care of me and waits on me for everything that I ask him to do.  I am able to get up and move around and do a lot of things for myself. I try to be mindful that I don’t overdo things, but it makes me feel good to get up and be able to do a few things around here. I am able to go up and down the stairs – CAREFULLY! When I go to the basement I usually stay there long enough to do a lot of laundry and get a shower. I put things in a basket that I would like for Rick to bring upstairs for me.

Yesterday I had a little company and it was so nice to see folks. John Burnell came and brought some goat milk fudge. Just what a fat girl needs!  I had a little taste of the chocolate/espresso fudge. He also brought a lemon poundcake fudge. The key is just a spoonful of sugar! Very little at a time – let’s make this last. Also, share with the hubby! Later in the day our friend Pat Bingham and Val came and visited.It was really nice to have company.

Today Keith and Walnut came to visit – I knew that because Sophie was barking and Walnut was whining!  I went out to the deck and let Sophie down to visit with Walnut.  Tonight is dinner with Butch and Crystal and Jerry. We are going to Applebee’s and they don’t have any steps there so I will have an easier time getting in and out.

I have decided that I am not going to go to Jenny Craig anymore. It’s incredibly expensive. I seem to have gotten my Control back. I have started making some recipes and planning ways to control my appetite and my intake. I made a really good soup this week and I’ve just looked up recipes for one of my special favorite breakfasts, cinnamon bread/muffins. I saw a recipe and will try it.

Rick is out for his walk and he should be home about 2 o’clock. Mike Bixenstine called today and I need to remind him to call Mike back. I have a feeling He’s inviting Rick, and me, to attend the Softball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet.  I definitely want Rick to attend, and would like to if I’m feeling good enough to attend.

I definitely want Rick to attend, and would like to if I’m feeling good enough to attend.

I think that’s all for today.

Happenings and my strange dream

I slept in bed last night in the spare room.  I have fleece sheets on it and I desperately need a pedi.  Sadly, I don’t believe I can bend my knee enough to get a pedi at the salon.  My toenails are rough, ugh!

I have been sleeping in my recliner and it was a little difficult to make the transition to lying in bed.  I finally figured it out and I did sleep.  In fact, I had a vivid dream!  One might call it a nightmare!  Someone (man and woman in a car) would see me different places outdoors and they shot at me. I somehow killed the man and buried him in my painted rock garden along the side street at my home!!!

Well, the city came to do some roadwork and found the dead guy!  DRAT!!  Well, I had some explaining to do.  I was trying to figure out how to tell Rick that I killed and buried this guy.  The police were here, but I was so worried about how I could tell Rick.  I didn’t get far enough in the dream to tell him.  There were a couple of dead animals in the dream, but that isn’t clear.

I don’t take any narcotic type drugs for knee pain—I just had a weird night’s sleep!!

Today I made chicken salad.  Rick likes it and he can have it for lunch for a few days.  I ordered celery in my grocery order (I thought), but I didn’t have any.  After his walk, Rick went to the store and picked up celery, snow peas and ice cream.  He is so good to me.

I am cold today, can’t seem to get warm.  Think it might have something to do with the ice machine keeping my knee cold, do you!?!

Trying

 I am trying to write a little bit more often so that I have record of what’s going on in my life! Nothing exciting, but stuff happens all the time.

I am trying to write a little bit more often so that I have record of what’s going on in my life! Nothing exciting, but stuff happens all the time.

Ben was here today and finished installing The insulation on the doors to the cubby holes. I paid him by check.

The insulation on the doors to the cubby holes. I paid him by check.

Cris brought lunch from subway and we visited until she left about 130 this afternoon. It was nice to sit and visit. Her knee, the right one, needs replaced but she is waiting for a while.

Rick is on a walk and should be home any time now. He left about 1030 or so and it’s 145 at this time.

Rick is on a walk and should be home any time now. He left about 10:30 or so and it’s 1:45 at this time.

Today he goes to his friend Peter‘s establishment to play pool for an hour or so. It’s about the only time he gets out to be with friends and I’m glad that he has his little bit of time. Normally I would drive him and he would have a couple of drinks. But with my knee on the bum there is no way I can drive him.

Today I am going to make rustic tortelloni soup.   It is a recipe that Jennifer shared with me that she and her family enjoy. Only takes 20 minutes to throw it together, so I should be able to do that without any problem. Planning to have that for dinner tonight. Last night we made Spanish rice, so I would imagine Rick will have that for dinner tonight.

Time flies!

Here it is, October 6, 2022. 

Back in July I went to Dr. Shah because the pain in my knee(s) was restricting my activity.  I have been ignoring and poopooing the issue for years.  X-rays showed severe arthritis and my knees are both bone on bone.  Cortisone injections made things even worse, so  I decided to not wait longer and have total knee replacements.

In August I saw Dr. Combs, an orthopedic doc who works only on knees and hips.  I was scheduled for surgery on October 14 to have the left (most painful) knee replaced.

I have been super busy “nesting” and getting things done around our home.  This past Sunday I fell and crashed my right knee into the sidewalk just outside our home.  I broke my kneecap!  My surgery has been postponed until I heal the broken kneecap.  I am bummed.  I held a small pity party, but life goes on and so do I.

I am hobbling around a bit and using an ice machine to help the pain and healing.  I am being waited on by the hubs.  He loves me.

Family

 Photos of our family taken on June 19, 2021

The man

The couple

The daughters 

And the whole bunch!

Busy day

 To say I am a poor housekeeper would be an understatement.  I am trying to do better.

We want to have some work done—ceilings textured in the bedrooms and hallway and new light fixtures in the ceilings.  It is our goal to purge ane get ready for some folks to spruce up our home.

My bp

I have been SO tired lately.  Last night I slept 10 hours (not uninterrupted) and am still tired today.  I didn’t walk with Rick and Sophie today and was going to sew a bit.  I went upstairs and sewed some sashing s on a few of my granny square quilt.  I got really weak and came down to get some lunch.  I went back to finish what I was doing and felt terribly weak.  I came downstairs and thought maybe my bp was the issue.  Yep, pretty low.  I decided to relax, no reason to take a chance that I could faint.

So, I am sitting around like a bump on a pickle for now!

So much has been going on!

 Let’s see…

I cleaned up and organized my sewing room.  I have several unfinished projects.  I unearthed them and put them into project boxes.  My goal is to finish all my UFO’s this year.  I have had fun working on them so far and am seeing progress.  Next post I will take photos of the progress I have made.  

Evelyn graduated from high school and she has had such a good experience in high school.  Here are photos 

 From the back of the pool looking up at the house

 Vivian and Treva 

 Hadley, Treva, Vivian, Anna, Evelyn and Nathan

All my grands together for the first time in several years!

 Anna and Hadley

 Landscape 

Nathan the water lover 

Evelyn—prom queen

Shopping

 Yesterday I had a pickup order from Walmart at 10 am.  I went inside cause I needed a few things I didn’t have on my list.  Hardly any shoppers, so that was super.  After that, I went to Marc’s to look for a blanket to cover the couch cushions.  (Sophie rubs her face on the couch and the cording is hard and scratches her eyelid.)  She is just getting over cellulitis and we need to be sure she doesn’t irritate it again.  No velour blankets that I liked.  Then I called Ulta Beauty to see if they were able to help me match a foundation makeup.  The answer was yes, so I went there.  They didn’t have a match in store, so it will be sent to my home.  Then to Target for a blanket to no avail.  I thought I should go to JoAnn Fabric and purchase fleece.  Great idea!

I came home and made lunch for Rick and me.  The fabric for my Oriana quilt arrived from Missouri Star Quilt Company!  I knew I wanted to choose complimentary fabrics to go with it, so off to JoAnn’s I went. I found quilt fabric to complete requirements for Oriana and Super Simple Squares.  Today I will serge the cut edges and wash all the fabric.  I have some vivid colors, so I need to keep an eye on color bleed.  I got it all washed and pressed.  Here’s my fabrics!

I haven’t done this much in-store shopping since COVID-19 showed its ugly head and we began sheltering in place.

Memorial Day weekend

 Goodness, the pandemic has made me pretty much of a hermit.  I am quite content to be a homebody, but this weekend we really got out and about.  Sunday we drove to Mt. Vernon, Ohio for a graduation party for our grand niece, Mandy.  

Monday we drove to Pennsylvania to our daughter and son-in-law’s home foe a picnic.  We had a great time, some photos of our time there.

We had so much fun and it was great to see family, but we sure got pooped out!

Happy Birthday

This sweet girl is 8 years old today!  You bring us SO much joy and spread joy to all who will accept it.  You are so gentle and happy, we love you, Sophie!

We will celebrate with Frosty Paws® later tonight. ❤️

Long ago, I was a blogger

Gosh, I love reading my special blog friends’ blogs, but I had some issues with blogging and just didn’t bother to take care of it.  I am going to attempt to blog again.

Let’s try adding a photo of something:  this quilt is called Circle Magic.  I purchased the template from Missouri Star Quilt Company.  It’s for Evie’s graduation and in blue and gold—the colors for Kent State University where she will attend in the fall.

  The front

The back

The tote bag for storage

Looks like I have a blog post.  Woo hoo!

-H

Storm at Sea

My blog is giving me fits since my computer crashed.  I can't find photos that I take with my phone on my computer.  GRRRRRR!

I received my pay it forward gift from Nancy Stevens last week.  I am going to try and post a photo in this post...let's keep our fingers crossed!

Well, it's certainly not as easy as it used to be, but I figured a way!

On the left is the quilt block Nancy sent me, on the right is the letter that accompanied the block. 

Thank you so much, Nancy!  I love the block and I will treasure both the block and the letter you sent.

I haven't figured out as yet just where I am going to display this beautiful gift of love, but it will be where I can see it every day.  Not sure yet whether it will be in my sewing haven or in my bedroom.

-Helen