No loose screws no matter what anyone thinks!

 Oh I am so proud to show you my great-great niece!

Meet Alanni Lee (not including her last name). Just look at that beautiful face. My great-nephew Joey and Heaven (parents) are so happy. Such a cute snuggle bug! They live back East so I enjoy every picture I see.

Speaking of pictures.... I saw the surgeon on Tuesday and the x-rays looked good.

The one on the right is straight on to back and the other a side view.  I think I stood a bit crooked! As long as the screws are in place. I was a little disappointed to be told 6 more weeks of restrictions; no bending, stretching, twisting or lifting. As the doc said, you have come this far let's make sure it heals good. I walk and I make sure not to sit too long. I am actually following orders. My hexagon quilt is coming along. Don't think it will be too long before it is finished. Then onto the next project. Before you ask, I do not have a plan yet.

I ordered a new Christmas tree...last one is 6 years old and now needs a new home. This tree has a 7 function light switch. Need I tell you that The Brother Alan has played with it already...yes it is up. Lisa and I thought why drag it to the garage when we will need it in a little over a week. Decorations are still stored until Alan gets them down. Had a busy morning so now I need to relax. Leg and back are sore. Happy to have you visit. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Slow but steady

 One of these days I will be able to say, no more tests...no surgeries.... no injuries. But for now, it is what it is. The incision is healing well although the surrounding area is still achy and sore to touch. Still with restrictions...no bending, stretching, twisting or lifting, and not sitting too long. In case you missed it...I had a fusion of L4 and L5 with a cage placement. A bit more than the fix the disc surgery.  I have been using the walker as needed in the house but using it when I leave the house. I go outside daily for a walk trying to increase my distance little by little. Following doctor orders...and The Brother Alan's too. Tuesday was a Nuclear Stress Test. I had put it off because of surgery but the cardiologist feels it is necessary. I had one in the past but this was different. Of course if something is going to go wrong, I am the one to have a reaction.  Just glad it is over. It really left me very sore both back and shoulder. This has been a tough year for me.... only two months to go.

Thank goodness I keep busy...sewing. I am almost (will be today) at the one hundred hexie count. Then the work really begins...laying them out and trying for the best looking placement of each hexie. It really does not matter. They are a mix of flowery prints and no repeats. I am waiting for one more center...Dianna has a Hawaiian print she is giving me when she returns from vacation.

They are in Hawaii celebrating Dianna's birthday. From the photos being posted they are having a wonderful time. It is Dianna's favorite place.  I miss our weekly sewing sessions. 

Our Arizona weather is finally cooling down...temps under 100. Nice to have my bedroom slider open. Murphy loves going in and out. I am happy to have you visit...thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Slow down you move too fast.....

 That maybe what the song says but it certainly does not describe me lately. If you have not read earlier...much earlier it seems posts, I had surgery on my spine. Specifically an L4 L5 fusion with a cage support.  If you google there is lots of info and

pictures like this one. It is an involved surgery. I was due for a one night stay but problems with drainage was another night. Can not complain though. This was a CORE Specialty Hospital...27 beds. The staff were excellent and the food, well delicious. Before you ask, yes I have lots of restrictions....no bending, stretching , twisting lifting...all common sense and there is the pain if I forget. I have a 6 inch incision center spine at waist and staples which will be removed Monday. My companion The Walker on wheels is usually with me----yes once in  time I find myself without it. I have kept busy when not napping sewing hexies. Soon I should spread them out to see how many I need. Dianna has given me wonderful flower prints. She also has started a hexie quilt. Thank you Cynthia for checking up on me and others whose emails made me smile. Debbie sent me musical note...the Macarena to do while sauntering around....haha. Thank you for all your wonderful words and for you friendship. I appreciate the encouragement very much.

A pain in the neck!

 Well, I am certainly cutting it close with surgery preparations. Finally having an EKG on Monday morning at 9am. Surgery is October 3rd....it will have to do. I have had 2 other surgeries this year and did not require an EKG....not going to question the powers that will be doing the procedure. I would have had it last Monday but I incorrectly wrote the time down...so I missed the appointment....so not like me. Monday will be my first time using Uber for transportation. Alan is away until Monday very late evening and Lisa is working.  Today literally I have a pain in my neck. When I visited with the Pain doctor, we decided to wait and see if it is somehow connected with the disc issue. When I return in 2 months he will decide how to proceed. I have never had so many issues as now. Truth be told, I have been feeling a little stressed lately. I know it will work out.

Remember the baby quilt...

Well here is McKayla all wrapped in it. so nice to see it really being used. Message received from the dad Joe is that they love it.

👀Look at my hexies.... did I mention it might take 100 complete pieces which means 200 pieces cut...I am once again enjoying my project. Sewing by hand is very relaxing for me. My sewing table is on the opposite side of my bed area so it is like another room.  I have a floor length window...my view is nice and if I turn to my right, I can look out the slider and peer into the lanai and garden. 

Recently when I did look into the garden this is what I saw...a pair of Goldfinches enjoying a bath in the fountain. They stayed for some time and of course interrupted my sewing.  Then there is Murphy...at this very moment he is under the sewing table leaning against my legs waiting for attention. How can I get things done with all this stuff around me. I love it. time to continue chores...the House Faerie once again missed my house. Dishwasher swirling, laundry swishing and dryer fluffing.... I need another cup of coffee. Say something nice to someone today...share a smile, it just maybe what someone needs.

Glad you stopped by today...another nice interruption. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Too busy!

 Do you ever think...How am I going to get this all accomplished? Well, that is where I am right now. We  just found out we have a problem in the main bathroom... a leak. Alan was able to find a restoration company and the insurance is onboard so now the work will begin. All I know is that things are going to be messy and noisy for the rest of the week. Murphy is not too happy but he did offer kisses to the guys! At the moment he is upset with the landscapers. so it goes.

I am busy with sewing but also trying to get all the necessary paperwork and clearance for the October 3rd disc removal/fusion surgery. Tomorrow will be the EKG and hopefully the cardiologist will not add a monkey wrench to the mix and give me the okay. 

Just look at all the floral fabric Dianna brought to me!the next few days I will be cutting the hexie centers....I have 6 to finish, and that will be 26 done.. I will plan the layout when they are all finished.

These are not sewn together yet...but I already love them. I think it may take close to 100 hexagons for this quilt. Sewing by hand is very relaxing to me....even with Murphy yelling at the landscapers....and soon there will be a bathroom tear up. Thank goodness for Alan, he has it all under control. I can just sit in my domain and stitch! 

Did you watch the Queen's funeral? I happened to wake at 2am (Arizona time) and it was starting, so I made a cup of coffee and watched. It was beautiful and the people...my goodness, it was a sea of people lining the streets. The finale was touching...the piper playing until it faded away...the removal of the scepter, orb and the crown from the coffin... the breaking of the wand over the coffin...symbol of his end of duty to the queen. I was just 5 years old when she was crowned queen...watching it was special and I do remember the pomp . Now 70 years later I watched the end of her rein. 

Nice to chat but should get back to sewing while it is quiet around here. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Thank you for you friendship.

Would you like to donate

 

Is Spring finally here...or where ever you are? Our Arizona temps have been down to the high 70s then into 80s and even high 90s. Not sure if we are beginning Spring or summer. Last week my bedroom wall clock stopped working.... out it went. Alan and Lisa ordered me a new one

I love it. Thankfully it is silent, no ticking sound. This past month, all 3 of our cell phones have not been working well...yesterday Alan got all new ones. Let's hope that is all that needs replacing.The saying is that all happens in threes....we will see.

As for the donation....no no no...it is not for money. A square or two of fabric is what I am looking for!!! Measurement is 2 1/2 inches or 5 inch square....

 I am starting a Cathedral Square Quilt. The centers measure 2 1/2 inches. I thought how fun it would be to have a real variety of centers and have friends contribute. An envelope, one or two squares and a stamp is all . Most of us buy the charm packs for projects. I can cut my 5 inch ones down to give me 4. If interested in "donating" let me know and I will email you my address. As for the muslin squares, I will need to cut at least 600 for a twin size! I ordered the muslin from Jo Ann's and just need to do curb side pick-up. This is a project that I have wanted to do for years..... years.

How about an Achilles update. It has been a tough couple of weeks for sure. The bruising on the shin and calf are fading slowly and the incisions are healing. The issue is the heel is still quite painful. I will admit that I thought it would have been easier, less painful. As a result of walking off kilter, my right knee is aching badly and my back by nightfall is sore. Tomorrow I see the surgeon.... hope it is all good news from him. Okay, time to check in with Alan to get my phone working. Glad we had time to chat. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. Thank you for your friendship.

Moving along...slowly

 Well my friends, on Thursday Alan took me to have the stitches removed.....area was cleaned and steri strips applied. Still have common sense limits. 

Two incisions; the one to open the heel is about 2 inches and the one on the calf is about 3 inches. The heel really still aches a lot. I have multiple bruises along the leg from the knee to the heel. Still small areas where it is swollen. I am so thankful having Alan and Lisa here as they keep me in check.... and bring me coffee. Therapy will be in a few weeks. It is a slow healing process.

remember the pieces from previous post...here is my sleeping kitty pincushion. Adorable. I am still looking for an embellishment for her ear. The other fabric pieces became...

She is not quite finished...embellishments. Enjoying these Tiny Doll projects. What it has done is provided therapy for my right hand. The fingers are more flexible with the hand stitching. The middle finger will never be 100% but it works.... no, not in that way, it sews okay! 

Our weather has been crazy...we are having 90s days. Now a weather change for next week back to 70s and 80s. 

NOTE: Lisa just wheeled in my walker from where I left it in the kitchen....oops. Anyway, I am really taking it easier than I did before. I need this surgery to heal well and be really mobile again. So for the moment off I go to finishing my coffee and then......

Glad to chat with you today. Thank your for your kind words and support. thank you for your friendship.

Start week 2

 Last week, the first week since surgery, was very difficult. Lots of pain/discomfort and limitations. Thankfully Alan and Lisa are here and are taking care of everything. Alan has my meds organized and Lisa everything else. She just hears the walker move....."where are you going.....what do you need" and suddenly she appears! So very lucky to have them here.

in Las Vegas.On Monday Alan and Lisa drove North to Kingman to meet up with Lisa's cousin who was visiting Las Vegas . On the return 3 hour ride home they took a detour into Oatman. The one road town is famous for the wild burros that live along the road/town. Very friendly as you can see. 

I have been busy.... at times. When I can concentrate that is....

This is  a Petal Pouch. I had this pattern a long time and finally made one, the largest size using 2.... 18 inch cuts of fabric. It can be  adjust to open completely flat

 as I did with this one. Not only di I make this but also Finnegan

Saw the pattern and had to make one...you know how it is. Left on my cart and ready for finishing...

 

another  Tiny Doll for the village

a cute pincushion from these pieces.

Keeping the boot on and elevating the leg and having no pressure on the heel....well, I am trying. Did I tell you what my housemates did? They bought a small fridge for my room. It sits on a end table and Lisa keeps it supplied with snacks and milk and water for coffee. Mr. Coffee small 5 cup pot sits along side it on the craft end of my room. Really helps when I am awake at 3 or 4 or 5am and need coffee.

lf you were going to ask about Murphy's training..... he is doing well. Trainer Michelle will be here on the 21st for evaluation and follow-up lessons. Thursday I go to have the bandages changed and stitches removed. Hope I can be more mobile. Glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and thank you for your friendship.

Long day and night

 Here it is 12:30 am and I am awake. Upset stomach and painful leg. Let's start from the beginning. Several calls over the last few days to confirm surgery date and time and gather medical information. The time changed with each call, finally settling on arrival at 6am for an 8am surgery. The surgery time once again changed and now it was for 9am.The Brother Alan once again was awake early for an appointment. I checked in and then waited in the next pre-op room. All of a sudden the  call overhead announced a "Code Blue" in the Emergency Room. I do hope it turned out okay for that person. Okay, my name was called and the "arm band" was attached to me. It was really going to happen now. I must say every single person I encountered was cheerful and helpful. Next was all the attachments to my chilly hospital gown body. Several heated blankets did help.The OR nurse came over to my cubical and then the doctor appeared then the anesthesiologist came in. Off to the "Surgical Theater" and more explanations. Because the surgery was to the back of my calf  and heel area, I had to be on my stomach and that meant "the tube" was going to be inserted. My throat is so sore, and feeling scratchy.

When I woke I was in Recovery and in some pain.  They gave me more meds which worked quickly through the IV. I changed into my clothes and the nurse called Alan to come and get me....he was right outside in the waiting room! She gave him the instructions to care for me ( I got them form the doctor). Out to the car and home and to bed. Okay, I have not really followed the instructions.

Alan went to CVS to get my medication and came back with this...my mod of ambulation for the next several weeks. Murphy is not thrilled to see it move about but has not attacked or barked. So, back to tonight/morning. My upset stomach is starting to feel better since taking Pepto. The pain...well if I stay put and ice as told to do, things could be better. Normally I do not take pain meds once home but Alan is handing pills to me and I am taking them. He will be working from home today so things will be better. He has threatened to remove the wheels from the walker! At the moment I am wide awake and ice on the leg. I have a special delivery arriving later today...Lisa's idea.....she is so caring. I am so lucky to have these two housemates.

Okay, time to remove the melting ice bag and maybe fall asleep. Everyone else is! Hope you did not find this too long or boring....if not thank you for stopping by and thank you for your kind words and friendship.

We need an update!

 It has been busy around. First I wan to thank those of you for your thoughts and prayers for my uncle Tony. Sadly he passed away on Thursday evening. I know my aunt Rose Marie certainly can use some kind thoughts.

Murphy....well he started his training last Monday. So proud of the boy! From the very start he is responding well to commands and even walking properly on his leash! The trainer Michelle is very gentle but commanding with her corrections. We even have a new harness which fits him well. Still need more practice getting Murphy not to hide under the bed at the suggestion of a walk. Funny thing is, once outside he loves the walk.We are working on our homework assignments until Michelle returns in a few weeks.

Meet the newest Tiny Town member... every town needs a lamb. Soon she will have clothing as it is not a nudest colony! I will be working on that.....and others. Tuesday is the day...finally for the Achilles tendon fix. The plan is to arrive at the hospital at 7am and procedure at 10am and home by noon. I will be using crutches for at least 2 weeks (non-weight bearing). Hopefully Murphy will not have an issue with the crutches. I am told to remain off my foot/leg so I have been gathering "things" to keep me busy while everyone is at work. Experience (past crutches use) taught me that it is not very easy to get most things or carry them while strolling with wooden sticks under the arms...so I am preparing. 

That about brings you up to speed. Thank you for your continued visits and your kind words. Thank you for your friendship.

Here I am

 Goodness..... I really have been here but yet not posting and not commenting. I think I am finally feeling myself again. My hand is so much improved, however, the finger is still not yet straight. Let's face it, it may never straighten out. I can deal with it. What is good is that I can sew and embroider and ..... well, I can do almost everything creative as before surgery. Endurance is still not back. I am doing okay!

This package arrived today...from Ann Wood Handmade. So you know her? If not check her out. Her patterns are lovely. I ordered 2 and they were packaged so nice.

These are Mr. Socks (cat) and Tiny Rag Doll. Yes, they are small but detailed and the directions are easy to follow and... she also offers free patterns.

I just made this today while keeping an eye on Alan...more on that... this is one of the freebies. I did construct it differently but all parts are the same. I already have another ready for tomorrow. 

Now about Alan.... a few weeks ago he had surgery for one of his teeth. Things seemed to be going well healing then not. Back to the surgeon for meds. On Wednesday he had to have more surgery. His left side of his face is very swollen and he has a black eye. Today he felt better so of course he attempted to do this and that. Each time I remind him to settle down. Lisa was home early so it became her job to watch him! Seriously, he is doing better but will be on house rest for the next few days. He really is a good patient.

This is what is left of a red glass ornament that had a beaded cover. No I did not break it. Murphy "found" it and decided to take it under my bed.... well there were many many other pieces that had to be vacuumed up. Not sure if ...most likely did... eat any. I now am back on poop watch to see if any shiny red pieces appear. I think maybe he did not eat any because he is acting his normal self. Fingers crossed. 🎄

Well my friends.... seems like my creative side is coming back. I am joyful for sure you have not gone away...glad you visited. Thank you for he kind words and for the friendship.

Special request 💔🙏

Once again I would like to ask for good thoughts for my Uncle Tony, he is not doing well and Aunt Rosemarie needs positive thoughts. As I have been in her place with Dennis, I really do understand what she is experiencing. I wish I was closer to offer support (they are in the Carolina s) but so is their daughter and her family.

Ouch

 It is dark and quiet as I sip my coffee ...it is 5:30am. 

Thank you for all the good wishes for my surgery yesterday. 

The surgery went well.  The doctor said it was more than he anticipated but all is good. Very sore...

I have limited use but can move most fingers. Thumb and index are still numb. Alan took great care of me yesterday. As soon as we got home he made me coffee and toast. It was so hard to fast and with surgery around 2pm, it seemed forever.  Lisa will be on duty today and tomorrow.  

Murphy had a wonderful greeting for me when I arrived home. He is still asleep..at my feet.  Time to sip my coffee. I will update as possible. Thank you for your good thoughts. 

Getting ready for Monday

 Can it finally be that the temperatures are finally cooling down? Will we be sitting out on the lanai enjoying the under 100 temps....I sure hope so.  The mornings have been comfortable before climbing to the mid 90s. Alan and Lisa have been enjoying sitting outside in the garden evenings listening to the fountain and chatting usually with Murphy joining them. 

The surgery for my right hand will be Monday afternoon.....Alan will be home to take me and then be sure that I behave. Should be easy for him as I tend to hold anesthesia for awhile longer. Lisa will be home Tuesday and Wednesday. I will be well taken care of. Today is making a list of this and that and then getting it done by Sunday. Sometime today I will find out the time/ What will be difficult for me is not being able to have my morning coffee...or two. Since the doctor only does afternoon surgery on Mondays, it would be great if I am first or second. In and out and less time for fasting!

Lisa and I have been working on projects.

This pretty bundle of coordinated fat quarters made into

This Hexi Mug Rug. It just needs to have the top stitching done. It was done piecing on a foundation of muslin. I may do the next one stitching directly on the paper. Can not show Lisa's project as it is a Christmas gift.  I have yet to work on Christmas gifts and with hand surgery it may not happen. 

Since I woke at 4am and have a full day ahead of me.... off I go. So glad to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

💔A special favor. A family member is going through serious medical issues. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

It has been awhile

 What can I say. Lack of motivation is part of it. Still dealing with the Achilles issue but definitely not as it was. It is much improved. The right hand is really the issue. Hard to be motivated when there is lots of pain and limits for use, especially that I am right handed. Just back from he surgeon. In a few weeks he will do surgery to correct the problem. It is Dupuytren's contracture. It has affected my middle finger...yes, I sometimes look as being rude!!!

This is the latest henna tattoo...had it put on my left hand and in the blue. Lisa and I are keeping up the visits. We average going about every 3 weeks. We look weird waiting for them to thoroughly dry! Our hands are held as still as possible for the 2-3 hours. I think I already know which I will get next. 

Last week Alan had  oral surgery. The tooth roots were into the sinus cavity area so it was a big deal.  He was sedated and as soon as his head hit the pillow when Lisa brought him home....zzzzzzzz. He had a follow-up and the surgeon had him take a few days off work. All is healing well now. 

I saw something on Pinterest and showed Alan and explained how I wanted one and voilà, he made it for me. We designed it to meet my need and use.

Here are all the parts..... it is currently waiting for me to do the finishing. That is my plan this week. Just need to think it out and gather supplies. Happily I have everything in my craft storage. 

The early morning temp of 74 was wonderful...Murphy enjoyed having the slider open so he could go in and out. It is getting warmer now. Still have a couple more weeks of Monsoon weather then wonderful lower temps.

Thank you for spending time with me today. Thank you for your kind words and friendship.

Note...if you read this yesterday, I needed to edit it to make sense...thank you Lynda Ruth for letting me know!

He wore white glitter and I wore blue plastic....

….and Paris has nothing to do with it! Yes, a reference from one of my favorite movies..... ? do you know which one??? The visit with the surgeon went well. Stitches removed and I did not pass out. What you say? It seems that all of a sudden last week looking at the stitches or touching them made me nauseous.  Funny how things affect us from one time to another. The area is still a little swollen and very sensitive to touch but I have good range of motion in the fingers and will continue to do the flexing. Since the stitches were removed yesterday afternoon I have less of that pressure ache in the palm of my hand. Restrictions are gone except that I cannot not soak the hand or massage it as yet... that will be okay once Thursday arrives but not having to wear the glove....is freeing.

It was not glamorous at all as Michael Jackson's white glittering glove.  Preparing food was so uncomfortable. I do not know how chefs wear them while cooking. So, the big question is what will I create first? I really do not know. This week is full of appointments for this or that.

My Romaine is growing quickly. Time to get the seeds planted in the garden. One thing for certain is that the weather is returning to nice and sunny and hopefully a little warmer and that means getting out to the garden. It is such a mess out there. The heavier work will wait for The Brother Alan's visit in May. I still need to get to Lowes for planting soil but will need to wait as it will be too many bags to put into the trunk of my car. Help will needed for that. In the meantime, I will enjoy a gloveless hand to do chores and finally return to having a needle to craft with I hand!  Thank you my friends for the encouragement during this month. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship. Just where are those Faeries? they seem to forget to stop by for chores!

Growing romaine in the kitchen....

Growing Romaine.... okay, it is only two leaves sprouting. Remember the green onions? well I am still cutting and using them so I thought why not try this. Simply put into water and one of these days maybe a salad...okay, maybe just an add to a sandwich.   The onions have since been put into a pot of soil.
I really am trying to keep busy... much rather be stitching or beading...soon, very soon. Right now though I am trying to manipulate my fingers to type. Monday the stitches are leaving and I am sure I know I will have more mobility. Everyday my hand feels better. Still flexing fingers and making a fist is easier than the day before. Definitely not getting better at being left handed.

There may be a new couple moving into the garden.... this Dove has been hanging around each morning. It will be nice to have them back. Of course it takes two and so far there is only one. Today I will try to work in the garden just cleaning up a little and the birdbath needs cleaning and filling.  Diana and Bobby stopped by yesterday and we went for lunch. Good friends… I am very lucky.
 I have been reading to keep busy. Just cozy mysteries. I find after I read a good book it is difficult to find one that measures up. The Nightingale is hard to top for sure. Before I go out to the garden I need to swish some clothes ad Swiffer the bookcases.... I walked the Bissell yesterday. So nice to chat with you today. Thank you for your kind words and for your friendship.

Getting easier~~~

It has been just about a week since my hand surgery.

Heavy wrapping is off and now onto band-aids. This does make things easier for sure. So good not have my ring finger not locking. The thumb.... well it is still difficult to manipulate it but I am sure it also will be okay. Right now it is still bruised and yes, sore. I flex and make fists and flex some more. I must admit that it makes me a little nauseous looking at it.  Typing is still off... my fingers are not completely flexible. Whatever the reason the letter n is a problem!
Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and good wishes.
Yesterday I decided I wanted some bread and needed butter so I thought well let's go. The market is just across the way. It was a long process because my right hand wanted to help the left hand put a few items into the shopping cart. All in all I did get what I needed...okay I got more than I originally planned for. Then I get an email from Nurse Robyn...who told her I went to the store? Who could not wait to tell her? 👀Robyn and Dave specifically asked me what I needed the other day when they were going to the store. Which one of you squealed?! Seriously, I am doing better than I expected. Now if only the craft cart and I could work together. For now reading is my activity.
The temps have been cool and we may get rain today and tomorrow. Soon there will be swishing in the laundry area and the Bissell will travel around the place. For now though, I will finish my coffee and relax. Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Thank you for your friendship. 💗

Flexing the fingers

The rain arrived yesterday and forgot to go away. It seems that it will be hanging around for several more days. Of course along with this rain the temps are cooler. Not an issue for me as I will not be going anywhere this weekend. No driving next week either. As directed by the handsome surgeon, I continue to flex my fingers on the right hand often. It is not getting wet....dish washing is a bit slow one handed. The swelling is down which makes moving the fingers much easier. Yes, I am typing better but still with all the wrapping it is not easy but will get easier. Monday I will be able to remove the bandages and just cover the stitches.
Nurse Robyn brought me a book (from her daughter Amada) to keep me busy this week. The Nightingale written by Kristin Hannah...
The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France–a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.
 I finally picked it up to read on Tuesday afternoon when I knew I would be able to concentrate. Goodness, I could not put it down! By Wednesday I had read it.. almost 600 pages! If you have the opportunity read it.

On Monday just before leaving for surgery the mail arrived. There was a manila envelope with  a card inside and these 2 pictures of My Denny....Not sure of the age of the younger one but the other is of his confirmation. Dennis' cousin Frank and his wife Debbie found them among some old photos and thought I would like to have them...yes indeed I do. We never had pictures of Dennis' childhood. He was raised by his Noni (grandmother) and unless someone in the family took them, well there were only a few. They arrived on a good day. I was feeling a sadness that Monday thinking that it would be the first  time that I would have surgery and not wake to find my guy waiting by my side. I did however have Nurse Robyn there. Speaking of Robyn, I have released her from cooking for me. I do not want to take advantage....and I can now since the fingers are more flexible cook for myself. I have enjoyed the catering for sure.
I have exercised my fingers enough so off I go to dress for the day and pick up my Sherlock Holmes book and read. I always enjoy your visits. Thank you for the kind words and for your friendship.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! Look at my beautiful heart...  now who made this...please come forward so I can tell you how beautiful this is. We are participating in Jo's Secret Stitching Sweetheart blog hop. Be sure to stop by there to see all the other hearts that were submitted..... find mine! Thank you Jo for hosting this once again.
To update you.... I am doing better than I thought. My bruise is even worse today if you can believe it and quite sore. The  right hand is less swollen and achy and I am doing my finger exercises! My nurse Robyn is still keeping an eye on me. I am I good hands for sure.
thank you all for the kind emails. 

Hello.....I am okay!

What a difference a day can make. The surgery went well. Whatever the cocktail they gave me was great..... except...

this is from the second attempt to insert the IV line. The line was finally into the crux of my elbow. Then there was an IV for a  nerve block for the surgery hand which numbed it from the tip of the fingers to the elbow and lasted 8 hours or so. I woke at 1am when I thawed out! Ouch!  The medication given for the surgery was different than I ever had and would allow me to wake easier and better and it did. Am I really okay? Let me just say....I am foggy a bit and not as steady as I would like to be but I m okay.

I am very securely wrapped but part of the tape became loose over night so I have this adorable... half sock to keep it in place...must remain all week then off and then just band aids. I must remember to keep it raised resting on my left shoulder to control swelling. Why am I typing or how can I be typing...very carefully and I have  to exercise my fingers so this is counting as one of my exercise moments. Thank goodness for spell check.
Dave and Robyn delivered me there and returned to take me home.

When we arrived home there was a plant, a balloon and candy bar waiting for me...Thank you Dianna and Bobby.
 Nurse Robyn remained with me for a few hours then off across the courtyard she went. I fell asleep around 9:30 and when she came back to check on me at 10 I was sound asleep. Nurse Robyn just left...she came to have coffee with me and to check on me.  Lasagna for dinner will be delivered around 5:30.  So lucky to have them caring for me.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and kind thoughts for me. Exercise time is over for now... time to take my Tylenol and put my hand back up and read for a while.