Quiet Time

So, this is a post about Quiet Time. As you can tell from this photo, there's lots of resting and quiet time going on here. This was taken at my parents' home in New Hampshire last week. It was Augie's first road trip and he did extremely well in the car; you would have thought that he was a seasoned road-tripper! He rested nicely on his back seat platform and did what he was supposed to do outside whenever we stopped for breaks. What a great travel companion! It was Mom and Dad's first meeting with Augie and they were thoroughly charmed, of course.  Unfortunately, the day after we arrived, my mother went to the hospital. She was feeling bad and really couldn't express what was wrong. She was subsequently admitted through the E.D. and treated for an electrolyte imbalance; of particular concern was her depleted sodium level. She stayed there the entire duration of our visit and is now getting stronger again in a rehab facility with the goal to return back home. It was a roller-coaster week. 

Both Mom and Dad contracted COVID a couple of months ago. While Mom was hospitalized at that time, Dad recovered at home, albeit s-l-o-w-l-y. The truth is that it really and truly knocked the stuffing out of both of them! My Dad has given the term "Quiet Time" to that period after lunch when he rests his eyes for an hour or so. We all know better than to call it a nap!😉 I took this low volume quilt, just off the longarm, along with me to whip down the binding. I decided to name it "Quiet Time", that just seemed right. There was lots and lots of *QT* while we rested and waited. The quilt was finished up in no time.

Here's Dad and Augie one day after breakfast; they became great friends during our stay. 

               

We're home again now and Quiet Time has been washed and tumbled dry. I love the soft, crinkled effect. Talking to Mom on the phone yesterday, she sounded good and much stronger. Her biggest heartbreak now is not being at home last week for QT with Augie in her lap, she's sad about that. I told her that we'd just have to make a return trip, now that we know what a great little traveler he is! Please remember my Mom in your prayers for her recovery and restored strength. I expect that she'll stay in the rehab for another week and a half to two weeks, at least. Time will tell. 

Augie is seven months old now, has already been to eleven states and completed Beginner 1 Obedience classes yesterday. He'll start Beginner 2 Obedience next month; that's quite the resume for this pint sized pup! You're right if you're thinking that there's no QT for him!

Life is Good!

From Here to There (and Back Again...)

No, we didn't travel by helicopter, but we have only just returned from a quick visit to New England with my Mom and Dad; this trip had been planned for months. It ended up being a different kind of visit this time, as my mother was in the hospital for the duration of our time there, she suffered a compression fracture a few days before our arrival. Due to a shortage of nurses, and hospital staff in general, half of her stay was in the Emergency Department. This was my view as I waited. My husband, Dad and I alternated visits which were limited to one person at a time. I found this helicopter landing pad really quite entertaining and scary at the same time; the pad itself is just behind the wooden fence, directly behind that is the street (2 lanes) which separates the landing surface from the houses in the background! During my "waiting" time I witnessed numerous landings and takeoffs, holding my breath each time! 😲 I couldn't believe how "tight" this space appeared. By the middle of last week Mom was finally transferred to a room on a floor, out of the E.D. One thing after another led to a symptom cascade which delayed her transfer to a rehab facility until yesterday. I spoke with her this morning and she sounded good, her attitude was positive; that's over half of the battle right there. I was fearful that she would get discouraged; she wasn't happy about a plethora of things (you name it) at the time that we had to leave her to come back home. But, as of today, she sounded ready and eager to put on the back brace and get to physical therapy, we'll see. Baby steps. 

I did what I could to help Dad while staying at the house; all those things that he wouldn't necessarily think of (or want to do): cleaning the house to within an inch of its life, laundry, stocking the fridge, cooking, etc. In the afternoons more waiting time was spent sitting out in the backyard with needle and thread, that helped to keep the mind and hands occupied. 

This little painted rock was discovered on a bench outside of the hospital near the parking lot. 

Thank you to whoever leaves these great surprises that put everything all into perspective! 

What a day brightener!

This sweet photo popped up in my photo memories yesterday from exactly eight years ago. What a coincidence. Back in 2014 Mom and I took an improvisational piecing class from Lynne Tyler at Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH. We had such a wonderful day and made such great memories there! If you're so inclined, would you please lift my mother in prayer for strength and healing in the days and weeks to come? She's got an uphill climb to gain back to where she was, but we know what the power of prayer can accomplish, the more the better, one can never have too many prayers! Her name is Harriett, God knows who she is; please know that I am deeply grateful. I'll keep you posted on her progress here. 💗

Lots of passenger seat time on the drive back home yielded much progress on this piece. I still have a blossom to finish and the bottom of the finial to complete, but it's coming right along. 

These followed us home in the trunk of the car. 

You can take the girl out of New England, 

but... (you know the rest!)😉

Again, heartfelt thanks for your prayers!

Life is Good!

 

Staying Safe

For the most part, (as far as I was concerned) the screened-in porch project was finished, the ceiling and light fixtures were installed, the screen units were in place and we found furniture to make sitting out there comfortable and enjoyable. It was not, however, ready to pass inspection; not yet.  We had yet to install safety railings on the inside of the two elevated window walls. Normally this would be wooden railings that match the trim, but that's not what Mr. Goodneedle wanted; he had, in his mind's eye, stainless steel cables that would visually vanish, leaving a much more unobstructed view of the backyard and the woods beyond. Plus, there will be less to worry about keeping clean, no rails to periodically wipe down and clean between.

He did a lot of research and ended up using a very cool system, Cable Bullet; I thought that the installation was relatively quick, once the process began; I'm not at all sure that Mr. Goodneedle would agree with that assessment-- there was LOTS of planning involved to see this through.  

The results are suberb! Another project moved to that ever-growing "done" column.

And so, we continue to adapt to a situation of self-quarantine in an upside down world. My dear friend, Quiltkeemosabe, is facing something completely unforeseen and foreign for her and her family. Her husband took ill (NOT with COVID-19!) and was rushed to the hospital, by ambulance, on Monday morning. She could not accompany him; nor can she, or the family, visit him in the hospital where he remains as a patient. This is understandable given what's going on, and yet it's so sad to think about-- so lonely and isolating for her husband and such a strange feeling of helplessness for Quiltkeemosabe and the family. Please pray with me for her husband, for his health and healing and for his speedy release once health is restored. I am praying, too, for all families who are separated during hospitalization through these crazy days of uncertainty and remembering these words today from the prophet Isaiah: 

 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" - Isaiah 41:10.

Life is Good!

Up Next: Sweet Sixteen

Cases For Smiles

There were lots of smiles yesterday afternoon at my LQS. These wonderful ladies gathered together for a few hours to stitch up bright and cheerful pillowcases for children hospitalized with cancer. We used this pattern included on the website Ryan's Case for Smiles. I am SEW grateful to my favorite quilt shop for donating space and supplies for this worthwhile project... just think of the smiles-to-come generated by this generous and loving act of kindness! 

Life is Good!

 

Life Interrupted

So, a week ago, Mr. Goodneedle and I decided that we'd try our hand at upholstery, we're learning as we go. We have two wing chairs in our bedroom that were begging for facelifts and we'd finally succumbed to their incessant whining. He began the time consuming task of removing staples and slowly peeling the 1980's era crewel-work front and coordinating mauve velveteen back from the framework, salvaging each section to serve as a pattern piece. I disassembled the seat cushion covers; it, too, was a tedious task. This photo represents where we left off, on Wednesday of this past week... right now we're at a standstill. My dear mother-in-law somehow twisted her right knee and succeeded in doing severe damage, rendering her completely non-weight bearing. It took a few days and a few Dr.'s visits for her as well as an ultrasound (to rule out a blood clot) and an ambulance ride to the Emergency Department for an MRI before the final diagnosis was delivered. What began for her as a painful annoyance quickly escalated to a condition where she could not walk. She's now residing in a local hospital, resting the leg, and will soon be turned over to an orthopedist for further treatment/rehab. It's frustrating for her, she has no idea how it happened. When you're frail, and elderly, it doesn't take much to find yourself sidelined indefinitely, and with that comes a moderate level of confusion too. We're doing all that we can to help but it's going to take time, patience and a cooperative spirit on her part before any progress happens as far as getting her back up on her own two feet, and, ultimately, back home if at all possible.

In the meantime we have chosen new fabric for reupholstering the chairs, but that's as far as we've gone. I have a quilt ready to load on Snowbird that will cover our bed; out go the pastels and in come some deeper, richer tones for our all new bedroom decor. As far as the newbie upholsterers go it's going to take time and patience before we see progress in the redecorating department... but it will happen! We know that to be true. Life interrupted for us is easy enough to start back up. Sadly, the truth of a life interrupted for someone who's 92 years of age and fragile of body is a traumatic occurrence; it's likely to be a long time to get back to where she was.

Join me in prayer, if you will, for healing of body and spirit and a return to normal life, 

whatever God wills that to be, for my dear mother-in-law;

 she, and we, would deeply appreciate that today.

Life is Good! 

Prayer Request

This morning I'm requesting prayer for my daughter-in-law, Leigh Anna! She was readmitted to the hospital yesterday after giving birth one week ago with a severe headache, high blood pressure and neck and shoulder pain. Please join me in prayer for a swift and accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment for a full and rapid recovery. Thank you.

Life is Good!

Status Update

This was the view from the waiting room chair for most of my day yesterday; I spent the time reading and visiting with/supporting my daughter-in-law. Since the last time I waited out a surgery the hospital has installed a patient status board on the wall.
Much like a status board in the airport that keeps track of flights this one keep track of surgical patients. It was encouraging to be able to watch the progress, albeit slow, from Pre Op to the OR to Post Op. Kyle did well and your prayers on his behalf are most gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated. The surgery was fairly straight forward and, thankfully, there was no additional damage to the ligaments. He and his crutches will be best friends for the next six weeks and then he will progress into a walking boot. He gave me a smile yesterday afternoon before I left him, even though he felt sick as a dog (sorry, Hannes!) from the combined effects of anesthesia, pain medicine and an empty stomach. His sense of humor and wit were no worse for the wear; and when this mother's heart was aching for what he was going through he managed, in his very own signature way, to cheer me with a smile and a quip despite the circumstances.

The very best view: the patient resting at home;
wearing the ultimate status update: his smile.
Hang in there, Kyle; 
Y you!

Life is Good!

Reality Programming...

There's no need to turn on the television, if you spend more than a few hours in your local Emergency Department's waiting area you'll have all the reality drama you can imagine... and then some! We've spent our share of time hanging out there lately, and witnessed an array of situations; it makes me truly wonder, after experiencing this, why reality programming is so popular. I don't get it, but what I do understand is the skillful patience practiced at all times by the ED's professionals; they see, and handle, it all.

*There was the irate father who ranted and raved (to anyone and everyone) at full volume because his daughter's wrecked automobile was towed from the accident scene before he had a chance to remove personal belongings from her car. He accused his wife of being overly emotional for crying over their daughter's injury; and yet, they both were happy to show photos of the accident scene to family members, as they arrived, from each of their phones!
*There was the carpenter who had shot himself in the calf of his leg with a nail gun. He didn't seem to be in much pain while he waited in a wheelchair to receive treatment. A fellow "patient" who was waiting her turn in line to be treated for random abdominal pain informed him that although he wasn't in pain now, he would be. She knew this due to the fact that when her mother was stabbed it hurt when the knife came out, not when it went in!
*There was the young couple, obviously very pregnant, who learned as the result of an ultrasound why she was so large at only ten weeks into her pregnancy... there were five, or six, babies in there!
*There was the woman who careened into the drive-through, kicked her car door open, and yelled out that her water had broken! She was packed, with towels, into a wheelchair by the door attendant who quickly and efficiently whisked her away and came back later with her keys to park her car for her!
*There was the very large family who all arrived together with "Mama". Mama was informed of her need for immediate, emergency surgery; which, apparently, she flatly refused. An older woman, from the same family, the self-appointed matriarch; called the clan together and informed them that they all needed to "go, one at a time, and tell their Mama good-bye because she was going to die" (Exact quote!). The family members did as they were directed, one at a time, without any emotion whatsoever. That is, until their over-the-top, theatrical, Pastor arrived an hour later... that's when the wailing and carrying-on began, it was if someone had flipped on the crying switch. Unreal.
* There was the young man who hangs out there (we saw him on two separate occasions) on a regular basis, supposedly receiving treatment for a rare blood disorder. He spent an inordinate amount of time on his phone, trying to procure transportation home for himself; he was turned down by his own father and girlfriend, he then took to soliciting rides from total strangers... he even used "pick up" lines (over and over): "I believe you used to be my schoolteacher" and "aren't you a neighbor of my grandparents?" on unsuspecting visitors to the waiting room. Sad.
*There was the teenager who was waiting to be seen and asked the ED nurse at the desk if she had enough time to leave and to go out to lunch without losing her place in line. I'm still shaking my head over that one.
*The same type of question was posed by another young lady who needed to get to class and was tired of waiting and fearful she'd be late for a final exam. She explained that all she needed was a pregnancy test, and they took her right back to a treatment area! Really? Really??
*Then there were the loud screamers (groaners/moaners). Problems unknown, except for screaming, (groaning and moaning) there were a few of those; I guess it was contagious.

This was reality programming at it's best, or worst,

depending on your perspective; no television needed.

I know, for a fact, I couldn't work there; no way.

I am grateful that there are those who can, and do.

Life is Good!

Prayer Request

When I went on Blogger break a few weeks ago it was for a specific reason... between keeping my 17 month old grandson that week and having my parents here visiting it was all that I could do to keep up with day to day life. Well, since that time I am sad to report that there hasn't been a dull moment, and I don't mean in a good way. My mother became ill and made an ER visit where she was diagnosed with Acute Bronchitis. She received a breathing treatment, some O2 and an arsenal of drugs before being released. This past Sunday my Dad went to that same ER and was diagnosed with a touch of Pneumonia. He was also treated and released, he is getting stronger every day. This morning my mother took a sharp turn for the worse; finding herself with increased breathing difficulty, and close to blacking out, we called for an ambulance. She was treated in that same ER, once again, and admitted to the Critical Care Unit with a combination of Bronchitis, Pneumonia and an unstable blood pressure. Please pray for health and healing for my parents, if you would; they are far from their NH home and, although they are with family and receiving excellent care, I know they feel unsettled and out of place; like they'll never get back home where they belong. I am deeply grateful for your prayers, thank you.

Life is Good!

Tales From The E.D.

We spent two nights during this past holiday weekend in the Emergency Department at our local hospital. My MIL, who's been recovering since November from the effects of a congestive heart had recently come down with a persistent, bothersome cough which only became progressively worse. On the advice of a home-health nurse we took her to the E.D. for breathing-mist therapy on Saturday night. My husband accompanied his mother back into the treatment area, which left me to experience all the sights and commotion that only an E.D. waiting room can provide. In a few short hours I witnessed a woman come in suffering from what appeared to be the worst migraine headache imaginable, a child with pink eye, an elderly lady with high blood pressure, a woman who needed plastic surgery after a dog had bitten the end of her nose, a frightened couple about to become first time parents, two men who were either drunk or high on drugs and were brought there in handcuffs by police officers and a young woman who committed herself for psychiatric care. Those are the highlights. All the while an old and frail, seemingly homeless woman, wandered about the captive audience asking for either money or food; she was escorted out several times but kept reappearing through a back entrance. I couldn't work in an environment such as that day in and day out; I know that much about myself. I am so thankful that there are those who can! The endless parade of pain and desperate helplessness walking through those sliding doors is overwhelming. It was a happy moment when Mom was released back home at 2 AM. Our happiness was short-lived. New Year's Eve found us back in the E.D. once again, Mom hadn't improved as hoped; and was now retaining fluid, her latest nemesis. Luckily, I was allowed to escape the waiting room this time and followed her back. I couldn't have endured another evening of such high-level drama. New Year's Eve was spent (watching Auburn beat Clemson in the Peach Bowl~ War Eagle!!) beside her bed in a tiny, curtained room with the only midnight 'cocktails' being delivered by I.V. She was admitted this time, in the wee morning hours of New Years Day, for what the doctors termed a "tune up". She seems to be doing well, although she's unhappy to be where she is. The cough was better yesterday and she was free from all IV's. Progress by inches. I hope that wherever you spent New Year's Eve you were surrounded with loved ones, or beloved memories. I wish you a sense of peace, purpose and happiness for this year and only as much drama as you're able to handle.

Life is Good!
...prayers are welcomed...