Thursday, January 30, 2014

Erin's surgery took place Monday morning on the 20th; it went well, and the surgeon was pleased and confident that the problem was contained in the one kidney.  Lymph nodes and adrenal gland unaffected.  Such a relief.  Afterwards, however, there were some complications, and she was not released from the hospital until Sunday.  She is doing well, and we are all so grateful. 

It takes me a while to get back into my normal routine, but I am getting there a little at a time.  While sitting in the hospital with Erin, I read several really good books that I need to review.  A new Martha Grimes, Vertigo 42, a Richard Jury novel, and I am a fan of Grimes' Richard Jury series; Dominion, by C.J. Sansom, is an alternate history with the frightening premise concerning what would have happened if Great Britain has accepted Hitler's offer and surrendered (boy, I found this an unnerving scenario); Tiffany Baker's Mercy Snow, a beautifully written novel about a small mill town on the Androscoggin river and mysteries past and present in the lives of the inhabitants; The Quick, an unusual vampire novel by Lauren Owen, and The Dirty Book Murder by Thomas Shawver, about an auction of antique and collectible erotica that results in murder.  All of them were good, and I'm working on a review right now of Mercy Snow, which I have to admit appealed to me partly because of the use of the thread motif, inserted subtly and beautifully throughout the novel.

I ended up without my Kindle for a while, but I'd tucked a small plastic bag with embroidery floss, needles, scissors, and the beginning of a small piece into my purse, just in case.  It certainly came in handy.  




Now that I'm home I will be adding some beads and determining whether or not I want to make it larger.  Currently, it is about 3 by 3".  

If I can get in the mood, I'm going to work on some other projects, but at the moment, I'm still a bit apathetic about doing anything.  Did some Valentine's decorating before leaving for Baton Rouge, and I have some projects with hearts that need further work.  




Last year's little sheep keeps tilting back, but I like her anyway.


The needlepoint pillow below is a favorite, 
no matter the season, 
but works especially well for Valentine's and Christmas.


The little mice go well for either holiday,
so I left them out.

In the process of mopping floors.  Vacuum, mop--a room at a time.  Laundry, just about caught up on that.  Now, just need to build up a little enthusiasm for cleaning the bathrooms.





8 comments:

  1. I love your Valentine decorations so much that I just want to hug your photographs :-)).

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  2. I'm so glad everything went well and that your daughter is on the mend. I was thinking about you this morning, actually :-)

    A new Jury novel! I can't wait! One of my top favorite authors and series... All the others sound intriguing, as well...This ease of loading my tablet is getting me into so much trouble hahaha!

    Good to see you here again!

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  3. Teresa - :) Thank you!

    DebbyMc - The new Jury novel won't be published until June. And maybe it isn't quite as good as some of the earlier ones, but I love an opportunity to visit with Melrose Plant and Carol Ann!

    Have to love/hate those darned e-readers that make getting hold of books so quick and easy!

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  4. Glad it went well for Erin and that you are able to get back into your normal routine.

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  5. Glad your daughter is recovering well after her surgery. I know how hard it is to see our children go through something like this.

    Your decorating is delightful, lots of goodies.

    Thank you for the Blue Ridge info. I hope to one day have a complete set.

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  6. Thanks, Carol! She is doing well.

    Good luck with your Blue Ridge collection. I had no idea they had so many patterns!

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  7. What sweet decorations, Jenclair. The mice are so cute.

    I really love your embroidered piece. It would be perfect on a quilted bracelet. I've made one bracelet and decorated it with vintage trims and beads, but your piece is much prettier than my handwork.

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  8. Mary - Thank you! I made the mice last year for Christmas, but they seem equally happy with Valentine's Day decorations.

    :) Yes, I thought about a making a cuff with this piece of embroidery. I made one with a similar piece a while back. Isn't it fun to find a way to use vintage trims, beads, and other embellishments? I bet your bracelet is beautiful!

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Good to hear from you!