No thrifting, crafting, or DIY here, just laying low the last several weeks. Issues with my back and stability, has taken me on a journey of twice weekly visits to the Chiropractor, an Orthopedist, the Spine man, and eventually pain management. Sherry (my chiro) has been the only thing standing between no function and finally upright. Two MRI’S later, I have nothing wrong with my neck but, my spine is twisted and I have slight scoliosis, and stenosis between the 3-4 vertebrae. After the MRI’s the spine man sent me to the pain management team, where an injection was in order, which I had last week. Time will tell but, I feel a bit steadier on my feet and the pain, though not completely gone, is some better. I had to purchase a walking stick. I’m too tall for a cane. The stick helps but, it is so annoying. I only have one hand to carry things!!! All that said there is not much exciting going on around here.

I mentioned in my last post that our granddaughter has moved in with us. We are all settling in with our new living arrangements, and it’s working out really well. A joy to be sure. A first time sewing project was tackled in the way of pillow shams, and they turned out beautifully, made from things I already had on hand. An old Pottery Barn shower curtain, supplied the ruffled effect. We bordered them with black cotton duck fabric, and a flange edge. Following my direction my granddaughter did all the work and cutting. All I did was the math. A fun weekend project. Not bad for a first project. You don’t have to tell her anything twice!!!

Last weekend we started a bit of garden prep. Frankly the yard work has just been more than I could contemplate. Though the husband has been diligent about the yard, the beds have always been my domain. H and I raked the leaves around the deck, tidied up some of the bushes, when my back would feel like it was starting to collapse, I just took a rest, and did something I could do. Brought a chair up to a shrub and started hacking! We managed to get two of the big pots, in front of the deck, partially planted but, then I felt it still might be to soon, so I decided we should wait a few more days. I think this is the latest my gardens have ever been. Our last frost date is always around Mother’s Day, but I am usually planted by May 1. Sharing my joy of gardening with my granddaughter has been so fun.

I have to say the price of flowers at the nurseries has been eye opening this year. I knew with the cost of everything being high, it would certainly include flowers. Ugggg!!! Most everything is coming from Ace Hardware this year. Can’t afford the nurseries.

A couple of quick and easy spring refresh ideas. I am still loving the blue and white in the Welsh Cupboard. H helped me with a few twigs and greens tucked in behind the sugar bowl on the top shelf. Not to much but, just enough. Then we switched out my pot arrangement on the bottom of the cupboard to spring. The tulips have made a showing in another sugar bowl on the round chippendale table. This time I mixed the blue and pink flowers. The jury is still out on this look. Though I think the arrangement is good it’s a bit too baby shower for me. We’ll see.

In the bedroom I moved a table that I had in the lower level up. The round table that was there went into storage, when our Granddaughter moved in. I decided to move it up because of the potential for storing the band boxes underneath. Those I didn’t want in storage. The table actually works better than the other. I refreshed the rose floral arrangement by putting it into a wooden pale for a change. It’s a bit bigger than I would like but it works. That’s another where the jury is still out.

I haven’t worked on Florida’s quilt since H moved in. I am trying to figure out a set up for the sewing machine upstairs. Trying to rethink my craft/office area. A 9×9 room doesn’t make it easy for all the hats it needs to wear. I also watch TV in this room.

Let’s Segway!

Are any of you Outlander Fans? In my unproductive time, I have been watching the new season. These stories captured my heart back in the 2000’s and I would wait for five years for the next Dianna Gabaldon book in the series to return. Currently I’m waiting for the last book in the series to be released. They are so well researched and well written that they are a joy to the imagination. The series has been the same. Beautiful well imagined, hard, and yes sometimes surprising, even when I think I know what is going to happen. Well I’ve been obsessed since the first show in 2014. Now it will be coming to an end. But, I have a theory. With these last few episodes they have introduced pregnancies and children, that didn’t need a storyline. I think they are setting us up for a next generation type thing. Worked for “Yellowstone” why not “Outlander”. They Have introduced the prequel called “Blood of my Blood”. It aired last winter and went thru the usual character introductions. This is about Jamie’s young parents as well as Claire’s, along with some of the usual characters from “Outlander”. Only now those characters are young. So well casted. Anyway just wanted to share my theory. Would love to hear yours.

I leave for Springfield IL. next week. Our Quester’s International Convention will be celebrating the 100 anniversary of Route 66 amongst other accomplishments. The Land of Lincoln. Even last week I was sure I was going to have to bail. I registered in January and had to pay in full, so I have good incentive to make it. Five from our chapter are going and I am one of the drivers. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Well, I just wanted you to know I am still here. I am sorry I have been so absent but, life has been an emotional roller coaster for a while. Hopefully things will start to smooth out. Thank you for hanging in there with me. When I’m back up to speed, of course you will be the first to know.

Thanks for stopping

Shelley

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