Wednesday, January 25, 2023

And January Goes On!

Lots of bits and pieces to go on, as the month of January continues. This morning I woke to our first measurable snow since Christmas. The weather folk say 3-6 inches are expected today. We'll see. This has been our weirdest winter in ages.

Pumpkin Update

Thanks to a great neighborhood group, as well as Nottingham Nature Nook and South Lyon Murphy Lost Animal Rescue, Pumpkin the Deer is safe and the bucket has been removed! This occurred on Sunday, January 22, through the use of an overhead net. Prior to the rescue we learned that Pumpkin was a button buck and the strap of the bucket was stuck on his button antlers. Several days before the successful rescue, experts told our neighborhood association that Pumpkin was in good shape, due to it being winter and the metabolism of the deer slowing down to compensate for fewer food sources.

Photo: John DeMarco

The net was dropped on pumpkin, who tried to flee but was tangled up. 

Photo: South Lyon Murphy Lost Animal Rescue

The crew quickly ran to him and covered him, both to calm him and protect themselves. The bucket was cut off and the net was then carefully removed.

Photo: South Lyon Murphy Lost Animal Rescue

Pumpkin scampered off -- glad to be rid of the whole ordeal. We're betting that he's one hungry deer!

Photo: South Lyon Murphy Lost Animal Rescue

Good Mail

Unexpected mail can be such fun and two lovely packages arrived over the past week. The first was this very cute apron from Laura of Decor to Adore. If you haven't checked out Laura's posts or her youtube page with its wonderful tutorials (mostly sewing and costume on youtube, but also some craft projects) give it a look. It's one of my happy places!


Then I came home from the store to find a package in the mail from a friend I haven't seen in more than 50 years. She knew from the blog and FB my passion for all things England and France and sent a lovely package with a beautiful book about London (fabulous illustrations and etchings), a print of Notre Dame and a program from the Folies Bergere.


These were things from her mother's trip, probably in the late 1940s (the book is dated 1945). The items themselves are real treasures, but so, too, is the thought of being remembered by an old friend.


Thanks to them both!

Ladies Who Lunch

No photos here, but I enjoyed a delightful lunch with two friends I've known a long time but never known well. We reconnected after the death of my friend Dick Hill -- one of the women is his widow, Susie. I'd seen Jane Z. more recently, as she has been a theatre stalwart for years and one of our area's best actors. This was our third meet-up and they get better and better! Lots of smart, thoughtful talk on every subject from aging to theatre, health to climate change, and of course family and friendship. They say "everything old is new again," and I'm glad this old acquaintanceship is a new friendship.

On the Art Table

In December I signed up for Este Macleod's online Creative Circles workshop and, of course, didn't even begin to finish the projects by the time the workshop ended at the end of the month. I finally wrapped up my wreath. (This was comprised of first painting the "ornaments," then creating a watercolor wreath, and integrating the two.) I put mine on a rich blue background and finally got it framed. It was hard to get a photo without glare or reflection (hence the odd angle here!) but you get the idea.


Another project in the class was a watercolor "stained glass" window using wonky, colorful stars. Este's was fabulous. I decided to put my stars into a "lake scene." I think you get the stained-glass idea. I'm going to try this one again with a slightly different design; this was for practice.


Baking

When I went to Jane's for lunch with Jane and Susie, I was assigned dessert. My offering? Marie's Lemon-Ginger biscotti (which is always a HUGE hit!) and madeleines.


There's wasn't a lot left. (Actually, by now, they're all gone!)

Plodding Along. Literally.

Results of two MRI's are in. A rotator cuff torn in two places, arthritis and bursitis in the shoulder. As for the back/hip, I personally think they MRI-ed the wrong part of my back/hip and not the part that hurts. (That said, yesterday's doc agreed it might be sciatic and that is controlled by nerves in the upper back.) In any event, that one didn't yield much in the line of results apart from a future consultation. How to proceed? We'll see. In the waiting mode.

Meanwhile...

This will be a hunker-down day or two. Right now, lunch with a friend is on the calendar for tomorrow, along with more Goodwill sorting, wrapping some birthday presents, reclaiming my house and who knows what else!

We'll think of something!

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71 comments:

Sandi said...

OH! Pumpkin made my heart hurt. Poor little guy. Glad he got free!

anno said...

So sorry to hear about the torn rotator cuff and the bursitis/sciatica -- ouch! Hope you receive promising news about possible treatment approaches.

Otherwise, glad to hear that Pumpkin has been rescued, and very happy to see all the beautiful things in your life, including the gorgeous work you've done for Esté MacLeod's class. Definitely worth framing!

Mae Travels said...

Sorry to hear of the no-answer medical test. I hope that they can figure out what to do for you!

best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Rita said...

So very happy that Pumpkin was rescued!!
You have had such a wonderful time connecting with good friends--old and renewed.
I hope they can figure out what is going on with your hip.
Take it easy and have a wonderful day!! :)

Bill said...

Sorry to hear your not so good health results. Maybe they will improve with some rest time. Glad Pumpkin was taken care of and is now free. BTW, none of your photos are showing. Have a good day, Jeanie.

Bill said...

No worries, I just refreshed my page and they all showed up.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Will you have follow-up tests? What are the next steps for your shoulder? I had frozen shoulder once. It was the pits! Shoulder pain isn't for sissies. Keep us updates! And thanks for the update about Pumpkin. Do y'all put out deer feed up there?

I LOVE your wreath. It is so pretty! I know you enjoyed that project.

xo,
RJ

Red Rose Alley said...

First of all, I'm sorry about your health reports, Jeanie. I had a love one who suffered from bursitis. And my dear mom had arthritis. What a lovely wreath painting. These are thoughtful gifts from friends. The apron looks delightful on you. I'm so glad Pumpkin is Ok. Imagine what that poor deer went through, and look at him dash away. You got lots of snow! Oh, I love that red little bird house all covered in snow. What a great photo that is.

Stay warm, and I hope the days are good leading up to February.

~Sheri

roentare said...

Sorry to hear about your health issues. Wear and tear do get to the best of us. The books look aged with beautiful photos. Your life is filled with wonderful arts

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

So many things to respond to. First yeah for Pumpkin - I'm so glad he's safe. 2nd What am amazing gift from an old friend - the book and souvenirs are really priceless not only in age but in your friend's sharing. 3rd I love the apron - you're cute in the photo. Please take care of your self and stay warm. Sending warm hugs.
Carol

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I'm so glad that Pumpkin is ok!! Phew!

The shoulder issues sound really painful. Your back pain makes me think of issues my MIL has had. She has ended up getting nerve block treatments or something like that. I hope they figure out what is going on and a way to improve the situation. Mobility is so important!

We are just getting a little bit of snow - but we've already hit our seasonal average for snowfall so I am glad this was just a light snowfall. A horrible cold front arrives this weekend with high in the low single digits or lower... we've been pretty lucky so far as our only truly cold spell was right before Christmas. I hate the bitterly cold temps more than anything else. I'd take huge snowfalls over subzero temps for 7+ days! But we are about at the mid-point for winter so at least it's almost half over?

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such a happy ending for Pumpkin! So many wonderful and helpful people to make that happen. Hope that you find some answers for treatment. Being in pain is not fun. Love your pretty artwork and such creative ideas! It's wonderful to connect with friends, especially old friends. Such thoughtful gifts, too! x K

Susan Kane said...

You live one busy life, lady. I love the apron project, grandma always wore an apron.

Go over to my site, see if that new photo is up. Thanks.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Your wreath is beautiful. The ornaments are very attractive, worthy of selling.

DUTA said...

I like the picture with you showing us the apron. Your smile is irresistible!

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

There's nothing I love more than to get a surprise in the mail. And wow, what lovelies you received!

I'm glad the little deer is doing okay. That was an ordeal.

acorn hollow said...

Where to start so glad pumpkin came through it so well.
I love aprons I wear one to cook most days I also have one that I wear when I hook.
I love that you have ladies lunch that is one of my favorite things to do lunch with friends. And it seems like you are making close friends with your biscotti! I love most things English too I have a plate I bought my grand mother of the queen as a young woman. When my grandmother passed I got it back.
You art work is wonderful I love the framed piece.
Happy snow day
Cathy

William Kendall said...

I can imagine Pumpkin being relieved.

kathyinozarks said...

Great post-Love that pumpkin is free-finally poor thing.
snow is always so pretty-until one needs to drive in it, that was the best gift for me when I retired-no longer having to get out in bad weather.
Loving your apron, hoping you get your shoulder sorted out-always something as we get older-sigh My Mom went through that surgery.
Enjoyed your post

Gill - That British Woman said...

glad there was a happy ending with Pumpkin. Love the wreath.

Joyful said...

I always enjoy seeing what you are up to creatively. Kudos to you for being so consistent with it. I also love the look of your baking. I believe you turned me on to Marie's blog and since then I did make several items. All very delicious but I'm back to being very strict (or trying hard) due to T2D complications. I'm sorry about your MRI results and I hope you aren't in too much pain while you await next steps.

Anvilcloud said...

That package of things have been one of your best packages ever.

Pamela said...

How nice to be remembered by your old friend with the wonderful surprise. The desserts look wonderful and great that the pumpkin head was set free.

GretchenJoanna said...

My favorite pictures were of the deer rescue operation, and the cookies! I think I still need to bake more "Christmas" cookies... but I guess there's no reason to call them that at this point. :-)

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Hello, Jeanie: I am so glad to learn that the young buck was captured and the bucket removed. He would have slowly starved to death otherwise. That's a lot of health issues to be dealing with, quite daunting no doubt, so the surprise gifts in the mail were no doubt especially pleasing to receive. The books and Folies Bergères programme were especially significant it seems to me since they had a personal connection to your friend's family. May you have a speedy recovery from all that ails you. Gros bisous de ton ami canadien - David

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,
YAY for Pumpkin! Poor thing must be very hungry. Your gift are very nice, I like the apron and the book. Your cookies look delicious. Your watercolor stained glass is beautiful. I hope you can find a treatment that will help you. Take care, have a great day!

My name is Erika. said...

Hurrah they got the pumpkin head off that deer. And that he is ok. He must have been relived. And you sound like you’ve had a nice January. We’re in Florida right now,due home Saturday morning, but the third crazy storm is hitting us today. I was gone for the first one and the second one dumped 16 inches of snow. My poor daughter who is house sitting….good thing she can work remotely. But your month sounds good. That is super happy mail, and sounds like you’ve been doing fun things…lunch, baking, art and probably reading too. That sounds good to me! Hope you had/have a good hunker down day hugs Erika

Iris Flavia said...

Hope Pumpkin learned his lesson (could´ve said thank you at least ;-)...)

Oh! Gurri would LOVE that apron! Actually too precious to use.
Wonderful mail from your friend in so many ways!

Nice you ladies all found each other, even if the reason is very sad.

That wreath is beautiful! And big wow on the stained glass-art!!!

Waiting mode is awful - best wishes from here... very cute parting pic!

shoreacres said...

I've had a strained rotator cuff, and that was painful enough. And, now that I think of it, I once had bursitis, and that was even worse. Sending every good wish for a quick healing -- I suppose someone has told you that rest helps!
I'm glad for Pumpkin's rescue, and I did end up loving your 'fancy' wreath. But my favorite here were your watercolor/stained glass stars. They reminded me of the way we used to decorate windows with colored cellophane at Christmas, making our own stained glass windows.

Marilyn Miller said...

Hi, Lizzie!
Sorry you have shoulder and back pain. No fun at all. Take care and hoping for better days for you.
Love the apron and the art. The art class sounds like one that would stretch and grow more art avenues.
Love reconnecting and gathering with friends. Glad you were able to do that with two ladies. And also that gifts came in the mail. I love receiving surprises and these are special.
I have another friend in Michigan that says the weather there has been strange too. She is missing having enough snow, but there is still some time. Hope the rest of your week is special.

La Table De Nana said...

I have torn rotator cuff tears also.. strangely with the yrs you get used to them and they hurt less..Ive lifted way too many things..way to heavy..and I felt the moment it was severe.But like I said with yrs.. you just keep on..A few days ago I felt I needed to do hard stretches ..why do them all one day lol when its been a while..you pay for it..pinched nerves..sciatica..all these things creep up on us..
But eventually they get better.It can take yrs..unfortunately no matter what some things don't get better.
So glad that pumpkin came off..imagine ...
I love the stained glass effect!!
Tons of snow here.

Carol @ The Red Painted Cottage said...

Jeanie, I just watched the video posting of Pumpkin yesterday on FB. It just mentioned Lansing, MI but I knew it had to be the Pumpkin you mentioned. It ran into the net and I watched as they took care of it and set it free. So thankful for all the volunteers helping.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Jeanie :=)
So sorry to hear of your aches and pain, and also to know that the test you had is unresolved. I hope the doctors can help you, perhaps another M R I!! I suffer from chronic sciatica, and have done for years, but just now it's under control with meds. I like your apron, and your art work. You have lovely friends. I can imagine how those gifts brightened your day. The snow looks so pretty when it's new, and I like your red bird house. The photo of Pumpkin tearing away is great, I'm glad to know the buck is safe, for he would surely have died of starvation had the bucket not been removed.
All the best.

Steve Reed said...

YAY for pumpkin's rescue! I was so worried about him!

I love the package of treasures from your friend's mom's trip to Europe. It's so interesting to see Trafalgar Square with cars driving right in front of the National Gallery. That area is closed to traffic now.

Sorry about the health issues. Hopefully the wait-and-see approach will give things a chance to sort themselves out.

crackercrumblife said...

Ugh!! I hope you are pain free soon. :(

I am so glad to hear that Pumpkin has been freed!! I always hate seeing those stories of animals getting their heads stuck inside objects. :( Good this one had a happy ending!

That art class sounds so fun!! I love that stained glass piece!

Joanne Huffman said...

Arthritis is a bitch! Lunch with friends is always a joyful occasion. Love the art class pics. Glad the deer is free. Fun apron.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Actually, your January sounds quite eventful! Your artwork is very nice, Jeanie. In that camera footage shot of Pumpkin, is that a coyote on the L side of the frame?! Wonderful gifts you received, and lunch with girlfriends is always a good thing. You're doing better than me with the GW sorting. I seem to be accumulating this Jan....from everyone else's purging! I've been to a couple great estate sales, and I always buy what I love, then have to decide to foster, keep or sell!

Carolyn Marnon said...

Your circles with Este's class are beautiful. I started the project and got as far as doing the watercolor "ornaments." Your French items are a wonderful surprise! I love the photos you shared of them.

Valerie-Jael said...

GlAd pumpkin is okay! How good he was found and saved from starving. Hope you get some good treatment for your injuries etc, no fun beng in pain all the time. Hugs, Valerie

Prims By The Water said...

So glad Pumpkin was rescued. We got 7 inches here and it is snowing again right now. We are supposed to get an additional one inch each day until Sunday. What wonderful gifts you received. I know you will cherish them all! Janice

Nancy said...

Once again I can say you have had a busy time! The snow looks so pretty. And Pumpkin is doing fine! So glad you had a glorious lunch with friends. There’s nothing like getting together with gal pals!
Feel better and hope you get a care plan for your shoulder and hip.

The French Hutch said...

Thanks for the updates Jeanie. First, glad you have MRI results so you can move forward deciding what you need to do. Also, so happy to know the pumpkin was removed from the deer. Yes, I'm sure that was one hungry deer! We haven't had snow this year but never say never! But, it has been a cold season for us so far. Your wreath turned out beautiful and I love the stained glass art. Lunching with friends is the best. I always look forward to seeing friends and catching up.Time has a way of slipping by so let the chores wait for another day. Stay warm during the snow and cold........

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

What a happy ending for pumpkin! The pictures are incredible.

R's Rue said...

Hugs my friend.

gigi-hawaii said...

Too bad about the back and shoulder pain. My torn rotator cuff has improved a lot and I can use my arm better now. Thank God. I really like your wreath, so pretty.

Jennifer said...

So glad to read a happy ending to Pumpkin's story...so distressing!! I hope you can get some relief from all that is aching and hurting. And such a cute apron!!:)

It's me said...

I am glad that deer rescue 🍀🍀🍀 mmmmmm your cookies and madeleines look so yammie ..nice to have gifts from friends always so kind and it make you happy…have a wonderful weekend love from me and Leaf ofcourse…🍀❤️🐾🍀

Sandra Cox said...

Ack, a torn rotator cuff? Girl, have you been pitching too many fast balls?
Seriously, I hope you are better soon, I know you've had a lot of health issues which aren't any fun.
Glad Pumpkin was rescued. Yay to all involved.
Thus far, we haven't had any snow this winter.
Take special care.

DeniseinVA said...

A delightful post, love your pretty apron! Thank you for the link. So glad the little deer was rescued. I hope you feel better soon. I am also feeling the aches and pains, even more so in the cold weather. Have a great weekend Jeanie :)

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, the gifts in the mail are fabulous and so thoughtful! I enjoyed reading and seeing the photos of Pumpkin and how the saga ended. Take care of yourself and keep us informed about the next steps with your shoulder. Happy Weekend!

Susan Kane said...

Ouch. Too much pain all around. For me, it is the rt. hand, hip, knee, etc. Your apron is lovely! I am heading to get either some vintage apron or make one.

Fundy Blue said...

Yikes, Jeanie! Those shoulder/rotator cuff and back/ hip injuries sound miserable. I hope they improve soon and that you will have much less pain. The poor deer. It must have been frantic. It looks like you've been having lots of fun. I loved your starry stained glass piece. Take care!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jeanie,

I appreciate your sharing the Pumpkin story. I am just glad the deer had a happy ending. You look pretty modeling your new apron. Lizzie looks like she is happy to hunker down for awhile. I hope you are feeling better, the back/hip pain sounds awful. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

Linda P said...

The rescue team did good. So glad Pumpkin is free. It must have been an ordeal. You have been creative. I hope you get relief from the pain you're experiencing.

thepaintedapron.com said...

So sorry about your health issues, but I'm glad you've been out and about seeing friends Jeanie, that always helps! Your wreath is so cute, sounds like a fun class. Take care and stay cozy, Spring will be here soon {I hope!}
Jenna

Shiju Sugunan said...

Great post! Wishing good health.


https://craniumbolts.blogspot.com/2023/01/boxed-into-corner-at-hoskote.html

Carola Bartz said...

I'm so glad that Pumpkin has been freed and he can finally eat again. It sounds you had a lovely January when it comes to friendship (always good) and beautiful gift. That apron looks lovely and I love the photo of you with it. I hope your health problems can be figured out - two MRIs is a lot. I have sciatica and there are days (better say nights) that my hips hurt; sometimes I don't feel aything at all. Arthritis is not good, and I hope you don't have too much pain in your shoulder.
Your artwork, by the way, is beautiful!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I've spent some time reclaiming my house this morning. It sure can get out of hand in a hurry. Love the apron and nice gifts. Enjoy your weekend...stay warm!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Pumpkin made the national news, as I saw it here on my local news. Such a good ending to the story. You must be over the moon with those England items! What a fabulous gift!!

Lowcarb team member said...

I'm sure I commented on this post! Maybe gone into spam folder!
Blogger does still do strange things!

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

I suddenly thought that in case my comments go astray I will try and put another one through...

Was sorry to read about your shoulder and back pain, that's not good.
Do please take care, I hope your medical team may be able to help you.

I do like that apron.

Thinking of you and sending a big feel better hug :)

All the best Jan

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet comments...We could use some snow here...The snow you are getting is supposed to be only rain from us...Without a snow pack to melt in the Spring, I shudder to think what the water supply will be like. we are supposed to have a cold spell at the end of the week but it ht a high of 50 degrees today!! Crazy!!! I hope you feel better soon....
Hugs,
Deb

roughterrain crane said...

Your apron is wonderful!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Sorry to hear of your medical woes-but you do look so happy in your beautiful new apron! Love the shot of your kitty and your stand glass lake with stars. I was happy to here the deer was helped and now free to live and eat. What a terrible ordeal for the dear.

Sami said...

So glad the deer was saved, a wonderful happy ending. Lovely gifts specially the one from an old friend. Your artwork is always inspiring Jeanie.
Best of luck with your health issues.

Divers and Sundry said...

Hoorah for the deer rescuers! It's wonderful that people know what to do and are willing to act.

Cute apron :) "Ladies Who Lunch" sounds like great fun. Your desserts look like a real treat. Ouch! I hope moving from waiting mode to treatment yields you relief and healing.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Nice to read that Pumpkin has been saved. What a great effort by those volunteers.

Your biscotti and madeleines look wonderful, too.

Sorry to read about your rotator cuff. Lizzie looks quite comfy, at least.
























































































































Yvonne said...

I'm glad Pumpkin is free of his head ornament. Poor thing. Sorry to hear about your painful shoulder problems. I hope you will be able to get it feeling better soon. It's beginning to look like we won't be having much in snow this year. Makes me a bit sad, but I'm sure next year will make up for it. Love your end of post photo. What would we ever do without cats :)

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I'm so relieved to read about Pumpkin! That poor deer!
A good mail day to me is when magazines come, and no bills or other serious stuff to deal with. But gifts? That's the ultimate! How lovely that two people thought of you! Love both your paintings, and I'm going to check out that biscotti recipe now. Finally, so sorry to hear about your rotator cuff and other shoulder and back woes.

French Ethereal said...

Jeanie, you won the apron!!! I saw Laura's post and YouTube. Congratulations!!! Wow, what a month you've had! I'm glad Pumpkin the deer is free from that Halloween bucket. Poor thing! My MIL saw the story about him on the news. Nice to see that he was protected by the other deer since he couldn't see to protect himself. And your artwork is lovely!!! I like the stained glass water and stars! <3 I'm happy to say that I featured your post at this week's Share Your Style #376 for you, too. <3

Keep warm up there! It got to a balmy 31 degrees today and I was out for a bit to Lowe's to get more paint. I "skated" around my car. But seriously, it'd be great exercise to skate all the ice in our court! I just need some pads and my bicycle helmet, if I could get to it, lol!!

Happy almost Valentine's Day hugs,
Barb :)

Victoria Zigler said...

Sorry to hear of your health issues. At least you know some of what's wrong now, I guess. Not that it helps with dealing with it, but still. Great about the packages though - especially the one from the old friend. And I'm very glad about Pumpkin's successful freeing from the bucket.

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