Thanksgiving may be over but my personal season of gratitude extends to you. Thank you all for such kind, supportive words. I'm pleased to say the pacemaker implant surgery is over and while I'm still sore as all get out at the site, I'm back home, getting itchy to be back in holiday mode. I'm finding typing a bit challenging, between the sling and some soreness there, so if I don't visit as often or answer your comments directly (if I have contact info for you), I know you'll understand. And again, I am so grateful for you good thoughts.
Rick has been great, as have so many in my local circle and that's lovely. Now it's a matter of getting used to operating partially one-handed for a few weeks. I can do that.
There was a Lizzie wrinkle that required an emergency visit to the vet clinic at the University. At 3:30 a.m., we returned home with the Girl and medicine for what is probably a UTI or bladder infection. My regular vet was out of town so two days later we headed to a different vet (she recommended) for more labs. More check-up to come with my regular vet. Rick took me to the animal ER (and brought us back at 3:30 in the morning) and the next trip, Rick dropped me off and our friend Mark brought Lizzie and me home. I'm pleased to say she is much improved!
Something is so off with our timing in the past few months!
Meanwhile, I will be enjoying a lot of holiday music and I prepare for Christmas. You can too, right now, if you click on this link. On the menu bar you will see "All Streams" and when you click, on the drop down you will see a list for WKAR Radio's radio streams. (I'd take you to the direct link but that clever webmaster Bill Richards has it set so you have to go to the home page first! Probably a wise idea!)
If you click on the Seasonal Sampler, you'll hear a lovely stream of holiday music for the various December holidays. It's a classical stream, so there is a mix of choral with some lovely arrangements of old favorites.
I don't have the house pulled together yet but here are a few pix of the things that did get done before my surgery. This is my little tree with mostly felt things. I call it the happy tree because it is a favorite and I'm always happy when I look at it.
There are a few things made by me -- like this felted version of Lizzie.
This cute mouse came from blogger Lidy's French Garden House. I now have about seven of them and I love them all! The penguin is from a fellow artist from my sale, Vicki Bennett.
You might recognize some of these pieces -- felties inventory from my sale! I figured I'd set them up here since I won't get the Gypsy Caravan updated this season.
I've been gathering these little deer from Target for several years. I noticed they have them again this year, but I think I'm set!
This tree is in my entry.
Most of the things on it are red, white or silver, many from friends, including these two charmers by blogger Linda Sue. Some of her other creations will be on the big tree when it gets done. Someday.
And this beauty is a hand-quilted star by Carole of From Your Carolina Home. I love having things on my trees that reflect my blog friends!
This is the "Dad" tree. Usually this wall tree has miniature Christopher Radko ornaments on it, but this year I needed it in my bedroom instead of the tree I usually used for these ornaments that remind me of my dad -- most to do with fishing! Next year the Radkos will be back. Maybe this year -- just somewhere else. It's early in the month!
The top of the china cabinet is in silver and white, too. The Father Christmas is one of my very favorites. (This year I had to make some hard choices as to what would get up; he was a "requirement.") I made the tree (well, finished the tree) in a Southern Exposure workshop years ago. I don't know where the silver deer came from but the Margaret Fuhrlong angel was a gift from a dear friend years ago and I treasure it.
And these two shelves in the kitchen got the Christmas treatment. This one is over the microwave. Lots of little things, all with good associations.
Most of the little wooden German figures on the shelves over the sink I've had since I was a kid. I remember picking them out with my mom at a marketplace held at our local YWCA over a period of several years.
I mentioned I did get the big tree up and lit with garland on. So, here we are so far! I'll share this one in another post when it gets a few ornaments on it. Meanwhile, the garlands will have to do.
I'm not thrilled with being slowed down this season. And actually, I've been in slow-mo since my foot issues that began in late September. Some years are like that, I guess, and I suppose the older we get, the more issues we have.
Meanwhile, I'm letting nothing stop me from enjoying the season!
16 comments:
Wow, you look like you managed to get a lot accomplished before the surgery, and even better, it all looks amazing. I can understand how the felt tree makes you happy. It is really a fun tree. And I have some of those Target deer, but I didn't see any at the store this year. They are great and have a fun vintage feel. They also look nice in your garland. I hope these next 2 weeks go by quickly and that you're back up and about soon. And thank goodness for Rick, right? Happy new week. hugs-Erika
You Christmas decor is so over the top and fun to look at. It's easy to see how much you enjoy putting it all together. I didn't realize that getting a pacemaker involved not being able to use one arm for 6 weeks or maybe I missed something and it's a separate issue. Either way I'm happy you're on the mend and have good help around you. Don't be afraid to ask for it!!! I'm sure your local friends are more than happy to do you favors, especial during this season of joy.
OMGosh! You really did manage to get a lot done before your surgery! I love seeing all your trees and decorations!! Wow! You are surrounded by things you love and memories and joy! Just what you needed. I hope you heal well. (Slings do take some getting used to--lol!) Merry Christmas!!
...great news and join the club, September, 29th I got my second pacemaker. I'm way behind you, I got the tree and the lights on and that's it.
This is what you call slowing down? Only you, dear blogger, only you. I have one small box of ornaments which will come out mid month on my birthday. I've delegated the rest of the decorating to you. You may not have realized this.
I'm glad you're getting along with the pacemaker now. And the Lizzie excitement.
Wow! You got a lot done before the surgery! Everything looks wonderful including the big tree even without all the ornaments. Sorry about Lizzie- hope she is better and best wishes for a speedy recovery to you too.
You did a great job and wow, getting it done before going to surgery is a big bonus. What a great place to recover in. Rest well and thanks for sharing your Christmas.
I'm so glad the surgery went well and wishing you a speedy recovery. You seem to have a lot of Christmas decoration up that look so nice. Take it easy and relax and enjoy the season.
Your decorations all look so festive! From here, it looks like you did a LOT of work before your surgery, looks like it paid off!
It's all very cheering, which you probably need, given the confinement imposed by your sling. As others have suggested, though, it's ok to let others enjoy this welcome opportunity to help you out. Maybe think of it as a practice in accepting hospitality... which is always hard.
Glad to know the surgery went well. Hope you are feeling better soon!
keeping pace I see! You are the original "more is better" decorator of the century! LOVE your Lizzy cat felted ornament- the best!
It is such an honor to know you. Your vitality, creative ability and your kindness. I'm happy to know you are doing well and have the energy to decorate all that you did. It all looks so beautiful. Now relax, take in all of the wonder and have a wonderful day.
Your house looks wonderfully festive! I’m glad you’ve got some of your decorations up so the house feels ready for Christmas. This is a terrible time of year to be sidelined! I’m glad you have the help of family and friends! I was one-handed for the first several months of the year and it was awful!! I had to ask for and accept so much help which is hard for me as I am fiercely independent. But I reminded myself how good it feels to help others so I was giving others the gift of feeling useful and needed. It didn’t come naturally but was a helpful reframe.
It’s great to hear both you and Lizzie are on the mend, and your holiday touches already sound like gentle, comforting magic
So glad your surgery went smoothly. I am sending good thoughts and prayers for a quick and thorough healing.
Love that beautiful felt tree!
Goodness me! You managed to get a lot done before the surgery, and it all looks amazing. . . very festive.
So pleased the surgery went well.
Now to follow Doctors orders and recover well :)
My very good wishes.
All the best Jan
Looks like you got a lot done before your surgery. I love the little felt tree, so many cute ornaments on it. Take care of yourself as you're healing.
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