Punching drops

 Hi stitching buds.  I am in shock that this weekend is May.  Are we sure?  Usually by Mother's Day the deck is cleaned, windows washed, screens in, outdoor furniture in place for flowers and ferns, summer clothing out, and sweaters packed.  The majority of those tasks would be a waste of time since concrete dust and mud will require starting over.  

My anxiety weight loss has continued and with no end to the mouth issues, I should be able to fit in last summer's pants which rarely happens.  Thank you Macy's for the Karen Scott extreme comfort and forgiving knit capris!  I had gained some back after the initial loss but currently down almost 25 pounds.  I can't remember if I donated all those smaller clothes that were packed, unpacked, packed, unpacked.  Isn't that the way it always is?  Once you rid yourself of things, you want them.  Recently saw the Plantation Sampler finished and I sold the chart along with others thinking I would never stitch it.  And here's the quirk!  If I found another and purchased again, I would stash it away and in a few years, it would leave again.  

Medical update ..  the wonderful doctor at CC had his office call and offer us a double booking.  Several weeks after a second aortic valve replacement and cardiogenic shock, this stress is not good for her.  And ... you won't believe this .... after all the messages, calls, and tricks to get her moved up, an offer of a mid afternoon appt today had to be refused. It was an early morning call so ambulance transport had time to schedule her, and when I called to set it up, I had a little bit of shock.  Did not know that hemoglobin had another drop and she required a transfusion.  Today.  Would never be over in time, especially with a two hour drive.  She was so upset.  I told her things happen for a reason, and we now will have to leave at 6am the end of next week unless we can find a cancellation.  What are the odds of hours of work to get an appt moved up, at the perfect time of day, and after several weeks TODAY she needs blood.  Holy crap.

I have to call the desk this evening because that change in meds is not enough, and she was informed that it was one day and they are to reduce it to every six hours again.  She is adamant about not going into nursing home care (for recovery between procedures) since our locals are terrible, but the one about 40 minutes from here is praised by residents and family alike.  I do believe they will expect her to stay at a skilled facility of their choice near the clinic since the CC docs visit patients there.  We'll see.

Now about that drop.  I wanted to make a few thread drops so purchased a Fiskars punch months ago.  Is this right?  The hole is much closer to the edge than I expected and is not sturdy enough since stitch tension isn't the only time my tugs can be aggressive.  I assumed the margin edge would be as shown on the lever but it isn't.  So is there a punch that you use and allows a little thicker edge to prevent tearing?  

It's 8pm and still light enough to see critters in the yard, summer is around the bend.  We're all hoping that taking these bends way over the speed limit will cease while offering relief and recovery.  Going up for a hot shower, coming down to stitch if I can stay awake. 

Have a good evening and a pleasant TGIF folks.

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