Exposure

 Not the good kind.

My sweetheart, drop dead gorgeous, man-bun long haired Jason came to do the work.  Finishing the sewer project mess that we've been waiting for since 2021.  

Now.  I am home alone.  With a rollator.  And a comfortable t-shirt dress ( takes a long while to reach the bathroom, no time to balance and pull down pants).  This favorite had accidental bleach spots, so I went wild with it to hide them.  Artsy, huh? 

Well.  When you lean forward with a walker/rollator as most do, your dress becomes quite short in the back.  Add a heart monitor receiver in its pocket pulls the front down even further.  A glimpse of this posture disaster and backside exposure was unknown until my reflection in a window made my wheels come to a screeching halt.  I wondered why not one of the guys tried to help me up that step into the house as I struggled.  Now, I know.  

I think I'll go change into pants, even if it means wetting them.

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Thin blue line

Should have done this before starting the over one.

Quite a bit was stitched of this first line and it wasn't until I straightened it for a photo that I saw the error.  

The n is one higher which is an easy fix but that started the mess.  It continued in the following word, one higher than the n.   Sarah in the wreath was off by three and needed removed and raised. 

I didn't want to use darker thread for the guide line, concern was residual fuzz.  But the blue is not as distinct, my eyes need more.  This is difficult for me on 40 count.  

Now that the offending row has been removed, I plan to work on the border which is over two and absorbs placement errors very nicely.

Michaels had 40% off everything in my online order, ended Sunday, distractions pulled me elsewhere and I failed to get the order in.   Lesson learned, don't dilly dally.

Regarding my comment on PAs.  Not a problem for follow up visits or minor issues.  They should not be allowed to diagnose.  What one put me through was unethical and terrifying for months.  The PA in the ortho office failed to catch my cousin's life threatening condition.  Months after knee replacement, it swelled twice its size.  PA said ... inflammation causes swelling and he must have twisted his knee, ice and Advil.  A month later, back in the office with more swelling, same thing.  He demanded to see the doc and eventually his surgeon entered the room.  Immediate concern, aspirated the knee, surgery the next day to remove the prosthetic knee which was infected and into the bone.  It has been six weeks without a knee joint, a rigid brace to keep the leg aligned, no walking, very difficult position.  His PICC line will be removed in a few days, two more weeks to check for residual bacteria, then several more until the knee is replaced and therapy starts again.  And that PA (who they scheduled for me) is still there, probably good with minor conditions.  But my cousin will never trust a PA again.  Many are valuable dedicated staff members, but patients should not be hesitant to request NP or doc if not comfortable with diagnosis.

Hope you have a great day.

Thanks for visiting.  

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Onesies

 Lots of them.  Will complete the interior of left side wreath and then alternate border with cartouche.  

Maybe it would be better to keep a rhythm with the over one rather than a back and forth pattern.

These flowers in the outline were to be two row tips of the gold but I didn't care for that.  Changed the wreath flower centers to 742 for more contrast.

They scheduled my MRI for AUGUST.  So I made calls and am going to another facility not far from here sooner.  As for the cortisone injection, both pharmacists, my PCP, and friends that have been in my position, have said it would not be an issue especially since the oral steroids ended over a week ago.  I have no problem with physician assistants, but one misdiagnosed me with a deadly disease and this one is preventing treatment I was scheduled for.  I prefer NP or doc from now on.  Up all night because the swelling in that leg's foot is so bad, she never even checked it.  Compression stocking is on!

Hope your day is a good one.  We have had rain which will continue for at least a week.

Thanks for your good thoughts!

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Not what I expected

Here's what I was told at the ortho appointment.

 I need an MRI and an ativan to get into it, but not for about 4 weeks unless there is a cancellation.

 It appears to be Deep Infrapatellar Bursitis but could also be an injury, and until another month passes and the MRI is taken, there is no PT.

 No cortisone injection for 3 months because I took three steroid packs.  My PCP gave me 2 after the first, knowing I had an upcoming appt in 2 weeks for the injection.  Did she not know that would prevent the injection?  Guess not.

No splint or brace was offered, just Meloxicam and Voltaren.  Really?  2 Tylenol and 4 Advil faithfully taken for weeks did nothing, so I have my doubts but will start taking tomorrow and hope for the best.

So if the injection was given in April as it should have been, I would not be in this pain, be able to walk, be able to enjoy summer.  If my PCP did not give me those two additional packs and was knowledgeable, I could have had the injection for relief.  

If my sister had cortisone injected every three months before knee replacement WHILE she also took a 5 mg. steroid daily, who is right? 

Crabass is an understatement.

I found a new IG and Etsy shop for fabulous sewing patterns and I hope to spend some time browsing this afternoon between yelps and obscenities.

https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/ArabesqueScissors

https://www.instagram.com/arabesquescissors/

Her fabric choices make the wheels on my rollator spin.  

When will I be able to climb steps to get to the sewing machine?  Or shop for fabric?  Maybe that's best since my temperament is not good right now.

Hope yours is swell!!

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My new squeeze

 Living under a rock, you miss things.  All sorts of things including simple gadgets.  I saw this spring hoop on a floss tube video and thought it was so neat!  I stitch in hand and have a sit-on hoop, don't use it very often.  This little easy to use option comes in a smaller and larger size, mine is the 5".  

If I would like a taut surface for over one or a specialty stitch, this handy hoop is perfect.  Easy on and off, I get excited over simple gadgets.  I'm excited.  Can you tell?

I've noticed some prefer the linen recessed in the hoop (like the underside) and others with the linen flush with the hoop.  Never saw the recessed method used before, I would think the sides of the hoop would be in the way.  No? Running the thread ends would be easier.  

This is with spring clamp on top of my work,

this is underneath. 

Probably not new to you, but here it is. 

Doctor Monday at 8:15, anxious for diagnosis and an injection.  

Hope your weekend was good!!  End of June.  Can I start crabbing about summer flying by now?

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A few choice words

 for my sister once hubs gets home.  He has been doing everything I can't, and is out shopping for groceries.  When he returns, he will hit the roof.

I told Carole that I would try to remove stains from her massively thick comforter with my enzyme soap.  She knows I can't walk, yet chose today to have her son drop it off.  Where the hell does she think I will work on it?

I folded it from my wheeled chair and I think hubs will be throwing it in the basement as soon as he sees it.  You know, it's in her way.  So puffy.  

Get rid of all the crap and clutter and make room!!

Dammit.

Common sense is sorely lacking in this family.

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Thank you

 for the birthday wishes!  

I am holding to Sarah, with hesitation, but she is with me still.  The angel faces were changed and completed, need one more wreath, window bars, and the cartouche border.  The over one within it may be after that, before the outside border.  

I plan to get outside again today, but this time will make sure the rollator is close enough to where I sit.  Last time it slowly rolled so far from me that the cane couldn't snag it.  Hubs is golfing so I can't yell for his help as happened before.  The cane allows me to get up and balance, not walk, so I looped a bungee cord to the walker.  I better attach a note to my drink as a reminder before I trip over it.

Last two golf days, he won a few bucks, so the laptop will be outside with me and a little browsing will take place.  I need underwear again.  Mine are suffering from exertion and have stretched to their limit, nothing left to give.

Enjoy your day folks.

Thanks again for the kind regards.

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Rolling along

 into walls, nicking corners, trim, baseboards.  Chocolate fingerprints smearing over flat white paint. Sounds similar to a skating rink.  Had to cancel all dental appointments, and a month behind on summer chores.  Managed to renew driver license with a walker and husband.  Cannot sleep, gained weight, very crabby.  Will an injection remedy this when nothing else is touching the problem?  It is not the joint.  You know how I feel about summer, one month already wasted.

Stitching has not been frustrating, very few errors in this section worth a mention.  The vase pattern was not followed as charted in color or count, just to rebel a little.  My biggest problem has been the thread.  Remove a few stitches and it shreds.  Wrong linen hole?  Try going back in to move over and it shreds.  With my crabassiness and overall nasty mood, I considered more than once to put her aside, just in case the snark visits.  Snarks pull rank over crabs.  Can't trust them.

The area above the lawn is completed, finishing the house next.

 I made myself a boxed cake for b-day and wanted the whipped cream icing in the freezer.  My wheels have me sitting well below counter height.  Using one beater and trying to blend after thawing was a mess.  Hard to do from a low seat and I lost my grip on the container.  Most went into my hair and onto clothing but the window and wall did not escape the flying container.  What was left was yuck.

Then we discover the pepper plants and others loaded with aphids which will certainly be attacking all my flowers.  And I can't help with spray, dip, wipe.  Shouting obscenities at the little bastards is futile.

As I sit on the single seat swing we had built for mom, and use the handle that helped her off and held her cane, a brief slap of reality stung.  Today, turning 72, I need that handle and cane. 

Hope your week has been peaceful.  

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Perforated

 Hi folks.

My errors continue in Sarah.  After adapting the tree to the linen thread miscue, I found the tree greenery to be too long.  Yet, the number of rows is good, the height is good, and rather than dilly dally trying to find the source, I removed the top row of the trunk.  It fits now! Changed the 676 to 869 to match the other tree, just didn't show well enough.  Am I ready to set her aside?  It's been a long time with Sarah and these meaningless errors have no influence on needing a break.  I am just anxious to do something small.  Debating.

As for stitching on perforated paper, Mill Hill and their bead kits for ornaments are an example.  But lately, NeedleWorkPress has shown samplers and small pieces that I adore.  

For those that do not follow Instagram, these are posts from NeedleWorkPress featuring old and new pieces.

 I think any design can be switched to the paper.  But something like Phebe would be difficult for me since I am a backside thread runner which would show through quite noticeably.

These samplers are from a retreat, not available until next year, on perforated paper.

Lovely littles to include in a card, stick on a gift wrap, book, attach to a folder or file, so many ideas.  

I failed to add several conditions to Carole's "before" health summary.  And they are ... torsades after a cardioversion that required paddles EIGHT times, emergency pacemaker installed to stop the torsades, an AV node ablation (disconnects the top from the bottom of the heart) that was not necessary, which required a new pacemaker, and a third one a year later because it was defective. two knee replacements and ERCP twice before gall bladder removal.  I think that covers it!!

Mid June.  I am so bummed.  Can't do a damn thing!  Except a four hour dental visit Tuesday and another the following week.  I received a surprise gift in the mail of a small Stacy Nash sampler chart in red.  That brought a smile!!  Unexpected and grateful is this crabass.

Worsened greatly in another area of the knee.  Round four of steroid pack, no choice.  So these two are my new rides.  Scares the catnip out of Missy.

Have a good day!

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Error after error

 That entire large messy lawn had no counting errors which really surprised me.  But all else has been one after another.  This time, the unfinished tree on right is a linen thread off.  I frogged some, plan to adapt the rest, will not be noticed.

Many other missteps happened in those leaves and again, adapted unless the misplacement bumped into another motif.  

Very crabby today, minor health nuisances are causing major obscenity slingers.  The knee IT band is side of knee facing out.  Maybe because of limping so badly and trying to balance, the inside of that knee has taken over the pain.  I remembered during Carole's stays the nurse said that ibuprofen (advil) then 2-3 hours later acetaminophen (tylenol) resulted in greater reduction of pain compared to each alone.  Checked with my pharmacist (never take together, allows hours between)  .... bingo.  Noticeable difference and I am still limping but can walk without the cane.  Will continue for a few days on this, another steroid pack is not in my plans.

This tiny petit point was done by my late SIL and I thought it would be nice to have a fob of her work.

I ordered three colors of perforated paper in 14 count and also the white in 18 count.  Once NWP shows more of that, they'll be gone.   I'm ready!!

Enjoy your day!

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The mirror

 That hanging channel is slick!  What a perfect way to hang a large heavy piece.  The mirror is around fifty pounds and 47" wide, a 36" hanger was used.  One part is screwed into two wall studs and the other onto the mirror back.  We held it flat to the wall and slid down until it entered the channel, it can slide right or left to center.  Perfectly flat to the wall and very secure without the need to position the item in line with the studs. Nice addition to the dining room since it was no longer needed on the bedroom dresser.

There are several styles of hanger called French cleats but that's not what the framer called this.  Is that the technical term?  Don't care.

I wanted to show the counter and cabinet but it is always loaded.  Her bedroom is a disaster.  So much unnecessary stuff!  If the useless clutter was removed from drawers and closet, the visible clutter could be organized and neat.  She has trouble sleeping and I've told her many times, that clutter in the bedroom doesn't help.  Your brain is reviewing all it sees whether you realize it or not, and calm is difficult.

This is the headboard we made from the door.  Pretty nice!  The sloth on the left side post is from the nursing home, it holds a hot/cold therapy pack.  

She is adjusting much better, trying to do some cooking for the family, getting outside and enjoying the sun on those warm days.  The Great Dane is flunking school, almost took me out again today.  She will be a year soon and either calm and sweet or an excited maniac.

The very long ramp Chris had built with treated lumber is just like the deck addition we did last year, warping, shrinking, splitting like never before.  All of it.  We screwed metal fence posts flat on top the ramp edge, six deck boards to each post which stabilized and secured.  Very rigid!  They aren't moving now!

Also had to custom cut a mini ramp between the screen and glass sliding door which has a 2" high threshold.  Greatly improved the chair's ability to go in and out on her own.  

She is seeing the doctor next week, feeling good, remarkably.  Honestly, no one expected her to survive cardiogenic shock, an intra aortic balloon pump, second aortic valve replacement, artery failure in both legs, gangrene, mysterious internal bleeding, three amputation surgeries, all in less than a year.  Covid year.  At 84 with type 2, a-fib, ejection fraction of 30, CHF three times, even before this!!  God bless her!

***********************

Right or left?

 Wrong or right?

Both.  It was wrong and on the right.  

I was working off my tablet, had the floral motif enlarged, and did not realize I was viewing the right side.  The left was my position.  Good thing my habit of checking the chart photo caught this major error.  When I scrolled down for the color legend, I must have stopped on the way back at the same floral motif, not paying attention to its position on the chart.  Half of that large tree was completed and frogged, no problem during removal.

As I continued on that side, another error was found, again, easily fixed.  The lawn area is to be outlined with 680 which I failed to do on the top left.  I moved the tree base up one row, the brown leaves to its right will just embed one row into the flower.  Boom.  Not obvious, but what if one side lower will be once stretched and mounted?  Easy fix, why chance it.

Dentist today, just took an antivert for vertigo.  Knee is back to the problem before the severe change.  Good enough.  Chiropractor tomorrow because I know a hip adjustment/alignment would certainly help.  

Rain rain drowning the Mini Famous calibrachoa while the other variety is standing proud.  Should have kept the ID tag to note.

Have a safe and peaceful day. 

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Fobbing

 Hi folks.  I made a few floss ring fobs and am happy to show how I did it, but I'm sure there is a trick I am unaware of.

First thing I learned ... the paper must be substantial.  No thin copy paper as I use at home.  Cardstock or a paper such as my local Staples has in their copiers, very nice weight and bright white.  When I used my thin stock, the texture of the metal base it is glued to showed.  

Only made a few so as I said, there are tips and tutorials online that I will look for.

I had copies made at Staples of my sampler catalog, a chart photo or photocopy of your stitching will work also as long as it is shrunk/sized to the pendant tray you are using.  The trays are various sizes, finishes, edges, shapes on Etsy.  Make sure the glass cabochon is included. 

Here's supplies used.

Place your glass on the photocopies to size and choose what you like.  

Add a light mark along outside of the glass shape.

After cleaning the flat side of the glass, drop some glue and use a brush or your finger to smear evenly.

Use the marks as a guide and center the glass, press down for a few seconds for uniform contact.  After ten minutes or longer dry time, use small sharp scissors and trim to the edge.

Spread the glue evenly onto the tray, drop the glass inside while making sure it is centered with the hanger, press to make good contact for a few seconds.

If you're not pleased with placement or change your mind, soak in water a few minutes, easily removed (before attaching to the metal tray!).  Any glue on the glass is also easily removed with a damp cloth.

Now here's my problem.  On some, I am getting an iridescent reflection as you see in the roof.  Only when the angle of light hits it, and I don't really care, but I don't understand the cause.  Same photocopy paper, glue is uniform, pressed hard or light, it sometimes happens.

This wasn't noticed at first and only as I said, at an angle. The roof does look a little darker in that area on this photo, but why only there?  

These two are fine, both from Staples copier, as the above was also. Is this on any that you have purchased?

So that's it.  I will search for an answer and make sure I have an extra copy of what I choose in case I need to remove and start over.  

You can use split rings or another type of ring to attach to the hanger depending on what you prefer.  If using a photo or initial or something to create a necklace, the attached hanger doesn't need another ring to hang properly but on a floss ring, it's at an angle.

And when all is said and done, you're crabby, flashing, and hopped up on steroids, you fry salami. 

 Butter, add garlic powder and Italian seasoning, grill the bread. Top with swiss, lettuce, mayo and Italian dressing. (Salami is slit so it lies flat when frying).

Have a good day!!

p.s. I had massive increases in blog stats, not sure what that means.  

Doubtful it is a good thing, probably a spammer.

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Had to buy these

 Hi folks.  I made a decision, especially after the latest price increase on new linens, to use what I have.  I don't need any more, if I need something different, I'll dye it.  A solid cream color or off white to mottle/stain is another option, much cheaper.  I placed a small order this morning for a tiny piece of 46 and an eighth of my favorite PTP Sand.

But the designs were irresistible!  I wanted Chessie and Me Quaker Huswife chart but searched without result for another photo.  I see the button in the center and the ties but honestly, can't picture it rolled/folded/?????  So I passed on it.  But The Artsy Housewife offers on 123Stitch (she has an Etsy shop also), in the cart!  My plan is to stitch the framed sections for either front and back of a larger needlebook, or two sweet pouches to hang with velvet backing and corded tassels.  

She used three different linens sewn together to create the block, really unique.  I'll find something to create with Grace's side border, love it. Until I get the chart to see the size of that section, I won't know what count will be used.   

I saw a small red sampler somewhere that I liked, but the online shops do not carry all designers.  No more large samplers for me.  I have several to work on, not sure I have the ambition.  My future purchases will probably be small samplers/designs (unless a hot flash flips me back).  Instagram photo from Needlework Press at the shop called Stitcher's Paradise showed carrots that I fell in love with.  Searched and searched, no result for the chart.  That shop name has an older website, changed to another shop name, but it's not, very confusing.  

I have many pieces that need framed and after a visit to my framing shop, yoi.  Carole's extra heavy and large dresser mirror was removed and will hang horizontally in the dining room.  We are having the framer install the channel bar on the back, we will attach the other to her wall, for a very secure and flat hang.  While there, I saw several finishes on the counter with invoices awaiting pickup and holy hotcakes.  I will check Hobby Lobby prices.

Started my third steroid pack yesterday and it's better.  Need to be careful but I can walk!  So one stair step at a time and I am confident that's doable.

Have a good days folks.

Be safe.

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Leaves

Good grief I am getting weary of them!  But very close to moving on to the flowers and that's keeping the momentum.  The called for 676 was not pleasing on this linen, so I followed the wreath's change to 729.  The flowers are yellow at each end but I chose to only use it at the base.

Still not as showy as the chart photo, but more visible than the lighter thread.  Looks like the reason is the flower, not the leaves. Maybe the yellow in the flower should be 729? 

I still plan to show the floss tag/fob, but not until I can get up steps to the supplies.  Hubs would not find them because I can't say for sure where they are.

My doctor didn't check my grip (initial reason for visit was arthritis in back and hand), or have me bend, walk.  As for the IT band crippling, never checked that either since an orthopedic diagnosed, which is protocol.  I need to return there for tests or treatment, but after speaking with their staff again, no way my end of June appointment can be moved up.  Hubs golfs with PT who owns three facilities, spoke with him, his thought was the same as mine.  No IT band is this severe unless torn, which must heal on its own with injection and rest.  Yippee.  Just want I want to do for the month of June.  But I have two legs and will accept feeling the pain with gratitude.  Bitching, attitude, swearing does not negate that, and easily blamed on steroids (sure).  And they even have an added benefit of very rosy cheeks that are puffed enough to smooth wrinkles.  Perfect time for my DL photo.

I hope all of you are staying safe and doing well.  I want to talk about my thread tail problem (on the back of the linen!), but another steroid effect is peeing.  A lot.  Takes a while to get up so I need a head start (now!), and I think I may have loosened the seal on the commode's wax ring.  With only one leg to balance, falling on to it is routine.  And noisy.  Those floor bolts may be loosening.  I don't blame them!  Petite I am not!  Glad we kept the bars in mom's bathroom.

Have a good day.

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