The.Week.Is.Over...Thank you, Lord.

This has not been a stellar week.  My procedure Tuesday went, well, okay is being nice.  My infection had healed, but my esophagus had closed up again so another stretch was necessary.  However, the worst part of the entire thing was, no sleeping, no forgetting.  I was pretty much awake and aware the WHOLE TIME.  I won't go into gory details, but the feeling of something being shoved down your throat and things being pinched off and scrapped, are not nice feelings.  Not nice, at all.  The doctors knew I hadn't been asleep last time, but they can't give me too much more of the meds, so we're just at this point.  This is going to be really fun.  (I'm crying inside and may have nightmares.)

Anyway, issues at work, frustration with my health; everything seems to be piling up again.  I'm praying for strength and right now that is about all I have to hope for.  Everything else is just...well, I don't want to swear in my blog, so we'll stop there.

So, with the work week finally over, last night I did one of my favorite things.  Tea, cereal and Pride & Prejudice on DVD.  I love Colin Firth.  I love Jennifer Ehle.  I love that miniseries.  Brilliant!  It always makes me feel better and believe in the possibility of love.  Even when it seems like love couldn't be further away.  (Wow, I'm really depressing tonight.  Sorry.) 

Today, I got out and did a little 'shopping.'  I didn't actually buy anything but had a chance to scope out some ideas.  I drove to Logan and went to the Hocking Hills Market.  Antique shops, flea market booths, and home made crafts. I saw a lot of things I could make and have some interesting ideas for Christmas.  More to come on that level soon.  :)

Then, home to re-organize my craft/sewing area.  I haven't had a really great set up and now I think I may be on to something.  I finally have all my sewing stuff in one area.  I still want to find a better sewing table/desk but it can only cost about $25 and I'd like it if it was 'antique' or at least unique.  I don't want to buy something generic.  That would be boring.  I want something that maybe is a bit worn, scarred, and made of real wood.  A girl can dream.

Well, here are some pictures from earlier this week and today.  Nothing too exciting.  But, enjoy anyway if you so choose.  Have a great Sunday and start to a NEW & IMPROVED week ahead!

Fungus in my front yard.  You must know by now how I feel about that, right?

Up close and personal.  Am I the only one who thinks it is beautiful?

Underside.  I'm so happy to have fungus actively growing.  It is all on the stump of a tree that was taken down last summer right in the front yard!

The 3 earlier shots were taken on Wednesday.  This shot was taken today.  Isn't it so cool how it has changed in the last several days?  I'll keep monitoring the situation and be sure to update if anything new and interesting develops.  (Not that YOU care, I do.)

The tree line between my house and the neighbor's.  These trees are so beautiful.  This was taken Wednesday.  After the wind and rain yesterday and today, there are many leaves left.  Sad.

Another tree changing color in my front yard.  This tree changes in a much more subtle way, but I like it.

My new sewing set up.  I brought the card table in to the 'study' to sit beside my sewing table.  Now I don't have to sit on the floor to do my cuttings.  I have a table bit enough for my cutting mat, yeah!  (The card table was previously in the breakfast nook, but was very rarely used.

Finally, the ribbon I wore in my hair today.  Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger on a ribbon.  I love it.  Tomorrow I think I'm going to make some fabric and/or ribbon headbands.  Yippee! 

Crafting Weekend

I've had quite a weekend.  I meant to get more done and be really productive, but that hasn't happened.  No, that's not true.  I've been productive, just with fun things!

Below are a few photos of some crafty things I've been working on this weekend.  Enjoy!

My newest embroidery work.  I really love this sunflower and the pattern around it.  I'm thinking I'll work the design into a purse or tote.

This is all I got done on the pattern this weekend, but I should have time to work on it this week...

My needle book.  Made of felt and I love the colors.  But my button hole is awful and the rest of my sewing was substandard.  Don't know what was going on there.

The back of my needle book.  My good embroidery needles are in here and this is perfect for work on the go!

Interior of the book. I really like the pink and green together.

My new purse!  I have downsized in a MAJOR way.  I no longer want to lug around a huge purse and this new one was a pattern I came up with this afternoon.  I Love It!  I've been walking around the house with it on!

The back.  I really like these fabrics.  They came in a bundle and are from a Moda fabric line.

My new handle design.  I've had the D rings and have wanted to use them.  It was actually really easy and I like the effect and flexibility.

Interior.  Coordinating fabric and lots of pockets.  They are all big enough for my Blackberry and camera.  I also boxed the bottom so it has a little more width.  I'm going to try it out for a few days and then maybe start another one that I'll make a tutorial with.

On another note.  I had hesitated saying anything, but just in case.  I'm having my next EGD this coming Tuesday.  (Its only been 5 weeks since my last one!)  But, I've been having a lot of problems and have an infection that won't seem to go away.  I have been told by my primary doctor to prepare that if the infection is still there and not getting any better, I may have to stay for a few days at OSU.  Its really not a big deal. Just that the next stage of medications have to be done in IV form and I'll have to be at the Medical Center for 2-3 days to be monitored.  I'm anxious to do it, as the pain is bad and I would like a few days away from everything!  I really want to get better and am excited to be 'waited' on for once!  I've been prepping lots of embroidery projects and things to take with me.  Two to three days of sewing, TV, reading and just 'laying around'.  I'm kind of starting to think of this as a possible vacation! 

Anyway, just thought I'd give my friends and family a heads-up.  Its no big deal.  My parents are coming with me to the EGD and will help me get settled in IF I have to stay.  There is a chance I won't have to but, like I said just in case!

Have a great week everyone!

Day 6: Dream a little dream of...

Today's writing is about what I dreamed last night.  Unfortunately I didn't get much sleep last night and don't recall any dreams.  Instead I'll tell you about what happened when I was 'out' for my procedure today.  I'm wishing it was a dream, but...

Today I had a procedure that is becoming quite routine for me.  However, as all things medical go, I've never had a 'routine' experience.  Somehow there is always something different or 'off' each time that makes each experience unique.  (How I wish this wasn't so!)  Today something happened during my procedure that does not normally happen and I pray never happens again.  I didn't get to speak to my surgeon after the procedure (he's the chief of surgery and often has to skip out right afterwards.)  I spoke with one of his residents but decided to wait to speak with Dr. Melvin about this at my follow up in a couple weeks.

So things started out normally.  Hooked up to my IV, tons of routine questions, into the procedure room and start to get ready.  The nurse got me all set, the doctors came in and things were ready to go.  They put this lovely bite/tube in your mouth, shoot you up with a lovely combination of medications and soon you feel a bit drowsy and fall into a 'dream like sleep.'  Usually you are pretty much out and don't know what's going on and/or feel anything.  On one prior occasion I had had several procedures with anesthesia in a few weeks and I had built up a tolerance.  I was 'numb' to what was happening but stayed pretty much awake throughout the process.  I thought it was kind of cool to hear what the docs were saying and see a little bit of what was the camera saw on the monitor. 

This time, however, I was 'asleep' but at the end of my procedure something happened.  I 'woke up' and could feel everything but wasn't able to open my eyes and (obviously since I had a tube down my throat) to speak.  I felt the tube in my throat, I heard what the doctors were talking about (the infection in my esophagus), and to my horror, felt when he took a biopsy.  The pinch and stab was not pleasant.

At some point they must have either given me more medication or I just fell back under because the next thing I remember was being back in one of the rooms.  When I woke up the memory of the experience was fresh and frankly I was a bit upset and frazzled.  I mentioned to the nurse when I was finally really awake that I experienced quite a bit of the procedure and she was a bit horrified herself.  I didn't go into detail and as I said didn't get to speak directly with MY surgeon, but rest assured this will be something we talk about at my visit and hopefully we can avoid having this happen again.  Honestly, its still kinda freaking me out and I don't want to talk about it any more.  I have a feeling I know what I'm going to dream about tonight and I don't think its going to be pleasant!

Not a bad day. That's good.

So, today I had my 5th EGD.  (For those of you not familiar with gastrointestinal medicine, an EGD is a scope that is placed down your esophagus to see your esophagus and stomach.)  And I found out this will not be my last.  Not by a long shot.  I'm a bit depressed about that but, I have a great doctor (Dr. Melvin at OSU is the best!) and I know he's doing what is best and keeping me capable of eating.  (Yeah, I suppose that's a good thing.)  Because of my condition I will now be getting an EGD with a balloon inserted to expand my esophagus every 6-8 (maybe/hopefully a bit longer between) weeks.  I'm shocked with that but, as one of the residents explained, the EGDs are easier than a major surgery. But, that may in the future be a reality to fix the problem on a permanent basis.

Anyway, I'm back at my parent's house now relaxing and recuperating. I'm feeling okay, not too much pain and hope to be on my way home tomorrow.  This procedure so far seems to have caused less irritation than the lat one. Since I am not 'supposed' to drive or make an major decisions for the rest of the day (stupid anesthesia) my photos for the day will be ones taken around my parent's home.  Particularly, the garden that my father has created in the front yard.

Enjoy!!

Home.  No matter where I go, how old I am; this will always be home.

My parent's spectacular garden.  My Dad has done an incredible job creating this garden.  Its amazing to think that this garden sits on the former site of our house. 

Bella's Angel.  Miss you baby.

Taylor's Angel.  Miss you baby.

A lily.  I had a different shot that is a more head-on, clear version; but I really liked this one.

Grapes growing on the vine over the arch at the entry to the garden.

Trumpet Vine and a wasp.

Some of my Dad's awesome handiwork.  He can paint and craft a lot of cool stuff.  (And weld).

A large dog.  Yup, that's Duke.  My favorite puppy.

Green beans growing in the garden.  (Alongside some lettuce I'll be taking home with me.)

Beautiful lily.

Dad's gazing ball.  Can you see me?

A natural flower arrangement.

Antique gardening equipment.  And beautiful hostas.

The garden entrance.

My absolute favorite picture.  My hydrangea looks awesome and you can actually see small threads of spider webs in the shot.  So cool.

More pretty flowers.  This is the hanging basket on the back deck.  Not actually in the garden.

I think small people must work here.

Some of my grandpa's whirly gigs.  Can't believe he's been gone for over 15 years.  I miss him like it was yesterday.

Wow!!  That is a lot of photos.  Hope you liked them.  Leave a comment if you'd like to, I'd love to hear from my readers!