Two days in a row to Rochester. Yesterday I had another CT scan with IV contrast that almost gave me a meltdown. I pleaded for only one stick for the IV but the first one didn’t work so it took two tries. 😢
Today Becky went with me to meet the surgeon. Surgery is scheduled for November 27, the day before Thanksgiving. I’ll have time to get all my fall work done first and then the winter to recuperate.
Becky and I ate at Red Lobster – we love seafood! Stopped in Albert Lea at a furniture store. Why doesn’t anybody make rockers like this one that I love so much I drag it from room to room?
I paid $7.00 at the thrift store several years ago and it’s my favorite chair! That’s why I drag it from one room to another. Anybody know who makes them now?
Reader photos
I know there’s a WNBA game going on right now so….
I’m outa here!
I think about you everyday Mary…I haven’t kept up lately as David has had surgery and a back injury. I’m an old nurse and know what to do but he sure got cranky at me a few times…he was sorry later tho. Is this a benign mass that they are removing? You mentioned you wouldn’t need chemo or radiation after surgery. I can’t wait for Fall to get here so we can all spend more time quilting etc… I looked for glider rockers and they have some at Wayfair that could be delivered. I know there are some out there around you, it’s just getting the word out and having someone pick it up for you. When we were rocking babies it seems like there were so many of them! Take care Mary, keep the faith and let other’s help you where they can. We all love you very much.
Arlene – no, the tumor is malignant, sorry to say but I feel perfect and they’ve told me not to worry. It’s non aggressive and could have been there for years. God will take care of this for me – the best is yet to come!
Patti – that is a wonderful project. In Sioux Falls there is the Glory house. A place for rehab after addiction, prison, etc. they are always in need of quilts and placemats, potholders, bowl cozies, etc. A group at the Presbyterian church works very hard and diligently to provide for all sorts of needs throughout Sioux Falls! I had some fabric scraps for a male so I made a quilt and donated it, it felt so good! That was only one, but 7000. These people take the quilts with them when they are able to leave the house.
Blood work….ick! My husband always tells them they have one chance! And then they find someone else. The girls at the clinic in larchwood are really good.
Mary don’t get too fast with taking out that air conditioner…you may need it again this coming week! I saw 90 in the forecast! The crops still need heat!! That’s what I tell myself!
Went to the eye doc and am set up to get cataracts removed. Age does weird stuff.
hi everyone. i want to tell you about my angel group meeting today. we had 25 members and a guest (a man involved with catholic charities which is in charge of their new ‘pathways to hope’ for which we are supplying twin size quilts. we told him that we expected the ‘clients’ to keep the quilts they choose. we would make more. we turned in 66 completed (and washed) quilts plus 38 fleece throws, 4 pillow cases, 33 place mats, 3 table runners, 10 tote bags and one throw pillow. (we have kept detailed notes since we started) before covid we never had more than 12-15 people. since then we have pulled more and more people. i am so proud of this group of women (and a few men). we have donate just shy of 7000 quilts since 1994. thanks for letting me brag. i am literally exhausted.
the placemats on the line were so inspiring. i know the recipients at meals on wheels really appreciate this act of kindness. thanks for doing this.
the last time i had a blood test at the hospital, there was a sign saying ‘do not use a butterfly, ask first.’ i had to ask. attendent said they are too expensive and people were just using them right and left. duh!!
i appreciate all the comments about my sister finally catching on to what i’m doing. i’ll be 74 next week and she and i have not lived in the same town since i was 17. funny how life works out. my daughter told me once (before she was a teenager) that we didn’t have ‘family values’ because our family did not live close. that turned in to quite the discussion. gee, dad and i were the ones who moved away from the family.
i expect to sleep well tonight. mary, i bought a glider like yours when my daughter was 3 months old, just before i had surgery. knew i wouldn’t be able to get in/out of my bentwood rocker, it was too deep.
happy quilting to all and much kindness to everyone. patti in florida
Patti – your productivity is unrivaled! Think of all the recipients who now own a homemade piece of love – and twin size quilts take much more time than a throw or a pillow. Wow, I am just amazed and you have every right to brag.
On the subject of butterfly needles , if anybody mentions cost of a needle to me I’ll return the comment with the cost of my three days in the hospital last summer that amounted to more than $100,000! I was appalled when I got the statement – of course I have Medicare and BCBS but still –
To all of you who sew for charity please know that your contribution makes a big difference. Once again – kindness matters.
I had to have a blood draw for a routine test today. The phlebotomist looked at my arm and said “I’m going to use a small needle for you.” She did and needed only one stick, easy peasy. The techs at this facility are usually good, and I’m grateful.
Mary, I’m glad to hear that you aren’t going to need radiation or chemo. That’s a blessing.
Thanks to all for sharing pictures.
I am so glad that you have a date for surgery. It’s also good new that you will not be needing chemo or radiation. And winter is a good time to be laying low.I have never had a problem with blood draws. I didn’t realize that so many people have problems with it. I’m lucky I guess. Loved your quilt today. Just beautiful. You have such a good eye for color and placement. I love the straight line quilting that you do. I LOVE to bind. I LOVE the piecing. I hate putting on borders. I am so happy that fall is near. It’s my favorite season.
Nurses in the lab can never find a vein in me. I don’t understand where they could have gone. I’ve learned to offer the butterfly needle advice, I always drink plenty of water the day before and the morning of. Still, it’s never easy. Finally the last time they used a vein in the back of my hand. Worked like a charm. I’m so glad you are finally getting dates etc for your surgery. Nothing is worse than being in limbo and not knowing. Thanks for the reminder from Linda in Michigan that someone else is in charge here. It’s so hard to turn things over and not try to power along ourselves.
Pat – they used the top of my hand, too, but one reader had to offer up
Her thumb!!!! No!!!
Good news today. Glad the Mayo Clinic has given you a date that can work with your schedule. And nice that Becky was able to go with you. So much help from everyone about the butterfly needle, the glider/rockers, and even an offer of physical help. You have the best readers. Prayers for Rita and her family.
My win this week was going to a volleyball game with my granddaughter playing varsity. The game has changed a lot since my daughter played! My daughter has to pick me up and drive me home. I can no longer drive at night. I’m grateful to have family close by.
Carolyn – I couldn’t agree more – such a great bunch of gals!!!
Pretty pictures, great conversations, as usual. Thanks you all.
My last blood draw resulted in a bruise, even though I requested the smallest needle possible for use with a child. She was in a hurry, didn’t listen: the most painful draw I’ve had since my first at seven years old. Which, by the way, made me extremely leery at the mention of a blood test for years. Hydration has helped me be better prepared and a skilled tech that listens always helps. Now, thanks to some advice today, I have embedded in my brain BUTTERFLY next time there is a need.
Mary, so glad your date is set, no chemo or radiation in the game plan and time to prepare for the recuperation period. You’ve got this!
Dale, thank you for a very succinct verse in the Psalms. It’s now on my list of Psalms favorites. I do cling to Psalm 46:10, as many of you seem to also do, reminding me to Shsh! , breathe and remember who really is in charge.
Have a productive day in something you enjoy doing.
Jan
The glider rockers are popular with new parents and grandparents. I think I’ve seen them at baby furniture stores. Also, I would guess that there’s a robust resale market from those families once the children are bigger.
Glad you’re moving forward on the health journey. Sorry about those pricks!
Appreciate the updates on your two trips to Mayo. The surgery schedule sounds like a good plan for you.
What a cute picture of Gracie; she is so beautiful!
Fall is coming; I am loving the cooler temps.
Thanks, Mary; you are inspiring to all of us . 🥰
So sorry for your multiple tries for the IV. I understand the pain and frustration as I am a “hard stick”. I have one spot on my left arm that usually works and if it doesn’t-let the torture begin! When I had my last colonoscopy, they said they couldn’t use the left arm since you lay on your left side. After 6 tries by the nurse-I said enough. The anesthesiologist came in and tried twice with no luck. She then reluctantly told me that they were going to numb my hand because the IV was going to have to go in my right thumb and it would be painful. This is the year for a follow up and am hoping that doesn’t happen again.
Debbie – YOUR THUMB????? Oh no, just no!!!
I am so happy you have a plan so you can start your recovery. I sympathize with your blood draws. There are always several tries for me. My last trip for a blood test they couldn’t find a vein. They had to take my blood from a finger stick. Luckily they didn’t need much. I apologized for not drinking enough. The tech said no amount of water would have made a difference. Love the pumpkin dolls. God be with you.
Good to hear you have a game plan with time to get everything settled beforehand.
Great quilts and dolls today, as always. I just love looking at all the goodies that are shared. One of these days I will have one of my own to share, maybe, fingers crossed!
Take care everyone,
Pat in AZ where it’s going to be 113 today. Ugh!
After any painful experience with the needle sticks here is a suggestion for you all and loved ones about blood draws. Consider asking for a butterfly needle.
It is a smaller needle approximately 23 gauge that is used on children.
Don’t think they like to use them because they are more expensive.
It might depend on the type of infusion if it can be used for IV.
Be well hydrated starting 24 hours before the draw.
My friend places a heated hot pad (like a buckwheat or rice stuffed one) during the drive up to the appointment. Over the years these practices were dismissed by professionals but my friend found it really made a difference.
I’m sure you’re glad that appointment is over with and plans are set in place. I have a rocker just like that. Paid way more than $7 (lucky you!) Mine was bought at a furniture store in the mid 90’s. It’s made by Burcham Furniture Mfg. in Florence, Al.
Mary, I love your Psalm. I remember that often when troubled. When you can completely turn everything over to God it is amazing. It first happened to me around 430 one morning walking back from the barn. Praying to the stars in the sky always made me feel so close to God. Don was dying with his failing heart at the time and I was exhausted from working, on call, taking care of the farm and running back and forth to Ann Arbor, all without eating after all you had to give up something to find time. That morning I was praying for forgiveness because someone had to die for my husband to live when I relented and told the Lord I know he had a plan and would carry me through so I turned everything over to him, what will be will be, it was his decision. I felt such a rush of peace and settling I swear the hand of God touched me. I wish that for everyone when they are troubled. I tell myself that often now and I know He will take care of us regardless of the outcome.
Linda – I’m going to print out your reply because I do feel the same way. I don’t need to worry about this – God will take care of this in the way He chooses. If that means me dying, this is my motto: THE BEST IS YET TO COME. I hope Don has a good day – if he does, you will, too.
Hi Linda,
I feel strongly there are angels here on earth. One for sure is Mary gathering us together every day to promote good thoughts and pass along much wisdom. Today your practice of findng peace inspires and settles my heart. Thank you.
Audubon Furniture Mart in Audubon Iowa has or had some of those rocking chairs when I was there last. Also, there is a second hand store called Nine Lives in Guthrie Center that had one just like yours (minus the quilt) last time I was in. I will stop down there today and see if she still has it. Hardware Hank’s in Coon Rapids Iowa used to carry them too. I haven’t been in there for a while but I will check again or maybe have my sister check when she is in town. I have one in my living room and one in the sun room and I love them both. Sure am glad I don’t have to drag them all over.
Donna – haha! Yes, dragging it from room to room is a chore but this is the only chair I want to sit in. Haha! Guthrie Center and Coon Rapids is a jaunt for me however.
Hi Mary and all you readers and supporters of this blog. I’m so glad Mary you have a date for your surgery and it allows you to get you fall chores done. I have been busy getting gardens cleaned up also. We had a large tree cut down on Aug 26th and they asked if we wanted the wood chips. Crazy questions and of course we said yes. So we got a full load of free mulch although not so free for the cost of cutting down the tree. But they did all the clean up and was so worth not the worry of it coming down on the house or someone being hurt. So all that mulch was put on the paths in the flower beds that I had already cleaned. Yeah!
On Sept 16 I have my second knee replacement so this week was busy at doctor appts. Then finish getting ready for recovery. I have been doing my pre op exercises for five weeks now.
My daughter is having her double mastectomy on Sept 26 so my daughter and her in laws will help to cover her needs for this first surgery. She is doing well. This has been a long process. Reconstruction will begin in 2 or 3 months after this.
My brother who has lung cancer had a setback with having a blood clot at the base of his brain and a stroke. He is now at a rehab center for the time being.
Love the quilts shown and the dolls. Mary I too have a glider chair similar to yours in the basement.
Sounds like we will have a few cool days here in Iowa till next week. Then warmer temps. This to shall pass.
Be still and kind everyone.
Rita, unfortunately you are a reminder that there is always people so worse off than you are. You must have great faith and a good constitution to handle everything you have on your plate. My prayers to you and your family for healing and peace. Good luck with your new knee! Seems like everyone I know – except me, thank heavens – are getting new parts!
Linda I had my other knee replace in January of 2023. They are/were bone on bone. Wanted to get them done while my health is still good and not stressing other parts of my body.
Thanks for the great thought and prayers l
Rita – oh my gosh! You do have a full plate – mine is nearly empty compared to yours and it’s a great example of “there’s always someone worse off than you”. Don’t you wish we all lived closer so we could help each other? I know I’ll need help because Rick can’t handle all of this. I haven’t even started fall clean up but yes, I have time and that will make it all much easier. Your whole family is dealing with something and I’m sorry to hear about your daughter. Good heavens, my health is a piece of cake compared to your family. Be Still, Rita.
I have two of those rockers (gliders) and absolutely love them!
I am a chair a holic. Do you think there is such a thing?
A visitor once remarked, do you ever have trouble deciding where to sit? 😂
Kathy – I think I must be, too, because I always look at chairs trying to find the perfect one. I’d like a big comfy one I could sink into if only my knees would bend to sit on my legs like I used to.
Glad things are moving at the Mayo, Mary! And good luck with the glider rockers; you don’t want to be dragging that around after surgery! So one for everywhere you like to sit, I guess?!
so glad your visits at mayo were productive. i sympathize with the ‘sticks’. when i got my stick today (at quest – a med lab) i can barely see a red spot where the needle went in. other times i had huge bruises like you had. glad to now know what your schedule is. fortunately you are not in pain or november would seem like ages away. glad becky could go with you. always good to have a second set of ears.
i had started cutting up scraps because i kept knocking them over. today i stitched the first top together, roughly 39.5 x 56. cat had to supervise so it will need to be ironed again before a photo. also need to decide if it needs a border. i kinda like it this way. odd size i know. called rectangle checkers as pieces are cut 3.5×5.5″. have more cut so may go with a rainbow theme for the next one. first one is blues/greens and a pinch of brown. actually felt productive today after doing nothing yesterday.
tomorrow is angel day so i’ll be giving away four tops with backs/bindings. already have 2 starts for october and hope to have more. should probably make a few smallish things (runners or wall hangings) in Christmas for my son and daughter. we’ll see.
it’s kinda funny. my sister has started following quilts on facebook. yesterday she sent me directions for quilt as you go hoping it would be easier for me. i had to gently remind her that i have been doing this since 1991 (quilting, teaching, professional longarming, retail store, etc.) as she had not paid attention. now that she is looking at it she is fascinated that i can do it. also funny is that i made her a king size quilt and gave it to her in 1993. glad she is finally taking an interest or has realized that we are the only two left in our immediate family.
the scarecrow quilt and dolls are adorable. i love fall and halloween. the fallish quilt is great also. may have to steal that idea. imagine my surprise when i saw my slinky staring at me from my sceeen (but it was someone else’s kitty). beautiful cat! mary, your quilt on the longarm is marvelous. do more and you can do bindings while you are recovering. ha patti in florida
Patti, that is hilarious about your sister! (But nice she is taking an interest). I know the feeling, same thing happened with my sister-in-law more or less, even though she bad been gifted quite complex quilts and things by me (its not like I have a store, or teach or anything). But she eventually got bitten by the bug and asked me to teach her the basics and is now an enthusiastic quilter herself. So who knows what may yet happen with your sister!
you are right. i don’t see her being a quilter as she never did like sewing (but of course we all had to learn in school). she’s always gotten quilted things from me. what she likes most is the pillow cases made out of fabric with chocolates on them. go figure. but she was blessed with the ‘caring’ gene and i wasn’t. stranger things have happened, glad your sister got bitten by the bug. nice to have it in the family and someone to stitch with. patti in florida
Patti – loved your newsy comment – I, too, think it’s hilarious that your sister wanted to inform you about quilt as you go. That would be like Becky telling me who hasn’t sewn a stitch in her life – haha! You are so productive – I hate cutting and I hate binding. I like planning and piecing. Too bad I don’t like appliqué because it looks like I’ll have plenty of time for it.
i, too, love pulling fabrics, cutting and piecing. love the sound of the cutter slicing through the fabric. (yes, i can be weird) i abhor borders and that is usually what stops me. patti in florida
Patti,
I’ll bet you were delighted once again that your sister is so funny. This is such a great story that what you have been doing all these years has always passed her by even with tangible evidence to the contrary. I hope that she continues to be wonderfully surprised by all aspects of stitching. She has a lot to look forward to especailly with your experience.
Bummer on the needle sticks, never fun and if you’re like a lot of us you will have a bruise and maybe a sore arm. Glad that is done and you have surgery date that works with your calendar. I know you will keep us all posted. I’m driving to Madison, Wisconsin tomorrow to attend the Great Wisconsin Quilt Show for the day. I use to go every year when we lived in Wisconsin and Illinois, but it’s been over 10 years so this will be a treat for me. Nancy Zieman started the show over 20 years ago and it’s still going strong in her memory. I recall going to her first quilt show and warehouse sale held in Beaver Dam. She was such a talented seamstress. Husband is staying home in case the landscapers need his opinion on something.
Kim – I wish I were going to that show!! I know it’s a good one but quilt shows actually just make me feel bad because it’s become all about machine quilting and I don’t want any curlicues on my quilts. And I don’t enjoy standing around looking at them in awe. How’s that for an honest comment? Ha! You have fun however and send me a couple pictures of your favorites.
Hi Mary,
Glad to hear that your treatment is finally scheduled and you can heal before the grass is growing again. I’m laughing, as my grass has been growing high all summer long since my mower wasn’t working and I was.
Try the baby stores for a rocker like yours, or perhaps the Amish furniture stores. . . . on-line.
The photos were fun and interesting today. Thank you for sharing.
San / Murphy, NC
When a med tech or nurse, needs only one stick, I tell them “You are so very good!! During a trip to ER with a broken wrist, it took 6 (six) sticks to draw blood!
You are blessed.
Phyllis – oh, good grief! When the gal put the IV in my artery instead of vein, I remember her telling me she was good at this and had been doing it for 3 years. What a joke.
So good to hear you have a plan. Your glider is really nice. I’ve only ever sat in one at a store so never had the time to enjoy one. Good luck in hunting another one for yourself. I had to reread the price a few times because I couldn’t believe it was only $7. What a deal! I’m off tomorrow to visit a friend for the weekend that lives about 4 or so hours away. I’m really looking forward to seeing her. It’s been two years, way too long, but she has had some difficulties in her life she is only just able to share now. I look forward to our visit and hope we can see each other more often.
Teresa – so nice of you to drive 4 hours to be with her. Kindness matters!
Mary, if that is a glider rocker, I saw one at Dungey furniture in Osage IA.
Blessings on you with your surgery!
Karla – OK! I may need a trip to Osage although another reader has found me several used ones already. My readers are THE BEST! Thank you.
Mary, if nothing pans out for a chair in Osage, on craigslist, on marketplace, etc , then maybe create some in-search-of flyers with a photo of your chair and circulate amongst your local church members. Someone may have one they are willing to part with or may know of someone . . . worth a try.
Janice – great idea! Today I’m going to move it from the porch to the tv room to watch the games.
Mary,
Know we are all thinking of and praying for and keeping fingers and toes crossed for you – ALWAYS. You’ve got a lot of very loyal friends who will stick by you, no matter come what may. Keep that positive attitude and your faith in Him and you will get through anything.
Take care and keep writing – even if it’s complaining or sharing your worries. We all have something to complain about and worry about but, somehow, it seems less when shared.
Mary, my dad had tough veins and they used a “butterfly “ needle on him. It was much easier.
This fall will pass quickly. Get things ready for winter recoup. Your quilt looks great.
I hope all of this passes quickly and is successful.
Teach Becky how to let us know you’re ok. We all will be worried.
Jo – maybe I can just have Becky leave a comment – she will not want to learn how to post and it’s just too complicated to try to tell somebody. I feel just great – don’t worry about me!
after years of clumsy pokes in search of my elusive veins I finally had a sensitive tech. decide to use what he called the baby butterfly and i had no bruises and the tech explained to me what I should insist on from anyone wishing to do a draw or wanted to put something into my body via vein. Baby setup or butterfly. For some reason some veins just would rather bounce about when a needle is approaching them but this alternative is successful. I have had only positive reactions and most even say thank you because they really do not like hurting their patients.
Brenda, you are absolutely right that most lab technicians are caring human beings and appreciate being told butterfly needles might work better rather than put a patient through 3 pokes. Other times they can’t be used but if one knows they can’t find a vein, they will find a tech who can. I worked in patient service labs. Drinking lots of fluids pumps up the veins for a better result and unfortunately many of us are dehydrated so veins roll making it a challenge. I’m one who now talks first to the tech as they appreciate I’m not scared – I’m a challenge to them.
Wonderful pictures today to see once again. Love your readers with their creativity and adorable pictures they share.
Prayers and faith , Mary, for your health path ahead. It’s a wait but lots to do. And find yourself another chair soon to stop dragging around old faithful. I’m one who also prefers a sturdy chair – safer for me to get in and out of.
Finally, a plan is in place! Glad things are moving along, at a pace you can tolerate.
Hard to find decent furniture in our area. You do seem to have good luck at thrift stores.
Take care, Mary, and best wishes.
I keep you in my prayers regularly! I love Chihuly glass! I’m so glad you told us what that was though because I had no idea! Kinda looks like a representation of germs! I’m sorry you had to get poked twice! That stinks! I had a glider when my son was a baby…but it looked like the mission style. I loved the look, but the glider wasn’t good quality! It scraped and made horrible noises!
Jill – it does look like germs – maybe appropriate for Mayo! Haha!!!
Hope you find another glider rocker. Here’s one close to you:
https://www.facebook.com/share/UN8NDXfErRKruMT1/?mibextid=79PoIi
Suzanne – thanks!
This looks like a fairly nice glider rocker. I wonder how far this is from Mary. I live in Colorado so I’m no help. If we were closer I know my David would load that chair up and take it to Mary…
Thanks for the update. So glad you took Becky and got to have lunch out, too! You know that we are all thinking of you!
Dale, I loved your note! Faith and friends can get us through a great deal. Keep on, keeping on!
Only wish I had that quilt to bind for you, Mary! That will be a good one to snuggle under this winter.
Sorry you had to get poked twice. Sure sounds like a long time to wait for the surgery though.
I hate waiting.
Will have positive thoughts coming your way.
Billie
Henderson, NV
I hope your surgery goes well!! I like those little gliders too. Hugs,
Consider yourself lucky as to how many ‘sticks’. My husband is at least 4 sticks. When he is finished with ‘whatever’, blood draws, contrast dyes for X-rays or some such, he looks like he has been in a war!!
I’m a ‘hard stick’ too. You can insist on special assists for IV placements such as ultrasound. Mayo is certainly capable of providing that – especially after hitting an artery! I keep you in my thoughts.
You are in my thoughts Mary. I check my email numerous times a day to see if you have found out anything. I am 74 and was diagnosed with a very invasive breast cancer when I was 71. After nearly 2 years of treatments I am still here. I really am doing well. It could have been so much worse. I give God the glory for where I am today. He was with me all the way and he will be with you also. This was my go to verse, short and easy to memorize.
Psalm 56: 3. When I am afraid I put my trust in You
Dale – oh, that’s wonderful!! So far I do not need radiation or chemo. My verse is Be Still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. In other words, quit worrying – relax. He’s got this!
I’m glad you have your Mayo visit behind you and a solid plan in place. Great that Becky could go. I always go with Mike- there is just too much to absorb for one person! Lots of great WNBA games for you to enjoy in the next weeks. I love following the Fever on Facebook, especially since they seem to block out the games- so frustrating!! 😫 I have several of the glider rockers too- have found several on Marketplace very reasonable. Perfect size for smaller women and easy to move. I am SO very glad that most of the vacationers have gone home. Back to our quiet rural life and glad of no more trash and dog poop everywhere! If you need help with yard or barn work, I’d be glad to help- I am an old farm kid. Griff would love to wrestle with Keeper too. Our boy is a big social 🦋. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!!