I slept pretty good last night …. with a two hour wide awake intermission when I turned on my tv and Hazel and I snuggled until we fell asleep again.
Lots of television today – games. Did anybody see Iowa’s clutch win tonight? Beating Nebraska 13-10! Tomorrow we’ll watch Iowa State.
Does everybody know what these initials stand for? MOA
This was me this afternoon.
Then I added Hazel.
Quilt is Bonnie Hunter’s Bitcoin
Nikki, a reader and retired surgical nurse, called me and told me to contact the anesthesiologist’s office about my tooth – it probably got chipped in surgery. I’ll be doing that on Monday.
Reader photos
Lori remade her dark quilt in mediums and lights with a super striped binding!
Okay, here’s the question I want to ask all of you:
Is sitting at my sewing machine too strenuous a post surgery activity? I can’t understand how it could be but before you all scold me, I decided it would just be prudent to ask. Hahahaha!!!!!!
I really can’t stand to watch tv all day – here are my faithful companions who look equally bored.
Remember the rule of thumb. A week of recovery for every day in the hospital. You endurance will improve but listen to your body andDON’T OVERDO IT You will pay later.
I sure the gang is just happy you are home Love the dress and the shawl tops it off.
Hand work is the best right now but set a timer on your phone to get up and move every hour, with me my bladder keeps a regular schedule so I am good. If you go to your sewing machine you won’t limit your time you know you will say. “Oh let me finish this. “ AND YHEN “well I can do one more”. Hand work. Feet up and move every hour.
It is really good that you are home.
Mary,
As everyone else has said, try sewing in 10-15 minute segments. No rotary cutting as I think that would put too much pressure on your abdomen. I think you should stay inside! Like Michigan, Iowa is cold now!!
My chickens had a hard time coming out of the coop when we had snow yesterday morning. Usually I open the nesting box cover/door and they start jumping out before I even get around to the front of the coop to open the main door. With the snow, they stayed on the edge of the coop and just sat there for several minutes. When I shook the food container, it convinced them to start coming out! I laid down a covering on the ground so they didn’t get their feet in the snow! They are spoiled but I love them!!
Michigan had an unbelievable win over OSU today. I’m still in shock from that game.
Take care everyone! 🌻
Sunflower – I read this to Rick so he’d know I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed spoiling her chickens!!! Thanks for the backup – haha!!
In Minnesota “MOA” would mean Mall of America
which is a zoo from now until Christmas I’m sure. Stay away anyone who dislikes crowds
For the first five days do you have any hand work available? Take a muslin square and a print and just sew them together? Please get up and take a few steps every hour. After a hysterectomy I took eight steps every half hour or so. Had to work hard on resting. Just depends on the energy level. I don’t recall taking more than one painkiller thank goodness. No driving for six weeks. I was surprised that such an odd thing would strain one’s innards. Be mindful.
Hello Mary again 😂. I’m happy to hear Fluffybun in back. And yes your body would go into shock if you stepped outside this morning! Yikes! But, by Thursday it’s going to be 41*! Just look forward to that!
Hi Mary,
You and the pups look cozy. As much as I would like to agree with you about sewing and sitting at the machine (one of my most favorite activities), my husband who is a doctor says, “Yes, it’s too much. Don’t do it just yet. You don’t want to put in extra pressure on your stitches and innards (innards, that’s doc talk. Ha, ha!). He say’s give it a few more days. Lying down watching TV and/or reading is just the ticket.
We sat up late last night watching Georgia Tech and Georgia play. Oh My! The went into 8 sudden deaths, before Georgia won. We were rooting for GT. All the guys were so pooped but played their hearts out.
Have another wonderful day in your cozy spot and let everyone treat you like the Queen you are!
Love you, Susy
I went downstairs to sew for a while the second week following my back surgery. Going up and down the stairs, Jay helped me just in case I would fall, but it was really good to just down to mess with my stuff! I didn’t spend hours down there but enough to satisfy!
The kids left for Michigan this morning at 2:30 a.m. they called at 9:20 a.m. they had just finished having breakfast at the Worlds Largest Truckstop on I80. The kids love to have food there because they can each go to their favorite fast food! We like to go to the Machine-shed in Davenport and sit and relax for a bit. They have a nice salad bar. When you sit in a car for a day, you really don’t need anything heavy. Salad is enough.
WE slept in until 9:20 a.m. I guess the kids wore us out 😂😂
I checked for your blog first! So happy to see a positive update with your ur smiley slippers and the dogs! Have a good day!
Joy – and FluffyBun is back!!!!
I agree with Brenda in Georgia, Keeper has an angel on his chest! That is so sweet! I’m glad you’re getting sleep even if it is broken up with periods of awakeness. As someone mentioned, our bodies heal during sleep. So smart of you to have something cut out and ready to sew. I hope you can keep your sewing time down so as not to aggravate your incision. I can’t believe it’s so cold out there in Iowa! It’s pretty cold here, 26 overnight and 37 right now at 11:34 am. We are to reach a high of 40 today. Brrrrr….. I’m working on some wool applique in between making houses for the tiny house quilt. Today I’m going to do some of the trees that go along with the houses. I’m having fun with that project. Take care, Jan in MA
Glad you are improving slowly. Good advice from everyone.
We had our Christmas last night with the family. The kids and grands gave us a family trip to Duluth to stay together in a cabin on a lake that sleeps 26. We will almost fill it! Should be fun!
Heard it was cold in MN. too. In Ohio it was 18 this morning. They think it is cold! In Rochester it was -18. Guess we are enjoying a heat wave compared to home.
Try some different activities today so you aren’t bored. Just don’t do things for a long period of time. Have a nice day !
Hi Mary, So glad you are home and being as comfortable as possible. I would suggest hand sewing, knitting or a puzzle. I would think walking will strengthen the muscles but the twisting could cause aggravation when sewing at the machine. Did your Dr. give you any suggestions as to what you can expect as you heal? Just be careful and don’t overdo. I know for you this sounds so boring 🥱. Well to change the subject , we did watch the Hawkeye game last night. I couldn’t really get into the game. It seemed like the plays took forever and then at the very last it was the kick that saved the game. It was too cold and noisy for me and I was sure glad to be sitting in my chair at home in front of the tv. We will watch football again today. Be still an be well.
Mary, Just take it easy as you don’t want anything to go wrong. You are doing so good right now.. Just keep watching the games on tv. I can see it gets boring but…. Take care now. You are coming along
very well.
Thanks for the peak into your recovery life. Ah, the pleasure of snuggling with a furry loved one! Those two are so beautiful! Does Keeper have an angel on his chest? I would not be surprised. I loved all the photos of the great quilts, and especially loved the turkey! And that turkey with all the veggies is amazing. I am assuming one would need a turkey platter to do that. I am sure you will take all the good advice and improve a little every day. So happy you are home!
I hope fluffybun shows up. So nice to see keeper and hazel happy faces. Take it easy, bored is good when you are recovering. So many wonderful pictures today. The wind has been brutal the past few days and cold, and yes, we got some snow with it all. Our town has a Christmas parade on Sunday night, hope the weather calms downs so I feel like going.
Mary, what did your discharge instructions say about activity? Sitting @ a machine will use some of those abdominal muscles so maybe try 30 minutes and see how it goes. Recovery can get boring!
Love that quilt.
Mary H – when I asked Rick if he thought it would be ok if I sewed he said, yes, as long as you’re not lifting the sewing machine! Hahahaha!!!!!!
How’s Ada? What does she want for Christmas?
Re: that last photo…they’re just glad mom’s home!! LOL Glad to hear everything’s going good!
Mary, TIE (take it easy) like everyone had said. I also suggest going outside for a very short time. I’ve found that going outside for a few minutes helps my body to “wakeup.” Readers have given you several ideas. But, whatever you do, do it in moderation. You are in my prayers.
Martha – my body would wake up pretty fast this morning – it’s about 10 below
Here’s hoping you listen to the advice of your friends. We’re all rooting for you. Just go slow and take it easy. The sun is shining here this morning and that always perks me up!
Set a timer on your phone. Sew for that amount of time then get up & walk away. Amazingly 15 minutes can be productive. Increase 5 minutes every few days or decrease if too much. It is difficult to just sit and ‘veg’ in front of tv when you don’t do it.
Words with Friends 2 is a good game to play with someone. It’s free and if you like Scrabble, it’s easy. Just download it and invite someone to play with you. You’ve been getting lots of advice, so I won’t reiterate. just know that lots of us have been waiting each day to hear how you are doing. Keep plugging!
Agree with Susan K
Short periods of activity.
Every day it will be a little better.
Waiting to hear the nurse story.
So glad you are home with your buddies (and hubby). As for the sewing machine, no different han sitting at a table to eat. The key is listen to your body. If you are uncomfortable, obviously stop. If not causing discomfort, go for it. Just don’t’ sit for prolonged periods. Get up and stretch, walk about for blood clot prevention. Healing is a slow process and I’m sure it seems like an eternity but it sounds like you are doing so well.
Hi Mary! So glad you are home and recuperating! You’ll be able to recover much faster there within familiar surroundings and your fur babies. Try reading a book and maybe some hand work, maybe a small puzzle? Don’t overdue it and strain yourself in any way. Just rest and take it slow. We’re all here supporting you !
Love the picture of you with your quilt and Hazel on your lap. You should be able to sit at your machine for short periods of time. It would be good for you!
Both dogs understand you are under the weather and are waiting patiently for you to let them know you feel better. In the meantime, they are on watch to make sure you are good. Talk about loyalty.
Yes, moa is Mall of America in Bloomington MN. They had it on the news about opening right after Thanksgiving. What a madhouse. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why you would want to be overrun by a crowd just wanting to spend money. Being the party-pooper I am, I stayed home – like always.
It’s going to be a cold week for a lot of us so stay in and stay warm.
Happy to hear you are getting some sleep and eating. My 2 cents on the sewing machine — as someone else said, 10-15 minutes; Start slow and then wait a day or two and add a few more minutes. It will be good for you to sit up but don’t stretch that suture line. Moderation is the key or you’ll have set backs which we don’t want.
Oh Mary what good news. If you rest and treat yourself right each day will bring you closer to full recovery. Sitting at your machine for short periods of time will be good for both your mind and your body. Short periods of time remember.
Yes your tooth most likely got chipped during intubation. You must let them know. They are responsible for the repair of that tooth. Also you should let administration aware of your poor nursing claims. Not as a way to punish people but to educate and make aware. You do not want others that follow to receive the same treatment.
Hi Mary, good you are checking before doing anything! You don’t want to do any damage to the surgery! Just had 2 hour nap in front of tv, didn’t realize Christmas lunch at quilt guild would be so exhausting! Tomorrow is the high tea to celebrate my birthday 🎂 (on Tuesday),woohoo!
Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
the challenge with beginning something too soon, is that ambition takes over and we overdo. Result is having to recuperate from overdoing AND the healing process gets slowed down.
it is good to hear your slow-gut issue is improving.
Glad you had a fairly good sleep last night. I think sewing would be fine, just try for 10 minutes and then have a break. I’m getting things cut out to be able to sew, I hope, after knee surgery.
Teresa – I did think ahead and cut something out
I’m about to layer a queen size quilt. I feel if it’s ready then I can’t quilt it when I can. I have a sweet 16 which is a sit down mid arm so even if my hubby helps me get the area set up and I just quilt across one row at a time it will be a start. I have two queen quilts to quilt but the other one has a pieced backing that I haven’t even begun to put together yet. Other things are more important – Like my microwave bowl holders. Best of luck with your recovery. We will chat after my surgery. Any good tips for me for recovery?
Teresa – I made a list of some things to take with if you’re going to the hospital – I will post it tonight. Things like toothpicks – so simple and I needed one so bad but there were none at the nurses desk.
So happy you are home and can continue to heal in peace. I hope Fluffy Bun shows up when she can hear your voice and feel more secure. Please tell Rick and Becky, Sam and all the folks who are ready to help how grateful your readers are for their help…and remember to ask for it! Enough advice, right? Prayers continue. Kris
Found these definitions on the internet…
Simple MOA
Used for agreements between parties.
Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) are formal documents outlining a bilateral agreement between parties, detailing the terms and responsibilities to which both sides have agreed. MOAs are versatile and can be used in various contexts, including business, education, government, and non-profit sectors.
MOA in firearms: Minute of Angle – Used to determine the drop of a bullet from Point A to Point B over a given distance. Lots of technical info involved, scopes, sites, range, etc.
Huh! Mall of America…and I just listened to one of their staff explaining how the layout and special features affect shopping behavior (on NPR). Unless you are taking up competition shooting or contract law, I guess that makes the most sense.
Also–Thank you for taking time to post all the pix. So many good ideas. Keeper and Hazel can finally relax! Kris
I think Hazel and Keeper look totally content … “Mom’s home!!!” Do you play games on your iPad or phone? I can waste hour after hour playing solitaire or other games. It’s how I procrastinate to keep me out of my sewing room when something isn’t going just as I planned, lol! I just spent several hours scrambling around on the floor, pin-basting a quilt (and yes, I’m too old for that sh..!). When I was pinning the last edge, I realized the backing wasn’t quite long enough … grrr! I’ll find a way to ‘fudge’ it, but tonight I’m playing solitaire! Enjoy a lazy weekend, then maybe try some sewing next week.
So glad you’re home, you will heal faster there if you don’t do too much!
MOA. Mall of America, some already said that I think.
You are still in my prayers. Stay warm, it is SO cold out there.
I know recovery is very boring but trust me, if you do too much too early you will regret it. I did and I was in tears the next day. I thought I was up to doing more than I really was. It’s good to walk around every so often, though. Reading got me through. Reading and lots of TV! I’m so happy you’re home with your dogs. They look happy to have you back, too. Hang in there!
forgot to mention that i liked all the quilts and of course, seeing hazel and keeper. my bitcoin from bonnie hunter is in long strips in a drawer waiting to be finished. ah well, sometime. patti in florida who thinks she should stop soon and make another flannel quilt. i love them so much.
Mary,
So glad you are home and restless. Sewing is okay but cutting and ironing is not. Nor is any stretching advised, such as reaching more than a few inches or twisting your torso.
As for MOA – it is commonly used when talking about the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN.
Take care and keep getting stronger.
i would strongly suggest sitting behind your sewing machine. i wouldn’t advise pulling new fabric and cutting for a new quilt. sewing one piece of fabric to another is great for your soul and your mood. if you already have something going, great! if you have to get up and move, make sure to go slow. because of my health issues, i have taught myself to cut and press sitting down. ironing board behind my chair – all i do is turn around. i do have to bend over to plug in iron and unplug at end.
sewing is great for your psyche. you know this. as long as you don’t sit there for 8 hours and do nothing else, you are fine. yeah, just call me doc patti – they used to call me ‘dial 1-800-ask-patti. i salute you for asking us first. i don’t think i would have thought of that. i’ve had a couple weeks of not feeling great and not being able to figure it out. have not stitched at all for 2.5 days and i am sewing tomorrow. have to set aside the red/green star quilt and work on the angel challenge to make sure it is ready to turn in next friday. i am so much slower than i used to be. don’t understand why i can’t go in there and sew all day and be done in a day.
today we had our thanksgiving dinner which i was too ill to eat on thursday. it tasted just as good today and i was even able to make gravy. why gravy is an issue, i don’t know. if my mother is in the room, i can do it. if not, all bets are off. she must have been here in spirit because it came out great. except for enough roast beef for one or two sandwiches, all food was eaten. and there is enough beef broth (from slow cooker) to make gravy again. yeah.
so glad you are home and feeling human again. hugs, patti in florida
I was sewing after my second back surgery. Short times of sitting. No cutting – I had scraps already cut to size. No twisting or lifting. Had to sew for my sanity! I know you feel the same.
Take it easy. Lots of naps if you can as the body heals as you sleep. Sitting and watching tv is boring for sure!