We’ve had a huge limb over the top of our roof facing north and the day would come when it would crash through the roof or something equally as bad so today was the day to get it down – Malek Tree Service to the rescue. Yes, the same guy who got Greta out of the tree last summer!
I had Mollie here and couldn’t take a chance on letting the dogs outside with the gates open and all the equipment so I didn’t get good pictures.
I’ll take some tomorrow of the aftermath. Very scary!
Someone asked about my geraniums along the sidewalk – they’re not doing too bad but could use some sun and warm weather. We all could.
I will definitely do this again next year because I have enjoyed them so much – I clean them up every day and fertilize every time I water.
I drug this old chair out of the quilt shop and before I could get it in the house, Millie claimed it. It’s so homely but so comfortable. If only I knew someone who could reupholster it.
Everybody asks how I feel – I feel ok, just not much energy – very discouraged and disgusted and on edge because I wonder and worry about what will happen. I know worrying does no good but…..how can I not?
I need a new quilt project!
Do you have more direct sunlight on your house now that the big tree limb has been taken care of?
Cindy – don’t know why I cant send a reply to you – it has disappeared 3 times. I’ll try just this much
Cindy – not really because there’s only 3 small windows on the north. There are 24 windows on the south – Iowa climate, you know.
I, too, like the geraniums. We got a different variety of geranium this year with smaller leaves. It is doing well, as long as we remember to water it. A new quilt project sounds like a good idea. Do you find playing the piano calming? I do, and find it’s a good way to let up on the worries.
Oh Mary, I am pretty sure I could win the worry contest. I sure do understand the waiting and wondering. I try the breathing technique but it only helps for a bit.
I think and I’m no doctor or nurse that when you were bleeding and lost blood volume your hematocrit went down. That may explain some of your fatigue. I pray you can relax a little.
I really love your geraniums too. I’m surprised they look so good considering how cool and rainy your summer has been. I don’t know what gets into my potted plants. The leaves all have munch holes. I don’t see what insect is chomping away. My impatience, coleus, begonias all affected.
Very smart to take care of that limb. I can’t remember if you had the entire tree taken down. My son who has had experience climbing trees and taking down trees rented a cherry picker to take care of a tree that fell during a rainstorm several months ago. It had totally uprooted and then was caught by a crotch of a mulberry tree. It was quite a challenge figuring out just where to cut it so it dropped where he wanted it to keep any other damage to a minimum. I was scared to death watching the whole thing but he got it down safely. So he’s still at it. We have many old trees, dead trees and dead branches. It’s hard because the shade of the trees has determined the plants that survive the shade and now it’s way too sunny for some of them.
It’s so nice you get to share time with your sister for birthdays and other events. I’m envious as my sisters live in Texas and I haven’t seen them in quite a bit.
I’m having post Olympic withdrawal. I really did enjoy it all.
Mary, praying for peace for you, and all who worry.
Pat in Md
The tree trimmers were great entertainment for Keeper and Molly. Just like little kids—fascinated by big, heavy equipment. I loved seeing beautiful Millie enjoying the green chair.
I am sorry you are tired, Mary. I hope the fur babies leave an empty chair on the porch, so you can enjoy a nap, too. Keeping you in my prayers. 🥰
Jeanie – sadly it’s too cold to be on the porch- what a terrible summer!
Oh no, Mary. This has been a terrible summer for you; next summer will be much better.
We are out in our camper, and it started gently raining around midnight. About 7A, it just poured for an hour. I am grateful for the rain.
Thanks for the picture! Go in your porch and wear a sweatshirt and a blanket so you can enjoy it! The dogs and kitties will follow! We did get some rain overnight and it was welcome! It’s kind of a humid warmish feeling.
I didn’t accomplish a blitsten thing today. I had a hair trim and coffee with a friend this afternoon! Bingo! That’s it!
Mary what is a potato chip quilt???
We hardly had enough rain to settle the dust. But maybe that is a good thing. I don’t want hail and toradoes
Joy – each piece is 2-1/2 x 4-1/2 – I made one block to try it – I’ll send a picture to your email
This is my first time responding to your site even though I on it several times.
I am writing about that I have been having cancer Rx’s at Mayo for breast cancer and I just had my 1st chemo Rx this past tues. I too want worried and about getting sick from the Rx, but I was given drugs before and after Rx and today, plus I have a couple of prescription on hand to take if I get sick after this med wears off to try. If not numbers to call for help. Been eating fine. As a matter of fact, they told me to go out and eat and while the they offered lots of snacks and different drinks during Rx. And they keep such a close watch over you.
Hope this help relieve some your worry and anxiety.
Doris – are you being seen at Mayo in Rochester? Thank you for your note. Yes, I am worried – of course. Who wouldn’t be? Sounds like you’re in good hands – for me the waiting is hard. I hope you continue to read the blog and let me know how you’re doing. Who knows, I might meet up with you at Mayo!
Your geraniums are so pretty hanging along the curved walk. Great idea!
Trying to find an upholsterer is like hens’ teeth anymore. I even tried to find a class to learn how to do it myself, but no joy there, either.
Your geraniums do look great! I guess I should have fertilized mine when I watered them. We had .1″ of rain this morning, but it was a very gentle rain so it all soaked in.
We each had a dermatology appointment this morning, and got good reports, so thankful for that. It has been a busy week for me so I haven’t gotten much sewing done. I started cutting out rectangles from men’s shirts for the potato chip block. I’ve made them before, but never from men’s shirts. I think someone on here sent a picture of one, and I loved it, so decided to do one as well. I am going to use it as a leader/ender tho, so probably won’t grow as fast.
Enjoyed all the pictures again today. Always happy when I see an email from you!
Jeanine – I think I should start a potato chip project, too – but I hate all the cutting. It’s a very rainy afternoon here so maybe I should start
Praying helps me with worry. I know it is hard to wait for treatment, but all that blood needs to reabsorb before they can do surgery. This is your chance to enjoy summer.
Sounds like you and Rick have been busy getting things done. You have a gift for that.
In GA there are lots of huge pine trees. My boyfriend has spent over $3,000 in the past year having dead trees taken down. The trees died because of a beetle infestation and if the tree is dead and falls on your house, the insurance company will not pay for the damages. Doing what you did will save you a lot of grief.
It seems that any deaths that occur in storms in this area are because a tree fell on a house.
Wish someone could tell you how “not to worry” and it works. If you get any suggestions and they work, please share. Do take care of yourself.
It’s good you have a tree trimmer available.
Love the chair Millie claimed. Red checks sound like just the right thing.
Took down balloon drapes to wash. Don’t seem to have enough cord to put them back up. The ladies at JoAnna fabrics didn’t know what I was talking about. But recommended Amazon.Hopefully what arrives tomorrow will be just what I need. It’s on a spool. Can’t remember where I found the original cord!!!I
I bought red geraniums for my sidewalk this year. Yours are lovely!
Praying for you and your readers.
Carolyn – don’t you hate “jobs” like that cord??? Joann’s is on my list, too, for some panels to quilt for some kids I know and like.
Your geraniums are beautiful! Also the hydrangeas! I tried growing hydrangeas here but didn’t have any luck. I am thinking of you & hoping for good outcomes. I do think you need a new quilt project to work on. Not finishing up an old one, you need to start something new!! Starting something new takes more thinking, & more concentration, so it helps to get your mind off other things!
Debra – good advice – a new project it is!
Mary Whenever you start worrying, say a prayer and that will help you to move on. Sending love and blessings!
The geraniums are beautiful! I love how the dogs are supervising the tree trimming.
When I saw Millie, I thought our neighbors cat moved to Iowa. Did you know tree trimmers pay the highest rates of anyone because it’s so dangerous. They charge a lot for their work but that’s why. My husband used to have a machine to chip they stumps after the tree was down. Also dangerous with all the chips flying.
Lately, I have been paper piecing a log cabin quilt for my granddaughter when I couldn’t find the paper tablet. I have been tearing the place apart for about 3 weeks. I’ll have to go to the store to restock. In the meantime, I have been making s-n-s blocks. Life goes on.
Janet – ok, I give up! What’s an sns block?
Social networking??
sns = square in a square
Did you know that tree trimmers pay the highest insurance rates there is because it is so dangerous. My husband used to have a machine that chipped out the stumps – also dangerous with the chips flying. I was paper piecing a log cabin quilt for my granddaughter when all of a sudden I couldn’t fine the tablet with the papers in it. I’ve been tearing the place apart for about 3 weeks. Now I’ve started making s-n-s blocks until I can get to the store. Life goes on and I will have two quilts.
I’m thinking of you Mary, and praying for the best outcome for you. And for peace in your spirit. I grew up with a wing back chair and inherited it when I got my own place. It was a great chair!
Beautiful cake decorating! A skill I don’t have at all.
Your chair is the only type I can get out of safely. Neither of us are recliner people so we like our wooden chairs with sturdy sides. It’s worth finding an upholstery person and a road trip to get it to them as you’ll use it for years.
Kathy – it was a thrift store find for $7 and I have such trouble finding chairs that aren’t too deep. It’s worth pursuing – a reader already sent me the name of an upholsterer 20 min from me!
When we bought our 2 wooden chairs from an Amish store they were each close to $400 a piece but they are comfortable to sit in, read or watch a little tv. None of us are sitters for long so it’s worth getting your bargain fixed up for your enjoyment. Glad someone gave you a name. Pick a happy piece of fabric that you’ll smile each time you see it….who cares about conventional at our age!
I love your geraniums winding up your walkway. What a welcoming sight. I have a similar pink/white geranium that I would like to bring in over the winter and see if I can keep it alive until next spring.
I’m glad JB is getting some relief for his irritated eye. Millie looks so pretty on your chair. What about Fluffy buns? Is she still behaving?
Yes, it is good to have the branch overhanging your house out of the way before the weather changes.
I hope you receive info soon from Mayo. Yes, the waiting is very hard. It is time for a new quilt project.
Pat – FluffyBun has become almost friendly! Even comes into the kitchen sometimes and nobody freaks out – she is very elusive however – I believe she spent the night outside because I couldn’t find her last night. She has even started using the cat door into the mud room! If she becomes a sweet housecat she will be my biggest triumph! Haha!!!! She’s been here since Feb 2023
I always love seeing pretty Millie. Do you have an Amish community? Ours has an upholsterer. Rain—I believe that is a 4 letter word that seems to have quit visiting our area. Our grass has been sad for weeks. It is usually just August, but it started in July. I love those Geraniums down your walk. How about a 3 Yard Quilt? They can be any size, are quick and easy, and you have fabric, I think!😀. Busy, busy, busy here so I have been reading the posts, but not replying. I hope you and Mayo get a plan SOON! It is hard not knowing. Good luck.
Diane – no, we’re quite far from any of the Amish communities.
I’ve just got back home from my Iowa trip to Osage and it was such fun being with friends and making new ones. It was so good to get away for a few days to be around kind, friendly people with similar interests. The weather while I was there was just perfect – high of 75, low of 50, and sunshine. We had the windows open in the retreat center and let the breeze and ceiling fans keep it comfortable. Sorry its turned off cool and rainy now, Mary. We have a rainy week here in MO, but its hot and muggy. And my poor dog is scared of the thunder.
Barbara – Hazel is so afraid of thunder, too. I can’t enjoy a good old thunderstorm on the porch because she’s clinging to me.
I love your geraniums and the hydrangea tree. I saw those hydrangeas in Amish country in Ohio but never knew the name. I have never seen them here. It is supposed to be nice here this week….in the 70s. I need to cut all the dead flowers off of my plants. I did get the roses dead headed and some plants in my front yard but have many more to do. I’d rather be quilting!
Hang in there Mary! Time to start a new quilting project.
Mary, your geraniums are beautiful along the rail. I wish ours looked half that good. We planted geraniums in the flower beds along the front of the porch and even the sprinklers could not seem to get enough water on them. That and the hot Colo. Sun were bad enough, but the quarter sized hail of two weeks ago took all of the leaves and blooms from the plants. They are starting to get a few leaves back on the remaining stalks, but they have been a disaster. The hanging plants have not faired well either. Too dry and too hot this summer. I have a Queen Anne chair very similar to the one your kitty is claiming. I had it reupholstered just prior to moving to Co. It was always my quilting and sewing chair, very comfortable. Surely there is an upholsterer in Garner or thereabouts. It took me about a year to decide on the fabric for it, and when the chair was upholstered and returned to our home, I decided to use the same eggplant colored fabric on an overstuffed winged back chair and footstool. Love them all. Can you tell that I am old fashioned. These modern young people wouldn’t hear of having a wing back chair in their house. Heaven forbid.
When is your next appt at Mayo? Will Hank’s Mom go with you next time also? It’s always good to have a dear friend there to help you ask questions that the doctors have not already addressed. The waiting before hand is the worst part. Hugs, Jeanne in Co.
Jeanne – I already know I want the chair covered in red check and a reader already sent me the name of an upholsterer 15 miles away. Garner is too small to employ one. So I’m going to pay them a visit and see what their timeline is. Next is the couch which I really want to get rid of because I’d rather have just a love seat. Oh, your poor geraniums! The first 10 I bought are better than the second 10 – from the same place. I just know they’re different.
I bet if you google “upholstery shop near me” you would be able to find someone to spruce up that chair. It definitely is a vintage beauty that just needs some love.
I am glad you took the precaution to have that tree trimmed. People do not realize how heavy wood is and how much damage it can do.
I love all the flower pictures. Mother Nature is such a show off!
Your geraniums are beautiful! I’ve gotten rather lax about water and fertilizer the past couple of weeks. It it looks like rain, I wait another day. Sometimes it rains …sometimes it doesn’t. I want flowers April thru the first week or so of August and then I get tired of fussing with them.
Tree trimming is just fascinating; We had 7 wild cherry trees taken down the last house we were in. One was a quad trunk and another just had one trunk but it was 4′ thick. They did use a bucket on parts but other parts they did belt climbing up the trees. A friend was down visiting so we sat outside and supervised with our “ice tea” from a safe distance.
I hope the kitty didn’t get caught up in the tape gun.
yes, you need a new quilt project to pour yourself into. it could help you not worry. i find when i’m piecing away on mindless stuff, that my mind is off solving the problems of the world. sometimes when i worry too much about what is going on, i can’t seem to get started. once i do i’m okay. lately it’s an everyday thing to get motivated.
smart of you to get the limb taken care of before it becomes a problem on a much larger scale. the hydrangea are magnificent. i love them so much. i love it when everyone shows off their gardening skills, probably because i have none. funny how millie adopted the chair before you got it in the house. maybe she wants to claim ownership before the dogs get to it.
hang in there. it is all we can do. can’t rush time. can’t make things happen quicker than they will. all a lesson in patience. obviously one i really need to learn as i get hit with it almost everyday. never was my strong suit. can be with others, just not myself. i find myself railing at the fact that i can’t do what i want to do, don’t have the energy, can’t get up the stairs, and so on. so frustrating. especially on days when i want to do certain things. i am capable in my mind but the body won’t cooperate.
happy quilting to all. i will bounce back. mary will bounce back. we all bounce back from our problems. i am a strong individual and will not allow this to get me down for long. thanks for listening. i need to remind myself to ‘let go and let God’. patti in florida
My mother in law had flower pots in the cemetery, she put live plants in it every year. Since she is gone, I’ve taken on the responsibility. I do not apparently have the right kind of green thumb for it. This year I just bought 2 good size geraniums, hollowed out a place in the pots, and put pot and all in. They are beautiful beyond words! Lots of blooms, I water them every week, pick old blooms off. I think I have found my sweet spot for these flowers. I think I will bring them home in the fall and winter them over with my growlights in the basement. The tree trimmers are always an interesting watch for sure. Take care,