A couple weeks ago my IPad started refusing to charge so I went to Verizon. They sent me to Batteries Plus after selling me a new charger plug that of course did nothing. Batteries Plus had to order a battery which took 2 days. They put it in and …… nothing. Time to buy a new IPad so back to Verizon. I do not have time to shop around and I hate comparison shopping!
Of course they’ve got a “deal” going and I ended up leaving with a new phone AND IPad. I complained that I knew this was what would happen. Nothing wrong with my phone but I couldn’t just buy the IPad.
So I take the new IPad to Batteries Plus and left it with them to “pair” or transfer all the data. They called me later that day that the pairing was finished.
I return the next day, pick up the IPad and discover there is no data from WordPress (blog). Facebook was there, Netflix, and all other apps I use but no blog. Not only that, I couldn’t swipe up in the screen! I touched the screen and it went to some unknown site that I didn’t know how to delete.
I went back again today – the guy who helped me at Verizon was not happy about doing that – not his responsibility and he doesn’t know anything about WordPress, blah, blah, blah. He did admit to doing a soft reset, whatever that means.
I go back to Batteries Plus and tell them that the info on my old IPad can’t be found on my new IPad. He handed it to me to bring up what I’m looking for and lo and behold there it is! Whatever kind of reset the Verizon guy did worked in the time that I drove between businesses.
I am explaining this all in detail because several readers told me they’re in the same spot I’m in needing a new IPad. So many tell me they recommend Best Buy – I agree but Best Buy left Mason City years ago.
I’m writing this on my new IPad – don’t ask me how much it cost. I have no idea. The day I picked both up at Verizon I paid $260+ in connection fees and taxes. The cost will show up on my bill. At this point I simply don’t care.
On the way home today I stopped at my chiropractor’s office – he does wonders with my aches and pains.
Then…last week Mortie went into heat! She’s obviously older than we think. The soonest I could get her in for spaying was today. I took her late yesterday afternoon because our roads are still not the best and early in the morning they’d be worse. My vet insists on keeping them overnight which I think is ridiculous because if something goes wrong in the night who would know? The office is empty. I called this afternoon and she was doing ok – just waking up. We all miss her terribly.
Remember this pretty snow against the windows?
And now a personal note. On Tuesday December 23 I went to the farm store and got bags of feed, like I’ve been doing for nearly 50 years. I loaded the bags onto a cart in the store, a nice man in the parking lot put them in the back of my van and when I got home I backed up as close as I could to the barn door to unload.
I unloaded the bags but sadly I tore, not ruptured, my right rotator cuff. I know because I’ve had this experience before. I also did some damage to the left arm but not to the extent of my right arm. I can’t brush my teeth (I have to hold my right elbow up with my left hand), reach into the parakeet cage or turn a doorknob, hold a cookie sheet or put my parka on. It’s very hard to get dressed or get to a sitting position in bed. When I had a ruptured rotator cuff previously I did have surgery but with care smaller tears oftentimes heal themselves which is what I’m counting on. Only an MRI will determine the extent of the tear and I’m not going to do that right now either.
I can do chores easily because carrying a pail is no problem. What I could not do however is lift a bale of hay so I’ve handled that, too. I take small slices to the goats instead of a bale.
Getting dressed and personal hygiene is the hardest. I’d like to move a recliner upstairs to sleep in because I can’t get in and out of bed.
A few reader photos – now I can load photos again so feel free to send them.
My New Years Day quilt is going to be a project to use brushed cottons which I have suitcases full. I’m not just sure what pattern but brushed cottons it is. Have you decided what you’re going to start?
I got an order today for Frosty, 10 x 12, with $3.00 included. I haven’t advertised Frosty, I cant even find it. And I have searched EBay and Pinterest thinking she might have seen it there. After 35 wasted minutes searching, I refuse to spend $1 to mail back her $3. If I find Frosty I’ll post him. Right now I can’t look. Where did she get the idea it cost $3? I’m never selling anything for under $5 ever again.
Can you tell I got that order at the wrong time? I think I’ve been mad for over two weeks. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.
And I’m in pain because I did something I’ve been doing for 50 years. BUT how would I have known I couldn’t do it now? I’ve never been this old before!
Sigh – I miss Mortie.
It will be so nice to hear from all of you again!
How do you find out or can you find out what the snowman pattern that is in the first picture laying on the recliner is, and who made the pattern?
Mercy, girl! It’s always something. I hate this “at this age. . . But necessity is the mother of invention. Do they say. We figure out how to get things done no matter how long it takes!
Hope Mortie is feeling like her “old” self after her spay surgery.
Take care and heal quickly!
Happy New Year!💕
Mortie will make things better. Cats can go into heat as early as 4 months. …. No kidding. Poor thing but she has found the perfect home. Someone does not know what they have given up! We had an older cat pass away. … been here outside for 9 years. Got 2 new freeloaders in his place!
Good luck with the shoulder. No fun… My husband has this problem and it has never been fixed as it was a work injury and they would not allow workmans comp to do the right thing. May 2026 be better.
Have had pain in my neck since my 2nd surgery 2 years ago. Now I have had a very hoarse or non existent voice since Thanksgiving. My GP wanted me to go to a pain clinic. NO WAY….been there done that with 4 epidurals which helped NAEDA. Called my surgeon and getting an MRI tomorrow. Hope they can figure out what is wrong.
Polly – oh no!! Why would your voice get involved? I remember when you had surgery – sad that you’re still living with complications.
If I remember not to use my arm – the pain does stop me – I can get by. My orthopedic dr. won’t be in the office until Monday anyway and I will call him and explain I need an MRI. I’ll go from there.
Mortie is still pretty low key since she got home but I’m so glad she’s here. I didn’t want another cat but I couldn’t part with her now.
So sorry about your ipad and your rotator cuff. You have really had some bad luck. Will be hoping and praying you don’t need surgery. Hopefully, you will get your tech problems solved soon. I know it is so frustrating and annoying. Hoping the new year will be wonderful to you
So glad you are back to posting Mary! Along with all the others, I wish you a speedy recovery from your injury. 2026 has got to be a better year. Hope Mortie gets home soon and heals quickly too. There is something so sweet about her that is captured in every picture you post. A very special addition to your farm family. I’ll check in for updates on your progress. Happy New Year to you and yours.
My Mother had a saying ‘The first hundred years are the worst, then you die’. When things are going horribly wrong I think of her and her saying and smile. Hang in there Mary.
Jill – I love your mom’s thought! I always say that old people are not that upset about dying because everything hurts and everything gets too hard.
Oh, yes. Jean…You said that just right. Overcompensating for one injury can lead to more aches and pains. When I stand too long, my knee hurts, when I shift to the right, my hip hurts, when I use the cane to ease my hip, my shoulder hurts, when my shoulder hurts, I can’t reach the shelf to get my favorite cup to make tea! Humph! I’ve not even read half the comments, and I can tell I’ve been sitting too long so I guess I’ll go wash dishes. The hot water feels good on my achy hands….but I won’t stand too long at the sink!!! And I agree, let’s kick 2025 out the door and hope that 2026 will be better.
Mary, it’s good to have you back, but please don’t overdo. Maybe hugging Mortie will be what’s best for both of you. Prayers continue for all. Kris in WI
Mary, I’m so sorry about all the troubles at once! I hope your doctor will give you good news about your shoulder on Monday. (Do go to see him!). Do you get your dear Mortie home today? Hope so.
A soft reset of an iPad or iPhone is a good thing, and that’s likely what fixed the missing WordPress. I have to do it to my iPhone every now and then to fix odd problems. It’s also called a “forced restart” if you want to look up how to do it. (It involves quickly pressing Volume Up, the Volume Down, and then holding down the Power button for a minute or so until you see the Apple logo, and the iPad restarts.). It’s a bit tricky to do, you have to be quick with pressing the buttons. It doesn’t erase any of your data, but somehow cleans up glitches.
Finally, Google tells me that Julie Porter was doing a class on a pattern called “Home for Christmas”. Wool applique with various things including a snowman. Here is her website: https://www.farmhousecottons.com/shop She also has a YouTube channel and an Instagram page.
I’m your faithful reader who likes to find answers!
Dot – and I so appreciate the answers which I don’t have time or inclination to search for.
Let’s all give 2025 a swift kick out of here. It has not been a great year. When Mortie gets home both of you will benefit from some snuggles.
Happy New Year, may it usher in only good things.
I will not reiterate all of the words of wisdom, advice, comfort and solace being offered other than using the tech catch-phrase these days: “Loved . . . .” or “Liked . . . “. The most important message I heard was that you, Mary, are loved and appreciated for all you do and you are among a group of readers that “get it..”
Elizabeth, my father also used the phrase “Getting old is for the birds.” It’s a statement I’m appreciating more and more as I age. Deb, your statement about not giving your doctor a piece of your mind since you decided you needed all you had left made me laugh out loud (LOL).
May 2026 bring us all solutions we don’t expect in ways we can’t imagine at the moment.
Welcome home, Mortie!
Poor Morty. I just scheduled Minnie to be spayed Jan. 13, hopefully before she goes into heat. I was confident she was 5 months old but the vet we saw yesterday is more confident she is 6 months because she has her adult canine teeth. She recommended spaying right away to keep from hearing her howl. I hate having to do that, I had a hysterectomy at 32 and it was awful then, but I had a lot of endometriosis that made the surgery an 8 hour ordeal and very, very painful. And women go from producing hormones to what they called maxi pause – producing none at all, which through me into a loop. So what does it do to our poor little girl kitties? I don’t want Minnie to change, she is the sweetest, most playful kitty I have ever had, she gives me kisses and still puts her soft little paws on my face for a hug. She now weighs 5 pounds! Vet said she’s a healthy lucky little girl.
Good luck Miss Morty, I hope all goes well! Blessings all.
Linda – I know how you feel! But we listened to the howls for 5 days before I could get her in for spaying. The heat cycle was probably almost over but remember Tim who lives in the barn 90% of the time this winter? If he had heard that howl he’d have been up at the house and in the dog door!! Mortie weighs 6 lbs and she came here Sept 29 – I don’t know about her teeth. But the last thing I want is a litter of kittens! Secretly I would have so much fun with them but nobody wants them but me. I know she’s exhausted and will get her energy back but I feel guilty. Poor baby.
Hang in there for 2 more weeks!
I am 85 and try not to pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Therefore many things that should get done are not done. I am ashamed. I have to live with it. No one to help me at the moment. Hopefully soon. When my last dog passed I had to decide not to adopt another, for so many reasons. Acceptance is hard. I can only make small things now, so I love doing mug rugs and other such things. I really feel for you and all that you are going through. I admire you so much and everything you do. All the pictures you post from others and all your pets are so heart warming to us who love following you! You give so much joy and I hope that makes you feel better. You have been through a lot in many ways and are very strong. Sending love and wishes for fast healing! The tech problems are enough to want to pull your hair out. I don’t even know how to post a picture.
I hate you have had such a rough time. Technology is so confusing for those of us that did not grow up with it. I am so sorry too that you have injured yourself. If I lived closer than Arkansas I would be by to help you with chores. I hope Mortie is doing well and comes home to love on you and you to love on her. I will be praying for you.
I am so sorry things have been going so bad for you. Tomorrow will be better. Quick healing and sending many prayers.
I’m so happy that all of your technology issues have been fixed because I sure miss your daily blog. I had a torn rotator cuff about 10 years ago that healed without surgery. My husband is a retired physical therapist so that really helped! I bet Mortie is anxious to come home to her family & I miss seeing her cute kitten face. Best wishes for a happy & healthy new year.
Just typed and lost a reply so my second attempt will be short. I’m so sorry about the injury to your arm and sure hope it heals on it’s own. I’m so glad that your blog is back. and you have lots of comments to keep you entertained. I’m ready for the dirty dozen but after seeing how many WIPs i have, I’m thinking i won’t start anything new on New Years…subject to change as I don’t like to miss our on anything. I think that is referred to as FOMO. Take care, Mary and Happy New Year to you and all of your blog readers!
Ginger – for some reason I don’t suffer from FOMO but Becky sure does – ha!
Oh dear! Pain! Hope it heals on its own! Mortie will help!
Had a good time at our Christmas get together last evening, it’s always fun to see the ‘big guys’ visiting and having a good time together. We have 12 boys and 4 girls … grandchildren. 6 of those were hanging out together last evening just having a good time. Of course, they are big grown men now! Food was great. Everyone brings and what a bunch! The two married grands brought too, sooo much good stuff! Yum!
The main attraction was the great grandbaby! She is .. of course .. so cute! She’s Colin and smiling and entertaining us all!
Mary, on the good note, it seems like your iPad is blogging like usual! Sure hope so!
Happy New Year everyone!
Joy – your family Christmas sounds just wonderful! Especially the baby as well as those grown up big boys. Yes, I do believe my Ipad is working good.
So sorry, Mary ! Praying for the pain to lessen & the MRI is favorable. If time & rest works- so much better than surgery!
Take care!
Oh Mary,
I’m so sorry about your shoulder! Go get the MRI asap… I’ve learned the hard way that the sooner ya go the better! Maybe it won’t be as bad as ya think…I’m praying for this!
Getting old is hard! We think we are still Spring Chicks 🙀🥴😵💫 NOT!
Technology…it can be an ugly beast when it’s not working…☹️🤬
Happy to hear and see sweet Mortie… she has brought you so much JOY🐾💕
Praying for ALL to have a Healthy, Happy, Blessed and Joy Filled 2026
Happy New Year!
Mary, so sorry for all your troubles. Like someone else said, getting older is not for sissies! I have torn both rotator cuffs, at different times, and they healed without surgery. I did physical therapy, and it helped. It did take a couple of months before I could do things like fix my hair without terrible pain. There’s no way I could do even a fraction of the things you do on your farm! You are strong, and I’m sure that will speed your healing!
I’m so glad that I don’t have to deal with all the technical issues with my iPad, my husband happily does all that for me! I just get too frustrated when I have an issue, and turn it over to him.
Your Morty is such a sweet kitty, hope she will be home soon, and back to her playful self. I miss having a cat, but having 2 small dogs is plenty!
I don’t think I will start a new project for New Year’s, since I have 2 big projects that I’m behind on. One I should finish, and one I need to get caught up on before I start another project. There’s also an ongoing charity project that I really enjoy, and would like to spend more time working on.
Happy New Year to you, wishing you good health and lots of sewing time!
Oh Mary, I’m so sorry you are in pain! I sure hope your rotator cuff heals on its own! Things like this makes us angry because we’re so used to just doing what needs to be done. I’m hoping your iPad is now fixed & I don’t understand why Verizon didn’t think it was their job to transfer all your data! You bought it from them, right? I also don’t understand why they sent you to Batteries Plus. I just changed phone carriers as my phone was on a plan with my Internet& cable which has gotten very expensive…& I only have basic TV. Getting ready to change that too! I checked on the case for my new phone & at the store they wanted $65! My son ordered the same case for $23 on Amazon for me! Retailers are passing on the fee that the credit card companies charge them. Since I don’t have a debit card my phone bill is $5 higher! This makes me angry! Some of the quilt shops are also doing this too. I won’t shop at those shops.
Alice – when we opened our shop we didn’t accept credit cards but soon figured out that customers spent more money when they could use a card – we absorbed the credit card company fee – happily.
Mary, I agree! We do spend more by using a credit card. However on my Oct quilt retreats, I budget how much I’m going to spend & take cash as I know this helps those small shops. So many are closing,makes me sad!
I am at a retreat but wanted to wish you the very best New Year! Trials and tribulations you have presently but it’s life. This will soon pass. Good news on getting a new iPad. I am next. Like you I don’t care the cost right now. I am done with Microsoft! Happy New Year everyone!
If it’s not one thing, it’s another! Prayers for healing for you. I pulled a muscle in my neck/shoulder last summer. So much pain, it was all I could do to just get dressed. Took a little time, a little PT and its fine now. But I baby that area now.
I’ve been crabby for weeks now. Glad Christmas is over and can get back to normal. Elliott and Leah will be here this afternoon and Friday. School next week. My fireplace is only partially done. I don’t understand people. He told us 3 days, we’re going on 3 weeks. I see them for a few hours, then nothing for days. I understand other jobs, but finish one before you start another! That rant coming from a quilter with UFO’s!
There is a Facebook page called Scrap Buster Challenge. They start a new quilt every New Years Day. My friend did one a couple years ago that was beautiful, so that is on my list for January. 2 baby quilts need to be done soon, but those are easy. Time to hole up in my room for the winter. Kind of like hibernation!!
Technology changes every day. Just when I get used to one phone, hubby buys me a new one. I have a laptop, phone and my Kindle. That suits me just fine, just don’t fail me now! I’m too old for this crap!
Hugs and Healing, my friend.
Diana – torn up for 3 weeks over a 3 day job! I’d be furious. I left a message with a contractor over a week ago and he has never returned my call. What does YOUR contractor use for an excuse? This is unforgivable – I don’t know how you’re standing it.
Oh Mary! How terrible to have those injuries that limit your daily living. I am so so sorry. I hope you find ways day by day to cope with them. And I hope that precious cat comes thorough her ordeal with flying colors. I so enjoy seeing photos of her. Happy New Year! May 2026 be a lovely year at your place.🎉
1. Thank you for the IPad change and update. I have missed your blog on a regular basis. I too need to get a new IPad as my screen is cracked and sides are chipping🤦🏼♀️. I travel with mine and the miles have aged it. Also, with every update the compatibility to certain websites are more difficult.
2. I had rotator cuff surgery as 3/4 muscles were torn off and the 4th one was attached by a ‘thread’. The surgeon thanked me for carrying my arm to surgery because his job was easier getting everything in place.
The rehab was grueling and I have had back surgeries w/ rehab.
3. Working on my list for projects needing to be finished. Thanks for helping me get organized. Looking forward to the challenge.
4. I had a ‘plant and tear’ knee tear. Having gel injections to prolong knee replacement. My upper body turned to get a piece of fabric on a shelf and my lower extremities stayed in place. My injury was nothing heroic.
Oh, Mary! I hope 2026 is kinder to you. You’re starting off with a new I;ad and phone so I will keep my fingers crossed.
The Frosty order – just tear up the check and call it good. We’re all getting older and some of your readers may have some dementia going on! Who knows!
Old age ain’t for sissies, that’s for sure.
My mom used to say -old age is not for sissies. I would laugh but I am living that saying now🤣
Mary, dear Mary,
So. Very sorry for all these things that have coming crashing down on you. I am praying right now that God would lift you, give you healing as d strength for your animals. Yes I know that getting old feeling, not wanting to accept it but there it is.
Love your post and look so forward to hearing from you, just so sorry bout all this you are going thru.
Hugs, Maggey
Oh Mary what a year you have had! I fervently hope that 2026 will be a wonderful year for you. I’m 72 and my husband is 79 with lots of health issues. I feel so blessed that my health is good and I am very active with gardening and yoga to help with balance and flexibility. I try to be careful not to do more than I should – most of the time! As for tech I have my trusty cell phone and laptop and hope they last a long time as I dread getting new ones. My husband got a new Iphone 16 and when he went back to Verizon for help, they told him he should go to AARP! I have prayed for healing for your shoulder and wish you all the best. As for the recliner, you could reach out to your local high school. Many times there are clubs or sports teams where students will volunteer for community service. Thank you for all you do – you are appreciated.
A friend injured his shoulder at work and the the emergency room Doctor thought it was nothing and would heal in a couple of weeks. It didn’t, and he eventually needed rotator cuff surgery, but by then because it was worker’s comp claim, too much time had gone by and even though they did surgery, his shoulder is permanently damaged for the rest of his life. So don’t put off getting that MRI. The sooner you get taken care of the more elastic is still in the tendon or ligament or whatever’s in there. I am not a nurse, just someone who enjoys your blog.
Glad you’re back! You were missed!
Mary, so sorry to read about your rotator cuff! Sending lots of hugs and prayers for healing for you and Mortie. Do you have a backup church pianist?
Thanks for persevering with the tech problems. I have my Dirty Dozen lined up and am ready to SEW!
“Happy 2026” everyone!!
Vicki – playing piano is not an issue – I’m not lifting my arm or turning it and no, I don’t have a sub. Nobody will do it.
Oh Mary, you have had a lot of stress and now pain and change in routines as you adapt. Give yourself grace. Go out to the woods and do a few primal screams.
I do think you should get the mri and see what the damage is rather than assume. IF you need surgery it might be better to know and plan it rather than wait.
I got a bed cane for my husband to help him get positioned and in and out of bed. Don’t know if it would help but obviously it would go on the side that is not injured.
Oh Mary you have had such a tough time. I hope your shoulder gets better with no surgery and you are able to sew and you can take care of your animals!
Oh Mary — you’ve had it come down in spades!!! So sorry about your shoulder. ugh. A friend and I often joke about how this getting older is a challenge and a pain. Seems like it’s one thing or another. My brain just thinks my body is just not that old and I can still do stuff that I really can’t……. I HATE IT!!!
Hang in there!!!!
You are much stronger than I am. After watching my grandkids for the weekend, my back hurt for weeks. It took forever to get it worked out with chiropractor visits. Now I know not to pick up kids!! I hope your shoulder heals quickly. Happy New Year and thank you for the most interesting blog about ‘nothing’!!
Oh Mary Mary. Of all that has happened the rotator cuff issue is the worst! Anything that impedes our daily routine turns into problems. We overuse other parts of our body to compensate then those parts go to bad also. I’m not a complainer but I am getting a little down about not being able to do things that I’ve done my entire adult life. I guess this is aging. Ugh
You are a trouper. I was in St. Martens and fell going into a bar and tore my rotator cuff “just a small amount “. Easy for them to say. We were on my son’s boat and there was a ladder to get up into bed. The scene of my husband assisting from the rear wasn’t pretty. I asked my son if he had cameras in the room and he looked disgusted but I didn’t want any evidence. And then laying there in plain worried I would have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. The hospital there was an adventure on its own. The guy checking me in asked if I wanted a pain shot put the pencil yes pencil down came back with it and gave it to me. (Any port in the storm) took me to a room where sheet was bloody from gunshot victim so sat in hard chair. This was the first night and all I wanted to do is come HOME. I was lucky didn’t need surgery after seeing him when I returned. All good now.
So we don’t bounce back like we used to before I would cuss and go on now I just cuss
Girl, sounds like a years worth of aggravation! 2026 has got to be better. Good thing you’re tough. Here’s hoping that MRI shows nothing serious. 😵💫🥰
sorry about your rotator cuff injury. My husband elected to not have surgery a few years ago thinking it would heal again BUT he still has very limited upward extension of the arm. Now, being older and some health issues that go with age his surgeon (and others) have declined to even think about doing the repair. Actually said it would be more extensive with the adhesions as well as a repair.
If that wasn’t gloomy enough our cat that looked like a mini Holstein had an area that was untouchable following her spay. So, we had a beautiful cat who wanted nothing to do with patting and or cuddling like a normal cat. She lived several years like that. Hope Morti does not have this post-op challenge. She would jump into our laps but do not think about stroking her.
Hi Mary, so sorry about your rotor cuff injury, my husband had it,by the time the accident compensation company decided to repair it(a few years later!)he had dementia. I had to tell the judge he would not cope with surgery due to his dementia because the accident compensation company was then trying to force the surgery! Hope morty recovers quickly, my dog was jumping in the car 2 days after spayed! Take care everyone, best wishes from Sandy
Reading your post, I realized that we quilters make THE best problem solvers as we are so creative. Hubby & I are both having issues (hubby with sciatica & recovering from cataract surgery, me with a cranky back, and left knee that will need a knee replacement pretty soon…the right was replaced 2 years ago). I have ‘grabbers’ all over the house – 1 on the frig to reach into cabinets, 1 behind drapes in the guest room (floor to ceiling black out drapes, so need help opening/closing) and 1 in the living room next to hubby’s recliner – so he can pick up what he drops on the floor without bending down). I have long handled shoe horns to help put on shoes/slippers. I have a shower chair ready when one of us gets to that point. Next purchases will be walkers with seats and a wheelchair, which hopefully we won’t need for a long time yet. The whole yard is set up for super easy maintenance – no lawn, 2 different types and colors of rock, raised planters, etc. Most of all, we have a regular routine of doing things, which makes it less likely to injure ourselves. Getting old is not for wusses!
I love Mortie from afar ❤️
OMG, Mary, you have really had it! New phones, etc are always frustrating; rotator cuffs are tricky; and then to have the cat in heat is just the living end! I hope Morti comes home tomorrow and makes everything better.
We had a fairly low key holiday, all went well. Then, on Saturday night, my tiny little cough became major congestion. I am on Mucinex DM, which is kicking it.
Take care everyone. Happy New Year!
Welcome back! Ugh, a rotator cuff injury – my hubs had surgery for that. Me, I just have back issues. Getting old is not for the weak.
My 2026 quilt start will be a red and white snowball quilt as I was inspired by one of yours. Can’t wait!
You are having a rough time. Just remember we love you! And I miss Mortie too!!
FYI, for anyone with arm injuries who has hygiene issues, Amazon sells “Toilet Aids Tool” which can help when mobility is a problem. Sorry if this is getting too personal but I thought it might be helpful for anyone and Amazon delivers pretty quickly. I have purchased three long-handled grippers that I keep throughout the house because of my back problems and they have been invaluable. They help me pick out clothes that are far back in the dryer or things that have fallen between the washer and dryer and grabbed items that are high on a shelf.
Oh Mary, so sorry about your arm..Like the others, I hope too it heals without intervention.. you and Mortie will both be on the mend together for awhile.
The iPad/phone thing sends quivers down my spine.
I’m afraid I’d be over the edge on that alone. Sorry too about the Frosty deal.. so frustrating 🤦
I am anxious to see what you come up with for your New Year project? Sewing again will bring some happy vibes. Sending you hugs, Karla.
Thank goodness 2025 is on the way out. I hope you feel better. It would be wonderful to turn time back on certain things. I reacted to the anesthesia when I had my last cataract surgery. My blood pressure went crazy, and I had headaches for fourteen days. I am done with 2025!! I hope to work on one of the quilts from your books. I am also doing a Pam Buda quilt called Prints Charming using Kansas Troubles fabric. There are so many things I want to do. Give Mortie some gentle hugs and kisses. I’m sure you will feel better. Take care.
When it “rains” it pots doesn’t it !! Mary, you will get through this – you are tougb 🤗 Hang in there, tomorrow will be better 🤗
In October I felt a tear near my left bicep when I was loading a heavy bag of leaves into my trunk for disposal. Couldn’t do Anything but ho!d it next to my body for the rest of the day with ice on it and Tylenol for pain. Felt nearly normal the next day but saw Dr and guessed as a partial tear since there was no bruising or swelling. To!d not to lift, push or pull anything heavy. My daughter did the same thong year ago, diagnosed as rotor cuff tear and had surgery,physical therapy. End of November I tore it again while “walking” Christmas tubs upstairs. This time it swelled to baseball size and bruised. Ortho said it will get better and no surgery because of my age (79) !! It is now back to normal but now I will be “walking” those tubs back to the basement. We will see what happens 😏
Hope you get better Mary. It’s no fun getting older, not to mention dealing with technology !!
Barb O – see? I think if I’m very careful I can get thru this without surgery. If it just gets to be too much to bear I’ll call my orthopedic surgeon.
Oh, Lordy Mary. When it rains, it pours.
It stinks not helping you transfer from the old iPad to the new one. I’m glad that issue got resolved.
I don’t know a lot about tears and pulls, but, I wonder if one of those shots, I think it’s a steroid shot, would speed up the healing process. Rub some of that stick, hemp muscle rub, on it.
I’m so sorry you have to endure all this. Life has to get better, one step at a time. No shoveling snow for the rest of the winter.
I wish I were there to help you.
Jo – you’re right – I won’t be doing any snow shoveling. If I can just know that the blog is fixed I’ll feel lots better and tonight it seems to be fine. I don’t trust it tho.
Oh my Mary, I wish I could be there to help you. It sucks to get old. take care.
Oh Mary! It’s always something isn’t it? So hope your shoulder heals like it did once before. We had no power for 24 hours day after Christmas, really cold but made it through-we had an ice storm.
Happy New Year! Wishing you great health and happiness!!
I’m so so sorry it’s been a crappy day/week/month/. Truly sorry. I promise you EVERYTHING will be better when sweet Mortie gets home. I’m so glad she found you. I understand about not being this old before. I’ve said that several times … how do I know how I should feel at this age? There’s no training manual for birthdays over 70!!!! Love ya! ❤️
I don’t understand why, but when my rotator cuff started acting up I hadn’t done anything strenuous or out of the ordinary. I just woke up one day and didn’t have the normal range of motion in my right arm. Six weeks of physical therapy and then exercises at home made the pain go away without surgery, but the doctor said the tear was still there. Go figure. Sleeping in a recliner was one of the best things I did to relieve the pain. I don’t care if the recliner is not in my bedroom, either— pain-free sleeping is important! Guess I’m officially in the Do Not Care Club—lol.
So glad you’re back Mary! I definitely missed your daily missives and all the wonderful photos you post…your own and those of your readers! You’re right…our bodies betray us at every turn as we get older…I feel like mine defies me no matter what I do…and yes, getting out of bed is sometimes the biggest chore of the day! Don’t wait too long to get your shoulder looked at…my rheumatologist told me to think of my body as an old car…if you don’t use it, things get stuck and refuse to move! I wanted to give him a good piece of my mind, but decided I needed all I had left! Take care and blessings on you each and every day!
Soooo sorry about your shoulder! You have really been through it! And poor Miss Mortie getting spayed is probably thinking she’s really been through it too and I know she has. People just don’t understand unless they have been around a cat in heat, poor thing. All of that behind her now and she will be home and happy to be with you and her family. Prayers for speedy healing for both of you sweet girls!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Take care of yourself. We are all getting old but forget that we can’t do everything we did 5,10,20 years ago because we still “think” like that person we used to be. Our bodies tell us differently. Ibuprofen is my friend, maybe it’s yours too? I stretch every morning with old people exercises I follow on YouTube. Maybe you do too? Those exercises help but I still hurt. I’m hoping you are healing and are feeling better. Cheers! Susan from Las Cruces
When I retired eons ago, I tried to keep up with all the changing bells and whistles on computers and phones, but I have given up. I just got a new Fire tablet and the button on the end that use to turn down the volume now is the power off switch. I probably hit
It the wrong button a dozen times,a,day. Hard,to reach an old dog…
Hope you get that shoulder to a doctor for some relief. I am sure Mortie misses you too.
Oh, Mary, what troubles you’ve been going through! All stacked up, one after the other. I’m sure the issues with the old and then the new iPad were terribly frustrating, especially happening over a holiday and during a storm when there wasn’t any help available.
I’m so sorry that you tore your rotator cuff; it’s really hard to get through daily life with only one good arm. I hope it will heal without surgery.
Hope that sweet Mortie got through her surgery ok and will soon be home to cuddle with you.
My week didn’t get off to a great start either. Yesterday, I was out for my daily walk along my usual route. One of my neighbors has a cabin that he doesn’t live in, and his son and his family who are visiting were doing some work on it. Their dog ran out, ignored them calling it back, and charged down to the road where I was walking and jumped up in the air and bit me on the arm. They were properly contrite, but that really didn’t help. I walked back home and my husband helped me clean it up and bandage it. I was uncomfortable during the night and decided I should go to urgent care and get it checked out this morning. I didn’t need any stitches, they cleaned it and bandaged it. It doesn’t show any signs of being infected, but the PA wrote a prescription for antibiotics as a precaution.
I guess I’m glad it happened at the end of 2025, and not the first thing in the new year to get off on the wrong foot.
You might want to ask the dog’s owners if the dog is up to date on it’s shots, especially rabies, since it attacked you without being provoked. In some places, dog bites need to be reported to the authorities. When my daughter was a child she was bitten and we had to fill out a police report (even though it was her fault. She didn’t believe her little friend who said her dog didn’t fit in its dog house and my daughter tried to “make it fit” lol. We did not blame the owners since she had been warned not to touch the dog who was old and not in the mood to be messed with.
Sue, you are right. My Bentley bit my friend Ron & the ER doctor had to report it. I received a call & a visit to prove my dog was up to date on his rabies vaccine. Truthfully, I’m glad they’re this strict on monitoring animal bites, I wouldn’t want to do those shots! My dog was just old & cranky! But I would have gladly paid for the ER visit, too. But his insurance paid for it. I still felt bad that my dog bit someone.
Yes I asked about the dog’s vaccines and it appears they are up to date. I keep my tetanus shot up to date too.
Sharon F – oh no!!! I’m glad you saw the dr. Once again it’s a long weekend and I won’t get into a dr tomorrow so that will be it till next Monday. Ugh.
Hi Mary, New Years Eve here in Aust, so getting in early to wish you a Healthy, Happy New Year. New day, new year etc. Things can only improve for you can’t they?
Certainly hope so. Keep positive, Best Wishes from Denise
And Best Wishes to all!
Denise – and Happy New Year in Australia!!
I finally healed from my torn rotator cuff without surgery and I hope you do too! Getting Mortie back will help you feel better. It’s amazing what our animals see us through!
Colleen – how long did it take to heal? And what did you do to get it to heal? I hope you see my question!!
6 to 10 weeks, while more severe tears could take 3 to 6 months or longer with proper rehabilitation.
That’s a lot of catching up but we all care and know that we’re hoping you’ll recover well from this setback.
There’s an Apple Store 45 minutes from us and now I can’t help but think I’ll bite the bullet and pay through the nose to have them transfer and set me up. I don’t take time to comparison shop as much as I look for who’ll give me the consumer service I need. I will go with a larger screen one next time. Thanks for telling us how it all went getting yours.
I’m so happy you are using your lucious brushed cottons for a project. I just cut squares up tonight from a piece I had and loved its softness. I’m hoping to stay focused on making Christmas quilts to use up a lot of that stash.
Dear Mary..I always say it’s a good thing we cannot see the future because we would not be able to handle it. So sorry to read about your injury. I hope you can heal without surgery. Maybe a rechargeable toothbrush is in your future. I am not good at being left handed either, and just moving sends a painful reminder as I recall. I am working on my ‘Dirty Dozen’ list. I need some mojo. I have a hard time staying on track. We did not get much snow here but we sure got the wind. Beautiful sunny days here the last two days, but I see more snow is predicted. I am enjoying my tree and cheerful lights yet, but will take down this weekend. I think your Verizon people should have been more helpful, after all, you bought a new iPad AND a phone. I do so look forward to your updates when you are able! Take great care, and Happy New Year. I wish the old tv shows like Hee Haw were available, they were so upbeat and funny!
Oh no, Mary. ALLLL of that is just awful, but especially your shoulder. Does Farmer Tim any kids old enough to help you? Just a thought. If I lived closer, I’d be over there right now. Do be careful not to put more pressure on your shoulder and arm. That just stinks–ugh.
Our granddaughter, who just adopted the stray kitty from our house, has the flu. Her little Rocket Man has not left her side. I am sure Mortie would be right there with you. She will be when she gets home. I hope she is kind of calm and quiet so both of you can rest.
Take care:)
Diane – I am chuckling about Farmer Tim’s “kids” – his oldest grandson is maybe 6! Haha! I need help moving a recliner upstairs and I need help getting dressed! Haha!!
Oh, Mary, I feel for you! If it isn’t one thing, it’s another. And that is from a woman who didn’t have a working oven until 4:15pm on Dec 22nd with company coming for Christmas and no cookies baked. The washer crapped out and I couldn’t do laundry for 2 weeks. In the ensuing almost 2 weeks, I’ve done 30 loads of laundry and need to run the clean cycle already. Daughter has been sick so running errands and child minding. Grandpa will do Thursdays pickup of the grandson from his other grandparents because our son had, get this, rotator cuff surgery today. So he will be recovering at Mom and Dad’s. Feeling just a bit frail myself this evening so I know your feeling of “it’s just been a bit much to cope with”. But it WILL be better tomorrow or at least soon after. Prayers and healing, dear friend.
Yes and every year you get ONE YEAR older as does your body. Make some changes Mary. It is 2026.
Listen to your body. Healing takes longer too.
Love you
Rhoda
I love computers when they work but it’s so frustrating when they don’t. So sorry you’ve had to deal with this.
Julie porter is doing a frosty class but it’s $10. Not sute if that’s what this other person was looking for. Very confusing indeed
I hope your shoulder heals. Sounds very painful. I’m sorry Mary.
Cherie – where is Julie Porter? Do you have a picture of the Frosty she is teaching?
Julie porter is farmhouse cottons. She teaches zoom classes online. I will see if i can send you a picture
Please take care of yourself, it’s just no fun getting older. I still think I can move like I am 30, not 70.
Oh Mary,
So very sorry to hear about your current injury. As active as you are, I’m sure this not only hurts but is surely very limiting for you.
As for the Frosty order, as I read about it, I was silently laughing, knowing how you irritated it would make you! I guess people gonna do what people gonna do! I think it matters not how many times you write about it. I can understand how frustrated it must make you.
Here’s to hoping the new year rolls in gently.
Tina H.
So. Calif.
Tina – you know it just helps to have someone realize how frustrating this is for me. The only reason I send out any old patterns at all is because a new designer will steal the copyright.
Gosh, Mary, where to start! I’m so sorry about your rotator cuff injury. That seems to be the most serious thing that’s happened to you. Maybe you can still take care of the animals. I also had to order a new iPad. It is a royal pain to have to deal with all of the stuff we know nothing about and are forced to rely on others to help us. Just a question, but can you get the feed store suppliers to deliver the huge sacks to your barn? I only ask because that is a service that is available in some areas. You know that we all wish only the best for you. Get Mortie home and baby her. Best wishes.
Frances – and here’s the kicker. I always have feed delivered, a mix of cracked corn and oats. My picky chickens eat the corn and leave the oats. They charge a hefty fee of $70 plus a grinding fee besides so knowing this I decided I’d just buy cracked corn at the farm store where I always buy the bags of protein. Haha – the joke’s on me. The bags of protein and the bags of cracked corn weigh the same – it was an accident.
I hope there is no surgery, but you must take care
I bet Mortie misses you too
Dorothy in W WA
I love that little Mortie! She is so cute!
I’m so sorry you torn your shoulder up, stuff like that happens so fast. I sure hope you won’t have any problems sewing!
Hi Mary!
What a week! Geez! I’m sorry to hear about your rotator cuff . This getting old business is for the birds. It’s snowing here in Wisconsin, and I should go shovel, but the dogs and I are going to bed and eating Christmas cookies. I’ll shovel tomorrow. Get some rest and when you wake up it will be time to get Mortie!
Sooo funny! Do the dogs eat the cookies too? Priorities in order! 🤭
Oh, Mary, hope your rotator cuff heals quickly. I feel your pain with the new I-Pad & phone. I HATE getting new computers or phones, nothing ever works right, and all the young people pushing these things on us seem to treat us like idiots!! They don’t understand that we didn’t grow up with computers & it’s not second nature to us!! Take care of yourself & have a Happy New Year!
Wow! What an ordeal you’ve been through with the iPad! Hopefully it’s all straightened out now.
Sending prayers that your rotator cuff will heal quickly.
Oh dear, you have been thru the ringer! Rotator cuff and computer problems are terrible and at the same Iime!
I loved your last sentence, knowing and accepting age restrictions are tough.
I love you work arounds too, you don’t give in. Not the helpless sort.
Hang in there, this can’t go on forever-can it?🦭❤️😘
Mary, take care of yourself. I know easier said than done with so much to do. Praying for healing and no surgery required.