Hot Flashes in the Desert

The Pathology Report

2012-02-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

Well my post-op wasn't quite what I expected, it would seem that one of my tumors was high grade. So the BCG Chemo went from being a good option to a must do because not only are the tumors recurrent, they are getting more involved. Between that news and the urgency and spasms my bladder has been having since surgery I just don't want to deal with anything else. The doc gave me vesicare and I"m hoping that it starts helping sooner rather than later. On the 24th I will start the chemo - once a week for 6 weeks, then a maintenance schedule. So grateful there is this option.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Naps and More Naps

2012-02-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

I'd like to tell you I've been full of energy and accomplishing great things, but truly all I've done well of late is nap a lot. Thankfully the weather has been cold and damp and foggy, so I don't feel so guilty staying in and napping and not doing much of anything.

So first I thought I'd share with you my retail therapy of yarns to make scarves with:

And a couple of the scarves I've made using some of the yarn:

Yesterday I went to Craft Warehouse, a fun store close to where I live and they have it all, home decor, fabric, yarn, scrap booking, beads. You name it, you can find it there and I like the ladies in the fabric department and needed some fabric for a project and since I had a 40% off coupon, well you can see why I decided to go - nothing better than a coupon. On Saturdays they have a few make and take projects going on and one caught my eye. It involved a piece of canvas, crayons that you hot glue to the canvas, and then melt with a heat tool and ta-da, you have some art:

I hot glued the flowers on to make it more interesting.
I also wanted to show my messy table with my finished quilted table cloth on it, we love how it turned out:

Today I plan to be in my sewing room while CR listens to the super bowl game. I like the commercials, but the rest I can do with out, so tomorrow I'll catch the best of the commercials on the Internet. We have a pot of chili on the stove and it should be an easy day around the house. I'm staying in my pj's and I'm sure I'll be taking a nap or two with the way things have been going.

Now I need to get off the computer and make some brunch for us.

Happy Stitches, big Hugs, and Many Thanks for the prayers and good vibes this past week!!
Tam

At Home and Doing Fine

2012-02-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Thank you all my wonderful friends for the prayers and good vibes you sent my way. We arrived home yesterday, I slept the day away, so it's a good thing CR was driving. Then I went to bed early and probably slept another 12 hours. I'm wiped out and my neck is so stiff I think they had me doing a head stand for surgery. It's good to be home, there's no place like it when you just aren't yourself. I did some retail therapy and bought scarf yarn. I will take a picture soon, beautiful yarns at a store called Paradise Fibers in Spokane - LOVED that store, it's huge and is in an old brick building and just fun to wander through. I think they have everything and then some.

Off to get a haircut and meet a friend later for coffee at Starbucks and naps, lots of naps again today. Poor CR waited and waited and waited and the doctor didn't come out to talk to him and then all of a sudden they took him back to my recovery, after recovery room to see me. So we've no idea what all got removed, etc. Guess we'll find out on Wednesday for my Post-op. In the recovery after recovery room they give you some toast and coffee and let your head clear a bit, then you get to go home and I was ready to go let me tell ya. Hospitals are not my favorite place to be.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Can't believe I forgot this

2012-01-29T15:41:00.000-08:00

I totally forgot to share the Christmas present the kids gave me when we were up in Spokane a couple of weeks ago.

It's a picture of Ben right after the kids had picked up their new black lab pup Scout. Ben is our Grandson and quite adorable if you ask this Grandma, even if at 9 he probably doesn't want to be called adorable. The kids have a friend - Alycia, who puts these gorgeous necklaces together. She is quite the photographer and puts some of her unique photos on necklaces as well as taking custom orders. I plan to get a necklace with my dog on it in the near future. Please check out her work, it is amazing and beautiful - even the way she displays and photographs her necklaces is amazing. You can find her website HERE. Well I have a Bust Your Buttons Butter cake in the oven to take to the kids and I had better stop procrastinating and pack for the next few days. At least I won't need makeup this trip!!

Happy Stitches and hugs,
Tam

Longing for Spring

2012-01-27T17:28:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just reach a point where you are sick to death of having to wear a coat. I do, and I'm at that point with several more weeks of winter to go. I think in part, I crave sunshine and mild weather and about this time of year you feel like winter will never arrive.

We leave in a couple of days for Spokane and surgery to remove my nasty tumors. I've been an emotional wreck and rather quiet - which isn't like me, but I am a person who needs to go into myself at times like this and reflect. Doing things I love like knitting and quilting and baking really help and I've been doing a lot of all three.

The owner of the tanning salon I work at has always encouraged me to put some of my handy work in the salon to sell, so recently I've been knitting up this fast and fun scarves, they're light weight and not for warmth, but very cute. So I'm selling them for $20.00 each and I honestly didn't think any one would buy them, well the first day I put them out at the salon I sold 2 right off the bat. I was shocked and very pleased that someone liked them.

My wonderful friend Mary has been so good to me and caring about how I'm feeling, she is always sending me PGV (positive good vibes). Well the other day she brought me in this wonderful card and beautiful necklace and earrings (I love crosses) as a PGV Charm. Wear it and it will bring you all those good vibes she said. I'm wearing it today.

Then out of the blue my good friend Cathy showed up this morning with a bag of fun goodies to enjoy and she hoped they'd put a smile on my face given all that I've been feeling of late. Beautiful note cards that say Believe, a journal, some yummy dark chocolate covered pretzels and some green tea hand soap - oh and something else that we'll get to in a minute. I also got a couple cards from friends today as well. Man I feel so loved and blessed. Not just for the gifts and cards, but for the love and the prayers that everyone is sending my way. And the positive good vibes!!

I wanted to show you my Grandmothers beautiful diamond ring that my Aunties gave me last October when I was visiting them. I finally got it sized and it is gorgeous. Of course my ugly, arthritic, man hands don't do it justice. But I love wearing it and am thrilled to have it.

And one more gift from my friend Cathy - this car air freshener that made me laugh out loud. Haven't we all had a situation or two in which this might be the case. And if you haven't then, well, you haven't lived, haha.

I won't be posting till later next week, so until then............

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Let it Snow

2012-01-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately our trip to Spokane was timed for the first big storm of the winter for our area. But the trip couldn't be postponed as I had my 3 month check and I unfortunately have more tumors. I wasn't surprised, I actually expected it, it is a very invasive cancer. So we have scheduled surgery to remove the tumors on the 31st of the month and then my Urologist agreed it is time to start the BCG Chemo treatments. I will have to heal for a few weeks after surgery and then we will begin the chemo. I'm feeling rather down today even though we have a path forward with it all, I think it's just the stress and the waiting to find out that puts your body into a funk after it's done.

Our drive homes wasn't as bad as we thought it would be with all the snow until we got about an hour north of our home and then it was slick and crappy. Today has been a steady dose of fine snow and freezing rain. And I think tomorrow is to be more of the same.

So here are a few pictures taken from inside our house of the winter wonderland. I just hope the city gets busy and starts to sand, salt or whatever - the slick and messy roads. It's a zoo out there of bad drivers, scared drivers, idiot drivers. Oy Vey!!

My StepDaughter loved her shawl so that was the bright spot in our trip. I'm so glad she was happy with it and will be able to use it.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

A Knitting Finish

2012-01-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to share this picture - I finished the fan and feather shawl I made for my Step-Daughter. I will be giving it to her on Monday when we go spend a few days with them to celebrate a late Christmas and I have my 3 month Urology -bladder check. We already know there is a tumor, so we'll see what else has grown and then schedule surgery to remove those bad boys!!

Fan and Feather Shawl, using Simplicity Yarn by HiKoo - Merino Superwash Wool

Ah the cat approves of the shawl - isn't he so cute.

Hooray - Mom is done with that project - now she better give me so attention and fix some popcorn for us to share!! And she better snuggle with me, I need some mommy/doggy time, grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

The felines chilling out on a cold day together, they're so cute - I just love them both so much!!

Tomorrow I bake cookies for Ben our Grandson and get our stuff together and we'll be outta here after I get off work on Monday. It's supposed to snow, so I'm hoping it's not much and the roads are clear for us.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Happy Birthday Mary

2012-01-10T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today is my very special friend Mary's Birthday. It's a big one, but I won't tell on her which big one. Mary is just the sweetest lady in the world and she is such a great friend to me. We are alike and yet different and we enjoy each others company to the fullest. We can talk for hours and it feels as if it's only minutes. She's one of a kind. I've already given her a birthday gift, but I felt she needed a cake to fully celebrate the occasion. So I made her a chocolate chip pound cake with a dark chocolate glaze. I think she'll be pleased.

Happy Birthday Mary, Love ya girl!!

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Working Feverishly

2012-01-08T13:22:00.000-08:00

I have been working feverishly on a shawl for my wonderful Step-Daughter. She and her family do civil war re-enacting and she mentioned that when I got to a point in my knitting that I felt I could do a shawl she'd like to get me to make her one. So I bought some gorgeous washable wool in late November and set about making her a fan and feather shawl in a charcoal grey (trying to stay in a color shade for the civil war era). Anyhow I had 10 balls of yarn and I only have 4 left. I need to have it done by the 16th of this month when we will celebrate Christmas with them and when I see my urologist next. I am really feeling the pressure and yet I had a lot of stops and starts with getting sick, Christmas, etc and still I only have 4 balls of yarn left to do. I've timed myself and when all is said and done I'll have about 55 hours of work into it. Lord I hope she likes it, if not I'll keep it as I think it's beautiful. So here it is, I'll post a picture when it's done too.

Just wondering when you knit or quilt or do any craft project, do you put not only love and care into it but wishes for the person whom it is for to have happiness and to feel surrounded with the love you are putting into it. Guess I might be weird, but I try to silently do that when I am making something for someone as it truly is a gift from my heart.

This is my first really large knitting endeavor and while I'm a slow knitter, I really like how it's turning out. Once I'm done with this I can get to some quilting - I need to quilt my tablecloth and get started on my good friend/sister Robyn's quilt. So many exciting projects on the horizon!!

Happy Stitches and hugs,
Tam

A Great Way to Spend the Afternoon

2012-01-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

I worked this morning, then came home and spent the afternoon sewing. Cliff loved the quilted tablecloth that I made for Christmas several years ago and wanted one for the table for the rest of the year. So I thought about it, found the perfect material - Moda Circa 1934 and got busy this afternoon and put the top together:

I just love it and it was such a fun afternoon to sew away while CR watched the Rose Bowl. CR just told me he loved it and thought it was very pretty. SCORE!!!

On a sad note, this morning CR heard a crash against the window and went to see what it was, sadly it was a beautiful male quail who'd for some reason flown into the window and we think broke his neck. We LOVE the quail and it saddened us so much that this poor guy lost his life. He was probably spooked and that was it.

Because I love quail so much CR left him on the deck so I could see him up close as I've never seen one this close and I took some pictures of this amazing bird. Then CR buried him out back on our property where we have bushes growing for the quail to provide cover for them. So here are the pictures of the Quail:

So beautiful and so sad.

What did you do for your New Year Holiday?? Anything fun and exciting? Ours was quiet and just hanging around home.

Happy New Year and Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Resolutions?

2012-01-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

I'm not one to make resolutions, how about you?? For me I prefer to make plans and try to accomplish them. This year my plan is pretty simple, get this dog gone cancer under control and have as much fun as possible. And also to be healthy as well, I believe that will help me in my fight with cancer. I plan to fly fish, visit my Aunties in the Fall, visit my good friend Robyn in the spring and make her sweet daughter a quilt for her high school graduation. It's all about enjoying and savoring the good things in life that we sometimes get to busy to recognize.

Did you make it till Midnight to ring in the New Year?? I didn't. At 9pm I was beat, I said to CR that it was midnight on the east coast, Happy New Year, gave him a kiss and the dog and I went to bed. We are a wild household - I think CR wasn't far behind me in going to bed.

That said, the little man of the house was all about - hey, lets stay up and party, we can't go to bed yet. He is so funny and so full of it. It's rather fun to have a kitten in the house again. But we do miss our sweet Skeezics and so does his brother Chanceman. Chance and Butrscotch get along well and play well, but there just isn't the connection that he had with Skeezics, he's become reclusive and not as social as he once was. I hope that changes with time.

Well Happy New Year and Big Hugs and a big Thank-you for stopping by and seeing what I've been up to this past year!!
Tam

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing Everyone a Very Happy and Wonderful New Year.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

Some fun things to show and tell

2011-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Who knew an Eddie Bauer shopping bag could provide hours of entertainment!

Somebody has no problem being noisy and watching what the neighbors are up to.

Meanwhile, Chanceman decides it's all to much for him so he's taking a nap and hiding his eyes so no one bugs him.

Butrscotch loves the computer and loves to watch and slap at the mouse pointer on the screen.

Finally we got sunshine, both cats were following the sun around the house laying in the glorious sunshine.
I think we aren't the only ones who need vitamin D

A few new purchases, the saucepan is a Christmas present from CR to me. Then I had an amazon gift certificate so I got us a 4 slice toaster and a nutmeg grinder to grind fresh nutmeg on our eggnog lattes.

Nutmeg grinder close up - it's so cool!!

I received the ornament I won from Joanna's blog giveaway. Oh mercy it is simply gorgeous!!

I also received my new coat, scarf and gloves today from Lands End. The coat is beautiful and oh so warm. It's been so frosty and cold here lately and in the mornings we seem to have a reoccurring theme of freezing fog. More of the same through the new year, no white Christmas according to the weather man.

I started getting a cold on Monday and by 3am Wednesday morning I knew I was in trouble, I couldn't lay in bed and breath too. So I called the doctor and he put me on antibiotics and a prescription cough syrup. I hate the taste of cough syrup, but I swear the coughing makes a person feel like their ribs are broken. I think tonight I may be able to sleep in bed and breath so that's a good sign. Darn asthma, every time I get a cold it goes to my lungs and I'm on drugs to get over it. Just once I'd like to beat a cold with over the counter remedies and chicken soup. Oh well, it could be much worse.

The owners of the tanning salon I work at give all of us whatever tanning lotion we want and a regular lotion of our choice as well for Christmas. On top of that they also gave me a gift certificate to a new restaurant in town, I thought that was so nice and so generous of them. I love the restaurant so after the new year CR and I will go out to a nice dinner. I made them my dark chocolate cake and used my Christmas tree bundt pan then sprinkled it with powdered sugar so it looked like a ring of trees with snow on them. For the kids I gave them See's Candy pops - they are awesome pops, so I hope they liked them.

I'm all ready for Christmas. Having some folks over for Brunch Saturday morning and then it's just me and CR in our sweats chillin, watching football (well not me - just CR) and cooking a prime rib for dinner.

Hope the holiday rush hasn't gotten to you.
Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Living with Cancer

2011-12-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Emphasis is on the LIVING part. I've run into many people lately while I've been out and about and all of them have said - "you look so good". I always thank them for that comment, because I do look good. I am grateful that I don't look sick and weak. I work to be and look healthy and strong. I sleep a lot, which bugs me, but I have given in to the need my body seems to have for rest and that helps a great deal. I am thriving despite a very invasive cancer. My Hubby - CR, my family (especially my two Aunties) and my good friends give me strength and constant encouragement. And lastly my attitude - I won't let this get the better of me, I am a fighter and a survivor and I will do all I can to continue the fight, do what the doctors tell me and stay as healthy as possible. I think attitude plays a big part in something like this and I choose to be happy and positive. It could be a whole lot worse. I am one of the lucky ones I think. So there it is, my thoughts on living with my cancer. Just had to put it out there. For each person its different and an individual thing. For me, I'm fighting and I think I'm winning. In January I have my next check up and tumor removal, but for now I'm focused on the season and the love I'm surrounded with.

I hope you're enjoying the holidays as much as I am.
Happy Stitches and big hugs!!
Tam

Let Me Sew

2011-12-17T13:58:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to show you what I purchased with my Visa Gift Card that I won from Joanna, at The Fifty Factor's giveaway. Lands End was having a 40% off sale and free shipping so I purchased a new squall parka and a scarf and gloves to go with it and I still have 3 dollars left on my Visa Gift Card. Exciting, huh.

I ordered it in a beautiful Sapphire Blue and I can't wait for it to arrive. The scarf and gloves I ordered in a heather grey.

And then another surprise arrived in the mail this week. My friend Robyn sent me a thank-you gift for having her and her daughter over for brunch.

It's so adorable - it says "Let me Sew", "Let me Sew". I got the biggest kick out of it and have used it ever since it arrived.

It's a cold and damp day here, grey and a bit foggy in some areas. I'm just cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen and doing laundry. Mostly I'm having a relaxing weekend and glad for it.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

A Butterscotch Video

2011-12-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Hope I can get this loaded. I took this video of Butterscotch in our 5th Wheel during out trip to the beach for Thanksgiving. He is so cute and playful.

Maddie - taken in the summer on a fishing trip.

Another summer trip/picture, she's just so adorable.

ChanceMan and Butrscotch, chillin together, a little stretch going on.

So cute, they're starting to bond, slow but sure.

ChanceMan - or Belly Boy as I like to call him, he loves a tummy rub.

CR and Maddie - at Thanksgiving time.

Finally downloaded all the pic's off my phone, now to get my camera downloaded. Until then, enjoy the video.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Imagine my Surprise!!

2011-12-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

This morning at 2:30 am I was wide awake with my left wrist just throbbing. I hope whatever is wrong with it, isn't serious and a cortisone shot will fix it. Anyhow I got up and checked emails, etc since I couldn't sleep and I got the best surprise - I won Joanna's giveaway on her Blog - The Fifty Factor . She had a giveaway that included the most beautiful ornaments and the winner got to choose between silver and gold - I chose Gold and a $50.00 Visa Gift Card. Wowzer, I don't usually win anything so it was hard not to do the happy dance all over the house and wake the hubs up. Stop by and give Joanna's blog a read, she is always entertaining and I just love following her!!

I see the doc on Wednesday for the post op on my finger so I'm hopeful that he can give my wrist a quick fix and send me on my way. In the mean time I'll leave you with some pictures of the adorable Miss Madison, the spoiled pooch!!

I'm a princess and I know it!!

Dad - please make her stop, I don't want to pose for pictures anymore!!

Okay you can take a picture if you can rub my tummy at the same time!!

Hello, my name is Maddie and I'm spoiled and I'm okay with that.

Well that's all my news for now.
Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Christmas around our House

2011-12-11T15:29:00.001-08:00

Although I didn't put up a tree, I do believe we are quite festive. I've got my Grandmas beautiful Santa Collection and my collection of Angels and Snowmen. Enjoy:

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Time is flying by

2011-12-10T12:22:00.001-08:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. That said I have been so busy I haven't had time to kick back and relax lately. I still haven't loaded pictures from the trip and I don't know when I'll get to that, but when I do I'm sure I'll share.

In the meantime we arrived home from our trip on Tuesday the 29th of Nov. and unpacked the 5th wheel and that was about it. Long day of driving. Then on Wednesday and Thursday I kicked into high gear with cleaning and dusting the house, 10 loads of laundry, a haircut, fixing 26 Christmas cards and some other things that I can't even think of at the moment. Friday I had surgery to remove those nasty pins out of my fused finger, so that day was a bust as my arm was numb the whole day and so was my brain, haha. Saturday we were up early for breakfast, then grocery shopping, a side trip to a favorite winery for a great wine sale, then home and time for me to decorate the house for Christmas and bake my Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake for her to take home to her wonderful hubby. I didn't put a tree up however, with a kitten in the house whose going through his WILD phase, I just couldn't bring myself to redo a tree every day, probably twice a day if not more.

Sunday we were up early again as a very good friend of mine and her daughter were in town and I invited them over for brunch. I was so excited. I fixed a mushroom/smoked cheddar frittata, fruit, homemade buttermilk scones and eggnog lattes. Everyone really enjoyed the brunch and the visit was wonderful. Sadly I took a pic of the table before and forgot to get pics of myself with my good friend and her lovely daughter. I'm such a putz at times.

I thought the table looked pretty good for our brunch but a better picture would have been with everyone around it.

Then Monday I worked and ran errands, by the time I got home that was it, I had no more steam left to do anything. I'm so behind in my emails and blog reading it's just sad.

Tuesday I worked then came home and baked my dark chocolate cake. Earlier in the day CR put together a yummy lasagna and we had our good friend Ken and his cousin who was in town visiting over for dinner, then cake and port for desert. It was a yummy dinner and a fun evening and great conversation.

I went to work Wednesday just about to pooped to do much of anything but I managed to do what I always do - there is never a boring minute at a tanning salon, always something needs cleaning, etc. By the time I got home, that was it, I was done, I was tired, I didn't feel the best and I just sat down for the rest of the day. Thursday was more of the same. I don't work on Friday's but I was up early for a fantastic and much needed massage. Then CR and I met some friends for lunch and unfortunately CR was having a bit of a medical issue so we were home the rest of the day - all is fine, but yesterday wasn't much fun for him. Today we went to breakfast and grocery shopped and now are home and I plan to sew and enjoy myself a bit. If something needs cleaning it can wait a day or two as far as I'm concerned.

Here's a picture I took a couple of days ago - ChanceMan and Madison enjoying the Santa quilt I made last year.

Hope you are enjoying this busy season and getting plenty of rest.

Happy Stitches and Big Hugs,
Tam

It's good to be home!

2011-11-30T03:41:00.001-08:00

It's always so much fun to plan and pack and go, yet I have to say there is no place like home. Today I must tackle a mountain of laundry and clean house so that I can decorate for Christmas this weekend. Lots of busy work to do and I can't sleep. It's just wrong to be wide awake at 3:30am. I hope you all enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday. I have plenty of pictures to share, but still need to upload them to the computer. It may be a week or so, I have cleaning and decorating to do first.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T11:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends in the states and Happy Thursday to my other friends across the oceans!

We are spending our 29th Thanksgiving in Cannon Beach, Oregon and enjoying our time away as always. We are snug in our 5th wheel with our sweet little dog and 2 cats. In fact our little kitten Butrscotch traveled really well and it didn't take long for him to adjust to the 5th wheel and make it his home away from home.

The last 48 hours have been rock and roll with extreme winds (gust up to 85mph). Wednesday morning was the worst of it, howling winds, heavy rains, we lost power, then had a big tree branch hit the roof of our bedroom slide out, our poor animals were really scared and worried to say the least. With no power, there was no coffee in the morning. Thankfully our hot water heater is propane powered so we could shower and then head north of us where they did have power and get coffee and a bite to eat. Part of the highway between here and north of us was extremely flooded so only high profile vehicles were allowed through, luckily our truck is high profiled, the water was almost up to our running board. We took it slow, can't say that for all the idiots driving through it, but there always has to be someone testing the limits doesn't there. After getting through all that we had to be careful as our brakes were wet, but all was well and the coffee was better than normal given how long it took to get the coffee!! The RV park where we stay lost the roof of their building that houses the pool and hot tub - like I said the winds were extreme. Today is windy, but not like the other day, and it's raining, but more a dribble than an open faucet like the other day.

On this Thanksgiving I am so grateful for my wonderful husband and our families and friends. Your prayers have gotten me through a really tough year and I am so grateful to be enjoying another Thanksgiving with decent health and thriving despite cancer.

Happy Holiday and Hugs to you all,
Tam

Did you remember to "fall back"?

2011-11-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the time has come to "fall back" - we didn't setthe clocks back an hour till this morning however. CR was watching the HuskiesFootball game till late and I was to tired to care. I really needed that extrahour, but at 6:30 am I was awake. My back hurts to much to stay in bed once I'mawake, so I got up and checked email, etc. A little quiet time in the morningbefore everyone else is up isn't all bad.

This past Friday I went to the TRAC Christmas Bazaar with my good friendMary. It's a huge bazaar of crafters from all over and always has interestingstuff to see and buy. I found this one lady who paints on rocks and doeschickens, dogs, cats, etc. Some are big rocks that you'd set on a shelf andsome are tiny rocks that she's made into necklaces and magnets, etc. I fell inlove with this necklace:

I thought it was so adorable and it's so light weight for a rock. She reallycan paint and I so admire anyone who can paint as I wasn't given that abilityand so wish I had it. I'd also like to be able to play a musicalinstrument too. When I was young I played the guitar and wasn't to bad at it,but with arthritis I don't think I could take it up again. I'm in love with theviolin, but again doubt that I could play with my hands. So I love to listen tothe music and dream. Have you ever listened to Joshua Bell, he's a violinistand oh he makes that instrument sing. He is just simply a master of it and Ilove his music. I'm also a huge fan of Tony Bennett, even before he becamepopular with the young crowd and his duets.

I also did some baking this weekend. I get emails from the Splenda Recipeclub - just a free email newsletter and they had this delicious soundingCinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake recipe that I had to try. CR and I both think it'sdivine. I use the Whey Low sugar substitute rather than Splenda.

You can find the recipe here. And if you are interested in trying Whey Low sugar substitute, you can find it at most Whole Foods Stores, or here. I buy the whey low in granulated sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar and I think it bakes up like a dream. So if you get a chance, give it a try and let me know what you think of it.

Several months ago, CR fixed my do it all for you dolly Espresso Machine and it worked great for a while, but after 10 years of constant use it finally went to espresso machine heaven and left me broken hearted. CR loves his lattes and loves his wife's lattes in particular, so guess what we bought each other for Christmas (a bit early) - yep, a new and even more pimped out espresso machine:

And it's a beautiful thing. Brews a darn good shot of espresso and steams milk perfectly. I love it!!

Well it's a lazy Sunday morning at our house. I just made some Cranberry White Choc Scones and the house smells divine. I got some scone mixes at the bazaar that Mary and I went to. We'll see how CR likes them. I usually make scones from scratch, but it's fun to try different things too.

I've been knitting lately, but nothing to show just yet.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

What a week..........

2011-10-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

It was quite a week, I am back to work and unfortunately it's the slow season at the tanning salon, so I didn't get to see many people. Kinda bums me out. I did convince the owners that they could save a half hours pay and open up at 8:30 rather than 8am - no clients till after 8:30 they might as well save on payroll. So for the winter I'll work 8:30 to Noon. Just enough to get me up and out of the house and keep my mind off that growing tumor in my bladder and it's removal in January. I have done a pretty good job of not thinking about it, but it is ever present in the back of my mind. My family and friends and blog friends have been such a source of strength and support to me, I don't think I could handle it with out ya'll!!

I also have been going to Physical Therapy for my lower back issues and I have to say it's really helping with my back and to strengthen my left side a lot. And I even got a massage this week that was to die for, I've never had hot stones with a massage - oh man I highly recommend it!! My fused finger appears to have a bacterial infection from one of the metal pins in it, so I'm on antibiotics to keep that cleared up until the finger is fully fused and then they will remove the 2 pins. I see the doc on Nov 9th and am hopeful they can come out soon after. And my dog gone bursitis was flaring up in a bad way on my right hip, to the point that I couldn't sleep on it again so I got a cortisone shot yesterday. OUCH, dog gone they hurt when the area is inflamed and sore as heck, but wowzer does it feel better since that shot!! Guess you just have to take the good with the bad sometimes.

I haven't done much crafting as I've been busy catching up on everything that I didn't get done while I was in North Carolina. This weekend I intend to get to my sewing room and start creating something, even if it's just a mess, haha. Although I haven't been crafting, I have to show you a picture of a pillow my good friend (and hairdresser) Julie made for me. She is such a talent at embroidery, she'll take an idea and then expound on it and what she comes up with is always just beautiful. She gave me this gorgeous pillow for my birthday and with green being my favorite color, oy vey I just loved it!!

I like to leave my snowmen out all winter long - in hopes they're the only snow I'll see, although my hopes never come true. I've also purchased another pillow in different colors from Julie to give to a good friend for Christmas. She made several to sell at a bazaar she participates in along with a couple of her stitching friends. And I've asked her to make 2 more for the Aunties, although not for Christmas, I'll take them back with me when I go visit again next fall. I'm pretty sure they will love them.

Right now I've got some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin bars baking in the oven. It's a splenda recipe and lord do they smell and look good. If you'd like the recipe, go here. I have to say it called for a cup of the tiny chocolate chips - I only used a half cup, I didn't want the chocolate to over power the pumpkin flavor. I love pumpkin and this time of year it's just comforting to smell and eat.

Well not much more going on here. It's gotten quite chilly, and yet today is almost like spring, however it's a fluke and tomorrow is supposed to be chilly again. Guess Fall is solidly here and winter is on the way.

Stay Warm, Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Butrscotch and ChanceMan

2011-10-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

While we all still miss our little Skeezics very much, Butrscotch has certainly worked his way into our hearts and our home. He's gotten Chanceman off the couch and running around and playing and has really helped him with his grief. He's been a constant source of entertainment and made us laugh a lot - kittens just do that. He's put on a pound since we got him and he's really at home and loving his life. Here are a few pictures of his silliness and him napping with his big brother:

We sure do love out cats and our dog - they bring us so much joy and love!!

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Back Home

2011-10-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

I am back from my trip to North Carolina and I just have to say I had a fabulous time. The Aunties and I visited and had fun just putzing around. One of the days I was back there we went to a Bark in the Park event for the Animal Lovers Assistance League that my Aunties volunteer for and talk about fun. It was a warm day but luckily there was a breeze, cuz this west coast girl gets the vapors when it's humid and sticky out. When I returned home I had a couple days to rest and then it was off to Spokane for my 3 month cancer check and wouldn't you know there was a small tumor in my bladder again. At least it was only 1 this time. So my Doc decided we could wait till my next check in January to do surgery and remove it and what is there now will probably have friends (more tumors), so we'll get them all then and talk about the BCG Chemo Treatments so that I don't continue to go into surgery every 3 months. And then today I turned 51 years young. Yep and I'm proud of it, I think when you have cancer you embrace all the birthdays you can get and you cherish ever grey hair and wrinkle because the alternative is just not an alternative!! And now let me share some pictures:

There was a Halloween costume event at Bark in the Park - I thought this little bumble bee was adorable

And a dog dressed like a jockey - he won best costume and you can see why, it was a great idea!

I loved these costumes best - the great dane was the big bad wolf and the beagles were the 3 little pigs. You could tell the beagles were just humiliated to be dressed up which made it even funnier!!

My Aunt J's Dog - Gretchen: She loves to get her hiney scratched and rubbed

Aunt J's Dog Shianna - or Shy, true to her name she is shy but oh so sweet

Aunt S's house - off to the left is Aunt J's house

Aunt S's cat Precious, she was as precious as her name implies and so pretty too.

Aunt S's cat Cuddles, she's getting up there in years but oh how she loves breakfast and dinner time.

And this is Boy, he spends time inside and outside. He has a blue eye and a green eye and is so sweet.

Well it was an awesome visit and it went by far to fast. That said I have plans to go back next October and we already have plans of some things to do and see. I really missed my Aunties and it was so good to see them again and spend quality time. They are as fun and funny as ever.

I hope you all are enjoying the fall weather, or spring for my Aussie friends. I'm glad that it's cooled off and I am enjoying seeing the colors of the changing leaves.

Hugs and Happy Stitches!!

Tam

North Carolina, Here I Come....

2011-10-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

My bags are packed and at 8pm tonight I'm headed east. First west, in that I fly into Seattle to catch the red eye to Newark, NJ and then south to Norfolk, VA which is the closest airport to the Aunties. I've got my clothes, the 2 quilts, some knitting, my kindle, homemade cookies and zuc/blueberry bread. Good grief I hope I don't go over the luggage weight limit!!

Leaving CR and the animals at home, he may want to strangle me when I get back - our kitten is going through the "bouncing off the walls" stage.

See ya in about 10 days.
Happy Stitches and Big Hugs,
Tam

Traveling is in my Future

2011-09-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

I'm flying to North Carolina in a few days to visit my Aunties. I'm very excited to travel back there and see them, deliver their quilts and catch up. I made myself a couple of zippered cosmetic travel bags to take along:

Then tonight I made a yummy peach cobbler for CR:

And earlier today I finally got the dressing off the finger I had fused. It's still mighty tender, but I can get it wet and what a relief that is!! It's not pretty and somewhat swollen still.

So I'll be gone from blog land for a little while. Lots to do in the next few days to get ready to leave on the 4th, and I won't return home till the 14th. Then we have to go to Spokane the Monday after I get home for my next cancer check, so if I don't check in till around the 19th or so, you'll know why. CR will be home with the kids and keeping the home front in order.

Happy Stitches and Hugs.
Tam

He's Captured our Hearts

2011-09-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Butrscotch has captured our hearts. He's part of the family. Chanceman has gotten a bit more playful and is even touching noses now with our new little boy. He's been good for Chanceman - who is still grieving the loss of our little Skeezie - as are CR and I and our dog Maddie. Oh how we miss that sweet little man who loved everybody. That said Butrscotch is giving us lots to laugh at with his wild kitten ways and helping us all with our sadness and putting many smiles throughout the day on our faces. So yeah, he's captured our hearts!!

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Meet Butrscotch

2011-09-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well after much thought and consideration we decided that Chanceman was in bad need of a companion. Skeezie's passing has been extremely hard on him. So today we adopted 5 month old Butrscotch. He's quite the little snuggler and wild man around the house. Madison likes him and Chanceman is coming around, slowly. We think it will be a good thing for all of us and this adorable little man needed a home - so glad he picked us!!

Finger Fusion

2011-09-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

To complete what was already an extremely hard and heart breaking week, yesterday I had my middle finger - or the "flipper finger" fused. I've had arthritis in my hands that started in my mid-30's. This particular finger had been extremely painful the last couple of years and then I jammed it a few weeks ago. Jamming made it unbearable, so we took x-rays to make sure nothing was broken and it wasn't so the only alternative was to fuse the joint to stabilize it. I had that done to both of my index fingers in the early 90's and it was a great relief and so I decided it was time to do this one as well. I'm grateful that I only have osteo-arthritis and not the more painful types out there. So here is my right hand all bandaged up and no where to go so to speak. My pain meds are making me sick - they're not strong enough and I'm having to take them every 3 hours or so. I will be calling the doc today, taking pain meds that soon is hard on the stomach and just not fun.

At least the dressing will be off before going to North Carolina. I will have a splint to stabilize the finger but that won't be a big deal.

In other news, our Chanceman had been having a hard time with Skeezie gone so today we are going to look at a kitty at a local shelter group called POPP - Pet Overpopulation is what it basically stands for. It's a girl kitty, spayed and has all her shots. She's currently being fostered in a home with dogs and cats and so she doesn't fear dogs. I think she might make a good companion for Chance and may help him through this difficult time. If we do adopt her I will be sure to post pictures.

Happy Stitches and Hugs!!
Tam

Heart Broken

2011-09-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

Our little Skeezics - Doodle Bug as we liked to call him was put to sleep today. It was a tough decision, but it was the right decision. His left kidney was blocked and full of stones, removing it wasn't an option as his right kidney wasn't functioning. We thought he was getting better, but today he took a bad turn and we knew that it probably wasn't going to be good news. He was such a sweet cat, so charming, he loved everybody, he loved dogs, he loved his brother Chanceman, he was a total bed hog assuming all sorts of odd positions to sleep in. He was only 6 years old, and I just can't believe he's gone, but I do thank the good lord that we had him in our lives for that short time because he was truly a gift!!

Rest in peace my little Skeezie Man.

9/11

2011-09-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

I will never forget where I was 10 years ago. I was on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM teaching a computer class. Someone came in and told me a plane had just flown into the first tower and I thought they were crazy. Then we turned on the TV and the horror was all to real. Being on an air force base meant immediate evacuation of unnecessary personal - me and the others, so we left very quickly. Back to the hotel and I just sat watching the TV and worried sick for the families. I was also missing my family and with planes grounded, it was 2 days before we decided to drive home. That was the longest trip I've ever been on, but nothing compared to those who lost loved ones to such a horrible act of terror. Today I remember and can't believe it's been 10 years, sometimes it seems like just yesterday because it's changed our world and our reality so significantly!!

Odds and Ends

2011-09-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our poor little love bug Skeezie (our orange cat) has been very sick. CR got him to the vet ASAP Tuesday morning and found out that he has a lot of kidney stones and wasn't able to do a #2 because he was hurting to bad. So he had to spend the night at the vet hospital and is home now. He's all drugged up and sleeping in the recycling bin by the door (he's really into recycling and being green, haha). Things seem to be coming out okay and he goes back tomorrow for more fluids to keep things flowing. Poor little guy.

I was busy as all get out this weekend quilting the 2 lap quilts I made for the Aunties. I'm going to sew bindings on tonight and then hopefully I'll have a picture to share soon.

Until then here are a few pictures that I took recently - the boys and flowers in the yard.

Fall is sure in the air even with our days in the 90's lately. Hope y'all had a fabulous Labor Day weekend.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Catching Up

2011-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

No sooner did we get home and unpacked and laundry done and it's time to get going again or so it seems. It's been a busy, yet uneventful week. I caught up on all the laundry from being gone, then I got a cortisone shot in my right shoulder. That shoulder has arthritis and I don't want a shoulder replacement, so I opt for a big old painful shot every 9 months or so. It usually hurts for 3 days following, wakes me up in the wee hours and I can't get back to sleep - it's just so much fun. But it beats surgery. Finally today it feels much better, so after work I got my hair cut, went to Costco, and then came home and baked cookies for our friend and guide Rod - yep, we leave the 10th to go fishing again. These ought to influence him to give me the best flies so I catch the biggest fish (although that didn't work in my favor the last trip, hmmm)

I wish I had pictures of creative sewing things to show, but I'm working on this darn purse and got to the zipper, after checking twice to make sure it would work out correctly, the zipper was wrong and twisted and I had to take the good old seam ripper to it - ugh, I hate doing that. So I haven't touched the darn purse in a few days. This weekend I will be working diligently on quilting my Aunties quilts. October 4th will be here before I know it and I have to have them done and ready to leave with me. They live in North Carolina, not far from the Outer Banks, so last weekend I was pretty worried about them and hurricane Irene, all was well so that was a relief. Outside of a lot of quilting, I may try to tackle that bag again, I also have promised some blueberry buttermilk scones for Cliff, so I'll be baking more this weekend and of course there is always laundry. You see how exciting my life is - right, haha.

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Happy Stitches, and Big Hugs,
Tam

Those darn fish!!

2011-08-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

So it would seem that the fish got a memo that it was boy's week last week. CR and I had the same fly on and did they even look at mine, heck no, but after mine floated by, they grabbed CR's and he caught some beauties. And of course last week was the hottest week we've had all summer, so I think I was feeling a tad melted trying to catch those woman snubbing fish, haha. It was a great week and we did have fun. I baked cookies for our friend and guide Rod and he loved em. In fact we enjoyed ourselves so much that we are off to do it again the week of Sept 12th, good grief, can you believe it's almost September. I sure do see signs of fall coming on.

Here is a picture of CR and Rod with a 20 inch Cutthroat Trout caught on the Methow River:

And here is my honey giving the thumbs up after catching a "teenage" salmon:

On the upside, Twisp, WA has a wonderful little quilt shop called "The Quilting Hive". The owner is such a sweet gal and fun to chat with. I did buy myself some gorgeous fabric, so all was not lost!! And they also have the most awesome coffee roasting company - Blue Star Coffee Roasters, yummo, love their coffee and we brought some home!! The roast fantastic coffee and they're so friendly and fun to visit and of course they make a heck of a latte!!

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Bye Bye Blackberry

2011-08-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while shopping at Kohls, I took a trip to the ladies room. My poor bladder, anyhow I was washing my hands and my phone made a funny chirp, I opened my purse to look at it, set it down on the counter, dried my hands and picked up my purse and left. It must have been 2 or 3 minutes later I remembered that I set it on the counter and so I went running back to the ladies room - it was gone. I checked all the stalls, retraced my steps - no phone. I asked customer service which is right by the ladies room if anyone had turned a phone in - nope. I called my phone and it went straight to voice mail - I knew that wasn't a good sign, Whomever had taken it had turned it off so it couldn't be tracked. I checked with all the checkout stands, no phone, I waited a few minutes, went back to customer service, no phone, tried to call it again, still off. So off I went to the ATT store to get my beloved blackberry turned off. The nice man who helped me said that they probably took the sim card out of it and will sell it or get a new sim and use it themselves. A friend said to check craigslist, they're probably trying to sell it there. I guess this is common - who knew. Of course my contract wasn't due for a new phone for another year, so $350 dollars later I walked out of the ATT store with a new phone. Sadly it's an iPhone, which isn't bad, but I loved my Blackberry, however the Blackberry was more money and what I paid was horrendous as it was. So now I have to learn a new phone, recreate my contacts information and try to get over the fact that someone would steal someone else's phone. I just don't get that - I would never take something that didn't belong to me. Anyhow, lesson learned, don't look at your phone and get distracted and set it down somewhere because sadly you can't trust that everyone out there is as honest as you are.

Hugs and Happy Stitches!!
Tam

Auntie J's Quilt Top

2011-08-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie - I got Auntie J's quilt top done yesterday. Now to find the right backing. I'm so pleased with how it turned out. I used fat quarters from Moda's Sanctuary line that came out years - and I mean years ago. They were in my stash and I just thought they were so lovely and would make a beautiful quilt. As with Aunt S's quilt, I used Eleanor Burns Tossed Nine Patch pattern.

Lazy Sunday's are the BEST!!

2011-08-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

I love Sunday, it's my lazy day, I don't do my hair, makeup, nothing - well I do shower and put on clean clothes. I stay home and I sleep in and I fix brunch for CR & I, and we read the paper and we just take it easy and do what we feel like doing. Today I did a bit of re-arranging around the house, finished my Aunt Shirl's quilt top and started my Aunt Jean's quilt top using Eleanor Burns Tossed Nine Patch Pattern, which I LOVE by the way. Here is Aunt Shirl's quilt top:

Our Orange Cat - Skeezics, he's not very stealth and it drives him crazy that his brother ChanceMan can get onto the shelf in the closet and nap. Well, Skeezie has finally figured out a way to get up there and he's so proud of himself:

Chanceman was already there napping and was looking at Skeez's and me with the camera like "what the heck is the big deal in all of this - I've been doing this for years". Chanceman can get anywhere, but Skeezie loves everybody, so they balance each other out!!

Meanwhile Maddie was laying in her odd position on the couch napping when I came by with the camera, so she picked up her head and gave me that - "please leave me alone" look. Hmmm, the furr babies don't appreciate their Mom's camera skills I guess.

Meanwhile I'm feeling much better since my last surgery and back to my treadmill. Not as long as I was doing it, but I'm back at it and building up my strength. I also made my reservations to fly to North Carolina in October to see my Aunties and to hand carry those quilts I'm making back to them. I'm really looking forward to this trip and seeing them.

Hope you're having a wonderful Sunday.
Happy Stitches and big Hugs,
Tam

Havin Fun and Big Plans Ahead

2011-08-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

We have been busy planning some fun things to do around here. After all with the all clear and nothing medical for me these next 3 months it was time to do things that we have wanted to do.

So we have a fishing trip planned for later in August and one for September, hooray!! I am hoping to have some awesome fish pictures to share with y'all. I am also planning a trip to North Carolina to visit my Aunties in October. I'll be there a week and a half and I'm very excited about it. The only bummer is I get home and next up is my 3 month cancer check and my 51st birthday - nothing like a double whammy, haha.

I've been busy working on quilts - lap size - for my Aunts. Aunt Shirley loves turquoise and peach, so I got out Eleanor Burns Tossed Nine Patch pattern and here are the blocks that I'm getting ready to sew together:

Once my rows are sewn together it will get a small inner border and a larger outer border - I'll show you those once I've added them. I like this pattern so much my other Aunts quilt will be the same, although different colors. In fact I'm getting most of her fabric from my stash and I really think it will be beautiful.

In other news, Skeezics had to go to the vet for his yearly checkup and shots. He was not pleased about the thermometer (a serious violation you know) and visit in general. I guess now wouldn't be a good time to tell him his back teeth need cleaning badly and he'll probably go back next month for that.

We'll just let him rest, enjoy his sunshine and tell him about it later!

I also made a pie today - a refrigerator cheesecake type of pie. CR loves this pie because I add fresh raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, whatever I have that is fresh on hand. Oh and it is yummy:

I put it in a graham crust, but it's also good just to put it in a bowl and then into ramekins to serve as well. Here is the recipe:
2- 8oz Fat Free Cream Cheese (softened)
1&1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Almond extract
1 cup Splenda
Beat together, then add 1-8oz tub of lite Cool Whip and 2 cups of fruit, or more if you like it really fruity. Let it set up in the fridge and enjoy!!

Now I'm going into my sewing room and get those blocks sewn together so I can get the borders on.

Happy Stitches and big Hugs,
Tam

An Update

2011-07-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my Hubby and I traveled to Spokane for my pathology report from surgery. It's been a tough 10 days after surgery. It seemed so simple in that there was no incision, it was all done with a cystoscope which is a catheter type instrument. Anyhow, it wasn't so simple in that I had terrible bladder spasms that seemed to last forever and it was very uncomfortable, my bladder wasn't a happy camper. I was very worried about the outcome, but luck and a lot of prayers gave me better than expected results. My tumors in the bladder were low grade (slow growing), Ta - which means just on the surface of the bladder lining and non-invasive. So based on that result my Urologist and I decided that it would be good to wait on the BCG Chemo treatments until my next exam in 3 Months - October 17th to be exact, just 2 days before my birthday. At that time if there are more tumors, we'll have to do surgery again and then reconsider BCG. If BCG is needed I would have to heal for 3 weeks before I could start it and then it's once a week for 6 weeks and maintenance after that. I'm going to do my best to think positive that there won't be tumors this next time, however unlike this time I will be prepared to hear that there are and prepared to deal with it. But being positive and thinking the best rather than the worst is the best thing I think I can do for my body and my health, so that is what I choose to be.

As I write this CR is planning a fishing trip for us in August. We have 3 months of freedom to plan and live and that is exactly what we plan to do.

Hugs and many thanks for the prayers and support.
Tammy

Oh what a long day

2011-07-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Boy was it a long day today. We were told last Friday that there was a change in schedule - the third change, and we needed to be at the hospital at 8:30am for a 10:30 surgery. Well we arrived on time and then found out, after I was back and prepped that they weren't expecting me till 11:30 for a 1:30 surgery - the 2nd schedule time we were told, arrrrggghh. So what could we do, we sat and waited, and waited, and waited. At 2pm the guy with the sleepy drugs took me to lala land and at 3pm I was waking up in recovery. And no catheter, hooray. So after a very long day we are home at the 5th wheel and right now it's terribly painful to tinkle, I'm waiting for the drug they give you to kick in and help with that, it also turns your urine the color of orange koolaid. They also gave me pain meds which do help with the spasms, etc, but I dread getting rid of the water I've been drinking. The doc did tell CR that he saw and got what he expected and that we'd discuss it in detail on the 28th at my post-op appt along with the pathology. I'm just grateful it's over and thank you all for the prayers and good vibes, as always it was so appreciated.

On a cool note my OR Nurse was a quilter and told me about a quilt with doxie dogs she's making for the October quilt show here in Spokane, and it sounds so cute, I hope to come up for the quilt show and to see it. We talked fabric and quilting before I went off to lala land and that was nice, it took my mind off of what was coming.

Hugs and Happy Stitches,
Tam

Life Interruption - again........

2011-07-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning at 10am cancer will again interrupt my regularly scheduled life. I'm going under the knife to have the cancerous tumors removed from my bladder. Luckily it doesn't require an incision, just a scope thingy that is like a catheter and does the removal that way. They refer to the procedure as a TURBT. Don't know yet if I'll come home with a catheter, if I do it's okay, easier to have one than to pass clots, etc. I'm just not a fan of pain. I don't know if the doc will say much till my appt on the 28th when pathology will be in, at that time I'm hoping to get him to agree to BCG Chemo treatments for bladder cancer. From all I've read, they can be very successful at keeping you cancer free for a few years and I'm all for that. I just don't think I can take the stress of every 3 months them finding more tumors and having surgery. But I will do whatever I need to do to get rid of this cancer any way I can and kick it's butt. It won't be allowed to get the best of me. I feel positive, but I am scared as well. I wish I was a braver person. Unfortunately my emotions have gotten the best of me the last few days, so it's a good thing this is going to be over with tomorrow. I will rally around and my kick butt and take names attitude will return, but for now, the uncertainty of cancer is sort of getting to me.
Any prayers or good vibes you can spare to send my way would be so appreciated!!
Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

A Finish

2011-07-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Been trying to get to this quilt since March. Unfortunately cancer kept me from it for a while, then fatigue kept me from it, then I got it cut out, but wanted to make other things and finally, I've finished the Log Cabin Star Quilt that is a gift for a friend of ours. This is just the top, I need to get it quilted and the binding on. So here it is in all it's glory, I'm really pleased with it.

CR loves it, I suppose I should make this one again - I love it too.
Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tammy

The Pie

2011-07-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Cherry Pie - CR said it's delicious and ate a big piece last night, I'm sure he'll have another piece tonight as well. Between the pie and the rainier cherries I bought to eat, I think I'm almost cherry'd out. They sure are good for the short time they are available!!

I've been working on some blocks for a Log Cabin Star Quilt today, they're coming together nicely. Now I think I shall sit back and do some reading and of course fix a salad to go with our beer can chicken for dinner.
Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tammy

The neatest thing happened at the grocery store today...........

2011-07-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

As usual on Saturday's we got up early and went to breakfast with our friend Ken. Then it was off to Farmers Market where we picked up some fresh green beans, cherries, pie cherries and berries galore.

These pie cherries will be in a crust baking very soon!!

Blackberries, Strawberries and Raspberries - YUMMO!!

After Farmers Market we did a few errands and then came home. I decided that I really needed a pedicure and so I was off once again to get that done, and oh it felt good to soak my feet and have them pampered.
I decided to run to the grocery store before coming home to get more creamer and a few other things I forgot when I did the bulk of my shopping and while in the store a lady approached me and asked if I was Tammy. Yes I said I was and she then told me that her name was Krista and that she followed my blog. Wowzer, that was so awesome that she introduced herself and that she reads my blog too. I love doing a blog and often wonder if many people wander by very often - and guess what, they do and if you're lucky they'll introduce themselves when you happen to run into them. Anyhow it really perked up my day for sure!! Thank-you Krista!!
Well I had better get in the kitchen and start making that pie, CR is looking very forward to a cherry pie tonight.
Meanwhile Maddie is looking bored and wants to know if there isn't a treat somewhere for her cuz she's cute and that should be all it takes to give her one!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!
Happy stitches and Hugs,
Tammy

A Week to Process

2011-07-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I found out that the cancer was in my bladder and that I'd be having more surgery on the 19th of this month. The first few days were tough, not only did I get news I didn't want, but I was sick as a dog with a cold/lung thing and just worn out from it all. So the 4th of July weekend came and went with me sleeping a good portion of it away. As I started to feel better I got busy and found BCAN.org which helped me to research more about bladder cancer and treatments. I hadn't realized that Bladder Cancer is the 5th most diagnosed cancer in the U.S. There is a chemo treatment that I'm going to seriously push for, it's put directly into the bladder and sounds like it can be quite successful so that gives me hope. We've caught this early and I know that with regular check ups and doing what the doc's say needs to be done I can live a long and healthy life, but it scares me and I do have to work at keeping it positive at the moment.

So over the weekend when I wasn't sleeping I made mug rugs. I found this cute design on some one's blog and I wish I could remember whose so I could give them credit. I ended up making 8 of them.

Tuesday morning I got up early and cleaned house, then got a haircut, then came home and got ready for a noon to 4 shift at the tanning salon. Once I was ready I was chilling out reading and a delivery came to the house of these:

From my half sister Diane and half sister-in-law Doris. How totally sweet and thoughtful. I was blown away and after the weekend I had feeling like crap and thinking about cancer, they really came at the perfect moment.
Then on Wednesday we got up early to beat the heat and go pick more blueberries - another 15 pounds to be exact - my freezer is full and it'll be a good winter with blueberries for cereal and baking!! Later that day my good friend Robyn was in town and she came by for a visit which was awesome and she made me this -

A gorgeous prayer shawl. She's so funny, it was hotter than heck outside so she said I probably couldn't use it at the moment, haha. It's just so beautiful and the thought behind it as well as the love she made it with will certainly carry me through some rough times ahead.
Yesterday I worked 8 to 1, so when I came home I was focused on making a new purse with this gorgeous dragonfly fabric I'd found last week - here it is:

I even made a zippered cosmetic bag out of the black fabric to match. So now it's the weekend again and I'm feeling much better mentally and physically. I think I'll do some quilting this weekend, go to Farmers Market and just enjoy the time doing whatever, whenever. Next weekend we will take the 5th wheel up to Spokane in anticipation of my surgery and we'll stay up there for the week, in case I have to come home with a catheter. On the 28th I'll have my post-op appointment and we'll talk more in depth about the chemo and hopefully get the ball rolling on that. I just hope we can get some fly fishing in this summer, can't let this darn bladder get in the way of a good time - right!!

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tammy

I'm a little Blue for this 4th of July

2011-07-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today I had my 3 month cancer check up. I was anxious because the exam is basically a catheter scope for the doc to look around and it's not fun or comfortable. But other than that I just knew that I was cancer free and good to go. My energy has returned and I feel good, except for the cold and my lungs being compromised from it. Unfortunately, my positive thoughts didn't pan out for me. I have cancerous tumors on my bladder, I gather it's pretty common with Transitional Cell Carcinoma. Even though the cancer started in my kidney and ureter, it is considered Bladder cancer and that is where it is now. Early stages and I will be having surgery on July 19th to remove the tumors. I've asked the doc about chemo to try to kill those bad invading cells before more can grow and he said we will talk about that after surgery, there is a specific chemo that goes directly to the bladder and doesn't really affect a person like other chemos, so that is good news. For now I feel blue and down, but I will rally around and get through this. Any prayers, good vibes, kind thoughts you can send my way would be very appreciated.
Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Summer Sunday

2011-06-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful summer Sunday it's been here. Warm weather, but not to warm, windows open and a mild breeze blowing fresh air through the house. Fantastic day. And is typical at our house on Sunday's, we stick to home and make a very slow start of the day with brunch and newspaper reading, followed with lattes, then showers. It's a no makeup day for me and something loose and comfortable to wear. CR likes to putz in the yard and his garage on days like this and I like to putz in my sewing room. Today I made a new pattern I recently purchased from Lazy Girl Designs - the Gracie Handbag. Wow, what great patterns she writes, very easy to follow and all rotary cutting (I just hate a lot of pattern pieces as with the last bag I made). So here is my creative achievement for today:

It's nice and roomy with plenty of pockets too. I just love it.
And my helper today was Chanceman, who is obviously very tired from the huge yawn when I snapped this picture:

Now he needs a day of rest after all the supervising he has to do for his Mom.
Still nursing a sore throat which has now turned into a chest thing and a cough. I'm hoping to shake this without needing antibiotics, having asthma makes that hard to do, seems like my lungs get it and I'm a mess in no time, but I'm still holding out hope.

Happy stitches and hugs,
Tam

Farmers Market

2011-06-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Typical sunny, summer morning in our neck of the woods includes going out to breakfast with friends and then over to Farmers Market. When the heat turns on and your skin dries up, you know it's time for good, fresh fruit and produce. Today's finds included Rainier Cherries, Strawberries, Lettuce and Asparagus.

And of course summertime means the sun shines into the house, and the fur babies follow the sun like the littler sun worshippers they are:

Skeezics the Doodle Bug

Chanceman warming his belly

Madison, warming the belly and begging for a tummy rub.

Not much stitching to report. The Grandson kept us pretty busy and we were pooped when we took him home on Tuesday. I also saw the hip doctor about my right hip and am thrilled to report it's not going bad like the other one, it just has bursitis and so I got a cortisone shot (ouch) and it's really feeling great. I'm so thankful for a quick and easy fix. Next up is my 3 month cancer checkup on the bladder in July and I'm sure praying all is well. I feel really good and more energy every day so I know I'm cancer free and healthy. I always try to stay positive and figure it has to help somehow.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

Fun in the Sun - we love summertime!!

2011-06-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

We took the little man back to the park and play ground of dreams yesterday. It was a gorgeous summer day and it was a great day to play in the water fountains there as well. The air smelled warm and of sunscreen and the sounds of the kids having fun - it was a nice afternoon to say the least. Ben made some friends and had 4 hours of fun times with his new buddies while the grandparents sat in the semi-shaded area and read and handed out a snack here and there as well as water. Today Ben goes home, bummer, but he'll be back in July to have some more fun. Here are a few pictures of yesterday:

I also have an appointment with the hip doctor today. We shall find out what he has to say about my right hip and how we can get rid of the pain. I'm sure hoping for an easy answer that doesn't involve hip replacement just yet. I feel like the old body has been through an awful lot recently and I'm not sure I'm ready for more. But whatever it takes to get this thing fixed and me back to walking on the treadmill pain free will be what I'll do.

Happy Stitches and hugs,
Tam

Fathers Day 2011

2011-06-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

This has been a stellar weekend at our house. Our Grandson Ben has been staying with us. We went up to his house on Thursday evening, spent the night, packed him up Friday morning, had lunch with his Mom and Dad at Mom's office and then headed home to our house. It's a 2&1/2 hour drive and he handled it very well, even with all that energy. Yesterday we got up and going and had breakfast at our favorite breakfast spot. The little man was very impressed with the french toast, strawberries and whip cream. Then we went to get a haircut (his Mom asked us to do 2 things - get Ben a haircut and find him new sneakers) and then found him some new sneakers. After that Ben and Grandma went to a movie. We both highly recommend Mr. Poppers Penguins. A fun family/kid movie and very entertaining. When we got home Ben rode his bike and watched a DVD later while Grandma made Cowboy cookies for dessert.

Today is Father's Day so we made some pancakes and eggs for Grandpa for Fathers day and then called Ben's Papa to wish him a good day. After lunch we went to the park where they have built this huge playground of dreams with all sorts of stuff to climb on, swings, 2 castles, and slides. Mr. Ben played hard for 3 hours. Afterwards Grandpa and Ben had ice cream cones and then we stopped off to get some hot dogs to grill for dinner.

The Grandparents may be pooped, but Ben had plenty of energy to jump on his bike for some more riding, now he's finishing up the movie he started earlier.

Here's a couple of pictures of Ben and Grandpa at the Playground of Dreams:

Time for Grandma to do some dishes and finish up some laundry. Happy Fathers day to all!!

Happy Stitches and hugs,
Tam

A Challenge

2011-06-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Typically I like to make the Quilts Illustrated Charm Totes Purse pattern and I use the inside pockets idea from the same line's Bow Tucks Purse. So the other day I made this purse for my dear friend Mary whose been supplying us with the best fresh asparagus lately.
Here's Mary's purse:

I love the many pockets on each side of the purse as well:

And I use this pattern (but I also use the inside pockets idea from her bow tucks purse):

Recently though I decided I wanted to try a different style of purse - a new look. So I ordered this pattern from StudioKat Designs:

Oh my I was not prepared for this to be like a pattern for a dress or something. Lots of pattern pieces, cutting on the fold, nothing as simple as the rotary cutting of my Charm Tote Purse. This also incorporated 2 zippers, and D-rings for the handles. Yep, it was quite a bit of work and I had to use my seam ripper a bit more than I'd like to have because I evidently can't read, haha. Anyhow I love the purse. Here is a picture of the backside with the zippered pocket:

And here is a picture of the zippered closure to get in and out of the purse:

And here is a picture of the front of the purse with the pouch pocket.

It took more time than I'm used to a purse taking and I had some trouble reading the pattern, not because of the way it was written, I just needed to slow down and read it through. I plan to make this one again for sure.

Do you make purses and what patterns out there do you like?? Oh and here is a link to an awesome web page with tons of purse patterns for sell.

Happy Stitches and hugs,
Tam

A UFO - No More

2011-06-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

I'm embarrassed to admit that I started this around 3 years ago. It's tiny, the size of a placemat. I remember moving on to another project because I wasn't in the mood to applique and it got pushed back and buried in my messy sewing room and recently when looking for something I never did find, I found this UFO.

I just love it. I saw it at a quilt show in Walla Walla, WA and it said that the lady who made it used the book: Patriotic Little Quilts by Alice Berg, Sylvia Johnson and Mary Ellen Von Holt. I love this book, it has some fantastic wall hanging ideas that can be very patriotic or just lovely depending on the colors you choose. So now my little quilt is complete and is hanging in the "kids" living room - the room with the most sunshine and there fore taken over by the furry kids. Here is a picture of it with some fishing knick knacks and CR's Grandfathers bamboo fly rod.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tam

What is up with the "F" word?

2011-06-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to Costco to return/exchange my Rowenta Iron that was leaking all over the place, arrgghhhh!! When I was getting into my car a couple of young 20 something men were loading their car and every other word was "F" this and "F'in" that. The day before I was at JC Penney's and a young man was waiting for his girlfriend/wife(?) who was trying clothes on and loudly he was saying hurry the "F" up, I want to get the "F" out of here, etc. I wanted to tell that young woman - RUN, no man should talk to you like that. Then when I got home yesterday there was a group of middle school to young high school aged kids, about 8 of them, walking down the sidewalk and loudly spouting the "F" word, I think just to hear themselves say it. Well is it just me or are people now days just to uneducated to use descriptive words and think it's somehow okay to use a vulgar word like this in normal conversation? I personally have always felt that if you have to use the "F" word or other vulgar words to describe something or to explain how you feel than you are sorely lacking in the command of the English language and you need help. I just don't understand using this and other words so liberally in front of polite society, children, grandmothers, etc. There is just no reason for it in my opinion. Hmmm, am I getting old and out of touch? I think not, I think that using these vulgar words means you are uneducated and need to go back to school to learn to express yourself, lord knows the English language has a plethora of words to use to describe pretty much any feeling/situation you may encounter - I don't thing the "F" word is one of them.

Okay with that off my chest and now off my soap box, I wanted to share my patriotic log cabin wall hanging I just finished.

I used the Double Star Toppers Pattern by Folkal Pt. It also included a 90x90 Bed size pattern as well. I messed up the center star block by using to scant of a qtr. inch seam and then when I sized it up, it cut the star points off and I was out of red fabric, drat I should have bought more than I needed so I could have remade this block. Oh well it's just for me and I learned a valuable lesson oh and I just noticed that something is very funky and off in the lower left corner - I think I messed up that block, oy vey, I wasn't paying good attention when I made this evidently. I will have to remake it someday I think, this just looks bad.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tammy

A Year Ago

2011-06-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

A year ago yesterday I had my weight loss surgery. And a year ago today I was waking up to have my leak test to make sure all the new connections had no leaks. This was done drinking a tiny amount of contrast and x-rays to follow it through the new plumbing. Luckily, no leaks and I could start drinking water and I was on my way to better health. A year ago today I had my last shot of insulin and was diabetic free, and off most meds. Currently I take my advair for asthma and requip for my bad restless legs so I can get to sleep. I think before surgery I was on 10 prescriptions. I take a lot of vitamins now, but I did before as well, so not a huge difference in that really, except that I use chewable bariatric vitamins and I must say they don't taste bad, so it's like a tiny treat throughout the day. I credit my surgery and the 110 pounds loss in helping me recover so quickly from my cancer surgery. Had I not been in such good shape going into it, I think I'd still be trying to get back on my feet, but today I'm building my body back up on my treadmill and I'm feeling fantastic. Oh I still have tired days, but hey everybody needs a day now and then to chill, right. Thought I'd share a picture of my pants before weight loss and my pants now. And I still want to lose 25 pounds, so I'm not done yet, those pants are gonna get even smaller!!

Happy Stitches and big Hugs,
Tammy

Memorial Day Musings

2011-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend, this year is flying by. Typically this is the start to summer with folks out camping and having fun, but if you live in my neck of the woods, it's not exactly even spring, it's chilly and windy and rainy and grey with some sun just to make you long for hot days. So this weekend, in honor of Memorial Day and all those brave men and women who have fought for our country and our freedoms, I've been working on a project to honor them in my own small way.

On May 3rd I read a post by Carol at Brown Quilts that really touched my heart. She has a friend who has worked tirelessly to bring a bit of home to our fallen soldiers recuperating at Walter Reed, those going off to war at airports and USO rooms, etc by giving red, white, and blue pillowcases and quilts to these brave souls. Well she was recently diagnosed with cancer in her hip, pelvis and Stage 4 in her lung. The doctor has said 12 to 18 months. What amazed me is that this brave woman is still working to bring a bit of home to the soldiers at Ft. Collins, GA and because of her cancer asked Carol if she could help her out and maybe deliver them to the soldiers there - she's still working tirelessly and unselfishly to provide something for our service men and women with all she's going through.

So Carol put out a call in the blog community to make pillowcases to help her friend out. These pillow cases would be delivered in late summer - so there is still time if you'd like to help out as well. I spent this weekend putting together a few pillow cases to send to Carol this week and here are my results:

I hope you'll visit Carol's blog here and think about helping out with this project. As for me I'll be spending the day making a patriotic wall hanging for the house, after all 4th of July will be here before I know it.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,

Tammy

Back to Work

2011-05-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday I went back to work at the tanning salon. Hooray, it was just a 4 hour shift, but that I did it and did all the cleaning and chores required as well as wait on customers and had the stamina, well that was something to shout about for me. I'm coming back, slower than I'd like, but I'm moving forward and going stronger every day.

Today's exciting adventure was my yearly mammogram. I'm not a fan of this yearly event, but I do consider it a necessity. It seemed much easier this year being 110 pounds lighter. Of course the fact that "the girls" now resemble wet lasagna noodles isn't pretty, who cares, I'm a lot healthier.

I just finished the best book. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry. Have you read it? If not, I highly recommend it.

And before the rain hit - again (memo to mother nature, it's supposed to be spring and warm) I took some pictures of our peony - it's gorgeous this year and it's just getting started, the next few days it should be really beautiful, if our wind doesn't beat it to death. Yep, rain and wind forecasted for the next few days, ugh.

Hope to get into the sewing room later this week, sadly nothing productive going on in there at the moment. My friend Julie and I are going to drive to Prosser (about a 30 minute drive) to the Sewing Basket Quilt Shop this Saturday - perhaps I'll have some finds to share.

Happy Stitches and Hugs,
Tammy

Company is gone, now back to our regularily scheduled life.....

2011-05-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I posted. So much to share and so many blogs to catch up on. I've missed you all but there just hasn't been enough time in the day for everything.

I left for Vegas early Friday morning - May 13th and had excellent travels the whole way there. Who says Friday the 13th is unlucky. Once I got my bag and met up with my friend Becky, we caught the shuttle to our hotel. I changed and freshened up and went to register for the Meet and Greet, went to the Bariatric TV Forums small get together where I was able to meet so many online friends, it was awesome. Then Becky and I had some dinner and I went to the Opening Ceremony to kick off the Meet and Greet.

Saturday was a full day of speakers and chatting with all the wonderful people in attendance, an awesome lunch, more speakers and then I hit the wall. Traveling and all the activities, well I just had to take a nap about 2pm, arrrrgggghhh, it was frustrating to me, but what's a girl to do and since it's only been 8 weeks since my surgery I still have to listen to my body or it rebels. So off to take a nap I went. I awoke at 4pm and Becky and I went to the mall for a bit and had a bite to eat, walked around and watched people - what a great city to watch people I must say. Then back to the room where I changed into my dress and went to the closing night of fun and entertainment. Sadly by 10pm I was ready to get comfortable and since the music was so loud, I figured it was okay to slip out and rest. What I did participate in was awesome and fun. Silly me, I took my camera with all good intentions of taking a bunch of pictures, and I hardly took any, but here are a few I did capture:

Me with the gorgeous Toni and Lynnda from Bariatric TV.

My Saturday Evening Party Dress.

We went to the Winn, which isn't new, but it's new to me - this is the water fall as you're entering. It's just a gorgeous place.

The inside courtyard, simply beautiful.

More of the Winn's inside courtyard.

The Floor of the Winn's courtyard, is that gorgeous or what.

Sunday we walked the strip and visited many of the casinos. As you can see, I was very impressed with the Winn. It had a ton of shopping, but like all the casino's anymore the shopping is all designer with stores like Tiffany, Dior, Channel, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, etc. To rich for my meager bank account, but it was fun to look for sure. At 4 pm on Sunday we met up with some folks I used to work with who moved to Vegas several years ago. John and Vickie - such a fun couple and always so great to see them and catch up. John recently retired this past Jan and Vickie has a couple of years to go.

Here is a picture of us at the Belliago Cafe:

A couple of things I didn't know about the Belliago - they take a painting from their art exhibit and recreate it using flowers and display it in their garden conservatory:

And they have a fabulous chocolate shop that makes the most amazing confections I've ever seen and they have a chocolate fountain - with white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. If it hadn't been behind glass I'd have been knee deep in that fountain enjoying myself, haha.

While we were there the conservatory had their glass green house on display. Vickie told me they brought in 40,000 butterfly cocoons to hatch and boy was it a sight to see, gorgeous butterflies in all sizes and colors - a real visual delight.

Monday, Becky and I traveled back to my house where she stayed until this morning - she's winging her way back to the Chicago area as I write this.

Here is a picture of us and my sweet Madison:

Time to get busy now and get back to life. There is cleaning to do and laundry. I did my grocery shopping this morning. Chores never end, do they. I'm excited to get back to my sewing room. While I was gone I received a letter from my Aunts who were thrilled with the purses I made and sent them. It really made my day, I hope to travel back to see them someday soon.

Our summer warm weather that we've had the last few days has gone away, it's grey and windy here and chilly too. I wish spring would arrive already and stay.

Happy Stitches!!

Tammy

Off to Vegas

2011-05-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited, this Friday, I'm off to Vegas to attend the WLSFA (Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America) Mother of All Meet and Greet. I'll be meeting a lot of wonderful friends I've met on the weight loss forums, in particular, Bariatric TV. There will be vendors and speakers with great information to share. And the WLSFA provides grants each year to help people who don't have insurance or can't get their insurance to approve weight loss surgery - it's a great way to help give back to our community and help other people get their health back. Certainly this surgery isn't right for everybody, but I truly feel it helped me get my health back. I only take two prescriptions a day - one for restless legs, one for asthma. No more diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. And I credit my weight loss and the shape I was in for making my cancer/kidney removal surgery so much easier. I've heard from several people who've lost a kidney and it would seem I'm way ahead of the curve in my recovery. I also must credit the love and support of family and friends and the prayers everyone sent for me. I feel very blessed and my energy is coming back, slowly, but it's coming back!!

My best friend Becky from the Chicago area will be meeting me in Vegas and then returning home with me on Monday to spend the week here. Lots of coffee, talking, laughing, etc will be going on as well as some shopping - two women who love so shop can't forget that. I'll be sure to have pictures to share when I get home.

Now on to a few things to show and tell:

I found a cute pattern to make a wristlet/camera bag for my little Cannon Power Shot camera that I'm taking. It's small and compact and easy to carry. I found the pattern here (it's a Keyka Lou Pattern).

A lot of people are showing pictures of their sewing machines lately, and because I love my girl so much, here is a pic of my beautiful Viking - Vickie as I like to call her:

And then I wanted to show a sign for my sewing room that a friend made me.

Happy Stitches and big Hugs,

Tammy

Something good came out of my cancer.

2011-05-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe something good comes out of cancer, right. Well it did. You see I have 2 aunts who are my mothers sisters and several years ago, about 8 I believe, they got mad at me about something and if one doesn't speak to you, neither does the other. One lived here and one in the Carolina's. The one who lived here and got mad at me, retired and moved to the Carolina's a few years ago. It made me really sad that my only family who'd known me since I was a child would quit speaking to me, and then the one would move away without so much as a good bye. But you don't choose your family and well you can't control how they feel about you, so I felt it was good to just release it and move on with my life. I felt so blessed to have my husband's family whom I love and who love me back. Fast forward to my cancer diagnosis, I decided to be polite and let the aunts know about the cancer - you never know what is hereditary and well I believe people deserve to know things of this nature - just in case. And in doing so, I received a wonderful card from the Aunt S, she wanted to put the past in the past and told me she loved me and well I'm a sucker for second and third chances and I'm not a grudge holder, so we have been talking on the phone about once a week now and it's going really well. I think time and distance have taught us both acceptance and kindness toward each other. And in that spirit I recently made a couple of purses for her and Aunt J to enjoy, I also tend to be very giving according to CR, perhaps its to soon, but I do love to give to others, it's just how I am. Here are the purses, they're being mailed today - I hope they are received and loved with the love I put into them for each Aunt.

I am hopeful that we can continue along this new path and appreciation for each other and continue to have a relationship. Family is important, if not frustrating at times and it's nice to have that connection.

Happy stitches,
Tam

Finally - Energy to sew again....

2011-04-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finally felt like sewing and felt like I had the energy and presence of mind to get in my sewing room and have some fun.

First I made a purse for my good friend Robyn. We recently connected again via Facebook only to find out she lives in the same state again and only 4 hours away. It was like we'd never lost touch and she loves the purses I make, so I wanted to make her one to enjoy for spring and summer:

Then I decided I needed a new purse or two or three, so I made this one for myself:

I recently found this cool tutorial on the Moda Bake Shop Blog, it's called the strippy charm pouch:

It was so easy to make and a fun quick afternoon project. Here is the purse and the pouch together so you can get the idea of the scale:

Now on to making a purse for my Aunt (who recently started talking to me again when she found out about my cancer - and I'm thrilled about this I might add). I also have fabric that I want to make another purse for myself, so lots to do.

I got reacquainted with my treadmill this morning, no incline (I was at a 7% incline before my surgery), a 20 minute mile (I was at a 15 minute mile) and I really didn't break a sweat, but I don't want to over do either. What I don't want to happen is to take one step forward, do to much and take 5 steps back, so slow and steady. I'm hoping to build up more energy and stamina before the weekend of May 13. I'll be in Las Vegas that weekend attending the WLSFA's (Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America) Mother of All Meet and Greet's. I'm really looking forward to the speakers, meeting a lot of folks I communicate on the forums with in person and learning new things to continue to help me in my journey.

I've maintained my 110 weight loss through all of this, but have been stalled since Jan. I haven't paid close attention to my calories for a while now and I'm sure that has something to do with it, plus the awful fatigue I've had since December. I'm slowly coming out of the fatigue, but I've got a long way to go to get strength and energy from the surgery and all that was done. I have 25 pounds to lose and I know I can do it, however if I stayed where I was I'd be happy and grateful for that as well. I'm healthy and that is the most important thing at the moment.

Happy Stitches and Big Hugs,
Tammy

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everyone, hope you have a fun and beautiful day!!

A Word from Chance and Skeezics

2011-04-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Oy Vey, a grey and dreary day at home. Dad's been outside working in some of the flower beds, Mom's been in her sewing room and listening to a movie, and not amused when we sit on fabric she wants to iron or cut - we just don't get it. We're so cute shouldn't she stop everything and let us just lay there while she compliments us? But oh no, she made us take a hike. So here we are suffering in silence, left to our own devices and napping with our sister - a dog - gasp. Funny how she takes up our cozy bed, what's up with that anyhow. We simply get no respect around here!!

Oh what to do on a chilly, grey day. Napping - it keeps us out of trouble.

And lucky us - our sister the "dog" decided not only to nap with us, but to also take up our cozy bed so here we are freezing off to the side. Where is the respect in this house.

Oh Mom - did you have to wake me with that flash - really I'm exhausted and need to be left alone.

One more picture and you better say the treat word or I'm gonna get mad!!

Well that's how our day is going. We think we should protest for catnip, a little nip on a day like today would be ever so welcome. We love a catnip high, then we wrestle each other - haha, it upsets the dog, we love to do that to her, then it'll be a totally groovy nap.

Chance and Skeezics

This and That

2011-04-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

It's been 4.5 weeks since my surgery and I can tell you that my energy is finally returning. Okay it's taking its own sweet time, it's coming back slowly and I guess I'm just grateful it's coming back and I'm doing so well. Everyone is surprised at how healthy I look, I welcome those comments too, cuz the first week I felt scared to look at myself in the mirror. I am finally pretty much off pain meds and my mind is clearer and the drooling has stopped. I've not been doing much, but I have done a few things as you'll see below:

I've been knitting some simple kitchen wash clothes, only because they didn't take a lot of concentration.

CR bought me this gorgeous charm holder necklace and 3 charms - one with a C, one with a T, and a key with a heart lock. Isn't it gorgeous.

Here's something I've been doing a lot of - napping, and Maddie has been right by my side.

I made a couple of things before we went to Spokane, luckily I only had to hand sew the binding - it took me forever to be able to focus on it. I made a wall hanging - actually it's on our door.

This was going to be a wall hanging, but it's a tad wide really, so I put it on the back of the couch, the boys love to lay on the back of the couch and get some sunshine when the sun is out.

ChanceMan thought he should demonstrate how they like to lay on the back of the couch to nap

And of course I've been watching Skeezics bed hog his way through many naps, how can one 14 pound cat take up a whole chair - well this is one way. You just can't believe the positions this crazy cat can assume.

Well that's about all I've been up to. I am released to drive again, but I don't really have anywhere to go, the energy to go there or the money to shop if I did get there. So I'm staying home and out of trouble and still napping here and there. I sure hope spring starts coming on strong, I'm ready for nice weather and spending some time outside.

Hugs,
Tammy

A New Haircut

2011-04-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd stop by and share a picture of my new hair cut with y'all. I decided to go really short and make it as easy as possible while I'm trying to heal. Since I've stopped coloring my hair it was a tad shocking how much salt and pepper I have, and yet I like it, which I never thought I'd say.

Like I said - it's short, but it suits me I think.
Hope you all are well and you're enjoying some warmer spring weather. We've had sunshine, but to much wind and now today it's rainy and windy. Oh well, it's at least warmer!!

Hugs to all,
Tammy

A Few Pictures to Share

2011-04-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Oh it's good to be home and back to my routine - not fully into my routine, but I'm working on it slowly. It's been 2 weeks since I had all those parts removed and I'm still having more pain than I'd like to have and taking meds for the pain, but over all it gets a little better everyday. I'm missing my energy big time and can't even think about exercise unless naps qualify for exercise, haha.

When we first went to Spokane it was for what we thought was a routine ultrasound of my liver, followed by what was to be a fun weekend with the kids and our grandson. We planned to go out to dinner and see Hal Holbrook do Mark Twain, which we did, however by the time we got home from all of our fun, things were going all wrong for me and of course by that time I knew I had cancer in my kidney. Sunday I ended up in ER in a lot of pain and from there everything was a blur of activity, a surgery and biopsy, surgery to remove everything, lots of fear and then finally the good news - the lymph nodes were not affected and no chemo is needed. I can't tell you how blessed I feel for that news.

And now for a few pictures:

Me and my Honey at the Wild Sage Bistro - Just a week later we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary while I was in the hospital.

CR's Beautiful daughter S and her handsome hubby B - aren't they a cute couple!!

Here we all are!! That bit of green you see on CR's hand - he still had his cast on from his thumb joint replacement - all that and dealing with his wife's cancer, poor guy had a rough few weeks.

Now for some food porn - this was a 3 beet salad with goat cheese, oh my god it was so delicious!!

CR and S both had this marvelous Chicken, goat cheese, dried cherries, basalmic plate of deliciousness.

I tried the mushroom stuff ravioli's with squash on top, oh vey, delicious.

B had this gorgeous salmon dish on top of risotto, yummo

Our adorable grandson Ben went with his dad to Costco the day after I'd been in emergency and it was clear we wouldn't be going home as planned on Sunday, he told his Daddy that Grandma needed some flowers. So they came home with this beautiful bouquet of roses - nothing beats roses from your grandson and a hand written note that said feel better soon grandma. He's only 8 and he touched my heart so many times with his loving and caring ways.

Yet another view of the beautiful bouquet. The biggest blessing of all was truly getting to know Ben and what a wonderful young boy S and B are raising.He'll be spending some time with us this summer, he was to spend some of his spring break with us, but then Grandma went and got cancer and had surgery - I'm as bummed as he is and determined that this summer we will have a dog gone good time to make up for it, now I have to get in good shape to keep up with him - and I can't wait!!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and good vibes and words of kindness through all of this. I may not know you in person but I feel that I've forged some very wonderful and lasting friendships through my blog that mean the world to me.

Love and big hugs to each and every one of you!!

Tammy

Happy News

2011-03-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just checking in, today we are headed home and I am so happy to say I am cancer free. Pathology showed that the 9 suspect lymph nodes did not contain cancer and so I will not have to worry about chemo. Relief is such a small word compared to how I feel right now. Blessed is yet another word to describe some of the feelings I have. So now every 3 months I will go to my urologist and the concern will be the bladder and making sure that nothing spread to it that they were unable to detect. I'll do this for a year and if all continues to be well then I'll see him every 6 months for a couple of years and then go to yearly visits. Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers and good vibes, it was just what I needed to be free of cancer and able to move on with my life. For now my focus will be on getting back on my feet. It's no small surgery to have a kidney and some other parts removed and I've got 2 large incisions that need to heal as well as just my general health needs a time out to repair and get back on my feet. What a wild ride it's been in just a couple short, but very long weeks.

Hugs your way,
Tammy

Post Surgical Update

2011-03-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello All, I've missed you and missed reading blogs - I've got a lot of catching up to do but something tells me I'll just have to start fresh as I'm still to tired to catch up.

I had my surgery last Friday. It was supposed to be a 3 hour surgery, but it took 4 hours - poor CR, the waiting is certainly the hardest aspect of all of this. And the worry of the one you love going through all of this. I came out just fine and he was there to see me in my room and then I told him - go home and get some rest you need to take care of yourself, so he did.

Saturday, March 19th, we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary at the hospital with me drooling all over myself. How's that for Romance. I was allowed clear liquids that day so we toasted with coffee for CR and water for me. I also got up and walked the halls several times. I was determined as I always am to get on my feel and not stop. Usually this is a good thing, however my over achieving wasn't the best idea this time around. I actually got myself released from the hospital 2 days early on Tuesday. Then the fun started. I started running a temp, my legs swelled up so huge they hurt to bend at the knees, I started feeling nauseous, but had nothing in my stomach to come up. There was a list on my discharge papers of what to watch for and I had 4 out of 6 of them and my fever was up to 102, so it was time to head to the ER. They went to work on me to rule out things, my fever did start coming down and at 4:30am Wednesday morning we were back at the kids house. Up until today, I've mostly slept since then and kept up with my pain meds so that pain didn't become out of control as it had. I think I shouldn't have pushed it to get moving and get home, but hindsight is always 20/20.

As of today I have quite a bit of discomfort in my back where the epidural had been. My left side is very swollen and at times I have stabbing pains, but over all, I think I'm doing pretty good. I've decided that this was a major thing and something I'm going to have to give my body the time to bounce back from. I also need to be patient with myself and the healing process - a valuable lesson learned the hard way, but at least I learned it.

This coming Monday I see the Urologist again and get my staples out - I look like a zipper in a couple places. I will also be free of the catheter. And hopefully we'll have the full pathology report and know if Chemo is my future. I know a trip to the Urologist every 3 months for the first year is in the future. I'm also hoping he'll say it's okay to go home. I miss our cats and our house and our bed and Madison misses home too, not to mention CR - I couldn't ask for a more attentive and wonderful husband going through this, I am very blessed.

Please keep those prayers and/or good vibes coming and a little extra please to the good lord that the doc will tell us we can go home on Monday.

Hugs,
Tam

Ready, Set, Surgery

2011-03-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Got the call this morning, I report to Deaconess hospital at 1pm this Friday to remove kidney and other bad parts. I had a bone scan and chest cat scan today as standard procedure to make sure the cancer hadn't spread to parts unknown. I'm not in as much pain as last night but I am not comfortable either. I'm looking forward to getting it over with on Friday and getting past this. I'll be in the hospital for 5 days and then hopefully released with no further treatments needed. However if they are, I will do them and I will feel blessed that this was caught and we got right to it and got it out of there.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.
Tam

Biopsy News

2011-03-16T00:58:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,

More boring cancer news. The doc got in there and doesn't have to wait for pathology, it's transitional cell carcinoma. This means he will need to remove the kidney and the ureter and the lymph node that sits on the kidney. The concern now is the lymph node. Depending on it's finding, it may mean chemo for me. I will call his scheduler tomorrow as he'd like to try to get me in on Friday and get the surgery done. In the meantime I hurt and to tinkle is very painful, but I'm drinking my water like I'm supposed to and glad to know that while I don't care for surgery, this will be out of me soon and I'll be on the mend.

Hugs your way,
Tammy

A Quick Update

2011-03-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

As luck, yeah I'll call it luck for lack of a better term, would have it, I saw the urologist today instead of tomorrow for my initial appointment. The reason luck might not be the best term is he did a cathater scope on me and that was just not nice. Shouldn't a guy buy you dinner and drinks first, haha. Anyhow he explained my cancer and the concerns. There is a lot more involvement in the kidney than a normal renal cell carcinoma, give that there is concern it may be a transitional cell carcinoma which means they would need to remove the ureter as well. So tomorrow at 3pm I will be having a biopsy to determine what it is and then the doc will know how much to remove. Meaning if it's an rcc, he only has to remove the kidney, if it's a tcc, he has to remove more. Pathology will be back in a week or so and then the removal surgery will be planned. I sort of lost it today, guess the violation of a part I'd rather not have violated did me in. I'm working on seeing some humor in it all so I don't lose my mind. We'll be at the kids house a couple more days till we can travel home. The best part of my day - when we got home my grandson handed me a huge and beautiful bouquet of roses with a hand written get well soon grandma slip of paper. Guess he and his Daddy were at Costco and he said he felt his Grandma needed flowers to feel better. Our Ben is just the sweetest boy around and boy does he know how to say the right thing at the right time. When we left for the emergency room yesterday, he came up and hugged me and said - it'll be alright Grandma. I am blessed!!

Good News/Bad News

2011-03-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update. We came up to Spokane this weekend to have a fun celebration with our kids and grandson for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I also had my Liver Ultrasound on Friday. During the ultrasound they found something of concern and decided a catscan was needed. From this they discovered a cancerous tumor on my right kidney. I see a urologist this Tuesday. We were planning to head home today, however I awoke in a lot of pain, and it escalated as the morning progressed, so I ended up in emergency and we are just going to stay in Spokane until Tuesday. What a week, Monday a colonoscopy, Wed & Thursday I got CR's flu bug, now cancer. It can only get better - or at least that is how I'm choosing to look at it. By the way the pain subsided quickly with a morphine shot, but I am sure I looked a mess drooling all over myself. All good thoughts, positive vibes and prayers would be greatly appreciated. I will post more after I know more.
Hugs to you all,
Tam

Liver Update

2011-03-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pictures today. Just a short update on my liver issues. We - well I drove to Spokane today, CR kept me company as he still has the huge post-surgical cast on until this coming Tuesday. Anyhow we saw the Liver Specialist today and we both really liked him. He feels the fatigue and some other issues I have had for the last couple of months are not related to the liver. That said it very well could be Epstein Barr or something similar and one thought that he had was my thyroid. So he had lab work done on all of that today before we headed home. In the meantime one of my prescriptions - my anti-depressant to be exact is known to elevate liver enzymes, so I'm going to be making an appointment with my primary doctor to get that changed and we'll see if that helps. Next Friday - March 11th, we are going up to Spokane to spend the weekend, see our Grandson and see Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain. So I will also be having a liver ultrasound done that day. Then on April 1st I'll have a follow up appointment with the liver doc to see if anything has changed, or if anything was discovered and where we go from there. Thankfully he wants to do all of this before deciding if a liver biopsy is necessary. As I told him, the only needles I'm a fan of are knitting needles and a biopsy doesn't sound like fun. Thankfully he had a sense of humor and laughed. So while I still don't have any answers, I do have a path forward and we are working toward finding out what, if anything we can do to fix the problems. I'll keep you posted and I sure appreciate all your support and concern. Hugs to all of you for caring!!
Tam

Fun Times in the Sewing Room

2011-03-01T19:53:00.000-08:00

I had a great day in my sewing room. First, this morning I read Moda's "The Cutting Table" Blog and found out that they are asking quilters to make a star block for Quilts of Valor. Please click the link to their blog and check this out. I think it's an awesome opportunity to give back to our men in uniform and the many brave veterans out there. So today, using what I had in my sewing room I created 3 stars I will send to the effort. They may not need them all, but if they use just one that will be wonderful.

I'm also working on a new "java" themed wall hanging. I love my java and I love my espresso machine. Heck even Madison loves the espresso machine. Every day she can be in a dead sleep and hear me turn it on and into the kitchen she comes - waiting for her barista treat. You see she gets one at the local coffee drive thru, so she also gets one at home. Can you say SPOILED. Of course what would sewing be without a little, hmmm, help(?) from one of my boys.................

I had to move him off to the side so I could cut my big piece into 2.5 inch pieces. He was really annoyed that he had to move - nothing better than laying on what Mom is working on you know.

We thought CR would get his surgical cast off today, so we left the house early and ran some errands and on the last stop before the doctors, CR got a call on his cell telling him the scheduler made a mistake, it's to soon to take it off, he needs to come in next week. I don't think he was to happy about that, but what can you do. So next week he'll get a smaller and lighter weight cast. Until then he'll have to be patient.

More sewing tomorrow and knitting class tomorrow evening. The March challenge is top down socks. Oh boy, I get to try socks again ------- lets hope it's easier this time!!

Happy knitting, hugs and stitches to you all,
Tammy

Mama said there'd be days like this..........

2011-02-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

Remember that song - I couldn't get it out of my head yesterday. Actually it's been several days. CR had thumb joint replacement surgery done this past week so he's been on drugs and one handed and out of it so I feel like I need to do everything, but I've been really tired (4:30am wake up call the day of his surgery) and until last night hadn't been sleeping well.....................so yesterday was a day like that if you know what I mean. But I got it all done, cleaning, laundry, made a yummy breakfast, then an equally yummy dinner, and finished the thumbs on my fingerless gloves.

I made these for the Feb. Wednesday Night knitting challenge at my local knit shop. I'm thrilled to have them done and they were actually quite easy for me after the sock in Jan - which is not done and never will be done, because I refuse to revisit that darn thing! The month of March is another sock - only it's a top down, rather than a toe up. The only issue I need to work out is when knitting on circular needles I seem to knit inside out and I don't know what I'm doing wrong - I hope to learn how to do it right with the challenge coming up.

This is a busy week coming up. Tomorrow I work the closing shift at the tanning salon, then Tuesday I take CR to the doc, he'll get his surgical cast removed and get a smaller cast put on and that cast will stay on for 2 to 4 weeks. Then Thursday I finally see the liver specialist in Spokane. I'm actually feeling better - I can feel a noticeable change in my body, so I wonder if I really need to see him, but it's the liver and one shouldn't mess around with it - better safe than sorry. Friday I will meet some girlfriends for lunch at a new place in town called Fat Olives, then the weekend - esp. Sunday should be a blast - NOT. I'll be doing my "prep" for my colonoscopy on Monday. Will the fun never end. Again one of those things that it's better to do than be sorry you didn't later.

Wish I had more to show you, but I haven't had much time for fun lately.
Happy knitting, hugs and stitches!!
Tammy

A Pizza to Die For

2011-02-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was CR's birthday. I made him this absolutely fabulous pizza - it's a deep dish pizza but with out the normal bread crust. It was so delicious, we couldn't get over how good it was, and it was something I could eat (bread and I are not friends). I got the recipe from this weeks episode of Bariatric TV.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza (with a twist)

4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
3 eggs (or egg beaters - or I used 1 whole egg and 2 egg whites)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon oregano

3 cups shredded mozzarella

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup low sugar pizza sauce

Whatever pizza toppings you like : I used Spinach, Mushrooms, Tomatoes and Canadian Bacon

Beat cream cheese and eggs until smooth.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan and spices. Mix well.

Spray 13x9 pan with Pam

Place 2 cups shredded mozzarella in pan and mix in the egg mixture

Bake at 375F for 30-40 min then cool for 5 minutes.

Spread on pizza sauce and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and add toppings

Bake additional 10 min in 375F oven.

Anything you like on a pizza is what you'd put on this. I actually put my toppings on first and then covered the toppings with the remaining moz cheese.

And here is a picture:

Happy Knitting, Hugs and Stitches!!
Tam

I am sooooooooooo behind!!

2011-02-19T15:11:00.000-08:00

I am so behind this week I can't even remember what I haven't gotten done. Good thing next week is the start of a new week - maybe I'll get it done then.

Last weekend was very bad, stressful, upsetting and then my liver issues were in high gear to make things worse. Finally on Monday things started to turn around and all seemed well - good thing cuz I was off and running on Tuesday. Tuesday I had an early appt to get my hair cut. I've decided that my silver hair sheds the color a week after it's done so no more coloring my hair. To much expense and time for it not to last and hey, might as well embrace the silver/white hair I have, cuz I have earned every one of them. I also worked Tuesday. The guy who works the morning shift has evidently decided to do nothing on the days I come in so I spend 3 hours busting my hump cleaning and moving non-stop. I wouldn't complain, because hey I'm there to work, but when I arrive I see him sitting in the waiting area, just relaxing away. I was hoping that perhaps he didn't feel well and that wouldn't be the case on Thursday - trying to give him a second chance. Wednesday it was up early again and off to my physical. And as predicted, I was given the orders to go get the colonoscopy. Isn't turning 50 fun, haha. So I made that appt. for the first Monday in March - what a "crappy" way to start the week, but oh well, get it done and over with. The rest of Wednesday I was so fatigued I could hardly stand myself, so I spent the day finishing my left fingerless glove and here is the proof.

We won't get the instructions for the thumb till this week. In the meantime I've got the right one half done. So like I said I finished up the left glove on Wed afternoon, and went to my knit along that evening. Then it was up early on Thursday for the dentist. How'd I schedule all that in one week - what was I thinking. That said it's all out of the way now, hooray. Oh and please don't look closely at those gnarled and ugly hands of mine. Arthritis has really done them in, but the weight loss has really helped in that my joints don't ache as painfully or constantly as they used to.

I still haven't heard from the Liver Specialist - so I will give in and call this week and get that scheduled. I guess I was kind of fine putting it off because I am not excited about a needle inserted to do a biopsy. I made mention on Facebook that I did not like needles at all and a friend replied that I did too - I like knitting needles. Oh how right she was on that score. I'm sick and tired of the fatigue and need to know what the issue is with my liver. One thought was Epstein Barr which I gather is like mono - the kissing disease, which I had when I was 25 and it was horrible. Well I've had no symptoms like that, but I gather it's fatigue with Epstein's and it can affect the liver. Who knows, just make it go away is all I can say.

Meanwhile, it's been so nice here, the temps have been mild and it felt like spring was around the corner till the north wind started blowing today and the temps are frigid. I was ready to go buy some capri's. Oh and back to my Thursday, I went to the dentist and then off to work, where the morning guy - again - did NOTHING. I was so pissed off, he had 6 customers during his shift, I had 18 and I had to clean and detail all of the 11 tanning rooms, lobby, etc. I didn't get to it all and I was running like a mad woman. When I arrived at work I saw him get up from the couch in the lobby area, meanwhile I didn't get a chance to sit or have a bathroom break in my 3 hours. So I left him a note and we shall see what happens this Tuesday. If he doesn't do his part, I will discuss this with the lady who runs the 4 salons. Something better change, I don't care how much he kisses her behind (which I'm assuming he does because she thinks he's the cats meow), I won't be used like this for 10 dollars an hour. I would never have the nerve to sit down in the lobby when things need to be done - and there is a chore list spelling out what is to be done daily. I believe I am frustrated. I don't mind hard work and I believe in pulling my weight and then some, but I don't believe in killing myself when he sits around either. Stay tuned, I'll report on what happens.

Today is my Beloveds birthday. I've baked him a chocolate cake and will make a peanut butter frosting for it. I also have a recipe for a deep dish pizza that doesn't have the traditional crust. It's something I too can eat. The cake I made with Whey Low - it's a sugar substitute like splenda, it comes in sugar, brown sugar and powdered sugar and it bakes so nicely, no funky after taste that I get with splenda. If we love the pizza as much as I think we will, I will share the recipe this week.

Happy Knitting, Hugs, and Stitches!!
Tam

No News is Good News?

2011-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I talked to my doctor, it would seem all my blood work came back fine - which is good, however it doesn't explain the high liver enzymes. So they are going to have me see a Hepatologist - a Liver Specialist and a biopsy will be done to determine what is going on. So I'm still waiting, with no real answers and still worried, but they assure me that anything significant would show much higher enzyme reading, so that is good news.

In the meantime I finished Abril's quilt and she has received it. Emails from her Grandparents and Parents indicate that it is considered beautiful and will be well loved. Here are a couple of pictures, one showing the backing which is flannel to make it warm and soft.

I've also been working on my fingerless gloves. I have both cuff's done now and this week we will be working on the left glove. Here is what I had yesterday morning before I finished the second cuff. I must say I'm enjoying this pattern a lot more because I learned so much from the sock last month. I feel a bit more confident this time around.

I'm also excited to be taking a long arm class from my friend Ginny. She's been teaching at a local shop and so I'm on her schedule for the 26th of March. The shop rents the machine by the day and will be a great way for me to quilt something to large to do on my sewing machine. Also a great way to learn more about the quilting process I think. Go check her blog out - tell her hello: Ginnys Quilts.

I've started working at the tanning salon again. Noon to 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it's nice to get out of the house and even though I didn't have a lot of customers, it was fun to just have another focus, especially right now, it keeps my mind off my own problems.

Have a great day and stay warm/cool where ever you are.
Tam

Struggling

2011-02-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

This has been a difficult week for me. I received a letter and lab instructions from my surgeon's office that did my gastric bypass. My blood work while heavy may have shown issues with diabetes and cholesterol, but always my liver enzymes were perfect - liver enzymes I gather show fatty liver issues or other issues. But all the while when I was 110 pounds heavier and for 6 months after surgery, my liver enzymes were perfect. When they did my surgery, my liver looked good - not fatty and problematic. Then suddenly in December my liver enzymes went up, a retest of them in January showed them increasing, my blood work for my physical this month has them even higher. So ten vials of blood later, they set out to test for hepatitis and genetic issues involving the liver. I always get a copy of my blood work mailed to me and keep it for my records. So yesterday I received the copy of all those tests, the good news is it appears I don't have hepatitis or anything else they were testing for, the bad news is - what the heck is wrong with me and why do the liver enzymes keep climbing up. I'm nervous and a bit scared about it all. I want to hope that it's nothing, but if it's nothing, then why do they keep going up. So I'm trying to stay busy and not focus to much on it, but that is a bit hard to do at the moment.

Yesterday I went to my friend Kelly's house for a sew day, it was so nice to get together and sew and talk and enjoy each others company. I wish I'd taken my camera so you could see the gorgeous king sized quilt she is making for a friends wedding. We had a lot to catch up on so not as much sewing got done, but hey it was a great time. I took the quilt I started making for our bed and then got frustrated with and put to the side for almost a year. I got 5 of the 40 star blocks put together and I feel energized to get on with this quilt as I think it will be beautiful when it's done.

My pattern is called Anniversary Stars from 40 Fabulous Quick Cut Quilts by Evelyn Sloppy.

And in other news I've decided I need to be out a bit more, I love to meet and talk to people, so I'm going back to the tanning salon, just 2 afternoon's a week and 3 hour shifts, so not to much, but enough to get me out and meeting people and keeping busy. I always enjoyed working there and had fun with the customers, so I'm looking forward to it. CR will be having thumb joint replacement right after his birthday this month, so we have a lot going on and meanwhile I'll be waiting to hear from the doctor if I will be seeing a liver specialist or what they plan to do next.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday, so if you're watching the game, I hope your team wins. I'll be in my sewing room enjoying a movie and knitting on my fingerless gloves for the Feb. challenge. CR will be cheering on the Packers I believe.

Have a wonderful and relaxing day!
Tam

A Valentine and a Quilt Top

2011-01-31T10:43:00.000-08:00

After such a fun and busy Saturday my creative juices were in high gear for Sunday, so I continued on with Baby Abril's quilt and finished the top:

Hoping to get it sandwiched and quilted today as well as getting the binding on, but I may not get the binding hand sewn as I do want to get to some knitting as well.

I also wanted to have a small little wall hanging for our door. I have the hearts wall hanging in my header photo in our living room, but I think it's fun to have something on our door as well so you can see it as your leaving. So I searched around and couldn't find anything small and simple that caught my eye and decided to just do my own thing - this is really stepping out of my comfort zone as I've never done this before. Anyhow I just took a few scraps and fat quarters I had to create this.

I must say I'm quite pleased with it. It's very simple and was very quick to put together and CR liked it so it's all good.

It's cooled off around here and is only going to be in the mid-30's for a while. It was feeling like spring was around the corner until this morning - bummer.

This week we start our fingerless gloves for the Skacel Trekking Yarn Challenge. More stuff to learn, hope I'm up for it. That sock sort of did me in although I've started over and this time around it's going a lot better, however I've yet to do the heel, so we shall stay hopeful and optimistic that it's won't be backwards this time around.

Stay warm, and happy crafting!!
Tam

A Busy Saturday

2011-01-29T19:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a busy and fun Saturday I have had. Up early and out to breakfast with friends. Then off to do a few errands before going to my local knitting shop - Sheeps Clothing, for the fun Shibui Knits Trunk Show. I've been so excited for this yarn to come into the shop, you see every Monday this Feb. I'll be taking a shawl class using their Silk Cloud (60% kid mohair, 40% silk) yarn and their Baby Alpaca yarn. You use a strand of each to knit into a gorgeous shawl. I chose their Wasabi color. I wish you could feel it - it's so soft and dreamy.

I also bought a couple of their pattern books - oh such gorgeous stuff. One is Shibui Luxury and one is Shibui Heichi. I want to make these socks out of the Luxury pattern book:

So I got some Shibui Staccato (65% superwash merino, 30% silk, 5% nylon) to use with some of the Shibui Cloud in this color combination:

Again - I wish you could feel this, it's just gorgeous yarn. Here's a look at the 2 pattern books I got:

I started a baby quilt for little Abril (that's spanish for April). Our Nephew and his wife had Abril this past fall and while I made her a cute little baby quilt, I wanted her to also have a pretty quilt to enjoy as she got a little bigger. It still needs to have the rows sewn together and then an inner and outer border put on, but here is my progress so far - I love the colors.

While I was at the event this afternoon this lovely older lady told me about these really cute small shadow box type frames with broaches in them at this high end gift shop in town. I thought to myself, hmmm wonder if I could find some frames like that, buy some nice cardstock to put as a back drop and do that with some broaches I have. One of the broaches is from my Mother-in-Law. I remember Mabel wearing this broach and CR thinks it may have been her mothers broach. I was able to find the frames and I've framed Mabel's broach to give to CR's daughter for part of her birthday present. I hope she thinks it's as special as I think it is.

It's hard to see the etched design on the broach, but it's from England and has a bird flying on it. It's a very pretty piece.
I have always loved broaches, since I was in my teens - not the typical thing a teen would like, but I liked them so I collected a few here and there from antique shops. I couldn't tell you where I found this piece, but it's a mosaic pin in the shape of a mandolin(?). I love it and so I framed it for myself as you can see.

As you can see, busy girls are better girls and have a lot of things to do in the next few weeks. My sock that you've seen in previous posts isn't going so well. I went to class last Wednesday only to find out that somehow, and I've no idea how, I was knitting it backwards - what should be on the outside of the heel is on the inside and vice versa. So I came home feeling totally defeated, despite the words of encouragement from the class and teacher. I mulled it over for a day and then decided to begin a new sock and learn from the multitude of mistakes I'd made on the first version. I'm glad to report that while still not totally perfect, it looks much better and is going along a lot easier for me - that said, I'm not to that pesky heel yet.

Stay busy, stay warm and happy crafting!!
Tam

A BIG Surprise from CR

2011-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to Costco to pick up a few things. A relatively short list, a quick in and out kind of trip, which is sometimes hard to do if Costco is busy or if we have a long list and they've moved things. So we enter the store and CR says, oh wait I wanted to go this way, so he turns and starts walking toward the TV section, or so I thought, but what he really had in mind was the cameras. You see for a couple of years now I've been pining for a Nikon DSLR Camera, with a zoom lens so I could take close up pictures of nature and what have you. The one I wanted was the D5000, not quite as spiffy as the D90 that my son-in-law raves about, but this one does what I want and I have wanted it bad. So we go down the aisle, CR says - oh hey is this the camera you wanted, I'm like - yeah (thinking - oh just rub it in) and he picks up the box and puts it in our cart. For a rare moment in time I was flat speechless. Then I said to him - what are you doing. He said to me, you have wanted this so much and you have done such a great job at losing weight, getting your act together and figuring out what works for you, what triggers you to eat and just working on yourself and your health, you deserve a big reward. Again I was speechless - and this doesn't happen to often let me tell ya. I was like honey, this is to expensive (although I didn't want to put it back), and really I should lose a lot more than 110 pounds to be deserving of such a reward (and I have 25 more to go - oy vey). He said nope, you deserve this and so we walked out of the store with this (after paying of course):

And yes I gave him a big old kiss right there by the camera display!!

I also finished an apron for myself. I think it's pretty cute and I took a close up of the crazy buttons I found for it. I got the fabric and the buttons at the Center Diamond Quilt Shop in Cannon Beach, OR this past Thanksgiving. I like how it turned out, but lord it'll be white from flour in no time the way I bake, haha.

Well that's all for the excitement around here. Now to study up on my new camera, figure out how it all works and go Eagle watching again so I can take some really excellent pictures.

Stay warm, happy sewing and knitting!

My Sock has a Heel

2011-01-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

This sock has definitely been a huge challenge for me. I just finished the heel, full of mistakes I might add, but there it is, a HEEL - hooray. I'm still not so sure about the method, thankfully there was a 2 part video that I could refer to that helped me out, but still I'd forget what I was supposed to do a time or two. They call it a short row heel and it uses the wrap and turn. Well I got the wrap and turn to build the first part of the heel, but the second part, not as clear for me. It's a learning process, next heel will be much better. This is what I did to keep busy while my hubby listened to foot ball and made 11 Bean Chicken Soup for dinner.

We are supposed to have a high of 56 degrees today, hard to believe we are so warm while the east coast is so frigidly cold. I wish the sun was out with the warm temp's, but it's grey and gloomy. I have such issues with winter and lack of sunshine, it's really starting to get to me - as always. I've also discovered that I don't tolerate sugar alcohols in my advanced age. I have to be careful of sugar grams since my weight loss surgery, so I try to find things with splenda, or low sugar grams. Well I recently bought a sugar free Pillsbury mix for brownies and some sugar free frosting. Both have splenda, but also sugar alcohols and just a little bit darn near kills me with gas pain to the point that I couldn't sleep one night I hurt so bad. It's like having a heart attack from gas. Do any of you have issues with sugar alcohols? Just curious.

Stay warm where ever you are!

A Sock Update

2011-01-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I started to knit the heel of my sock. It's not the best looking sock in town, but here's what I decided. I've only done a scarf and a few dish clothes and just started learning in November and I'm doing a sock already, with a twisted cable and reading a pattern and now a heel - well perfection is not what I'm striving for, learning is what I'm focused on, so I'm allowing myself mistakes without guilt. I have learned to pick out mistakes and go back, but slipped stitches still elude me. Here is a picture of my sock - I had 2 more cables in before I started the heel, so it looks short in this picture.

I've also been busy in my sewing room and made a few aprons. Here are two that I recently sent to the ladies who host the great videos on Bariatrictv.com. They do cooking segments and I thought it would be fun to make them aprons. If they prefer not to use them that's okay too, just wanted to do a little something for them for all the great information the give out.

And last, but not least, I got a new pair of glasses. I hate picking out glasses and I never think they look good on me, but these, black frames, have gotten me several compliments. I guess they look okay, what I know for sure is they are very light weight and very comfortable.

It's cold and grey and windy here today, but not as cold as other areas of the country so I shouldn't complain. And we don't have snow and bad roads to contend with so we are lucky in that as well. I did have an epidural in L4 of my lower back today and thankfully it is giving me relief - or perhaps that is the numbing agent they use before the cortisone, whatever it is, it's working and I'm not having spasms.

Hugs Your Way!

I need ideas, and a recipe I think you'll like!

2011-01-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends and Readers.

I was recently cleaning out the closet in my sewing room - I actually use it for a pantry and a place for coats, rather than to store fabric, you see my kitchen is rather small and I don't have a lot of cupboard space. Anyhow when cleaning out the shelves at the top of the closet, I found some wonderful and adorable tea towels that were embroidered years and years ago by a lady that was 101 years old. She originally embroidered them for someone in my family in the 50's, and when I moved out and into my first apartment, they were given to me, well I never used them because they were so cute and I didn't want to ruin them. I forgot all about them until I cleaned out some storage boxes. So............. I'm wondering if they wouldn't be cute to put in a quilt as embroidered blocks and using reproduction fabrics. Would that be a good use for them? Or would it be wrong to cut them up and use them as quilt blocks? For you quilters - what do you think, how would you use them?? I'm afraid to wash them even at this point, so any and all advice and ideas would be appreciated. Here they are, Monday through Sunday:

Now for the recipe. If you like peanut butter and are gluten intolerant or sugar intolerant these are so good and so easy. The recipe makes about 40 cookies:

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
1 egg
1 cup sugar (or splenda) - I use splenda
1 & 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Mix the ingredients together, and drop on to a cookie sheet - I use a regular teaspoon from my silverware and drop abut 2/3's of the teaspoon onto the baking sheet. The oven should be warmed up to 375 degrees and I bake them for 9 minutes for the size I bake. If you want them bigger you'll have to bake them longer. Some people roll them into balls, I don't bother with that cuz the PB is to sticky in my opinion.

Here's the stats on 1 cookie: 59 calories, 5 fat grams, 3 carbs, .6 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 2.6 grams of protein (I used Sparkpeople recipe calculator to figure this out).

And here is a picture of the yummy goodness:

CR LOVES, LOVES, LOVES peanut butter and he is wild for these cookies and the fact that they're not bad for calories and something we both can eat/enjoy in moderation.

Happy Baking.................

Eagle Watching

2011-01-11T17:34:00.000-08:00

I tried to post this yesterday and deleted it somehow - I was so discouraged I figured I'd wait till today and try again.

Yesterday CR and I went to a local park where the Snake and Columbia Rivers meet to do some Eagle watching. We counted about 15 of them and I got a few pictures too. It was a grey, frigid day and I don't have a super zoom camera, so my pictures aren't as good as they could be - I reminded CR that they'd be better if I had the camera I really wanted. I'm guessing by the look on his face I was pushing my luck on that subject, haha. Anyhow some of the eagles were young and hadn't developed their white hoods - guess that doesn't happen till they're around 5. But they were so beautiful and hearing their distinctive cries was just thrilling.

Near the park we went to is the Port of Pasco and Lampson has a huge yard there where they have their cranes, etc. So we stopped so I could take a picture of their Transi-lift Crane. This bad boy is huge. The first one I saw was when I was in my early 20's working at a construction site for a nuclear power plant which was later mothballed and never completed. The Transi-lift was used to lift the dome top onto the containment building.

I was also lucky enough to snap a couple pictures of Chanceman doing his "shower inspector" job yesterday morning. Chance has appointed himself as the chief shower inspector to his Dad and therefore every morning perches on top of the shower doors and watches CR shower. He doesn't do this for me - just his Dad, evidently CR doesn't get clean if he's not watched, haha. Anyhow I end up having to wipe the ceiling down for all the cat hair above the shower door.

Chanceman had his yearly check up this morning and got his shots at the vet. He's 7 years old and this morning was quite peeved about it all - it was frigid outside and he was not amused by the cold. He loves the sun and if it's not shining so he can lay in the rays coming in the house, he will lay on a table under a lamp or on top of the dryer to get and keep warm. Well he got cold so when he got to the vet he was sporting an attitude and was not the usual good boy he typically is. All is well now, he's been curled up on my recliner all day and sleeping and staying warm and is full of love tonight.

Stay warm and hugs your way!!

Learning to Knit Socks

2011-01-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

Skacel Yarns is sponsoring a 20 years of Zitron Trekking Sock Yarn Knit Along featuring Michelle Hunter of Knit Purl Hunter. So my local knitting shop - Sheeps Clothing is having the knit along every Wednesday evening. This month features their Susanne yarn and we're making toe up socks. Now I'm new to knitting and I was a bit scared to take this on, but it's quite easy once you get the cast on part down. There are prizes to win each month and at the end of the 6 months there is a grand prize as well. So not only am I learning to knit socks, but I might win a prize too - wouldn't that be fun!!

Here is a couple pictures of my progress so far - it's not a lot, but it's coming along nicely.

And not to worry - I'm still having fun with my quilting too. I've got quite a few things in the half done stages in my sewing room that I'll show you later!!

What did you do today.....

2011-01-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Everyone.

Decided to shower and put a clean pair of PJ's on today, no makeup, and head into my sewing room to accomplish a few things. So what did I accomplish on the first day of the new year - I made a new valance for my Kitchen window (got the fabric on sale for 3.99 a yard - it's by Maywood), then I cut out 5 aprons and a purse which I'll get busy and sew tomorrow and Monday. After that, I really have to get busy on the quilt for our bed which was started last winter and is still sitting there shaming me that it's not done yet.

Here's the valance - hope you had a great New Years day too.

This and That

2010-12-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. Hope you all did too. I took some great pictures of Madison opening her 3 new toys/gifts and then the software froze and I lost all the pic's - I was so sad. I had wanted to post them because she was so cute this year and so into it. Well perhaps next year.

I made a bunch of coasters this year for friends and family as part of their gifts. I really liked how they turned out so I made some for us as well.

Then after Christmas, CR surprised me with a new Jim Shore Angel (I collect them). I just love her so I thought I'd share her with y'all.

Santa (CR) spoiled me again this year and I got lots of very nice gifts. I spoiled him as well and we had a lovely day, just the two of us. Our traditional Christmas dinner is spaghetti - CR makes an amazing sauce. We are looking forward to the New Year and new adventures. For New Years day we are going to be enjoying a lobster and prime rib, yummo. Another quiet day at home after a new years eve where we will probably be in bed before the clock strikes 12 - yeah, we're not very exciting in our old age.

Happy New Year to you and yours, I hope it's a fabulous year for all of us!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

To all my wonderful friends and visitors in blogland - I wish you a very Merry Christmas filled with family and love and laughter and joy. A table to gather and food to share and many blessings for the year to come!

Tammy

A Christmas Quilt

2010-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

I finally made up a Christmas Quilt kit I bought a couple of years ago. It's fabric by Clothworks and I just loved it so when it went half off at my favorite LQS after Christmas that year I bought it and then it sat - till now that is. I have also knitted a dishcloth - something simple, but I love knitted dishclothes. So here are my finishes:

Are you ready - with Christmas just 6 days away, there isn't much time left. I am ready, the packages are wrapped and under the tree, groceries are purchased and the week will be relaxing and enjoyable.

Merry Christmas!!

6 Months Ago............

2010-12-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Six short months ago I had RNY - Gastric Bypass Surgery, and nearly a year ago (it'll be a year on Feb 9th) I started my journey to lose weight and get healthy. I feel very blessed and very lucky to say that it's been an amazing few months and I have learned a lot about some of my many food issues and I've learned some patience and acceptance of myself, sprinkled with a lot of humor which is a requirement of mine - if you can't laugh about it then you might have to cry - I choose to laugh. For instance - my hiney sort of resembles a Sharpei dog at the moment, I think it's comical, and truly at 50, I'm not gonna parade around in a bikini so who cares, you know. Plus they tell me that I have to give my skin some time to bounce back and I have to say I don't have much loose skin amazingly enough, so I'm very fortunate. All of my health issue have resolved themselves and I think I'm healthier now than I've been in probably 15 years. I feel fantastic and have the energy of a 30 year old, whoohoo!!

So the total weight loss at my 6 month appt. today - 110 pounds. I lost 50 pounds before surgery on my own and the rest since surgery. I recently experienced a 5 week stall where my weight did not budge and while I freaked out a little about it, my doc's office helped me to see that since Feb 9th, that is the first stall of no weight loss - that's damn good. So I chilled and allowed my body to take a rest and hey - it's back to losing again. Two more pounds and I'll weight less than my hubby - now that will make me feel like a million. He has lost 35 pounds himself this year and even told me he was glad I wasn't baking for Christmas as I have in years past (what a relief). I do make a few goodies here and there but they are bariatric friendly and low cal/low fat/low sugar, so life is still very enjoyable.

So in honor of my 6 month anniversary of sorts, CR took some pictures of me for my photo journal of this journey. Hope you don't mind my sharing them, for the first time in many, many years I actually don't mind seeing a camera pointed my way.

Me by our small tree - much easier to "re-decorate" when Skeezic's knocks it down - ugh.

Maddie - doing her best to french kiss me, I've learned to be very quick - she's sneaky!!

Ah, what a cutie pie - Maddie that is!!

One more of Maddie and I - she's over 2 years old and these are our first pictures together.

Me and my boys: ChanceMan on the left, Skeezic's - the Christmas Tree Climber on the right. Why won't cat's pose? haha

ChanceMan and Maddie on the back of the couch - geez, another boring day at home with nothin to do.

She's just so photogenic, and she's my spoiled little princess too!!

While they refused to pose with me, catch them napping on a chair together and they're always so picture perfect and cute - but don't let that fool you, they're little devils too.

Oh yeah Dad, that's the spot!!

Hey wait a minute, I didn't say you could stop - and I don't care if your hand got tired!!

Skeezic's the little bed hog, enjoying his guilt free nap after knocking down the Christmas tree for the 3rd or 4th time - no guilt, no shame, Mom'll fix it (and it's good to be sleeping so you don't have to hear her cussing).

Hope you're enjoying this Holiday Season!!

Knitting

2010-12-12T10:01:00.000-08:00

While we were in Cannon Beach for Thanksgiving I completed my first knitting project. Then I kind of forgot about it while I got busy with other things and Christmas decorations, etc. So yesterday I soaked it and took pictures while it was laid out to dry. I think I did a pretty good job for a first time.

I have two more projects started and am really loving it!!

A little Holiday Home Cheer

2010-12-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's been busy around here since we got home from our trip to the beach for Thanksgiving. We were delayed in getting home because right after we left, we got a bunch of snow here at home and all the way to the coast - even some at the coast. Most of it cleared up by the time we wanted to head home except in the Columbia River Gorge area of Oregon, so we waited it out and got home a couple days later than planned. Once home we had to shovel heavy snow and ice from the driveway area to get our 5th wheel backed in - can you say major backache, oy vey. After unpacking and doing major laundry, I finally got to cleaning and dusting and decorating for Christmas. Here are a few pictures of the decorations out this year. I really like how festive the whole house looks and except for Skeezics - our orange cat, knocking the tree down a couple of times (he thinks I put it up for him to play in and with) life is good, shopping is done, presents that needed to be shipped left this week, cards are sent and I am ready. Enjoy and Happy Holidays - hope you all are feeling as festive as I am this year!!

I was lucky to inherit my Grandma's beautiful Santa collection - the one in front she got at the 88 cent store when I was just a baby and I remember it being out every Christmas as a kid - it's the cheapest of all the Santa's, but it is my favorite!!

An Apron, Let It Snow and My Espresso Machine

2010-11-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today's been a rough day, actually the last week has been odd - little did I know I was getting a urinary tract infection. Late yesterday afternoon I started having blood in my urine and I freaked out. I have never had bladder or urinary problems in my life, so I freaked - that is the only way to describe it. But I'm not one to rush to the ER - maybe I should, but I figure it's a long wait and probably best to wait and see my regular doc - who I didn't see, they sent me to the Lab place to have the tests done on my urine and just my luck the lab didn't get the test results to the doc by close of business, so here I sit waiting and miserable. Oh well, it won't kill me from what I can read about it online. So what's a girl to do when she's uncomfortable and a tad miserable. SEW!! Here is my new Apron:

The Pattern is called "Sassy Little Apron" by Barbara Brandeburg (#154-SLA). I got it at our local Craft Warehouse. It's a super easy pattern and fun to make in an afternoon. She also makes this same pattern in a kids size and in a plus size - lots of great options. If you're looking for a fun thing to make someone for Christmas - this would be excellent!!

I also finished the binding on my "Let it Snow" wall hanging. I got the pattern - actually a kit from Connecting Threads. They have very nice fabric at really good prices. I've made a few kits from them as well as just ordered fabric and I've never been disappointed.

And finally - my 8 year old Espresso machine started having problems with the steamer a year ago. We took it to Spokane (a 2&1/2 drive up north) to an authorized dealer that could fix it - well they fixed it, but didn't really do a good job and a few weeks ago the steamer kicked the bucket. So my wonderful hubby CR took it apart, got the schematic for it and figured out what needed to be replaced, called the company, got the parts and fixed it himself and it purrs and makes a latte that is perfection. I couldn't afford to replace this wonderful machine today, so CR being able to fix it and fix it like new was fantastic. Of course he does benefit with a latte every day. Here is my beautiful machine:

I tell everyone it does it all and darn near gives me a kiss when I turn it on!!

We are getting ready to leave for the beach for our annual Thanksgiving trip. I think this is our favorite holiday and we have been going to Cannon Beach Oregon for 27 years now - only missing one Thanksgiving when CR was waiting for his second knee replacement a few years ago.

That's all from our neck of the woods. Hope all is going well where you are. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with your families!!

Hugs,

Progress

2010-11-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

My knitting is coming along nicely. I've started my scarf and so far so good, although I keep adding an extra stitch and I'm not sure how I do this. I'm guessing that in time I'll figure it out and how to stop from doing it. I really enjoy knitting and I think it's so relaxing to do while I watch TV in the evenings - if I could just keep Chanceman (the cat) from trying to play with my yarn. Here is my scarf in progress....

I've also been busy in my sewing room. I recently made a table runner for Christmas for S - she doesn't read my blog, so it's safe to post a picture.......

And another work in progress - a wall hanging for me. Just a small one, but I think when it's done it will be really cute.

As you can see I'm keeping busy - how about you?