Happy New Year!

Traci L.

Just a quick note to say Happy New Year and so many thanks for the thoughts, prayers and comments over the past year!  On a day when I was having a low moment, a card would come that made me think I actually could get better!  Although I walk unaided with a lurch, I am out of the wheelchair and living independently.  My left hand is getting stronger, with more gross motor skills--I'm hoping for finer ones soon!  When this blog posts, I may try rotary cutting again.  Have started cutting a plus sign runner.  Beautiful chambray colors on a pale gray.

Many years ago, I longed for a year off to sew and catch up on quilting.  Part of the wish came true--already 13 months off--but no sewing progress.  Be careful what you wish for!

Many of you may think I had forewarning of the stroke--I did not.  I had driven to the barn, fed and turned out the horses, driven home, turned on the computer, fed and brushed Dickens, and was simply walking across the kitchen when it hit.  The drugs took effect and I was staying in ICU overnight.  Apparently, I had a second stroke overnight--the one that caused the damage.  Now I am 13 months into rehab for something that took seconds to cause!  The neurologist said it was caused by a blood pressure spike.  Normally my blood pressure is fine--nothing to treat for--just one of those things.  I thank God that I am young enough, strong enough and determined enough to recover everything I can!

I did not have a picture of fireworks, but thought Traci's quilt would fill the bill!  My design, Laurie Derr's machine quilting, and Traci's fine workmanship all combine into one fantastic quilt!  The other pic is sunset on Lake George.  A wish for all loveliness in 2019 and beyond!

Happy New Year, everyone!  "See" you next year!

Giant blissful hugs to all,
Sharon

A Look Backward and Forward

I vividly remember last Christmas! Still in a wheelchair, my brother having to help me into and out of the car. Pudding-thick liquids, still in the nursing home.  Now I can get in and out of the car, only use a cane on uneven ground, and my left hand is strong and getting better every day.  Still knitting, but I have a strong urge to sew! Even poor stitching cues the hand recovery. Growing tired of reading so much and the cleaning/shredding is coming to an end. Way past time to be better--which I am--but I feel ready to try to adapt my procedures. It's been an interesting year but it has gone fast! Please don't take good health for granted! I don't think I did, but there is good lesson here somewhere!  The neurologist did say mine was caused by a blood pressure spike--how on earth do you treat for that?  Normally it was low, but it took just seconds to do the damage and it's over the year mark for recovery.

Making breakfast casserole for tomorrow. You'll find the recipe under the Recipes tab on the left sidebar.

Happy holidays and so many thanks to all who have supported me throughout this ordeal!

We all need more laughter!

Almost a Year

Hard to believe it's been almost a year.  I'm unable to pin so not much sewing.  Left hand and leg slowly getting better; I can sometimes walk without a walker or cane.  Am knitting a bit.  Therapy still ongoing.  Pompera is in Berkshire, New York, where I can still see her.  Cannot pick up hooves for cleaning or brush her tail--need two hands for both things.  She loves where she is staying and has lots of other horses, chickens/guinea fowl and dogs for company.  The farrier has her shoes off; she looks WONDERFUL!  Not driving myself yet, but my brother has had me out and practicing.  Some things are easy, some things need adjusting.  Have been cleaning closets and shredding old paperwork.  Where does all this stuff come from?  Lots of stuff for Thrift Shop and recycling.  Enjoy every minute you can do what you love--all my stuff is on hold!  Have you seen Yoko Saito's new book?  It's a feast for the eyes--Amazing!

And it's snowing and sticking here--first sticking of the season.  Sure it won't be the last!

Blissful hugs--I'm still here,
Sharon

P.S. Dickens survived my absence and is fine.

Still Making Progress

It's been awhile since I blogged.  I'm still healing and have done no needlework in the last eight months.  What took seconds to happen has no end date.  I still walk with a cane and my left arm/hand is getting stronger, but I cannot hurry the progress.  For those who are interested, Pompera will be used for therapeutic riding, then come to me for retirement.  My mind is willing, but there are many things I cannot do.  I can brush her and love her, but I cannot move fast enough to get out of her way if she moves suddenly.  I will be able to visit her and ride her and someone else will pay to feed her and for her expensive shoes.  After spending years and part of my work life typing with two hands it is painful to use one finger!  But I am healing - just slowly.  At least my mind is intact and I'm still willing to take risks!  A bit more slowly and with some planning, but I'm still here!  I still miss you all and appreciate your many kindnesses!

Dodging A Bullet

After the stoke in November, a suspicious spot was accidentally found on a CAT scan.  At the time nothing could be done.  After waiting four months, yesterday was my appointment with a team of oncologists.  I was prepared for them to want a biopsy, and it was right behind the breastbone (not an easy place to get at). Imagine my surprise when the team suggested I leave it alone!  With no other symptoms, it may have been there since my birth, and it's a cyst not a tumor! I guess I was more worried than I thought about it and with four more months of hoping it wasn't growing, what a relief!  A little more on left hand every day, but no strength yet.  Little steps....no handwork yet. I'm hopeful every day.

HOME

At long last, I am home to stay.  Over the past four months I've only been home on short visits, with the proviso that I had to return to rehab ( I can't understand why they emphasized that to me).  Dickens has come out of hiding and is keeping me company. Have not tried quilting yet--probably tomorrow, but I have been thinking of how I can modify what I want to do.  One needs two good hands for many things. I will continue to make quilts--just a bit differently.

Hello to everyone.  I was able to help someone who had a stroke near my timeline, helped several elderly folks, and can serve as a shining example of faith (or stupidity) in action.  Be grateful for every day you are healthy and whole; it can be gone in less than a blink.

Blissfully counting down to spring,
Sharon

Home Soon

After what seems like forever, I'll be home early next week. It will seem heavenly. And quiet. Just me and the cat.  No upstairs yet and Ieft hand a bit better.

A long journey

I must admit that I thought I would be better long ago. But it is almost 100 days since coming to rehab. Mentally, I've been ready; physically not so much. I lost all use of my left side. My hand is slowly coming back and I can walk with a wheeled walker. Since it can take over a year for it all to come back, it's a waiting game. I am reading all the cards and comments, so keep them coming. I'll answer as soon as I get home.

Love and big hugs, and thanks,

Sharon

I Am Still Here

On November29 I had a stroke and am still in rehab.  Hopefully home soon. All classes cancelled for 2018.  More updates whenI am home.  Many thanks to everyone for the notes and cards.