Weeks 29, 30, 31, and maybe 32?

 So many times we try something and it goes wrong....that's the way I feel about regular blogging.  But here I am now and I suppose I should be thankful for that small accomplishment.

The weather here in southwest Missouri is mimicking the rest of the western United States. HOT and miserable!  Our temps are hovering in the near 100's with humidity in the 90% range.  Thank goodness for air conditioners that work. I can't imagine not having it.  We are heading into August and more heat....but the end is in sight. September starts our cooling down and then we get to my favorite season of all - Autumn!  

John and I celebrated 50 years of marriage on July 21st. We were so young. I was 20 and John was 21.  I recall someone asking me at our reception where I thought we'd be in 5 years and my answer was, "I have no idea...can't even think a year in the future." And look at us now....50 years! 

 We decided since we have no family or friends who live close, we would have a quiet day. We went to the movies and would have gone on to an early dinner but for me having an attack of vertigo when we came out of the theater...an hour later we were in the car and heading home. I've never been so dizzy in my life.  We spent the rest of the evening watching TV and taking it easy.  Still and all, a lovely,  celebration for 50 years of working on a marriage that was worth it to us.  I've always said that young folk just don't understand that marriage should be forever....both of the partners need to commit and work hard to make it successful.  Some marriages aren't meant to last but most can!  Ok...I am stepping down off my soapbox now.

I had my cataract surgeries last month and my followup exam last week.  I am able to drive without lenses but they gave me a prescription for distance driving to 'clarify' the far off images.  And I am able to read and cross stitch with just 'cheater' glasses.  I was able to purchase 6 pairs of 2.0 magnifiers from Amazon for 10.00.  I put one in the living room by my chair, one in the bathroom, one next to the bed, one in the kitchen, one in my purse and one in my car.  I already had a pair in the studio.  So am good for being able to see anything I need to do.  

I took a workshop on Saturday for machine embroidery.  Had already made both of the projects several months before but it was a wonderful opportunity to get together with several friends and stitch and talk.  Living so far out in the country, it's sometimes hard to have friends. But the ones I've made since moving here are wonderful and I'm blessed to have them.

I am also thankful for you, dear readers, for sticking with my less-than-prompt blogging.  You really are appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Week 27 & 28

Today we here in the United States celebrate the 4th of July, also known as Independence Day.

It's a day for celebration, fireworks, and food!  John and I have invited our neighbor over for BBQ ribs, hamburgers, potato salad, jello with shaved carrots, and triple berry cobbler.  Our neighbor is bringing fresh bread to the table.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate our country's 247th birthday.

Our kitty, Skipper, has been in the hospital for 5 days.  He was sneezing and listless on Thurday afternoon and by Saturday, he had no interest in food.  That was a big Red Flag for us.  We got him in to the vet and they asked if we could leave him so they could fit him in between other patients.  Of course, we said yes.  They called later that day and said he had a raging infection and would need to be hospitalized with an IV antibiotic...today is Tuesday and he is still there.  They believe he will be able to come home tomorrow.  Evidently, he probably was bitten by a tick (in spite of his monthly tick meds) and that tick caused the infection.  He is one sick kitty!  Thank goodness we noticed it when we did...I don't think he would have survived over the weekend if we hadn't.  

I had my second cataract surgery last week.  Again, there was no pain at all either during or after.  I can't wear my previous glasses prescription cause my distance vision is almost perfect now.  I can watch TV or drive or walk around the house without blurred vision.  In order to read, however, I need some help.  We invested in some "cheaters" at Walmart and they are perfect for reading or stitching.  I have an appointment to have my eyes checked at the 4 week post-surgery mark...I suspect they will want to give me a reading glasses script.  Instead of that, we have talked about getting more 'cheaters' and placing them around the house whereever I might be reading....I can get 6 pairs of readers at 2.0 magnification for about $14.00....that's a whole lot less than a prescription pair of glasses.  I have not seen my face in over 50 years without glasses...not sure if I can stand that!  I'm not vain...I know what I look like...but it's a shock to look in the mirror and not see glasses framing my eyes.  

Mom is adjusting so well at her new digs...I am so proud of the progress she's made.  She goes to workshops and lectures and really seems to be settling in.  I worried about her just sitting in her apartment and hibernating since she is so afraid of people but she has made the effort and started to make some friends.  She sits with a group of ladies at meal times and seems really happy.  John and I went over there yesterday and hung all her pictures for her...it's really starting to look like home to her. 

I have been able to stitch a bit this past weekend. I worked on and finished a design by Barbara Ana called Lemon Cat. 

This measures out at about 5" by 7"...such a fun and easy project.  I started another design of hers called Blue Dreams...will post that when I get more done. 

Well, folks, I have run out of things to say.  I will have more for you next time. In the meantime, thanks for stopping by.