I Absolutely Love Sweet Peas

And, this time every year my neighbor brings me some from her garden at her primary home in the San Jose, CA area. I enjoy them so very much. 

Some time before Easter I started a Stripey Blanket with the Cascade 220 wool yarn that I had in my stash leftover from the Babette Blanket  (renamed "Fruit Punch" by me) which I crocheted in 2009. The sweet peas have so many of my favorite colors just like my new crochet project.

 

I will be posting more photos of the Stripey Blanket as I progress.  Before long I will have to order some additional yarn because I am planning on making it large enough to cover a queen size bed!.

The pain that I am experiencing in my back and left leg is persisting and I wear a back brace/support almost continuously during the day. If I am not wearing the support I am lying down with ice packs. I continue to do as much as possible. And, that includes going outside to the garden every day and working for at least one hour, sitting and pulling weeds, pruning and dead heading. The garden is so lovely at this time. Being outside in my garden is so good for my soul. It seems as though I am totally lost in my garden without a care in the world - - - until my back is to painful to continue, and then I know I must stop and go into the house.

I am looking forward to the next medical appointment with my Family Doctor this coming Friday. I have received a very limited report of the MRI results. Reportedly, I have a nerve impingement in the lumbar-sacral area. I am being referred to a neurologist and if need be, then to a surgeon. The part about the surgeon is the scary part. I have already had one back surgery for ruptured disc in my low back and additional "foot drop". That took place 19 years ago and it was partially successful. Primarily, the "foot drop" improved but pain has persisted through the years.  But, I am working hard at taking "one day at a time" and "living with my glass half full".  I have had so many incidents where I have been able to heal even though I did not have surgery as suggested. The last experience was with my right shoulder when I was being treated for a Rotator Cuff Tear.  I have little to no problem with the shoulder at this time and I did not have surgery. The body is truly miraculous in its ability to heal! 

I can't help myself - - - Just one more garden photo of a beautiful honeysuckle in bloom.

Until next time, I am wishing all of you some Joyous Days.

A Quick Walk In The Garden Before The Last Storm

When is this winter like weather ever going to stop? I think all of us have had enough. However, when I say that, I have to admit that I feel a little guilty thinking of all the people suffering from tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.

I took these photos last Saturday prior to the rain and snowfall. I have been so happy to have some help in the garden cleaning up lots of debris, leaves and pine needles. I found a great worker at our church and he has worked about eight hours so far and the garden is looking so much better. Two yard waste refuse boxes have been filled and taken away. It's wonderful! When weather permits he will be back to work on some of the weeds and more pruning. I hope you enjoy walking with me in the garden.

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.



WHERE Have I Been ~ ~ ~ And What Is Going On

Well, for the most part, I have been right here at home - - - - - and very sick with a persistent respiratory virus. The intense coughing was a big challenge and very painful on my back and the current issues associated with the recent injury to my back. Lots of leg pain as well as pain in my low back has been constant for days and days. In addition, my hypertension has been difficult to control because we have not been able to find the correct medication regime.

There has been a lot of doctoring going on for over a month. Since the virus and cough has finally greatly improved I am feeling like getting back to blogging and just plain "living". It has been very nice having MSM around to take me to the doctor appointments and help with other things I have not been able to do. However, at times It has been somewhat difficult having someone around when I am this ill because I have lived alone for so many years.

This past week I went for an MRI of my lumbar-sacral back and both hips. The time has come to get this diagnostic information so we can develop a treatment plan. I have been more incapacitated with this recurrence of back issues than I have been in years. Additionally I have had tests regarding hypertension which have included an echocardiogram, CT scan of kidneys/adrenal glands and CT scan for calcium scoring.

A week ago yesterday was the first time I was well enough to be out of the house for a short time. And, on Sunday I had a wonderful Mother's Day. Since my two adult children are disassociated from me, MSM made sure that I had a lovely day. I received these beautiful flowers and we went out for a delicious Mother's Day Buffet at National Restaurant and Hotel.  It felt so good to be out 'n' about.

That's it for now. I hope all of you have been healthy and feeling well. Would you believe, it snowed again last night. Not much snow but just enough to make a mess of all the lovely blossoms in the garden!