Monday, December 31, 2018

Daybook

Today is the last day of the year. Weather is weird, the temperature is in the 60s and it is very windy. Storms are on the way.

Honey Bear went back to work today. First his client was in hospital and then in rehabilitation. He came home on Christmas Day and this is Honey Bear's first day to work although he visited Dennis in hospital and nursing home. We have spent a great deal of time together and this is the first morning I've had the house to myself. I'm enjoying it. I did a little tidying in the studio, put away boxes and bags and trash. But first I slept until 8:00 a.m. which is very unusual for me.

We had a guest over the past week. Wonder Boy came on Christmas Eve and stayed until Saturday afternoon. We didn't see much of him as he prefers to stay in his room, sleeping during the day and being up and on his computer during the night. He has gone back to Auburn although school is out for another week, I believe. He is living in an apartment so he has that option.

Both Honey Bear and I have been on a eating plan since the second week of October. He fasts some and usually doesn't eat until after 2:00. I still eat 3 meals most days but have cut out most carbs and sweets and do not eat except at meals. We're eating lots of veggies and protein. He has lost 22 pounds while I've only lost 11. Part of that is because I haven't been active enough. I finally had an MRI of  my spine and it is in a mess. The surgeon doesn't want to do surgery because of my breathing problems so he's trying other solutions starting with therapy.

I haven't really thought about goals or hopes for 2019. Looking back on this year, I was not in the best of health and haven't really accomplished that much. One thing I plan to do is get my studio in order so that maybe I'll have a desire to  work in there again.

Okay, I need to get up and move and Smokey is sitting here beside me, nudging my hand to try and get me to feed him lunch, so this will be it for this post. I hope to be back soon.

Monday, October 1, 2018

A Simple Woman's Daybook






FOR TODAY
Monday, October 1, 2018
Outside my window...
It is cloudy and 74 degrees with 94% humidity
I can see the Hummingbird feeder
and once in a while a tiny bird flits to it and away
It will not be long now until they leave for 
warmer climates so 
they're trying to fill up on nectar for their journey
I am thinking...
I should be up and dressed and gone but yet
here I sit.
A Bible Verse I'm sharing....
For everything there is a season, a time for
every activity under heaven...Eccles 3:1
  I am thankful...
the recent CT of my lung showed the
infection has cleared up after
4 months of treatment...
In the kitchen...
I made spaghetti and slaw last night so
we'll have leftovers today
I am wearing...
pajamas and a robe
I am creating...
nothing, my creative muse has
left the building...
a song that stays on my mind...

I am reading...
Jo Nesbo's
Snowman
I am hoping...
to finish this soon so I can
go have my nails done
I am looking forward to...
Cultural Arts Day on Thursday
State Conference next week
In his Garden....
things have slowed down now, still
getting a pod of okra now and then
or a bell pepper but its getting time
to lay it by
From my  Photo album

Its Fall

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Saturday Scribbles


Its Fall, You'all
My favorite time of the year. 
so I'm checking in.
Football season has begun 
and I am making pots of soup
on Saturdays in the Crockpot
so I'm not tied to the kitchen..

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Funny Friday----on Saturday


Hello everybeary
Wil here with a new post
from 
the Bear's Home
Here in the South it is still
Summer and if you doubt it
all you have to do is open the door
We are looking forward to FALL
Now 
some 
good 
news: 
Jed has come to us by adoption
he even has a birth certificate.
Everybear say hello!
Wil


Jed

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Wednesday

I missed posting the last two Saturday Scribbles because we went out of town....On the 21st we went up to Pulaski Tennessee to Big Creek Winery for a little music amid the grapes. We enjoyed sitting outside, listening, eating our picnic dinner and sharing a bottle of wine. We spent the night nearby, returning home on Sunday.... This past Saturday, we rode with Daughter and the Princess to Auburn. Its about a 4 hour drive and we left at 8am. She has bought a condo there that Wonder Boy is living in while he attends university. He had gone down the weekend before and there were some repairs that needed 'seeing to' so Granddaddy had to see to them. In all fairness, she did try to get two different handymen to come out with no luck. The oven needed a new element. The banister needed reinforcing. A funky light needed a new bulb which had to be ordered. We got down there in time to do some of the repairs, have lunch, check into our hotel and meet Wonder Boy for dinner. We came home Sunday.

Today is National Thrift Shop Day....the ladies in my club decided to meet for breakfast and go shopping. We went to three thrift stores. We have a project to make fidget blankets for Alzheimer's patients and donate them to a Nursing Home so we were shopping for items for that. I decided to use a couple of thick pillow shams and sew the activities onto that. I bought a pair of jeans to get the pockets and zipper and a little stuffed toy which I'll sew to a ribbon and sew on near the pocket so it can be taken out and put back. I went on Pinterest and got some other ideas.
I bought a quilt and will wash it before I show it to you. Its a bow tie pattern and is in good shape. Also picked up a few canning jars and a corning ware dish with plastic lid.

On the health front, I thought I was a month away from finishing the Fungal infection treatment but Monday my Doctor said 6 weeks. I'm to have a CT scan of my lung in 5 weeks to see if all the yucky stuff is gone. I have been feeling good except for the aches and pains of arthritis but 1 mg of Prednesone helps with that. I have Holly Cottage all pinned and ready to quilt and worked a little on the Fall quilt. Produce keeps coming in and has to be dealt with: Okra and Peas and Pepper, oh my.

I've been by to see a few of you but haven't left a footprint or comment. Just time to read and hard to type with Smokey between me and the keyboard.
That's all for now,
Mama Bear

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Saturday Scribles

Another week has gone by and we are into August...can't believe how fast time passes. As I said, Daughter moved into an apartment which meant downsizing quite a bit...for some reason, I keep bringing things home she has discarded...I don't need them and it just means she'll be sorting them again..For example: Longaburger baskets. She had many more than I have and she did try to sale them on EBay and at her yard sale..Guess they're not as popular as they once were. I've ended up with 4 or 5 of hers and I'm not sure I'll keep them.

I've had a good week. Monday, I laid out the top and batting for Holly Cottage then realized the batting would need piecing. The backing does also and I haven't gotten that done yet, although I did get the pieces ready to stitch together....Tuesday I had an appointment with my Pulmonologist and he said I didn't need to come back for 6 months. Ya me!  Now to just finish treatment with the Infectious Disease physician which I hope will happen in September....Wednesday, I went for a haircut and it is a little too short for my liking but it will grow...don't think I'll need a haircut in 3 weeks, though. I've been doing some baking: Blueberry Muffins, Pumpkin Bread to freeze, Blackberry Cobbler, and a Pineapple upside down cake. Most of this I shared with other people...We had fried okra and sliced cucumbers from the garden to go with other items I cooked. Wednesday the temperature was a little lower and we were able to enjoy the porch in the evening, after we doused ourselves in insect repellent. We saw a juvenile Red Headed Woodpecker and then an adult. These sightings are rare so such a blessing. Yesterday, I went to Book Club. We had read The Hamilton Affair and had a good  discussion.
That's it for this week,
Mama Bear

Friday, July 27, 2018

Saturday Scribles

Amazing, summer continues here in the south. We have had plenty of rain up until last week. It seems to have gone to other places now. The cotton and corn in the fields looks wonderful and is thriving. Temperatures are in the high 80s most days but the humidity makes it seem hotter.

From his garden we have been enjoying tomatoes, okra, and cucumbers. I didn't plant flowers this year as I wasn't feeling well. We've been getting some nice melons from the market. We pickled beets and canned vegetable soup.

I've not done any work in the studio in months due to my health but now that I am feeling well again, I'm itching to lose myself in a project. I bought the batting and backing for Holly Cottage and need to finish that one.

School starts this Wednesday. It seems like a short time ago, that they got out for the summer. The Princess will be a senior this year. She is working a couple of jobs but still enjoying time at the pool since she and Mom moved into their apartment complex. She will only attend school for 3 hours every day then go to work. Wonder Boy will return to uni August 11. I've only communicated with him via text and not seen him much. He has had an intern job this summer at one of the government contractors here in town and is still living in the house. I'm hoping to have lunch with him one Saturday before he leaves for school.

I am still not fully recovered. They diagnosed a fungal lung infection after I had the Bronchoscopy and I'll be taking medication for that for four months. The last lab work I had showed that the medicine is affecting my liver function. We're just hoping it doesn't become too much of a problem before treatment is finished in September. I have my asthma under control at the moment which is wonderful and I am finally able to exercise again. I've been walking on the treadmill. It is too hot to walk out doors.
That is an update on life here with the bears. I'd like to get back to blogging but I'm not making any promises.

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Funny Friday


Happy Funny Friday!
Wil here.
I know its been ages since I've done a Friday post...
But Winter can be brutal...
Anyhow, as you know, Mom has been hanging out in the bed for a couple of weeks...
so everyone else has been camping in the bedroom to be near her...
Its almost like being in a cave except there has been plenty of sunshine some days...
and lots of outside light on others....
Now she is up again, although still needs her rest...
So, are you all getting ready for Easter?
Here are a few pics from previous years...










Monday, March 19, 2018

A Woman's Daybook



Outside my window...
the sky is overcast and the clouds are heavy with rain...there is some thunder...
the weather channel says there is the possibility of strong wind, hail and a tornado later today...schools were let out at noon.  Redbuds and Cherry trees are blooming,
as is Forsythia.

I am thinking...
that it is not a bad day to be cooped up in bed..

A Bible Verse I'm sharing....

Hebrews 12:2 King James Version (KJV)

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


I am thankful...
for Honey Bear who is always my companion and 
sits with me whenever I am feeling unwell...
For the care and concern of my life sisters...

In the kitchen...
is slaw, peas, cornbread, leftover roast with veggies, rice
and cake...

I am wearing...
blue lounging pajamas and a white hoodie

I am creating...
stitches on the Holly Cottage block,
I can actually do some work while sitting in bed

I am going...
no where the rest of this week

I am wondering...
how long my recovery will be but trusting
in my Heavenly Father to know the time..

A Song that stays on my mind...
The Name of Jesus, What a wonderful name it is
from yesterday's church service online

I am reading...
Lace makers of Glenmara

I am looking forward to...
afternoon tea with Banana/Chocolate Chip Bread

I am learning
patience, a fruit of the spirit

Around the house...
things are fairly tidy, considering and
laundry is caught up...did I mention how thankful
I am for Honey Bear

In his Garden....
he's planted beets and garlic...tomatoes and pepper
in seed cups in the greenhouse

A favorite quote for today...
"The Light in the eye of he whose heart is joyful,
rejoices the hearts of others."

One of my favorite things...
listening to my windchimes

A few plans for the rest of the week:
This morning I had an outing on my own after  over
two weeks....went to the medical building to have 
bloodwork done...then a stop at Walgreens...me and my cane..
It was almost too much but I'm 
recovered from it...and resting...
no plans for me this week,
unless I feel like going out to eat on Wednesday...
we'll have to wait and see...

From my  Photo album
 Another overcast and stormy day...

Wil looking forward to Easter

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Saturday Scribbles


A couple of my blogging friends post Friday Faves which I enjoy reading...it is a look back at the past week and events, etc. which were highlights and blessings. I have a few:
1.Coming home from hospital and having a good Oxygen level with improved shortness of breath. 

2. Flowers, cards and visits from my sisterhood.

Alabama's passing of the resolution to leave our clocks alone...we will stay Daylight Savings Time and not change in the Fall...

3. Going to the thrift store to buy a cane (need something to steady me while I'm recovering) and finding one just the right height for me for $2. God had just placed it there, I'm sure.

4. My "Team" being in the Basketball playoffs and winning there first game.

The view from my window: Seeing Mama Rabbit, and different birds.
I just read on line that it can take 6 weeks or more to recover from the fatigue of Pneumonia which helped me to understand why I tire so easily...I'm going to just be patient and accept that I have limitations for a while.
Thanks for all the comments and Prudence, if you lived nearby, I'd just take you up on your offer of help.

And finally for National Quilting Day:

Mama Bear


Thursday, March 15, 2018

Update

This is what I see out my windows.
We're still having some cold weather
at night but warmer daytimes.


After being taken to the emergency room and being admitted to hospital, I finally had Walking Pneumonia as a diagnosis for my health problems of past months. I'm home now and recuperating but still have several weeks to feel normal...The medications do not help with feeling well. I'm getting stronger and doing a little more every day with lots of bed rest in between.

I am going to catch up on your posts now...
Mama Bear

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Sunday Morning Coming Down

It rained during the night and today is overcast. We didn't go to church and actually haven't gone since Christmas. I miss it but it is a long walk from the front to the auditorium and then I have to sit on the first row of the balcony because the slanted floor plays havoc with my equilibrium. This requires a couple of steps and I'm not sure I'm up to that yet.

It will be a quiet day at home for us except we are going to get  a bite to eat around one. We had pancakes and sausage for breakfast. Usually when we eat lunch out on Sunday we have enough leftovers to make our evening meal at home.

I have finally gotten everything moved back into the furniture pieces which we had to empty for the flooring guys. They really made a mess of the house with pad trimmings and dust from the saw so it will be a few days before my "girls" come to clean and in the meantime, I've learned to accept the things I cannot change. Life today is what it is.

I'm going to try and post more regular. Tomorrow, I have to go for bloodwork first thing before coffee and breakfast. Hopefully the wait want be too long. Its a first come first served situation and one never knows how long it will be. I hope there isn't anyone in the waiting room with flu. Maybe I'll request a mask.

How are you spending your weekend?
Mama Bear

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Saturday Scribbling

Good Morning,
First an update on my health: Saw the specialist on Monday and he has taken me off inhalers and just wants me to do breathing treatments for now....plus tests and more tests.  Okay, enough about that.

We are seeing the first signs of Spring which are nice. Daffodils are blooming as are the Ornamental Plum trees....Lots of bird activity going on outside my window. We've been seeing temps in the 70s, in fact it was 72 in the house when I got up this morning. Too bad, I can't get out and walk some but still having shortness of breath.

We had new flooring put in two rooms and a hall this week so lots of moving around of non-furniture items. The workers moved the larger pieces....Also, Honey Bear and I needed to move our living room TV and recliners closer together so we could see better...(older eyesight, etc.).

I've been doing some sewing on the Fall quilt this week and still need to prepare the large block for Holly Cottage for applique and stitching....The first week in March is our annual Retreat for some of my friends...this year 10 or 11 are going which is a good number as we're usually only around 8...so I'm trying to get some work sorted to take along...haven't decided about taking my sewing machine...I have some cutting and pre-sewing work I can do on the Fall quilt without the machine...I need to make a trip to Hobby Lobby for border material for Holly Cottage, also. Daughter and I were going on Thursday bu when we got there the electricity was out for about 2 miles on one side of the highway and the stores were dark...

Well, that is a little news from our house....I will try to post more often but can't promise anything.
Mama Bear

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Almost February

Well here it is almost February and I've not posted since the end of December...Oh well....I wonder if your winter has been as cold as ours...we had some early morning temperatures in the single digits and wind chills in the minus range. Very unusual for us here in Alabama. Thankfully the past week has been more normal for us with highs around 40-50 and lows in the 30s.  
I am still fighting the Bronchitis from the first of December...after three Dr visits, many tests, injections and antibiotics, they are sending me to a specialist.  I feel fine for the most part and don't cough all the time. I have had shortness of breath for the last week or so and am taking a steroid pack which is helping.
I've been kind of hibernating, not getting out much.
I've had lots of time to read (Up to 10 books in January) and work on The Holly Cottage quilt. Below is the latest row.

 middle
right
left