Anjuli's World

First finish for 2011

2011-01-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wow. I have finished something and it is only January 15, 2011. A new record for me.

I need to take a picture of mine, but in the meantime here is a picture of the pattern. I'm quite pleased with it.

Happy 2011!!!

2011-01-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

I changed my background. I also added the items I finished and works in progress (WIPS).

Congratulations Matt & Cindy!

2010-12-21T22:15:00.002-07:00

My nephew Matt was married today to a wonderful woman named Cindy. It was a beautiful wedding. Congratulations!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

What are you grateful for? I am grateful for my family, my health, friends, and the fact I live in America, as a free person. We are so blessed. Have a great day!

I am a nerd

2010-11-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

Spending time tonight trying to copy files from my moldy oldy laptop. So far, no such luck. XP and Windows 7 aren't that compatible. Thank you Microsoft.

Other happier topics: BYU 57 UNLV 7. At last, the Cougars put a complete game together.

Utes 7 TCU 47. Um, what a wipeout. The Utes are exposed for the posers they are. Go TCU to the title game.

I started stitching a Christmas ornament for an ornament exchange on Friday, Dec 7. Very pretty and classic. (I'll post the picture after the exchange.) I should finish it this week, then I can get on with the other stitching I am going to do for Christmas.

I have figured out gifts for Christmas for everyone. woo hoo. Now, just to finish them by Dec 25.

This is a short work week, I have Friday off. It's going to be hard to go back to regular vacation time next year.

Well, back to nerd-city.

P.S. I added labels to the posts I haven't labeled yet. I now have a sticky note to remind me to put labels on my posts. Like I said, such a nerd.

Elizabeth Smart

2010-11-05T11:46:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo. 10 District Court of Appeals has denied Brian David Mitchell's appeal for a change of venue. The trial will resume Monday morning at 8:30 am. May this 8 1/2 year nightmare finally come to an end for Elizabeth and her family.

Oops! New background and maybe new fonts

2010-11-03T20:31:00.000-06:00

I just spent the last hour trying to change the font on my title. It didn't work. I'm done for the night.

I also changed the background. I like it a lot. I'll be fiddling with the look for the next while though, I'm still a long ways off.

No news. Still working and stitching. Off the oxygen except at night. I see the pulmonologist on Monday. Hopefully I can get rid of the tank and the portable oxygen unit.

Oh. I did vote yesterday. Woo hoo and congratulations to all the winners. I did want the Republicans to take the Senate, but they didn't. Perhaps in 2012. Congress now has an opportunity to listen to the American people and change some things.

2 more pictures

2010-10-11T23:23:00.000-06:00

I forgot! I also bought the new Shepherds Bush Christmas stocking at the retreat. fun one. It is called Sadie and there is a story about their great-aunt Sadie. I just love their Christmas stockings.

And as promised, a picture of my progress on the Halloween Quaker sampler. It might be done by Halloween 2011. :)

This is actually an old photo. I am down to the white bar at the bottom. Woo hoo! 1/3 of the way done. Here we come, Halloween 2011. :)

And for my next collection of patterns, I want the Jenny Bean samplers. Theresa of Shakespeare's Peddler has designed several samplers and ornaments for Jenny Bean. And now there are Jenny Bean and friends. Sigh. Belle Pepper from Little House Needleworks, Winifred Sue from Crown & Thistle, etc. Very clever idea.

Shepherds Bush retreat pictures

2010-10-11T21:11:00.000-06:00

I did take my camera to the retreat, but it never made it out of my suitcase. So... here are pictures of the pieces we received in class.

The first day at about 2:00 pm we registered. We received a neat bag and a kit to make a button to go with the bag. Here is my bag with the button attached. I did change the style of the letter, I wanted something a little more elegant and nostalgic.

Here is a picture of the alphabet from the pattern we were given. Just a matter of personal preference.

On Thursday night, we received our first project. It is a small sampler that is called Shared Stitches. All of the designers/teachers contributed something to this sampler. Teri of Shepherds Bush designed it, Charland of Charland Designs created the JOY charm, the fabric was by R&R Reproductions (Pat and Ann), the thread by Thread Gatherer (CeCe). There is a blackbird motif for Blackbird Designs, a gold needle and skein of floss for Jeannette Douglas designs, and of course, a sheep for Shepherds Bush. Also, there is a crown for R&R Reproductions (Crown & Thistle is their name for the designs they create.)

Here is a close up of the 'Dear to my heart', and also my big start on it. (not)

I also bought this thread caddy (floss holder?) It has a magnetic needle holder too. I put the floss for the "Dear to my heart" sampler in it. Fun, fun, fun.

On Friday morning, it was the Shepherds Bush class. Tina designed a fabulous sampler. We learned the specialty stitches in right side of the sampler, which confused me. I always must start at the upper left hand corner. I plan on stitching the top border over to the upper left hand corner and working from there. LOL.

What I like about this sampler is that it will go with several of the other Shepherds Bush designs. And the colors are my favorite colors to boot. :)

And I did find a picture of the Blackbird Designs project. I didn't have an opportunity to purchase the kit, but on their blog, they say they are releasing class projects in Feb or March 2011.

I also purchased Jeannette Douglas's kit. It is gorgeous and I can't wait to stitch it.

I found a photo of the R&R Reproduction design. It is big, but it is stitch on 20 count linen, over 2 threads (so 10 count essentially.) We also received the fabric and magnetic button for the clasp. This is a UFO bag for all of our unfinished projects. Snicker. I might be able to get a few of my projects in there.

The last class we took was by CeCe the owner of Thread Gatherer. Her flosses, ribbons, etc are fabulous. She put together a kit for us to do a fabric scrapbook. I think I am going to tat some stuff for it and maybe make it a memento of the weekend. (Big dreams, big dreams.)

Unfortunately, due to my lack of camera dexterity, I don't have any more pictures. I will figure out the camera and post more later.

Supplemental oxygen is da bomb!

2010-10-11T20:42:00.000-06:00

Yep, my oxygen levels are bottoming out. So I am back with the canula up my nose and the oxygen set at 1.5 litres per hour. My oxygen level stays at 93-94, so that makes me happy (and my lungs very happy.) I need to get R2D2 filled again and pick up some pristine canulas. My exciting life.

I see Dr Clark on Friday, we'll talk then about all my lung issues. I get a cold and it goes viral on me, I can't afford to miss a week of work a month due to illness.

I do see Dr Campbell the first week of November too. He is my lung doctor and maybe by then my lungs will be better. Hope springs eternal!

Sinus infection and oxygen

2010-10-07T23:13:00.000-06:00

Blech. Another sinus infection. I started feeling icky on Sunday afternoon (slept through the last session of General conference.) Went to the doctor on Tuesday, yep, a sinus infection with lots of mucus. He started me on Omnicef (warfarin friendly), and a saline nasal wash. Ouch, but it does help.

I'm sleeping on the oh-so-comfortable chair in the living room. Actually, it is very comfortable. The cat doesn't like me sleeping there, but that is OK.

I had to go back to the doctor today to get a permission note to go back to work (after 3 days of illness, we need a note.) The sinus infection has moved to my lungs. Lots of wheezing. Good news is that it is upper respiratory. I get to watch it very closely, all I need is another bout with pneumonia (knock on lots of wood.) My oxygen level has been fine, except for today. It dipped to 84 so I hauled the portable oxygen unit out. I don't stick the canula in my nose, it is in my mouth, which works just as well. So I will take it easy for the next 3 days. I'm just glad I have a job that is will fit my needs. Whew.

Speaking of the cat. Here are some pictures of Miss Priss who runs my life and household. I love her dearly.

I forgot to tell you that she is a nerd kitty. She loves to lay on the laptop to get warm (and post when I'm not looking.)

Off to bed, rather off to the comfortable chair in the living room. LOL.

P.S. I will post pictures of the samplers I am working on from the Shepherds Bush retreat. Lots of fun stuff.

What is it about Halloween?

2010-10-05T23:27:00.001-06:00

Changed the blog background yet again. I just love this time of year. Fall, Halloween, my birthday, and Thanksgiving. I am still working on the Quaker Halloween, on page four (halfway done.) Woo hoo!!!

The retreat. Was wonderful. I ended up not going on Wednesday, due to a migraine headache. So Don picked me up on Thursday morning. I had sooo many bags (I didn't want to get bored, so I put many projects in said bags.) We arrived at the Canyons in Park City at noonish, after a beautiful drive up Provo Canyon. Even though the leaves were fading, it was still beautiful.

We checked in to the beautiful suite. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, an entry way with the cutest bench and hooks on the other side of the foyer. A kitchen fully stocked, a table in a small dining room, a living room with a fireplace, a love seat, a couch (with a pull out bed), and 2 window seats. And a television. Each bedroom had a tv and a fireplace. Registration was until 4 pm, the reveal of the projects was at 3:30 pm. We went to Panda Express for lunch then headed back to the hotel.

My oxygen level was lacking, shall we say. It was 79, so on went the canula. Don is so funny, it was irritating my nose and he said that all my nose callouses were gone. Ha ha ha. After a couple of hours, the level was back at 94. I took off the oxygen, then just had to wear it at odd moments when the level dipped below 89. I did adjust however, which was quite pleasing.

Back to registration. We registered, picked up our name tags, and a gift. It is a project bag. Very cute. Don had a special project bag: a man bag that was plaid instead of roses. He was pleased. The afternoon project was to stitch a button with our initial or motif, then sew it onto the project bag. Both Don and I looked at it and put it in the project bag. I was more interested in talking. (BTW, I did finish the button and sewed it to my bag. I changed the lettering to a more formal K.

Name tags were a must. We got to wear them to all classes and functions. Apparently, some people had decided in years past to bring a friend who would sit in the class and NOT pay. I'm used to wearing a name tag/badge at work, so it wasn't bad. Of course, Don had a man tag (plaid again) and I pinned it to his shirt (he really didn't want to wear it around his neck with the ribbon.) LOL.

We rested, then it was another project at 7 pm in the Kokepelli ballroom. So cute. It was a shared stitching project. All six designers made contributions to the project. Teri (Shepherds Bush) designed the piece. The lovely silk threads came from CeCe at Thread Gatherer (love her threads.) The fabric was from R&R Reproductions, the silver charm "Joy" was from Charland Designs. A blackbird was a motif in the design (Blackbird Designs), and a gold needle and thread is in the design for Jeannette Douglas Designs. There were motifs, sheep (for Shepherds Bush), a blackbird, a little skein of floss, a crown (R&R Reproductions), a heart for Charland designs. And in the pattern bag, there was the cutest needle threader by My Big Toe and a bumblebee thread holder (magnetic) from Kelmscot Designs. Way cool. I almost forgot that there was a decadent dessert too. Chocolate mousse with fruit and whipped cream on top. Since I hadn't eaten dinner yet, I didn't eat it. My blood sugar would have been horrendous and too much sugar makes me sluggish. Don said it was really good.

Then Don and I went out to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays. Yum, soup and salad bar for me. Then I read to him (politics and the news of the day). He stitched on Witches Wheel by Glendon Place. About midnight I couldn't keep my eyes open, so off to bed I went. Don usually stitches later than that, so I'm not quite sure what time he went to bed. However, at 9 am Friday morning was the first class, so he stopped stitching and went to bed.

We had bought a box of cereal and some milk for breakfast. So after that yummy breakfast, we went to the first class, which was Tina's class (Shepherds Bush.) She had told us the piece was big. It is and beautiful. It is 3 samplers in 1. I love it. We learned the specialty stitches for the piece. We started in the right hand corner, which confused me. I am going to do the border over to the upper left hand corner and work from there. I am a slow stitcher, so didn't get much done, which is OK. The gift/project for that class was a cute little flower, made from felted sweaters and a button to hold it all. Um, I still need to put it together. LOL. We also received the cutest handmade pincushion that matched our fabric and project bags from the first night. Of course, Don had a plaid pincushion.

On to lunch at Kneaders (we're so adventurous.) We were free until 7 pm. So after lunch, Don stitched and I took a nap. I only slept 4 hours Thursday night, so I was exhausted. At 7 pm, we lined up to get into the ballroom for the evening activity. Wow!!! There were six stations where we made little projects. It was a great meet and mingle that was safe (because we could be with our friends) and we made some great needlework accessories. Since everyone works at their own speed (slow for me) we met new people at each station.

The first station was to make a little pin and needle booklet. Glue them together and put the pins into the pin book and the needles into the needle booklet. The next station was to cover a pencil with the rose paper (plaid for Don.) There was a little post it note stack for us also. We made a booklet with graph paper and cute paper for the cover. Then we went and picked up our needlework boxes. Very cute. Tina's son stained 200 boxes and one of the Shepherds Bush employees decoupaged the picture on top of the box. The project from Thursday night fits exactly in the top of the box. Cool how that all works out. I have started that project, about a fourth of the way through. I think it will be a quick stitch. Then we made a thread minder, which consisted of cording with 3 needles and beads. Way cool. The last project was a tag. It has "This box was made at the Shepherds Bush retreat in 2010 by ________" I just need to sign it. Just a very fun evening. Bowls of candy at each table, which I managed to not eat, since we hadn't had dinner yet.

We took off for dinner after that. I looked up restaurants and found a Cafe Trang. Sigh. Closed. So we went to Squatter's Pub. Yum. Got back, read to Don while he stitched, and went to bed at about midnight. (See a pattern here.? LOL.)

Got up, had breakfast and went to the R&R Reproduction class. They had a big project too, a bag for those unfinished projects. The pattern was on 20 count linen, over 2 threads, so it is a 10 count piece. After the piece is stitched, then you make it into a bag with cool buttons. Very neat. Also, Pat gave us many hints about stitching. We asked for the next retreat that they teach this class on stitching hints. Pat is a great stitcher and had so much useful information. Ann, her business partner, came over and sold us on going to their retreat in Oct 2011. It is in Virginia Beach on the ocean. So fun. The teachers will be Tina and Teri, Jeannette Douglas, Theresa Vanetta from Shakespeare's Peddler and Raise the Roof designs, Pat and Ann, and a mystery teacher. I am there.

We had lunch at Squatter's again, and were late to the last class. It was quite funny. Don and I were walking in and Teri came running up. "Are you two OK?" Yes, we're just late. That is what Don gets for being the only man there. LOL. So we walked into class and I got to sing because we were late. Pffft. "Oh ye mountains high" is the song I chose. The class was fun, even though it is not my thing. CeCe from Thread Gatherer makes these funky fabric scrapbooks. So we received materials to make our own. Poor Don, I saw him nodding off. He was bored to death. I was the happy recipient of his kit. I think I am going to make a book honoring my grandma Reva who taught me to tat and whom I learned my love of needlework (inherited it from her.) We also received a cool pair of scissors with the cutest little fobs.

The gifts were great. At dinner, the banquet, was truly wonderful. There was a spinach salad, cream of tomato soup to die for, filet mignon with asparagus, potatoes and a fried something with artichoke. Yummy. Lemonade and water for the beverages, and a decadent dark chocolate cake/cheesecake. One bite and I was done.

Tradition has it that a skit of some sort happens. We learned how the Chinese New Year came about. It was a hoot. Don was in the 'orchestra' and played the horn. He received a gift for participating. The last gift was a necklace with 2 charms. Don received a pair of red plaid embroidery scissors, Gingher no less.

To bed to bed. I was awakened at 8 am by jackhammers, pounding, and vacuuming. I was so tired I rolled over and went back to sleep (I can sleep anywhere and through anything.) Don was awakened also, but couldn't get back to sleep. So he got up, had breakfast, packed, etc. He peeked at me at about 9 am and I was dead to the world. He went downstairs and picked up the pieces that had been on display in the store. Jeannette had signed them, way cool.

I was up at about 9:45 am, packed to ready, and we checked out at 11 am, right on time. Drove down the mountain and had brunch at Fiddler's Elbow (yummy.) I guess it is a hangout for the U of U students on Sunday mornings, the place was packed. We ate on the patio. Don took me home, and of course, I took a nap to recover. LOL.

I didn't spend much money up there. I did buy the new Shepherds Bush Christmas stocking (Sadie.) I also bought a thread holder in the shape of a heart with a magnetic needleminder on it. I also purchased the accessory pack to go with the R&R project bag. I wrote Jeannette Douglas to see if Don and I could get the kit for her class. There were 2 tracks and we were not on her track. Jeannette graciously brought us the kits down. It is seriously beautiful, I can't wait to start stitching on it. Jeannette is a great lady, funny and talented. I think she wants Don to be one of her model stitchers. He is an excellent stitcher and a good tester of patterns. He hopes she calls him for this job (I hope she does too.)

So that is our vacation. Don had such a good time. He told me in 2 years, we are going to go up a few days earlier just to hang out. Cool. We are going to the R&R retreat in 2011, and of course, the Shepherds Bush retreat in 2012.

Still coming....photos of all the projects, the rooms, etc.

I have a lovely sinus infection, so I will be sleeping in the chair tonight. Yuk. Oh well.

Change!!!

2010-09-20T22:05:00.000-06:00

Change, change, change in my life.

Changed the background to my blog. A little more summery rosey blog.

Off the oxygen almost all the time (except at night.) Woo hoo!!! I'm going to Park City on Wednesday for the Shepherds Bush stitching retreat. I am getting a portable Helios system base to take with me. Thinner oxygen may give my lungs some problems. Better safe than sorry.

My right knee is getting much better. Falling on it three times in 3 months is not a good thing. :) Last Thursday I rammed my left little toe into a wooden pallet. It is really bruised, but I don't think it is broken because I can still wiggle it. It hurts to walk, so I am swimming right now for exercise purposes.

I don't know why I am so accident prone, especially this last year. I think I need to be wrapped in bubble wrap. LOL.

Tomorrow I get my hair cut and a permanent. My hair has NO body or curl. So I get a permanent, then straighten out my hair. I'm also getting a pedicure and gel toes. I think I will get the Little Miss Muffet pink sparkly again. It is glittery and pink.

I can't wait for the retreat. I am driving up on Wednesday afternoon (can't check in until 5:00 pm.) There is a farmer's marker at the Canyons every Wednesday, so I want to catch that.

We reserved a 2 bedroom suite at the Grand Summit at the Canyons. I got a killer deal for 2 bedrooms, a jetted tub, deck/balcony, full kitchen, etc. Registration starts at noon on Thursday, one class is on Friday, and 2 classes on Saturday, with a closing banquet Saturday night. I'll come home Sunday.

Don and I went to Shepherds Bush on Saturday. The projects are BIG. The Shepherds Bush project is 16" by 21". R & R Reproduction's project is 16" by 16". I did email Jeannette Douglas Designs and she is bringing 2 extra kits for Don and I. She is one of our favorite designers. There are 2 tracks of classes at the retreat. We're on the Shepherds Bush track, along with R & R Reproductions and Thread Gatherers. The other track is Blackbird Designs, Jeannette Douglas, and Charland Designs. I'm hoping the other teachers bring extra kits or I can order them for after the classes. It was hard making a choice of what track to choose, but Shepherds Bush is my favorite place and designs.

On the family front, 2 more great-grandchildren are coming. That will make 7 great grandchildren for my parents. Wow!!! Also, my nephew is getting married in December 2010 (just got engaged.) Becky and Frank found a truly cute house in North Carolina to rent. I hope they come to visit us for Christmas. :)

My dad is doing really well, much better than I have seen him in the past 2 years. He has recovered remarkably well from the last stroke. He doesn't take a nap anymore, much more energy, and doesn't have his spells. He's 79 years old, so this is great news.

Well, I had better rest up for tomorrow. Perm, haircut, toes, and stitching night. And dinner at Kneaders.

New background

2010-08-10T15:11:00.000-06:00

A new background for my blog! How exciting.

Good news from the pulmonologist. If my oxygen level stays at 90 or above during the day, I don't have to use the supplemental oxygen. Woo hoo!!! Except now I have a cold, so I am still using oxygen 24/7.

He also wants me to do an overnight pulse oximeter test that records my oxygen levels at night. I may be able to get rid of that too eventually and just have the cpap. So good news all round.

Monday, Monday

2010-08-09T08:22:00.000-06:00

I woke up with a bad cold, whatever. Boo. Good thing I have a pulmonologist's appointment at 2:20 pm today. I hate summer colds.

I also fell again last week. At work. Tripped over a dangling mouse cord and did a full face plant. My left wrist is severely sprained and I injured my right knee again. My mom thinks my right knee should shoot me. I agree. LOL.

This accident is covered by workman's comp though.

Friday was my dad's birthday. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner on Saturday night to celebrate his birthday. Yummy. Noisy. The birthday boy sat on a saddle on a sawhorse and had his picture taken. They serve peanuts in the shell, which is my dad's favorite. We had nineteen (!) people there: 7 out of his 10 children, five grandchildren, and spouses, significant others, etc. It was really fun.

I'm going back to bed. I have no stitching progress to report. As soon as my left hand is out of the splint, then I shall start stitching again.

Oh, I did finally get to see 'Lost in Austen'. Excellent and very entertaining. I highly recommend it.

Update

2010-07-19T00:23:00.000-06:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I updated this blog. So here goes...

I ordered an Express Pass from UDOT this evening (Utah Dept of Transportation.) I was number 1629, so received the transponder for FREE! (Thus saving $8.25.) In my account, I put $25.00. The express pass will enable me to drive in the HOV lane as a single driver. I commute daily from Provo to Murray and I think this will cut down on my commute time, especially in the morning.

I'm still on oxygen. Woo hoo. I have an appointment the first part of August with Dr Campbell, my pulmonologist. We will discuss the weaning off the oxygen issue. He wanted me to lose 20 pounds (April to August), one more pound to go.

I'm also on warfarin (rat poison.) Apparently I had a blood clot in my left lung while I was in the hospital with pneumonia. So for the next 3-6 months I will be taking it daily. Once a week I get to have my blood checked (called an INR). The results should be between 2 and 3, last Wednesday it was 2.8. I have to be careful of greens, liver, cranberries, etc. My doctor told me not to become a rabbit. I still have a salad daily, but no dark leafy green veggies (brussel sprouts, broccoli, etc.) It has put a cramp in my lifestyle change.

I also am experiencing joint pain. I will talk that over when I have my next blood test. I can't take any NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naprosyn, etc.) Tylenol is as needed because it affects the liver, which affects the clotting time. Sigh.

I am stitching on the Halloween sampler slowly. I am on the second page of eight pages. I will post an updated picture when I figure out how to make it bigger.

I bought a new laptop (Dell) with Windows 7 on it. Still trying to learn Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 7 (uck.) I also bought a new Ipad, which I love, love, love. I highly recommend an Ipad. It is portable, you can read, watch movies, take notes, have Internet connection, etc. It goes everywhere with me.

I have also become a great-aunt again. Welcome Caleb James!!! He was born on July 3, 2010 at home, weighing in at 8 pounds 8 ounces. He was 10 days early. He is very mellow. His older brother Scott just adores him.

I had better go to bed. I get to work tomorrow. This is a short work week since I take every other Friday off now.

Unknitting

2010-03-15T23:27:00.000-06:00

This is the item I am knitting (or trying to knit).

Don and I watched the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics. He really liked the American teams hat, which was designed by Ralph Lauren. It initially sold for $75 from Lauren, $400.00 on Ebay for one that had been actually worn by an athlete during the opening ceremonies.

So I scooted on over to ravelry.com and found the pattern. Helena Bristow reverse engineered the hat and created the pattern. I downloaded the pattern and bought the suggested yarns. Well, the suggested brand of Cascade 220 100% wool. Here are the colors I chose:

The red is a little deeper. The colors are beautiful together. Here is what was suggested:

I did use the same blue, changed the red, and selected an off white. I also am knitting on US #5 needles. Initially, she recommended US #7 needles, then US #5 to cast on and US #6 for the rest of the hat. Comments on ravelry.com say the hat is enormous, so I chose to use the US #5 needles.

So I am on row 19. Rows 1-15 are knit in the round. Rows 16-18 are knit in the round. The first 15 rows fold back under the hat for a more comfortable fit against the wearer's forehead.

I can't count when I cast on, so....I am going to have to decrease a few stitches to get to 108 stitches. I did start row 19 which is the white design, then had to unknit the row because some of the stitches were dropped and I didn't pick them up correctly. Which is OK, since I get to decrease and that is the perfect place to start. Perhaps Don will have it for next winter. LOL.

I'm also going to start a pattern titled Quaker Halloween.

I was going to change the colors, but pulled the floss first to see what was used. Hmmm, someone needs a better photographer for their patterns. Here are the colors:

Sorry about the order, it is bad. I will photograph the colors myself and post them tomorrow night. Anyway, the green is brighter in real life. The main color is Concord Grape.

And I really can't find any green in the picture of the cross stitch pattern. So stay tuned.

Oh, and I am stitching on 28 count fabric, sandstone. One thread over one thread. Wish me luck!!!

Catch Up Time

2010-02-28T21:32:00.001-07:00

Whew! It's been awhile since I updated my blog.

I went back to work on Monday, February 15. Woo hoo! It was exhausting to sit for 8 hours and read my email. Don picked me up at work and we went to his house to await the oxygen tank arrival.

The portable oxygen unit I had lasted about 8 hours, obviously not long enough for 8 hours of work, 30 minutes of lunch, and about a 90 minute daily commute. So I did a little research on the Internet and found the Helios Marathon. It is the BIG brother to the Helios unit I had. So I just called the medical supply place to see if I could swap out for the larger unit. Little did I know that my five day journey for the Marathon portable oxygen unit.

I called the Lindon branch. No clue about it, and "No, we don't have one." I called the Salt Lake store and "No, that isn't available." So I thought compromise and made arrangements to have a small liquid oxygen tank delivered to work. Uh oh. I work for a large multinational corporation and talked to HR about the tank. "We have to go through corporate, yada yada yada." Fine.

So Don, being the good friend he is, offered his house, which is very kind. I could run up to his house on my lunch and fill the unit. OK. So then I called to see what time and when the refill tank would be delivered. "We don't have that order. What did you want again?" So on Saturday, someone in SLC finally found the order and said it would be delivered on Monday. No time frame though. Sigh.

So I called Monday morning from work. They didn't know what I was talking about. Great. First day back at work and I get to leave after 6 hours to fill my oxygen. Grrr. Then they found the order and said the delivery would be after 4 pm. !!! So I let Don know

Fast forward to Don's house at about 6 pm. I'm getting a little antsy and then the phone rang. It was Cuso the delivery guy. "Now, what did you order? I have an order here for a refill unit and the top fill." The top fill is the portable unit. That's NOT what I wanted. So we talked for awhile about it and he said "Why don't you try the Marathon unit?"

Me: "I thought we didn't stock them." Cuso: "We do, let me see if I have one." He did!!! So he came over and we swapped units and he cancelled the other order, etc. Woo hoo! So sad the delivery driver knows more about the inventory than the offices do.

I really like the Marathon unit. 20 hours of oxygen when it is set on demand. On demand delivers a puff of oxygen every time I inhale. Coolness. And I don't have to worry about running out of oxygen when I am out and about. It does make a little puffing noise, but doesn't bother me.

I also have made many friends with my liquid oxygen unit. I've given little demonstrations and referred many people to the company. They should give me a commission. LOL.

The only problem is that it doesn't come with a carrying case. I carried it by the handle for 2 weeks, which was just not very convenient. So I searched the Internet for a carrying case for the Helios Marathon unit.

Everything I found cost over $65.00. Waaaaaay too much money. So I went searching for something at Target. It took 45 minutes, but I found a canvas bag that closes at the top and I can sling it over my shoulder. It looks kind of like a fashion accessory, not medical equipment (until you see the cannula stuck up my nose.)

So I am a happy camper. Time for bed.

Monday Monday

2010-02-08T21:41:00.001-07:00

I was going to get so much done today. Instead, I didn't do anything. Stupid head cold/bronchitis. I got sicker over the weekend (although I did make it to church.) My nose is running (and having a cannula stuck up it doesn't help any.) I'm coughing, but nothing is coming up. I'm wheezing big time, the Symbicort lasts for a couple of hours then I wheeze in multiple sounds. It's so annoying.

So I started taking Azithromycin today. 2 pills today, then a pill a day for the next 4 days. I can't be sick, I go back to work on Feb 15. I'm also taking a cold pill (antihistamine/decongestant) and the "magic" cough syrup at night. I don't have a fever. I'm hoping to get magically better so I can go stitching tomorrow night. /whining

Tomorrow I need to pick up the handicapped placards at the driver's license bureau. I also need to pick up a form for my doctor to fill out and fax in (I am diabetic and need a release to drive.) I need to call the company who is managing my medical leave of absence and see what kind of a doctor's note I need to go back to work (will the generic form work that says Feb 15 is the big day?) I need to call the medical supply company and see if I can get a Helios Marathon portable oxygen system.

On Saturday, I went to Salt Lake. I left at noon with portable oxygen unit. I just performed normal activities (prescription and grocery shopping, Don's haircut, shopping at the craft place, and dinner out with friends.) The oxygen was gone by 8 pm. I had it on 1 most of the day. For work I need at least 11 hours of oxygen.

The Helios Marathon system gets up to 20 hours worth of use at the setting of 2 liters. And it only weighs 5 pounds when full. Sounds perfect for me.

I need to remember to call and have my old medical supply place pick up their oxygen concentrator and the 3 big ole green oxygen tanks too.

On Saturday night we went to a little pizzeria called Rusted Sun Pizza. Yummy. I had an Italian salad, Don had a calzone, everyone else had either a calzone or pizza. I'll bet 28 people was the maximum number of eaters that would fit. It was a little place, but so good. We had a great time. There were six of us, four sat in a booth and Don and I sat at the bar across from the booth. Good food, great company.

If you are in Salt Lake City, give the Rusted Sun Pizzeria a try. It is located at 2010 South State Street. Here is a link to their menu.
Rusted Sun pizzeria

They don't take reservations.

My cat

2010-02-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

I have a Siamese cat who is about 9 years old. She is a typical Siamese cat who yowls, but she is my cat and loves me. You know the saying "Dogs have masters, cats have staff." Exactly.

My new oxygen unit is controlled by my inhaling. So there is a little puff every time I inhale. It scares the poor kitty when I hold her. Of course, everything scares the poor kitty. I have put a chair next to me at my computer desk and that is where she takes her naps. She'll lay there for hours. I love my kitty cat even though she does run my life. :)

She is a very curious cat too. When the guy was here to set up my CPAP machine, she looked and sniffed. Usually she runs down the stairs at a full gallop. "Stranger danger."

I have to work at getting a better picture of her. I used to have some, but I can't find them. She is a beautiful cat, even though my nickname for her is "Miss Priss" and "Miss Persnickety."

OK, last update on my blood oxygen level. I set the oxygen to 1 liter per hour and my blood oxygen level is 94. Coolness. The unit will last even longer. What an exciting Friday evening. I'm off to bed to rest up for my big day tomorrow. (Salt Lake City with friends and dinner.)

Friday

2010-02-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor this morning for my 3 month checkup. Sigh. My A1C was 7.2, which averages a 170 blood sugar for 3 months. My dr was very encouraging and didn't scold me. He said since I have been so ill the past 2 months that is probably it.

He did change my medications. I am now taking Janumet, which is a combination of metformin and sitagliptin (Januvia.) I did take glipizide when I was first diagnosed and only had to take it for about 6 weeks. After that the metformin controlled my blood sugar levels.

He also changed the triglyceride med from Lovastatin to Simvastatin. I'm stopping Lovastatin right now and will wait to start simvastatin (I have to get my meds via a mail in pharmacy.) If my blood sugar numbers drop, then I'm not taking any statin. I'll eat lettuce and chicken to keep the blood sugar and triglycerides down. My overall cholesterol is 192, but the good cholesterol is a little low and the bad cholesterol is a little high and my triglycerides are a little high. Thus the tricor and simvastatin. I'll just experiment (I can hear the drs out there shuddering.)

I am able to control my blood sugar through the diabetic exchange diet and exercise. Since I have been on Lovastatin, the numbers are through the roof. I have been researching on the Internet and there are cases of blood sugar being unmanageable with the statins. Also, it says in the patient inserts that statins can cause blood sugar to go up. We'll see.

The dr also put me on lisinopril to protect my kidneys. I guess he does that to all of his patients with diabetes. My blood pressure was 128/90 (it has been 122/75.) So not too bad. I feel like a walking pharmacy.

Now I have chest congestion. My mom has bronchitis and that is what I thought it was. But the dr said that it is asthma, I am wheezing big time. So now I have an inhaler (Symbicort). He also wrote a prescription for a Z-Pack for me to have in case I cough up colored mucus with a fever. So far just a tight cough and wheezing.

Let's see, what other exciting things did I do today? I am testing out the portable oxygen unit to see how long it lasts. I had a bit of a problem filling it this morning, it ran out after about 20 minutes. I did have a big ole green tank in my car, so I was OK. As soon as I got home I refilled it again and it lasted about 10 minutes. So I called Praxair.

They were very nice. George told me when I filled the portable tank to press down on the top of the unit until it is full. I wasn't doing that. And it worked. That was at 12:15 pm. It is now about 8:45 pm and it is still going strong. I'd like the unit to last at least 11 hours. I'll be testing it tomorrow when I go up to SLC. Of course I will have the big ole green tank along just in case. 11 hours will get me to work and back home (I plan on an hour to and an hour from work, with 8 hours of work and a 30 minute lunch. I may have to plan on an hour lunch initially.) We'll see. The best part is that I have had the unit at 2 liters per hour. I am usually at 1 liter per hour, but the wheezing is making my lungs unhappy.

I also got the pulse oximeter today. Excitement city. Of course I played with it. With the oxygen set at 2, my blood oxygen is between 94 and 96. The next experiment was to take off the oxygen, go to the bathroom, get my blood testing kit, and then take the blood oxygen. It was 80. Oops. Way too low. The good news is that my blood oxygen does go up to 90 after about 45 seconds after putting the oxygen back on. I guess I will be on the oxygen for quite awhile.

I then walked with the oxygen on at 2 and my oxygen level was 88. Not good. I'm pretty sure it is the wheezing causing these problems because on Tuesday the numbers were much better.

My next experiment is to turn the oxygen down to 1 and see what my blood oxygen is. I lead such an exciting life. However, the pulse oximeter will help me keep on track.

I almost forgot. I asked for a handicap sign for my car. The only time I plan on using it is at work. The building is set an at odd angle. There are no parking places in front of the building for the employees. However, there are 3 handicapped parking stalls. For the winter I am going to use it. The cold air does a number on my lungs. I also hate to trudge through the ice and snow in the parking lot. I can even ask for 2. I do plan on walking everywhere else because I need the exercise.

Oxygen and me, part 2

2010-02-04T22:04:00.000-07:00

I went to the pulmonologist on Tuesday morning. The good news is that my lungs look OK. There is still some cloudiness in my left lung from the pneumonia, but he wants to let it rest. So no tap and no antibiotics. Woo hoo!

Bad news is that my blood oxygen level was at 87 when I got to the doctor. And that was with oxygen. Sigh. So I am indefinitely on oxygen 24/7.

I really like the doctor, Dr Campbell. He did the thoracentisis on me in the hospital and was so gentle and kind and competent. I'm clanking around with the big green tanks of oxygen and he said he wanted me to have liquid oxygen. The portable tank is about the size of a loaf of bread and I carry it over my shoulder. Wow!!!

It only weighs 3.5 pounds when filled. I tried it out Tuesday night and it was wonderful. I put it over my shoulder and went out to dinner. No more fussing with the big ole green tank of oxygen.

There is a reservoir of liquid oxygen that is now in my house. It's probably 4 feet tall and 16 inches in diameter. I refill the portable unit from the reservoir, which is pretty easy. Depending upon my use and how much I go out, the reservoir tank lasts at least two weeks.

I'm going to have to experiment and see how long the unit lasts. The brochure says 10 hours at 1 liter per hour and about 8 hours at 2 liters per hour. I may have to request the Marathon unit, which lasts up to 20 hours when I go back to work.

Dr Campbell also wanted me to have my very own pulse oximeter so I can keep track of my blood oxygen level. The oximeters that climbers use run about $200. I called the medical supply place and they can order me one for a mere $850.00!!! There is no insurance coverage. So I went to Amazon.com and found a pulse oximeter for about $52 with free shipping. It should be here on Saturday. It comes with its own carrying case and a cord to wear it around my neck. (I don't think so.) I will be able to monitor the oxygen a lot better with the oximeter. (I have more medical toys now. Goody.)

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. It is my three month checkup for diabetes. I've been having a really hard time keeping my blood sugar levels down the past 10 days. That doesn't make me happy at all. I've been sticking to the lifestyle eating habits change (sounds better than a diet.) I've cut out yogurt for breakfast, which has been fine for the past 3 1/2 years. I'm really careful what fruits I eat, and I've cut out all white stuff (bread, potatoes, rice, sugar, etc.) I'm not a happy camper right now. At least the weight is still coming off, albeit slooooooowly.

Good thing I have an appointment tomorrow, because I have congestion in my chest. Yep, and I'm wheezing. It's a tight cough and not productive at all. And my chest hurts. So.....I'm hoping it is just bronchitis and an antibiotic will clear it up. I'm rather discouraged about this whole thing right now. Of course, if I have an infection then my blood sugars are going to be out of whack. I just took it and it is at 217. Not good at all. I wonder what my a1n will be. Til tomorrow.

Background change

2010-02-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

I changed the background. Only took me two hours because I was searching for a neato background. LOL.

Oxygen and me

2010-01-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

I was coming home the other night. I dutifully put my oxygen on and got on I-15 to go home. In about 3 minutes my nose started to ache and I felt like there was a hurricane of air going up my nose. LOL.

I guess the knob that controls the amount of oxygen got bumped in the car. I think it went to 5 (liters per hour.) I'm at 1 - 1.5 liters per hour during the day. And of course I can't get off the freeway to adjust it. So I fiddled with the knob and got it down to 2.5, which worked until I got home. Sigh.

The medical supply company also delivered oxygen to me on Tuesday. I usually have 2 tanks, but he gave me two more tanks. That means either I don't have to get the oxygen as often and/or they don't have to deliver to me so often.

Just for fun, I took a picture of all the tanks I have. I call it my oxygen farm. To the right in the picture is the oxygen concentrator that I use during the day. The tanks are for when I get out of the house. I'd really like to get a smaller unit for both.

Pictures!

2010-01-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the finished baby hat. I am giving it to my great-niece Lily because it is too big for a newborn. Lily is 18 months old and adorable. I'm going to try the same pattern with 60 stitches cast on to make it smaller. The pattern calls for size 2-3 needles, I used size 6. Oops. Always makes sense to read the directions before starting to knit. :)

I don't like the top of the hat. There's supposed to be a little knot there, but I couldn't figure it out from the directions. So I'm off to Martha's to get instructions on how to make a tassle or pom-pom for the top.

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. It's a keeper.

Second hat completed

2010-01-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am on a roll. I finished the second baby hat last night. It is very cute, knit with a Bernat Jacquards yarn called "Spearmint Candy." The colors are pink, white, yellow, and green. It is an odd looking hat with a pink & white rolled brim and then yellow, green, and white the rest of the way. The baby hats measure about about 4 1/2 to 5 inches from the brim to the top, so the pattern of the jacquard yarn doesn't really have a chance to truly show its thing.

I have started another baby hat, this time using Bernat Jacquard yarn called "I'm a big boy". The yarn is blue, white, and green. Here is the pattern I am using (found on ravelry.com). The pattern is by Lisa Giacco and is to be used for charity or personal use only.

My hat will probably be mostly green because that is where the yarn started. I may knit two of these so one can be mostly blue. Fun.

I went to the dentist today to have a small cavity filled. Back molar right side. Done in 45 minutes. I was a tad nervous since I can't have the gas right now. My dentist is so good though that I didn't feel a thing. The tooth next to it (a crown) aches a bit, but I am hoping it is nothing. I'd really like to get my dental bill paid off next month. In six months I will go for a checkup and have the crown put on my implant. And then I will have a molar on the left top side of my mouth (just 2 molars there right now.)

First project finished 2010!

2010-01-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

I finished a baby hat this evening. We're knitting baby hats/beanies for babies in an orphanage in Jordan. I'll find my camera and take a picture tomorrow. It turned out really cute. Woo hoo!

Bummer part 2

2010-01-19T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still on medical leave of absence. There is little change in my lung x-rays. I also didn't wear my oxygen for an hour this morning and my blood oxygen level as 83 at the doctors. At that point I put the oxygen back on and it popped right back up to 92.

Since I still have little stamina, we decided that I would wait another 2 weeks to go back to work. I probably will have to go back with oxygen. The silver lining is maybe I can get one of the cute portable oxygen concentrators. The doctor even said the bad word "permanent", which did NOT make me happy.

I lost 3 more pounds. Woo hoo! Now I need to increase my walking to a daily event.

I am going to stitching group tonight. My brother will drop me off in Draper and Pat B will pick me up. Dinner is at Paradise Cafe (yum and nutritious). Don will bring me home.

Now I have to decide what project to take. I have a Jim Shore Santa on perforated paper that I may take. It is a Mill Hill and is way cute. And very portable. And small.

I could take some tatting too. Or knitting. Decisions, decisions. Here is a picture of the Santa.

I called my boss to inform him that it would be at least 2 more weeks before I would be able to come back to work. He then said he had something to tell me. I thought "oh crap". There has been a reorganization at work. The product I have been working on has been dropped. Uh oh. There is still the legacy product to work on, and other projects that need more bodies. So my job is safe. I will have a new boss. However I have worked with her before, so that will be great.

Adventures with a CPAP machine

2010-01-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, the guy from the home medical supply place brought me my very own CPAP machine and humidifier. It is a ResMed and much smaller than I expected. The guy went through the whole spiel about hooking up the CPAP, the humidifier, etc. It took about an hour. He fitted the mask to my face and told me how to quick release the mask if I needed to get up during the night.

Of course, the first night was an adventure. My brother even took a picture and my mom giggled.

So my routine at night is fill the humidifier water reservoir with distilled water and click it into the CPAP, being very careful not to spill anywhere. Shut the lid firmly so the CPAP starts properly.

Attach the hose to the humidifier. Attach the other end of the hose to the mask. Plug the CPAP machine in. I hit the Warm Humidifier while I am going through the rest of the process.

I also need oxygen at night. So the tube from the oxygen concentrator is attached to the hose end that is attached to the humidifier. I turn the oxygen concentrator on.

Then I brush my teeth, get my jammies on, take my meds, and turn down the covers. And turn out the light (I usually have the TV on.) I put the mask on. It's pretty cool because the CPAP machine is automatically programmed to start as soon as I put the mask on. And it will stop when I take the mask off.

There is also a ramping feature. It starts the air pressure at 4 and ramps up to 10 (which is my air pressure setting. It can go up to 20.) The air pressure is what keeps my airways open so I can breathe properly when I sleep. The technician set the ramping feature for 20 minutes initially, I have it at 5 minutes now.

I'm sleeping better now, I think and resting. I'm still sleep during the day at times, but I can't tell if that is my lungs or if the CPAP isn't working as it should. I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday, so I'll wear the mask until then. and beyond. I haven't had many problems with the mask.

A sleep study and a new toy

2010-01-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

I had the sleep study done on Wednesday, Jan 6. On Monday, Jan 11 the home medical supply place called me and said that the neurologist at the sleep clinic had ordered a CPAP machine for me. Oh goody, a new toy.

The sleep study wasn't bad. I had to be at the clinic at 9:15 pm and we were about 5 minutes early. There are 3 rooms at this clinic, and the other two patients were already there. They showed me the room, it was very nice. It had a double bed with a very nice warm comforter.

My niece Amy had a sleep study done a couple of months ago. She told me to take an extra throw or blanket since the room was cold. So I took a down throw along with me. And a sweater. The ironic thing is that I don't get cold at night. In fact I am like a furnace and usually throw the covers off during the night. Anyway...

George and Kim, the two sleep technicians came in to put all the leads on me. There are about 20 leads. 2 go on each leg, 1 goes on each side of the collarbone, 1 behind each ear, 2 on the neck, a few in your hair and on the forehead. The wires go back to this little box for monitoring of the patient. A very soft belt goes around the chest and waist. Here is a picture of someone all hooked up. It took about 30 minutes to attach everything.

I then climbed into bed and George attached a lead to the chest belt and the waist belt. He then checked all of the leads to make sure they were still stuck on me, then put a probe in my nose. The probe is just like a nasal canula, except much smaller. This probe lets the technicians know if the patient breathes through their mouth or nose. I then had the pulse oximeter put on my finger.

I got comfortable, George turned out the light, and I tried to fall asleep. I have no idea how long it took for me to fall asleep, but it seemed just a few minutes later that Kim came in with a nasal canula. Apparently my oxygen was too low, and so she put the nasal canula in my nose, along with the probe. There was actually room in my nostrils for both. And it didn't hurt. I fell asleep.

I tried to turn over, but the oxygen tubing was too short. Kim was watching me and came in the room and held the tubing so I could turn on my right side. I fell asleep.

In a few minutes, Kim came in with a CPAP mask had hooked it up. I didn't realize that the study was a Split Night PSG with CPAP Titration.

Split Night PSG is conducted when moderate or severe Sleep Apnea has been discovered or strongly suspected during the first part of the nights study. The second half of the night is used for CPAP Titration.

The mask went on. It was a different kind of mask than the one I wore in the hospital. It just covered my nose, not my nose and mouth. I fell asleep.

In a few minutes, George came in and asked me if I was hot. No, I was sleeping under the sheet and had thrown the comforter off. Apparently I was sweating and a few of the leads had fallen off. So George cleaned the spots and reattached the leads behind my ears, neck, and forehead. I got comfortable again and he turned the fan on over my head so I wouldn't sweat. I fell sleep and had a weird dream.

I dreamed the test was over and we were having a party to celebrate. There were even celebrities and famous people there. They all congratulated us and then we had breakfast together. I woke up rather disoriented because I thought the study was over and I was still in bed. I fell asleep again, and a few minutes later George woke me up and said the study was over.

I did sleep because I can sleep anywhere. It just seemed like a short time every time they woke me up. I got dressed, went home, had breakfast, and slept most of the day.

I tried to get information on how I did, but George and Kim weren't too talkative. I guess I will get the results when I see my doctor on Tuesday.

The overall experience was really good. I'm glad I had the study done, maybe now I can get some good rest.

Bummer

2010-01-05T22:14:00.000-07:00

I went to the pulmonologist today. Actually I saw the nurse practitioner because the office is booked solid. She did consult with my pulmonologist.

They want to wait 2 weeks and take another x-ray and perform some other breathing tests. I'm not released to go to work. I called my boss and he said the work would always be there. I told him I would much rather be there working.

I can drive, but probably won't do much of it.

So I am going to wallow in pity tonight, and then wake up with a new attitude. Tomorrow is the dentist and a sleep study.

And it is my parents 54th wedding anniversary. And they still like each other, love each other lots. Thanks for being my parents Mom & Dad!

Today

2010-01-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

I changed the background. It makes me smile and is seasonal.

Let's see, good news first. I went to the doctor today and I have lost 13 more pounds. That is 23 pounds since Thanksgiving. Woo hoo! I wouldn't recommend the hospital to get started, but it was a good kick starter.

Bad news is that my lungs aren't much better. Boo, hiss. I had a chest x-ray today and the lungs are a little clearer, but not much since the first x-ray on Dec 3. I'm a bit discouraged. The doctor also ran a spirometry test. That is where the patient blows into a tube. Take a deep breath and exhale as hard and fast as you can, then hold that breath. For as long as you can. I'm not very good at it. The results are that something is at 44%, and I didn't reach a level for long enough on a graph. (I'm not technical.) Bottom line is I am seeing a pulmonologist tomorrow.

So I am rather discouraged. I'm not cleared for work and I still can't drive.

My nice brother Scott took me on a field trip today because I have cabin fever. I went to the dentist to have a suture removed. I also made an appointment for Wednesday to replace a crown. Ka-ching. We picked up my x-rays and filled some prescriptions. I found a red pajama top to match my pink/white/red pajama bottoms. I also bought some new pink fluffy booties. I have a sleep study Wednesday night, so needed something to wear during the sleep study.

And hopefully that means my c-pap will be on the way soon.

The other good news is that I finally feel like being crafty. Here are the booties I am knitting. I'm going to try and tat the edging. Actually I'm still trying to decide.

Then I am going to finish this stocking. I finally found some good directions on how to turn the heel with a different color of yarn. I'm not happy with the stocking the way it is, so I am going to knit it again, with a different yarn and smaller needles. But not for awhile. This picture is a picture of the stocking that someone else knitted. I'll post a picture as soon as I finish it.

And the medical bills are pouring in. Thank goodness I have great insurance. And a medical savings account. I have a $2500 maximum out of pocket, and will easily meet that. The amount for the bills so far is about $53,000.00. Gulp. And I still haven't received many of the doctors bills.

OK, I'm done for the day. Wish me luck tomorrow at the pulmonologist. I feel pretty good. Good night.

Changed the background for the blog

2009-12-30T17:26:00.001-07:00

I'm not a black and white person, but I do like this background. I still might change it though. :)

As for me, I am slowly getting better. I'm at 1 liter of oxygen per hour and I can take the oxygen off for 20-30 minutes at a time. I still can't drive, but that is moot, since we've had 6 or 7 inches of snow in the past 2 days. Icky roads.

Back to the doctor on Monday, Jan 4, 2010. He will hopefully release me from oxygen, clear me to drive and go back to work. I also need to go to the dentist on that day and have a stitch taken out. I hope it hasn't grown into my gums. :(

The holidays and hospitals

2009-12-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back. :)

I've had an eventful two weeks. Since Thanksgiving I have been ill. And for the last two weeks, I've been in the hospital with influenza type A, viral pneumonia, and bacterial pneumonia. Yuck.

Can you say thoracentesis? How about infiltrated IV? I'm going to be self indulgent and put down my thoughts about my stay and illness.

Prologue

I'd been coughing since Saturday, Nov 28. Nothing serious, just a cough. By Sunday, I had a fever of 102 degrees and felt generally wretched. So I stayed home from work on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday the fever was almost gone and I felt better so I went to work. BIG mistake. I commute 40 minutes one way. That was one of the worst days of my life. I managed to work eight hours and drive home.

So on Thursday I called in sick and went to the doctor.

Dec 3, 2009:

At the doctor's office, they did a chest x-ray. While we were waiting for the results, my mom leaned over and asked me if I have good health insurance. I asked why. She knew how sick I was and that I was probably going to the hospital. I was clueless.

The results came back, kind of. My left lung had white cloudy stuff, but the doctor wasn't sure because it really didn't resemble pneumonia. So he consulted with his partner and came back and asked me if I had been exposed to TB. At that point, I start to get nervous.

My white blood cell count was elevated, as was my red blood cell count. So they decided to put me in the hospital so further tests could be done and they could administer IV antibiotics. I thought just a few days would get me all better.

We arrived at the hospital and by 3:00 pm I was in a hospital gown and being poked and prodded. I was a bit dehydrated, so they had a very hard time getting an IV in. They actually poked and dug six times. Ouch. They drew blood for general tests, then we had a break for 20 minutes or so.

Then the swarm descended. Everyone gets tested for H1N1 now (the swine flu.) I had a phlebotomist come in with at least six containers for blood. She had to draw the blood from 2 different sites. First site, not so bad. Second site, excruciating pain. Well, second and third sites. Right between my knuckles on my right hand.

Right after she got started 2 guys came in with an EKG machine to take an EKG. Then the pharmacist walked in to ask me about my daily medication. And then the H1N1 team swooped in.

And there was a nurse in the room too. The pharmacist was smart and said he would come back later. The two guys kept trying to reposition me, thus frustrating the phlebotomist. The H1N1 team was busy trying to stick a tube up my nose. The nurse finally restored order and had the phlebotomist finish getting the blood.

Then the EKG guys did their thing. (No heart problems.)

And then the H1N1 team stuck a tube up my nose and flushed it on the way out. Both nostrils. "This will be uncomfortable but it won't be painful." Right. The first time, their gizmo didn't work. So the second time wasn't too bad. The third time hurt. I could feel the saline flush at the back of my skull. They got their samples and left.

I had dinner. Then my parents came with my brother and my dad and brother gave me a blessing, which was very comforting. It really calmed me down and I knew that Heavenly Father was watching over me.

I thought I was coherent, but apparently by this point I was just mumbling. It's weird because in my head I was all there and talking and thinking just fine. Nope. More like hallucinating and out of it.

They came back and stuck a sign on my door. I was contagious. Everyone who came in had to gown up, use gloves, and a mask. I officially had influenza type A, viral pneumonia, and bacterial pneumonia. Offically very sick.

Dec 4,5,6:
General stuff in the hospital. Changing of IVs, doctors visits, etc.

Nights were my favorite though. I'd fall asleep about 10 pm. At midnight they would change an antibiotic. At 2 am, they would take my vital signs and a blood sugar. At 4 they would take blood (the vampires would descend.) And breakfast was at 7:30 am. I hear about those celebrities who check into the hospital for exhaustion. How can they sleep?

However, I was so sick that I would fall back asleep almost immediately. And sleep most of the day.

Monday, Dec 7:

Thoracentesis day. I'd had daily chest x-rays, so the pulmonologist came to visit me. He talked to me, listened to my lungs and heart and then said he was going to perform a thoracentesis on me. Goody.

I signed the papers, then he numbed me. And stuck the needle in. Which didn't hurt until it started drawing the fluid out between my chest wall and lungs. They use a big syringe, then a big jar to collect the stuff. Avert your eyes as I describe it. It looked like gravy or caramel topping. Yikes. He drew almost two liters out, then withdrew the catheter. That hurt worse than anything.

The pain was like a giant L that started at my left shoulder, traveled down to my waist and made a turn over to my right side. Pain meds on the way, which did help. Actually, 1 pill, then no more because narcotics can suppress breathing, and I was having a hard time anyway. But the pain was gone.

I did start breathing easier, a little bit. More mumbling and gibberish from me.

The pulmonologist also ordered a bipap machine for me. I'd heard of CPAP machines, but not BiPAP machines. Here is the description:

i-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines are non-invasive machines that provide positive pressure while a person breathes in and lowers the air pressure when a person breathes out. Thus, the BiPAP has preset pressures: EPAP (exhalation pressure) and IPAP (inhalation pressure). The machine may also have a timing feature for breaths per minute (BPM). If the sleeping person doesn't take a breath, the BiPAP machine increases pressure, forcing the sleeping person to take a breath. The air pressure then decreases, allowing the person to work less against the airflow pressure to exhale. Because the sleeper's breathing varies, so does the BiPAP's pressure, allowing the pressure drop to vary according to the needs of the sleeping individual. This ability to vary air pressure allows the sleeper to exert less energy to exhale and sleep deeper.

The nurse had come in earlier in the day and found that my oxygen level in my blood was at 37. It should be over 90. Carbon dioxide was at a dangerous level in my blood too. So a couple of hours after the thoracentisis procedure, here came the BiPAP machine.

Oh my. I am claustrophobic, so the mask scared me. But they fitted the mask on and fiddled with the dials and pressure. And I could breathe better. A little bit. It was noisy, but I was fine, no closed in feeling.

I fell asleep. My parents came to visit and I woke up. My mom said I was curled up, and looked up at her. My hair was wild and I had that mask on. Now she says she wishes she'd had a camera, but at the time, they were very concerned. Not me, I waved and tried to smile. (I'm still in the "I'm coherent" mode.) They left and I went back to sleep.

Dec 8 and 9:

I start to feel a little bit better. I'm still contagious, so everyone is in their lovely yellow gowns, gloves, and masks. Each morning I had an xray. A strong young man would come and get me and wheel me down for the x-ray. We'd go down seven floors in the elevator, then they would literally swoosh me down the hall. The wind would ruffle my hair. Seriously. Really nice guys, but I wonder if they timed themselves on the speed of getting a patient to x-ray.

I also had the hospitalist daily visit. A hospitalist is a dr who works exclusively in the hospital for doctors who have private practices. The hospitalist visits the doctor's patients and they work together. This frees the doctor for his practice. I had three during my stay. Not impressed with two of them. One was kind of passive, the other one had no bedside manner. I thought my mom was going to leap out of her chair and punch her lights out. I'm still in the mode where I think I am functioning, so everything missed me.

A hospitalist is a good idea in concept. In practice, in my experience, not so good.

Thursday, Dec 11:

I start to feel like I might live and get over this stuff. My favorite nurse stopped by and asked if I had heard of LTAC. Um, no. LTAC is a long term care facility. I had visions of being sent there for a few months. LOL.

A representative stopped by and talked to us. I was very interested and she left a brochure with me. In the afternoon, she stopped by and said that they had a spot open and they could get me in the next day if my doctor would release me and I wanted to.

At this point, I was moving around much better. They were able to stop a couple of the antibiotics (I was on five.) I wasn't contagious any more. I was feeling a bit better each day. And the level of care wasn't as intense.

So on Friday, I was off to the LTAC facility.

Friday, Dec 11:

My first ambulance ride. Woo hoo! The two guys came up with the gurney and strapped me in, sitting up. Then they swooshed me down seven floors and outside. I had a hospital gown on and a blanket over me. Brrrr. A few moments later I was in the back of the ambulance. Pretty cool, but I don't want to do it again. Ever. :)

The LTAC facility is lovely. My room was twice the size and the bathroom was huge. It was probably almost the same size as the room itself.

I got settled in and they checked me over. At that point, they notice my IV had infiltrated. It was hot and hard above the site. It hurt. So they took that one out and stuck me again. Three times.

My case manager visited me and oriented me. They were going to administer the antibiotics, do respiratory and physical therapy to regain my strength. It was a step down from the hospital care.

I picked out my own meals. They took my vital signs, blood sugar, gave me my meds, and IV antibiotics. And helped me shower. And untangle myself from the tubes.

I was on oxygen 24/7. I had antibiotics five times a day via an IV. At night I had a BiPAP and pulse oximeter on my finger. If I had to go to the bathroom, I had to push the button and shout through the mask that I needed help. LOL.

They'd come down put the machine on stand-by, take the finger probe off, unplug the IV, and I'd do my thing. Put all the stuff back on and fall asleep.

And of course, the nightly routine continued. Midnight IV start, 2 am blood sugar, etc. I finally go to the point where I'd just flop my arm out for them.

Friday, Dec 18:

Home! My doctor released me. My lung x-rays are still a bit cloudy. He said that it can take up to two months for the x-rays to clear up. I'd been on antibiotics for two weeks, and hadn't had a fever at the facility. I'd done physical therapy (riding a stationary bicycle for 10 minutes a day), and even showered by myself. I was ready to go home.

Thursday night was like Christmas Eve. I was so excited. I did sleep pretty well. They gave me one last course of the antibiotic. It finished and I did something. The IV fell out. Just in time. I called my mom so my parents could pick me up and my ID bracelet fell off. Must have been a sign.

They sent me home on two liters of oxygen. 24/7. I can't drive until my doctor releases me. But I am home. And free of all the tubes and poking and probing.

I am grateful to the doctors and nurses at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for the great care and kindness they showed me. I am also very grateful to the staff at the Utah Valley Specialty Hospital for the care they gave me.

And I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for watching over me and helping me get better.

Part Two to follow. Stories about the patients during my stay.

Nothing about the holidays though. I've pretty well missed the leadup to them. It will be very laid back this year for me. I still need to get in the Christmas spirit of things.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I think we will have 34 people for dinner. Lots of people, good company, food, and especially love.

I leave you with my favorite roasted root vegetable recipe.

2 potatoes
2 pounds baby carrots
2 lbs brussel sprouts
4 parsnips
2 onions
olive oil
salt
pepper
fresh rosemary
fresh thyme

Heat your oven to 400 degrees F. The key is to make the vegetables about the same size. Cut the potatoes in a rough chop. Peel and cut the parsnips. Peel and rough chop the onions.

Put all vegetables in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper to taste. You want all of the vegetables to be oiled, but not dripping in it. Use the leaves from a fresh sprig of thyme and a fresh sprig of rosemary.

Put the vegetables on a greased large cookie sheet. (I use PAM to oil the cookie sheet.)

I roast the vegetables at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Toss the vegetables on the cookie sheet. Roast until done. (Note: I turn down the heat to 375, I like my veggies soft. You may finish cooking them to our preference.)

Feel free to use your favorite root vegetables. For Christmas I add beets, turnips, sweet potatoes, acorn squash, and butternut squash. It's all good.

Enjoy!

New background

2009-11-18T18:43:00.001-07:00

Not so sure I like it, but that is OK. I will change it next week after Thanksgiving!

Scam alert!

2009-10-31T09:43:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to let everyone know there is a new sneaky way of companies getting more money out of you.

I paid a bill online today. The due date is today. They had already tacked on the late fee. I was a bit steamed about the whole thing so I called them. "We will take off the late fee if the payment isn't late. If you pay today, don't worry." Grrrr.

The moral of the story is make the payment earlier (on this occasion that wasn't possible.) Lesson learned: watch account like a hawk and make sure the $29 late fee doesn't 'accidentally' stay on your account.

Finished projects!!!

2009-08-16T21:33:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited. I finished 2, count them, 2 projects last week.

The first is a Christmas stocking. My friends talked me into taking a knitting class, even though I gave up knitting several years ago. I could not resist a Fairisle knitting stocking in chunky yarn. I finished that stocking last Saturday. It just needs to be blocked. Here is the picture from the website, I will take a picture of my finished stocking this week and post it.

The colors in the photo really don't reflect real life. The teacher of the class has gone crazy and made the stockings out of many color combinations, even red, white, and blue.

Then I just finished another beaded Christmas ornament. It is done in deep purple and silver.

I have also started another Christmas stocking. I'd like to knit one for 2 of my sisters for Christmas. Here is a photo of the pattern. I chose an olive green, cream, and brick red for it. I didn't realize a green for Christmas stockings would be so hard to find...

I'm back!

2009-08-02T14:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to try and enter something each day. I've been crazy busy, but it is nice to look back and see what has gone on.

New projects:

Christmas stocking - Fair Isle. Cute!!! Chunky yarn, so it is going fast. I am turning the heel. I couldn't quite remember how, so I researched. Ha. There is a youtube video on it. 5 minutes later, I'm like, yeah, now I remember. I hope to have the stocking done this week, so I can go onto....

Beaded Christmas ornament covers. I am bartering/trading for a couple of dolls from a friend. I am making beaded ornament covers. I'm almost finished with the third one, I'd like to make a dozen. Her colors are purple and silver. Here is an example:

Woo hoo! My nephew is coming home from the hospital

2009-07-12T12:41:00.000-06:00

One of my nephews, Jacob, is 7. He has an extremely rare disease called Familial Recurrent Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. He started exhibiting symptoms on Wednesday of last week. He's coming home from the hospital today. It's a true miracle.

Jacob got swine flu from somewhere. Any bacterial or viral infection will start the HUS. If the infection is bacterial, his body will fight it off. If it is a viral infection, he can be in the hospital for weeks.

Jacob is the happiest child, very loving, and very mischievous. He ate a big breakfast this morning, then sat on the hospital bed and pushed every button he could find.

Our family rejoices and thanks our Heavenly Father for his mercy in helping Jacob recover.

If you want to read more about HUS, here is the link. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

The most amazing stitching

2009-06-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

I just added a link to a stitching blog: Love to stitch. Just scroll through what she has stitched. Wow. My inspiration.

Here's what caught my eye.

Cellphones and bathrooms

2009-06-02T22:36:00.000-06:00

OK, when did it become acceptable to talk on the cellphone while in the bathroom? The last couple of weeks, there have been several women in the bathroom at work who are talking on their cellphone while in the bathroom. In the stall. The rest of us in other stalls. Nothing is private any more.

Funny story though. We had a conference call a few months ago. The salespeople were in town, and most called in from their hotel rooms for the night's call. All of a sudden, the toilet flushed. Hello!!! Lay down the phone, take care of Mother Nature, and get back on the call. No one ever confessed though.

OK, rant over.

Changes, changes, changes

2009-06-02T00:16:00.001-06:00

I was on vacation last week. Spent time being a slug. :)

Today I went back to work. I found out: (a - one more person off my team (I am now a team lead of one other person than me. LOL) (b - The boss I would crawl over broken glass for is leaving at the end of this week. :(

Very unhappy day. All of us were on a pity party. Tomorrow we need to get back to work.

The other change is that I changed the background of this blog. Love shabby stuff.

Going to bed now....

Susan Boyle - Semi-final

2009-05-24T22:56:00.000-06:00

Susan Boyle - starts at 1:30 into the video

Wow.
(For whatever reason, I can't link to just the song from You've Got Talent.)

Picture of Snail Mail

2009-05-24T20:34:00.000-06:00

This is a fun pattern to stitch and I think it turned out cute. I was worried about the colors, but it all came together. Back to Luck.

Finish

2009-05-24T14:51:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo! I finished a project. It is a small project, done on white perforated paper. It is a freebie from Lizzie Kate called "Snail Mail." It turned out really cute. I am going to Wonder Under some fabric on the back and attach a ribbon at the top. It is for the receptionist at work. No one knows where to put outgoing mail, so I thought this would be fun for her.

Because it was a freebie, I can't find the picture on the web. I will drag out my camera and take a picture of it to show off. I'm so proud of myself. :)

Jane Austen fan

2009-05-13T18:12:00.001-06:00

I am a big Jane Austen fan. I own 3 versions of Pride and Prejudice (the movie, mini-series, and movie), 2 versions of Persuasion, 2 versions of Sense and Sensibility, and 2 versions of Emma. And other related books, movies, spoons, stitching, etc. I was kinda looking around and found a Jane Austen action figure. I must have this. But not for awhile.

I was watching the BBC Pride and Prejudice several years ago with my sister. Lizzie and Mr Darcy were strolling on the grounds of Pemberley. We both thought what lovely lives we would have had we lived back then. However, we probably would have been the chambermaids, not Lizzie strolling with Mr Darcy. Hate it when reality strikes.

Here is what Amazon.com says about the Jane Austen action figure:

This 5-inch tall Jane Austen action figure is made of hard vinyl and comes with a mini 'Pride & Prejudice' and a writing desk with a removable quill pen. Despite a rather sheltered life, Jane Austen was able to capture the subtleties of human interaction so perfectly that her novels continue to be immensely popular. Born: December 16, 1775 - Stevenson, England Occupation: Novelist Died: July 18, 1817 - Winchester, England Weapon of Choice: Character Study Accomplishments: Six major novels: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Emma, Mansfield Park and Persuasion. Interesting Fact: Over 40 sequels to Pride and Prejudice have been written by other authors. Jane Austen, an enduring and much-loved English author, wrote novels which reflected universal and timeless truths about humanity. She wrote about the times and people she knew without using popular plot devices such as kidnappings and class struggles used by other authors of the period. Her light irony and humor earned her a devoted and consistent following. To this day, readers appreciate the way she captured the tranquility of a more leisurely era, combining cleverness and morality with poignant depictions of English country living. She died and was buried in Winchester Cathedral in 1818 with the inscription: 'She opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness.'

I really like the inscription "She opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue is the law of kindness." I'd like to be remembered like that.

Graduate!!!

2009-05-13T18:03:00.001-06:00

My nephew graduated last weekend in graphic arts, with a minor in Japanese. He is with his wife, who has 2 more years to go in pharmacy school. You made it!!!

Cute great-nephew

2009-05-13T17:59:00.001-06:00

As I promised, another picture of my family. This is my nephew, who is almost a year old (11 months.) Such a cutie and so laid back. He is making a picture for his mom for Mother's Day.

Phew!

2009-05-06T20:31:00.000-06:00

Fixed the picture of my nephew and niece below. Very cute, I must say. Watch for more pictures of my family, there's lots of us.

Family

2009-05-06T14:06:00.000-06:00

My nephew and my niece. He is five and is playing T-ball for the first time. I love the sheer look of happiness on his face. My niece is the coach.

2009-05-05T18:14:00.001-06:00

I forgot to say that the picture in the header of this blog is how I think of the atmosphere in M M Kaye's books.

Blog changing

2009-05-05T18:00:00.000-06:00

Changed the theme of my blog today. Not quite sure I like it.

One of the books on my top ten list of favorite books is

It is an epic story of Ash and Anjuli, written in the times of the uprisings in India (1857 and the 1870s.) Anjuli is an Indian princess, Ash is a British officer and they fall in love. Excellent story with a lot of historical background. I highly recommend it (and yes, my blog name is from this book.)

M M Kaye has also written several other books:

Shadow of the Moon
Tradewinds
Death in Berlin
Death in Cyprus
Death in Kenya
Death in Zanzibar
Death in the Andamans
Death in Kashmir
The Sun in the Morning
Golden Afternoon
Enchanted Evening

I daresay M M Kaye's mystery novels are every bit as good as Agatha Christie's (and I am a huge Christie fan.) I promise you won't go wrong reading M M Kaye's books.

Up too late

2009-04-30T01:17:00.000-06:00

I need to go to bed. But... first I looked at blogs, a very dangerous thing to do. Found some fun new ones too. I added the links to this blog.

Found a great new designer too. Posie goes cozy. Great ideas. I looked at her book Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share from the Creator of Posie Gets Cozy, so many fun ideas for keepsakes. I especially liked this garland and thought it would be really cute made into Merry Christmas, Happy Thanksgiving, etc.

Still looking for fabrics for the Traveling Stitcher for our stitching retreat in Park City in September. I think I am going to recommend having a sewing activity on a Saturday and have everyone come to my house and put the sewing pouches together. Only six to make (because surprisingly, Don doesn't want one).

Other things on my mind. The reorganization at work. That will be a good thing. We will be captains of our own destiny. This last year has been stressful and one that is going to take some time to get over.

Stitching. Haven't stitched at all this week. I had a dr's appointment on Monday, and the pizza party to celebrate. Tuesday, I took a snooze on my lunch, woke up much refreshed. Didn't feel well today, so stayed home and crashed. I'm the sloooow stitcher in the group. But I enjoy it and as long as I am making progress and having fun, that is the point for me. Off to bed.

Odd weather, pt 2

2009-04-26T15:26:00.000-06:00

It is April 26, 2009. And it is snowing again outside. I thought it was just the wind stripping the blossoms off the trees, but no, it is is snow.

Weekend

2009-04-19T21:45:00.000-06:00

I rested most of the weekend. One more week and the project I am working on will be done. Finished. Released.

I didn't get Come Come Ye Saints on the frame yesterday. I did get more stitching done on Luck though, so yesterday wasn't completely wasted.

I'm going to start a new blog that will be password protected. It is for our stitching retreat in September. I did pick up the little stitching bag. I like the fabric but for what I paid, it really wasn't worth it. We'll make the bags for the retreat and let everyone pick their own fabric out. I also need to order patterns for everyone. I'll let them decide on the floss, although I think we can shared the skeins for this pattern.

Today

2009-04-17T22:54:00.001-06:00

Shepherd's Bush called today. The kit for America (Oh Beautiful) is wending it's way from Ogden to Provo. Also, the thread for Remember 9/11 will be in the same package. I think I just need to get the last beads and threads for Remember.

Tomorrow I am going to have Don help me put Come Come Ye Saints on frames. I finally got around to buying the velcro to attach the linen to the frame. This will be the epic project.

The finished size will be 10" by 41". I changed the fabric from 32 count white linen to 28 count Vintage Mocha linen.

Teri Richards of Shepherd's Bush helped me switch the colors from DMC to overdyed threads from Crescent Colors and Weeks Dye Works. I will post a picture of the floss. This is going to be a beautiful piece of art. The colors do pop against the fabric. The colors are more muted than in the picture also.

This will also be my first chance to stitch on a lap frame. We'll see how it goes, I've always used a hoop. However, this project is big enough that there is no way I am going to hold it in a hoop.

Here are the words to this beautiful LDS hymn. It is one of my favorites.

Come Come Ye Saints

Come, come, ye saints, no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy, wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day.
’Tis better far for us to strive
Our useless cares from us to drive;
Do this, and joy your hearts will swell
All is well! All is well!

Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
’Tis not so, all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward,
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take;
Our God will never us forsake,
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell,
All is well! All is well!

We’ll find the place which God for us prepared,
In His house full of light,
Where none shall come to hurt or make afraid;
There the saints will shine bright.
We’ll make the air with music ring,
Shout praises to our God and King;
Above the rest these words we’ll tell,
All is well! All is well!

And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the saints their rest obtain,
O how we’ll make this chorus swell,
All is well! All is well!

Dilemma

2009-04-16T00:07:00.000-06:00

I have a major dilemma. A work dilemma. Do I vent to my boss about what is going on? Will it really changes things? Life is not fun at times.

Weather

2009-04-15T23:10:00.000-06:00

OK, who ordered the snow? It has been raining for 1 day, then is started snowing this morning. It quit mid afternoon for the commute home. I am working late tonight and looked out the window and yes, it is snowing again. It's the middle of April!!!

I just went to KSL.com and looked at vipir5. The clouds haven't moved for the last 60 minutes. Which is true since it is still snowing. I wonder if they will call a snow day for work tomorrow???

Fun stuff

2009-04-13T22:03:00.000-06:00

Lizzie Kate is another one of my favorite designers. Over the past couple of years, she has come out with the cutest double flip designs. The first one was Words of Wisdom to live by, the second release was Christmas, and the third one is titled Boo club.

.
They are quick to stitch and are so cute.

I was out looking around last night and found this one. LOL. Raise the Roof's designers are young (in their twenties.) I love their sense of humor. Some day I'd like to stitch this one and hang it in my office. (This would be my evil twin speaking.)

This one is a lot less reverent, but I'm sure would be great to stitch.

September Retreat II

2009-04-13T21:15:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of the Washington School Inn. They have wonderful people who work there, who really spoil you. I highly recommend the Washington School Inn for anyone who needs a break from everyday life. And I almost forgot Chef Steve! He was the chef in 2007 for the retreat. Oh my, he is a very creative chef. The food was superb.

September Retreat

2009-04-13T20:49:00.000-06:00

This September we are going to have a stitching retreat at the Washington School Inn in Park City. The retreats first started in 2004 and went through 2007. The stitching store that sponsored the retreat closed it doors around Oct 2008 and a retreat wasn't held in 2008.

However a few of us who still stitch together have decided to take 3 days and spend them at the Washington School Inn in September. It will be nice because it will be cooler and not so crowded.

We want to take it easy the first year. So we decided to make the Traveling Stitcher (see post further down.) I also found these cute little button magnets that I think would be fun to make. Quick to make and quick to finish.

2009-04-12T22:03:00.000-06:00

I found a new blog. Crockpotting for 365 days a year. I hear my crockpot rustling around in storage. These recipes sound yummy.

Crockpotting for 365 days a year

I also changed the style of my blog. I'm still trying to figure out how to add events to the calendar I just added.

Tomorrow is Monday. Work. Eh.

I also need to pick up an order that has come in. Little House Needleworks is one of my favorite designers. She designed this traveling stitcher. I have the pattern and floss, I need to pick up the case. The case also contains a removable piece to store scissors and needles. I love the colors too.

As soon as I pick it up, I will post more on how it works. I'm not quite sure if it folds over or across or what. And it is finished. All I have to do is cross stitch and attach. My kind of project.

Patriotism

2009-04-08T17:38:00.000-06:00

I found a new blog today. The designer is creating a new American sampler called "How to make an American sampler". I am following this blog. The sampler sounds truly wonderful.

Here is the link How to make an American sampler

I have one sampler on order from Shepherd's Bush. It wasn't in stock when we visited in March. It is designed by Shepherd's Bush and is called America (Oh Beautiful.)

The picture doesn't do it justice. I also have a Just Nan sampler pattern titled "Remember 9/11". Remember takes a special thread by the Thread Gatherer, which is also on order. I really like Remember 9/11 because the colors are so subtle. The 3 pansies in the top band represent the 3 buildings that were destroyed on 9/11. The four flowers on the next band represent the 4 planes that crashed that day. I love the Remember in ecru. All in all a true heirloom.

Today

2009-03-30T21:54:00.000-06:00

I did get most of the links back on my blog. Off to bed.

2009-03-28T22:54:00.000-06:00

Just added a background. Still needs work. I'm getting a cold. Will work on this tomorrow.

2009-03-27T04:32:00.001-06:00

Perhaps I should start posting to my own blog. I can't sleep so I am editing my blog. Look for future updates on stitching, work, and my life.