Memorial Dry

We can never thank all those who gave their lives so we might have freedom... and we take that freedom for granted all too often.

Many times we confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day.  Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those who lost their lives in war - protecting our freedoms.  Veterans Day is a day to honor all those who served.




I'm old enough to remember World War II (I know, older than dirt), and as a family we were so blessed that everyone who went, came back. My Dad and two of his brothers and 4 uncles on my mother's side.

Today we remember - and honor - those fallen!!!!!

Today I choose JOY!

You know, we can be tired, grumpy, unhappy and generally miserable - it's really up to us - or in my case, it's up to me.  Doesn't matter what has happened, doesn't matter if someone has been "mean" to me, disagreed with me or whatever.

I can be mad.... I can be one of the above, or I can "choose" Joy!

It's all about choices.  We choose to love, to hate, to be mad, to be hurt.... and on and on.  Don't let others control your emotions!  I can only "get my feelings hurt" if I allow it.  And, I choose to NOT allow it.

I designed this cross stitch pattern to remind myself - the finished model hangs in my living room just to remind me lest I relapse and forget.

So.... "Today, I choose Joy"

Is it time to 'garden'?   I try, I buy marigolds and petunias and a couple of begonias at Lowes and that's pretty much my contribution.  Plant them in pots on my deck mostly.  I can see them and it makes me 'feel' like I have a flower garden.

Everyone has elephant planters or stands, right?  Probably not as many as I have though....

And no, this isn't nearly all - but enough about elephants - that's a whole other post.

The entire yard already needs mowing/weed eated😼 (is eated even a word?).  I just haven't had the time/energy to get it done.  And no worries - it'll still be there waiting on me.

I've been transplanting monkey grass from the back to an area in front that I really want "filled" with something.  Have to do it a little at a time, and while the ground is still soft and wet.  I've got a good start, and so far all that I've moved looks like it's still alive - another plant that's hard to kill.  I'll wait till what I've planted looks good before I'll share pictures of it.

Have I mentioned that I am NOT a gardner!  I love looking at the pretty flowers and plants - I just don't love working on them.  Never enjoyed getting dirt under my fingernails - but sure love the pretty flowers.

Change is good...

....or so they tell me.  I'm not crazy about change, but I've sure seen my share of it in my lifetime.  So I didn't quite make Sunday, but I'm 'close'... workin' on it!

Anyway, that's another story.  This story is about my recent living room change.  I've lived in this house for almost 28 years and there haven't been too many changes during that time.

I've had two 'vintage' (nice word for old) chairs against one wall in my living room for a number of years.  They came out of my mother's house and while they served a purpose, they didn't necessarily serve the one I wanted at this stage of my life.  Couldn't find a picture of both of the chairs, but this gives you an idea.  The other chair is this one's twin and sits to the left on the other side of the cute little yellow table.  BTW, that's my cute granddaughter sitting in one.

So what did I change - the chairs have been moved upstairs, the clover table to Ariel's left is now in the office and the cute yellow table has traded places with another table on the other side of the room.  The fan has gone to fan heaven.

And, in the place of the chairs..... drum roll please.... is a comfty futon that I can lay down on if I get tired and want to lay down to watch tv without going to bed.

The futon is a story in itself.  I've had the frame for years.  We originally bought it used, for my office years ago.  It lived in there for quite a number of years, then moved to my sewing room, then moved to storage when I got a nicer futon for that room.  Bear in mind, each time it moved to a different place it had to be completely disassembled - it wouldn't fit through my doors assembled.  It's really a pretty frame - metal with 'sleigh' ends.

So, when I made this momentous decision that I wanted a sofa/futon/bed - something - in my living room I remembered the frame.  Now, I'm cheap (I actually prefer frugal, but...) so even cheap sofas they were more than I wanted to spend.

On top of that - this was a job what was definitely above my pay grade.  Enter Jeff (my oldest son).  Now, he lives a gazillion miles away in St. Louis, but he does come to Alabama every few months to check on me.  So, on his next visit we checked out the frame and found what we thought were all the pieces (turns out they were all there).  And, made a trip to Big Lots where I bought a new mattress - not the best one, but not the lowest priced one either.

The color wasn't anything I was real excited about - actually a beige about the same as my love seat, but I fixed that with a green sheet.  Add lots of pillows, rearranged a couple of tables and I have achieved an acceptable look.

It's actually pretty comfortable and I may just enjoy it some later today.  You understand that I don't get to lay on it alone.  Koda is always happy to keep me company.🐕💖🙂

Okay, I'm trying to get the hang of this weekly posting.  Thought I was going to try it for Monday, but think I might change that to Sunday (most of the time).  So, here I am again - 2 weeks in a row.  Let's see how long I can keep this up.  And, what do I talk about...

Well, today it's dogs.  Apparently not everyone is an animal lover like me.  I actually encountered two women the other day who said they were not "dog people".  That's a foreign statement to me.

See, I have Koda.

He's my little companion (though he's grown a little since this photo):

Guard dog:

Snuggler:

And all round sweetie:

I never even heard of a "Pomapoo" before I got Koda - pomeranian/poodle mix.  I was familiar with poodles and I don't see much of that breed in him.  Apparently his personality is also pom.  But I'm not complaining.

I've been asked if he's a rescue - the answer is "Yes, he rescued me" 😃

Happy Monday Morning!!

Trying to get organized and set some priorities.  Life has definitely gotten in the way lately - and I've let it.  So much going on I haven't had much time for me.😏

So, here's a new cross stitch design I've recently published.  Friends & family know I'm a coffee addict - so this is perfect for me.  The chart is available in Iris Originals Store - my online shop!

My laptop is driving me crazy and I really don't want to have to invest in a new one right now.

So, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

See you next week (hopefully)! 😁😘

Giant tree cut

One of the huge things in my life in 2017 was having to have a HUGE oak tree cut.

They had already trimmed off some of the really big lower limbs before I got there to take this photo.

My son and I together couldn't reach around it.  I hated for it to go, but it was dead and close enough to the house that if it fell... well, you can imagine where it would have gone. 

The pictures don't do justice to it's size.  He was using a chain saw with the longest blade I've ever seen and it still didn't go all the way through.

The tractor could just barely lift one of the center sections to move it.

They insisted I stand on the trunk that was left.  It was indeed a big tree.

I don't really know for sure how old the tree was, but I know it was a big tree when I was a kid - and that was a lot of years ago.  I'm guessing it was at least 100 years old.  I almost cried when it came down - but was so thankful they were able to drop it in the opposite direction of the house.

Finishing 2017

Well, I've already posted most of the highlights from my year.  Had lots of good things - and a few not so good.

Pneumonia in June wasn't much fun - seemed to take forever to really get over it.  Radiologist diagnosed me with COPD after a CT scan.  After many more tests and visits with a Pulmonologist, I'm fine - NO COPD - Praise God!

So then, the doctor wants to do a "Wellness Visit" towards the end of the year - how much fun is that - NOT!  Anyway, that resulted in a diagnosis of high cholesterol and poor balance.  I'm still not sure about the cholesterol & the meds - need further research; but am going for physical therapy for my balance.  And, how much fun is THAT??  Again - NOT!

She wants me to start taking medication for my bones (last bone scan showed Osteopenia) but I'm not real excited about the medication.  I'm just not crazy about medication at any level and will avoid it if possible.

I agree, my balance can definitely use some improvement and I'm sincerely hoping this will help it.  I truly want to maintain my independence as long as possible and I'm not getting any younger.

So, I'm glad to close out the year 2017.  Have much to be thankful for and many blessings through the year.  See you in 2018!

2017 is almost gone

It's been a busy year - and I'm thankful to have had it.  Several milestones:

• Celebrated my 10 year anniversary of being a breast cancer survivor.
• Celebrated another birthday 😊😊
• Survived pneumonia (it seemed to take forever though)
• Got to see all four of my children and several of my grandchildren.
• One grandson who had been living with me while he finished college, graduated and moved away.
• I think I've adjusted to living alone.
• Koda (my little dog) turned 2 and is doing much better with going outside.  He thinks he's a big watchdog and he takes his job very seriously.

I know that's not nearly all, but it's what I can think of at the moment.

I've been blessed in so many ways and God has certainly taken care of me.  If you're reading this, I pray you have a blessed and happy 2018.

Update, update -

Not me - though I could use updating - what I've been doing is a much needed update to my website and online shop.  Several things forced me to do this.  The online shop crashed and it was almost easier to start from scratch than try and fix it. 

One thing led to another and the website had to be redone and then I decided I need to create my "brand" (I've been listening to my grandson with his new degree in marketing way too much). 

Anyway, I'm almost finished and needed a break so thought I'd add my new logo here.  The cross stitch chart covers had been updated when I started selling them wholesale so everything really needed to reflect them.  They are a bit 'quieter' than the logo (just couldn't resist the yellow) so here you go.  I'd ask for opinions, but I'm not changing now so if you don't like it - don't tell me 😊

Good News update

I should have already posted this - but don't post nearly often enough (think I've said that before - I should get better.

Anyway, briefly, I'm fine.  Pulmonologist did a fairly comprehensive breathing test - checked ALL the CT scans and declared me fine.  I do NOT have COPD (didn't think I did).  I did have some major sinus drainage and most of that has cleared up - or will if cold weather ever gets here.

Thank you, Lord!!!

Terrified Dog

Not sure what's happened to my sweet little dog.  He's been socialized since I got him when he was 7 weeks old.  He's always been a "mama's boy" and loves to be right next to me, but he's developed a phobia to any really loud noise.  He's always been a bit fearful - but it is escalating to a serious level.  I hate for him to be so very frightened - makes me feel like a bad mama!

He goes to work with me 2 or 3 days a week (has since the beginning).  The shop is on a busy road that gets a lot of BIG trucks going by and they are seriously noisy - but that's not a new thing. 

I've invested in a new Thunder Shirt and the last couple of days have been it's first trial run.  It helped a little.  Maybe a bit more the second day.  He looks adorable in it, and while I'm glad he looks so cute, I need it to calm him down.  I understand it works with some dogs and not necessarily all.  We'll try it for a couple of weeks and see.  Have also ordered some holistic drops to try and help him.

The only thing new and different is the new car wash across the side street from the shop.  They apparently use some sort of compressor to power wash the cars and it is noisy.  We have to take his "bathroom breaks" on the only grass around - just across that same side street. 

Hopefully between the new vest and the drops I'll see improvement. 

Angels are around

Three posts in one month - WOW.  That's definitely a record for me.

Anyway, I am feeling better, but still tire really easily.  And, I'm working full time last week and this week 😢  I'm definitely too old for this.  Unfortunately my boss is out from some surgery so it's just me.  Thank God it's an easy job where I can sit down a lot.

So, back to the update.  I had an x-ray and CT scan and they showed "COPD" 😡 and a few other really annoying things.  I've never smoked or worked around asbestos.  Yes, I have an aggravating cough and a few other symptoms, but I do not believe this diaagnosis.  Appointment next week with Pulmonologist so we'll see what he thinks.

I fell yesterday; tripped over Koda (my little dog who sticks to me like velcro).  Not his fault, I obviously wasn't paying attention like I should.  Basically landed on left side, so have a few bruises.  Worse thing was a "rug burn" on my left arm - about 2" long and it pulled all the skin off.  My skin is so thin anyway.  I thought I'd never get it to stop bleeding - and it even bled more during the night.  Think I've finally got it stopped now.  I'm here to tell you that peroxide on a 3/4" x 2" place with no skin - BURNS 🔥 like the very dickens!!!   If there was a germ there and it survived it's a lot stronger than I am.

So that's it.  I'm paranoid about falling anyway.  Way too easy to break something at my age...

so those angels that  "catch me in their hand" (Ps 91) did their job quite well - thank you!  

So, I'm here to tell you pneumonia is not any fun - at my age or any age I guess.  I had it once many years ago, but don't remember it taking this long to recover from.

I'm currently seeing a "Nurse Practitioner" as my regular GP and I really, really like her.  Much more thorough than my regular MD.  So, to make a long story shorter - she heard something not explainable and I've had several tests and now have a couple of specialist referrals.

Don't really have time for all this and am extremely tired of being tired, and unable to breathe as well as I'd like😩😩

I did have two of my grown sons visit from far away while I was sick, one DIL and one granddaughter.  They tried to take care of me 😉 and my DIL fed me the whole time while sons did all sorts of chores.  Enjoyed their visit but still tired 😒

I hate complainers too, so my rant is now officially over.  I'm seriously trying to post more frequently here, if only for myself and I promise I'll try to make my next post a more cheery one.

Just can't keep up

I love reading other blogs, and I have really good intentions (you know what's paved with those), but... here I am a year later writing my next blog post.  One doesn't keep followers that way 😊

Anyway, as a brief followup to my last several posts with the floor painting.  IF you choose to do this do plan to wait a LOOOOOONG time for the floor to dry (my son tells me it's "cure").  At any rate, apparently it takes a long time and you shouldn't put furniture on it before it's ready.  Well, obviously I was considerably more ready than my floor was.  It has MANY spots where the paint has pulled up.  Most anything heavy sitting on it that's been moved has removed the paint.

Very, very annoying... but it is what it is.  I did follow directions and read what other people had done... but I didn't ask the person who absolutely knew - my son (who is a Plant Manager in a paint company).

Why would I have thought of asking him? 😕

So, live and learn.  The floor is still a lovely painted aqua and it's still better than the carpet, thank you very much!

DIY Home Improvements - 4

Haven't gotten back to the center - it's still on my list of things to do, but guests came, I got busy with other things.  And, I have a problem.  Apparently the futon was just too heavy and put on the newly painted floor too soon - it stuck.  Pulled up a couple of dime size spots of paint AND primer - down to bare floor - when I tried to move it.  I've gotten 'slider strips' to go on it, but it takes 2 people and I'm only one, so that'll have to wait.  I'll touch up the spots, but not sure how durable they'll be afterwards.  Seriously annoyed.  Apparently it needed to cure considerably longer for heavy furniture that might eventually be moved.

At any rate, here's what I used...

DIY Home Improvements - 3

It's Day 7 - and it's finished for the moment.  I'll probably go back and give the center part of the room another coat of the deck paint (yes, I have enough), but I have family coming in later today, so that's it for now.

And, I'm definitely ready to be out of that room.  I can't tell you how much my body hurts - everywhere!!  One good thing - everything in there is cleaner now and I found some old stuff to donate and some to trash.  I'm just so glad to not be working on floor today!!

Yes, it will look better with regular laminate flooring down - and maybe I'll live long enough to see that happen, but for now the nasty carpet is gone and this is an acceptable alternative.

Just for the future - someone remind me that I don't need to tackle this size of a project again :-) 

DIY Home Improvements - 2

I am SO ready for this project to be finished.  Did I mention I'm too old for this sort of thing?  But, when one needs something done sometimes doing it yourself is your only option.

Did have my neighbor come over and lift the hutch top down.  I seriously hate to ask for help, and actually started to try moving it myself, but it was pretty heavy and I was afraid I'd drop it.

This is day 5.  I think I already said this room is FULL of furniture, and that futon is darned heavy.  I could drag it out, but getting it back after the floor is painted may not be quite as easy.

I'm waiting for the Kilz to dry, will paint later this afternoon and futon goes back to it's home tomorrow.  I'm just praying I have enough Kilz and paint to finish the center of the room where there's no furniture.  The room is smaller than the square footage they're supposed to cover, but the rough floor eats up paint.  We'll see I guess.

DIY Home Improvements

I'm waaay too old to be doing this, but I couldn't take it anymore and finally snapped.  I'm ripping up very old carpet!!  I'm here to tell you that ripping up old carpet is not for the fainthearted.  It's darned hard work, but I'm determined.

My house is 26 years old and we originally had carpet everywhere.  It's all been replaced with laminate flooring except for one room... the guest room/my studio.  This originally started out as my MIL's room and she had a little dog - who didn't always go outside for his business.  Over the years, a cat, and then Koda could still smell the past indiscretions and made it considerably worse.  I've tried everything on that old carpet as a band aid to the problem and nothing worked.  Always intended to rip up the carpet and replace with laminate, but the "help" (son/grandsons) aren't around and the laminate is beyond my abilities.  I can rip up carpet --- and I am.

This is subfloor - rough particle board, but I did a good bit of research before I started and found it can be painted.  I can't put down laminate, but I can paint (slowly, but I can do it).

I didn't take a picture of the entire room before I started, but you'll get the idea of the carpet from the first photo.  Now mind you - that room is BEYOND FULL of furniture.  You have to move furniture before you can rip up the carpet.  I've done pretty good so far, but have a hutch in there I think I'm gonna call a neighbor to help me with.  

This is my sewing "nook".  Chuck built my sewing table not long before he passed away and it's perfect - machine and serger both easily available with storage underneath (way too much storage, I was amazed at what all was down there).

And here's that sewing nook - ready for the furniture to be moved back today. 

This would be easier if all the furniture were out, but life isn't always easier. I wouldn't be able to do it all at one time anyway - don't have that much energy.  And my body - we won't even talk about how it feels :-)  

Yes, I'm still alive...

Yes, I'm still alive.  Someone just asked about 'active' blogs.  Mine hasn't been very - though I really don't want to delete it, there might be something here I actually want to remember.  It's just that keeping up with it is such a challenge.

You'd think as I get older I'd have more time - it doesn't work that way, at least not with me.  

Maybe I'll try and write a few things here and put some effort in keeping up with it, then again....