Saturday, September 9, 2017

Small things

  I know it has been 2 weeks since I posted.......a long 2 weeks.

   First the PT.   I had an evaluation done because the doctor was fearful of muscle atrophy.  So off I go......the eval was good.  No atrophy just a bit of slip in the balance systems.  We can attribute that to the increase in pain which has increased from the feet to above the knees.  So obviously I tend to compensate by altering gait which messes up my balance.   And back to twice weekly therapy sessions.....tough, very tough.  Right now I am very, very sore, but doing my homework exercises anyway.

   The attitude:
  Insight: I choose to be a freaking warrior, not a victim.  For today I will fight to maintain myself, to accomplish one thing.  There are days I cry, complain, and get angry.  Days I can't hold the rotary cutter, or  seem to accomplish anything.  But the days I can sew a seam, fold/pet/enjoy my fabric.....those are the days I remember.  It takes a lot of focus.



 
    I was asked by a friend if I knew how to make bowl cozies.  Nope, but I could find out.   So Sir Old Man hauled me to the quilt shop for some Wrap and Zap batting, Pinterest provided a tutorial, and the stash provided the fabric.    So I have a stack of large squares cut and the batting.....I am only using one layer of it instead of two.   (Note:  If I used regular cotton batt with no scrim, I would use 2 layers for extra body. )   I figure they will make good Christmas gifts, and if I start now, I can get some made.

 

     I found 12 string blocks in the closet.  These are 10'' blocks, so just a small quilt, about 30'' by 40''....exactly what Piper needs as a "in place" quilt that Mom can carry easily in a tote.  So anyway, the blocks are joined and pressed, and backing found.  My task this week is to get it pinned and hopefully quilted.




  The storm:  Three or four days ago, Irma was  projected to affect us.....200 miles inland from the coast!    My biggest fear was the power outage that would be sure to come along with wind damage.  Since we are out on the edge of the county, at the end of the maintenance line,  practically forgotten, when we lose power it might be days for it to be restored.  So check the food stash/refill the water bottle stash/get the camp stove out/get propane/get gas for the generator/ check the gutters for debris/move furniture inside/ and so on.  All done, and today we will pick up some fresh fruit and produce just in case.
  The new forecast is mainly rain, about 6'' for us, with gusty winds, not damaging winds.  That is great!

  The last 48 hours has been very stressful due to family in Florida.  My brother is in Naples......earlier in the week they were on the safer/softer side of the storm.  Now, it looks like a direct hit there.  He has gone from taking Remy and staying in Tampa to ride it out, to staying in Naples in a secured house of friends, to leaving out alone at 2 am this morning.   So you can be sure I did not sleep one night, and was awake until 2 am  when he sent a message.  I have cried, been upset, and cried some more.    He believes a direct hit will takeout his apartment building, put 6' of water in his office a few blocks away, and be weeks to month before power will be back on.  
  I also checked in with friends, and my dearly loved cousins......they are prepared as can be.  Luckily they are inland but still on the western side of the state.  
   This is a time of strength and staying focused.  So I will concentrate on small things that I can do.    Many thanks, and hugs to so many of you who have been checking in on me.  I am a warrior and  no little pain or big old mean storm will keep me down for long.
Keep stitching for me.

20 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

hope you and your family will be well and can ride the storm out safely - thinking of you and all in Florida - so glad my niece left a couple days ago and got home to her parents house in Maryland safely

Mary said...

Hello, warrior friend! Love your attitude about all that is going on in your life. I think your bowl cozies will make great Christmas gifts.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I hope you are doing better soon. Just yesterday I lost a dear friend to cancer that had that warrior attitude, battling cancer for 8 years. I understand your stress about Irma, we were forecasted to get the end of it here in western NC, which would have meant flooding and power outages for us too. We have a generator because we also live out in the country. My SIL lives on Duck Key, and has evacuated to Orlando , but I fear she and her husband are still in harm's way and I cannot convince her to come here.

Quilting Babcia said...

Stay strong my friend. I think nearly all of us have friends and/or relatives in the path of this storm. We can just pray for all who are still trying to evacuate that they can get to a place of relative safety before the storm's full force comes to bear. You will persevere and be victorious over the pain and discomfort. Cherish the good days, rest and repair on the bad.

Janet O. said...

Yes, you are definitely a warrior! I have admired the determination and grit you have displayed through this journey of recovery you have been on. No victims here!!
Continuing to keep you in my prayers--and adding your brother.
I am glad you aren't predicted to have a heavier hit from the storm.

Janet said...

I don't know what PT is but obviously you are struggling with health issues. This probably makes the worry and stress increase as well. I'm glad you're able to focus a bit on your sewing!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Arg....pain is just the hardest thing to live with...on top of worry. I'm sooo sorry for your hardships....your attitude will be your lifesaver! Good job! Hang in there...

Mystic Quilter said...

You are a fighter Debbie - with your great attitude ! Some of these PT exercises really stretch the body and are exhausting, but so important. Keep on enjoying your fabric - I've enjoyed going through some of my stash over the past week, found pieces I had completely forgotten I had! Good to read that you should escape the worst of this monster hurricane and I pray your brother will stay safe, also relatives who may be at risk. Take Care!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

No family in Irma's path, thank goodness (we had lots in Harvey's path) but, still worried about people that are still there. Sorry for the pain. Keep up the good attitude, and do what you can. I need to learn how to make those bowl cozies. Hubby wants some.

Gene Black said...

The shifting track of Irma is making all of us a bit crazy. The current predictions show tropical storm strength when it gets here. We have gone from the "softer" side to dead center of the storm overnight.

Keep being a warrior! Keep on doing the PT and the homework. Hang in there.

Ray and Jeanne said...

You are a true warrior, Debbie. I love that you write things down; it really does help one focus. Sorry you have to go thru PT again but we know it helps - hang in there. We've been watching Irma carefully - we have many friends and family in harms' way. It is really a dilemma for people as to what to do. Your brother is now added to my hurricane prayer list. ~Jeanne

Elizabeth V Kelbaugh said...

Stay the warrior! I am also praying for those in the storm's path. I have a niece and family in Naples.

Louise said...

Irma is a monster, very scary. It's impossible not to worry. I hope your family weathers the storm safely.

I'm so glad you were able to make those cute bowl cozies. A bit of shopping, a bit of learning, a bit of petting fabric, a bit of stitching! All good things to salve the mind and heart. With a little modification of the pattern, one could even quilt up a warrior's shield :) Actually, that would make a fun costume for a kid, wouldn't it?

Barbara said...

We're all here on the sidelines wishing we could do more, but cheering you on. Your attitude of strength will see you through this.

Auntiepatch said...

I have a friend in Tampa but he's inland and on high ground. We are all praying for Floridians. Stay safe.

Impera Magna said...

Love the bowl cosines... my sister gave me a couple and I have enjoyed using them when a nuke a bowl of soup.

Six inches of rain is a lot but better than having Irma come for a visit... I've been following the news reports all day and stalking Friends/ relatives in Fl on FB to check on them.

Being a warrior is tough sometimes... and I totally get the balance issues. However, I ain't gonna let that stop me even if it does slow me down a bit... take care of yourself!

Nicki said...

You are the very strongest warrior I've ever known. So many people these days are ready to throw in the towel before the fight has ever begun & it's hard for me to be around them for any length of time. When I need encouragement & strength, I come to your blog.

I've made those microwave bowl cozies for several people. We love them & I need to make us some more. We use them every day.

Prayers for your brother & this family & friends & also his office. My DD's office took on water during Hurricane Harvey & I know what a mess that is.

52KID said...

Hi, PT is Physical Therapy. I have an American friend who calls it that, where we, in Australia, call it physiotherapy.

52KID said...

I just love you. I love reading your posts. Apart from loving your quilts, you inspire me to keep up with my own exercises. Thank you. Hope you and all your family stay safe, I have been watching from here in Australia, and all the info and pictures just make me sick. My son-in-law has a brother in Florida somewhere, who won't leave, but I haven't ever met him, so I imagine your worry is a lot bigger than mine.

Cheree @ The Morning Latte said...

Oh, you ARE a warrior--love to read about your positive attitude but I'm sorry you are still having issues and pain.

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