An Exciting New Web Site!

Today is the birthday of my very dear childhood friends, Robin Stahura.  Those of you in the S.E. U.S. area may not know her, as she lives in Virginia.  Portsmouth to be exact, which is the town where I was born.  She is an amazingly creative woman who makes jewelry that is unique, one-of-a-kind and very beautiful pieces!  I have included her web address for you to refer to on my blog.  For quick reference, it is http:\\relicsbyrobin.com.  Be sure that you visit her web site.  It is still in the early construction phase, so please bear with her and know that it will be worth the wait!  Robin is one of the hardest-working women I have ever known and her ambition is matchless.  She has a beautifully creative style and mind.  I haven't seen a match for it yet, and I have lived 53 years!  Be sure you let her know what you think of her gorgeous creations.

Not much going on in my world except trotting to doctors and knitting and crocheting when I have a chance.  I love doing both, so it is a joy when I must travel to Jacksonville for a medical appointment.  Tom usually drives and I get to work on my current projects.  I always take a bag along with me that is equipped with yarn and needles, and a current project, on which to spend time working.

I hope your week is going well and you are creating things....beautiful things...with your hands.  Remember to send me photos of your recent projects, as I am inspired by the work that others do.

God bless you!

Finally...an update!

You have been so patient with me, and I appreciate it. These past few weeks have been a trial to say the least, and there are more doctors getting involved over this little blood clot than I could ever have imagined! I am on blood thinners and that has been an eye-opener, especially with my diet. I have to pretty much eat the same foods and amounts of them every day, or it can affect the Coumadin levels in my blood. The good thing is that it makes me want to eat healthier. The one thing that patients on blood thinners must avoid is foods rich in vitamin K. I knew this before with my medical background, but what I didn't know is that one may ingest foods rich in vitamin K as long as these foods are eaten pretty much on a daily basis and one does not deviate from that eating schedule. That's good news for my brother and step-father who had their aortic valve replaced several years ago.



I am probably going to be absent more than present in the coming weeks, but hopefully this clot will dissolve and I'll be good as new in a few weeks. Let's pray...okay? I have been knitting and Georgia's scarf has grown leaps and bounds! I have nearly finished her daughter's scarf too. Yay! Then, I will start on Jon's, who is Georgia's son. In the meantime, there is a wedding and a few babies being born, so I may have to sideline a couple of quick gifts in that regard. That will keep me entertained!


My sister visited me and stayed for nearly three weeks while my husband toured Italy. She was here long enough for me to teach her how to knit on a kntting loom, and really loved it! I sort of thought she would because she likes to do latch hook rugs. I sent a loom to her home upon her departure so that she can have one of her own and begin making some blankets, scarves, etc.  Her projects are only limited by her imagination.


I am going to post a new website and blog with this post.  I was looking around for a baby bootie and sweater pattern when I ran across a site that makes acrylic eyes for Amigurumi figures. This site is called "Suncatcher Eyes." These little eyes are the most beautiful, haunting things I've ever seen to be used as eyes on critter projects.  While perusing this site, lovingly created by a nice person named Michelle, I discovered free crochet patterns for enchanting little Amigurumi creatures. The eyes are really what give them their personalities. The boundaries are endless in terms of creativity, so I encourage you to visit her site and purchase the eyes she makes. You won't be sorry, especially if you enjoy creating little "babies" for your children or grandchildren, or even a niece, nephew or cousin! Let me know what you think.  My mom used to tell me that the eyes are the windows of the soul.  Seeing these creations makes me think of that phrase.

I will keep this shorter than usual tonight, as I am growing tired and need to get some rest. Thank you all for reading my blog, for being patient, and for tolerating my lack at this time. I promise to make it up to you when I have recovered. I won't be having knee surgery until some time in September now that the clot is present, so I have some time to research and share sites, patterns, etc. Until next time, be blessed!

Miracles and other things on the horizon

I went to see the vascular surgeon yesterday.  He explained to me that I had experienced a pulmonary embolism and lived without the aid of blood thinners...pretty much unheard of.  He also said that I was the only patient in his entire medical history who ever experienced this without the aid of blood thinners and lived to tell about it.  He then went on to tell me I was lucky to be alive.  I had to tell him that it wasn't luck, it was God!  There is no way I can sit here in the wee hours like this and not give God the glory, honor and praise for saving my life...thank you, Lord!!!


My sister arrives tomorrow from New Jersey.  She will get a little break from the snow and shoveling.  It will be in the 70's while she's here, and that delights my soul!  My husband is going to Naples, Italy on Saturday, and he felt I should have someone with me while he's gone in case this clot decides to travel any more, which is highly unlikely.  I guess it just eases his mind to know I'm not alone in his absence.  I am never alone, though....as I have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to accompany me through my day!


I have been knitting away.  Georgia's scarf is now over 30 inches in length!  Only 54 more inches to go!  Yay!  The completed scarf will have over 15,000 stitches in it.  I think that is amazing.


I am going to pick up my sister in the morning, and then we are off to my orthopedic surgeon's office for me to speak with him about the DVT, and address this horrible pain that is in my left ankle. I am so hoping it wll not be a surgial issue.  I spend half of my life waiting, but I have no choice.  The doctor is afraid of putting me in the operating room this close to a DVT and pulmonary embolism.  I agree with him and admire his candor in telling me how close to death I could be in a surgical situation, and also that he is planning on waiting six months before even considering the surgery.  He has never lost a patient to a blood clot in his life and I don't think he wants me to be the first loss.  Neither do I.


I wish you all happiness and fun this weekend, and I encourage you to tell people you love them, smile often, speak to a stranger with kindness, and love like there will be no tomorrow.  I know I am going to practice this advice because I was closer to death than ever before, and I value having the opportunity to improve someone else's day.  I'm starting with you...you are all amazing, and I appreciate your reading my blog and being my friend!  God bless you!