Thursday, April 23, 2015

Strenuous projects on hold

 

Good morning Folks ~ Another cracked rib from too much coughing = pain. This started last Thursday morning. It will take time to heal and get back to normal. I had this happen about 5-6 years ago. I just started taking (yesterday afternoon), a homeopathic remedy for sprains, strains, stresses and bruised bones, for pain and healing. Until I heal, there will be no house painting, mowing, weed-wacking, etc. I’m doing the bare basics. It hurts to bend, to get up and down from bed or a sitting position, to cough occasionally. The hardest thing I did this morning was make the bed and that was painful.

I haven’t called the people yet to come do their ‘haul away’, but at least I’ve made the decision to do that and am looking forward to cleared property. (I need to clarify that my friend and I did that 3,000 lbs. last year, not recently.)

My job is over.  I was going to go in Sat., but decided against it with the way I feel.  Driving to and from work is a 30 minute drive each way, tightens me up and makes the rib area hurt more. I’ll see if the lady antique dealer calls me in the next month or so.  Until then I’ll relax, taking a vacation. After working at this job for 17 years, not working is going to be quite a switch.

I’ve got a loaf of oatmeal bread baking in the bread machine and starting to smell this little place deliciously.  There is just something wonderful and homey about the aroma of yeast bread baking.

Since I started this post,  the bread machine has done it’s thing and just beeped to let me know the bread is done. Boy does it smell good. I took a picture to torture you.

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Captured these two blooms yesterday. The scent of a gardenia is one of my most favorite.  It’s the first scent I recall when moving back to FL around 1960. My grandmother had a bush full of these and they were heavenly.

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This is my favorite hibiscus, Hugs-n-kisses.

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I did a quick errand yesterday, to the bank, not far from home and on the way home, I stopped at the Salvation Army thrift store. It was Sr. Citizen’s day and maybe I’d find a treasure. I did, well, at least to me it is one. Smile It cost me a whole $1.49.

This is 34 inches wide by 48 inches long. I was looking for something to put on the love seat for Miss T to sleep on that can be easily washed and here it is. Here it is laid out on the bed to get a picture of it.

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Below, I put it over the rumpled cover on loveseat, and up under the two other granny square afghans across the back to see how it would look and it adds to my eclectic, cottage look. I think Miss T likes it too. I need to take the white cover off and wash it, then put it back on with this over it.

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Back in February I was asked by a male follower, if I would make a heart for his wife who would be having a birthday this month.  Now that her bday is over, I can share it here. It has her favorite colors, a crocheted, beaded edging, a love charm and their initials . He left it up to me as to what to do.This was fun to make even though I was a bit nervous creating a special order. It went all the way to England. I took the photo on top of a ribbon embroidery book.

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Here is my latest little creation. It is 2 1/4 inches by 2 1/4 inches.

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If at any time you like one of my creations and wish to buy, just let me know. A commenter just let me know that she wants to buy the purple pincushion, and another is interested in the two bead edged shells that I did. You don’t have to wait for it to go in my Etsy shop.

To close this post I will share one of my favorite single roses, ‘Kathleen’ a hybrid musk. I love her simple beauty and her sweet scent. I’ve had her a long time now. I better make a cutting or two of her and hope they root, to have spares.

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That’s it for now.

FlowerLady ~ from Plum Cottage home and gardens

24 comments:

Jane said...

Your commissioned heart is just beautiful, Rainey. I'm sure the gentleman's wife was pleased with it. What a cute find! Granny Squares are so cottage-y. I was going to ask you what that rose was on your header, it's just gorgeous. Reminds me of apple blossoms. I don't suppose "Kathleen" grows in zone 4? Will have to check it out. Make sure to get lots of rest and liquids. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Hugs
Jane

Jean Campbell said...

Is it cracked rib season, or what? Two people from our church had recent cracked ribs. Do be careful while you heal. Some things can wait. I wish for you a speedy recovery.

Terra said...

That heart you custom made for the man's wife is beautiful, and you sure found a fabulous bargain in that afghan cover. I adore the scent of gardenias and they won't grow for me. Be well soon!

Dewena said...

The heart pillow headed to England is simply beautiful! Amazing work in it.

I'm so sorry about the rib pain. I remember rib pain that lasted a long time when I fell headfirst down the basement stairs years ago, my ribs taking the brunt of it. Every breath hurts.

Take care, and yes, your loaf of bread is tantalizing! I can just taste it with butter and honey!

My Grama's Soul said...

As always, Lorraine it is wonderful hearing from you. A cracked rib from coughing sounds as though you might want to consider a trip to the "doctor shop". I know as we get older our home care remedies are often better that the doc orders....but none the less.

Loved it that you are still using your bread machine. I gave mine away with this last move as I have not made homemade bread in years.....although I did love how it tasted and how it made my home smell.....delicious.

stay well,

Jo

Mama Mess said...

Sending well wishes your way! I have injured a rib from vomiting and it is no fun at all! Very painful and I wish you speedy healing. Please enjoy your well deserved vacation and always remember the wonderful things God has in store for us, His beloved children! Your work is exquisite and it's good to know if we see something we like we can contact you about it without waiting for it to go in your store!

Nancy J said...

Your hearts are so beautiful, and the birthday gift was extra special. Cracked rib, do you try to sleep propped up, I did, with 2 pillows in a X, then another two the usual way, and maybe a thinner one at the very top. When you sneeze or cough, hug your ribs as tight as you can, Sorry to say, but as you know, they take ages to heal. Hugs and more, maybe this is a time to "sit back and smell your roses", enjoy being home, and bread homemade, the very best. XXX from down here, a cool morning with 5 Celsius at 5.30 a.m.

BernieH said...

So sorry to hear about your cracked ribs. Having had a similar thing happen to me a few years ago, I can relate to your pain. Just take it easy and let your body heal.

I adored your beautiful commissioned heart. I'm sure it was very well received. It's simply lovely.

Barbara said...

Your needlework is just gorgeous. Maybe you need an Etsy shop to sell them. I don't know anything about cracked ribs, but I just got over 3 weeks of coughing with the respiratory bug and I can only imagine how much it hurts you. I was sore and I didn't even have cracked ribs. Do they still recommend wrapping ribs tightly? Sounds like it might be a little bit of help.

lil red hen said...

Sending "Get well soon" wishes. For such a busy lady as yourself, taking it easy must be frustrating.

I love the commissioned heart!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Your afghan find is a pattern my grandma always crocheted. I have a purple one she made like it. It should hold up well and look good for you.

Ruth Hiebert said...

A cracked rib sounds very painful. DO be careful and allow this to heal.

Barbara said...

I just sent you an email with some spam information that refers back to your website. Just a heads up so you know I'm not spamming you.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Sending positive energy your way dear FL! I had a rib injury and it isn't fun! Take good care! xo

Terry said...

Hi Lorraine,

I am glad that you are taking care of yourself and allowing your body to rest and heal. I hope you feel better soon.

I love your new afghan. What a great deal! I have a cat too. Her name is Dory. She is curled up on my lap right now as I am writing this.

Your needle work is gorgeous! What a sweet man to purchase a heart for his wife.

I hope you have a wonderful day!
Terry

Rose ~ from Oz said...

I can smell that bread Lorraine, really! Your craft and flowers are as always exquisite, and dear girl I am so very sorry about your rib. I truly understand the pain (been there) you will be a while healing. Prayers for you for a speedy recovery.
x

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Hi Rainey
Sorry you are still under the weather. Sometimes Terry's arthritis gets to his lungs and he has to lay over the couch are or a pillow to cough. I know how painful this is for you.

That spoiled cat has a lovely blanket to lay on. Very colorful.

I am sure the lady that was gifted your heart loves it. It was special for him to think to request it.

Be well and rest up!!
xx, Carol

Sallysmom said...

Please take care of yourself. And go to the doctor if you don't get better soon.

Friko said...

If you are not well you must rest; tenuous work is the very opposite to what you should do, so congratulations on being a sensible lady. Should you also do something about the cough?

I love your creations, they are beautiful. As are your flowers. You live a life surrounded by beauty and creativity. Even baking bread is all part of the picture.

Your ‘find’ is gorgeous. Almost good enough for a cat!

Debbie Harris said...

Mmm I can smell the bread from here. Yum! Bread is one of my weaknesses.
Your heart pillow is gorgeous Lorraine! Such beautiful detail you put into that work.
I believe your sweet cat has found a new sleeping spot. Lol
My aunt was a great one for making afghans with the granny squares. Great find for you.

I sent you an e mail and you may want to watch for it since they seem to go to spam.:-)
Enjoy your day!
Blessings, Debbie

KathyB. said...

I think you got a bargain with that colorful granny square afghan, and obviously Miss T agrees.

Your flowers are so beautiful and your gardens must smell heavenly. I am sorry to read you're suffering from cracked ribs again and hope you really do take it easy so you can heal more quickly.

Rebecca said...

So sorry about those broken ribs! I know how painful that can be. Glad you decided to take it easy for a bit.

The heart is so beautiful! The colors and detail are just amazing.

...and you've reminded me it's been a long time since I've made a loaf of bread. I must do that soon :)

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Your oatmeal bread sounds wonderful, was it? Rainey, so sorry you've cracked a rib, that's not good news.

M.K. said...

I remember that hibiscus from last year when you posted it -- breath-taking! Thanks for sharing it again. I think of all the people I know in real life or online, you have the most amazing garden. And since I'm not much of a gardener AT ALL, it means a lot that you share the beauty of your garden with us so faithfully. Don't ever stop :)

So sorry about your rib! You do definitely need a BREAK, a real vacation. After years of labor, the death of your husband, so much on your shoulders, it will do you good to have a true rest. I hope you can enjoy it and relax.

And that beaded heart for the man in England -- it may well be the most fabulous one yet, FL. Amazing! It's really gorgeous. Love how the flower pedals look, and how MUCH you get on there, and it all looks put-together and lovely. Your work just gets better and better!