A Time for All Seasons---Glaucoma and Corneal disease

I am writing a short  long post to catch up.

A new year

2016

 I really can't believe it!

Many of you that have followed my blog for a while and the closest of friends know for the past 5-6 years I have been on a journey with glaucoma. It's not something I would wish on anyone for sure.
I was diagnosed at a simple Walmart eye exam about 6 years ago and also had a hemorrage near the retina.

I thought things were getting blurry because I needed new glasses. On yeah, "I'm getting old!"

 My readering glasses from Walmart were doing fine actually. However, the digital picture they took identified "cupping" of my optic nerve in the left eye which was very slight and early. I was so glad they identified it early as I started on eye drops for glaucoma. I still did fairly well in my profession and with stitching and knitting and life goes on.

So for 5 years I went to the same general eye doctor every 6 months as I had to have a medical exam for the glaucoma. They explained it as a "CT of the back of the eye to get a picture of the optic nerve and for any damage".  Four years ago, the optic nerve started to become damaged. I still didn't notice anything in my eyes different with exception that the corneal scar on my eye (they found that at the first exam as well) was becoming more apparent with pain. At first this was like having an eyelash in my eye all the time. This progressed to severe pain this past year like having an ice pick stabbing my eye. The scar was getting worse. The scar was old and originally from a hit in the eye in my early 20's. The glaucoma meds and dryness has caused degeneration of the cornea over the years.

Zoom forward to this past March. I had an intense migraine right after a long trip. I went to cover my right eye and I looked forward and really got unnerved that many areas were totally blind. Just gone.
Like steamy fog on a mountain. You know the mountains are there but all the dense fog totally makes them go away.

I looked again. Blinked. This didn't change anything. Evidently my right eye had been taking over my vision and I can still function well but my optic nerve and visual field tests for the past 4 years were worsening. The general eye doctor referred me to a glaucoma specialist. It was at this point when I got my records I saw my failing tests every year but this generalist eye doc didn't take it too seriously.

This started the real brick that hit me that I was going blind in my left eye and it was a matter of time.
Since April of last year through October, I have had to see retina specialists and glaucoma specialist with pressure checks and many tests including a CT of the brain back in October to rule out a brain tumor. I was having headaches from the eye pain so bad.

I was then identified and told I had a Salzman's nodule on my cornea on that eye and I needed surgery. I had no idea what that was. I work in the medical field but eye issues were definitely not my specialty; however, when you are going blind, you learn alot about all kinds of things in the eyes.

CT showed no brain tumor. Headache behind the left eye would come 3 times a week like a brain freeze from eating ice cream and it would last 24 -48 hours. This increased. I was set up for surgery at the glaucoma specialist when they decided surgery needed an open OR room not out patient as my risks were too high in an out patient eye surgical center.  I continued to work in my profession through this entire time. I could see as my right eye now is dominant but the pain was identified then at Emory University as a corneal ulcer with corneal degeneration, advanced and advanced glaucoma in the left eye. They said at second look that it was not a Salzmans nodule but a corneal ulcer that was a much more severe problem.

The corneal specialist is very nice. The university is a big, busy place but all the drops, meds, everything was professional and options given. My husband has been through this with me and has been a good supporter. My parents also were concerned and aware of the pain I have been through.

On the day before Christmas Eve, I got an amniotic graft on my eye by a corneal specialist.
I literally was in bed with this prosthesis about the size of a quarter under my eye socket and praying that the graft woud take when they removed the prosthesis 3 weeks later.

I took 3 weeks off work for this procedure and had it removed last week. It healed the corneal ulcer but the glaucoma is fairly stable, but necessary now to look at other options for the glaucoma. So now I have a corneal specialist for the degeneration and they have set up in February seeing an attending glaucoma specialist at Emory for options. I returned back to work this week.

I still have some irritation under my lid where the device rubbed and still very sensitive to light but it was good to be back at work. I could not ask for any more sweet and understanding co workers and friends. The day before my procedure, they asked to say a prayer for me in a circle. I was so deeply touched in my heart and so thankful. The graft is from amniotic/placental donor tissue from a woman who had a C section. I had never heard of this and interesting to me because I'm a women's health practitioner.

The scar on my cornea will always remain and the specialist said I will have to wear a prosthetic clear scleral lens. I will be fitted for it in 2 weeks, it's sent to New York to be made and then I go back to get the device, learn how to put it in and take it out every morning and night.

The visual loss/blindness in my left eye is about 45% and is not reversible. I thank God every day for 2 eyes.

Until I got the graft procedure, I was knitting after work some at night and weekends but my pics are forthcoming. I do not write this for any pity AT ALL please but just to let those who follow my blog know why the gap in writing.

My corneal specialist is hoping and myself too that an ulcer does not occur again on the scar but she says that it probably is going to be recurrent. This is why the prosthetic device will hold my cornea and keep it from getting as dry too and maybe prevent this.

I have some limitations but mostly I'm doing well. The sun is probably the worst thing so I wear sunglasses alot. I love cloudy days now.

I'm very thankful I can continue in my profession and help others feel better. Being on the flip side is so very different!! I am also thankful for the corneal specialist. She listened and identified the problem right away. She was there when I cried about my fear of going blind. She is reassured with the graft the ulcer went away and is just a very understanding and knowledgable lady.

The next step on this glaucoma journey is next month. One day at a time.

I take one day at a time and I know that there is always a purpose for everything as God promises us but I also know we sometimes don't know why and may never know why these things happen. Coming to peace with that.

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now I'm found

was blind but now I see.

Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear

And Grace my fears relieved.

Thank you if you made it this far to read. :)

I have not forgotten my blog and all you who still take the time to read.

I will be back soon with a much better blog post and get back in the groove.

On the knit front.............just off the needles a scarf for my hubbie in the color Lake Tahoe

please excuse my picture. It's from my phone.

Actually picture one is the right color.

and this is finished and in a whole different light. LOL

It has not been blocked here. Definitely a simple, quite bulky alternating of stockinette and garter, easy on the eyes.

I plan to cast on my Christmas at Downton Lorna's Laces yarn REAL soon!!!!!!!!

I will be making a shawl.

Also will share a pic of part of my Christmas present in my next post.

I also will be having a blog sale in the next few months so stay tuned.

I hope this finds YOU all happy and healthy with the start of 2016!!!!

Jennifer

P. S. Miss Abbie sends her sweet love!

New Sister Blog! Knitting in My Nest

As time rolls on, things change in my life, as well as others and I have decided for organizing and for your benefit to create a separate blog for knitting stuff. Feathers in the Nest is mostly for cross stitching of which I dearly love, our life in the mountains and how we keep up the homestead.

My interest in learning to knit came about 18 months ago. I had always wanted to knit but was a little intimidated with it. I got a certificate as a gift several years back from a local store and took the 2 hour class, came home and was lost when I made my first mistake. I couldn't figure out how to fix it.

So, many months later in December 2012, I took a course called Knit Lab on Craftsy.com. If you don't know about this site, it's a GREAT site for any creative arts, not just knitting. Some classes are discounted deeply around certain times of the year and because of December and Christmas, the class was half off. This was the best decision I made because the class was taught by an excellent instructor, Stephanie Japel, and for 12.50 I got 8 hours of instruction and also 3 patterns that were not on Ravelry.com. She had lessons you can play and repeat over and over so it was almost like sitting right next to a teacher.

I also used You Tube to help with some instructions on certain new stitches and patterns that were basically free. The class I took from Craftsy.com incorporated one main pattern that included teaching increasing, decreasing, knit, purl stitches to make garter and then sections of basic lace.
As you know, if you have followed me for a while, I began to knit a lot. Mostly I gave away as gifts

Because I have a deep love for both antique samplers, designing AND knitting, I decided to split up to put any knitting progress, patterns, news etc. on Knitting in My Nest. This way if you are only wanting updates on cross stitching, Feathers in the Nest will not be a waste of time if you are not a knitter and vice versa.

I hope these changes are for the betterment for everyone. Sometimes, very frequently I have both a sampler project and/or homestead news updates as well as a knitting project or two going at the same time. This way if you are interested you can be selective in your interests.

For the click to the Google Blogger BlogSpot for Knitting in My Nest, look at the top of the right side bar and click directly on it.  You can follow it by favorites bookmarking, or even better following the site. The link will always be on Feathers in the Nest side bar also for your convenience.

I also have a selling blog for items that I clean out of my stash or items that may help you with finishes for sampler making. I haven't added anything to it in a long while but while it is still there, in the near future I will have new items posted. Once I stitch a sampler, I usually sell it because I have never really stitched samplers of the same twice. For example, the Scarlett Letter one that I just finished will be added for sale at a reduced price fairly soon. So stay tuned for this if you are looking for accessories or patterns. I simply use Paypal for this and it works well.

I appreciate all your feedback you have given me, and I do take it and try to make better use of new ideas to help you.

Again, thank you to all readers and followers that have been hanging out with me through changes!
My yearly mission of simplifying includes making some of these changes.

 

Hope you have a great Tuesday!

Jennifer

Blogging and Graphics

If you have looked in on the blog today it's been either nuts in appearance or missing things, letters strange, or said "private only". I had to do this at one point because I lost a good bit of my blog gadgets trying to change around templates.

I still can't make past post pictures smaller, so they will overlap until I work that out. I will test a pic to see if it still doesn't fit.

 

I've spent a great deal of time after thinking I lost my whole blog, trying to work it out right to the point of a headache. So sipping some Apple Cider and taking a little break.

 

This has been a VERY cold Monday. Usually on Manic Monday things like this go on, but I'm trying to simplify anything, and everything including a new blog format so please bear with me as I add my gadgets and play this evening.

I do welcome all comments and enjoy reading them!!

I did spend some time lurking about other bloggers and happened upon a stitched up freebie of mine that was so well-done and finished pretty!

Please, if you stitch any of my designs, freebies or not, it brightens my day to receive a pic via email. I really do love seeing them because I can't always finish them out myself.

I guess that is one major New Year's resolution.

Starting with one I'll post progress on this evening, I'll put down my knitting needles to work on a WIP I designed.

 

Trying to find that darn needle in the sofa,

Jennifer

Freebie sampler on Facebook page

Inspiration?

Fresh strawberries of which I made a nice creamy filling and put in parfait glasses for dessert.

 

The name of the sampler is "The Fruit of the Spirit: Love"

 

If you like strawberries, you will like this sampler!!

 

All you need to do to print it is go to Feathers in the Nest FB page

You can click directly on Abbie's pic below and it will take you to the page.

 

 

 

Abbie says she loves you this morning!

 

 

What I'm up to?  well Summer cleaning still.  This cabinet was headed in a truck to the dump and I got it free from a very good friend. It's repurposed now to go in my stitching studio. I also have a small CD player to put in the top to have some instrumental music while I work.

 

You have to be in the right place at the right time. I can't believe this was going to the dump.

 

I'm still working at cleaning out clothes and such to donate as well. Yesterday I cleaned one closet out, 3 more to go.

 

We have 2 guest bedrooms and changed linens and replaced quilts in one of them, an old, old, quilt. Changed the curtains to lace to let in the sunlight and it seems like a bigger room.

 

Letting go of shoes and clothes is hard for me and for what reason I don't know. But simplifying my life seems to be reducing alot of stress already.

 

For me, alot of things donating are when I ask these questions:

 

is it old and nonfunctional?

 

is there a bad memory attached?

 

is it worn out?

 

faded?

 

does it have shoulder pads? :P

 

if yes, then they are going to Goodwill.

 

 Purl of Wisdom~~~Chaos is something that is not conducive to a smoother life journey. Reducing chaos and clutter reduces stress in life just by altering the environment in which we live.

 

I hope your weekend is full of sunshine and stitching!

 

Jennifer

 

Feathers in the Nest goes Etsy and Facebook!

 Feathers in the Nest finally opened an Etsy shop!

So take a look-see. If you use the search engine only in Etsy, you will need to type in without spaces,
Feathersinthenest, and this should bring up my shop with additions of items as I design, stitch, knit or finish them. I will be my model stitcher.

I have several cross stitch sampler patterns to work on now. As I reorganize my studio, my cross stitching mojo is returning. Sampler threads, the color, the linen, and creative designing are always on my mind. I also dearly enjoy knitting and will offer some knitted pieces as well.

My plan for future designs include whimsical, antique, reproduction samplers, a hymn series, an Abigail series, encouragement and scripture-based samplers, and local North Georgia landmark samplers. Ideas are endless!

My patterns are chart packs which will arrive to you neatly, containing a color photo page, an easy-to read, black and white chart page/pages, the suggested threads and finishing instructions, suggested linen, and a short page describing the inspiration for the sampler. All tucked inside a 3 ring binder plastic strong cover page for an organization binder to help you organized paper patterns. The binder is not included. For easy storage and travel, just unclick your pattern binder and pull out the packet with all the information you need to tuck in a stitching bag with threads, scissors and needles.

Digital formats will be forthcoming but not at this time.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/FeathersintheNest?ref=search_shop_redirect

This is the link above for the Etsy shop. The Nest Feathers Blog shoppe will be closed and instead items will be listed in the Etsy shop.

This is really an exciting part of my life, to share my love of samplers, and other needlework and "nesting"  with others!!

There is also now a Facebook page for Feathers in the Nest, managed by myself and Mr. Darcy, my one and only sweet, supporting husband!!!! He has future plans to sell custom-made sampler frames as he has a great gift of wood-working. Feathers in the Nest facebook page will keep you up-to-date every time an item is added to the Etsy shoppe and other FITN news.

Below is a logo that has been given permission by Ms. Lee Hanson to use for Feathers in the Nest.
I asked her 2-3 years ago when I saw this in part of her prints, so it's a well-loved print dear to me.

 The first sampler pattern I offer is The Royal Wedding sampler.

 

With a baby soon to arrive, you know I'll be working on a sampler for the little one as well. I wished I knew if this wll be for a boy or girl. Either way, it's a historical marker I want to put on linen.

 

Other news.........................this weekend has been the best!  The sun shined all weekend. It's been quite a while without a rainy weekend. The weather took a cool spell Friday night with temps going into the 40's. We had one last wood stove fire going to warm our toesies while I knitted away. Up here in the mountains, I believe it's called Blackberry Winter but today we are back in the 70's and dry. It's just beautiful outside.

 

 

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
and never stops at all."- Emily Dickenson 

 

I hope you have a great ending to a beautiful weekend,

Jennifer

 

Just FYI for nest feather planning

 Hey ya'll!

What a week in the North Ga mountains and so glad it's Friday!

Just some housekeeping shortly and later I will put some pics on of progress, the homestead and such......anyhoo, the Nest Feathers Shoppe will be in business again. I looked at my blog and saw that I ended on Mother's Day 2011. WOW! 2 years. But, I will be putting some neat things for you to use doing your crafting or antiquing.

I'm mixed between where I'm going to put my designs that are not freebies. Stay-tuned. I have decided that I will be my own model stitcher and put my hands to work and heart to God with my talents to share with others. So designing will be increasing and I'm already working on one from a request from Matthew (in the Bible). I love knitting and will continue and balance out my needlework better.

I have a request for an order for some ribbon on the blog and just noticed it. So sorry..........but definitely will  fill orders and using Paypal only.

I just feel the hand of God moving me in this direction to use my talents right now in my life. With the full support of Mr. Darcy's encouragement, I can't be happier.

I will get a tag on the side bar later for you to click on to check out my Nest Feathers Shoppe in the coming days. Then when items are sold you can see that the amount changes at the bottom of the post.

I hope you are having a great Friday and until more info and later.........................................stay cool!

Jennifer

The winner of the Giveaway and the anniversary of a magical moment

  JOLENE # 23 comment

Oh, how fun! I have been looking far and near for these sweet little scissors. I would love a chance at receiving your Faith, Hope and Love Giveaway! Also, I love the angel frame, it would look fabulous with whatever you choose to display in it. Happy Holidays!

 

Yay! Jolene! You will also get a chart from me on Downton Abbey with the threads and linen.

and a surprise too.

 

I will be mailing this out probably next Monday or Tuesday because this week is full of obligations and places to be.................but..............congrats and enjoy!

 

 

 

 

I wish I could have given 5 or 6 out at least but financially tied down at the moment. But, I will give you my love and attention anytime. I welcome emails and questions on the blog. I should answer a few here I've gotten:

 

Why does Mr. Darcy have another last name? 

 

Mr. Darcy is his nickname for the blog due to privacy issues. The Mr. Darcy is from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. When reference to Mr. Darcy in my blog, this is my husband.

 

Do you quilt?

 

no. I wish I did and I have pieced together a few things for Abbie to have a blanket but not a quilter. I am though a lover of fat quarters to back my cross stitching pieces, add to framing, or just to drool over on a cloudy day.

 

Are you a counselor?

 

no, I'm not a licensed counselor. I am a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Part time and have been for nearly 20 years now. This is how I work with women to heal hurts according to my bio profile. In my role as a nurse practitioner specializing in women's health, I do have instances for one on one counseling/ education as indicated by the problem but not a licensed counselor. I work in a private practice setting and do enjoy part time work with my analyical side of the brain which is balanced nicely with the creative side at home and doing stitching work.

 

How old is Abbie and what kind of dog is she?

 

Abigail Rennee Fox is 3 years old. She is a long-haired white chihauhau with brindle markings.

She is the most loving creature I've ever had and I love dogs! Her middle name is Rennee in memory of my chihauhaua who passed away in July 2 years ago. His name was Ren and he was 17 years old.

 

 

Are you of Irish descent?

 

yes, part Irish, part Indian, but I got more of the Irish features than my brother. And yes, I love Gone With the Wind, Scarlet OHara!!!!  :P

 

Do you do your own framing or have it professionally done?

 

I have always done my own framing because of lower costs with exception of Quaker Christmas because it is so large and I spent 9 months vigorously finishing that piece. I had protective glass put over it so it will not fade over the years. I hope one day my children will appreciate the value of needleart and care for it. If not, my stitching will be donated to the local women's shelter when I'm gone.

 

How long have you been designing?

 

Only about 2-3 years, did I try to express my thoughts of sampler making to paper. I find it extremely satisfying and have designed many many samplers and I frequently put a few on the blog to pay it forward and especially in this economy when buying patterns has become so expensive.

 

Do you plan to ever sell any samplers?

 

Yes. I've had many obstacles to overturn in the past 2 years to get where I can but I have a faithful partner who is supporting my goals to one day put them up for sale. When I do, I plan to  have both PDF format by email and also mailed paper copies. The mailed copies will be simple for several reasons 1) I try to keep it simple 2) the cost to you is a fraction of the glossy expensive patterns 3) you get the same results with simple patterns. I have a Craftsy.com account and will probably start here with selling in the next few months. My hold-up is churning out the models for the pattern myself and I cannot afford a model stitcher now. But everything will happen in its own time............

 

 

 

Home is where the heart is and my heart is at home. I try to keep it simple, loving and a safe haven.

 

I've also had many thoughtful readers who just write me and it's truly a blessing. I'm going to change my email soon and put it on the blog as I have had some real doozies of spam to my personal one. At least I can weed those out.

 

Feathers in the Nest is my happy place. It's a place I come to, to share books, stitching, junkin, knitting, homesteading and designs with you. I hope to continue in the next year, 2013, and that in some way it helps you feel right at home, warm and cozy, and a place to chat about homesteading or whatever warms your heart.

 

Home has not always been a happy place for me unfortnately, but by the grace of God and answer to prayers, he has definitely changed that in 2012 and my wish even when I was a little girl of having a loving husband and home have come true. I know all this could not have happened without divine intervention and I thank Him for it every single day. I thank Him for continuing to protect me from those that have put me in harm's way for whatever sick reasons.

 

I hope you have a great evening. The day has really zipped by. The decorations will all be put away tonight and the house ready to receive some of Mr. Darcy's furniture and ideas to make the basement better living space.

And that, my friends, will include a sewing space!!!!

 

 

 

 

 AND

 

 

ON DECEMBER 26th, 2012

 

a love story began with friendship................................

 

 

the only words to describe is:

 

life-changing

healthy love

Christian love

equally yoked

both musc lovers

both instrument players

both value home at the heart

both with God as the foundation

both with being raised only 25 miles apart (unknowingly)

he played football at an Augusta team in highschool, against my brother (unknowingly)

the first true gentleman I ever met

both lover of animals

he loves to minister to congregations through lay speaker

she loves to write

both love to dance

both love the same foods! (ok well except olives)

both have a creative side to nurture, he with woodworking and designing

me with stitching and designing.

we play a good game of Chinese checkers or two!!!!!

we always go to bed together at the same time and hold hands until we fall asleep

we have similar dreams and ambitions in life

that collided a year ago

through divine intervention and prayer by both

on 2 sides of the world

which turned into a beautiful marriage on November 20, 2012~~~~~~

 

A story. that I one day, will write as a book for testimony that God works in His own time and for our own benefit He will teach us patience, how to lean on Him, and that love never fails.

 

Yes, Dec 26 is a special day.  2 people, 7000 miles away, met and in 5 months, sent over 4000 letters to and from with phone calls many times a day, singing, praying together over the phone and just forming a strong bond.  That my friends is the best blessing I couldn't ever had imagined this year or even in a lifetime.

 

Sent to me at a time, a critical time, when God saw fit to continue His work through to others.

 

December 26, 2012

 

And this all started in a small country church, alone, in the North Ga. mountains, pouring out my heart to God for answers, for protection, for real love.

 

So remember no day is insignificant. Remember this every day, that something in one moment could change your life forever for the best.

Change of Seasons/ Change in Blogging Format

I totally have spent a while formating this blog. I'm not sure I like the look and according to Google Blogger it's going to make even more changes in the coming days. I don't know what that means but anyways, this is set up in tile format. You actually can view freebies easier and click on any picture while will pop up the entire post.

 

Slide over to the extreme right and click on anything that is usually on there, including "about me", "followers", translations, etc.

 

I'll try this format for a few days and see how it goes.

 

I hope you are having a restful Sunday so far. The North Georgia mountain weather has definitely changed to much cooler nights, and drier air. Bright and sunny today and supposed to be for the week!!!

Pot Roast and potatoes cooked in the slow cooker last night and today I hope to get alot of rest. The fireplace is all cleaned out now and ready to begin Fall warming by fireside at the homestead.

Yesterday was quite busy with household chores and such and I felt 95 when I woke up this morning from all the busy things I had to do.

 

If you remember the old Hoosier cabinet I've had for about 3 years now, Mr. Darcy and I are going to refurbish this on Tuesday this week. Pictures forthcoming.

We've contemplated many ways to reburbish, paint or stain???

I think we are going to stain the outside and paint he inside of it.

I'm hoping that these original bakelite handles come clean with some paint thinner.

 

 

 

Happy stitching!

Summer Break

Feathers in the Nest is going on a much needed break. I'll be back in a couple of weeks.

Take care,

Jennifer

Feathers in the Nest on a short break

Having a blast this past week and one more to go on vacation! Many new, fun things. Many good days filled with laughter and love.

I didn't even sign on for email for 9 days!  I needed a break really bad and had such good company to share it with.

I had alot of last minute packing and planning and I really didn't think I would need to take a break but I was having so much fun I didn't even open my laptop for a week.

So, Sunday the day of relaxation is good so far.

With the exception of coming back from the trip with a whopping cold and sore throat, everything else has been bliss!

Home for a while and then more fun away!

I will be back blogging in a week. It's so good to be back checking email and things for a short break though.

Take care and Feathers in the Nest will be back in 1 week.

More things this week include:

antique shopping

a Van Halen concert!!!!

visiting friends

cooking new things and old

long talks with special friends

Take care and see you SOON! Time is flying.

Jennifer

My last post

For over a month now, I have given all my energies just to stay sane and alive. There are things that demand my energy right now.I may one day again have a blog but this one will deactivate in 24 hours. I appreciate all the support I've had from friends and the ability to share my passion of stitching. Right now, I have no time to design or stitch. One day maybe when this is over I will be able to. If I start another blog in the future it will be a private blog. My dream of designing is haulted unfortunately.


I cannot emphasize how much the readers here have meant to me and I put alot of thought and energy into this blog. For security reasons it must shut down. I will again get back to stitching but right now my energies are going to be directed into basic necessities. I admire all of your work and enjoyed reading blogs even if I couldn't comment as much as I could.

I'm still on facebook and also on Twitter. But only God knows what the future will be.
Take care and I'll never forget each and every one of you. It was a part of my journey that has to end.
I need much rest now and stitching again will be a luxury. And I know I will one day.This is just the end of a chapter in my life.

Yours thankfully,
Jennifer

Its Sunday night again

I do apologize for the detours we have had to take this week to deal with some horrendous things that have effected our family. I can't really explain on a public domain but take my word for it that the next 2 weeks at least will demand my attention to these issues.
That being said, we are alright. We have food, we have shelter, we have our dignity, integrity left but what the others have tried to take away from us for 3 months has been a living nightmare.

You can only hold it in so long I guess. Move forward. Welcome the opportunities that life swings.
Lesson learned: You never know how your life will change in 24 hours. Please pray from my husband especially. His health, his guidance he needs, his dealing with the trauma of such an event or 2.

We still have each other and I haven't picked up the needle as we are in survival mode right now. I hope to show something on the blog worth reading this week if you can hang in there with us. If not, I understand. There are many that are far more informative and pleasant.

We will be on our feet again soon I hope. For hope is one thing we have left after this week.

That may just be one on hope that I stitch next just to remind us of it.

Liberty House Primitives has a great blog that has the most encouraging patterns and I've printed off on our new wireless printer, some of her encouraging samplers. It's this time in our lives like the poem says that we don't know the reason for the darker colors just looking at the underside.

Hope to post soon again. For the past few days my energies have been into other things God has called me to do. Tiring, but a must.

Hope your Monday starts your week well.

Jennifer

Freaky Friday

Just close your eyes and imagine a freak right now. I can't put a picture out here right now........BUT!~~~

Just a quick note to let all know that if they get some really strange emails from my yahoo account, it's because the account was hacked.

 It has been taken care of up until today but I sent out emails today to several people to let them know that the freaks are out there posing as me, when I'm here. Strange as it may be in this world right now that we have people that have nothing better to do but hack. And hack. And hack.

So, I call this Freaky Friday! ;)

To all hackers out there screwing with my accounts, please go somewhere else as law enforcement has been notified and working on it as we speak. Security measures have been put in place.

To all readers who have gotten weird emails from "me" lately, so sorry but unfortunately like I said, there are some bored, freaky folks in the world.

Well, back to work.
Till later,
the real, Jennifer Dalenberg 

Sunday cleaning around the homestead

I'm not one to sit still long and we knew the porches needed SOOOO much cleaning so BodyGuard and I took a drive to Big Lots and he repainted a bench that I got at an auction ..........about 6 months ago...hmmm.....yep.....and even though we accepted the fact that the porches can't be painted till September due to the Summer afternoon rains.....we went ahead and cleaned the scruffy floors again. It's an endless task.

And it is HOOOOMID right now in North Georgia!

This bench at auction from the rear seat looked about 5 foot........when I won it for 30.00 and went up to get it, it measured 7 foot!  Oops...... so outside on the front it goes.

Makes a great little spot for Miss Flossie Mae to have a cushion to nap on.

Got the cushion at Big Lots, along with this 9 foot outdoor rug. The first time I had been to a Big Lots in 10 years.

 I forgot how fun it was.

At Lowe's we picked up some shade-loving plants but I think this will have to wait a couple of days. Got too tired.

I love porches.

I always have loved porches.

I grew up in a house without a porch but would go sit for long hours down the road at a neighbor's house and rocked till the sun went down! ;)

So, that was an important thing to me when we picked out this house because we both love porches.

And we got plenty of them too.

Changed some cushions in the front porch swing which is quite nice on Summer evenings.

And even though the porch floors are a bit scruffy, we call it Home.

And yes, Flossie Mae has taken well to the outdoors.

She has brought us her first remnants of a mouse to the porch. If you heard a scream, it was me.

She hasn't got used to the "scream" when I see the "gifts" she leaves. Thomas has long gotten used to it but Flossie goes up a tree.

Hanging on and backing down on her own. She has to learn,

while other creatures that are only inside the homestead, resume napping.......

in her Little Black Dress

She's the sweetest furbaby. By the way, she sends out a Father's Day greeting to her doggie daddy who the breeder said is named "Tuff". Yep, she's Tuff's girl. LOL

And this is Home......

Hope you had a great Sunday!  We plan on relaxing for the rest of the evening and resting my eyes for a new day tomorrow.

Good night John Boy.

Sunday cleaning

Did I say it's hot in this spot on the map?  No complaints though. I prefer warmth than those bitterly cold, joint-aching days for these old bones.

I had several questions on The Frame Guys. Their shop is on EBAY not ETSY.  I'll try to send a link in a few.

My friend Dot called. She is happy in her new place and I'm so happy for her. She has left some things to pick up, and her son is coming soon to the house down the road. She wanted to know if I wanted her beautiful mahogany armoire and we are planning an outing to go look at that (probably will get it for office space in BG office) and then to the Dairy Queen!!!! I've been craving a Butterfinger Blizzard for days now.

Lots of cleaning going on this week. This morning, I thought I had finally got ALL my threads organized but in cleaning found some more in bags. Gosh, I stash and made a mess from my last few projects.

But I feel so much better getting this all organized. Takes away from stitching time but clutter makes my stress level climb so, gotta get it together, as one of my friends says to me!

Next, this evening, more cleaning in my office space downstairs. New computer, new printer and may curl up with a good book this evening on the sofa down there because it's HOT, HOT outside!

Hope your Sunday is as restful and productive as ours. We are amazed at how much of a pac rat we both are. I just look at BG's office space and sigh.  Long sighs. I think he has cord for every object known to man.

I hear thunder. Oh no!

Best run to get a bite to eat before heading out on errands.

Have a great afternoon!

I'm in an adventuresome mood.

Talk later,

Jennifer

A different view

After much consideration, I'm taking a bit of a break. I do need the next 3 or 4 days left of my vacation week to get some things done around the house and put my thinking cap on a bit. I do appreciate your comments as they mean the world to me that you took a piece of your time to let me know if you like the blog pics or such. To even those who read and decide not to comment but just stay interested for whatever reason, I appreciate your time as well and hope it's added some interest to your day too.

I hope you found the pics of Williamsburg interesting. I know that the majority was not specifically on stitching but I wanted to share. 

I took this pic above at the end of the quilt hall in the Dewitt museum at Williamsburg. Hubbie didn't even know I was taking this with him in it which made it even better so I could reflect a minute. I could stand back and observe the whole picture and it was beautiful. The light effects were awesome from that end and I watched as he played with the wooden "quilt pieces" in the table, waiting patiently for me to catch my breath at the beautiful quilts and how they were preserved with such care over many years.

Sometimes life is a bit like that. We stand at a distance to see where we've been and then look forward to where we need to go, or at least I do that. I'm not saying that is what anyone should do but for me, from time to time, it's a necessary thing. I'm a bit quirky.

For it's really only in the distance that I can see the things that really matter and the things that don't.

I can see who shares our life and who chooses not to.

I can see light and dark, colors and neutrals, young and old, things that trigger and things that don't.

For me, sometimes, I don't get to choose what flashes forward like the light images on the floor in this room in a beautiful pattern and I'm definitely not complaining, it's just something I've accepted.

I wish I could.    Ways to cope start popping in my head.

It's usually when I'm exhausted and just so tired.

I've gotten to that point because I have a problem of putting my heart into whatever I do, and wholeheartedly wear myself out sometimes but through the years I have figured out when it's time for a break.

If I had one picture from this trip to Williamsburg to save, only one, it would be this one.

To you, it's just a museum with a man in it.

To me, it means alot more.

The reflections, the light effects, the old quilts, the colors, and the man that is always there by my side during those kinds of times.

Have a great weekend of relaxation with the ones you love.

Jennifer

Fixed The Freedom Sampler at previous post

So sorry, I got lots and lots of emails about this one not clicking larger. I'm so glad you told me because I wouldn't have found out yet till I started stitching another model!!!!!  Thanks. I worked yesterday and then  stitched and watched the news all last night so was not on the computer. One of my goals for now and in the future are to make the patterns large so that you can see them. This is so important for an enjoyable stitch experience.

 Fixed it this morning.......I don't know how or why the post now says "read more" and then when you click on it there it is this time. Then click on the image and it will be larger and you can print. On my computer you can double click to make it even larger if you want to. That should work!!  XX my fingers.

I am working on a website as well. This probably will take some time. I project to start having it available with patterns after I return from Washington DC, around 2nd week of April or soish. Dates are set yet but I have a business conference to attend as well as going through Williamburg on the way back for a day or two.

So, later when I finish Spring's Promise sampler I will post a pretty picture of it. This one will be for sale on my new website and local. More info coming ahead.

 Onward to some more little things to do, letting my breakfast settle and then a yoga session in my studio. I'm in love with yoga and its benefits and hope to stay that way!!!!! Helps the mind and body.
Till then,
Jennifer

The Spring fever giveaway, going once....going twice......

If anyone knows Phyllis from Fla personally please let her know she won a great giveaway. I hope she is ok. I try to give enough time in case of no internet access, out of town, etc but after 5 or 6 days, I will have to do the random thingamajig again.

 I've gone through my emails again tonight and on the blog with  no response from her so if I don't get a response by Sunday morning, I will be picking another winner as I will not know where to snail mail her prizes!

Today was a full day of work and then welcomed home with a roaring, warm fire in the fireplace, pizza in the oven, and a yoga mat waiting for a session! I'm so exciting to find something so relaxing and mind-soothing as yoga and it's stretching muscles and toning up as well too. My beautiful pool-blue mat came in the mail last week and with a jumbo yoga ball and lessons from online, books, etc. I'm trying to devote at least 30 minutes a day and 45 minutes on days off during the week. I used to think yoga was a bit hokey but it's GREAT and definitely not hokey! And it's always something new to learn about it. I didn't realize the complexity of the poses and reasoning until I started practicing.

Interestingly enough, I was reading tonight online about Walter Reed Hospital doing a study ongoing now with Yoga and PTSD with soldiers and they are finding very positive results. The article was interesting. The results were so impressive that they compare with medications, so this is a great learning experience for me and also I can share this with others in my career as well.

There is a 100% chance of rain here tomorrow and it has turned cold again so I plan to work on some sewing projects and organize my stash a bit before starting a new sampler. I really don't know what will pull at my heart next though but for sure an inside, cozy by the fire weekend. ;)

I'm working on designing a Dutch sampler, inspired by no other than the Dalenberg family!
More on that later. I actually started this design several months ago and tweaking it a bit. So if you like Dutch samplers, stay-tuned. I'm using overdyed threads on this one.

Peace.

To Drop in for important info for bloggers and Facebook fans

It's Wed night and quite a long day too. I have been doing much better at sleeping except for tonight so just wanted to let readers know that there is a Russian computer virus that is random out now, striking computers and there is no fix for it. It destroyed my laptop and the contents. It's a bogus that originates in Russia according to the computer guy and even the best virus protection programs will not protect from this virus. There is no rhyme or reason why it strikes (of course it had to be mine) but when it does you computer will freeze and go bright pink listing 230 serious virus attacks and it literally goes nuts. Then it constantly shows a 79.00 program to fix it. Thank goodness, I didn't cave to do that. I showed Body Guard and he was astounded at how many serious viruses it was listing. We took it to the computer guy and he immediately knew it a new Russian virus that is striking computers randomly and no virus protection program can protect from it. The companies are not spreading this word. There is really nothing you can do if it happens.

If you buy the bogus program that keeps popping up (and believe me with 230 serious virus's you're tempted strongly) then the hacker wipes out your credit card limit and because it originates from Russia, NONE is refundable.

One lady in front of us had the same problem but bought the program and was out 5000.00.
I was so thankful I didn't get it.
I highly encourage backing up data. I think I have lost all pics over the past 7 years, all my design patterns, and documents. It sickened me.

He  is trying to work on a backup disk for some of the data but can't guarantee it can be retrieved because this virus is the most serious. The computer cannot be fixed and it was only 11 months old.
Scarey.

So, I have a new one but no pics on it yet, haven't had any time as work has been quite busy this week.

This pic was one already on the computer and really is a good example of what frenzy I'm in after losing all my information from this major virus. Again, no virus program protects from it. They do associate Facebook use with it.

I had all my mountain pics from the weekend I wanted to put in here and even the disk which was in the computer is messed up right now.

The computer guy is trying his hardest to retrieve at least all the work I did for patterns, documents, free patterns from designers, pics of my kids, puppies, etc. I'm praying he can get at least some of the information but the computer itself can't be used again.

So, I'm learning on this new Acer I have which is actually lighter to carry around.

Hope your week is not as wicked as mine...LOL

Maybe I'll get my "junk in the trunk" together soon.

Praying for all computer friends safety,

Jennifer