Not a happy camper.......

I am still not home.  The surgery seems to have gone well.  I am walking around better now than before surgery.  My troubles all stem from drug reactions.  Three bad reactions so far.  Fear of infection has the doctor about to try yet another drug.  Oh gee, what reaction to look for next.  If the signs of infection diminish and no new reactions or issues come up, then maybe I will get back home.  

I have looked at the small stitching project but I haven't done much with it.  Today I slept most of the day away.  Thank you to all that have sent well wishes, emails, messages, etc.  Remaining grounded in the real world is a challenge from a hospital bed.  

Let the recovery begin.........

Total knee surgery happened one week ago. That went well by all accounts.  However I have had several bad reactions to various drugs. No head to then burning rash is a constant reminder of the ordeal.  So more drugs to fix the other drugs.  Hopefully we have that straightened out.  Big debate as to when I go home.  Today or tomorrow.  Soon.  I have some stitching with me but not much progress on that front.  The good news is that I feel like I am back among the living.  

Passed inspections!

Yes, the camp has passed all inspections.  I am happy, happy, happy.  This has been a dream come true.  

But first, surgery on my knee.  Knee replacement surgery in about three hours.  This has a long time coming.  I am looking forward to being able to get up and walk, maybe dance my way to camp to spend precious time watching the river flow by.  I will get back on line as soon as I can.  Ta Ta for now.

It just gets better......

My brother was in town for the last few days.  I love spending time with him.  He was all over seeing camp and checking everything out. I made it in on Monday morning and then I suffered with knee pain.  So I had to ice and elevate.  Thankfully my brother took a lot of photos and a few videos.

Inside and outside are being cleaned up and finished.  It really is amazing.

Remember that the cabinets have wood from the front porch and the counters were made from the barn beams that held up the old cabin.

I wish I could share the videos. one was taken from the front porch and shows the big chunks of ice flowing down the river.  Yes, winter has arrived and it is bitter cold now.  

Oh My! Oh My! I love it!

This morning I went to camp with my mother in law.  We made it in just as the cabinet people were finishing up the counter tops.  It is amazing.  I am so happy with it all.

The stair rail is done also.

The front porch has cables now for the deck.  Screening will be next and a front door.  

Even the bathroom has reclaimed lumber cabinets.

It is all coming together.

Coloring books

Does anyone else color?  I have been coloring in the evening.  It is fun.  It certainly kills time as well as computer games.  Very zen. My days are hectic lately.  Doctors, hospitals, rehab, builder, insurance companies and life in general.  I spent most of yesterday on the phone.  Today I have a scheduled phone call, lunch with family and then, and then, I go to camp to start a punch list.  We are that close.  I should have lots of photos to share tomorrow.  

This first one was done with colored pencils........

The next was done with markers.

Marked my calendar .......

Surgery is a go!  Total knee replacement is scheduled.  I have been hearing about this for twenty years.  Finally it is time to just do it.  It was good to get the news today.  This evening I did some coloring.  I was lost to the world for about an hour while I did the following.

Snow has arrived again.  It was only a few inches but I am happy to report that the new snowplow guy did a much better job this time.  It looks pretty.  Temperatures have fallen and winter is here.  Camp is coming right along and I hope to get back there soon.  With my knee, I am limiting my visits for now.  

Is anyone else addicted to colors?

Old verses New

I have been asked what the old wood at camp looked like.  So I did some digging and my brother found this photo.  The wood was on the back wall of the front porch of the old camp.

Now it is giving beauty to the new kitchen.  Very cool to see.

I am so very thrilled with the project and now it may be declared done very, very soon.

Special Sparkle

I have been busy with the afghan lately. Yesterday I started working on the sparkle garland on the tree. Done with just a cross stitch, it appeared sparse to me.  Too thin to my eye.  So I changed and did an Algerian eye stitch and I am much happier with it.  

I wish the sparkle showed up better.

Jumping With Joy

Look what I found when I visited camp this morning.  The kitchen cabinets are being constructed from reclaimed wood from the old cabin.  Oh My Gosh!  I am thrilled.  It is more and more difficult for me to get into camp because of slippery conditions and my bum knee.  So I won't go visit alone.  My son went with me today.

I am over the top happy with the progress.  The deck for the porch is also finished.  They have it covered up to protect it so I didn't see much.  Progress!  

This week was strange.  I still do not have approval for the surgery.  I hope that comes through this week.  Plans are being decided on and made.  In between all the phone calls, I have been doing a bit of stitching.  I am beginning to wonder what to take with me to work on while I recover........

Insurance Woes

Hi all.....  It has been a stressful week.  For weeks now I have been planning a total knee replacement soon.  Insurance has proven to be a challenge.  (Are they always this unreasonable?). As of tonight, I have coverage but they are thinking about the surgery.  It is coming up fast so I hope they decide soon. Then there are all the questions about what has to be done before, what needs help during the session and recovery where, with whom and how.  It is all a bit overwhelming.  Stitching has been on a back burner.  Camp is all but forgotten.  On a good note, we have rain and warm temperatures over the weekend so maybe I can get in there early next week.  I need to take a deep breath and chill. More photos soon.  

Christmas Quilt

Today I received a quilt from my sister.  This is her first quilt!  Isn't it pretty?  This will be the first quilt for camp.  I just had to share!  Thank you so much Betty Ann. 

Brrrr it is COLD!

Winter has arrived. Bitter cold temperatures are here.  Dress warm for any trips outside.  I am feeling better.  The knee likes not moving around too much.  So I am all about stitching a bit, doing stuff for a bit and then back to my chair.  I did make some progress on the Christmas tree. I also ordered the Krienik floss I need for the garland on the tree.  If I pushed, I might have the bulk of the tree done soon.  Oh look!  It is a Christmas tree!

Quiet Sunday

I am trying to rest my knee and so far it is working.  The weatherman tells me that cold, cold, cold is coming.  We have had such a mild winter that cold seems mighty harsh to me.  I am absolutely amazed that camp has happened this year.  I will pick out another photo to share.

Today I found and fitted some crutches for late night and early morning.  At those times, my knee totally will not work.  I think this will help.  Plus I can practice for what is to come.  Today I had a great chat with my sister in law.  I am smiling and feel more confident after our chat.  

My knee needs a day off

I was forced to slow down today.  Total knee replacement is scheduled for later this month.  Meanwhile it hurts, swells and makes walking difficult.  Three days of doing stuff included ice and snow removal, Christmas packing up and set out in the garage and a trip to camp with snow and uneven ground.  Last night was difficult.  So, today I stitched.  Progress is being made on the afghan. I am working on the Christmas tree. 

I also received a delivery.  A full set of Lokscroll bars.  I have been in love with scroll bars for many, many years.  Over the years, the HandiClamps were no longer holding tight enough.  A new set didn't seem to help much.  So I will try these.  Of course that meant that I had to set up something new to stitch.  *evil chuckle*. Has anyone else tried using these?  I would love to hear from you.

 

Oh and winter is arriving, finally.  I swear that the COLD is creeping in through the the walls.  So a nice fire is helping to keep me company while I stitch. I hope all my fans stay warm as well.

Light Fixtures

I stopped by camp today.  Walking in was dangerous.  Ice and snow were causing trouble.  What a surprise to see the light fixtures. Spot lights and lanterns outside and the lights and ceiling fan inside.

The main room lights look good but two are in the wrong spots.  

The loft is so cool.  I only ventured half way up the stairs.  Chicken me.  

I celebrate with glee each and every step toward completion.