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Sunday, July 24, 2011

For the Naggers out there...




My husband Dan works in an office where most of his co-workers are women.  He gets along great with women,  flirts, pulls little pranks, gossips with the best of them and generally they share all of life's up and downs with each other.  One might say he's just one of the gals!  Well, one might say that if one doesn't want one's kitchen finished!    Aw heck, I'll live dangerously and say it anyway!  Today, I am dedicating this post to two of his friends from the office.  Judy and Lynn.  The reason for this dedication you ask?  They get the top ranking for biggest nags when it comes to my blogging and pictures of the kitchen.  Every day Dan comes home from work and says, did you blog today?  Judy and Lynn are wanting more pictures of the kitchen progress.  Every day I've been  responding with no, no blogging today dear.  Just don't feel like it.  Or, no I didn't have time today (a blatant lie, I mean all I can do is sit on my butt right now, so how can I not have time??)  Finally I responded with I'm not going to blog until you have the pantry doors done and you can tell Judy and Lynn that .  I figured this would surely do one of two things.  They would either quit asking Dan about it and in turn he would quit asking me or they would turn their nagging on Dan and start dinging him about getting the pantry doors  done.  It's a win win for me, he works harder so they quit dinging him or they quit dinging him altogether and I wouldn't have to feel guilty for not blogging. Amazingly enough it worked!!  I didn't hear those dreaded "Did you blog today" words come out of his mouth until he got the doors done.  Now I feel I have no choice but to share the progress that has been made in the almost 2 weeks since my last post.  Been a lot going on so sit back, grab a cuppa something and get comfy.

When last I wrote,  Abby had just graduated, we'd had her party and she was preparing to take her boards.  This has been a very stressful couple of weeks for us all.  As Abby's stress level rises so does her snarkiness and we've all been tiptoeing around trying not to set her off.  Hard to do since all you really needed to to was look at her and she'd explode.  The girl has no confidence in herself and her ability to pass the boards.  I know she's smart, but she doesn't.  Well, I am pleased and proud to announce that this past Wednesday she sat for her boards and she passed them with points to spare!!!  Dan and I were both in tears from relief and from being so gosh darn proud of our daughter.  Two years ago this was just a dream on the horizon and now it is a reality.  It's also a reality that x-ray jobs are few and far between so between me, my sister and Dan we convinced Abby to go back to UNO and finish out her bachelors degree.  She's re-enrolled and signed up for classes and hopefully if all goes well and she can get and pass all the classes she needs she will graduate next summer.  I have no doubt that next year we'll be having another graduation party for her.

I was also headed to the Dr. the last time I wrote to get my splint off and my cast on.  I was hoping the cast might be somewhat more comfortable than the splint but it really isn't.  I've been bitching complaining ever since my surgery that my heel hurt and I couldn't figure that out because the portion of the tendon that was bad was quite a ways from the part of my heel that was hurting.  I discovered why when they took the splint off.  The incision went clear down onto my heel!!    Color me stupid because I had no idea it would go that low.  I will put a picture of the incisions before they took the stitches out at the very bottom of this post.  It's a bit gruesome looking and if you are squeamish you might not want to go there.   So that explained the pain which made me feel somewhat better anyway but the darn cast rubs in the same place as the splint did so that is still bothering me quite a bit.  The rest of it feels mostly good unless I do something stupid like slip on my crutches and come down on my right leg.  Which I did.    OUCH!!  I was told I could have any color cast I wanted except yellow.  Of course I had to ask why I couldn't have yellow (not that I wanted yellow but inquiring minds want to know why no yellow cast).  The response?  They were out of yellow.  So I chose pink.  Amy wanted me to choose orange, I didn't think I wanted to look like a construction cone though so I ixnayed that quickly.   My wonderful family have put some very warm and loving sentiments on my cast.   For instance, Amy wrote...



Abby bless her heart drew me a picture.



That would be a Tyrannosaurus Rex and the reason for that drawing is because my wonderful and loving husband says that I'm not really all that short, I just have T-Rex sized arms.  The family finds this hilarious and takes every opportunity to bring that up.  Including hanging a plastic one from my rear view mirror in the car.  They are lucky I wouldn't do well in prison...I'm just saying.

Dan signed my cast this way.

Ahhhhh, that's more like it!  And serve he has.  He's been very good trying to meet all my needs and  I really appreciate it.
  
I started back to work last week on a part time basis.  I have to say, framing whilst standing on one leg...not so fun.  I stand for a bit then sit, then stand, then sit.  By the time I go home my ankle is swollen to the point of pain and I am exhausted.  But it feels good to be back doing what I love.    Thankfully most folks have been very patient and understanding about having to wait for their framing.  

In just 2 more long and drawn out weeks I will get my lovely pink cast removed and then I get a beautiful black walking boot!!    Still won't be able to drive but at least I'll be able to stand on two legs and go shopping walk.  

Do you need to go get another cup of coffee or tea?  I can wait for you.   Hurry up!

I've been stitching some and I'll show you one thing I finished  finished but won't get into the rest of it today since I am sure Lynn and Judy are foaming at the mouth by now.  You didn't really think I was going to hop right into the kitchen stuff did you Judy?

This is Blackbird Designs Thistle House stitched over 2 on Cream 40 count linen using the called for fibers.  This chart can be found in their book A Stitcher's Journey.  I chose this chart knowing exactly what I wanted to do with it.  It was perfect for these sweet little Treasure Boxes we have in the shop.  I love how it turned out!



Okay, I best talk about the kitchen now before the girls completely stroke out.  Quite a lot of progress has been made.  The cupboards doors that were not done in the last picture I posted are done and hung.  The counters are finished.  The new sink and faucet is installed and the pantry doors are now finished.  Dan is currently working on the back splash.  No pictures of that yet.






Can I just say how much I love my new pantry?  It holds so much more than the old one and you can find what you want without digging through everything!  Best thing we did.  And to think Dan didn't think it was necessary!

I've been thinking hard about accessories, I ordered some fabric for curtains, but it will be a while before I can sew them and I don't know anyone that sews stuff like that.  I can't wait till I can get out there and look for some of the things I want.

Dan and I are having an ongoing conversation regarding an island.  He wants one.  BAD.  I don't think we truly have enough space for one.  If we custom build one and make it a skimpy 15 inches wide, that leaves us with only 32 inches of aisle space on either side.  Doable maybe if I were a skinny minnie  but even when I am able to exercise once again and hopefully can lose all the weight I have packed on in the last 3 years, I still won't be a skinny minnie.  But he really really wants one for some reason so we are still discussing it.

Finally, here's the picture of my leg with stitches.


Kinda gross right?  Now you know why Amy called me Frankenstein.  Luckily I have always healed up pretty good and generally don't scar much.  Let's hope that holds true.

That's it for today folks. I'm all out of interesting things to say .  I hope you enjoyed today's blog and as always, I love comments and questions.  Thanks for stopping by and take care till next time!!!

Julie  

22 comments:

Deb said...

Love how you used your cupboard doors as bait to get you to post again! I think that your kitchen looks fabulous. You've got the same configuration as mine and I really need to show this to my husband. Although maybe not. He's the biggest procrastinator in the world and I wouldn't be able to cook for years (hmmm, now there's a thought - LOL). But you kitchen looks wonderful. I'm in love with that facet - in fact I have a picture of almost the exact same one in my Wish file.

So does your stitching. Love that piece in the Treasurers box - I think it came out perfect.

And oh goodness on the leg. It does look a little like Frankenstein. But even if you're left with some scaring, at least your leg will be better.

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

Kudos to Judy and Lynn and thanks for showing the kitchen. It is VERY similar to the one we just had put in just last Nov. I love the colour and find the kitchen my new fav room. lol.
Nice to see that you are able to be back in the framing of things too.
Be always in stitches.

Unknown said...

I continue to envy you the kitchen (but not to the point of planning to redo ours).

I had a truly outrageous thought while looking at the stitches: You'd better NOT "cross that leg" girl, for quite a while!

Sarah Beth said...

What a smart way to get more done on your kitchen. It really looks nice. Sorry about your poor leg. It really looks ouchy. Hope you feel better soon. Love the treasure box. If I wanted to get one done with my stitching could you tell me how much it would be and where to send it.

Sherry :o) said...

Your kitchen looks marvelous! I long to remodel mine, but time and $$ hold us back - there are other things in line first...

Love your treasure box and the BBD. I looked at that when I just recently bought the book!

Hope your leg heals soon. I have a scar on my back about the length of your bottom incision from surgery in April - still is itching me a bit. But it was worth it...without the surgery life would be very different for me today.

Mouse said...

love your thoughts on how to get stuff done hehehehe and wow you do have a lovely scar ... and love your stitching from the stitcher's journey.. take care and don't over do it will you :) love mouse xxxx

marly said...

That's the nicest pantry I've seen! Your kitchen looks fabulous.

mdgtjulie said...

Oh, my goodness, what an update. Things have been super busy at your house! Glad to hear Dan is "just one of the gals," lol. Bet he's happy to hear that too!!! I'm glad the naggers worked out for you though. Congrats to Abby on passing her boards!!! That deserves a celebration! Besides, you can never graduate too many times!! Sorry the cast isn't comfy for you either. But uninformed doesn't mean stupid. (I don't like it when people I know are smart call themselves stupid. It generally pisses me off, lol.) Love the entries on your cast though, and lol at the T-rex thing. Funny!! Glad you are able to work some. It makes us feel good to be useful! Grats on the finish, and I love how you made it round to fit the Treasure Box. Great job! The kitchen looks great. I love the pantry, and I assume those shelves slide out so you can root around without moving everything in the front. Great job to Dan! The kitchen looks fab, and I agree with you on the island. Maybe you could have a vote on your blog to settle it?!? I don't think your leg looks bad at all. Of course, I've seen my mom's multiple stitches, so it's nothing I haven't seen before. Hope you heal up quickly and get back on your feet!!

Catherine said...

Oh my! Where to start?!? You had me laughing about the whole nagging issue! Loved your solution! Your kitchen looks fabulous - love, love, love the pantry!!

Ouch! I can only imagine how the cast feels against your incisions! Don't push yourself too hard - rest is the key to a quick recovery!

I love your BBD Thistle House finish! Very sweet!!

Have a wonderful week!

barbara said...

Your leg is nearly enough to make me faint. Oh my heavens.

But your kitchen ... I LOVE your kitchen. I have actually got very serious kitchen envy and would copy your kitchen if I could. I really, really love it!

Susan said...

The kitchen is beautiful! Your stitching is beautiful too! Your leg? Not so much, but glad it's getting better.

Gabi said...

Oh gosh, that leg must be painful. Hopefully you'll get better soon.
Had to laugh how you used the kitchen doors to get your kitchen further done. What was a great idea. Love the look of your new kitchen.
Love also your stitching. That box is simply gorgeous. Congrats on that fabulous finish.

Peg said...

I think that you should teach that doctor how to stitch!

Your kitchen is beautiful.. Way to go Dan!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

Congratulations to your daughter! And may her return to school for her batchelor's degree go well :)
Your finished box....is stunning! Your kitchen is glorious - love your backsplash have one just like it in my kitchen. And your leg is...gross! (ha ha) but it will feel better when it quits hurting....that quote is from my dear grandfather who always told us that when we had a boo boo.
Hugs!

Nancy said...

What a great post! Glad your kitchen is coming along so nice...I have kitchen envy, your pantry is great! Congrats to your daughter on passing the boards!! The treasure box is beautiful, perfect design for it! Like that pink cast, hope the heel stops bothering you so much...you will be so glad to know that walking in a boot is very doable, here's hoping you are on to the boot stage soon!

Joyce said...

Wow, Dan did a wonderful job with the kitchen and I now have pantry envy..Sorry about the ugly stitches and I do hope that you heal well and you will be able to shop till you drop....Love your blog..

Meari said...

That pantry is AWESOME!!! The rest of your kitchen turned out beautifully.

Congrats on your finish. It's adorable.

Ewww... your stitches gave me the willies. Glad you're healing up and I hope you don't get too much scarring.

Mary said...

Well we certainly got our money's worth from your post this time !!! Congratulations to your DD - isn't it wonderful to see them do so well ?? Loved your latest BBD finish. Your kitchen is looking great - well worth the wait, I am sure.
Finally, to your leg - OMGoodness!! no wonder you were uncomfortable. I hope it all heals well and quickly.
Best wishes.
Mary

Cari said...

Your kitchen remodel is FABULOUS... I love all of your choices. It's such a mess to do but certainly worth it. I love your BBD stitch too...good job. You wounds appear to be healing nicely...OUCH. Hang in there and take good care of yourself. Hugs

cindy said...

So glad to hear your doing better :D...love your posts!

Kate said...

Good luck with your recovery. The kitchen is looking good. Beautiful stitching

Siobhán said...

Your kitchen looks great! I LOVE the pressed tin or whatever you call those thingies--the tiles. LOVE. I so wanted them in our kitchen but no luck. Love the BBD finish, too!

Congratulations to Abby! I had to laugh at your description of her anxiety, in a misery-loves-company sort of way. My DD is the same. This is her last year of college coming up and I am dreading it like you wouldn't believe, just because of the stress levels she'll cause with her anxiety.

I skipped over the foot pic but hope that you're healing well!