Outdoor Living in Texas

I started this blog at the urging of a friend and because I thought I had a lot to say.  Judging from the frequency of my updates I didn't have as much to say as I thought.  I guess I have just been too busy living the good retired life. 

Spring comes early to Texas.  It is mid April and has been in the eighties and nineties for a few weeks.  And the weather reports refer to that as being "warm".  My Northeast friends will laugh at that!  We have been busy since November with our big pool remodel.  After 20 years and one poor re-plastering job it was looking pretty bad as you can see below.  And I hated the pebble deck finish since it made my feet itch.

We drained the pool and spa, had them re-plastered and re-tiled, and did a spray concrete overlay on the entire decking.  We also had a slab poured for an outdoor room.  Here is what it looked like in progress.

The finished product is like having a whole new backyard!  We've all enjoyed the new pool and spa already, but this time of year the spa is still the way to go.  We got in the pool this week but the water was only 74 and that is really cold to us now that we are used to heat. 

Except for the shingles on the outdoor room and one day of help from James and Grant, Rich constructed the whole thing by himself.  It was hard to watch him on the high ladders and see the pulley he rigged to get the plywood and beadboard onto the roof.  Not sure how he managed but was thankful he decided not to do the shingles.  Ten minutes into the job while we were having lunch we heard a "rolling" sound, a thud, and a yell.  One of the two roofers rolled down the roof and landed on his feet on the concrete.  Luckily he was OK and was able to finish the job.  I just looked at Rich and said "that would've been you!!" and he agreed.

We bought some "wicker"outdoor furniture and moved in the table and chairs.  We had a footer poured in the back right corner for a fireplace that we will probably add some day.   We also bought the biggest grill I have ever seen in Costco one day.  It has 8 burners, a sear grill, a griddle, an oven and ice chest.  We were thinking of building counters with an inset grill but liked this better.  If we ever decide to move we have the option of taking it with us.

We've also been doing some gardening since we have the time.  I thought I could do more but when I mentioned to my knee surgeon that I was trying to perfect kneeling so I could garden he about had a panic attack.  Apparently kneeling is not something I should ever be doing.  I was disappointed but it is really more fun to sit on my stool and tell Rich what I wanted done.  He might not agree!  He put a garden on two sides of the new outdoor room.  We added roses, salvia, ferns and elephant ears (not sure if those bulbs will grow).  This year I planted vegetables in my 2 large pots instead of flowers.  I can do that myself!

The front gardens were in desperate need of weeding some TLC and new mulch.  I have a few perennials which seem to be doing pretty well.  We've planted zinnias but need some more annuals.  It's still a work in progress but at least we shouldn't get "weed" letters from our HOA this year!  I am not sure what the yellow "mystery plant" is.  I planted it years ago, it is large with fuzzy leaves and gets these weird flowers every year.  If anyone can identify it I would be indebted!

Well, not very exciting, but at least you will all know I am still alive and well.  Hopefully I will have more exciting things to write about in a the future. 

Crafting

Now that I am retired from Michaels (after 18 years!) I have a lot more time to craft.  One of my favorite things to make has been jewelry.  Since I no longer work I hardly ever wear jewelry anymore but once in a while I get the bug to make something.  Here are two pairs of earrings I made with various beads and sterling silver wire that I bent into earwires. 

This funky necklace was made from charms purchased at Michaels (can't remember the name of the collection), chain and silk ribbon.  I get lots of comments when I wear it because it is so unusual.

I took a class last year to make a chain maille bracelet.  It was quite simple and a lot of fun.  I found a YouTube video made by some bizaare guy with the instructions for the pattern used in this necklace.  Chain maille is basically just putting a lot of jump rings together in specific patterns.  This pattern is "4 in 1" and used over 300 rings.  I just purchased more jump rings in the chain maille section of Michaels - didn't know they had one!  Can't wait to make more.

Another favorite pasttime is painting.  This time I tried painting a canvas from a picture of where we stayed while in Kauai last year.  It is a little primitive but was fun to paint.

This little telephone table was unfinished when I started.  I painted it using acrylic paints then decoupaged scrapbook paper on the flat table surfaces.  For a little bling I added some beaded trim.  I love using items I have on hand rather than buying specific items for a project.  It's a challenge searching through my vast craft room for just the right supplies.  I keep it in front of a low window with a plant on top.

This unfinished wooden shaker box was something I had in my closet for quite a number of years.  I knew I wanted to decoupage it for use in the kitchen but just couldn't find the right paper.  One day while in my pantry I pulled out a package of $1 (for 6) paper placemats that I had also purchased at Michaels a while ago.  It was perfect for my box.  I keep it on my kitchen counter to hold bread items. 

I made another trip to Michaels yesterday for more jewelry supplies.  Rich and I belong to an antique Ford car club and I want to make a necklace to wear with an Edsel theme to match our car.  I also got a new seed catalog in the mail yesterday wth fabulous pictures that will be perfect for decoupage.  I am sure if I look in my closet I will find just the right item to use as a base.  If not, I will be back to Michaels. 

Doctor All Clear, Homemade Pizza & Car Group

I remember way back in December making my 6 week post op knee replacememt appointment.  It seemed so far off as did the actual surgery.  Well today was the big day.  I am now cleared to drive but haven't tried it yet.  Maybe tomorrow.  I no longer have to wear support hose round the clock.  Rich is also celebrating that one since he's the one who had to change them for me every day.  They were so tight I couldn't get them on myself.  The high dose of aspirin can be stopped.  Yeah for that!  I have been nauseous almost every day since the day I started taking it the first day I was home from the hospital.  I have lost 10 lbs though which is a good benefit.  I can lose the cane whenever I feel comfortable doing so.  Although it was suggested I use it in crowded places to ward off people who might knock into me.  Home or outside therapy is no longer needed since my range of motion is excellent.  I can bend the new knee much farther than I could the old one.  Still have a little pain and swelling but that could last for a few more weeks.  I take a walk on my cul-de-sac every day and will now start going a little farther every day.  On the way home from the doctor we did some grocery shopping with no scooter.  It was the first time I had walked the store since December and it felt great - makes me know I am finally getting back to normal.  As frightening as the thought of surgery was I am so glad I had it.  Now that the weather is getting nicer I will certainly enjoy getting out and not having constant pain.  I might even be able to do some much needed gardening. 

Now for the pizza part.  Ever since I retired I have wanted to try my hand at homemade pizza.  For some reason I decided tonight was the night.  Rich and I have always loved the Garlic Shrimp Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen so I thought I would try my hand at that.  I used a box of Hot Roll mix that I luckily had in the pantry since I was out of flour.  It made enough for 2 huge pizzas (will save one for another day).  I found the rest of the recipe on Prairie Woman.com.  For some reason if you go to her website and search for it you won't find it (but it is a great website anyway).  But if you search for garlic shrimp pizza recipes on Google it will pull it up.  There is no sauce on this pizza - just a base of olive oil and butter in which you saute 6-8 cloves of garlic.  I also added onions but I add them to everything we eat.  You spread that over the rolled out dough then sprinkle with chopped cooked shrimp.  Cover with mozarella and parmesan cheese and bake.  It turned out soooo good and we both thought it was better than CAPK.  Can't wait to make some more. 

This past Sunday we went to a meeting of the Special Interest Antique Fords Club.  Rich joined last month but I was in no shape to leave the house at that point.  We met the group in Arlington, TX and caravaned to Waxahachi TX about 30 miles away.  There were about 15 antique cars in the line.  We didn't bring the Edsel since it is not ready for such a long drive but I did have my orange Edge.  We met for a group lunch and meeting.  It was a great group of people and we have met some nice new friends.  It turns out one couple lives just a few blocks from us and we became fast friends that we will see again.   Next time that the meeting is closer we will bring the Edsel. 

 

Four Weeks Post Op

I can't believe its been four weeks since my knee replacement.  Some days I feel like I have not made any progress since my last post but that's not really true.  In the last two weeks I have learned to drive a motorized cart at Tom Thumb.  I've done that 3 times and it really is kind of fun.  I was very proud of myself the first time that all displays were still standing when I left.  I've gotten so good at it I think I am probably ready to tackle Walmart.  One week ago the therapist had me try out my cane.  Not a natural act since my first instinct was to hold it in my right hand, the same side as my operated on knee.  No, you must use it on the opposite side.  I have gotten so good at that now too that I rarely use the walker.  Only to go outside for a walk.  And yes, I have made numerous trips to the mailbox and a couple a few houses down the street and back.  I think I may be ready to go to the mailbox with the cane this week.  Yahoo!  I have cooked a few meals in the last few weeks and even folded and put away laundry tonight.  I don't want to push things too far though.  I really am enjoying being waited on and having Rich clean up after all meals.  Not sure how long I can get away with that!

On the downside I am having sleeping issues.  I just can't seem to get comfortable in the recliner or in the bed..  I might have splept a total of 2 hours in the last 2 nights.  I have tried Tylenol PM and painkillers before bed but nothing seems to help.  I have quite a few meditation Podcasts on my IPhone that I will listen to.  Once in a while that will work but not the last 2 nights.  I also have white noise apps but the best one is the ocean sound and you all have to know what reaction I get with that!

During the day I get extremely bored.  Daytime TV is not great but I watch it all day anyway just for the company.  Sad that I know the lineup without looking at a guide.  I had a good knitting project but finished it and really don't need anything else.  I got addicted to the Angry Birds game but have reached the end of the line.  The developers need to add more levels.  I managed to walk around Michaels today looking for a new project but sadly left empty handed.  When my therapist comes tomorrow I will strongly suggest he show me how to climb stairs.  I have a fabulous craft room with any supply imaginable just waiting for me.  So close and yet so far!  That sure would occupy my time. 

Two more weeks before my doctor's post op appointment.  I am sure by then I will even better and am hoping he will clear me to drive.  I am anxious to get back to normal - well better than normal since normal involved a lot of knee pain.  We made arrangements for our 40th anniversary trip this spring - Palm Springs, California.  I have always wanted to go there and have something to really look forward to.  I envision Rich being the one sitting on the bench while I shop til I drop!

Two Weeks Post Op

I find it hard to believe the surgery I dreaded for months was two weeks ago!  Sure it hurts and I have good days and bad days, but that is to be expected with any surgery.  For the most part it has been a very positive experience.  I am still sleeping in a recliner at night but at least I am getting a good night's sleep.  Yesterday I was able to get out of it by myself - progress!  Physical theapy comes 3 times a week.  I have to continue the exercises on the days when Joe is not here.  My walking is getting better and better and have I been able to take a few steps without the walker (or pusher as the grandkids call it).  I think next week I will graduate to a cane.  The pain I do have is nothing like what I had prior to surgery.  And I know at some point soon that too will be gone.  That proves that I made the right decision.

On a lighter side - keeping myself occupied during recuperation is a challenge.  Daytime TV really needs some help.  I do have some favorites - The View and The Talk.  There are a few good shows on HGTV but lately they have all been repeats.  I find myself on Facebook way too often but it is a form of amusement.  I downloaded 2 new games to my iPad - Angry Birds and some bubble popping game.  Have any of you tried Angry Birds?  It doesn't take long before I am one of those angry birds - the game is really hard.  I started reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest.  I loved the first two books so I know I will like this one.  I just have a hard time with attention span right now.  I also have a knitting project.  If our cold damp weather would ever clear up I could get outside a little more.  I am itching to get upstairs to my craft room but haven't gotten to learn stair climbing yet.  Maybe in a week or two.

A New Year - A New Knee - A New Me!

Happy New Year to me! I had my much needed knee replacement surgery on January 3rd.  I worried about it for quite a while but the week between Christmas and New Years I was pretty much a basket case.  I tried not to show it but I spent a lot of time finding hiding spots where I could have a good cry by myself.  It's wasn't like I had any choice since my knee hurt so bad I cried all the time anyway, but I was scared.  Surprisingly the night before surgery I was at ease and had a good night's sleep. 

The big day!  I was at the hospital at 7:45 with surgery scheduled for 9:15.  If I thought I was nervous before that did not compare to that day.  Thankfully they finally gave me some good drugs and wheeled me into surgery.  The last thing I remember was being moved from the bed to the operating table - then nighty night.  About 90 minutes later I remember the nurses yelling (?) at me to wake up.  I don't even remember the ride to my room but somehow that's where I awoke.  Since my greatest fear was dying on the table waking up was quite a relief.  Of course Rich was there and later I remember my minister visiting.  I remained in bed all day and slept pretty good until they started waking me at 12:00, 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 for various forms of torture. 

The hospital was like being at a resort.  It is a small doctor-owned hospital (affiliated with a larger hospital) in my town.  It has been enlarged recently to 18 beds.  It's absolutely beautiful - all private rooms, beautiful decor, hardwood floors and the best staff ever.  They don't have a kitchen yet so they give you a menu from a local cafe to place your order.  Rich was allowed to also order one meal a day. 

The day after surgery I was made to get up.  The first outing was just a few feet with my walker to get into a chair.  Later I was encouraged to leave the room and actually made it halfway down the hallway.  That evening Jenn, James and the 5 kids came to visit.  A great way to lift your spirits.  They were very well behaved and so interested in everything.  Loved watching the nurse change the bloody drain (what 4 year old wouldn't be impressed with that) and were very impressed that I didn't cry when getting a shot.  They all left with rubber glove balloons courtesy of Pop Pop.  All the staff loved it. 

With mixed feelings I left the hospital on day 4.  It was great to be home but I did miss the country club and all their care.  That was last Thursday.  The visiting nurse and the home therapist came on Friday.  I am doing pretty good - no more pain meds.  Was not able to sleep in bed but do pretty well in recliner.  I actually felt up to going to church on Saturday night.  The was the best night.  Things have gone a little downhill since then.  I am on an aspirin regimen that doesn't seem to agree with my stomach.  Despite having no appetite of course there has been no weight loss.  Therapy has been hard.  Since my visit on Monday I have been really sore.  Today my leg is more swollen than ever and I can barely bend it.  I can still walk though, luckily.  Can't wait for him to come again tomorrow. 

All in all I think I am really doing really well.  I know there will be setbacks.  But every day should get better.   Rich has been a great help and my dog follows every step I take. 

Christmas and New Years

While taking the risk of sounding like everyone else, I can't believe Christmas and New Years have come and gone so fast!  My mother always said that the older you get the faster time goes.  She is right!  I love Christmas - the shopping, the baking, making the big Christmas dinner but my favorite part is watching everyone open the gifts I so carefully picked out for them.  Of course I love opening my gifts too but its the giving that gives me the most pleasure.  Since I discovered the web sites that sell one item a day at a great price I now start my "shopping" in January.  I love seeing something that I know will be perfect for someone and having it just a few days later.  I must admit though that I have to keep a list throughout the year so I remember what I have purchased and where it is.  Luckily now "there is an app for that"! 

This year since I retired I had the time to make quite a few presents for the family.  For mom I created a hard-cover book via picaboo.com using pictures that she had taken with her digital camera.  At 90 years old her even having a digital camera is quite a feat.  I think she looks at the book daily and is always ready to show it to her friends.  Cindy and Jennifer got "endless scarves" that I knit.  Each of the kids got a knitted scarf.  Gabbie wore hers most of Christmas day.  My big project of the year was to make the 4 older kids block puzzles like I remembered having as a child.  Each one was personalized with pictures of themselves and one picture of something they are interested in.  When I told Rich what I was making he looked at me like I was nuts.  Midway through the project I realized why!  For some reason I thought each puzzle would require 4 pictures.  Not so - each one required 6 pictures - sized exactly to fit the 9 wooden blocks.  First I purchased (36) 1.5" wooden blocks, then painted each set of 9 a different color.  I had to find and size 6 pictures for each of the 4 kids.  Since they needed to be varnished I could not use my home printer, but had to send them to Kinkos to be printed on a laser printer.  Once I received them, each picture had to be cut into 9 squares which were then glued to each block.  Figuring out how to do that was quite the engineering feat.  Each block got 2 coats of varnish.  To finish I printed a sheet showing all 6 pictures for each child so they knew what their puzzles should look like.  Let's see - that was a total of 24 pictures each cut into 9 pieces for a total of 216 individual pieces.  Next time I think of something like that I will run it by Rich first for his opinion!  I think in my last posting I said I would show pictures of the items I had made.  I forgot to do that!

We had a great Christmas.  Cindy and Daphne were here on Christmas Eve and had a great visit.  Cindy went to the candlelight service at our church with us then went back home to Dallas.  Rich, my mom and I had our Christmas early the next morning.  Everything was then cleaned up in preparation for the next shift with Jenn, James and the kids.  That's the fun part!  There is nothing like watching 5 kids open presents.  The yearly prime rib and Yorkshire Pudding dinner followed. 

New Years is now a quiet celebration between Rich and I.  We went to the movies and dinner and then came home to play cards to try to keep us awake until midnight.  Unfortunately for the first time our local station did not broadcast live from New York.  I am still bitter about missing out on that this year.  The downside to the new year for me is the anticipation of knee replacement surgery on Monday, Jan. 3.  On one hand I can't wait to have it over with and eventually be free of the constant pain.  On the other hand I am scared to death about the surgery and the aftermath of being bedridden for a day and the recupperation.  Knowing how much I hate exercise I can just imagine what the physical therapist will think of me.  Pity the pool soul!  But please pray for me.  

I hope all my friends and family had a great Christmas.  Wishing you the best year ever!