Well, I’ve actually gotten some really good shoulder news this past week! I had my follow up appointment, and while the repair was “massive” there’s no sign of arthritis in my shoulder and the surgeon feels like I am going to get good results, just give it time.

I even got some pictures to show for it! This is looking down at my shoulder. You’re not supposed to be able to see the bone there– a tendon should be covering it! You can also see shredded stuff. Don’t you think the inside of my shoulder looks pristine, though?

And here we are with some stitching– we can all appreciate stitching, especially a little bit of hand work, right? It’s all tied back together now! I wonder what brand of thread they use?

I’m feeling much better about the situation, but I still having some down moments– feeling sad about getting old, frustration that I need help all the time, can’t be of any help to anyone, all lumped together in a big dose of boredom.

It was hard to stay sad though– meet these little loves, Violet and Vera!

I always, always loved animals, but being a goat keeper was never on my bucket list. It should have been– these are the sweetest little creatures I have ever met– they love people and they wag their tails like little dogs! Just look at those cute little whiskers and that face.

And those cute floppy ears! Then imagine when they come prancing towards you, the ears take flight, like wings! Oh, my goodness– any dark thoughts you might have will just vanish.

They are absolutely the GOATS– Greatest Of All Time! I will be happy to share all their adventures this fall– they are just babies– four and six months old. Will goat embroideries be on the horizon? Only if I can get myself out of the barn– which is hard, because every time we leave them, they cry their hearts out!

I did a little sewing this week– I had to! I had my pre-cut mountain blocks, and I found that if I pinned each seam at sling height, no matter how short, I could then sew with one hand. If you look carefully, you can see my results! 👀

It took me forever, but over the course of the week I got this far.

This is the Elizabeth Hartman Outdoors quilt that was on my bucket list for this year. Her instructions are fantastic. I’m none too pleased with the quality of this fabric, though– it seems pretty coarse and you can even see little slubs in it. Very un-ravel-ish. A good excuse if this effort comes to naught. I’m not going to give myself very high marks for precision, but it feels nice to do SOMETHING.

I gave up on the Mill Hill ornament and started this cute Circus cross stitch I ordered. The ordering has continued, though the progress is near non-existent. There’s no rhyme or reason to anything I pick up right now– I just put a few stitches in, and put it down.

This is from a company called The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery (photo is from their website and is linked) and it’s a monthly series. It’s already in Month Four and there’s no way I will ever catch up. As soon as my stitches get back to normal, I’m going back to Charlie’s Christmas stocking. But don’t blame me for picking up this happy thing. Here’s a week’s progress:

I think my stitch quality is returning! I bought the mini-kit. My circus ticket and everything… so fun! The pretzel is an iron on patch.

I also got the September Sew Sampler Box this week– they hit it out of the park. I think this is the most generous and best box I have ever gotten, and I’ve been subscribed for a long time. I really liked the Birch and Willow fabric by Sherri and Chelsi– they are a mother/daughter team. Three charm packs is very generous for a $35 box if you know what a charm pack is going for these days. So now I don’t have to buy the fat quarter set!

I also like the pattern provided– I have bought finishing kits for the last four months, and I think I’m going to do it again. The box has been a real hit for me since I resubbed. Then we also got long pins which are perfect for the longarm and a cute pumpkin needle minder. And a box of fabric clips worth $23 alone. I’m already using them for my Outdoors quilt– don’t I look so professional and organized!

I’m tired of my Variety puzzle magazine, so I bought this cute 1000 piece puzzle at Hobby Lobby. The day of my follow-up appointment, my DD took me out for a beautiful breakfast and nice little shop. It was my first time out in about 2 weeks!

So that’s about it! One day just turns into the next and I’m trying hard to just do a few minor things to stay engaged each day. Instead of sitting around in jammies all day, I’m trying to at least put my jeans on! Physical therapy starts October 1st– everyday my shoulder has felt a little better, so I’m not too worried about being able to do it.

The chickens are doing well– I’m at the point where I can minimally take care of them again. Our six babies started to lay– how cute are their little eggs! I’m really proud of all our happy animals. They bring me much joy.

Fall is in the air– there’s not going to be any Indian Summer this year. This one maple tree behind the garden is always the first to go. It seems this summer we all had our struggles on the Meadow, but here we are.

Happy Fall, y’all!

xox
Carol