Happy Birthday Nevada!

That's right...Nevada is celebrating 150 years of statehood today!

Happy birthday Nevada!  You're looking good!

NOTICE: CRAFT SHOW SCHEDULE CHANGE

I'm bummed to say that Rachel with 4 All Seasons is not holding her craft show this year at her home.  It is a good show, close to home, and easy work shifts.
I will still be in Logandale, NV (just 45 north of Las Vegas...on the way to Utah) for the Pomegranate Festival that Friday and Saturday, November 7&8.  It's held at the Clark Country Fairgrounds.  I'll have lots of Christmas decor, some Thanksgiving as well as some everyday items.  I hope you'll take the short drive and come enjoy the country for a day.

What a difference a year makes!

Disclaimer:  These knees are not pretty.

I know its not good for a person but I used to eat Tylenol and Advil like it was candy to get through my days.  I tried to not let my knees hold me back from what I wanted to do...and for the most part I think I did a really good job at that.  I still was a super busy person...floral work, craft shows and classes, holiday window painting, camping, ATV riding, BBQ contests, water aerobics, walk Cassy, everyday stuff...the list goes on.  The day I pulled into the Michael's parking lot and didn't get out of the car I knew I'd met my limits.  I just sat in my car and cried...I felt truly defeated.  

A new round of X-rays showed that there was no cartilage left, my knees were bone-on-bone.  No wonder every movement was painful.  

  

 One year ago today I hobbled into the hospital for a double knee replacement.  It had been a 15 year process to get to that point for me.  I have been through years and years of cortisone shots every three months, I tried the gel shots...they worked for about a year to 15 months, and 3 rounds of arthroscopic surgery on my knees.  

I was actually excited for this.  Seriously, kinda weird I know.  Who in the right mind would be excited to have surgery on both knees at the same time?  Me!

I spent 10 days in the hospital and rehab.  I really didn't want to go to rehab but am so glad I did.  It was worth the extra time away from home.  I spent 8 hours a day on the CPM machines, occupational therapy, physical therapy and exercise.  I came home and spent another 3 weeks on the CPM machines for 8 hours a day.  I had a great home care nurse that came everyday and a physical therapist that pushed me.  

This is what they look like today.  

I got clearance to do pretty much whatever I want to do from Dr. Bradford in January.  In May, we went to Moab, Utah for a week of ATV riding and exploring.  I even hiked about 3 miles...a huge deal and success for me!  We spent Labor Day riding and exploring the Paiute Trail from Marysvale, Utah.  What a great time.  

Barbecue contests and catering have been sooo much more enjoyable.  Turn-ins are not something I dread now.  I look forward to doing more very soon.

I just finished up my three largest craft shows and I have to say what a difference a year makes.  It was like comparing day and night in the way that I felt during and when they were complete. 

I feel blessed to be able to have both knees replaced.  It is a life changing event for me. I've had a great support system behind me with my hubby, parents, and friends and family.  I continue to go to my water aerobics class, its so good for me.  We've bought bikes and ride 3-4 nights a week...Cassy has even learned to trot along beside me.  We even look forward to it.  

  

I would recommend having knee replacements for anyone that is considering it.  I also highly recommend my orthopedist, Dr. Michael Bradford.  He's amazing!  

Another Successful Year at Art in the Park

Gosh, I still feel like I'm recovering from Art in the Park.  It was a gorgeous weekend and the crowds came out in droves and were ready to shop. 

We filled our booth with tons of crafts including wreath, posts, blocks and lots of other great handmade items. 

We refilled the booth each morning with new stock and the end of each day it looked like a tornado went through it. 

Big thanks go out to my niece, Samantha who cam out to set up on Friday; to Diane's daughter who spent part of Friday and part of Saturday with us setting up and selling; and to my niece, Amanda who spent Sunday with us selling and tearing down.  Also big thanks to my hubby, Timm; my son Scott and his wife, Christy.  They all tore down Sunday evening and lugged stuff up the hill to the trailer...I owe you guys dinner. 

Samantha and I finished our Friday set up with lunch at the Southwest Diner.  We finished lunch with warm pie with ice cream.  MMMMMMMM

Thanks to all who shopped with us...we appreciate all of you.