I'm 24 days post surgery today, it feels much longer than that really.  It's the last day for my blood thinner injections...yay!  My home health care nurse discharged me this morning and my therapist will do the same this afternoon. Both are really pleased with my progress.
I went to my primary care doctor's visit Wednesday.  She was happy with everything.  I was most happy with the scale this time around....I know, I think that's a first.  Anywho, I'm down 15 pounds since my last visit a month ago.  I wish I could say it was intentional but it's not.  Please Lord, help me keep the weight off.  It will be in my best interest for sure.  I've not been very hungry and I'd like to keep it that way.
I start outpatient therapy next Wednesday, so until then I will continue with what my therapist has had me doing.  I hope they will be pleased but still really push to get better results.
Preferred Home Care came to pick up the CPM machine on Wednesday.  It was kind of bittersweet.  I got up to 112 degrees of bending on it, and I can't get there myself.  I know it's almost impossible to do it, but I really didn't mind staying on the machine for hours and hours a day because I knew I wasn't forming scar tissue that would interfere with movement.
I'm feeling kinda weird that people won't be coming to check on me...but I"m sure its a good thing because they wouldn't release me if I wasn't ready.  There's still a long way to go.
I'd like to thank Connie, Vanessa, and Leanne for all your support.  I really appreciate you all and the work you do.

A great show and new knees

What a whirlwind the last 2 1/2 weeks have been.  October 16 I preregistered for the hospital, had blood work done and all the fun stuff that goes along with that.  The next morning we left for Reno for the McQueen Craft Faire.  I knew the set up would not be easy on me and it held true to form.  My knees were screaming at me for sure.
On a much better note, my hubby was there to help along with Diane and her daughter, Alise.  Thank goodness for Alise, she was our feet helping shoppers with  getting things off the walls, etc.  Diane was great about making sure I stayed sitting as much as possible.
Timm had never seen opening night...he was amazed and overwhelmed with the number of people that were in our booth...and that they made it their first destination.  He said it was like we were rock stars or something.  lol  Sadly, I didn't even have a chance to break out my camera...so no photos. :(
We had a fantastic show and had little to pack up at the end.  I'd like to give a shout out to the band and dance team.  I had two kids from these groups that helped pack up well and get things to the trailer where Timm loaded.  I'm sure they appreciated the donation they received from me.

We drove home Monday.  For anyone who's ever driven between Vegas and Reno knows there's not much out there.  I was glad to get home.  We enjoyed a family dinner with all the kids at Macayo's...my favorite place.  Cassy was sooooo glad to see us.  I hated to leave her home but my brother took good care of her.

We were at the hospital at 6:00 am the next morning for surgery.  I remember rolling into the operating room, getting on the table, and them strapping my arms down...and I was out.  I remember waking up in my room late that day with a CPM machine on both legs.  The staff at the hospital were great.  All were so kind.

After 4 days, I went to rehab for 5 more days.  Now I am home for a few days, everything is finally coming together.  Therapy is scheduled and coming 3 days this week, I get staples out on Friday. All the medications are scheduled and can't wait to continue to improve.  I won't gross you out with photos of scars, even though I'm told they look great.  I can't wait to feel good again and am willing to do what it takes to get there.

Thank you everyone for all your prayers.  Please continue for speedy healing and recovery.

North to Reno

For some reason I have that song, North to Alaska in my brain this morning.  My next craft show stop...North to Reno...lol.  We'll be at the McQueen Craft Faire in Reno this coming weekend.

This is one of the photos from last year's booth.  This year, I've added some super cute mesh wreaths.  I love making them.  It's a refreshing creative outlet that's different from what I normally do.  

These are boxed and ready for the trip.  

Here is a link to a video for this year's event. 

I still have porch posts and some new bigger pieces as well.  I love this piece!  The spider's eyes light up and has a chalk board for the days countdown.  I saw a photo of this on Pinterest and had to make my own version.  I need one for Christmas too I think.  

While I don't have as much product as I'd like to be taking, there is still lots of great items.  I was blessed to have a fantastic show at Art in the Park with record sales for me.  

 

Timm is making the journey with me again this year.  It's good for him, he gets to spend some quality time with his brother John.  He's taking up 8 racks of ribs and tips he smoked up for him over the weekend.  

This is my last show for the year.  Knee surgery will happen right after we get home and keep me down for a while.  However, I plan to paint windows in November and planning for next year already. 

Art in the Park Almost Here

It's almost here!  This is one of the best craft shows in the western United States I'm telling ya.  It's always been a favorite of mine whether I've had a booth space or just shopping.  

The first full weekend of October is a great time of year and this year will be no exception.  We're expecting some great, cooler fall weather in the upper 70's...perfect to get everyone into the fall spirit.

This year we are not in a normal space...but don't fear...we are just across the aisle in spaces 385-386 still bringing you some fantastic crafts for Halloween, Harvest, Christmas and everyday.  

This year we are offering free personalization of most any item we offer including ornaments, gifts, yard decor and more.  Oh, and don't forget we take credit and debit cards as well for your convenience.  Are you excited yet?!  I know we are...and we can't wait to see you October 5 & 6 at the parks in down town Boulder City.  

And just in case you can't wait...here is a few sneak peeks to get you motivated to come see us. 

Such a special dog

They say "dog is man's best friend" and I have to say that's true...and woman's best friend too.  We've have many dogs in our lives but none like Cassy.  That's not to say we didn't have great dogs...Cassy is just extra special.  

She travels with us, goes to BBQ contests with us, and just want to be close to us...where ever that may be.  

She's so in tune with us she let's us know when our blood glucose levels are out of whack...and no one trained her to do that.  It took us a while to figure out what she was doing.   

Yesterday, September 10th was the 7th anniversary of her adoption.  It's hard to believe she's been with us that long. We've loved every minute of it and look forward to the years ahead with her.

Almost time for craft shows

That's right....craft show season is just about to start for me.  My first show will be The Harvest Festival at Cashman Center September 6th-8th.

Diane and I are teaming up again for most of our shows.  It works really well for both of us. 

Come see us at the Harvest Festival...we're in space 821.  We'll be featuring Halloween, Harvest, Fall along with some Christmas/Winter.  

Don't forget to bring your canned good donation for Safe Nest to receive $2 off your entry.  

Bad news...Good news

Fifteen years ago I had one of my knees scoped for the first time.  I was 35.  Ten years later I had both of them scoped at 45...on my birthday.  It was a great birthday gift for me.  There have been countless shots of cortisone for all these years.  I tried the gel shots as well.  They are all a temporary fix that relieve the pain.  Don't get me wrong...I actually look forward to them and the relief they bring. They just aren't lasting anymore.
This week I went to see my orthopedist...not just go in for the shot clinic.  I received good news and bad news.  Bad news...the cartilage is so damaged in my knees they are now bone on bone with bone spurs as well.  I knew I had to be getting close to that point.  Good news...my knees are to the point that I am a candidate for knee replacement.  I don't know if I'll get anymore shots before surgery...he didn't say anything about it.  I'll need to ask.

So the paperwork now begins for approval and scheduling.  It's looking like mid October before anything happens. It could be worse, my mom had to wait five months to get scheduled for her replacements, and they would only do one at a time.  I'll be getting both done at the same time.  
Hopefully, I will get my three biggest craft shows complete before that happens, and make enough money from them to pay all my bills through the end of the year.  I normally do 6-8 shows.  It also appears that our BBQ competitions for the year are over as well with this diagnosis...another bummer.
I feel as though I have missed out on a large portion of my life because of these dang knees.  I've always been one to want to know what's over the next hill.  I've not been able to do that in a long time. When I can't even make myself get out of the car to go into the craft store there is seriously something wrong...and I know I'm just not being wimpy about the whole thing.  I have a high tolerance for pain and I'll get through all this and be out exploring and seeing what's over the next hill again beginning next year.