Monday, February 10, 2020

A finish!

Happy Monday everyone. We have brilliant blue skies today although it’s still fairly chilly in the low 30s. The sunshine makes all the difference. I went to the mall this morning and walked four laps around it to get some exercise inside where there was no ice on the ground. Then, after running a few errands I came home and have spent three hours shredding documents. Right now I’m waiting for the shredder to cool down because I’ve overheated it twice and had to stop.

My back doesn’t seem to be much better after the injections. I’ve tried stretching exercises the last two mornings to see if that would help, but no luck so far. The injections I get are Botox, not the normal injections you get in the back for pain. I have had the other injections and they do nothing. I have also had two years of physical therapy and another two years at a pain clinic. The problem is, it’s not normal back pain.  I have spasms where it feels like someone is sticking a knife into your back and twisting it.  For some reason the nerves are signaling the muscle to spasm and no one knows why.  The only relief I have is sitting in my recliner. I honestly don’t want to spend the rest of my life in this recliner. I see the neurologist again in six weeks and if these injections haven’t helped by then he said he may have some other tricks up his sleeve. I certainly hope so.

Meanwhile, I finished my crocheted rectangular blanket. I was standing on a chair and holding the camera over my head to take this photo. It’s big enough that it hangs down a little bit on both sides on a queen size bed. I love it!  The colors look a bit muted here.

This is a more accurate representation of the colors. It’s big enough to wrap yourself up in and be nice and cozy.

I finished four more pairs of mittens and I’m one week ahead on my schedule so hopefully I will have them all done on time next fall.

Does anybody remember the sheep virtues that Debbie, who is “Araignee” on my sidebar, finished last year?  I absolutely adored her sheep virtues as she was stitching them and look what I’m starting to stitch now!  I have the wisdom block almost finished. There are 12 blocks in total.  The poor little sheep still needs his head!

Becky, who is “GrandmaBeckyL” on my sidebar sent me this beautiful gift of teas for my birthday. Wasn’t that sweet of her? I am not a coffee drinker, but I do love a good cup of tea in the morning.  She even sent the beautiful tea strainer too. I’m not sure what the little silver dish is for. Does anyone know?
Saturday evening I made a homemade chicken pot pie. I have made this recipe ever since we got married using my own piecrust. The recipe is out of the Betty Crocker cookbook. Because now it’s difficult for me to stand in the kitchen long enough to make and roll out piecrust, we hadn’t had it for a couple of years. About a month ago I broke down and bought two frozen pie crust’s at the grocery store. I made my homemade filling and put it in the one crust and then I just upended the other pie crust over the top. It works perfectly and oh my goodness it’s good. These are the store brand piecrusts and I think they’re better than the name brand.  It may not look like much but oh my goodness it sure did taste good!  I should learn how to do some of those fancy venting designs for piecrusts.  I just use a knife and cut slits all over the top!  It sure looks messy.

If any of you are interested in the recipe just let me know and I will post it next time. I also have a recipe for French onion crockpot chicken that I made last week and it was delicious too. I plan to put it in my next post.

I hope you’re all having a wonderful Monday and that your weekend was relaxing and that you had time to do something that made you happy.

I’m continuing to pray for everyone around the world who is impacted by the coronavirus. What a scary thing for the people who live in the areas that are highly affected.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

Blessings always,
Betsy

22 comments:

  1. You're a better woman than I! I got little done today as I spent so much time trying to get the yarn for my new blanket ordered. You really made good use of your day! Would that little dish be for your tea ball after you take it out? What a lovely gift!

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  2. Duh, I can't believe I forgot to comment on your gorgeous blanket and the sheep! I've seen that collection of sheep and I love them. Yours is coming along really well....you are so fast! Beautiful work!

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  3. I'm soooo sorry those injections haven't done any good for you. We will continue to pray about this . . . Jerry said to tell you he is praying especially for you since he understands - he has had years of spinal issues and surgeries (years-long story, more of his health issues). LOVE your blanket! If the yarn you used is anything like what you used in your dishclothes, then that blanket is a sweet deal! I can imagine being wrapped in it's loveliness. Your pot pie looks YUMMY! Been a long time since we've had a pot pie, sounds good with the cold weather. How thoughtful of GrandmaBeckyL to send you those tea goodies. If I were to hazard a guess, the silver cup might be to put the strainer in? Or youer tea spoon? Or... hmmm, I have no idea lol. Gentle hugs to you for less pain and lotsa blessings that things get better!

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  4. The little silver dish is to hold the tea strainer after you've made your tea. No drippy tea bags or loose tea.

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  5. Could the little silver thing be to sit your strainer in when you are done brewing the tea?

    What a very nice little gift.

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  6. Betsy that blanket is so so perfect in every way! Im so sorry about your back.
    I made pot pie on Sunday for guests. I wish i had made a crust. It was a weight watcher recipe and it used low fat biscuits.......Not the best.
    But fireman made shortbread cakes for strawberry shortcake desserts. Excellent!

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  7. The blanket is beautiful!! I can't believe you already have most of Miss Wisdom finished. It took me two whole years to get the twelve blocks finished. It took me one month to just get the border of each of them done and then another month the following year to get the sheep and her doo dads done. I am amazed!
    I love your tea gifts! Loose tea is the best.

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  8. So sorry to hear that your back is not better. I hope your Doc finds a solution for you! Your blanket is lovely! Hope you have a good week and your get sunshine!

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  9. It is a joy to see your wonderful stitching, Betsy...beautiful, blanket, mittens, and counted cross-stitch!
    And I imagine your chicken pie is yummy, and the lovely tea a gift you will enjoy as well. I'm praying for blessing for you and yours. xx

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  10. The crocheted blanket is lovely. I'm so sorry the injections didn't do much for reducing the pain in your back.
    I have never made a chicken pot pie but I think my DH would really enjoy it. I made a pie for our supper today. It was apple/cranberry and it turned out quite good. Since main course was leftovers I thought a nice dessert was called for.

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  11. Bravo on the big blanket finish! There is nothing better than a hand-knit or crocheted blanket as far as I'm concerned. I'm sorry the treatment isn't doing what you hoped for. What a bummer for you. You've tried everything and it's not fair. You're such a good person and so generous to others.. you really should be receiving a break as you deserve it. Your chicken pot pie looks totally yummy. My mom would cut a sheaf of wheat in her pie crusts and taught me how to do it. Google - teresa kasner apple pie - and the photo of it will come up for you to see. Have a pain free week, my friend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  12. Hi there dear Betsy.
    First of all the wee tray with the tea strainer is to rest the tea strainer after you've used it so it doesnt drip on cloth. Never seen one exactly like that but have one here which has bottom to tea strainer that it sits in.
    Hope that helps.
    Secondly I'm ever so sorry re your back. I have bern praying, every day. Maybe might come good again like it did as was week after the first injections that it picked up. If no, I pray the other tricks or possible treatment wilp be perfectly efficacious. I know about being an odd bod medically and not run of mill. That's me too. Seeing dr soon as I've been unwell for several months now. Keep thinking its getting better but its not.
    Brilliant, brilliant blanket.. but standing on chairs?! Oh no!
    I don't do that since had eight weeks in plaster from smashing my right arm when fell off chair.
    Use stable step ladder that has handle on top. Very safe, but standing on chairs very bad idea.. now you're sixty, especially, bones are fragile! I learnt the hard way.

    Love the mittens and dear cross stitch I'll enjoy seeing it grow.
    That's one scrummy looking pie too, well done!

    Thanks for sharing, and may God bless you.
    Hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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  13. Gorgeous blanket! What a nice gift to receive.

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  14. I'm so sorry for the back pain...it sidelines so many activities!
    Perhaps a nerve pump (I forgot the real name!) is a consideration.
    This blanket is amazing-the colors are gorgeous and the size is huge!
    How wonderful to cuddle up under it! Good work!

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  15. I think the silver bowl is to keep the strainer in to contain any fluid. Sorry you are still experiencing problems with your back you are in my prayers Betsy. Loved your projects, the sheep is a real delight and the blanket is stunning. I love a pot pie and am about to go and make one I have some ham and chicken that needs using. Take care.

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  16. Congratulations on a beautiful blanket Betsy! And your sheep stitching is just darling. I would enjoy having your recipes - thanks! The chicken pot pie looks so good.

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  17. Betty Crocker recipes are wonderful, especially the ones in the big red cookbook from the 60s!

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  18. I lift you up in prayer sweet friend that they will figure out how to stop the pain in your back. ((hugs)). Oh what a lovely blanket and all the other sweet little projects, too. I always love seeing all the pretty things you make. Ohhh the pot pie looks yummy. Yes, please do tell us how to make it. :) I have been having serious thoughts about cross stitching...and your current project is adorable. Love those sweet little sheep. Blessings to you always sweet friend. ((hugs))

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  19. I think your pot pie looks delicious! I am looking forward to the new recipe you are planning to share, and I hope your back feels much better soon! Blessings to you!

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  20. I'm so sorry that the injections are not helping your back. Back pain is not fun! Your blanket turned out beautifully... I love the colors!

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  21. I'm so sorry to hear you are having back pain. That is miserable! I messed my back up pretty badly in a windsurfing accident when I was 19. Over the years since the surgery, I've lost several inches in height and everything is compacted so I have occasional bouts of muscle spasms. The one thing that helps the most is so simple - I stand in a doorway, put my hands up on the top of the door frame then lean forward while holding the frame. Or, I stand at the kitchen sink, hold the sink edge and stick my butt out backwards and 'pull' on the sink with my arms. Both moves stretch and help elongate my back to take the pressure off the nerves. It's Amazing how much those 2 stretches help.
    Meanwhile, I'm now craving chicken pot pie! Yum!!

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  22. I missed this post. I hope you are enjoying your teas. I didn't know there was a silver bowl that came with tea stainer. I really enjoy teas I bought from them. Nice blanket. I most likely have that recipe as I have cookbook...I think. Have a blessed Easter weekend my friend! He's risen indeed!!

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