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I didn't really feel I was even present in Blogland or real life in 2019.
Blogland tends to be, well honestly, it is basically so positive, we could call it saccharin.
While I have always tried to be positive, the political and social climate has been oppressive if not demoralizing. Aside from that, add a my physical trauma and long recovery from a knee injury could try even the most positive of all human beings. I don't mean for this post to be a downer---but a journey---I hope you bear with me.
I ripped my MCL (Medial Lateral Ligament) in my right knee (the driving one) in May. After X-rays progress of Medicare Medicine grinds slowly, and finally after a month of total rest of the injured knee, a MRI showed severe damage to the bones, no cartilage, and severe swelling. And, I was sent to a surgeon. After a cortisone shot to give me some immediate relief, I had to wait for at least three months for the knee replacement. I had 8 weeks of therapy 3 times a week over the summer. I couldn't do stairs to my basement for this entire time. After the therapy, I was able to drive for about 7 weeks in September and October. I had to help my husband with the garden produce, since he had been chief-cook, bottle-washer, chauffeur, gardener, handyman, and hand-holder. He's been a gem!
Finally in mid-October I had the right knee replacement. I am now in my 11th week of therapy---and slowly, very slowly making progress. Age does have something to do with recovery!
Finally in mid-October I had the right knee replacement. I am now in my 11th week of therapy---and slowly, very slowly making progress. Age does have something to do with recovery!
During all this---Blogland, while a diversion was really trying on my own blogs!
I had to close my Etsy shop twice, for a total of six months.
Unable to get to any of my stock in the basement, I was also unable to thrift shop or flea market.
Sighhhhhhhh!
Scooting around the yard for gardening was difficult except on flat surfaces.
We do have wood pathways and lots of concrete around many of the flower beds which allowed me some time outside,
though, often doing work from a sitting position in my wheelie walker!
The only Garden Center I visited this year was one created for my doll blog---posted a few weeks before of my injury!
Most of the north/midwest had been gripped in a cold miserable extended Winter/Spring. Ice storms were prevalent, we lost a 30 foot Spruce, and huge branches from 'the monster Tree'!
Soon, it was too hot to take photos after 10 am...seriously or sit on our screened porch. We went from freezing and snow to 90's in less than two weeks???
The excessive heat also kept us in the house...I became about as DOWN, as I have ever been in my life. I didn't even keep plants on the porch this year...my favorite place was too hot! And, opening and closing the windows (moving furniture) was too difficult. We have 13 windows and two doors on the porch
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| oldnewgreenredo |
I had to close my Etsy shop twice, for a total of six months.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Unable to get to any of my stock in the basement, I was also unable to thrift shop or flea market.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Sighhhhhhhh!
Scooting around the yard for gardening was difficult except on flat surfaces.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
We do have wood pathways and lots of concrete around many of the flower beds which allowed me some time outside,
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| oldnewgreenredo |
though, often doing work from a sitting position in my wheelie walker!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
The only Garden Center I visited this year was one created for my doll blog---posted a few weeks before of my injury!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Most of the north/midwest had been gripped in a cold miserable extended Winter/Spring. Ice storms were prevalent, we lost a 30 foot Spruce, and huge branches from 'the monster Tree'!
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
Soon, it was too hot to take photos after 10 am...seriously or sit on our screened porch. We went from freezing and snow to 90's in less than two weeks???
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| oldnewgreenredo |
The excessive heat also kept us in the house...I became about as DOWN, as I have ever been in my life. I didn't even keep plants on the porch this year...my favorite place was too hot! And, opening and closing the windows (moving furniture) was too difficult. We have 13 windows and two doors on the porch
Realizing my attitude issues with everything, the waiting, the therapy---I started painting in July...doing an entire month of watercolors, everyday to help with my HEAD!
Honestly, this saved my soul and my mind, while I had almost lost both.
I painted, and painted, and painted, and for at least 2 hours a day, from prompts.
I forgot I was impaired all the time I spent painting! These were all my most popular posts this year. I painted the mundane, the garden, antiques...just about anything.
But, my doll blog-barbieoldnewgreenredo still suffered the most.
I was unable to work on much (except some on the Grand Hotel redo on our kitchen table).
I had set-up piles of projects for sewing before the surgery---and then found running the pedal from the left foot for my sewing machine was dangerous for my fingers.
Swapping sides of your body means you have to retrain from a different side of your brain. Pretend now to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand...LOL! Did you hit your nose???
I did do lots of hand mending of vintage doll clothes...lots of snaps and hooks and eyes.
Hopefully, the end of January 2020, I will be able to drive something other than my walker.
Now, I'm still in therapy for 1-1/2 hours, 4 times a week, and am using a brace that traps me into flexion (it's a torture device-I swear) up to 3 times a day.
I'm not totally happy with the responses of my surgeon---who seems to do patients' recovery through therapists, and others: PA's and receptionists who read you statements rather than answer your questions or needs. I have spent a grand total of 21 minutes with him in four visits in 7 1/2 months. The office has taken Five days to address a prescription refill. And, two weeks to respond with a problem with the brace device? Such, is advanced specialized care, now?
I'm assertive, insistent, and I document everything. But, I'm afraid I will not be recommending his practice, not for the quality of the surgery---but for the quality of the aftercare or non-caring. He seems to be fixated on degrees and retaining his perfect record, rather than my quality of my knee or my life.
SO my word for 2020 is "MOVE"!!!
MOVE: Definition 1- go in a specified direction or manner; to change position!
MOVE, I will stir the pot...and not the cooking kind!
Hans Christian Andersen's --The Emperors new Clothes.
Democracy is a responsibility I take very seriously.
MOVE: Definition 2: make progress; to develop in a particular manner or direction.
I will entertain---for no reason---not wait for a holiday or birthday!
And I will share, the good and bad. No more 'Pollyanna' world or holding it in.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Honestly, this saved my soul and my mind, while I had almost lost both.
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
I painted, and painted, and painted, and for at least 2 hours a day, from prompts.
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
I forgot I was impaired all the time I spent painting! These were all my most popular posts this year. I painted the mundane, the garden, antiques...just about anything.
But, my doll blog-barbieoldnewgreenredo still suffered the most.
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
I was unable to work on much (except some on the Grand Hotel redo on our kitchen table).
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
I had set-up piles of projects for sewing before the surgery---and then found running the pedal from the left foot for my sewing machine was dangerous for my fingers.
Swapping sides of your body means you have to retrain from a different side of your brain. Pretend now to brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand...LOL! Did you hit your nose???
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
I did do lots of hand mending of vintage doll clothes...lots of snaps and hooks and eyes.
Hopefully, the end of January 2020, I will be able to drive something other than my walker.
Now, I'm still in therapy for 1-1/2 hours, 4 times a week, and am using a brace that traps me into flexion (it's a torture device-I swear) up to 3 times a day.
I'm not totally happy with the responses of my surgeon---who seems to do patients' recovery through therapists, and others: PA's and receptionists who read you statements rather than answer your questions or needs. I have spent a grand total of 21 minutes with him in four visits in 7 1/2 months. The office has taken Five days to address a prescription refill. And, two weeks to respond with a problem with the brace device? Such, is advanced specialized care, now?
I'm assertive, insistent, and I document everything. But, I'm afraid I will not be recommending his practice, not for the quality of the surgery---but for the quality of the aftercare or non-caring. He seems to be fixated on degrees and retaining his perfect record, rather than my quality of my knee or my life.
SO my word for 2020 is "MOVE"!!!
MOVE: Definition 1- go in a specified direction or manner; to change position!
MOVE! I will move on!
MOVE! I will continue to exercise, religiously!
MOVE, I will progress in the quality of my physical movements and my heart.
Everyone needs more heart while living!
Everyone needs more heart while living!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
MOVE, I will pass it on. Pass on the good, the bad,
the joys, the laughter!
the joys, the laughter!
MOVE, I will stir the pot...and not the cooking kind!
Hans Christian Andersen's --The Emperors new Clothes.
Democracy is a responsibility I take very seriously.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
MOVE: Definition 2: make progress; to develop in a particular manner or direction.
MOVE!, I will make headway in my continued weight loss and develop habits that improve my health.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
MORE vegetables!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Eat Fresh!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Definitely the best!
MOVE!, I want to increase my social experiences
with my friends in real life,
in my doll club, and in Blogland.
We are our own best support system. And, at my age, I also will have friends who need support.
with my friends in real life,
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| oldnewgreenredo |
We are our own best support system. And, at my age, I also will have friends who need support.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
I will entertain---for no reason---not wait for a holiday or birthday!
 |
| oldnewgreenredo |
And I will share, the good and bad. No more 'Pollyanna' world or holding it in.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Yes, I Welcome everything!
I hope you will continue to enjoy this journey with me. I hope to regularly post to both blogs in the near future! I wish you all well in the New Year, to your own health and to your own happiness!
And, then let's MOVE ON!
There are always the seed catalogs...we have to plant some Chinese eggplant, this year! I miss having vegetarian lasagna in the freezer.
And, then let's MOVE ON!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
There are always the seed catalogs...we have to plant some Chinese eggplant, this year! I miss having vegetarian lasagna in the freezer.
Thank you for any and all comments.
Finally I am able to reply to comments by using Chrome. So all you Mac users who have upgraded to Catalina---this might help the glitches on Safari Blogger!
Join me at these fine blog parties:
Tuesdays at Our Home
Talk of the Town
Vintage Charm
Thursday Favorite Things
Tuesdays at Our Home
Talk of the Town
Vintage Charm
Thursday Favorite Things
Hi Sandy - Those 7 1/2 months in 2019 made for a tough year -but your watercolors are treasures you created. So happy you were able to immerse yourself in your painting and have a break from pain for a bit each day you painted. You have certainly done the hard work. Thank you for sharing your 7 1/2 months to recovery and the pain, frustrations, huge life change really. You are are almost on the other side.
ReplyDeleteHugs.
Joy
Thank you, Joy! Yes, I think the watercolors really pulled me up---and made me ready for the real ordeal Looking forward to 2020, and MOVING onward! Thanks so much for your support and understanding, Hugs back! Sandi
DeleteSandi, I haven't known you for very long so I had no idea you were going through all this. No one can ever know what precisely someone is going through but when I had my toes removed it was devastating to know how quickly one can lose muscle tone. I hopped around on one foot for months it seemed and used a walker but finally it came back enough for me to walk on my own after PT. I was lucky that I had good docs so I felt that I recovered in the amount of time that was necessary, but I only tell you this to let you know, even though I don't know exactly, I can commiserate with you somewhat. As far as our world is going, it is not looking too great right now. Hopefully this 2020 will be better and that we can come back from all the damage that is going on and will continue to go on for awhile longer at least. Move is a good word. I could do with a dose of it..Happy Thursday..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Judy! I think PT therapists are Saints put on this earth for us! I do appreciate you following and commenting. I was able to finally post this---because I have turned that dark corner and am finally making progress. And, Move is a great positive word and can easily be applied to everything in our lives! I may do quarterly post on this...just because of the responses so far! Appreciate all the support, and perhaps I should have shared sooner! Hugs and yes, Happy 2020, Sandi
DeleteSandi, I wish you good health and all the best.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading and understanding!
DeleteSandi,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that I stopped by to Thank you for your comment on my post about Not Choosing One Word for 2020 but choosing a Theme for the year and a Word for each month!! WOW, you did have quite an awful year...And I say that because I totally understand how you felt about your immobility. Fortunately, I was very pleased with the Orthopedic Joint Replacement program that I was enrolled in before and after my surgery... I had to follow a computer program at home that gave me pre op instructions, exercises, had me on Vit C, Folic Acid and Iron to assist with blood loss during surgery and promote healing..I had to log in every day after surgery for 3 months with my level of pain and whether I did the exercises that were prescribed each week and went hand in hand with my 2 times a week physical therapy. They had me back on a bike the week after surgery and I was able to do full cycles. I do the bike almost every day at home now that I am 8 months post op.It helps greatly with the stiffness.... I will be doing another post on my Goals for the year and my word for the month and I would love to be able to provide a link to this post if you will consent to it.....Praying for your recovery and that you can "Move" more each day!!!LOVED this post, Sandi and I applaud you for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Dear Debbie, that program sounds excellent. My therapists have been supportive and excellent---regardless of the hands 0ff surgeons approach. And, luckily, I can be pretty disciplined myself...so we are chugging along! Yes, and we will be joining (I hate the gym) a Silver Sneakers program at the local Fitness center. Surprisingly I find the 'machines' at therapy giving me the most bang for my energy! Thanks, I knew you would understand, the journey. How you went six years of pain, I did that with the first one until it totally disintegrated, which isn't a good thing either! Hugs Back! Sandi
DeleteMove is such a great word. I didn't realize you had this much going on. I can see why you were glad to say farewell to 2019 and my hope for you is that 2020 will continue to be better every day. I remember when you started showing your paintings during world watercolor month and I was so excited to see you doing such beautiful work. I hope to see more and am so delighted that it could take your mind completely off the rest of the world while you were painting. I feel the same; it's a great gift and one I need to make more time for. Here's to a splendid 2020. May it bring you many good things!
ReplyDeleteAW, thanks Jeanie. I so appreciate your comments and encouragement throughout the year . I'm finally able to go into the basement. In May we were in the process of gutting the room with 30 years of craft supplies in it....so I have to do some 'hard-time' in there. And, the dolls were neglected, and the shop---but that gives me joy, too. So I will have to wait for the watercolors for a bit! And yes, thank you, I'm on the way to recovery!
DeleteThis post is far from being a downer, for goodness sake! It was a huge encouragement for me just to read it and understand what you've been through and how you've soldiered on. The painting is marvelous! A silver lining in your trouble. And you have a Plan, so important. It will take a lot of courage to tackle all that but you've proved that you're one brave woman so I have every faith in you. Carry on!
ReplyDeleteGolly, thank you, Dewena. I think I am over the hill...and a New Year is a perfect time to cross over. I hope you get to post more now, too, for I love your blog. The list I started with in Blogland has dwindled as I eliminated the heavy advertisers and commercial entities hidden in a blog. It is great we can have a circle of friends here from all over the world. Hugs, and Carry ON is definitely a great MOVE, too.
DeleteYou were so smart to start painting again! It probably relaxed you and helped you heal. I'm sorry you have had such a rough year. Having had a knee replacement myself, I understand how hard it can be. Praying that 2020 will be a much better year for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Linda! This is number 3 for me...I've had two replacements and a manipulation on the other knee, I'm just 10-11 years older now, LOL.
DeleteHi,dear Sandi...I wish you a better New Year...With health,peace and joy,with your adorable family...At your pretty garden ...with your treats in the kitchen...Thanks for sharing your paintings,china and happiness even in a difficult year. Love your cheerful blog.Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your sweet note. Hopefully I can participate a bit more, now. And, hugs back, Sandi
DeleteSandi,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by again!! I hope you are progressing with your recovery!! It can take almost up to a year after surgery for the knee to feel "normal"....
Hugs,
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie. What is normal? I laugh when they want me to do 12" hurdles, which I think---I will never accomplish. Thanks for the encouragement!
DeleteHi Sandi, Thanks for the visit to my blog. I hope that you will recovery from your surgeries. It will take a lot of time and PT. Good luck and happy new year.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, and thank you. Each day brings some sort of improvement...I just have to be patient and keep working on it! Thanks for your visit!
DeleteHi Sandi
ReplyDeleteI noticed your comment on Ann Wood's blog and came for a visit - after reading this post I just had to leave a comment, as it resonated so much with me!
I had hip replacement surgery at the end of June 2019, and may need to get the other hip 'done' at some point in the not-too-distant future. Like you, I found the recovery process frustrating and slow, partly because I had a completely unrealistic pre-op vision of being able to engage in all sorts of creative activities whilst convalescing. Turned out I couldn't even sit in a reclining chair for more than 20 minutes without my leg going numb, and I was so tired from the pain and sleepless nights that I had no motivation to do much anyway! By the time I started to feel anything like myself again it was time to go back to work, and to be honest I've been battling to keep my head above water ever since. But I love what you say about 'Moving' and all that that can mean - it's the same conclusion I've reached for myself.
Yesterday I went out into the garden for an hour, even though I was feeling stiff and achey, and cleared/weeded a little overgrown patch that was buried in dead leaves and starting to get overgrown with ivy. Today I'm going to go back out and do a little bit more, so that when Spring comes there will be space to plant and sow. 'Little and often', 'use it or lose it', even a smidgen of Pollyanna-ish 'being glad' - here's to continuing recovery and moving on in 2020!
Amelia
Oh,Oh, Amelia, I so feel for you. I wish we could get a 'realistic head-fix' when they prescribe all those supplements and vitamins. You really do have to do something to get out of your head, so your body can heal and MOVE. I made the mistake of retreating from just about everything except family---. Keep moving---do something you love, everyday---even when it hurts a bit. Hugs, and thanks so much for sharing! Sandi
DeleteMove...sounds like the perfect word for you this year. You are READY to be well enough to do all the things you want and need to do! I like that you shared about painting every day for a month. I was sketching some last year and I'm going to start that again. I got everything out to begin. We have to keep using our creative juices to stay healthy! Hugs! (playing with dolls helps too! heehee)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, we all hope to do better in the new year....and so far so good. Mostly I have been digging out the basement and listing some old things on my Etsy shop. I wistfully look at the dirty glass cupboard doors and shelves and know I have to wait a bit before clambering up on a stool, but yes---we do need to MOVE onward. Thanks for your support, hugs, Sandi
DeleteSandi, it sounds like you had a challenging year to say the least! Thanks for keeping it real and for sharing at Vintage Charm! Hoping 2020 is better for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, I always love Vintage Charm!
DeleteSandi, your journey in 2019 was a difficult one. I pray that 2020 will be a good year. I like your word “move” and how you defined it. Your watercolors are exquisite!
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam, the watercolors saved my mind...! Thanks agains, Sandi
DeleteI have just come across your blog - a great find. 2018 -2019 were challenging years for me so, not only I can relate to your theme word for 2020 ,"MOVE", I've decided to adopt it as my inspiration word for this year. Thank you and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2020. Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm doing well, and welcome to my world, Elizabeth. So nice to meet another blogger, and yes, MOVE is a great idea! I'm doing better only 6 weeks more of therapy, I hope! Sandi
DeleteSandi,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping again!! I hope you are feeling better each day!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Thanks, Debbie. Down to twice a week and driving now--so when it isn't snowing I can thrift store! LOL, Hugs back, Sandi
DeleteSandi,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by again.....I hope you are doing better....I still can not kneel on that right knee if my life depended on it but it is getting better every day.....
Hugs,
Debbie
Aw, Debbie! I can kneel now---if I have to. I did do the 'praying mantis' in reverse and walking my hands back to my feet from my stomach,--instead of kneeling to get up off the floor. Now, I can brave the knee on the left side, and iffy on the right. But, we have to be able to get up if we fall! Hugs, Back!
DeleteYou really had a trying year in 2019. I am in love with your paintings, and you should return to whatever brings you pleasure in times of stress. You are such a talented lady - I'm hoping to see more of your work this year.
ReplyDeleteHi, Carol. Well, I like to think of it as the past. Still struggling a bit, but MOVING onward. Thanks for the lovely compliments. I really like painting out on the porch---with light on 3 sides, so I have to wait for something warmer than 30 degrees. Hugs and thanks for stopping by, Sandi
DeleteThis is such a great post, Sandi! I think it sometimes looks like everything online is perfect when "real life" is far from it. As a caregiver to someone that was unable to use both legs 6 months of 2018 and 6 of 2019 I can certainly relate to the struggle and loss independence. I'm so glad you were able to find comfort in painting again. Finding a creative outlet makes such a huge difference. Continuing to lift you up and sending you hugs! Hang in there - you are strong and capable, valued and treasured, CoCo
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you CoCo. Yes, we forget how much dabbling can take you out of your own mind. Journaling, visual arts, even reading or listening to music can block out the 'bad stuff'. I knew I had to do something---or I would trip over into the darkside! Thanks for your inspirational comments, Sandi
Delete