Archive for April, 2015

Recovery Continues to Go Well and A Student’s Work

Thursday, April 30th, 2015

News from the surgeon’s office was awesome.  As a matter of fact, they said I was doing better than normal.  The PA said my blood is “beautiful”.  I always was an over achiever!  Here’s to hoping the good news continues and I can keep walking further.  I’m up to about 30 minutes.  Yippee.   I am blessed.  If you had told me I would be able to walk this far so soon after surgery, I would not have believed you.

Here are some photos from my recent walk.

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STUDENT’S WORK –

Lavina Smith took a class with me last summer in Jonesborough, TN. It was on one of my Majestic Mosaic quilt blocks.  Here is her finished block.  Good job Lavina.  You should be very proud.

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Until next week…….

Recovery Going Well

Saturday, April 25th, 2015

My recovery is going well.  At least according to me.  I’m sure the surgeon, who I see Monday, will give me the full lowdown.  I just got back from a 15 minute walk and I feel good.  I do have the best nurse in the world, that would be Joe of course.  My arm is locked in his during each walk.

Yesterday was the first day I was up and moving for most of the day.  It was the first day I felt good enough to stay up and moving.  Monday through Thursday I would get up and shower and then have to go back to bed and rest for 20 minutes or more before I had the energy to dry my hair.  On Monday Joe, being ever to helpful, thought he would dry my hair.  You’ve seen pictures of Joe so you know he does not need to use a hairdryer.  I could not stop laughing.  And it hurts when I laugh.  I had to make him stop because my right boob was hurting from so much laughing.  He’s going to need some hairdresser training!

Today I sewed on 16 very small circles and about 32 beads to finish one of the blocks going into my next big quilt.  Yippee!!  Sewing makes me feel even better.

And Cheryl, just so you know, Joe is making sure I do my breathing tests.  Seriously, he would have made a great nurse.  Maybe he missed his calling……

Having my assistant, Lynn, is a true blessing.  It was so wonderful to not have to worry about orders, emails, posts, etc.  Lynn just takes care of it and does a great job.  It allowed me to focus on recovery.  And it allowed Joe to focus on me without having to worry about the business stuff.  Thanks Lynn.  So glad you work here.  You have made my life much, much easier.

I cannot thank you all enough for the outpouring of emails, notes left on my blog (which I finally read today), snail mail, flowers…..you get the idea.  I love being a quilter and part of a giving, kind and thoughtful family.  I have to stop now before I start to cry.  I know I have found my calling…..

More on Recovery – April 22, 2015

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015

What can be more of an encouragement while recovering from open heart surgery??? What can help distract from the healing incisions which can be irritating????

Some great news!

While Karen and Joe went for a walk, her little assistant is sneaking a picture of some happenings last night in Paducah!

2015 AQS QuiltWeek® – Paducah

And the Winners Are…
Wait no longer for the complete list of contest winners at AQS QuiltWeek® – Paducah, KY 2015! After the show, photos of the winning quilts and videos of winning quiltmakers will be available.

Winning quilts will be featured in the next issue of American Quilter magazine.

Janome America, Inc. Best of Show #202 MAJESTIC MOSAIC, Karen Kay Buckley and Renae Haddadin, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Woot! Woot!

Our little local paper picked up the story, as well! She was unable to do a happy dance but her assistant did one!

Karen is in shock but so delighted that she and Renae won this honor!

Recovery Time! April 21, 2015

Tuesday, April 21st, 2015

Karen is recovering comfortably at home. She is doing so well! She is up and about and enjoys being able to take a walk outside. Karen plans to be in her sewing room later today! I wonder if she is doing so well due to the best nurse ever?!?!? Joe Blog

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Or, could it be the fabulous outpouring of prayer, well wishes and good juju from all of you?!?!?

 

Thank you so much!

Heart Surgery Recovery – April 17, 2015

Friday, April 17th, 2015

Good Morning!

Just wanted to pass along the update that Karen is doing well and resting. I have included some pictures to help you all see that!

Karen has a commanding view of the river from her corner suite in the CICU. The staff is amazing and the facility, grand. The midnight shift made up a bed so that Joe could stay with her. Must have been comfortable because he said he even took a nap!

Room with a View

Karen’s room with a view of the river.

 

 

Sitting up

Karen has been out of bed and is sitting up in her snazzy pj’s.

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Karen’s vitals look good and she is looking forward to a little walk today.

Karen is still, obviously, in some pain but the medications do help.

Many thanks for the love and support at this time……keep those “good vibrations” coming!

Heart Update: She’s Out!

Thursday, April 16th, 2015

So glad to tell you all that Karen is out of surgery! She will be in ICU for the next 24 hours or so for observation then on to her deluxe accommodations of a regular hospital room.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Bessie, the cow, for her valve! They did try to repair the flappers, but it was better to go ahead with the replacement. All went as well as can be expected and now……the recovery! Hopefully, we can get this busy gal to rest and recuperate!

Until the next update…….

 

 

Heart Surgery Update

Thursday, April 16th, 2015

Not much to tell you all yet. Waiting is the name of the game! Karen is prepped and ready to go. Surgery will start at about 1:00. Thank you for your well wishes, prayers and good juju. Keep sending them!

Heart Surgery Today- April 16, 2015

Thursday, April 16th, 2015

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I am having open heart surgery today.  Yes, you read this correctly.  I will take all of the prayers and, as my friend Pam says, good juju that you want to send my way.  I’m going to need it.  I’ve known about this problem for just under a year.  My doctors feel that I should take care of it now while all of my other tests are excellent.  If I have seen you recently and not told you please, please do not be offended.  I am a crier and I was having a hard time telling people without breaking down.  I’ve never had a surgery of any kind or even been in the hospital so this is pretty scary for me.  And, I’m starting my surgery experience in a big way.  The problem is with my mitral valve.  I have two leaflets that are flapping, my word not the docs, and my heart has become enlarged.  My surgeon is going to try and do a repair. It sounded more likely that I will have a replacement valve.  If I do get a replacement cow valve, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the cow.  It is nice of you to donate your valve for me.  I really do appreciate it.  If I am mooing the next time you see me, don’t be surprised.

Either Joe or my assistant, Lynn, will try and keep you updated.  I will be in the hospital 4 to 6 days and then home recovering for the next 6 weeks.

More Photos From My Trip to Punta Gorda, Shared Quilt and Book Review

Friday, April 10th, 2015

Here are more of my favorite photos taken while on my walks in Punta Gorda, Florida.

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Nancy sent me an email to tell me about her quilt based on my Magical Medallions pattern. It will be in the Quilt Art calendar for the week of May 16th.  Here are some photos from her amazing quilt.  Thank you for sharing Nancy.  Impressive job.  Congratulations on making it in the calendar.

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BOOK REVIEW

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Just finished reading another John Sandford book called “Deadline”.  It is the 8th book in the Virgil Flowers series with Virgil being a Minnesota  state cop.  Virgil plans to help a friend with a dognapping issue and gets into much more trouble than planned.  While he’s in town to help his friend, there is a murder….then another murder….Loved the ending!

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In June of this year, I’ll be teaching a workshop (which is already filled! They are taking names on a waiting list.) and doing a lecture along with numerous demonstrations at the Shipshewana Quilt Festival.  Check it out  http://www.shipshewanaquiltfest.com/

Until next week……

Peace River Quilters and Shared Quilt

Monday, April 6th, 2015

I got stuck in the Charlotte area Friday night due to flight issues….”no crew for the plane”.  The joys of traveling….  Thankfully, my trip to Punta Gorda, Florida to visit the Peace River Quilters Guild was a good one.  http://www.peaceriverquilters.org/  I had a wonderful time with the ladies from the guild.  I had been there once about ten years ago, just before the big hurricane.  Nice to see they have survived and are doing very well.  Here are some photos I took on my morning walks.

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Apparently, the owners of this home decorate their manatee mailbox for the season.  Honestly, some people have too much fun.

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Betty purchased my “Folk Art Fantasy” pattern a while ago and brought her almost finished piece to share.  Looking good, Betty.  Thanks for sharing.

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Until next week.