22 January 2015

An Unexpected "Vacation"

So I was doing a little finishing Monday morning, and inexplicably threw out my back. Leaned over... leaned back... WHAM! I guess I'm getting old. Anyway, that totally shut down my week, since for the first couple of days I was hobbling around like a little old lady, couldn't lift anything, couldn't bend over. No housekeeping for me. Mr. Wonderful ordered me to stop trying to continue my domestic commando activities, and took over. He's been taking care of laundry, food, errands... he even took Tiger Lily to the vet last night after work (a double ear infection... like last winter... poor thing). I've been able to move around quite a bit more today and have even been (carefully) doing laundry, but for most of the week I've just been sitting and stitching. 

I picked up the Woodland Birdies again after a long break. I stitched the owl last year, and just finished the woodpecker. Now I'm on to the quail.


This is the ornament I was finishing when my back exploded.

This is Mr. Wonderful's 2014 ornament, from the 2014 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament issue. I found the trim in the upholstery section of a craft store in California years ago and dug it out of my finishing stash. The tiny holly garland is from Hobby Lobby, and I found it in their Christmas craft section a year or two ago. I don't like my ornaments to be fussy, so I usually don't add bows or tassels or anything like that. Sometimes I do, but not usually. And Mr. Wonderful's ornaments are always "bow-less," but I thought maybe a little garland would look nice on this one, to pull out the green of the tree and balance all the red. If I find something I like better when the Christmas crafts come out this year, I may change it, but for right now I like it.

We're on the mend around here... I'm getting around better and Tiger Lily is feeling better, too. We're just sitting around stitching and resting. We both have a good excuse! Hopefully I'll have that little quail done and ready to show off soon.

13 comments:

  1. Oh I am sorry to hear this. Pain is the pits, for sure. I have learned it takes time. So very frustrating, but pushing it, will of course not work.
    Great work though. I like the garland look. I did not spot that trim at our Hobby Lobby.

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    1. Thanks, Vickie! I find a lot of good Christmas crafting stuff at Hobby Lobby when they first put it out, sometimes as early as Sept/Oct. You have to keep your eyes open, as a lot of times they do not re-stock stuff they have sold out of early.

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  2. I hope your back is feeling better each.

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  3. I am so sorry to read about your back. Pamper yourself and take it easy.

    I adore the Woodpecker. We had one here until we had to cut his tree down (leaning towards the house). I used to enjoy hearing him. I know it was a boy because of the way he demanded attention to his macho pecking.

    Your finishing is beautiful. I am so thankful that our paths crossed on the internet. Reading your blog and getting to know you is quite a blessing in my life.

    I pray you feel much much better soon.

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  4. Glad to hear your back is doing better! Continue to go easy as it mends! I really like your woodpecker finish; very cute. I love the PS finish and I think that touch of garland looks good.

    Enjoy your upcoming weekend!

    Robin in Virginia

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  5. I have just found your blog and it is lovely! I love your ornaments--the woodpecker is wonderful, and Prairie Schooler is one of my favorites. I especially like the little garland trim! Great finishing!
    I hope you feel better soon--this is no time to be hurting!
    Please visit my blog when you have a chance!
    http://www.asymphonyofstitches.blogspot.com/

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    1. Hi, Frances! Welcome, and thanks for visiting! I'll be stopping by your blog! :O)

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  6. Beautiful stitching! I especially like the woodpecker.

    Ouch! Back pain is no fun! But I am glad to hear that it is better!

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  7. Hi HB!
    Just seeing this today ~ sounds like your on the mends, thankfully. Isn't it crazy how it can hit you *just like that?* Been there. Done that. No fun. Glad Mr. W. pitched in (hence; his name.) Hope T.L. is feeling better, too. How do cats get ear infections? Hmmm?

    Love your stitching as always. You have impeccable taste & a great eye for color.

    HUGS!

    PS: Are you getting snow & yukky weather? If so, stay safe & warm!

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    1. Hi Mardell! I don't know why she gets ear infections, especially since we clean her ears regularly. Our last kitty never had one. The vet said some cats are just more likely to have them. She had one last winter, so I'm wondering if it has to do with the weather, the heat in the house?

      It's supposed to snow tomorrow night... we'll see! :O)

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