45 Years of Marriage

45 years ago, on August 4th, Jimmy and I were married in the St Rose church where I was a primary school teacher. It has been quite the journey. It is hard to believe....45 years.
As I was thinking I would get back into blogging...I was wrong again. I ended up with two emergency surgeries the end of July and I am still recovering.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine brought up the topic of marriage vows. She said her husband would never do anything against the vows he took when they married. It seems so old fashioned now, as I don't think people even think about vows. My Jimmy has always kept his vows to God and to me. He certainly learned the part about in sickness and in health this past month. How do you thank your partner for sitting the ER and holding your hand and never leaving as you wait to find out what is really wrong with you? He was always there, right there. It is so scary to be in a hospital all alone. It does force you to come to grips with things in your life, your relationship with God, your relationships with your family and friends and your faith. In the quiet, you have to face many things. I am thankful for good doctors and very kind nurses.
So now, I am recovering. That's not easy for me  either....I am not very patient. Rest rest rest.....
Yesterday, we actually went on a little outing to get me out of the house. It felt good. I did get tired and had to rest along the way, but it was grand to just be out of the house.
So thank you dear Jimmy for taking care of me all these years. I am blessed with a good husband.
Happy Anniversary Jimmy. 

Home From the Hospital and A New Life Ahead

Well, I had no idea when I took a break from blogging that I would find myself in the hospital and need to take even a longer blogger break. I think I really need to start blogging now to help me move forward.

I went to the doctor last Friday. I needed to get established with a new primary doctor and I have been having a lot of problems with my left foot. I was very nervous when I went in, as it has been way too many years since I had visited any doctor. I know, stupid. I waited for Dr Jen Butler on the recommendation by my daughter that she would be a good fit. She is wonderful and a hugger and a good listener. That's what I need. So my blood pressure was sky high and went up during the visit. She listened to my heart and then sent me over for an EKG. The next thing we knew, Jim was driving me to the hospital. They were waiting for me at the emergency. I had super high blood pressure, a racing heart beat and AFib. Not good. I am so blessed to be alive. It's a miracle that I didn't have a stroke or a heart attack. I guess God has more plans for me, as I really shouldn't even be here.
They gave me meds and kept me in emergency until about 8 pm and decided I needed to stay over night.
I had the best nurses and care...so kind. The chaplain was so kind and sweet...really love her. She brought me a bible as I didn't have time to get anything before we went to the hospital. One of the nurses, Katherine, was just a gift from God...so funny and so understanding. She sat on the bed and held my hand when I feel apart.
They sent me home on Sunday and so the journey begins. I am on Coumadin, which really sucks. I have to learn what I can eat and what I can't eat. I am also on a low sodium diet. There is hidden salt in everything. It's going to be hard to figure this all out. I know I have to. It is a bit overwhelming too.
I decided it was it will be good for me to blog about this...at least I can get it out and express myself.
Oh, I am so thankful to still be here1 i am grateful that nothing happened when I was watching my grandkids, so thankful.
I had a really bad night last night. This is hard and not fun. I will have many changes and that is always hard for me. I want to get well, I want to be healthy, I want to be here longer. So, I will do what I need to do.
I don't want my blog to be a downer, but it might be occasionally...I need to write sometimes.
The sun is shining this morning, I can only have one cup of coffee, but I'm still here! I might have a sick heart, but I have a grateful heart.

Teacup # 69 and Update

It's been a few weeks since I've posted...so much has happened and it's hard to start telling the story. Jim and I went to the Oregon coast last week to meet some friends from California, Bend and the Seattle area. We didn't have WiFi in our lovely room, so that caused a delay in my posting. On Thursday we received word that my sister's husband Marcos had had a serious stroke. He is only 54. Then my brother had to go to the hospital with a serious bacterial infection in his back. We have been busy helping family and visiting hospitals. It's been an emotional roller coaster ride but some good news today. I think my brother is going home tomorrow but will be on antibiotics for a month and so. My BIL opened his eyes today and they are hoping to wake him up slowly to access the damage. Lots of prayers, support and good wishes have been keeping us all going.
When I was at the hospital yesterday, my niece took me for a walk in the children's garden....so fun. I took some pix to share and get me writing again.

I loved the bird houses and that gave me the idea to feature my bird cup and saucer for Miss Spenser's Teacup Thursday.

Here's my lovely teacup that I recently got at the Aurora Antique Street Faire.

Sweet little birds! It's marked VICTORIA  Bone China England on the bottom.

This clear glass bird candy dish is also a favorite of mine since I'm sharing bird items!

I've been wanting to show this teapot that I bought earlier this spring. It's Carlton Ware, which I love and collect. Don't you adore the little teapot top? I wonder how it has survived all these years without being broken!

When I was visiting my friends up north for Clarice's birthday, I was given a wonderful gift from Angie. I do believe this is one of my most favorite handmade gifts I have ever received. I was so touched! She knit these gloves with my friend LaVonne's yarn from her sheep. The blue trim is Angie's hand dyed yarn from her sheep. I am a lucky girl! Aren't they just wonderful? Love the birds and all the little birdie tracks. Thank you so very much Angie!

I was given an embroidery pattern and supplies from  my friend Lynda that I finally have gotten ready to work on. It's so cute and she gave me dried lavender to fill it when I'm finished with the stitching. I like to have something small to do in the evenings....well, maybe before too long.

My daughter Gina told me today that her wedding is only 16 days away! YIKES! Lots to do yet. Praying for strength to get everything done between helping my family during this trying time.