Black and white bag

The black and white quilt is coming along but I needed a break. So... I thought I would use some of the selvages to make another selvage bag. I really like the way this one turned out. It reminds me of the quilt or at least how I plan on the quilt looking!


One side:

the other side:

and a close up of the selvages right at the top of a pocket.

The bag has a pocket on both sides and also pockets all around the inside.

Being cut loose - slowly!

The back brace is history - yes! As I said last time, the formal aquatic therapy is done. We thought the formal physical therapy would be finished today but it's not. My left hip needs to be stronger. My PT thought it best if we meet again in three weeks to evaluate my progress and to be sure I'm still progressing. or does he just want more cookies? I'm not complaining - I have come so far and I really want to recover as much as possible.


My PT designed an exercise program for Quilt Camp coming soon - he doesn't want me to stop exercising but he understands that I'll be very busy having fun! He has also challenged me to better my times on certain hard exercises.


So I'm being cut loose - kind of. Now I just have to be sure to keep doing all of the exercises.


I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday. I will exercise everyday.

Aquatic therapy done!

I've really enjoyed my aquatic therapy but it is such a milestone to have it done! I'll continue the exercises on my own. Physical therapy at the hospital ends Wednesday - another milestone! And, of course, I'll continue on my own. I've been warned by my surgeon that I'll have problems if I don't follow a couple of restrictions and continue exercising.


I'm feeling good and I love having the brace off!

Keeping busy!

I've been working on the black and white quilt. I actually think I have made progress! I'm still cutting pieces - there must be thousands in this quilt! And you do see a little of the blue and white quilt in the background - moved out of the way for now.

I have LOTS of strips made and organized!

No idea when this will be done. Getting my brace off is slowing me down again. Hopefully I'll gain more energy each day. I'm still looking for the backing fabric - I thought I'd found it but there wasn't enough yardage. Oh gee, I'll just have to keep shopping!

A PIGS finish!

About four years ago, I made a couple of I Spy quilts. The first one is the Blue I Spy:

The second one is the Orange I Spy:

I began a third one and then just stored it - a Project In a Grocery Sack (PIGS). A couple of weeks ago I came across it and decided it was time to finish it. I quilted it on the machine. The Purple I Spy:

Update - 3 months - actually 15 weeks!

I had x-rays yesterday and then saw my surgeon. My back is doing great. The healing so far is very good. Yes!!! 


My restrictions are gone! except for the ones I have for life 


We left the doctor's office and went to visit my mom. She is not doing well - the Alzheimer's is winning. I hadn't seen her in over 4 months and it was difficult to see how much her health had deteriorated. I spent some time feeding her and holding her hand. I am very thankful to have had that opportunity even though I had to take extra precautions against infection. The good news is I can go again.


I now begin working to get my body back to 'normal'. I figured out today that I have another uphill battle in front of me! The brace has to be history in 4 weeks - I love having it off but my back feels broken without it. I need more leg strength and I need to keep my core muscles in shape. exercise for life - ugh - but worth it!


I have no restrictions on travel but it will take a while to get used to riding in a car. I get to attend Quilt Camp in a month! We'll plan a trip to NC to see our newest granddaughter and the rest of her family when it's convenient for her parents. We know that will be a while yet but maybe before November which we had anticipated.


I wonder what my physical therapist has in store for me next week - he said we have lots to do if the doctor appointment went well! I also start aquatic therapy next week.


I see the Doctor again in November for a 6 month check-up. Then I should be released from his care in April at the 12 month check-up.


I feel that my prayers were answered.  All I hoped for from this check-up was the opportunity to see my mom one time and to have a few restrictions lessened including travel within a couple of hours.