Eva and I did get the house decorated for October/Halloween. I do enjoy my fall decorations so much. These crows in particular!
These photos were taken rather late on Sunday evening, so the lighting isn't great. Maybe I will try again later this week. We really do have some cute things out.
At any rate, we have had a situation going on here at home, and it has been rather difficult to get much of anything done. You see, my husband has not been at all well. For the past month or so he has been complaining of back pain. Over the past two weeks, he has gotten progressively worse, to the point where he can barely walk. He started using one cane, then switched to two canes, and now is using a walker. He is in terrible pain and can barely stand at the counter long enough to put a Keurig pod in the coffee machine and wait for it to brew. He pretty much can do nothing except sit in a chair with an ice pack on his back. He even sleeps in his chair, the pain is so bad he can't lie down on a bed.
He did go to the doctor and had an x-ray, which showed that he has degenerative osteoarthritis in his spine. However, the level of disability that has come on so suddenly, as well as his severe level of pain is indicating something else may be going on. His doctor prescribed an opioid pain medication, and it doesn't work. Nothing helps.
We have to drive to the Bay Area today for him to have an MRI today, which hopefully will show more detail as to what is going on. He is going to be referred to a neurologist and it is quite possible that he will have to have surgery.
I have developed a new appreciation for all the things my husband takes care of in our domestic life since he can't do them right now and I have to step in. The watering alone is so time-consuming. So, please forgive me if my posts are veering away from quilting content these days. Things are kind of crazy around here and I am juggling a lot of balls.
To top it all off, did I mention we are having the house prepared for painting and the roof is due to be replaced this week? We are expecting a team of roofers to turn up early this morning. Honestly, what else can happen? Never mind, don't answer that.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend. It is still hot as blazes here. Temperatures in the 100s the past week. This is the summer that never ends.
87 responses to “Fall Decorating and Some Life Changes”
I’m so sorry to read about your husband. My heart goes out to you, and my prayers will contain both of you, friend.
I’m so sorry to read about your husband. My heart goes out to you, and my prayers will contain both of you, friend.
I’m so sorry to read about your husband. My heart goes out to you, and my prayers will contain both of you, friend.
I hope all goes well.
I hope all goes well.
I hope all goes well.
I pray for good news, healing and peace for you both. You remind me we need to be grateful for the good health and mobility we have. Your Halloween decor is cute, I need to get mine out 🎃
I pray for good news, healing and peace for you both. You remind me we need to be grateful for the good health and mobility we have. Your Halloween decor is cute, I need to get mine out 🎃
I pray for good news, healing and peace for you both. You remind me we need to be grateful for the good health and mobility we have. Your Halloween decor is cute, I need to get mine out 🎃
I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s health. I, too, Amin the same boat as you. Who knew watering was so time consuming. Hopefully your husband gets better as fast as he went down.
I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s health. I, too, Amin the same boat as you. Who knew watering was so time consuming. Hopefully your husband gets better as fast as he went down.
I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s health. I, too, Amin the same boat as you. Who knew watering was so time consuming. Hopefully your husband gets better as fast as he went down.
I’m so sorry your husband is having spinal issues. I’ll chime in to add I am ALSO in the same boat as you and a few commenters. I hope the MRI shows something treatable. Prayers!! Neither do we have a sprinkler system and watering is a job. Actually all the yard work is a job. I don’t have the heat tolerance to do it as often as it needs it. I go off to a few hours at work each morning and by the time I’m home, it’s cooking out there. Plus there’s the little things around the house that he’s lost motivation to do.
I’m so sorry your husband is having spinal issues. I’ll chime in to add I am ALSO in the same boat as you and a few commenters. I hope the MRI shows something treatable. Prayers!! Neither do we have a sprinkler system and watering is a job. Actually all the yard work is a job. I don’t have the heat tolerance to do it as often as it needs it. I go off to a few hours at work each morning and by the time I’m home, it’s cooking out there. Plus there’s the little things around the house that he’s lost motivation to do.
I’m so sorry your husband is having spinal issues. I’ll chime in to add I am ALSO in the same boat as you and a few commenters. I hope the MRI shows something treatable. Prayers!! Neither do we have a sprinkler system and watering is a job. Actually all the yard work is a job. I don’t have the heat tolerance to do it as often as it needs it. I go off to a few hours at work each morning and by the time I’m home, it’s cooking out there. Plus there’s the little things around the house that he’s lost motivation to do.
PS!! I always enjoy seeing your decor!!!!
PS!! I always enjoy seeing your decor!!!!
PS!! I always enjoy seeing your decor!!!!
Hugs
Hugs
Hugs
So sorry to hear it… you’ve had too much lately! I’m here for any and all content and to wish you well. Xox
So sorry to hear it… you’ve had too much lately! I’m here for any and all content and to wish you well. Xox
So sorry to hear it… you’ve had too much lately! I’m here for any and all content and to wish you well. Xox
We will be praying for you both for comfort and wisdom and for healing for your husband.
We will be praying for you both for comfort and wisdom and for healing for your husband.
We will be praying for you both for comfort and wisdom and for healing for your husband.
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s issues. I have a disabled husband, so I can relate to the challenges that brings. Hugs to you two. I hope some resolution to his suffering will be found soon!
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s issues. I have a disabled husband, so I can relate to the challenges that brings. Hugs to you two. I hope some resolution to his suffering will be found soon!
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s issues. I have a disabled husband, so I can relate to the challenges that brings. Hugs to you two. I hope some resolution to his suffering will be found soon!
Don’t worry about us. Your plate is full with life ‘stuff’. Being responsible for chores that are usually shared along with being a caregiver is plenty for you to think about. Remember to take care of yourself & we’ll all be here when you have time to write. 💕
Don’t worry about us. Your plate is full with life ‘stuff’. Being responsible for chores that are usually shared along with being a caregiver is plenty for you to think about. Remember to take care of yourself & we’ll all be here when you have time to write. 💕
Don’t worry about us. Your plate is full with life ‘stuff’. Being responsible for chores that are usually shared along with being a caregiver is plenty for you to think about. Remember to take care of yourself & we’ll all be here when you have time to write. 💕
Oh dear, that sounds so very painful. I hope you are able to get some answers and find something that can help Dennis. When Rick was laid up for 6 weeks after foot surgery, I also came to appreciate all the things he did around the house. Sending prayers!
Oh dear, that sounds so very painful. I hope you are able to get some answers and find something that can help Dennis. When Rick was laid up for 6 weeks after foot surgery, I also came to appreciate all the things he did around the house. Sending prayers!
Oh dear, that sounds so very painful. I hope you are able to get some answers and find something that can help Dennis. When Rick was laid up for 6 weeks after foot surgery, I also came to appreciate all the things he did around the house. Sending prayers!
I’m so sorry that your husband is dealing with such pain! Praying that the MRI is definitive and they can come up with a plan! Don’t worry about how the blog veers – we are doing life together and it takes twists and turns! Keep us posted as you are able ❤️
I’m so sorry that your husband is dealing with such pain! Praying that the MRI is definitive and they can come up with a plan! Don’t worry about how the blog veers – we are doing life together and it takes twists and turns! Keep us posted as you are able ❤️
I’m so sorry that your husband is dealing with such pain! Praying that the MRI is definitive and they can come up with a plan! Don’t worry about how the blog veers – we are doing life together and it takes twists and turns! Keep us posted as you are able ❤️
I’m so sorry your husband is in pain. Prayers that they find a treatment that can eliminate the pain. Please know that you are in my prayers.
I’m so sorry your husband is in pain. Prayers that they find a treatment that can eliminate the pain. Please know that you are in my prayers.
I’m so sorry your husband is in pain. Prayers that they find a treatment that can eliminate the pain. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Prayers for your husband, and I will be carrying you both in my heart, awaiting news of a treatment for him.
Prayers for your husband, and I will be carrying you both in my heart, awaiting news of a treatment for him.
Prayers for your husband, and I will be carrying you both in my heart, awaiting news of a treatment for him.
I’m so sorry to hear of the misery that your husband is in. Hopefully the MRI will identify the cause of his pain. It’s so difficult seeing someone in such pain and not being able to fix it. Your Halloween decorations are lovely as always. Eva has your knack for style. Post and share what you’re feeling up to and when you’re feeling up to doing so. Thinking of you and your husband. ♥️
I’m so sorry to hear of the misery that your husband is in. Hopefully the MRI will identify the cause of his pain. It’s so difficult seeing someone in such pain and not being able to fix it. Your Halloween decorations are lovely as always. Eva has your knack for style. Post and share what you’re feeling up to and when you’re feeling up to doing so. Thinking of you and your husband. ♥️
I’m so sorry to hear of the misery that your husband is in. Hopefully the MRI will identify the cause of his pain. It’s so difficult seeing someone in such pain and not being able to fix it. Your Halloween decorations are lovely as always. Eva has your knack for style. Post and share what you’re feeling up to and when you’re feeling up to doing so. Thinking of you and your husband. ♥️
My heart goes out to your husband. I’m three weeks post spinal surgery. Hopefully the MRI will show something. If he does need surgery, the pain relief is immediate. I’m not saying recovery is a cake walk, but well worth it! Sending prayers for him and you! You’ve had so much thrown at you lately. The universe needs to give you a break!!🙏❤️
My heart goes out to your husband. I’m three weeks post spinal surgery. Hopefully the MRI will show something. If he does need surgery, the pain relief is immediate. I’m not saying recovery is a cake walk, but well worth it! Sending prayers for him and you! You’ve had so much thrown at you lately. The universe needs to give you a break!!🙏❤️
My heart goes out to your husband. I’m three weeks post spinal surgery. Hopefully the MRI will show something. If he does need surgery, the pain relief is immediate. I’m not saying recovery is a cake walk, but well worth it! Sending prayers for him and you! You’ve had so much thrown at you lately. The universe needs to give you a break!!🙏❤️
Oh Nicole, I’ll be praying for your husband. Can you tell me his name so I can pray for him by name? I’ve had debilitating back pain and it’s horrible and frustrating to not be able to do what you normally do. You’re in my prayers also. Please keep us posted. I’ll be thinking of you. ❤️
Oh Nicole, I’ll be praying for your husband. Can you tell me his name so I can pray for him by name? I’ve had debilitating back pain and it’s horrible and frustrating to not be able to do what you normally do. You’re in my prayers also. Please keep us posted. I’ll be thinking of you. ❤️
Oh Nicole, I’ll be praying for your husband. Can you tell me his name so I can pray for him by name? I’ve had debilitating back pain and it’s horrible and frustrating to not be able to do what you normally do. You’re in my prayers also. Please keep us posted. I’ll be thinking of you. ❤️
Both of you are so brave! You have had so many changes in the last few years that you certainly didn’t want. Yet you are so brave and resolute. You just keep going on so calmly. It is so hard to face terrible pain. It is altogether another issue when you don’t know why. I’m glad you are going to find out the why of the pain. The speed of the onset is very cruel. I will add my prayers also for your husband’s relief so that he can deal with the pain. I was thinking of that sign, “Keep Calm and Carry On”. This describes you so perfectly! You are such a great example to me! Best wishes and prayers to both of you. And may it cool down very soon!
Both of you are so brave! You have had so many changes in the last few years that you certainly didn’t want. Yet you are so brave and resolute. You just keep going on so calmly. It is so hard to face terrible pain. It is altogether another issue when you don’t know why. I’m glad you are going to find out the why of the pain. The speed of the onset is very cruel. I will add my prayers also for your husband’s relief so that he can deal with the pain. I was thinking of that sign, “Keep Calm and Carry On”. This describes you so perfectly! You are such a great example to me! Best wishes and prayers to both of you. And may it cool down very soon!
Both of you are so brave! You have had so many changes in the last few years that you certainly didn’t want. Yet you are so brave and resolute. You just keep going on so calmly. It is so hard to face terrible pain. It is altogether another issue when you don’t know why. I’m glad you are going to find out the why of the pain. The speed of the onset is very cruel. I will add my prayers also for your husband’s relief so that he can deal with the pain. I was thinking of that sign, “Keep Calm and Carry On”. This describes you so perfectly! You are such a great example to me! Best wishes and prayers to both of you. And may it cool down very soon!
oh, nicole! I wish I was there to help. hopefully, sara can come stay with you and help where help is needed. the mri is going to be excruciating for dennis to lie still on his back. my heart is breaking for you both.
oh, nicole! I wish I was there to help. hopefully, sara can come stay with you and help where help is needed. the mri is going to be excruciating for dennis to lie still on his back. my heart is breaking for you both.
oh, nicole! I wish I was there to help. hopefully, sara can come stay with you and help where help is needed. the mri is going to be excruciating for dennis to lie still on his back. my heart is breaking for you both.
Keeping good thoughts for you, and your husband. You have many friends here who care, and appreciate you.
Keeping good thoughts for you, and your husband. You have many friends here who care, and appreciate you.
Keeping good thoughts for you, and your husband. You have many friends here who care, and appreciate you.
I’m so sorry you both are having to deal with this. I was going to whine about my hubby but he is able to do some exercises and stretching that he thinks will help. We’ll see. I still think there’s a doctor visit in his future.
As others have said, don’t worry about quilting. Take care.
I’m so sorry you both are having to deal with this. I was going to whine about my hubby but he is able to do some exercises and stretching that he thinks will help. We’ll see. I still think there’s a doctor visit in his future.
As others have said, don’t worry about quilting. Take care.
I’m so sorry you both are having to deal with this. I was going to whine about my hubby but he is able to do some exercises and stretching that he thinks will help. We’ll see. I still think there’s a doctor visit in his future.
As others have said, don’t worry about quilting. Take care.
So sorry about your husband’s pain. I hope they are also looking at his hips. I’ve been told for the last couple of years that my pain can’t be the hip because it’s in the wrong place. Told me it had to be sciatica from the lumbar stenosis. Some may have been that. Finally saw a hip surgeon who looked at the xray and said that at some point my hip slipped out of position. My upcoming hip replacement will also fix some or all of my back pain.
So sorry about your husband’s pain. I hope they are also looking at his hips. I’ve been told for the last couple of years that my pain can’t be the hip because it’s in the wrong place. Told me it had to be sciatica from the lumbar stenosis. Some may have been that. Finally saw a hip surgeon who looked at the xray and said that at some point my hip slipped out of position. My upcoming hip replacement will also fix some or all of my back pain.
So sorry about your husband’s pain. I hope they are also looking at his hips. I’ve been told for the last couple of years that my pain can’t be the hip because it’s in the wrong place. Told me it had to be sciatica from the lumbar stenosis. Some may have been that. Finally saw a hip surgeon who looked at the xray and said that at some point my hip slipped out of position. My upcoming hip replacement will also fix some or all of my back pain.
Sending all the very best to your husband (and you). I hope the doctors can find a way to help him.
Sending all the very best to your husband (and you). I hope the doctors can find a way to help him.
Sending all the very best to your husband (and you). I hope the doctors can find a way to help him.
I am so sorry. Back pain can be horrible and the swiftness of the pain level is difficult to handle. Hoping MRI shows the problem and a solution.
I am so sorry. Back pain can be horrible and the swiftness of the pain level is difficult to handle. Hoping MRI shows the problem and a solution.
I am so sorry. Back pain can be horrible and the swiftness of the pain level is difficult to handle. Hoping MRI shows the problem and a solution.
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s painful back problems. Your online quilting community will be sending you good thoughts and prayers for quick answers getting him on the road to recovery. Hugs and prayers for you and your husband from me.
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s painful back problems. Your online quilting community will be sending you good thoughts and prayers for quick answers getting him on the road to recovery. Hugs and prayers for you and your husband from me.
I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s painful back problems. Your online quilting community will be sending you good thoughts and prayers for quick answers getting him on the road to recovery. Hugs and prayers for you and your husband from me.
Nicole,Thinking of you & your hubby and will remember you both in my prayers. Back trouble is not fun! I have had lots of episodes in the past year. Did not realize your temps were so high,ours have been much cooler. ❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
Sandra
Nicole,Thinking of you & your hubby and will remember you both in my prayers. Back trouble is not fun! I have had lots of episodes in the past year. Did not realize your temps were so high,ours have been much cooler. ❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
Sandra
Nicole,Thinking of you & your hubby and will remember you both in my prayers. Back trouble is not fun! I have had lots of episodes in the past year. Did not realize your temps were so high,ours have been much cooler. ❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
Sandra
I am glad to hear you are pursuing extensive medical help. Back Pain is a real issue. I know personally how terrible lower back issues can be. I also have arthritis everywhere. I am proactive in my medical care. My goal is no pain and able to sleep. I moderate my daily life (a lot).
If your hubby started with primary/GP and was referred to neurologist, I suggest orthopedic back specialist also. I see four (neck/back, feet, hands, knees) ortho docs each year. I have seen a neurologist.
Additional avenues to consider –
Custom orthotics and proper shoes thru ortho doc. Feet problems can impact knees, hips, back, neck. I wear orthotic house shoes also. Every pair of shoes I wear was approved by my orthopedic doctor. I am never walking barefoot.
Massage. I go every three weeks in warmer months and every other week in cold months. 90 minutes. My ortho neck/back doctor suggested this and it makes a great deal of difference. I have two massage people and alternate between them.
I worked with a physical therapist, I do daily stretch work. I go back about once a year for evaluation.
I see a chiropractor every 6 weeks. He adjusts my neck, back, hips with a hand held device. I am on a traction machine for 20 minutes. This coincides with my massage day. This was recommended by one of my massage people. My physical therapist agreed.
I am glad to hear you are pursuing extensive medical help. Back Pain is a real issue. I know personally how terrible lower back issues can be. I also have arthritis everywhere. I am proactive in my medical care. My goal is no pain and able to sleep. I moderate my daily life (a lot).
If your hubby started with primary/GP and was referred to neurologist, I suggest orthopedic back specialist also. I see four (neck/back, feet, hands, knees) ortho docs each year. I have seen a neurologist.
Additional avenues to consider –
Custom orthotics and proper shoes thru ortho doc. Feet problems can impact knees, hips, back, neck. I wear orthotic house shoes also. Every pair of shoes I wear was approved by my orthopedic doctor. I am never walking barefoot.
Massage. I go every three weeks in warmer months and every other week in cold months. 90 minutes. My ortho neck/back doctor suggested this and it makes a great deal of difference. I have two massage people and alternate between them.
I worked with a physical therapist, I do daily stretch work. I go back about once a year for evaluation.
I see a chiropractor every 6 weeks. He adjusts my neck, back, hips with a hand held device. I am on a traction machine for 20 minutes. This coincides with my massage day. This was recommended by one of my massage people. My physical therapist agreed.
I am glad to hear you are pursuing extensive medical help. Back Pain is a real issue. I know personally how terrible lower back issues can be. I also have arthritis everywhere. I am proactive in my medical care. My goal is no pain and able to sleep. I moderate my daily life (a lot).
If your hubby started with primary/GP and was referred to neurologist, I suggest orthopedic back specialist also. I see four (neck/back, feet, hands, knees) ortho docs each year. I have seen a neurologist.
Additional avenues to consider –
Custom orthotics and proper shoes thru ortho doc. Feet problems can impact knees, hips, back, neck. I wear orthotic house shoes also. Every pair of shoes I wear was approved by my orthopedic doctor. I am never walking barefoot.
Massage. I go every three weeks in warmer months and every other week in cold months. 90 minutes. My ortho neck/back doctor suggested this and it makes a great deal of difference. I have two massage people and alternate between them.
I worked with a physical therapist, I do daily stretch work. I go back about once a year for evaluation.
I see a chiropractor every 6 weeks. He adjusts my neck, back, hips with a hand held device. I am on a traction machine for 20 minutes. This coincides with my massage day. This was recommended by one of my massage people. My physical therapist agreed.
2 words, “luxe bidet”. What no one tells you is that with severe back pain, simple dailies like pooping (very painful) and wiping (impossible) are a nightmare. Luxe is an attachment installed by you that fits under the toilet seat and receives water from the toilet line. Super easy to install. Basic model is a godsend. …now the only problem is sitting down and getting up! Yup, been there and crying for you. Hugs
2 words, “luxe bidet”. What no one tells you is that with severe back pain, simple dailies like pooping (very painful) and wiping (impossible) are a nightmare. Luxe is an attachment installed by you that fits under the toilet seat and receives water from the toilet line. Super easy to install. Basic model is a godsend. …now the only problem is sitting down and getting up! Yup, been there and crying for you. Hugs
2 words, “luxe bidet”. What no one tells you is that with severe back pain, simple dailies like pooping (very painful) and wiping (impossible) are a nightmare. Luxe is an attachment installed by you that fits under the toilet seat and receives water from the toilet line. Super easy to install. Basic model is a godsend. …now the only problem is sitting down and getting up! Yup, been there and crying for you. Hugs