October 27, 2023, 2pm-ish:  I’m cruising along, thinking about where I plan to get on the expressway to visit my next patient in Flushing … BOOM!!! My car has been hit – I’m in a car accident!  Those memories are scattered.  I do remember trying to move my left arm, and it jiggled and twisted … it moved – but didn’t quite feel right.  I remember talking with an officer, asking him to please call my husband (I was less than 2 miles from home).  Fire and ambulance vehicles, some noise outside my door.  My husband talking to me, and I’m asking him to call my patient ..read more

I promise to do better!  But here’s the photo journey/update since my last post: DH bought a 16 foot corn crib, brought it home and set it up.  Why?  Because it’s neat, and I think we will use it next spring to raise turkeys.    Speaking of birds, we raised and processed six meat birds (Cornish Cross chickens) this fall.  I think we’ve got the hang of it now (our second year).    And, we added two Guinea fowl to our laying (chicken) coop.  I think we have a male and a female, so we have named them Bacon and Eggs, as the male has long ‘bacon chunks ..read more

We had family out to celebrate birthdays at what I lovingly referred to as the ‘Meat Party’ … We served beef ribs, homegrown chicken and rabbit … Doh!  (Along with many, many sides…)  I decorated with zinnias from my garden. Speaking of which, that garden is still producing! I’m pretty sure I will end with 10 gallons of tomatoes before summer is over.  We continue to harvest beans, and now we have watermelon.  Along with one lone sunflower, as ‘critters’ ate the other seeds right out of the pots! I wrapped up a ‘dot’ project (diamond painting) and my sister gave me a GINO ..read more

Yep, 32 years of wedded bliss.  We’ve been enjoying pool days just about every day.  Our garden continues to amaze with cucumbers (- look at that cucumber!), tomatoes, zucchini, patty pans, herbs (basil, sage and mint), beans and NOODLE BEANS … yep, we tried those for the first (successful) time this year.      I’ve finished up a couple of ‘dot’ projects … Here is one that I had to frame, as I love it! Had dinner with the high school girls last week.  I’m happy to report we are all well and aging gracefully.    I’m making goat milk lotion now, and ..read more

I know – it’s been a bit.  But I am alive and kicking, and enjoying summer pool time, along with Chloe … So, to hit some highlights over the last few months: Our oldest son graduated from law school, and is presently in VA for tax law.  Our youngest (the twins) turned 25, and we celebrated at our favorite Japanese steakhouse (no photo) …         Our garden is rocking!  Two words – BUNNY Pooh (compost) … Oh my goodness!!!    Sangria/swamp juice 2022 – the magical drink no longer requires any kind of written recipe and is SOOOO good ..read more

Cruisin’ along, getting stuff done, cleaning, making cards, playing with babies … I really could get used to this slower pace.  But, I’m ready for summer!  My garden is calling me ,,, Those teaser weather days really hit me. Anyway – I am making steady progress on the mess that is the studio.  I moved a few cards along.  I turned the abstract water color from last week into these four bases – just waiting for sentiments.   And, now that they are 4 wks old, Thumper’s babies are eating lots of good stuff (cucumber, rolled oats, carrots, hay) and are just too cute!  ..read more

The dreaded taxes are done!  Yay!  So now, we can focus on the next job(s) … Our group project is refinishing the hardwood floors.  MY NEXT project is finding and CLEANING this studio.  I’m going to majorly shame myself and post a photo.  It shows just how cluttered I’ve become.  Gah!  In between, I will continue to make cards, run the occasional kiln load and watch over my garden starts.  I’ve been playing with watercolors …   And, I’m kicking around the idea of hosting some classes.  I plan to rope my sister into helping me figure out a work ..read more

But first – here are some of the bulbs I made in the glass blowing class with my sister.  We had a great time, and now we’re looking at other classes to take. It is THAT time of year, so tax prep is well underway.  I’m hoping we can pull them together within the next 2-3 days.  Maybe, sure … It’s also seed-starting time … So, I busted out my big ‘book of seeds’ and got a few trays going.  So far so good!   I continue to play with cards as we’re looking at the various farmers markets in our area.  Meanwhile, DH is making beautiful pottery (photos to come).   I ..read more

I’ve spent a bit of quality time in my studio, playing with paper.  DH and I were talking about working some of the area Farmers Markets this spring/summer … Right now I’m making cards, cards, and more cards …        Meanwhile, our hydroponics are still going strong.  I’m hoping to get some tomatoes and maybe a few zucchini before we move on to outdoor gardening.  Come on spring … I am so ready! My sister and I are taking a class this weekend to play with blowing glass.  I’m excited.  I hope to share some neat photos in my next post… Speaking of sh ..read more

So, I’m trying to embrace all things I’m supposed to be embracing.  Meanwhile, dark, depressive thoughts keep springing up.  I AM OKAY!  I’m just trying to figure some sh*t out.  I am Ukrainian by birth.  Muchly disregarded by the birth mother, but I always felt that pull!  However, at this time – it is not my fight, not my battle.  I have enough to keep my head and hands busy! Dude, I am totally ok.  I’m a nurse, and I’m not currently nursing.  I’m on sabbatical … I’m keeping myself sane.  Go, Me!!! Meanwhile, I have fun photos to share.  ..read more